Good morning, Bend.

Bend man Tom Collier donated school supplies and stuffed animals to seven students from the Brothers schoolhouse on a field trip Tuesday because he recognized they have limited local resources.

The children gave him a thumbprint Christmas tree painting as a thank-you, and Collier spends about $15,000 a year on these donations.

A Bend High senior is leading her dance team in a holiday donation drive for Grandma’s House — a shelter for teenage mothers where she was born — as the program faces deep funding cuts.

The team will collect items until Dec. 5 and display them on a float at the Bend Christmas Parade before delivering the donations to support the shelter.

Discover Your Forest will change its name to Discover Your Northwest on Jan.

1—its staff and programs focused on public lands stewardship remain unchanged—ensuring continuity in community education and events. This rebranding reaffirms the nonprofit's commitment to Central Oregon's public lands without altering its operations.

Skjersaa’s, a long-standing ski and snowboard shop, partnered with Latitude 44 for winter tuning and rental services after it announced in April that it would relocate following a failed lease renewal—while its Sagebrush Cycles continues serving riders at the developing space on 9th Street and Wilson Avenue. The shop plans to resume its full winter gear lineup in 2026.

Pika Pika, a shop offering Asian pop culture collectibles and a cafe serving Vietnamese coffee and ice cream, opened last month in downtown Bend at 949 NW Bond St.—The store displays rare Pokémon memorabilia and Labubu plush toys on teal shelves while its decor nods to local landmarks and Asian culture.

Folk singer Joel Chadd launches The Commons Sessions — a monthly local songwriter showcase — on Dec.

11 at The Commons Cafe in Bend from 6-8 p.m. Entrance is free and a tip jar will be available for those who want to support the performers.

Tower Theatre in Bend has launched a holiday program that runs through December 21 and features concerts, films and stage shows, including Cascade Chorale’s Holiday Magic and Aaron Meyer’s Rock the Holidays.

The series — which also offers Broadway in Bend and Central Oregon Mastersingers’ What Sweeter Music! — aims to bring festive spirit to local audiences.

Deschutes County Natural Resources will burn up to 24 acres of debris on private lands near Seventh Mountain Resort and Points West communities this month—work scheduled on weekdays between December and February aims to reduce wildfire risk and clear fuel buildup.

Residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed during early morning and overnight periods when smoke may be present.

Deschutes County Solid Waste expanded recycling options for residents starting Dec.

2 by adding extra containers at county transfer stations and Knott Landfill for items like plastic bags, lids, shredded paper in paper bags, aluminum foil and trays, rigid buckets and package handles. The change is part of Oregon’s Recycling Modernization Act that helps keep materials out of landfills.

Deschutes County Solid Waste expanded recycling options by installing new containers at county transfer stations and Knott Landfill starting Tuesday.

The containers — which accept plastic bags, plastic lids, shredded paper, aluminum foil and trays, and rigid product buckets — help keep materials out of landfills under Oregon’s Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act.

People in Central Oregon can get free nicotine replacement therapy items such as patches, gum and lozenges at Mosaic pharmacies in Bend, Madras, Redmond and Prineville thanks to new grant funding—Mosaic will also launch a Tobacco Cessation support group in Prineville in January to help those quitting smoking, vaping and other nicotine products.

The top athletes from each 5A league in Oregon were chosen for the high school football all-conference teams—recognizing the best performers from the season.

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

FunkShui & Guests Live Show

7-10 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Enjoy a fun night with live funk music by FunkShui and guests.

Kids Night Out with Camp Fire Central Oregon

1:30-4:30 a.m. — 437 NW Wall St, Bend, OR — Donation-based event — Kids enjoy games, crafts, and dinner while parents have a night out.

Schilling's 2025 Holiday Makers Market

6 PM - 12 AM — Schilling's Garden Market — Parking ticket required — Celebrate creativity and community with local vendors, festive food, and holiday cheer.

Community Leaders Christmas Party 2025

6-8 p.m. — The Haven Coworking — Free entry — Celebrate the Christmas season with leaders from across Central Oregon in a casual holiday gathering.

Evan Mullins Live Performance

6-8 p.m. — Silverleaf Café — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of amazing covers and original music with talented local musician Evan Mullins.

Holiday Lights Paddle Parade

4-10 p.m. — Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe — Free entry — Experience the enchanting spectacle of illuminated kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards on the Deschutes River.

SantaLand Celebration

11 AM – 5 PM — Old Mill District — Free entry — Experience the festive spirit with Santa, holiday gifts, and special moments in SantaLand!

Open Mic Night at Silver Moon Brewing

1-4 a.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Free entry — Hone your craft in a supportive environment during this lively open mic night.

SHINE Acoustic Performance

8-10 p.m. — The Commonwealth Pub — Free entry — Enjoy classics from the '70s, '80s, '90s and beyond with SHINE's acoustic trio.

Swingin' Tower Christmas

7-8:30 p.m. — Tower Theatre, Bend, OR — RSVP required — Experience a festive holiday show with swingin' Christmas songs and local performers against a backdrop of a live big band.