Good morning, Bend.

NeighborImpact received $225,000 from Governor Kotek and an additional $35,000 from Deschutes County after a state emergency was declared to support food banks amid cuts to SNAP benefits—food banks, which cover $7 million in groceries monthly, remain stretched as families continue to need help.

Bend families are facing food hardships after losing SNAP benefits, and local neighborhoods, restaurants and online groups are stepping in to help by offering free food boxes and pay-what-you-can meals.

Some businesses, including Bo’s Bagels with a $5 breakfast for dinner special on November 6 at 5:30 p.m.—a plan aimed at easing the burden—are joining efforts to support those in need.

Sara Odendahl was named the new CEO of the Bend Chamber of Commerce by the board of directors and will start on November 3—she served as interim chair after Katy Brooks left in June and helped shape the chamber’s key initiatives.

Her long work in policy and advocacy prepared her to continue the organization’s role as a trusted voice in Bend.

Experts say fungus that causes white-nose syndrome was found in bat guano at Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, raising concern for bat populations near Bend.

Conservationists warn that local caves may face risk as the fungus spreads among bats — visitors are urged to follow decontamination guidelines.

Deschutes County Search and Rescue is accepting volunteer applications through November 21 — applicants must pass background checks and complete 100 hours of training.

The unpaid team will respond to emergencies including avalanches, skiing incidents at Mt. Bachelor, and emergencies at local parks.

Deschutes County Commissioners approved $70,000 in discretionary funds to help Central Oregon families facing food insecurity during the federal government shutdown, with $35,000 allocated to NeighborImpact (in Redmond) and The Giving Plate (in Bend).

The funding came as federal workers faced unpaid furloughs and reduced SNAP support.

From November 2 to November 8, crews from Deschutes County, the city of Redmond, the Oregon Department of Transportation and the USFS will work on road projects in La Pine, Redmond and on U.S. 97 with lane closures, temporary signals and detours in effect during work hours, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday—road users should expect construction vehicles entering and exiting the roadway.

On October 31 at 7 p.m., Mountain View hosted Bend High in a high-stakes football game as the team sought an automatic Class 5A playoff berth while Summit and Ridgeview fought for their playoff spots.

State playoffs are scheduled to begin next week—teams may still earn at-large bids as the postseason approaches.

Bend High junior Shea Manfredi and Mountain View senior Jackson Urbach were voted Athletes of the Week for Oct 20-25 by Bulletin readers.

Manfredi scored both goals to help clinch a 2-1 win over Summit on Oct 24—while Urbach made key plays in a 21-6 win over Ridgeview on Oct 23.

Oregon high schools will keep their six classifications for now, but the OSAA committee is exploring hybrid league options that may reshape local sports rivalries in the coming years—this move could change team matchups in future competitions.

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

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.

Ben Nichols Solo Album Release

8-11 p.m. — The Commonwealth Pub — Cost info not provided — Experience an evening with Ben Nichols as he unveils his deeply personal solo album, In the Heart of the Mountain.