Click Here to Vote Now! The Best of Central Oregon — the original, biggest and most popular readers’ poll in Central Oregon — is driven by the people who live here. Readers nominate their favorites, and then we count the votes and determine who readers supported the most. We don’t choose the candidates; you do! […]
Best of Central Oregon Readers’ Poll Voting Now Open!
Posted inCulture
Building Connections Through Books
Last week, in the span of a few days, my daughter and two friends reached out, asking, “What should I read next?” This isn’t the first time I’ve been asked for a book recommendation. I do work in a bookstore, after all, and yet, each time, I get a little thrill. Books are a matter […]
Posted inCulture
In Praise of Getting Off the Couch
Rather than wax eloquent on the benefits of going to social gatherings, being vulnerable and experiencing life outside of your comfort zone, I actually got off my couch and attended (or attempted to attend) four different group activities in Central Oregon. It sounds cliché to say that these experiences changed my life, and yet they […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Your Cooler Called — It Wants Real Food: Easy Camping Provisions for Happy Campers
Let’s talk about the real reason anyone tolerates sleeping in a nylon bag on the ground — the food. Not granola bars and foil pouches of mystery mush. We’re talking honest-to-goodness meals you actually want to eat. Just because you’re heading into the woods doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to beef jerky and […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Summer’s Sweetest Score: The Return of the Perfect Peach
There’s a magic to Oregon summers—the long light, the dusty trails, the rivers that never stop running. But if you ask me, one of the best parts of this short, golden season is the return of the peach. Real peaches. Not the sad, mealy kind you settle for in January. I’m talking soft, juicy, sun-ripened […]
Posted inCulture
Understanding Intimacy
My husband is always on me to have more sex. We’re in our 40’s and have two kids in elementary school. Right now, we do it 4 or 5 times a month – sometimes more. Is that OK? —Is That Enough? Dear Is That Enough, The question of sexual frequency is one that comes up […]
Posted inCulture
Awakening Your Inner Hero
We have been training our brains from the day we arrived, both for better and for worse, consciously and subconsciously. Our brain, inarguably the most important part of us, is a miraculous gift. The older we get we can realize its endless value and our responsibility to care for it. Our brains run the show, […]
Posted inBusiness
Leadership Bend Class of 2026 Cohort Announced
Selections have been made for the Leadership Bend Class of 2026, a non-profit civic engagement and leadership development program of the Bend Chamber. Leadership Bend exists to identify, develop, educate and connect diverse leaders who impact the Central Oregon region through committed service to the community. Participants are chosen from a broad cross-section of candidates […]
Posted inNews
Source Warmup
Transportation Bill Dies: Oregon Transit Association Says Cuts Are Inevitable State lawmakers adjourned the 2025 session without passing House Bill 2025, the Oregon Transportation Reinvestment Package. The Democrat-backed bill was proposed to balance the needs of transportation users across the state, including those who ride transit. The Oregon Transit Association says it’s deeply disappointed about […]
Posted inNews
Can You Time the Real Estate Market?
If we were to tell you the #1 most-asked question we get from clients (and family, and friends, and standing in line to get coffee), it would be, “Is now a good time to buy/sell?” We really wish it was an easy answer of “buy now!” or “wait until next year.” But unfortunately, it’s not […]