Good morning, Bend.

Eight therapy dog teams finished final tests Sunday at Bend Transitional Care (certified by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs) and will soon visit hospitals, schools and care centers across Central Oregon.

WaK-9 Training started the program after owner William O’Daniel gathered volunteer handlers (filling a need in Jefferson and Crook counties).

A new Great Clips salon opened in Bend near Costco at 20789 NW Henry Avenue, Suite 150 offering $4.99 haircuts for a limited time.

The salon supports the Thank a Veteran program by giving veterans and active service members a free haircut or a card on November 11—non-military customers may receive a card to honor veterans, which is valid through December 5.

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis shows Oregonians spent 5.1% more last year—a drop from over 13% in 2021 when federal stimulus boosted spending.

With inflation down to 2.9% in 2024, shoppers are expected to raise spending by only 3.2% during the holiday season as cost concerns remain high.

Oregon travelers are facing flight cancellations from the federal government shutdown, and Katherine Weaver switched from a two-hour flight to a 30-hour train ride to avoid missing her cruise.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that staffing shortages will worsen travel disruptions—reducing air schedules further—as Thanksgiving approaches.

ByHeart Inc recalled two lots (206VABP/251261P2 and 206VABP/251131P2) of Whole Nutrition Infant Formula after 13 infants across 10 states, including one in Oregon, were hospitalized with infant botulism.

Federal officials investigated the contamination (no deaths reported) and advised parents to check formula lot numbers and clean surfaces thoroughly.

Bend High volleyball fell to No.1 South Albany 3-0 in the 5A state title match on November 9 at Forest Grove High School, losing with set scores of 25-21, 25-17, and 25-17.

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

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.

Coyote Rider Folk Concert

7-10 p.m. — McMenamins Old St. Francis School — Enjoy folk-Americana tunes — Kat Hilst, Kim Kelley, and Tim Coffey warm you up with storytelling melodies.

The Stinkfoot Orchestra Tribute to Frank Zappa

7-8:30 p.m. — Volcanic Theatre Pub — All ages welcome — Experience a vibrant tribute to Frank Zappa's music with the talented Stinkfoot Orchestra and special guest Napoleon Murphy Brock.

Community Conversations: Natural Resource Management

5-7 p.m. — Downtown Bend Library — Registration required — Engage in a dialogue about the state of local natural resources and your role in their management.

Powderhound Preview & Fundraiser

6-8 p.m. — Tower Theatre — Free entry — Gear up for winter with local backcountry films and prize opportunities.

Holly Bowling Performance

7-8:30 p.m. — Tower Theatre — Tickets available — Experience a night of virtuosic piano performed by Holly Bowling, redefining musical boundaries.

Winter Business HOP

8:30 – 10:00 AM — High Desert Music Hall — Free entry — Network and showcase your business among local entrepreneurs in a lively coffee-inspired setting.

Kids’ Entrepreneur Market

1-4 p.m. — Downtown Bend Library — Free entry — A unique eco-friendly market empowering kids ages 7-17 to learn entrepreneurship by creating and selling their products.

Beertown Comedy Open Mic

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