Good morning, Bend.

Holm Made Toffee Co. in Bend will trade its toffee for healthy food donations in exchange for gift bags as many people may lose SNAP benefits on Saturday—aiming to help neighbors in need.

The business will use nonperishable items to boost support for The Giving Plate—turning sweets into extra community aid.

Bend Family Kitchen expects a 40% increase in meal demand starting Saturday when SNAP benefits pause, and the kitchen will remain open every day to serve families in need — operations manager Tori Wild said more people are already coming in for meals.

Deschutes Children's Foundation and MountainStar Family Relief Nursery said families in Central Oregon are having trouble getting SNAP benefits because of delays, cuts, and stricter rules, and they warned that if the program stops on November 1, thousands of children and caregivers will face immediate hardship—forcing families to choose between food and essentials.

The Bend Chamber announced Sara Odendahl as its new CEO, effective November 3, after serving as interim CEO since June 30.

The selection process involved nationwide meetings and in-person interviews—ensuring her proven leadership and local advocacy align with the Chamber’s goals.

Southwest Bend will soon welcome Farewell Market— a new 12,000-square-foot natural foods store at Brookswood Meadow Plaza that will open on Nov.

22 and replace C.E. Lovejoy’s, which closed in January. The independently-owned market will offer local produce, organic groceries and a café while local shop owners expect increased foot traffic to boost neighboring businesses.

Hawkeye & Huckleberry will host Brie Larson’s book tour for Party People: A Cookbook for Creative Celebrations on Sunday, November 9th at 6 p.m. in Bend — the event will include a four-course dinner by Chef Carlos Anthony, signed cookbooks, welcome cocktails, and meet-and-greet moments.

Mazama Energy Inc. is testing enhanced geothermal systems on the slopes of Newberry Crater that reached 629°F in recent tests and proved the system can turn underground heat into steam for turbines.

The company plans a 15-megawatt pilot plant in 2026 to drive carbon-free power for local AI data centers—officials say the project could reduce coal reliance and boost regional growth.

Deschutes County approved $70,000 in emergency funds for NeighborImpact and The Giving Plate, giving each nonprofit $35,000 to help families as SNAP benefits are suspended starting Saturday.

The county acted amid a shutdown that furloughed federal workers — additional state funds were redirected to food banks — to support those in need.

Eight Central Oregon volleyball teams—including Bend High, Summit, Caldera, Madras, Sisters, Trinity Lutheran, Culver and Central Christian—are one win away from reaching state tournaments as playoff games take place Saturday.

Bend High will host Central at 1 p.m., and other teams have scheduled matchups that could extend their seasons.

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

PUNK-O-WEEN 4 Costume Party

12-11 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — $20 — Experience Bend's annual punk rock Halloween party with 17 bands and all ages welcome.

Bend Cars & Coffee

8-11 a.m. — Dilly Dally Coffee Co. — Free entry — Enjoy a morning of coffee and car culture in the heart of Bend.

Birthplace of American Sport Climbing: A History of Smith Rock

7-8 p.m. — McMenamins Old St. Francis School — Sold out — Discover the 150-year history of Smith Rock and its pivotal role in American sport climbing.

Joy of Capoeira - Introductory Session

7-8:45 p.m. — High Desert Martial Arts — Workshop price includes a group capoeira T-shirt — Experience the rhythm and culture of Brazil through this engaging martial art form.

Pint Nite for Senior Dog Rescue

5-8 p.m. — Wild Ride Brewing — $1 per pint donated — Enjoy great beer and meet adoptable pups while supporting Silver Linings Rescue Ranch.

Annual Chili Feed and Raffle Fundraiser

11 AM – 3 PM — Deschutes Historical Museum — Free entry — Enjoy delicious chili and a chance to win from over 20 raffle packages benefiting the local community.

Run The Rock Trail Race

7 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Smith Rock State Park — Registration required — Experience breathtaking views while racing a 50K or half marathon through stunning trails.

Sensory Photography Workshop

1-4 p.m. — Downtown Bend Library — Free entry — Explore dynamic photography practices that align heart, mind, and vision in a creative workshop.

Beertown Comedy Open Mic

6:30-9 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy a night of laughs at the top-rated local open mic comedy event.

Let's Talk About Child Development

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Deschutes Children's Foundation - Becky Johnson Community Center — Free entry — Gain insights into child development stages and learn to navigate conversations about children's bodies.