Good morning, Bend.

Elmer’s restaurant in Bend is partnering with JoyRx to help children facing cancer statewide.

It will match donations up to $5,000 through February.

Bend hosts a week of events — including art sessions for preschoolers, theater plays, free health workshops and outdoor sports at local venues from Feb.

12-18. Check local postings for specific times, pricing and locations.

Bend’s Valentine week calendar offers varied events for couples and friends from Feb.

12-18, featuring Galentine’s Flight Night at Dudley’s Bookshop Cafe, a candlelit evening at Silver Moon Brewing, & a Galentine’s Day Afternoon Tea at Blissful Spoon.

Jeff Curtis has been named the new Deschutes County Fair and Expo Director and will soon arrive in Redmond to steer the well-regarded fairgrounds (he brings 18 years of fair management experience at the Rose Festival Foundation).

Central Oregon Trail Alliance appointed Casey Andrews as its new executive director after a months-long name search — reviewing over 40 applicants.

She brings 15 years of public lands management experience and will focus on maintaining trail systems amid growing use and uncertain federal funding.

Thomason Auto Group in Bend closed permanently after owner Chris Thomason died in an avalanche near Truckee last month — the dealership thanked its community after 10 years of service.

Jimmy Eat World is celebrating the 25th anniversary of Bleed American with a North American tour starting June 9 in Denver and includes a show in Bend at the Hayden Homes Amphitheater on July 17 (ticket presales begin today); the band will perform the entire album.

Parents pressed Bend-La Pine Schools Tuesday night to limit AI tools in classrooms due to concerns over screen time and safety; district leaders blocked open generative AI and implemented MagicSchool (a teacher-controlled system) to support instruction.

The North American Electric Reliability Corp forecasts Northwest power shortages by 2029, with possible winter outages; although the region has enough reserve now, rising demand and new renewable sources may leave Bend at risk after 2031 — more power sources must be added.

Residents can review the draft Columbia River Basin Fish and Wildlife Program at a public hearing on Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. at Oregon State University – Cascades in OBSN Room 207, or they can register online to comment via Zoom – submissions are welcome until March 2.

Skier Jackie Wiles won a bronze medal in the women’s team combined event at the Olympic Games in Italy Tuesday, Feb.

10 — just seven months after surviving a plane crash in Sisters. She now hopes to pursue her dream of becoming a pilot.

Live Music with Brandon Campbell Trio

7-9 p.m. — Currents at the Riverhouse — Check venue for entry fee — Experience the genre-bending sounds of the Brandon Campbell Trio with a mix of gypsy swing and rockabilly.

KANALES & GRUPO ESCOLTA Live Concert

9 p.m. — Midtown Ballroom/Domino Room/Annex — Ticket info at Tickeri — Enjoy a night of vibrant music and dancing with Kanales and Grupo Escolta.

Galentine's Brunch at The Coyote

10 AM – 2 PM — The Coyote — Celebrate sisterhood with brunch, mimosas, karaoke, and giveaways.

Beertown Comedy Open Mic

6:30-9 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy a night of laughter at the #1 Open Mic and Locals Night in Bend.

Capoeira - Introductory Session

7:00 – 8:45 PM — High Desert Martial Arts — Workshop fee includes a T-shirt — Experience the rhythm and movement of Afro-Brazilian martial arts in a beginner-friendly session.

Bigfoot County Live Performance

7-1 a.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy soulful blues-rock and country tunes from Bend's very own Bigfoot County.

Live Comedy with Scott Losse & Andrew Rivers

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Midtown Ballroom/Domino Room/Annex — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy laughter and relatable humor from Scott Losse and Andrew Rivers in Bend, Oregon.

Sonic Benders - Dance-Driven Roots Funk

8-11 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Free entry — Experience local talent creating booty-shaking boogaloo soul jazz funk.

Oregon Fryer Live with The Smoke Drifters

7 PM - 1 AM — The Belfry — $15 — Enjoy an eclectic mix of Americana and rock from Oregon Fryer, capturing the spirit of the Pacific Northwest.

Not'cho Grandma's Bingo Fundraiser

9:30 a.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — $13 per person — Experience high-energy bingo while supporting the community and enjoying a fun atmosphere.