Good morning, Bend.

Redmond shoppers will soon be able to save money at the new ReStore, which supports affordable home ownership through Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity, and the 8,036 square foot warehouse (2744 NW 7th St) will open Thursday, Nov 20 at 10 a.m.

SELCO Community Credit Union awarded over $80,000 in Creative Educator Grants to 40 teachers from 38 Oregon schools.

Six central Oregon educators will use up to $2,500 each to bring creative projects to their classrooms — from dog treat ideas to water testing labs.

OPRD paused plans for a new welcome center at Smith Rock State Park due to a funding shortfall—delaying similar projects at three other state parks.

The agency will use about $15 million from bond funds for necessary maintenance and will re-evaluate the projects when long-term funding is secured.

The City of Bend expanded its Safe Parking Program by adding three new sites in the south, northwest and north areas to help people living in vehicles work toward permanent housing.

The program—managed by Mountain View Community Development and requiring weekly case manager sessions and quiet hours—has already helped one resident move from a car into an apartment and will open more sites and micro shelters soon.

Oregon health officials said on Monday that St. Charles Health System did not have an acceptable explanation for a 26.3% rise in 2023 commercial insurance treatment costs and must submit a formal improvement plan by end January 2026—failing to meet the state’s target of 3.4% may lead to fines starting in 2028.

At the Oregon high school water polo championships on Saturday at Tualatin Hills Aquatic Center, Summit’s boys team won by defeating Mountain View 11—2 while the girls team beat Hillsboro 13—2 to claim state titles.

Local athletes received all-tournament honors with Summit’s August Erber and Mackenzie Scott named MVPs.

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

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.

Thanksgiving Dinner at Currents

3-9 p.m. — Riverhouse Lodge — Reservations recommended — Savor seasonal dishes with river views this Thanksgiving in Bend.

Gerardo Coronel Concert

9:30 PM – 12:30 AM — Midtown Ballroom/Domino Room/Annex — Ticket information available — Experience a high-energy night with El Jerry Gerardo Coronel and the best regional music.

Annual Holiday Marketplace at the Vineyard

9 a.m.-4 p.m. — Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards — Free entry — Explore local crafts and enjoy award-winning wine and food while soaking in beautiful vineyard views.

Natural History Pub: The Recipe for Healthy Soil

7-8 p.m. — McMenamins Old St. Francis School — Free, RSVP required — Discover what makes healthy soil essential for a thriving garden with local experts.

O Christmas Tea - A British Comedy

3-6 p.m. — Tower Theatre — Cost Info — Enjoy a hilariously inventive show that blends British humor with unexpected twists.