Bend is known not only for its stunning Cascade Mountains, but also for the beautiful buttes scattered across the Central Oregon landscape. This year, Cascade Relays encourages families and adventure enthusiasts to come to the fourth annual Big Butte Challenge. The event offers a unique opportunity to explore 10 scenic buttes and breweries at your […]
The Big Butte Challenge: Summiting Central Oregon’s Scenic Beauty
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Experts Warn About Toxic Wild Mushrooms
Summertime mushrooms can appear in varying locations and weather conditions throughout Central Oregon. While some mushrooms are harmless, others are severely poisonous and should be avoided at all costs, by both humans and their pets. Recently, some of these toxic mushrooms have started to grow, causing pet owners and veterinarians to warn people about the […]
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LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break with Laurie Chesley 🎧
In this episode of “Bend Don’t Break,” host Aaron Switzer sits down with Dr. Laurie Chesley, the esteemed President of Central Oregon Community College (COCC). As she prepares to retire in June 2025, Dr. Chesley reflects on her distinguished career in higher education, spanning nearly four decades. Aaron and Dr. Chesley discuss the pivotal role […]
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Deschutes Historical Museum Antique Fair Takes Place August 10, 2024
The Deschutes Historical Museum hosts their third annual Antique Fair Saturday, August 10, 2024 from 9 am to 4 pm. Featuring vendors from around Oregon, discover pre-1970 treasures to expand your collections or inspire your interior design. The Friends of the Museum booth features items donated by the community and membership with proceeds benefiting the […]
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St. Charles Announces Grants to Support Local Groups
St. Charles Health System announced today recipients of a variety of Community Benefit grants, awarding more than $106,000 to 16 local organizations in Central Oregon. The grants were awarded to provide basic needs, to support local diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, to sponsor local events and as part of St. Charles’ Priority Grant to increase […]
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Sisters Coffee Company roasts up Friends Blend to support Friends of the Children
Sisters Coffee Company, which has focused on creating an authentic coffee experience since its founding in 1989, is teaming up with a longtime community partner on a one-of-a-kind coffee that will help raise important funds for youth in Central Oregon and Portland. As part of its Grow Together community engagement program, Sisters Coffee Company is […]
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Hayden Homes VP Appointed to Governor’s Regional Solutions Advisory Committee
Hayden Homes Vice President of Community Engagement and Giving Deborah Flagan is grateful to be selected to join Governor Tina Kotek’s Regional Solutions Advisory Committee (RSAC) for the Central Oregon Region. The appointment was announced earlier this month. The committee will provide input and recommendations around community issues and economic development. Flagan brings a unique […]
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Youth Program Stages ‘Wizard of Oz’ in Madras
The yellow brick road is arriving in Madras the first weekend of August, as Central Oregon Community College’s (COCC) community education program brings a theatrical youth production of “The Wizard of Oz” to the Madras Performing Arts Center. The free performances will be held at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3., and at 2 p.m. […]
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An Uphill Battle: E-bikes on Single Track Trails
When Erich Ryll moved to Bend several years ago, he immediately became immersed in the mountain bike community. In 2020, Ryll, age 74, developed a cardiac issue, which came with a shortage of breath and difficulty doing the physical activities he was used to. His situation, however, didn’t stop him from wanting to continue riding […]
Posted inCulture
Summer Reading, Central Oregon Style
It’s almost August, the deep exhale of summer. Heated days rest heavily on our shoulders and demand a slower pace, an unwinding, a pause before the bustle of autumn. It is the perfect time to read. One of my great pleasures of summer is to wake up early, pour a cup of coffee, sit on […]