Good morning, Bend.

Bethlehem Inn named Michael Hancock as its new executive director on Monday, replacing retired leader Gwenn Wysling.

A case manager since 2019—and interim director after her retirement, Hancock will oversee the 144-bed emergency shelter in north Bend and a 30-bed transitional facility in Redmond as homelessness continues to rise, officials said.

The Bend-La Pine School District is offering free summer meals for everyone 18 or younger at four sites—three in Bend and one in La Pine.

Breakfast and lunch are served at the Boys & Girls Club in Downtown Bend, Westside Village School, and La Pine Elementary, while Larkspur park in Bend offers lunch only.

Firefighters fought the Alder Springs Fire on Monday morning in southern Jefferson County when a blaze on the Crooked River National Grassland grew rapidly from 40 to 450 acres, prompting a Level 1 BE READY evacuation notice for areas near Lake Billy Chinook (Incident 291).

Two engines, rappellers, and a helicopter worked on the blaze while air tankers and an additional helicopter were requested (to boost firefighting efforts).

Lawmakers are debating a plan to redirect $1 billion of the state's kicker tax rebate to an interest-bearing wildfire account while returning nearly $650 million to eligible taxpayers—it is expected to need a two-thirds supermajority vote in each chamber as Gov. Tina Kotek pushes for dedicated wildfire funding.

Taps and Tubes Networking Event

4:30-7:30 p.m. — McMenamins Old St. Francis School — Free entry — Connect over drinks and enjoy a chance to win cool raffle prizes.

Community Tour of KIDS Center

11 AM – 12 PM — KIDS Center — Free entry — Discover how the community is working to prevent child abuse and support healing for children.

Touchmark at Pilot Butte Car Show

2-4 p.m. — Touchmark at Pilot Butte — Free entry — Celebrate classic cars while supporting the Alzheimer’s Association at this annual fundraiser.

Jon Pardi Concert

6-7:30 p.m. — Hayden Homes Amphitheater — Ticket prices vary — Experience a high-energy performance from country star Jon Pardi, blending traditional sounds with modern flair.

Earth Wind & Fire Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — Hayden Homes Amphitheater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the timeless hits of Earth, Wind & Fire live in Bend's iconic amphitheater.

Girls' Empowerment: Weaving

8:45 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. — Skyliner Lodge — Registration required — A transformative camp for young girls to connect with nature and foster empowerment through creativity and mindfulness.

Pine Forest Grange Community Jam

7-9 p.m. — Pine Forest Grange — Free entry — A supportive environment for acoustic musicians to showcase their talents.

Overland Expo PNW 2025

Fri, Jun 27 – Sun, Jun 29 — Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center — Check website for pricing — The premier event for overlanding enthusiasts featuring expert classes and a comprehensive trade show.

Barenaked Ladies Concert

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Hayden Homes Amphitheater — Ticket prices vary — Experience hits from the beloved Barenaked Ladies in a lively outdoor setting.

Beertown Comedy Open Mic Night

6:30-9 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy a night of laughter at this popular open mic event for locals.

Christmas in July with Central Oregon Holiday Toy Drive Santa

Central Oregon Holiday Toy Drive has taken over for the Toys for Tots which has suspended operations in Central Oregon and Marines from MCL 1308 with support from Summit Health are taking over with our Santa on the 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st of July and 7 of August every Thursday at 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm BRING A TOY PLEASE its needed