Good morning, Bend.

Marked for Love Diaper Bank now partners with local agencies to distribute over 346,000 diapers stored in an East Redmond warehouse — the service aids families in Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties who cannot buy diapers with SNAP, EBT or WIC.

Every Child Oregon reported a 30% rise in diaper requests and coordinates support for children in foster care and Head Start programs.

Local makers build world-class guitars - Breedlove Guitars produces nearly 2000 handcrafted acoustic guitars every year while Ryan Fish creates unique Weber mandolins used by well-known artists at Hayden Homes Amphitheater.

The instruments are admired for their rich sound and careful use of quality wood.

Brian K. August has become the new Executive Director of the Tower Theatre Foundation and shared his journey on the Bend Don’t Break podcast—he brings over twenty years of experience from nonprofits and private enterprise.

He will use his role to strengthen the theatre’s role as a cultural anchor in Central Oregon.

Jefferson County farmers faced a tough market as prices for wheat, hay, and other key crops fell by about one third to one half compared with 2022, even though water conditions improved recently.

The drop in prices—driven by global supply changes and rising costs—has strained local businesses and raised concerns about future earnings.

Bend City Councilors gave preliminary support on Wednesday for a roundabout project at Reed Market Road and Bond Street next year—two years ahead of schedule—to ease traffic backups after local neighbors pushed for a faster fix.

They will vote on the project in October as part of the city’s five-year transportation plan review.

Bend fitness coach Michelle Poirot promotes a happiness-first mindset that focuses on enjoying movement instead of strict goals and will host a free running workout on Aug 27—inviting participants to embrace personalized exercise while enrolling in her new training program Run Your Happiest! starting Sept 6.

Huckleberries will be in season as Central Oregon wild areas like Crescent Lake and Odell Lake become key spots for picking from July through September.

Experts advise foragers to use guides or an app to identify safe berries and to watch for bears—common near huckleberry patches.

Qualifying veterans now have easier access to affordable homes built by RootedHomes—thanks to a state grant that lowers down payment needs to up to $60,000 or 20% of the purchase price—and can attend free monthly information sessions in Bend and Redmond to learn more about the program.

Today, the Hood to Coast relay starts at Timberline Lodge with thousands of runners and over 3,000 volunteers running nearly 200 miles from Mount Hood to Seaside.

Runners will face extreme heat—temperatures reaching 100°F today and the high 90s Saturday while drivers are urged to drive cautiously.

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

Oregon Cascades 100 Trail Race

6 AM – 5 PM — Pacific Crest Middle School — Registration Fee Required — Experience an epic 100-mile trail race from Bend to Sisters with breathtaking elevation challenges.

Farmer’s Market at Worthy Brewing

10 AM – 2 PM — Worthy Brewing Company — Free entry — Enjoy farm-fresh produce, unique products, live music, and local beer every Sunday!

Photography Workshop: Capturing the Milky Way

6-7 p.m. — Downtown Bend Library — Free entry — Discover tips and techniques for photographing the stunning Milky Way under the stars.

Hike the Waterfall Loop at McKenzie River with Lunch

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Tumalo Coffeehouse — Free — Explore beautiful waterfalls on a dog-friendly hike followed by a social lunch.

The Northern Light

7-8:30 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — $13-$15 — Experience an evening with the alternative/psych rock sounds of The Northern Light.

2025 Reggae Rise Up Oregon Festival

August 29th-31st — Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center — Tickets available soon — Experience top reggae artists and vibrant art in beautiful Central Oregon.

Finding Gobi: A Journey of Friendship

10-11 a.m. — Downtown Bend Library — Free entry — Hear Dion Leonard share the heartwarming story of his bond with a stray dog during an ultra-marathon across the Gobi Desert.

Sunday Morning Worship Service

10-11:30 a.m. — Boys and Girls Club — Free entry — Experience a time of worship, the studying of God's Word, and fellowship.

Beertown Comedy Open Mic Night

6:30-9 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy a night of laughs at the top-rated locals' open mic event in downtown Bend.

Child Abuse Awareness Training

5:30-7 p.m. — Sisters Library — Free entry — Learn to recognize child abuse signs and prevention strategies for community protection.