Good morning, Bend.

High school students can borrow free homecoming dresses and accessories at Cinderella’s Closet (at the Assistance League house) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct.

10. The service, started in 2018 for low-income students, is now open to all in and around Bend.

A five-year report from Oregon Housing and Community Services found that the supportive housing program helped 87% of households stay housed (covering 41 projects from 2020 to 2025).

In Bend, Cleveland Commons opened in 2025 with 33 homes to support those facing chronic homelessness.

The Council on Aging of Central Oregon launched its Food Fur All campaign today to fund Pet Pals, a program that provides pet care to Meals on Wheels clients.

It serves 164 clients with 275 pets across Bend, La Pine, Madras and Sisters, adding in-home veterinary and dental visits.

A GoFundMe fundraiser is underway for Gabe Coler, the lead forecaster at the Central Oregon Avalanche Center, after he was injured in a mountain biking accident in Canada on Oct.

2—he was airlifted to Vancouver for trauma care and has undergone several facial surgeries with dental work and rehab needed.

Eligible local businesses, agricultural cooperatives, aquaculture firms, and nonprofits can apply for federal disaster loans up to $2 million for losses from storms and wildfires between July 15 and Aug.

24. Applications must be submitted online by July 1 (loans for drought conditions have separate deadlines).

Bend celebrates culture with multiple events this week.

BendFilm Festival features a Saturday skate jam and screening at Tower Theatre; Shovels & Rope perform Sunday at Volcanic Theatre Pub, Ottmar Liebert plays Tuesday at Tower Theatre, and a free poetry reading takes place Wednesday at the Central Library.

James Tormé will kick off the 2026-27 Jazz at the Oxford season on Friday, Oct.

16 at 6 p.m. at the Oxford Hotel (10 NW Minnesota Ave.) in Bend, offering a tribute to his father's centennial legacy with an all-star jazz trio backing him (tickets cost $80).

Central Oregon’s pumpkin season offers family fun through October.

Terrebonne’s Smith Rock Ranch and DD Ranch host pumpkin patches and rides Tuesday–Sunday, while downtown’s Schilling’s Garden Market features a patch with seasonal treats, Tumalo’s Well Rooted Produce pairs a sunflower maze with wagon rides and Bend’s GoodLife Brewing holds crafts.

Ridgeview High School teacher Mandy Felton is a finalist in the national Kleenex Heroes of the Classroom contest.

Public voting begins today at 9 a.m. and runs until Oct. 22 to select a winner who will receive a $10,000 prize and additional rewards for her school.

Bend columnist switched to e-bike commuting after buying a used Velotric T1 ST Plus e-bike (400 miles) and test riding it Monday, opting to ride for daily errands and work trips instead of driving.

La Pine State Park offers 14 miles of gentle mountain biking trails ideal for beginners and families, featuring scenic loops along the Upper Deschutes and Fall River + views of historic ponderosa trees and seasonal wildflowers.

The park is a half-hour drive south on U.S. Highway 97 from Bend.

Bend local YouTuber Will Taylor set a new world record with a 126 mph exit velocity at Vince Genna Stadium last week.

He later attempted to break a distance record, but his bat broke & he plans more record tries.

COBOA is recruiting new officials for middle and high school basketball games across Central Oregon.

Interested candidates can attend an orientation meeting on Monday, Oct. 12, at 6:30 p.m. (Mountain View High School library) or reach out for more details.

Local high school football reveals standout performances as runners recorded 300+ yards and multiple touchdowns last week.

Today and Friday's 7 p.m. games will feature more gridiron action while teams compete for playoff positioning.