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Hack Bend

September 02, 2010
20:24
Downtown Bend’s Subway closes
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Business [edit]

The Subway restaurant that has been open downtown for over a year and half has officially closed its doors, the Bulletin reports.

The Subway Sandwiches location that opened in downtown Bend in January 2009 closed Wednesday night. Owner Chris Griffin is moving the equipment to a new Subway location he plans to open next week in Redmond.

Griffin, who owns five Subways in Central Oregon, said downtown Bend, with its many eateries, is a difficult place to operate. The site “wasn’t quite performing at the level we hoped it to, so that’s the reason” for the closure, he said.
August 31, 2010
18:41
The Little Woody beer list
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: beer [edit]
Over on Bend Oregon Restaurants today, BOR posted the beer list for this weekend’s Little Woody barrel-aged beer fest (totally scooped me on this one); coincidentally, the breweries page on the Little Woody site is also now updated with a (slightly different) beer list.

The list BOR ran was from a Word document Lay It Out Events sent out; it’s more of the marketing piece, while the list on the site includes a few more beers. With that in mind, here’s a simplified easy-to-read list of the beers that will be available gleaned from the two sources; for more info on the beers, visit those pages.
- 10 Barrel Brewing
  - Dubbel Woody: 7.7%, Belgian Dubbel aged in cabernet barrels 8 months
  - Dry Hopped English Style IPA: 7.2%, aged in bourbon barrels 3 months
- Bend Brewing
  - Metolius Golden: 5.2%, aged in a pinot barrel 8 months
  - Sour Outback X: 9.5%, BBC’s Outback X aged and soured in a bourbon barrel
- Block 15 (from Corvallis)
  - Super Nebula: 11%, Imperial Stout aged in bourbon barrels
  - Wonka’s Wit: 5.5%, Belgian Wit (wheat) aged and soured in oak barrels for 7 to 14 months
- Boneyard Beer
  - Bourbon Barrel Black 13: aged in a bourbon barrel
  - Sour Girl: A soured version of their cherry wheat aged in a bourbon barrel
- Cascade Lakes Brewing
  - Imperial Stout: aged several months in Jim Beam oak bourbon barrels
  - Blonde Bombshell: 4% (not barrel aged?)
- Deschutes Brewery
  - Berliner Weisse: 5%, German-style sour wheat beer, aged in oak casks
  - Mirror Mirror: 11.5%, Barleywine aged in a variety of barrels and blended
- McMenamins Old St. Francis School
  - Barrel Head: 5.93%, their Hammerhead ale aged in a Hogshead whiskey barrel for 4+ months
  - Dark Ages Stout: aged in a Hogshead whiskey barrel 5 months
- Ninkasi Brewing (from Eugene)
  - Wood Aged Total Domination IPA: 6.7%, aged in pinot noir casks
  - Believer Double Red Ale: 6.9% (not barrel aged?)
- Silver Moon Brewing
  - Merlot Cask Amber: 4.4%, their Hounds Tooth Amber aged in a French merlot barrel for 6 months
  - Winter Moon Bourbon: 7.4%, their Winter Warmer aged in a bourbon barrel
  - “Also prepare for a surprise (or two) we may dig up from the depths of our cellar!”
- Three Creeks Brewing
  - Beechwood Blonde: 4%, their Knotty Blonde aged in beechwood
  - Woodcutter Barleywine: blended with their Firestorm Red and aged in a pinot noir barrel for 9 months
  - Patio’s Private Reserve: one barrel of this special beer will be served “sometime Saturday afternoon”
Interesting to note the number of sour beers this year; note that sour beer is an acquired taste, and it may well not be your thing, so make sure you know what you’re getting.

The Little Woody takes place this Friday, September 3rd, from 5 to 10pm and Saturday, September 4th, from noon to 10pm, on the lawn of the Deschutes Historical Museum.
August 30, 2010
22:10
TuckMo’s Subs and Sandwiches
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Restaurants [edit]

A couple of times recently I’ve been wandering around Borden’s Corner on the eastside (home of Longboard Louie’s East, and next door to Double Happiness), and I’d seen the building that housed Indigo’s (I think it was Indigo’s that was there previously) had a “coming soon” sign up for something called “TuckMo’s Subs and Sandwiches.” Beyond that name, though, I didn’t know anything about it (nor did I remember to look it up later—apparently my mental note taking needs some pen-and-paper backup.)

But tonight Google News links me to this just-released press release that gives us all the details:

Bend, Oregon has added a new restaurant, TuckMo Subs and Sandwiches, locally owned by Mark and Jamie Carothers and managed by sons, Tucker and Morgan, at the corner of Highway 20 and Dean Swift Road in Bend alongside Longboard Louie’s East, expanding the menu of dining options for Bend’s eastside residents, students and professionals.

TuckMo’s signature subs are made-to-order with only the freshest, ingredients on local bakery breads. Carothers and his boys recommend trying the cold subs “TuckMo style”, with TuckMo’s combination of lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices.

TuckMo Subs and Sandwiches will be inviting the public in for a free compact sub and medium fountain drink at its “Opening Taster” Event on Saturday, September, 4th between 10am and 3pm at its new location: 62090 Dean Swift Road, Bend, 97701.
TuckMo is now officially open to the public from 10am – 7pm Monday through Friday, and from 10:00am to 3:00pm on weekends.

The language of the press release makes it sound like it’s a chain restaurant, or at least the start of one. I don’t know about that, but I’ll be curious to try their food sometime, especially since the Eastside could really use another sandwich shop besides Subway.
21:58
Deschutes Brewery’s media event/tour
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: beer [edit]

Last week I was invited along with a host of other local media folks to Deschutes Brewery for a VIP tour and special tasting. I wrote up an account of the event over at one of my other blogs here; it’s pretty beer-specific but if you’re interested in some of the things Deschutes is brewing up, or some behind-the-scenes info on their brewing processes, you might find it worth a read.
August 25, 2010
23:39
This weekend’s big – REALLY big – concerts
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: music [edit]

The big concerts this weekend are at the Les Schwab Amphitheater: first, Friday the 27th is possibly one of the biggest concerts the Les Schwab has ever seen in Bob Dylan and John Mellencamp. This is probably one of those don’t-miss shows that many people will be talking about next week.

Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster and down at the Ticket Mill in the Old Mill District. Ticketmaster’s price just told me $57, while on the Les Schwab site they say $48.50 for general admission, $79.50 reserved.

The show starts at 6, and gates open at 5.

Then on Sunday, the 29th, the Amphitheater sees country star Clint Black show up, with special guest Luke Bryan. Shifting gears a bit from the Dylan/Mellencamp concert, but I’m quite sure they won’t be lacking for an audience either.

Show starts at 6:30 with gates open at 5.

On Ticketmaster, it’ll cost you $68.25 (all they have left is reserve seats); the Les Schwab site indicates $36 general admission (for the Ticket Mill, if there are any left).
August 24, 2010
21:42
Over at McMenamins this week
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Alcohol [edit]

McMenamins Old St. Francis School has a couple of cool things going on this week—one free, one a little spendy (but not too much).

Wednesday the 25th, starting at 5, is their monthly limited-edition beer tasting:

Once a month, on Last Wednesdays, stop by to try a limited-edition, special release beer. And when the keg is kicked, that’s it. When it’s gone, it’s gone.

That’s the free event—of course, you may well want to buy an appetizer or two and perhaps a full pint of one of their other beers.

Then on Thursday the 26th, is a Scotch and Cigar Tasting: $50 for a reservation, and it starts at 7.

Sample a selection of scotches, partake of hearty appetizers and finish out the evening with cigars.

Scotches
Cardhu 12 yr
Caol Ila 12 yr
Cragganmore 12 yr
Talisker 10 yr
Oban 14 yr

Appetizers
Prosciutto, fig jam & goat cheese crostini
Prawn wontons
Mini buffalo burger
House-smoked salmon cakes
Blackberry-honey panna cotta

Reservations can be made by emailing specialevents@mcmenamins.com or by calling the property directly. Vegetarian options may be available; please inquire when making your reservation.

Beer, scotch and cigars… it’s hard to go wrong with that.
August 20, 2010
12:00
Weekend Happenings (8/20/10)
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Weekend Happenings [edit]
All the stuff this weekend is mostly happening on Friday and Saturday.
Friday
- The Farmers Market at the St. Charles Hospital parking lot runs from 2 to 6pm.
- The Bend Brewfest kicks off at 4pm and lasts until 11pm.
- Munch and Movies kicks off at 6pm, with the movie “Monsters vs. Aliens” starting at dusk. Food and live entertainment fill in the gaps.
- A bunch of live music is at Silver Moon Brewing, starting at 9pm for only $5: The Northstar Session, The Horde and the Harem, and And I Was Like, What? are all playing.
Saturday
- The Central Oregon Saturday Market is downtown, across from the Library, from 10 until 4pm.
- The Brewfest continues, running from noon until 11pm.
- Silver Moon features Taarka, starting at 9pm with cover to be determined.
Sunday
- Newport Market‘s Sudsy Sunday free beer tasting takes place from 3:30 to 6pm.
August 18, 2010
23:16
Zombie pub crawl
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Unusual [edit]

Yes, you read that headline right: a zombie pub crawl is taking place Thursday the 19th, downtown. It’s part of the publicity for Evil Dead: The Musical which is returning this October.

Evil Dead: The Musical: Zombie Pub Crawl: Thursday August 19th, Zombie Pub Crawl. Register and check in at Summit Saloon, cost is $10 and a portion of the proceeds go to support Evil Dead the Musical happening in October and to NeighborImpact’s Food Bank. The fee gets you drink & food specials at Summit, Seven, Velvet and Bo Bistro between 5:30 and 9:30 pm. At 9:30 zombies head to Astro for prizes and Army of Darkness! (first come-first-serve for seating)

Come prezombified, but we will have makeup artists on hand to help for a small charge. There are makeup tips, a coupon and rules on our website: http://bendzombies.webstarts.com

And yes, this was related to the zombie walk on the 4th of July.
August 16, 2010
23:29
September is festival month
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Events [edit]
I’m now on the Downtown Bend email list and received today’s newsletter, which details a number of the upcoming September events for Bend—a good number of which are “fests.” Check it out:
- The Little Woody: Barrel-aged beer festival, September 3rd and 4th.
- Great Drake Park Duck Race: Not a “fest”; September 12th.
- Bend Fall Festival: Exactly what it sounds like, September 18th and 19th.
- Bend Oktoberfest: Another beer-related festival, but this one is closer in spirit to the Fall Festival. September 24th and 25th.
August 13, 2010
9:00
Weekend Happenings (8/13/10)
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Weekend Happenings [edit]
It’s Friday the 13th today! That usually means (among other things) that Newport Avenue Market offers everything on sale for 13% off. Keep an eye on their Twitter feed and see. In the meantime, here’s what else is going on this weekend:
Friday
- The Bend Farmers Market is at the St. Charles Hospital parking lot from 2 to 6pm.
- Munch and Movies kicks off their first night starting at 6pm, with “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” showing at dusk. Food and live music will be there in the meantime.
Saturday
- The Central Oregon Saturday Market is at their usual spot across from the Bend Library from 10 to 4.
- The Quick and Easy Boys are playing live at Silver Moon Brewing starting at 9pm. Cover was TBD last I knew, but figure $5 to 10.
Sunday
- The only thing on the calendar is the free beer tasting at Newport Market, from 3:30 until 6.
Kind of sparse on the calendar this week. Don’t forget to check out the free summer guide for other things to do!
August 12, 2010
10:00
The Source’s Best of Bend!
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Hack Bend [edit]

The Source‘s Best of Bend issue is on the stands now—this is the results issue from the poll they ran, so this is really the Readers’ Choice Best of Bend—and I am both honored and humbled to see that Hack Bend won the Best Blog for the second year in a row.

Honorable mention is Central Oregon Athlete, which deserves the accolades just as much, if not more.

A big thank you to everyone who voted! Seriously, this blog is fun to write, but it’s really all of the great feedback and interaction from you that makes it great, and it wouldn’t be nearly the blog that it is without it.
August 11, 2010
0:04
Munch and Movies starts this Friday
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Free [edit]
With Munch and Music wrapping up this Thursday, it’s time for the next phase of free evening activities to start up: Munch and Movies. It features food, free music, and of course the free movie. Here’s their blurb:

The event officially starts at 6:00pm with live performances by local musicians – with each night featuring a different musical guest who will double as the MC for the evening. Movies will begin at dusk and there will be a brief intermission. There will be dinner food, dessert, and kettle korn available from one of many restaurants on site.

Be sure to come early to find a good parking spot, and bring a coat as the nights can get chilly. We also recommend you bring a blanket to sit on or a low-backed chair, so it does not block the view of other moviegoers.

There are four weeks of Munch and Movies, and while the C3 Events website doesn’t list them (which would be awfully convenient), fortunately the Northwest Crossing site does:
- August 13: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
- August 20: Monsters vs. Aliens
- August 27: Up
- September 3: The Wizard of Oz
All very family-friendly, and the movies all show on a big 40 by 20-foot screen.

They all take place at Compass Park in Northwest Crossing.
August 09, 2010
23:17
Bend Brewfest
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: beer [edit]

The Bend Brewfest is back this year, kicking off in just under two weeks. It’s taking place on Friday, August 20th and Saturday the 21st from 4 to 11pm and noon to 11pm, respectively, down at the Les Schwab Amphitheater. Admission is free, but to drink beer you’ll need to purchase a mug and $1 tasting tokens. Looks like you’ll be able to choose among 66 beers from 33 breweries, including all our Central Oregon locals.

Food will be on hand, and in addition to beer there will be cider (from Crispin Cider Company) and wine (from Volcano Vineyards). There are hints of live music on the website as well, but they don’t have that posted yet. Kids are welcome up until 7pm, as long as parents sign a pledge certifying that the kids won’t drink alcohol.

You might remember that the Brewfest was canceled last year by the OLCC due, in part, to intoxicated minors; hence the pledge-signing this year.
August 06, 2010
14:00
Weekend Happenings (8/6/10)
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Weekend Happenings [edit]
Time for another rundown of what’s going on in Bend this weekend.
Friday
- The Farmers Market is down at St. Charles Hospital’s parking lot from 2 until 6pm.
- It’s First Friday! Downtown Bend, the Old Mill District, and Northwest Crossing are participating in the First Friday Art Walk, where the galleries stay open late and often offer live music, food, and beverages (wine!). The Downtown Bend site has their comprehensive FF guide up, and Deschutes Brewery will be featuring a “back alley BBQ” for First Friday as well. Time is from 5 until 9pm (and sometimes later).
- Over at McMenamins Old St. Francis School, The Parson Red Heads are playing a free show starting at 7pm (in Father Luke’s Room).
- Silver Moon Brewing is featuring both Emma Hill and her Gentlemen Callers and Audiafauna tonight live, starting at 9pm. Cover is only $5.
Saturday
- The Central Oregon Saturday Market takes its place across from the Bend Library from 10 until 4pm.
- Also from 10 until 4 is the Race for the River event put on by the Deschutes River Conservancy. Participants will be starting at Riverbend Park and finishing at the Les Schwab Amphitheater, where there will be food, beverages, and live music.
- The Bend Elks are playing the Wenatchee AppleSox and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the local chapter of Walk to Defeat ALS. The game starts at 6:35pm and don’t forget it’s $2 Tuesday on Saturday.
Sunday
- The Free Summer Sundays Concert Series at the Les Schwab Amphitheater kicks off at 2:30 (with gates opening at 1) with eclectic trio Dangermuffin on stage.
- Enjoy “Sudsy Sunday” at Newport Avenue Market, their free beer tasting from 3:30 until 6pm.
- Silver Moon Brewing is hosting William Fitzsimmons with Rosi Golan starting at 8pm, a big show you should probably buy presale tickets from bendticket.com for $12 — otherwise it’s $15 at the door.
August 05, 2010
23:42
Strike Out ALS with the Bend Elks
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Fundraisers [edit]

If you haven’t yet been to a Bend Elks baseball game, this Saturday would be a good time to start: there’s a fundraiser for good cause.

When: Saturday, August 7th
Time: 6:35pm
Where: Vince Genna Stadium

Free T-Shirt to the first 300 attendees.

The Bend Elks will be donating a portion of their proceeds from this evening to our local Walk to Defeat ALS chapter. BIG Thanks to the Bend Elks for helping us in our fight to find a cure for ALS.

Come on out, watch the game, grab a hot dog while supporting ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).

The Elks are playing the Wenatchee AppleSox. In order to sweeten the deal, it’s also $2 Tuesday on Saturday—they’ll have all the $2 Tuesday deals.
August 03, 2010
15:00
Race for the River
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Events [edit]

This Saturday, August 7th, is the first (annual?) Race for the River, an event launched by the Deschutes River Conservancy:

GRAB YOUR FLOATIES, KAYAKS, CANOES AND PADDLE BOARDS TO RACE FOR THE RIVER!
We are launching a brand new event this year that is sure to be a community favorite. Starting at Riverbend Park, racers will vie for the number one position in several different heats ending in the Les Schwab Amphitheater. Food, beverages, live music and fun will follow at a community wide celebration in the heart of the Old Mill District in the Central Plaza.

Cost:
$15 per person
$20 with your dog
(All participants racing with their dog will receive a Ruff Wear Float Coat as part of their entry fee.)
$50 per corporate team (5-6 people)

Race Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Old Mill Celebration: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

There is also an “Open Swim” option on the event poster, as well as note of a beer garden.

No indication of how this will work with regular folks who just want to float the River (from Riverbend Park) on Saturday; presumably the race participants will be wearing numbers of some sort. But couldn’t there be a conflict if regular floaters get in the way of racers and vice-versa?
August 02, 2010
18:09
Pine Nursery Park opening, Wed. August 4th
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Parks [edit]

Picked this up via Twitter:

This Wednesday [August 4th] at 5:30pm come celebrate the grand opening of Pine Nursery Community Park. There will be kite flying, biking, a fishing demonstration, baseball and an ice cream social.

The Pine Nursery Park is located in Northeast Bend, just east of Purcell (officially 3750 NE Purcell Blvd.); I’ve been up there a number of times while they’ve been developing it and it’s a nice spot, with a stocked fish pond and a dog park among the sports fields and trails.
August 01, 2010
10:25
A block party and a fundraiser
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Events [edit]
A couple of events today worth highlighting:
- 10th + Newport Block Party / Streetside Café: Free from noon until 8pm.
  
  Three local restaurants (Kebaba, Kanpai and Spork) are joining forces to host a neighborhood block party that will focus on great globally influenced street food and music. 10th Street will be closed all day between Kanpai and Kebaba, and the three restaurants will all set up outside to cater the party. A rotating line-up of DJs featuring local faves Barisone, Swett and Smoke will keep the loungey tunes flowing throughout the day. Intermittent performances by internationally influenced dance troupes will add to the event atmosphere. Beer by Boneyard Beer and cocktails by Kebaba and Kanpai. Family friendly; all ages welcome. This first time event promises to be a great day of globally inspired food and music, and neighborhood fun.
- “We Got Your Back, Jake”: A Celebration of Life for Jacob Austin Vinson. This fundraiser is being held at Silver Moon Brewing tonight, from 6 to 9pm, for the wife and three children of Vinson, the man who died in the skateboarding accident on Awbrey Butte in June. There will be live music (Allan Byer Project, Pine Lane, and Reed Thomas Lawrence), and raffle prizes donated by COCC, Johnea at Roots Salon, 7th Mountain Resort, Alchemy Design Studio, Michelle Curry Jewelry, Clear 101.7fm, and more. Donations will be accepted at the door.
July 28, 2010
14:00
The Deschutes County Fair starts today
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Events [edit]

Today is the first day of the Deschutes County Fair, which runs through Sunday (the 1st). In addition to the usual livestock and agricultural and craft showings, and carnival rides, there is also the rodeo and a number of concerts that culminate with Weird Al Yankovic (!) on Saturday night. Here are details:

Fair Hours
Wednesday and Thursday: 10:00AM – 10:00PM
Friday and Saturday: 10:00AM – 11:00PM
Sunday: 10:00AM – 5:00PM

2010 Daily Admission Prices:
Adults (13+) $9/day
Children (6-12) $6/day
Children (5 yrs & under) FREE
Seniors (62 and over) $6/day
2010 5-day Pass Prices
Adult 5-day pass (13yrs+) $17
Children & Seniors 5-Day Pass $11
Wednesday July 28th – Seniors 62+ “Free”!

Sunday $5.00 admission all day all ages.

Concerts:

Neal McCoy – Wednesday July 28th @ 7:00pm
Concert is free with ticket (admission to Fair not included).
For ticket information listen to “the Mountain” radio station at 99.7 KMTK (NO PHONE CALLS)

Joe Diffie – Thursday July 29th @ 7:00pm
Concert is free with ticket (admission to Fair not included).
For ticket information listen to “the Mountain” radio station at 99.7 KMTK (NO PHONE CALLS)

Styx – Friday July 30th @ 7:00pm
Concert is free with ticket (admission to Fair not included).
For ticket information listen to “the Twins” radio station at 98.3 KTWS (NO PHONE CALLS)

“Weird Al” Yankovic – Saturday July 31th @ 7:00pm
Concert is free with ticket (admission to Fair not included).
For ticket information listen to “the Twins” radio station at 98.3 KTWS (NO PHONE CALLS)

Rodeo Hours:
Wednesday – Thursday (July 28-29 @ 6:30pm
Friday – (July 30) evening @ 7:00pm
Saturday (July 31) evening @ 7:30pm
July 27, 2010
21:27
Riley’s Market is closing
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Business [edit]

Riley’s Market is the lone grocery store/deli over in NorthWest Crossing, and will be closing after this Saturday (the end of July). It’s in today’s Bulletin.

Kacy Logeais, who opened the store in September 2007 with her husband, Shain, said part of the closure is related to debt on the store.

She said she spent the last six months trying to sell Riley’s, but deals with two potential buyers fell through during lease negotiations with West Bend Property Co., which manages NorthWest Crossing.

“We felt it was futile to try to sell it,” Logeais said after those deals didn’t work out. She said West Bend Property Co. did try to help the couple stay in business when the economy took its downturn, discounting rent from $2.35 per square foot to charging 5 percent of sales.

Ford said another deal recently fell through with two people who wanted to add lottery and tobacco sales to the store, sales that have been prohibited in NorthWest Crossing by West Bend Property Co.

The West Bend Property Co. board of directors approved the lottery sales but denied the tobacco sales, citing NorthWest Crossing’s intent to be a healthy, sustainable community, Ford said.

The general manager of NW Crossing wouldn’t disclose the current rent per square foot for the Riley’s space, but considering this property across the street (via LoopNet) is going for $1.75 to $1.95 per square foot, I can’t imagine it’s much more than that—if not entirely less.
12:59
Ignite Bend 5 on September 30
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Events [edit]

This is the official press release for Ignite Bend:

Following the incredible success of previous Ignite Bend events, we are pleased to announce that Ignite Bend 5 will be held on September 30, 2010 during the WebCAM conference. We hope that you will participate in this outstanding community event as a speaker, voter and attendee!

Ignite Bend 5
Tower Theatre ‐ Bend, OR
September 30, 2010 ‐ 7pm (Doors open at 6:30pm)

Ignite Bend 5 will be webcast live thanks to our multimedia partner, Pinnacle Media. Presentations may also be selected for inclusion in the O’Reilly “Ignite Show” which highlights a different talk from Ignite events around the world for weekly broadcast at their site.

Presentation proposals will be accepted through September 7, 2010 for Ignite Bend 5. Nine speakers will be pre‐selected from the submissions based on feedback and votes collected online from the community. The presenters selected to speak at Ignite Bend 5 will receive a handmade coffee mug bearing the Ignite Bend logo from Mug Revolution. Submission forms are available at the Ignite Bend website (http://www.ignitebend.com).

As a free community event, Ignite Bend is thankful for community support in the form of sponsorships. Please contact Jen Floyd (jenfloyd08@gmail.com) for more information.

Volunteers are needed to help Ignite Bend run smoothly. Please contact Greg Bolt (ggbolt16@gmail.com) if you wish to help at the event on August 30, 2010.

ABOUT IGNITE BEND – If you had five minutes on stage what would you say? What if you only got 20 PowerPoint slides and they rotated automatically every 15 seconds? Around the world people have been putting together “Ignite” nights to share their answers. Visit the Ignite Bend website (http://www.ignitebend.com) to find out more about local events. More information about Ignite Events held around the world can be found at O’Reilly’s Ignite website (http://ignite.oreilly.com).
July 25, 2010
23:45
Press Release: Great Harvest Bread Company’s Bake Day Fundraiser
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Press Releases [edit]

Great Harvest is Making Dough for the Bend Community Center Friday
All product sales on July 30th benefit the BCC

Great Harvest Bread Company invites residents to stock up on fresh out-of-the-oven breads and treats at a Bake Day fundraiser next Friday, June 30th to support the Bend Community Center. The event is from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The bakery is located 835 NW Bond Street.

The Bake Day also kicks off the 18th Anniversary of the locally owned and operated bakery. Bakery owner Cloyd Robinson says generosity is at the core of the Great Harvest mission statement, so extending support to the BCC feels very right. Robinson added that he’ll also provide free bread and sweet baskets to 18 people who attend the Bake Day as part of a drawing.

The Bake Day will feature a new, made-from-scratch Tumalo Cheese & Herb bread made with freshly milled whole wheat, rye, dill, onion and Classico cheese from Tumalo Farms. In addition, the bakery will have fresh Honey Whole Wheat, 10-Grain, Dakota, Spelt and Sourdough breads, and cookies, scones, muffins and cinnamon rolls.

“The residents of Bend have been so good to us these past 18 years, and we’re thrilled to help the community during our 18th anniversary celebration,” said Robinson. “The Bend Community Center was a natural choice to support because of all that they do to serve people in need,” said Robinson. “We also want to thank Tumalo Farms for supporting this effort by providing cheese for the featured Oregon Herb bread. We hope the combination of a great cause and some incredibly fresh breads and sweets will get people to stop by next Friday.”

The BCC was established to meet the basic needs of those in need, such as the poor, hungry, homeless and disadvantaged throughout the region – young and old, teens and families with young children. Many are veterans and people with mental health disorders and/or physical disabilities. The mission of the organization is to identify and implement simple, low-cost, non-duplicative activities that address basic needs and make a real difference in the lives of those less fortunate.

Founded in 1992, the Bend Great Harvest bakery is known for breads rich in taste, made with the freshest ingredients including daily milled whole grain flour. The whole wheat is purchased from family-owned farms located on the high plains of Montana. The bakery creates an array of legendary fresh-baked breads and sweets, as well as specialty items during holidays. This month, the bakery is adding Panini’s to its popular sandwich offerings.
July 23, 2010
23:58
Eastside Library
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: books [edit]

Good news for Eastside Library patrons: the Library announced on Facebook this week their plans to open up a location on East Highway 20.

The Deschutes Public Library is pleased to announce the site of an East Bend Library that will open in January 2011. The future site is 8,000 square feet and located at Borden’s Corner — 2175 NE Highway 20.

“After a comprehensive study of our service area, it became very clear that we were not adequately serving approximately 40,000 residents in east Bend,” said Assistant Director Kevin Barclay. “After several community focus groups, we believe we have a strong understanding of what services and resources will best serve the eastside residents. We are eager to begin!”

The new library will provide full services that will include: a community meeting room, popular materials collection, Internet stations, story times, adult programming, and holds pick-up.

The planned location is in the same development as Longboard Louie’s. Looking forward to it!
July 21, 2010
23:45
More newer places around town
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Business [edit]
I wrote last week about some of the new(er) stores I found out about downtown(ish), and promised more. Here are a few more:
- Looney Bean Coffee: A (chain?) coffee shop that took over the old Balay Coffee location at 961 Brooks Street, offset just behind the Pine Tavern. I have no idea what happened to Balay, and a quick Google search doesn’t tell me, either.
- The Nature of Words: Their sign was on the office space kitty-corner from the Looney Bean/Pine Tavern spot corner, but it was still empty and looked to be in various stages of moving—in, as it turns out: the Downtown Bend blog posted today about their ribbon cutting in that new space (224 NW Oregon) next Tuesday the 27th. Seems like a nice spot, you could pop in to Bend Brewing across the street for a quick beer…
- MadHappy Lounge: I knew about this one already from seeing the Frequency blog about it—the Bendistillery Martini Bar changed hands and was renamed and retooled a bit. Looks like they’re aiming for a grand re-opening on the 23rd, this Friday.
July 19, 2010
23:50
Sunriver Sunfest 2010
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Events [edit]

This coming weekend is the annual Sunriver Sunfest Wine Festival (Saturday and Sunday the 24th and 25th), and this year there are some notable changes from past years.

First and foremost, Sunfest is taking place at Sunriver Resort rather than in the Village promenade area—specifically on the Meadows Driving Range behind the Sunriver Resort Lodge. You’ll be able to park at the Resort (or at the Village, where there will be a shuttle service).

Another big change is the wine tasting: as always, entrance to the Festival is free, and in past years if you wanted to taste wine, you would pay the individual tasting fee at the winery’s table and would get the tasters in plastic cups. This year, you will be required to purchase a $10 wine glass and then also will have to pay for the tasters (or full glasses, or whatever).

As always, there will also be food, beer, and live music on hand. Kids and dogs are welcome.

Full schedule after the jump.

Saturday, July 24th, 2010
Festival Hours 12:00pm-8:00pm
7am-11am: Sunriver Fly-In Pancake Breakfast
12pm: Festival Opens!
1pm-5pm: VIP Tent open for ticket holders, $75pp
6:00pm-8:00pm.: Wine Makers Dinner at the Sunriver Resort with King Estate Winery in the Hearth Room, $65pp.
8:00pm: Festival Closes and after party at the Owl’s Nest with JP & the Soul Searchers!

Stage Schedule-
12:00pm-2:00pm-Live Remote with Mix 100.7
2:00pm-3:00pm- -Cooking Demo with Bill Ballard Executive Chef Crosswater and Jordan Ries, Crosswater
3:00pm-5:00pm-Palmer Lavin Duo Perform
6:30pm-8:00pm-Erin Cole Baker

Sunday, July 25th
Festival Hours 11:00am-5:00pm
8:00am-Champagne Brunch at the Sunriver Resort
11:00am: Festival Opens
5:00pm: Sunfest Closes!
8:00pm: Join us in the Owl’s Nest for the Hit Machine.

Stage Schedule
12:00pm-1:00pm-Bill Hayes
1:30pm-People’s Choice Winner Announced and Raffle
2:00pm-3:00pm- -Cooking Demo with Bill Ballard Executive Chef, Crosswater and Adam Levinburg, Crosswater.
3:00pm-5:00pm-David Miller Performs
July 16, 2010
14:00
Weekend happenings (7/16/10)
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Weekend Happenings [edit]
Two big concerts out at the Les Schwab in the Old Mill this weekend: the Steve Miller Band and the Barenaked Ladies.
Friday
- The Farmers Market is taking up its usual place at the St. Charles Hospital parking lot; they are open from 2 until 6pm.
- The Steve Miller Band is playing a big show at the Les Schwab Amphitheater, starting at 6:30pm (doors open at 5). General admission tickets are $39.
- Organik Time Machine rocks Silver Moon Brewing starting at 9pm, with a $5 cover.
Saturday
- The Central Oregon Saturday Market will be across the street from the Bend Public Library from 10 until 4.
- The Barenaked Ladies take the stage at the Les Schwab Amphitheater at 6:30pm (doors opening at 5 as usual). General admission is $34.
- Aphrodesia will be at Silver Moon Brewing at 9pm. Cover is $10.
Sunday
- Paul Thorn is playing the Free Summer Sunday Concert at the Les Schwab Amphitheater, starting at 2:30pm. Doors open at 1.
- Look for Newport Avenue Market‘s free beer tasting (“Sudsy Sunday”) from 3:30 until 6pm.
July 13, 2010
23:30
BendNights.com is closing
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Online [edit]

Sad news of an online sort: BendNights.com is closing its virtual doors. From the official announcement:

I officially announce the end of BendNights.com. After five years, I will be shutting down Bend’s original online entertainment website at 12:01am, Monday, July 19, forever.

This was a tough decision to make, but it’s time. I’ve been working in the comedy industry with my business partner Morgan Preston for a number of years and opportunities have presented themselves that I can’t pass up. Opportunities that people work their whole life for and still rarely see.

Currently, BendNights.com is at the height of its existence. Record numbers of visitors, crazing page view numbers, and insane search engine ranking. I want to be clear that this isn’t about the site falling apart or failing. Quite the opposite actually. I just can’t put any more time into it with the new turns in my life. It’s paid the rent, kept the lights on, and bought me a few pairs of shoes over the past five years… This is far from a loss. Rather it’s been a vehicle to all the great things happening to me now.

The site is going to shut down in two stages. The first will happen at 12:01am, Friday, July 16 when we take down the movie section. The final stage will take place on Monday, July 19 at 12:01am. We will take down the rest of the site, leaving one final open letter as the only page on BendNights.com, forever.

I’m definitely sorry to see this happen because I always thought BendNights.com was a good site and a good resource, and it’s too bad that nobody was able to continue on with it (there are some details about that in the blog posting).
July 12, 2010
23:45
Some of the newer places around town
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Business [edit]
I spent quite a bit of time down at SummerFest this past weekend, helping out a friend who had a booth in the Souk section, and wandered around downtown a bit, seeing some of the new shops and businesses I didn’t know about. I used to work downtown, but haven’t for the past couple of years (I’m out on the Eastside, these days), so I’m a bit out of the loop on this scene.

(Shocking, I know, especially for this type of blog.)

I’ll probably spread this out over several posts, but here are three businesses which come to mind:
- Jem Raw Chocolates: They’re not located downtown, instead over on Colorado, but they had a table in the wine section of the Fest and they’re running with an intriguing premise: organic, healthy and, er, raw (non-processed) chocolates. They were heavily promoting the health angle and you could even sample raw cacao beans (from which chocolate is derived). They might be a little too hippy for Bend but we’ll see.
- Wabi Sabi: Located in the old Volcano Vineyards spot in the Brooks Street alley, this was all new to me: a store filled with (for lack of a better description) “cool Japanese stuff.” Books (on language, culture, cuisine, and more), anime, toys, foods, clothing, Hello Kitty, all sorts of interesting stuff. And weird, coincidentally they have a link and image of the Downtown Bend Anagram Map I made for my other blog a few years ago…
- Earth Sense Herbs: In the basement of the Old Penny Galleria, this is the first (and only) herb shop in Bend in more than a decade (my mom used to have an herb shop downtown). They’ve only been open for five months-ish, so very new. Handcrafted items made by locals and bulk herbs (teas, culinary, scented, that sort of thing) among other things.
July 08, 2010
23:31
SummerFest
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Downtown [edit]

The Bend Summer Festival is this weekend, hot on the heels of the holiday last weekend; SummerFest is one of my favorite (if not the favorite) Bend festivals, and this year they’re celebrating 20 years(!) of “Central Oregon’s signature artist event of the summer.”

The Bend Summer Festival draws artists and street performers from all over the Northwest. The event features a wide array of performing arts including dance, children’s activities, and the best regional and national jazz, blues, rock and international musicians. We are thrilled to share the music of The Samples, headlining the Clear 101.7 Mainstage this year. Todd Haaby and Sola Via will be headlining the Jazz Stage and Mosley Wotta on the Locals Stage. Every hour offers a transcendental music experience on each stage. The Saxon’s Fine Jeweler’s Sunday Gospel Brunch has become a ritual for many people to close the festival weekend. Great food and inspiring music in a beautiful outdoor setting make for a perfect Sunday.

This year there are over 150 artists from around the country are coming to showcase their work. The Pronghorn Jazz, Wine and Gourmet Foods area has a stellar line up of musicians performing with a street full of the best vintners and gourmet foodies in our region. Chef Juri Sbandati, local slow food hero and owner of Trattoria Sbandati, will anchor the vintner area and provide small plates and cheese tastings throughout the weekend. Pronghorn’s TOUR Academy, a division of the PGA TOUR companies, will be in the middle of Minnesota Avenue unveiling the latest in golf instructional technology and allowing golfers a complimentary swing analysis.

For kids, The True North Parenting Magazine Kids Block Party will keep the family busy and cool. Inflatables, arts, crafts and WATER games will be offered. From 6 – 8 p.m. Saturday night there is a Pajamy Jam! Kids can come to Mirror Pond plaza in their pj’s and dance, draw, jump and close the evening with a story before bedtime.

Keep in mind the music (on four separate stages) is all free, as are the kids’ activities; the food and drink will cost you some money, of course, and you may well buy something from one of the many vendors and artists that will be there.

The core of Downtown will be closed to traffic (here’s the map) starting sometime Friday evening, I believe.

SummerFest runs from 11am until 11pm Saturday (the 10th), and from 11am until 6pm Sunday.

Yes, I will be down there sometime on Saturday for sure.
15:00
Munch and Music starts tonight
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Events [edit]
This almost slipped by me, but Munch and Music starts tonight: the free music in Drake Park every Thursday evening that runs through August 12th. (The “Munch” part isn’t free, of course, but the music is.)
Enjoying its 20th anniversary, the Drake Park Munch & Music free concert series continues to be a summertime favorite. Founded by Cameron Clark, owner of C3 Events, the weekly series provides the community of Central Oregon with a great chance to strengthen their bond while enjoying the arts, outstanding food and free music.
- July 8th – Aphrodesia
- July 15th – Jerri Jheto Reggae
- July 22nd – Paula Cole
- July 29th – Orgone
- August 5th – Jah Sun
- August 12th – Crazy 8′s
Munch & Music will be serving Deschutes brews in a restricted, enclosed Beer Garden with service provided by Plum Merrymaking and Cocktails. Alcohol consumption must be limited to this area only. Any other substance, alcohol or otherwise, is prohibited in the park. Also in the Garden, serving the best trailer food on the planet, is SPORK. The Garden is the best outdoor cocktail lounge in Bend throughout the concert series.

On the south side of the park there is a kids area full of Jump-N-Fun Inflatables. Behind the stage, Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe offers rentals of kayaks and canoes to take out on the river so you can enjoy the music while paddling. Kids are encouraged to lead the dance effort at the stage too!
Note they also have a string “no dog” policy during the event as well.
July 07, 2010
23:30
The Best of Bend
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Blogging [edit]
The Source’s Best of Bend poll is online again (and in their paper last week)—you’ll have to register for an account with them if you want to vote—and while Hack Bend won Best Blog last year, I have to agree with Jake and encourage everyone to vote for someone else this year (to spread the wealth, so to speak).

Some suggestions:
- Utterly Boring. Don’t listen to Jake, you should totally vote for his blog.
- Bend Happy Hour. They’re doing some good stuff over there.
- Ben Salmon’s Frequency blog. Most comprehensive local music blog out there.
- Duncan’s blog. Nobody tells downtown business like it is better.
- Bend Oregon Restaurants. Though BOR really needs to update it again soon…
July 06, 2010
23:42
Zombie walk?
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Unusual [edit]

Apparently in addition to the other 4th of July activities and the Freedom Ride on Sunday, there was also a “zombie walk” through the Park; KTVZ has several photos in a slideshow, but did anyone else catch any video or anything?
July 03, 2010
15:54
Freedom Ride!
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Events [edit]

I completely forgot about the annual Freedom Ride tomorrow in the Weekend Happenings post (thanks, Mike)! It’s another big Independence Day event, open to anyone who wants to participate, and it’s taking place tomorrow at 3pm—though everyone will start meeting up at Columbia Park at 2 to 2:30.

From Columbia Park the Freedom Riders will bicycle around the area (and through Downtown) in a sort of impromptu parade—garish and outlandish costumes included. Definitely not something you’ll want to miss—either to watch or join!
July 02, 2010
11:00
Weekend Happenings (4th of July)
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Weekend Happenings [edit]
Big weekend! Most of us have a three-day weekend too, with Monday off since the Fourth falls on Sunday. Plenty of stuff going on to choose from:
Friday
- The Farmers Market runs from 2 until 6pm, in the St. Charles Hospital parking lot.
- It is of course First Friday, with the Art Walk happening Downtown, in the Old Mill District, and Northwest Crossing. This runs from 5 until 9pm, and there’s a big list of participants here.
- Deschutes Brewery is joining the First Friday fun with an outdoor BBQ and special beers on tap, along with live music and a photo exhibit.
- Tim Coffey is playing live at Volcano Vineyards downtown, from 6 to 9pm, for free (though you should definitely buy a glass of wine or two).
- Over at Silver Moon Brewing, both Sleep Waves and The Sofa Kings are playing, starting at 9pm. Cover is only $5, so it’s like you’re getting two shows for a great low price.
Saturday
- The Central Oregon Saturday Market is at their usual location across from the Bend Public Library, open from 10 until 4.
- Breedlove Guitars is hosting their Breedlove Festival starting at noon at their Northwest Crossing headquarters: lots of great live music including Grammy-award winning Ed Gerhard, company tours, a talent competition, food and Deschutes Brewery beer. $10 at the door, but kids 10 and under get in free.
- Riverside Market is having their Grand Re-Opening BBQ from 2 until 10pm: free live music and hot dogs and a beer garden provided by Boneyard Beer.
- Silver Moon has Lisa C. Pollock and the Indie Freedom Tour for an 8pm show: “LA rock songstress with Bend roots Lisa C. Pollock returns to town with a crew of other fabulous musicians for a night of rockin’ goodness on Independence Day eve.” Cover is $8.
Sunday – Independence Day!
- The Pet Parade kicks off at 10am, one of the downtown events of the year: the community parade open to everyone to bring their pets (no rabbits or cats, however) to walk the streets of downtown. Mostly dogs (it’s a dog town, after all), but there will also be horses, llamas, chickens, ducks, goats, and more.
- The Library has their Friends of the Bend Library Book Sale from 10am to 4pm down at the Library Administration Building. Great deals on books of all kinds.
- Bend’s Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration picks up right after the Pet Parade, from 11 until 4, down in Drake Park: craft and food booths, live entertainment, old fashioned summertime games (three-legged races, watermelon eating contests), and more.
- It’s also Free Summer Sundays down at the Les Schwab Amphitheater: the Staxx Brothers are playing from 2:30 until 4:30 (gates open at 1).
- Newport Avenue Market has their free beer tasting from 3:30 until 6.
- Finally, don’t forget about the free fireworks show starting at 10pm from the top of Pilot Butte—you’ll want to find a good vantage point of the fireworks and the Butte (if you’re into watching for the almost-inevitable fires), and tune your radio to any of several different stations owned by the Bend Radio Group for patriotic musical accompaniment. If you’d rather stay indoors (it can get cold on the 4th), KOHD will be broadcasting the fireworks show live at the same time.
July 01, 2010
23:03
92.7 FM to become 92.9 FM
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Radio [edit]

If you listen to 92.7 FM on the radio, you might have heard that they will be changing their station frequency from 92.7 to 92.9, within the next few weeks. They’ve mentioned this on the radio, and while their website doesn’t have any details about it, they’ve been posting it on their Facebook page, and this comment is the reason:

There is a new frequency moving into the Portland area that is why we have to move up on the dial.

No format changes are planned, so the music will stay the same.
June 29, 2010
23:21
First Friday this week
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Art [edit]

This Friday, July 2nd, is the monthly Art Walk and First Friday celebration in downtown Bend, as well as the Old Mill District and Northwest Crossing (usually; it’s not in their own site’s calendar however). As usual the Downtown Bend website has a good listing of participating galleries and events, and Deschutes Brewery will be participating this month too:

Deschutes Brewery will be participating in First Friday with an outdoor BBQ and several special beers being served. A Deschutes Brewery employee, Sarah Cook, will be displaying her photographs during the event, and there will also be live music.

It’s kicking off a fairly busy three-day holiday weekend.
June 25, 2010
9:00
Weekend Happenings (6/25/10)
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Weekend Happenings [edit]
Of course the big event this weekend is the Bite of Bend taking place Saturday and Sunday from 11 to 10 and 11 to 7, respectively, but there are a few other things going on, too. And if you’re looking for other things don’t forget to check out the Free Summer Activity Guide.
Friday
- The Farmers Market is taking place in the St. Charles parking lot over on the eastside; they’ll be there from 2 until 6pm.
- At Silver Moon Brewing, Right On John is playing live starting at 9pm. Cover is $5.
Saturday
- The Saturday Market is running from 10 until 4 at their usual location across the street from the Bend Public Library.
- WebCyclery is hosting a movie night at the Tower Theatre: “‘Chasing Legends’ touches on the rich history, passion and true grit of The Tour de France as seen through the eyes of Team HTC Columbia.” Tickets are $10, call 541-318-6188 to reserve.
- The Moon Mountain Ramblers are playing at Silver Moon Brewing, starting at 9pm. I have “Cover TBD” in the calendar, but I imagine it’s $5 to $10.
Sunday
- Deschutes Brewery is hosting their 22nd Birthday Bash at their Pub downtown. From 12 until 10 check out live music, $4 pints on select brews, and the special Reserve release of Black Butte XXII.
- Over at Newport Market they are having what I’ve been calling their “Sudsy Sunday” free beer tasting. It runs from 3:30 until 6pm.
June 24, 2010
11:00
More behind Bourbon Street (Staccato’s closing)
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Restaurants [edit]

The other day when writing about Staccato closing downtown, I mentioned that regarding the slated new tenant of the space, Bourbon Street Bend, there had to have been advance warning that the closure was coming, despite the official version of the story that Staccato was only notified last Wednesday that their lease would not be renewed. Yet with Bourbon Street’s coupon already printed up and mailed out before that announcement, it certainly smells fishy.

The Bulletin today has an article about Bourbon Street, which is Gavin McMichael’s new endeavor (he’s also the owner of the Blacksmith), and while the article mentions that the new restaurant will open on July 15th and that he plans to give former Staccato employees “first crack” at Bourbon Street roles, there’s nothing overtly fishy about it until the last paragraph:

McMichael said he is the managing partner of a group of four investors who have signed a 10-year lease on the space with Acadia Properties LLC, the operating manager of the space’s landlord, Firehall Partners LLC. He emphasized that he was not involved with Acadia’s decision to terminate Staccato’s lease for the site, which is located on Minnesota Avenue across from The Oxford Hotel.

(Emphasis added.)

Not involved with the termination decision—however… over on Oregon’s Business Name Search site, here’s the result of searching for “Bourbon Street Bend”: it turns out that the name itself (“Bourbon Street Bend, LLC”) was registered as an entity back on May 3rd—a month and a half before Staccato was told their lease wouldn’t be renewed.

That certainly sounds like he (and the Staccato landlords) knew that this was coming, which implies some level of involvement in the termination decision. And likely the decision goes back earlier than May 3rd, since registering a business isn’t something that happens in a vacuum, either—there had to have been some planning behind it at the very least. When was this 10-year lease signed?

(In fact, the “bourbonstreetbend.com” domain name was registered on April 20th.)

Like I’d said—downtown shenanigans, which sucks all the more because Staccato—which was doing well on its own—suffered for it. What do you all think?
June 23, 2010
23:52
Riverside Market Grand Re-Opening BBQ
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Events [edit]

Kind of funny that I mentioned Riverside Market a couple of weeks ago, and now I get a press release-type email from them: they’re under new owners and are having a grand re-opening party July 3.

Jon and Melanie Gaipo are the proud new owners of your favorite neighborhood gathering place and they want to introduce themselves. The grand re-opening party will feature fellow newcomers and kindred spirits Boneyard Beer, live music and free hot dogs. Stop by before or after your float to fill up on the above items, or air for your inner tube. The Gaipos are excited to get to know the community and kick summer off the right way, now that it’s finally here. Meet your posse and make a plan of attack for the Freedom Ride while enjoying Boneyard’s Black 13 or Girl Beer (not just for girls by the way). The Market will be open the regular hours and the full menu will be available all day if hot dogs are not enough to fill you up. Come on down and check out the changes that have been made and that are in the works! The event will also be a fundraiser for the Miller’s Landing Park Project.

WHEN: July 3, 2010

WHERE: Riverside Market
285 NW Riverside Ave
Bend, OR 97701

COST: Free – ALL AGES – BEER GARDEN WITH ID

TIME: 2:00pm-10:00pm

CONTACT: riversidemarket541@gmail.com
541-389-0646

The Saturday before the Fourth, sounds like a busy weekend—but for beer, music, and free hot dogs, it’s hard to go wrong.
0:11
The Bite of Bend is back
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Downtown [edit]

The annual Bite of Bend is back again this weekend, June 26th and 27th, and it’s taking place in downtown Bend from 11am to 10pm on Saturday, and 11 to 7 on Sunday.

The Sterling Savings Bank Bite of Bend, held on June 26th & 27th in Downtown Bend, is Central Oregon’s most exciting and fastest-growing charity event and festival. This event is free to the public and includes a wide array of activities such as the live Top Chef competition, performance stage, beer garden, fine food and wine, the 2nd Annual Beer Run, as well as a children’s area; not to mention local food booths offering “bites” of their locally created provisions.

The mission of The Sterling Savings Bank Bite of Bend is to celebrate our local culture and create an event that highlights the foods of our region. The Oregon Marketplace showcases Oregon Wines and Liquors. The majority of our entertainment is also local. In this way, businesses that support our event benefit from the network of goodwill associated with The Bite of Bend.

Lots of food, live music, and things to see—and there is also a “Bend Beer Run” (I don’t know if this took place last year) that looks interesting:

What goes better with a hot and sweaty three mile run, than three ice cold delicious Cascade Lakes beers? Don’t miss an opportunity to run off those beer calories before they even have a chance to soak in. Join us for the 2nd Annual Bend Beer Run. The run is a 3 mile course through Downtown Bend and Drake Park. The finish is the Sterling Savings Bank Bite of Bend Festival.

If you want to participate in that, the cost is $25.
June 21, 2010
23:04
The Restaurant Shuffle
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: closures [edit]

Tonight was Staccato‘s last night in downtown Bend; they have the notice on their website about their closure, which was also ran on KTVZ and the Bulletin had a more in-depth article.

I was a bit surprised; I rather liked Staccato and thought they were doing well. But there’s more to the story: on the day it was discovered that they were closing, my wife found a coupon in the latest Smart Shopper mail insert for a new restaurant called “Bourbon Street Bend“—listed with the same address as Staccato.

Since those mailers take some time to organize, print, and mail out, the plans for Staccato to close and be replaced had to be set in motion well before last Wednesday, when—according to the official version—Staccato found out their lease wouldn’t be renewed.

Downtown shenanigans! (Not even getting into the closings of Cork and 28.)

Meanwhile, over on the westside, the new self-serve frozen yogurt place, Cuppa Yo, which is apparently so far insanely successful (the Bulletin gives some numbers); I keep seeing all the locals mention it on Twitter and Facebook and there have been some tweet-ups there. I admit, we’ve been there twice already, and the offerings are pretty good: rotating flavors of frozen yogurt, all sorts of toppings, and 40 cents an ounce. I’ll write up a more extensive review later, maybe.
June 17, 2010
23:46
The 2010 Free summer activity guide
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Free [edit]

The Hack Bend Free Summer Activity Guide is now published and just in time for summer!

It’s basically an amalgamation of past years’ guides, and if there is something missing from it—or you find any errors or corrections—let me know and I’ll get it updated (with credit). Obviously I myself don’t have all the answers!

Enjoy!
June 15, 2010
23:19
The Free Summer Guide is coming soon!
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Free [edit]

Just a heads-up to let you all know the annual Free Summer Activity Guide should be posted soon.
June 14, 2010
23:26
Press Release: Old Mill District Wins Two Awards for Support of Walking and Biking
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Press Releases [edit]

Bend, Oregon shopping district honored with 2010 Big Chainring Award and the 2010 Safe Sidewalks Award

The Old Mill District today announced the receipt of the 2010 Big Chainring Award for Business and the 2010 Safe Sidewalk Award from the Deschutes County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC). The Old Mill District was selected for its contribution to pedestrian and bicycle friendly environments in Deschutes County.

“When we envisioned the Old Mill District, walking and biking trails were intrinsic to the master plan,” said Bill Smith, who developed the district. “One of our core goals was to give people access to the river and enjoy the beauty of this area. We did this by creating a network of pathways in the Old Mill District that connects to the greater trail system on Bend’s West side.”

The Old Mill District worked closely with the Bend Parks and Recreation District to plan the trail system and loops integrated into its 270 acres along the Deschutes River. The color-coded loops range from 1 to 2.4 miles each and many are lined by lighted bollards that hold plaques to commemorate local individuals that have contributed in a significant way to Bend. Recently, the Old Mill District added several large interpretive signs that feature historic photos and information about the land’s logging and timber mill history.

Since 1996, the Big Chainring Awards have been awarded annually to honor individuals, businesses, and public agencies that have made significant contributions in support of better bicycling and walking in Central Oregon. The Safe Sidewalk Award was awarded to businesses that exceeded the legal requirements of keeping their sidewalks safe and clear during the 2009-2010 winter season.

For more information about either award, please contact Deschutes County Associate Planner Cynthia Smidt at (541) 317-3150.

About the Old Mill District
The Old Mill District is one of the Pacific Northwest’s most distinctive and dynamic mixed-use developments. Located on 270 acres that formerly housed one of the largest sawmill operations in the world, the Old Mill District offers a rich history along with spectacular mountain views and scenic river vistas. More than 49 retail shops and businesses call the Old Mill District home. In addition, the Les Schwab amphitheater is Bend’s premier music venue, accommodating up to 8,000 patrons in its park-like locale. The Old Mill District – Bend’s most unique shopping, dining, living, and working experience.

The Old Mill District is open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Many stores, including Regal Cinemas and restaurants, have extended hours. For complete information on the Old Mill District, visit http://www.theoldmill.com.
June 11, 2010
13:08
Weekend happenings (6/11/10)
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Weekend Happenings [edit]
Looks like it’s going to be a good-weather weekend (finally); here’s a slice of some of the goings-on:
Friday
- The Bend Farmers Market over at St. Charles is taking place from 2 until 6pm.
- Tonight Deschutes Brewery is holding their Barrel-Aged Beer Tasting up in their Mountain Room. Starts at 6pm, and it’s $45 per person.
- David Jacobs-Strain is playing at Silver Moon Brewing tonight, starting at 9pm. Cover is $10.
- The Pelter Tiller Duo of Taarka is playing over at The Wine Shop downtown (if tickets are still available, over on bendticket.com for $10) at 9pm.
Saturday
- The Central Oregon Saturday Market runs from 10 until 4pm, downtown across from the Bend Public Library.
- The Broken Down Guitars are playing at M&J Tavern at 9pm. I actually don’t know what or if there is a cover charge.
- Silver Moon Brewing is featuring Eleven Eyes at 9pm for a $7 cover.
Sunday
- Hit up Newport Avenue Market for their free beer tasting, from 3:30 until 6pm.
- Over at McMenamins, the “Theater with Beer” continues with another showing of Lamppost Reunion, starting 6pm. Remember, it’s adult fare (minor with parent only); $15 at the door.
- Over at Silver Moon, another “beer theater” event with The Zoo Story from Volcanic Theater. Starting at 8pm, this is a free show.
June 07, 2010
22:15
Summer street closures
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Advisories [edit]
Whenever there’s a big event in Downtown Bend, they close off some of the streets and traffic has to route around the area. Summertime seems to bring about a spate of these, and the Downtown Bend website today posted a list of upcoming summer street closures (found by my wife):
- Two cycling events
- The Bite of Bend
- The 4th of July
- Summerfest
- A classic car show
- Bend 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament (is this new?)
Click through the link to see the actual dates and streets that will be closed.
June 05, 2010
10:00
Larkspur Festival
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Events [edit]

Jen noted in the Weekend Happenings post that the Larkspur Festival is being held today over at Larkspur Park (and the Bend Senior Center) just off of Reed Market Road. It’s taking place, well, now, from 10 until 3pm. Here’s their blurb:

Over 50 local crafters and vendors. Children’s games, family activities, displays, demonstrations, food and fun and the OSU Master Gardeners Plant Sale! Entertainment featuring ballroom dancing, Zumba, and more!
June 04, 2010
8:28
Weekend happenings (6/4/10)
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Weekend Happenings [edit]
Hopefully we’ll see some nicer weather rolling in for the weekend, though I re-tweeted last night that Balloons Over Bend had to cancel all of their Friday (today) balloon flights due to a forecast of heavy winds. Otherwise, BoB has things going on all weekend down at the Les Schwab Amphitheater and Old Mill District.
Friday
- The Farmers Market is out at St. Charles Hospital’s parking lot today, their first Friday out there of the season. They’re open from 2 to 6pm.
- Speaking of firsts, tonight is First Friday downtown, in the Old Mill, and Northwest Crossing, where the art galleries stay open late and host receptions from 5 until 9pm—many with refreshments and/or live music. Downtown Bend’s website has a blog post detailing the downtown offerings for tonight.
- Volcano Vineyards is hosting musician Mark Barringer (for First Friday), completely free (but you should enjoy some of their wine) from 6 until 9pm.
- Tyrone Wells is playing at the Annex (Midtown Music Hall) starting at 9pm. Tickets are available for presale on bendticket.com for $10, otherwise it’s $12 at the door. Local favorite Eric Tollefson will open for him.
- Whiskey Rebellion is playing at Silver Moon Brewing across the street also starting at 9pm; cover is $5.
Saturday
- From 10 to 4pm is the Central Oregon Saturday Market downtown across the street from the Library.
- The National Beard and Moustache Championships is finally here!!! (Extra exclamation points seemed appropriate somehow.) The action invades the Les Schwab Amphitheater from 2 until 9:30pm, and it’ll cost you $10 to get in.
- Silver Moon Brewing presents The White Buffalo and Anastacia both live starting at 9pm. You can buy tickets on bendticket.com for $7, or pay $10 at the door.
- (Updated!) The Larkspur Festival is taking place at Larkspur Park off Reed Market Road, from 10 until 3pm.
Sunday
- Newport Avenue Market has a free beer tasting (used to be Thursdays, now it’s on Sundays) from 3:30 until 6pm.
- McMenamins Old St. Francis School is presenting their “Theater with Beer” series, Lamppost Reunion: an adult-fare show that requires minors to be present with an adult. Starts at 6pm, bendticket.com has tickets for $12.50 or $15 cash at the door.
June 02, 2010
22:56
Riverside Market online
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Business [edit]

It’s been awhile since I blogged about Riverside Market, down in Bend’s “old town” part of downtown. Back then (2007) they didn’t have a web presence, but they do now: both a website and a Facebook page.

Which is to be expected, I guess. Especially the Facebook page.
June 01, 2010
23:44
Balloons Over Bend (already?)
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Events [edit]

I’m always surprised at how early Balloons Over Bend happens each June, and yes, it’s coming up this weekend, from June 4th through the 6th.

Northwest Community Balloons Over Bend kicks off on Friday, June 4th with a media flight at sunrise from Les Schwab Amphitheater. During the media flight, local media personalities take a test flight with some of the pilots and promote the event to the public.

Saturday morning begins with a balloon launch at sunrise from the Les Schwab Amphitheater. Early risers are treated to a truly spectacular display, as over 20 hot air balloons inflate and begin their float through the Central Oregon sky against the picturesque Cascade Mountain Range. Later that morning the party starts again at The Old Mill District with live music, a children’s area, delicious food, a beer garden and vendor marketplace. Back by popular demand is the Street Art Exhibition, featuring local and regional artists creating masterpieces on the sidewalks.

On Saturday evening, the sky over The Old Mill District comes alive with The Night Glow. This is an opportunity to get up close and personal with the balloons as they inflate at sundown and provide a spectacular show of colors and patterns against a magical night sky.

Sunday morning early risers are treated with the balloon launch at sunrise from the Les Schwab Amphitheater. Later that morning the festival continues at The Old Mill District with live music, children’s area, delicious food, beer garden, and various vendors along with the Street Art Exhibition.

Busy weekend, this first one of June; not only are the Beard and Mustache Championships on Saturday, but it’s First Friday downtown as well (not to mention a lot of music playing this weekend).
May 29, 2010
9:03
Jason Evers AKA Doitchin Krasev
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Crime [edit]

I closed the comments on the previous Jason Evers post because it was getting ridiculous with a lot of unproductive comments and proto-flaming. However, with the latest news reports coming out about “Jason Evers”—now identified as “Doitchin Krasev”—it’s too interesting not to blog about. So, don’t get too crazy in the comments.

The latest information is the man formerly known as “Jason Evers” has been identified as Bulgarian immigrant Doitchin Krasev who was brought to the U.S. in the mid-80s to go to school, and dropped out and disappeared two years later. He’s also older than previously though, having been born in the early ’70s.

For a neat one-paragraph summary of the latest news, KBND’s current snapshot is a good place to start.

Longer, more detailed stories can be found from The Oregonian, and KGW.com; yesterday’s (and maybe today’s) Bulletin also had a good front-page story on him, but it’s all behind their paywall online, so I can’t point you to those.
May 26, 2010
23:11
Cascade Winds Symphony concert: June 6
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Free [edit]

The Cascade Winds Symphonic Band is holding their last (free!) concert of their season on Sunday, June 6. It starts at 2pm at the Summit High School auditorium.

This final concert of the Winds season is entitled Back Home in the U.S.A., and will feature important literature from American composers (after our concert of Russian Music). The program kicks off with David Holsinger’s “American Faces”, a tribute to the multi-faceted qualities of America. “The Symphonic Gershwin” includes some favorite tune of iconic composer George Gershwin. Percy Grainger’s “Colonial Song” shares a wistful mood similar to a Mark Twain book or a Stephen Foster tune. Alto saxophone soloist Jayne Morrison will perform “Persuasion”, a lovely Sammy Nestico piece for band and alto. Ms. Morrison has been a member of the Cascade Winds for many years, as well as a noted music educator in Central Oregon. “Americans We” march was dedicated by composer Henry Fillmore “to all of us.”

Can’t go wrong with free—and it’s appropriate for all ages.
May 25, 2010
23:35
The Cascade Lakes Highway is open
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Advisories [edit]

As noted in the press release sent out by Deschutes County:

The annual opening of the Cascade Lakes Highway occurred this morning by the Deschutes County Road Department.

Please travel with caution as there are still a few icy patches to be aware of and that no parking will be allowed on the sides of the Cascade Lakes Hwy.

Judging by the pictures of the highway I saw on KTVZ with the snow still on the sides of the road, I don’t think you could park.
May 24, 2010
7:15
Kebaba is closed today
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Restaurants [edit]

…but unlike other restaurants lately, it’s only temporary. Kebaba sent out an email that they’ll be closed today (the 24th) for equipment repairs, but open again tomorrow at 11.
May 21, 2010
23:24
Weekend happenings
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Weekend Happenings [edit]
A few things going on listed on the calendar.
Saturday
- The Central Oregon Trail Alliance is having their 11th Annual Spring Fling work event, starting at 9am, with a 2pm BBQ and raffle at Pine Mountain Sports:
  
  Central Oregon Trail Alliance is looking for volunteers for the 11th annual Spring Fling work event. This event will be held at the Wanoga Event Complex on May 22nd, 2010. Meet at the old Mt. Bachelor park and ride at 9:00 a.m. to sign waivers, get into a trail crew, then enjoy a breakfast provided by REI. We will then carpool to the work sites. This community effort will focus on expanding the new Wanoga trail network with an emphasis on maintaining existing trails and expanding new ones. Come join COTA to help in expanding this new riding area. Bring your friends and family to help contribute.
- Deschutes Brewery is holding their BBQ and Brew event in honor of American Craft Beer Week, downtown in the parking lot behind the pub from 11am to 5pm, featuring a homebrewing demo from brewer Paul Arney.
- Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe is hosting a “Wooden Boat Gathering” on their back lawn from 11 to 2: “Over thirty floating works of art will be on display with local builders on hand to answer any questions about the construction of their crafts. All types of boats are included: strip-built, skin-on-frame, hybrid, and stitch-and-glue.” There will be BBQ and a raffle also.
- Volcano Vineyards is hosting a Winemaker’s Dinner at Allyson’s Kitchen at 7pm; for $65 you get a six-course dinner all pair with Volcano’s wines (of course).
- The final Renegade Roller Derby bout of the season is taking place at the Midtown Music Hall downtown starting at 8pm (doors open at 7). $10 admission with kids 10 and under free.
- Silver Moon Brewing is presenting an Evening with Greg Botsford starting at 9pm, with $5 cover.
Sunday
The only Sunday event I have on the calendar is Theater with Beer’s Lamppost Reunion taking place at McMenamins Old St. Francis School, starting at 6pm:

Louis LaRusso’s Lamppost Reunion creates a unique escape from the traditional, the conventional, and the long established norms of live theater. This production offers Central Oregon residents and visitors a rare opportunity to escape from daily life by entering the world of the Lamppost Lounge.

Tickets are $15 and this isn’t really kid-appropriate; McMenamins says, “No one under 18 years of age will be allowed without an adult present.” Sort of like a rated-R movie I suppose.
May 17, 2010
13:01
Deschutes Brewery BBQ & Brew
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: beer [edit]

This week is American Craft Beer Week, and this note from Deschutes Brewery was posted to the local homebrew club mailing list to get the word out:

To support American Craft Beer week, the Deschutes Brewery is putting on a Bbq and Brew event on Saturday May 22nd from 11am-5pm.

Paul Arney will be brewing a Home Brew in a 10 gallon converted keg home system in our back parking lot . He will be available for questions and answers for all that attend.

In addition, we will also offer a special Bbq menu and beer out back for sale.

If you’re interested in the beer making process then you should stop by.
May 13, 2010
23:44
National Beard and Moustache Championships
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Events [edit]

…is probably the strangest event to come to Bend in recent memory. Saturday, June 5th, the “first national facial hair championship held in the USA” descends on Bend (coincidentally the same weekend as Balloons Over Bend) and competitors vie for the best beards. For money. And prestige, I assume.

Tickets cost $10 and registration is $40; you can buy tickets over at BendTicket.com. Doors open at 1pm that day, and the competition runs from 2 until 9:30pm at the Les Schwab Amphitheater.

And no, I don’t really “get” this. Or I guess I don’t get why it’s in Bend… seems more like something you’d expect in Portland, or the Bay Area, or Las Vegas or something.

But some of the pictures are pretty cool.
May 11, 2010
23:46
Pole Pedal Paddle this Saturday
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Events [edit]

(One of) Bend’s biggest homegrown events, the Pole Pedal Paddle, is already right around the corner. It’s taking place this Saturday the 15th, starting at Mt. Bachelor in the morning at ending at the Les Schwab Amphitheater… well, whenever.

Teams, pairs, and individual participants are composed of recreational and expert athletes competing from Mt. Bachelor to Les Schwab Amphitheater in Bend, Oregon. The participants alpine ski, cross-country ski, bike, run, canoe/kayak and sprint to the finish! We invite you to take part in the festivities and enjoy Central Oregon.

The Les Schwab Amphitheater area will host a day-long festival of various foods, music, sponsor booths and don’t forget, all the cheering and spectating of the PPP participants.

All proceeds generated from the U.S. Bank Pole Pedal Paddle support the programs of the Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation (MBSEF).

The Kid’s PPP is taking place the next day, also a fun time.
23:30
Press Release: Post-PPP Demo Day at Tumalo Creek
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Press Releases [edit]

Tumalo Creek will have over a hundred boats to demo the day after the Pole, Pedal, Paddle

Did you miss Spring Paddlefest or are you still looking to find a boat that is just the right fit? On May 16, 2010 Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe will hold its annual Post-PPP Demo Day from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on the lawn behind the shop. Tumalo Creek’s demo fleet will triple in size in order to provide for the huge demand during race day. Kayaking experts will be on hand to help answer questions, fit paddlers into boats and offer advice.

This is a unique opportunity for new paddlers to try out a wide variety of boats as well as a chance for advanced paddlers who are looking to upgrade, but would like to gain a hands-on knowledge of what is available before investing in a new boat.

Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe has been proudly supporting the Pole, Pedal, Paddle with safety boaters for ten years running.

For more information contact Geoff Frank, owner, Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe at 541.317.9407 or geoff@aldercreek.com.

About Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe:

Tumalo Creek Kayak and Canoe has the largest selection of whitewater kayaks, sea kayaks, recreational kayaks, paddleboards and canoes in Central Oregon. We also offer a range of tours and classes to improve your kayaking skills. Whether you want to paddle the whitewater rivers of the Cascades or canoe across placid, high mountain lakes our super friendly staff of paddlers are here to help. Our locally owned and operated shop is located next to the Colorado Bridge off SW Industrial Way, right on the Deschutes River.

Join us for an awesome summer of music, boat demos, kids’ camps, BBQs, kayak & canoe classes, and our new Stand Up Paddleboard race series. Please check our events calendar at tumalocreek.com for the most up-to-date information.

Bend Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe changed its name to Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe: New name, same friendly staff serving Central Oregon for over a decade.
May 08, 2010
10:32
River Mill Grill is closed
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Restaurants [edit]

I received an email last night and confirmed it on their website—the River Mill Grill is closed.

We want to thank everyone that has been into the River Mill Grill over the last nine months for dinner. We have sold the restaurant and are no longer in operation.
Thank you so much for your patronage.

They were located on the edge of the Old Mill District, in the former Fireside Red location.
May 07, 2010
9:00
First Friday!
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Downtown [edit]

It’s the first Friday in May, which means tonight is the First Friday Art Walk. Downtown, the Old Mill District, and Northwest Crossing art galleries stay open late with receptions for guest artists and special presentations of new exhibits, and often feature live music and refreshments (wine!). It all goes on from 5pm until 9pm.

Downtown Bend has a good guide to the various galleries and exhibits available, which is worth checking out if you’re looking for something specific.
May 06, 2010
23:53
Completely random link of the day
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: beer [edit]

“Founders of 10 Barrel beer to be in TV pilot.”

A California-based production company will film 10 Barrel partners Garrett Wales, Chris Cox and Jeremy Cox Monday through Wednesday to produce the pilot of a reality television show about a group of young beer brewers, which the company hopes to sell to a television network, Chris Cox said. The production company approached the group of beer makers, who also own JC’s Bar & Grill, while looking nationally for a youthful, growing company to profile, Cox said.
May 04, 2010
23:57
Cinco de Mayo
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Events [edit]
It’s time (again) for one of America’s favorite co-opted [drinking] holidays—Cinco de Mayo! I’ve been looking around online for specific Cinco de Mayo-related events, and have thus far found a surprising scarcity of them.

The Mexican restaurants will of course be celebrating the day and will be good destinations. Here are some other happenings that I found:
- JC’s Bar & Grill is featuring $3 margaritas, Pacificos, and Coronas.
- Over at Seven Restaurant and Nightclub, Salsa dancing is the order of the night, with drink specials.
- The Summit Saloon is planning a Cinco de Mayo Fiesta with Mexican food and drink specials.
- Eric Tollefson will be playing Father Luke’s Room at McMenamins starting at 7pm—a free, all-ages show.
- Resource Fair and Cinco de Mayo Celebration in Sisters: A bilingual community-resource fair with information on health care, housing, education, employment and more; with music and folkloric dancing; free; 5-8 p.m.; Sisters Elementary School, 611 E. Cascade Ave.; 541-588-6298. (via the Bulletin)
- Miguel writes:
  My name is Miguel and I’m a server at Rancho Viejo in Sisters…we have a special going on this week: Lobster Enchiladas for only $16.95. They are the best enchiladas in the world. And of course, we have wonderful pomegranate margaritas…perfect for Cinco De Mayo. Tell your server that Miguel sent you!!
- Hola! posted on Facebook:
  BIG CINCO DE MAYO CELEBRATIONS at both Hola locations. Carnitas, LIVE Music, and of course the best Margaritas and Pisco Sours! Join us from 5pm to 10pm tonight!
- Joolz posted on Facebook:
  hibiscus hand-squeezed margarita, lebanese margarita with almandrado, big juicy grapefruit margarita, shaniko lamb tamales with chopped salad and harissa masa…sorry no re-fried beans… come on in, happy cinco de mayo with a twist
- Newport Avenue Market has specials on Corona and Pacifico beer today.
Know of others? Leave a note in the comments or let me know directly.

[Updated.]
May 02, 2010
23:28
“Jason Evers” and the OLCC’s mess
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Alcohol [edit]

So, with “Jason Evers” sitting in a jail in Idaho, accused of stealing the identity of a three-year old murder victim who died almost three decades ago (the Bulletin has a good summary) and up on federal charges, it certainly begs the question: what’s the OLCC (Oregon Liquor Control Commission) going to do about this?

So far, it doesn’t seem like much of anything.

What I wonder is, how many tickets and fines were issued in “Evers” name that local businesses were required to comply with and pay off? Is the OLCC prepared to pay every single one of these back and overturn the violations since they were (apparently) issued fraudulently? Seems to me that’s the minimum that should happen.

The OLCC’s going to be in hot water over this (to say the least). What do you all think?
April 30, 2010
23:03
The “Bend Ale Trail”
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: beer [edit]

Last week the Bulletin ran a story about the “Bend Ale Trail,” but I completely missed it because a) it’s behind the paywall and therefore unavailable to read online and b) I didn’t see it in their RSS feed anyway because of late they have cluttered up their feed with all of their available news items, particularly the AP stuff that’s not relevant to Central Oregon at all, and I don’t read their RSS feed anymore because of that.

But! I was able to find a copy of the article someone posted over at TravelChannel.com. It’s worth a read.

Visit Bend, the city’s tourism-promotion agency, has joined with area beermakers to create a self-guided tour, Doug La Placa, president and CEO of Visit Bend, told the agency’s board members Tuesday. It will feature the seven breweries in the city and Three Creeks Brewing Co. in Sisters.

An Ale Trail map will provide directions to the breweries and include a passport providing a spot for participants to collect stamps from each beermaker.

Those who collect all seven stamps from the Bend-based breweries can take the passport to the Visit Bend Welcome Center downtown and receive a Silipint, a foldable pint glass made out of silicone by tazlab, La Placa said, the Bend company that also makes a collapsible dog bowl and other pet products.

Brew fans who go the extra 22 miles to Sisters and get a stamp from Three Creeks Brewing, in addition to the seven Bend stamps, will receive a special surprise, which La Placa would not reveal.

Participants do not have to purchase anything. The campaign does not attempt to promote drinking or alcohol, La Placa said.

I want that collapsible pint glass. And I really like this idea; if I can find out more, I’ll post about it.

Incidentally, while searching for this I also stumbled across “Boneyard Brewing” (mentioned briefly in that article) and their Facebook page—you might remember a year and a half ago I blogged about the new “Brewtal Brewing” which was going to open in Bend. Yep, they had to change their name and they are now apparently brewing beer. (I was wondering what happened with that.)

They’re located at 37 NW Lake Place, near downtown. I need to go check them out.
April 28, 2010
12:35
Deschutes Brewery Casino Night
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Events [edit]
Geoffrey from All Around Bend emailed to remind me about Deschutes Brewery’s Casino Night, coming up Saturday, May 8th. I had seen the flier at the Brewery and forgotten to blog about it. It’s a benefit for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and starts at 6pm up at their Mountain Room.
Vegas Style Gaming with AMAZING prizes including:
- Oregon Brewers Festival Package
- Beer Dinner of Your Choice
- Deschutes Brewery Longboard
Tickets are only $50.00 per person (21 & over) and includes food, 2 beer tickets, raffle ticket and $40 in casino bucks.

Call Winter for tickets @ 541-385-8606
I don’t know specifically what sort of “Vegas style gaming” they will offer; probably blackjack, craps, and poker.
April 25, 2010
23:31
Blog updates
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Hack Bend [edit]

If you follow Hack Bend primarily through RSS, then you may not notice any changes, but if you visit the site regularly you will. I have (finally) upgraded the blog from my own homegrown software to WordPress, which will give me much more flexibility to do some things I’ve been wanting to do for awhile.

Right now the site looks more-or-less fine, but there are still going to be a number of tweaks and changes, and if anything looks wonky in the meantime, it’s probably on my list to be fixed. Bear with me! One of the things I’d like to do is completely revamp the theme so there might be a bit of chaos while I figure that out.

And I’ll still be trying to get some blogging out there for y’all at the same time. So if you find anything weird or wrong, or just have suggestions or ideas for me, drop me a line so I can check it out.
April 22, 2010
20:40
Versante Pizza
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Restaurants [edit]

We recently had dinner at the new(ish) Versante Pizza on the south side of town—located at the old Zydeco location on south Third Street in fact. The only thing we really knew about it going in was that it was supposed to be expensive (for pizza).

Well, to be honest, it is a bit expensive for pizza—a large pepperoni pizza for $22 is a bit steep, in my opinion—but to be fair it was very good and they are going for a more upscale, gourmet style of pizza.

What’s interesting is that they’re styling the restaurant itself as more of an old-school pizza parlor: lots of vintage metal signs on the walls (soda pop signs, old automotive signs), arcade games in the back, simple chairs and tables with checked tablecloths. It’s a neat ambiance and they’ve filled the Zydeco space pretty well.

We ordered large pizza for dinner, half barbecued chicken and half Hawaiian (the "Big Kahuna"). My wife thought the BBQ chicken could have used more sauce, but overall the pizza was hearty and filling and really quite good.

They have some other things on the menu (pastas, salads, oven-baked subs) and those seem priced more in-line with what you’d expect for such food. Yes, the pizza was a bit expensive—it’s not what we’d afford to order every weekend, for instance—but it’s a nice splurge and well worth it.

Bonus reviews: I had my kids write up their own reviews of Versante and promised to run them here. It’s a pretty kid-friendly place, and they liked it. Their words:

My daughter: Versante Pizza was amazing! I got BBQ Chicken pizza and it was the best pizza I’ve ever had. Everything was just how I liked it. The whole pizza was over the top. Versante Pizza is a place I would want to go to again. Versante rocks!

My son: We went to Versante Pizza. We got our drinks. Then we had our pizza. They were Hawaiian and BBQ Chicken. The food was very good. Then we left. I think that Versante Pizza is very good, that I would want to go there again.

Versante Pizza
1085 SE Third Street
Bend, OR 97702
541-318-9177
April 21, 2010
0:48
Two sites to visit
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Online [edit]

Posting links to a couple of sites I’ve not mentioned here before that are really useful.

First is BendHappyHour.com, featuring searchable listings of local bar and restaurant happy hours; they accept user submissions so if something you’re looking for isn’t on there, you can suggest it. My wife’s been following this one (they have a Facebook page too), and made a good point about how the new OLCC happy hour rule should help this take off. (The OLCC now allows places to advertise both times for a happy hour and the cost of the drinks—but not at the same time.)

The other is EyeOnBend, a site listing a bunch of live Bend webcams. (Via Jake.) Okay, maybe not as useful as the first link, but fun nonetheless.
April 20, 2010
0:35
Chris Parriera at The Wine Shop
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: music [edit]

The Silver Moon folks sent out a blurb today for music next Tuesday (the 27th), not at Silver Moon:

Just wanted to let you know that Arcata, CA singer-songwriter Chris Parriera will be doing an acoustic show at The Wine Shop downtown on Tuesday, April 27th at 7 p.m. There will be a $5 cover.

(As good a deal for live music as the regular Silver Moon shows.)

The Wine Shop is at 55 NW Minnesota, downtown.
April 16, 2010
0:34
Northwest Crossing Spring Festival this weekend
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Events [edit]

Just in time for the arrival of the nicer weather (or rather, the weather arrived just in time for this), Northwest Crossing is having a Bend Spring Festival from Friday through Sunday.

Celebrating the return of the sun, the renewal of the earth, and the launching of a busy Central Oregon outdoor season, the free Bend Spring Festival takes place in the downtown-like corridor of NW Crossing Drive, in the award winning NorthWest Crossing Neighborhood on Bend’s Westside. Thousands will come out to explore the original art, to get some tips from the Oregon State University Master Gardeners, to enjoy live music, great food, wine and beer. This is a lovely festival.

The NorthWest Crossing Bend Spring Festival will take place Friday, April 16th through Sunday April 18th. Friday evening kicks off with the Cascade Community School of Music – Wine Bop from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. through the NWX shops/restaurants on NWCrossing Drive. The activities Saturday run from 11a.m. – 10 p.m. and include a children’s performance area and an artist promenade with over 40 artists. Sunday the fun continues from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. with dance performances, live music, and outdoor gear retailers to get you ready for summer play.

Friday, April 16 – 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 17 – 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday, April 18 – 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Admission is free, and this sounds like it could be fun. There’s a full list of performers and schedules on the events page.
April 13, 2010
0:56
WebCyclery Movie Night, 4/20
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Movies [edit]

Once a month or so WebCyclery hosts a movie night at the McMenamins theater, usually themed (I think) around bicycling (of course). This month’s Movie Night is next Tuesday, April 20th, and features the movie "Asiemut":

WebCyclery and Co-Motion Cycles bring you Asiemut, a film about traveling far beyond what you perceive your limits are on a bicycle.

Asiemut is the video diary of a French Canadian couple, Mélanie & Olivier, that choose to have an adventure. Ultimately they pedal their mountain bikes 8000km through Asia and discover more than they had imagined about themselves, their world, and the people they meet along the way.

Asiemut will have you thinking about that journey that has always eluded you, and let you experience the true emotional range that one goes thru when undertaking a trip that, at times, seems like something far more difficult than expected. Their journey takes them from Mongolia to Kolkata, at the mouth of the Ganges in India, passing through Xinjiang, the Taklamakan desert, and thru Tibet & Nepal.

WebCyclery Movie Night at McMenamins is a fund raiser for Central Oregon Trail Alliance (cotamtb.com), it is mostly an excuse to get together with a theater full of like-minded cyclists to watch kick-ass bicycle movies, drink a beer, raise some money for local trails, and maybe win a cool door prize from Co-Motion Cycles and WebCyclery.

It starts at 9pm, and only costs $5. (21 and over only.)
April 10, 2010
0:47
Congrats to RuffWear and G5
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Business [edit]

Over on EDCO’s website they’ve pinged some news about local companies RuffWear and G5 Search Marketing:

Outside magazine names G5 Search Marketing and Ruff Wear to 50 “Best Places to Work” list in the U.S.
Snag the May issue of Outside Magazine (available on newsstands April 20) to check out its third annual “Best Places to Work” list. Outside partners with the Outdoor Industry Association and Best Companies Group to find the ultimate work environment. The process involves a year-long selection search to identify the best for-profit and non profit organizations with 15+ employees, then participating companies are sent confidential employee-satisfaction surveys and employer-questionnaires about company policies. Of the 50 selected, Ruffwear ranked No. 41 and G5 No. 42.

Kind of refreshing to see a magazine not just promoting Bend as "the next big thing" or whatever; but to get two companies on the top 50 in the U.S. seems pretty impressive. Big congrats to RuffWear and G5; keep up the good work.
April 07, 2010
0:52
Maragas Winery is selling their Bend Tasting Room
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: wine [edit]

The latest email newsletter from Maragas Winery has some interesting news: they are selling their Bend Tasting Room, and moving everything out to their winery north of Terrebonne.

With the completion of the winery, vineyard, and farm house, we know have everything in place for the next leg of our journey.

After much thoughtfulness, deliberation and communing with the wine gods, we are selling our beloved tasting room building in Bend so that she can fulfill someone else’s dreams.

Until the time that our building sells, we will be open at the tasting room by appointment only. Please contact us at (541) 546-5464 if you would like a tasting appointment or if you are interested in purchasing our building.

This seems like a counter-productive move; Central Oregon doesn’t exactly have the vibrant winery scene like Hood River, McMinnville, or Medford where part of the charm is the "wine tour." But maybe it’ll work out for them.

In the meantime, what would be a good business to move into their Tasting Room location? (The corner of Colorado and Bond.)
April 02, 2010
0:47
13th Annual Cascade Chainbreaker
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Sports [edit]

The good folks over at WebCyclery have sent along details for next month’s upcoming Cascade Chainbreaker mountain bike race:

WebCyclery will again be the sole sponsor/promoter of the 13th Annual Cascade Chainbreaker Mountain Bike Race, which will be held in Bend on Sunday, May 9, 2010. The Chainbreaker, which features cross-country racing for riders of various skill levels, typically attracts more than 300 mountain bikers from Oregon, Idaho, Washington and Northern California. It will be one of the largest mountain bike races in Oregon this year and it will allow riders to experience some of Bend’s best springtime riding. The course is laid out on private timberland west of Bend owned by Fidelity National Timber. The Deschutes Land Trust is working to purchase this property and create a community forest so that it remains publicly accessible while still being protected from development. Access to the race and pre-ride is provided through the cooperation of Fidelity National Timber and the Deschutes Land Trust and will allow contestants to experience some of the rustic remains of early 1900’s logging camps and tremendous Central Oregon scenery and terrain. More information on the race can be found at [www.webcyclery.com]

Competitors can register online before May 4th for $27 + $1 service charge for non-beginners, $20 for adult beginners + $1 service charge, and $10 for Juniors 18 & under + $1 service charge. Tandem teams are $37 + $1 service charge for online registration. After May 4th, on-line registration is $32 + $1 service charge. The day of the race it’s $37. Packet pickup will be Saturday, May 8th at WebCyclery (550 SW Industrial Way, Ste 20).

A portion of each registration fee will be donated to the Deschutes Basin Land Trust, whose mission is to work cooperatively with landowners to conserve land for wildlife, scenic views and local communities.

You might remember that WebCyclery also puts on the Firecracker 100 ride on the 4th of July.
March 31, 2010
0:26
Easter egg hunts
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Holidays [edit]

Easter’s just around the corner, and that means Easter egg hunts for kids is going to be the big activity this weekend. There are a number of community hunts available for the kids, and fortunately someone has rounded a bunch of them up (saving me the trouble!): my friend Martha has a post on her blog listing them.

There are eight events listed so far; if you know of others, leave a comment over there or shoot me an email, and I will.
March 29, 2010
0:30
Terrebonne Depot Brew Master's Dinner
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: beer [edit]

Back from spring break—since Friday, actually (yes, we actually went out of town)—and found this backlogged in my email from a few days before we left. Sounds pretty cool, and taking place out at the Terrebonne Depot.

Join us for a special evening of great food and beer!

On Tuesday March 30, 2010 we will be hosting a private Brew Master Dinner with Silver Moon Brewing of Bend. This will be a five course dining event paired with selected beers from Silver Moon Brewing.

The evening will feature a very special dinner menu created by Executive Chef Kristin Yurdin. Tyler Reichert owner of Silver Moon Brewing will be at the event and will take us through his fine local beverages.

Tickets are $45.00 with beer pairing or $35.00 without beer.

The event will start at 6pm.

Stay tuned for the special dinner menu with beer pairing in the next few weeks.

Reservations are required and space is limited so make your reservations soon!

Reservations can be made by e-mail or phone 541.548.5030.

And, here’s the menu they’re presenting:

1st Course
Pork Belly Napoleon with Creole Barbecue Sauce
Saison de Moon

2nd Course
House Salted Cod Brandade with Mustard Seed Sauce and Balsamic Vinegar Reduction
Hop Thief Pale Ale

3rd Course
Braised Beef Short Ribs in Red Wine Sauce with House Smoked Boar Sausage over Creamy Polenta
Brown Eyes Ale

4th Course
Green Apple and Jicama Slaw with Crumbled Crater Lake Blue Cheese and Spiced Pecans
Snake Bite Porter

5th Course
Caramel Pot de Crème with Russian Tea Cookie
Hoptygon Imperial IPA
March 22, 2010
7:00
Spring break
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Blogging [edit]

Since spring break is in full swing, I’m taking most of the week to take a "spring break" from the blogging and recharging a bit. I’ll probably still be online a bit (can’t shake that habit for long, you know), but in the meantime, don’t break anything while I’m not looking.
March 19, 2010
0:40
Amalia's Mexican restaurant and distillery
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Restaurants [edit]

A bit of interesting downtown restaurant news from the Bulletin today: a new Mexican restaurant, Amalia’s, is taking over the old Ciao Mambo spot and opening up next Friday (the 26th). But the interesting part is the booze:

Amalia’s also will distill its own tequila, [owner James] Orsillo said. More than 100 types of margaritas will be served at the restaurant, which will be open from noon to 11 p.m. on weekdays and noon to close on weekends. It also will feature a late-night happy hour, and salsa classes on Fridays and Saturdays.

A tequila distillery? I know of no other such places in Oregon; unfortunately, the article doesn’t specify whether they will in fact distill their tequila here in town (from the agave plant) or contract it out elsewhere and import it.

But it definitely sounds like something worth checking out.
March 17, 2010
1:18
St. Patrick's Pub Hoppers guide
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Alcohol [edit]

It’s that time again—St. Patrick’s Day! Although it’s a Wednesday this year, that shouldn’t stop you from having a good time, so here’s my "official" pub-hopping guide for the holiday. As always, it’s not definitive, but a list of the places that strike me as St. Patty’s-appropriate (more in the spirit of the pub rather than the club).

And, a number of places will have St. Patty’s-specific menus and events going on, too.

First, the breweries:

Deschutes Brewery
1044 NW Bond St.
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 382-9242

Bend Brewing Company
1019 NW Brooks St.
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 383-1599

McMenamins Old St. Francis School
700 NW Bond St.
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 330-8563

Cascade Lakes Lodge
1441 SW Chandler Ave. Suite 100
Bend, OR 97702
(541) 388-4998

Silver Moon Brewing
24 NW Greenwood Ave.
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 388-8331

10 Barrel Brewpub
1135 NW Galveston
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 678-5228

JC’s Bar and Grill (10 Barrel Brewing)
642 NW Franklin Ave.
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 383-3000

Downtown, or close by:

The Blacksmith
211 NW Greenwood
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 318-0588

Brother Jon’s Public House
1227 NW Galveston
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 306-3321

D & D Bar & Grill
927 NW Bond St.
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 382-4592

M & J Tavern
102 NW Greenwood Ave.
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 389-1410

Sidelines Sports Bar
1020 NW Wall St.
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 385-8898

The Summit Saloon and Stage
125 NW Oregon Ave.
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 749-2440

Downtown, cont.

Wall Street Grill (behind Taj Palace)
917 NW Wall St.
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 385-7098

Elsewhere:

The Abbey Pub
1740 NW Pence Lane
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 323-2337

Black Horse Saloon
20565 Brinson Blvd.
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 382-4270

Cascade West Grub & Alehouse
64 SW 14th St.
Bend, OR 97702
(541) 389-1853

Cheerleader’s Grill & Sports Pub
913 NE Third St.
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 330-0631

Grover’s Pub & Pizza
939 SE 2nd St.
Bend, OR 97702
(541) 382-3754

Reed Pub
1141 SE Centennial Ct.
Bend, OR 97702
(541) 312-2800

Southside Pub
61160 S. Highway 97 #B
Bend, OR 97702
(541) 383-7672

Timber’s East
2570 NE Twin Knolls Dr.
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 383-3502

The Mountain’s Edge
(formerly Timber’s South)
61331 S. Highway 97
Bend, OR 97702
(541) 388-8178

Westside Tavern
930 NW Galveston Ave.
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 382-4810

Players
25 SW Century Dr.
Bend, OR 97702
(541) 389-2558

Rivals Sports Bar
2650 NE Division
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 749-2004
0:41
St. Patrick's Day Feast at The Jackalope
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Events [edit]

The Jackalope Grill is having a St. Patrick’s Day Feast tomorrow:

We are offering our Dublin salad, braised beef brisket and Grandma Collins Chocolate Cake with fresh berries and clotted cream for $22.00. Corkage fee for this event will be waived.

I’m not sure of the reservations situation, but you can call 541-318-8435 to find out the details.

They’re more of a wine place, but I don’t know if they offer any Irish wines to go with the day; and I really don’t know what they offer for other drinks. But the menu they’re listing sounds like it would pair nicely with a dry Irish stout.
March 16, 2010
0:35
Renegade Rollergirls, March 20th
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Sports [edit]

Coming up this Saturday the 20th is the next Renegade Rollergirls bout; the press release came today. Here are the details:

WHAT: March 20th, 2010 Will host another no holds-barred roller derby bout in Bend! Oregon Renegade Roller Derby; Bend’s only non-profit Roller Derby League, will hold their third bout of their 4th season at Midtown Music Hall, located on Greenwood Ave. The Renegades will be competing in a bouting event including guest skaters from Washington and Oregon. This is a no holds barred bout, full of hardcore skating abilities, wipeouts, bumps, bruises and cat fighting fistfights. This event is sponsored by The Source, 92.7FM, Action Typesetting and Printing, THEM! Marketing, Players Bar and Grill and Midtown Music Hall. Doors open at 7 p.m., action begins at 8 p.m. Admission is $10.00 and kids 10 and younger are free. There will be an after party with at Players on Century Drive. Presale tickets are available at Aspect Board Shop, Mum’s Tattoos or from your favorite rollergirl. Tickets are also available for purchase at the door beginning at 2pm the day of the event.

WHEN: March 20, 2010. Doors open at 7 p.m., actions starts at 8 p.m. $10 for general admission, 10 and under are free. Presale tickets are available at Aspect Board Shop, Mum’s Tattoos or from your favorite rollergirl. Tickets are also available for purchase at the door beginning at 2pm the day of the event.

WHERE: The event will be played at Midtown Music Hall, located at 51 NW Greenwood Ave, downtown Bend, Oregon. After party to follow at Players located at 25 SW Century Drive, Bend, Oregon.
March 13, 2010
8:48
Press Release: Whitewater Slalom Kayak Race
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Press Releases [edit]

Whitewater Slalom kayak race in Bend is a unique opportunity for both competitors and spectators

2nd Annual Riverhouse Rendezvous Slalom No. 2 will take place March 28, 2010 at 10 a.m. in the Deschutes River behind the Riverhouse Convention Center and Hotel in north Bend. Throughout the day, paddlers divided by age group, type of boat and gender will test their skills and endurance on the quarter-mile whitewater course.

Where the mountain snow is transformed into gushing whitewater play parks every spring – is known world-wide as a great destination for the whitewater kayaker, and slalom racing has been a part of this tradition in Bend since the 70s.

Last year, kayak enthusiasts Bert Hinkley (Pacific Northwest representative of the National Whitewater Slalom Committee), and Geoff Frank (owner, Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe) worked together to revive the Riverhouse Rendezvous whitewater kayak slalom race, this time in it’s fourth re-incarnation. Drawing top paddlers from Oregon and Washington, the race is part of the Northwest Cup slalom paddle series and is a Junior Olympic qualifier.

“We were happy for such a great turn out last year,” said Hinkley. “It was especially great to see so many Bend locals come and race their recreation boats.”

Whitewater slalom kayaking as been a sport since the 1940s, when Swiss alpine skiers embraced the runoff from the mountains to race the rivers on their off-season. Today, this spectator-friendly sport is known to test not only the physical skill of paddlers, but their knowledge of the river and their ability to use currents and river features to their advantage.

“The Riverhouse is such an amazing venue to have a race like this because spectators can watch the paddlers up close,” said Hinkley. “Usually we are out in the middle of the woods somewhere.”

For more information on the race and volunteer opportunities please contact Bert Hinkley bert@webskis.com or Geoff Frank geoff@aldercreek.com.

For more details on last year’s event, please see this excellent article by Bend Bulletin Sports Reporter, Katie Brauns:

[www.bendbulletin.com]
8:25
MS Walk registration and beer
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Events [edit]

The MS Walk is coming up in Bend next month (April 17th at the Les Schwab Amphitheater), and registrations for it are coming up later this month. Last year I blogged about their registration efforts at Deschutes Brewery, and this year they're going the beer route again (from a Facebook posting):

MS Walk registration at Abbey Pub on March 24th 5pm - 7pm. Register to walk and get $1.00 off one beer! If you haven't been you are missing out. Located Pence way near COCC. This is a great cause. Come register and have some fun!!
March 09, 2010
22:55
New BendFilm series
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Movies [edit]

If you've ever wanted to participate in BendFilm but just didn't have the time or money (or whatever) to attend the annual local film festival, they're kicking off a new monthly series at McMenamins Old St. Francis School that will let you catch up.

(I missed posting this yesterday, it was the first day for this, sorry about that. Look for it again next month though.)

BendFilm is kicking off a new film series at McMenamins Old St. Frances School. It is called "Reel Indies". Doors open at 6:00 and films begin screening at 6:30 pm. Tickets cost $6.00 for BendFilm members and $7.00 for the general public. This will be a monthly series screening in both Sisters (at the Sisters Movie House) and in Bend. For more information, please contact BendFilm at 541.388.FEST or email info@bendfilm.org
22:55
New BendFilm series
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Movies [edit]

If you've ever wanted to participate in BendFilm but just didn't have the time or money (or whatever) to attend the annual local film festival, they're kicking off a new monthly series at McMenamins Old St. Francis School that will let you catch up.

(I missed posting this yesterday, it was the first day for this, sorry about that. Look for it again next month though.)

BendFilm is kicking off a new film series at McMenamins Old St. Frances School. It is called "Reel Indies". Doors open at 6:00 and films begin screening at 6:30 pm. Tickets cost $6.00 for BendFilm members and $7.00 for the general public. This will be a monthly series screening in both Sisters (at the Sisters Movie House) and in Bend. For more information, please contact BendFilm at 541.388.FEST or email info@bendfilm.org
March 08, 2010
23:39
Press Release: Free Document Shredding Event & Food Drive Set for Saturday, March 20
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Press Releases [edit]

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and Data Delete of Oregon are collaborating March 20, to provide residents the opportunity to safely destroy personal documents and learn identity theft prevention tips. At the event, the Sheriff’s Office will also have a deputy available to collect outdated or unwanted prescription medication or over-the-counter drugs.

Data Delete of Oregon will be offering on-site document destruction at no cost to the public Saturday March 20. The event will take place at the Bend Sheriff’s Office parking lot, 63333 W Hwy 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

NEW this year: The Sheriff’s Office is asking event participants to consider bringing a donation of non-perishable food to benefit Neighbor Impact (www.neighborimpact.org). A Neighbor Impact representative will be at the event to collect food items and to answer questions about the organization.

The drug disposal program is designed to keep unwanted or unused medications away from abusers, children and animals. The program is also intended to reduce negative environmental impact by using proper disposal practices.

“We want to make Deschutes County citizens aware of the risks of improper document and drug disposal while helping local families at need in the community,” said Sheriff Larry Blanton.

The event is intended for private residential document shredding and drug disposal, not for business or company disposal. At the event, the Sheriff’s Office will also have an information booth to provide citizens with the information on how to avoid becoming an identity theft victim and what to do if you believe your identity has already been stolen.

No advance document sorting is necessary as shredding equipment can destroy paperwork with paper clips or staples attached. File folders and binders may also be shredded.

The Sheriff’s Office will continue its efforts of providing this service on a quarterly basis at Sheriff’s Offices in Sisters, Terrebonne and La Pine.
March 06, 2010
9:47
RIP KOHD
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: News [edit]

As of yesterday, KOHD news is no more.

The first story I saw about it was this one Thursday evening, twittered by KTVZ's Nina Mehlhaf.

Employees at the ABC affiliate were informed this morning [Thursday] that the station will become a Bend bureau for KEZI, Chambers Communications' sister station in Eugene. Bend employees will then create local packages for KEZI-produced Bend cut-ins.

Their last locally-produced newscast was last night at 11pm.

Yesterday morning KOHD posted their official notice/letter on their Facebook page:

Unfortunately, KOHD News viewer’s habits are not reflected positively in Nielson ratings. Factor in the dramatic impact of the economic conditions since The Great Depression, we now are taking the next logical step and changing our news product that better matches the current trend of how people get their news.

The result, after careful thought and review, KOHD-TV has made the decision to discontinue the station’s current schedule of news programming. KOHD will air its last regularly scheduled newscast in its current form at 11 PM on March 5th.. However, a news team will remain at KOHD, providing solid local coverage for the Bend market with news and weather updates – both on-air and online – throughout the day. These updates will air more frequently than the current long form shows, including reports every half hour in the morning, weather updates every hour during the day, and news updates again in the evening at 5, 6 and 7pm. At 11pm there will be a 10 minute broadcast that will give viewers all the day's local news, weather and sports.

It's unfortunate that this (once again) gives KTVZ a virtual monopoly on local TV. I think KTVZ upped their quality when they had serious competition, despite the sometimes painful-to-watch efforts of their newcomers, but I remember back before KOHD (and Fox) offered any alternatives, KTVZ was really frustrating: such is the quality of the lone TV station in a small market.

Is Bend/Central Oregon large enough to support more than one local TV station/news program? Obviously three years ago we all thought so, but now the answer apparently appears to be "no." Which sucks.
March 05, 2010
16:00
First Friday
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Events [edit]

It's the first Friday of March, so downtown Bend, the Old Mill District, and Northwest Crossing are hosting their monthly First Friday Art Walk. Art galleries and businesses will be open from 5 until 9pm (or later), many offering music and refreshments also. Here's the details I have on the calendar:

The streets of Bend fill with art patrons on the first Friday of every month as art galleries in Downtown Bend, the Old Mill District, and Northwest Crossing stay open late with receptions for guest artists and special presentations of new exhibits.

In addition, the First Friday experience also includes musical performances and refreshments at selected galleries. 5-9pm.

Catch the free shuttle driven by Bend's own John Flannery of Green Energy Transport to take you from downtown Bend to the Old Mill District and Northwest Crossing to celebrate wine, art & music all over Bend. The shuttle runs from 5:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. and leaves from 900 Wall St. beginning at 5 p.m. The loop is about an hour and is free for riders.

The Downtown Bend site has a good guide for the various businesses that are participating tonight—check it out and plan your night around it.
March 04, 2010
23:38
Press Release: 2010 High Desert BMX racing season begins
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Press Releases [edit]

Season runs from March 20th through October

The High Desert BMX is a local non-profit organization located in Bend, Oregon at Big Sky Park. BMX racing is an all age family oriented sport that competes on local, state, and national levels. Training and race events are held several times per week. Our goal is to provide a safe, structured and positive place for families and community to learn and compete in BMX athletics.
One day free trial memberships are offered and loaner gear is available.
Annual membership in the American Bicycle Association is required thereafter.
For more information, please check out our web site www.highdesertbmx.org

WHEN:
Opening day Saturday March 20th registration and practice 12:00-2:00. Races begin ASAP
Mondays and Wednesdays beginning March 22nd- August; registration and practice 5:30-6:30. Races begin ASAP
September and October times TBA

WHERE:
Big Sky Park and Sports Complex located at 21690 Neff Rd Bend , Oregon 97701

ABOUT:
HDBMX is a non profit organization run entirely by volunteers. The organization is creating partnerships with other local groups to promote this healthy and enriching hobby. Our efforts reflect what is happening in many communities. The number of BMX racers around the world has steadily grown and the hobbyists and professionals have created an exciting culture. BMX racing has even become the newest Olympic sport. Anyone interested in learning more is invited to contact High Desert BMX

ACTIVISM:
High Desert BMX participates annually in local community coat drive, canned food drive and Toy drive fundraisers. Also HDBMX raises funds for the Leukemia research in a “Race for Life” event.
March 02, 2010
15:00
Silver Moon's March calendar
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: music [edit]

Silver Moon kicks off their March music calendar with tonight's non-musical show: the Volcanic Theatre presentation of David Mamet's "Bobby Gould in Hell", a one-act play. The doors open for that show at 7pm tonight, and unless you pre-bought tickets for the $7 price (via bendticket.com), the cost is $10 at the door.

Here's their full March calendar:
Day Band/event Time Cost 2nd Volcanic Theatre- Bobby Gould in Hell 8pm $7/$10 3rd Lynx and Janover 8pm $7 5th Tony Smiley 9pm $5 6th Tone Red 9pm $5 9th Open Mic with Tall Adam 8pm Free 10th Bend Poetry Slam 8pm $5 11th Peace of Mind Orchestra 8pm $5 12th One Horse Shy CD Release 9pm $5 13th Blind Citizens/ Manifest Destiny (two acts featuring local poets/spoken word artists) 9pm $5 14th 2nd Annual Jim Jam in Remembrance of Jim Witty 1-4pm 17th Mark Ransom and The Mostest 8pm $5 18th Great American Taxi
Smokestack and The Foothill Fury 8pm $10 20th Nettle Honey/ Mai from Moon Mountain 9pm 21st John Cruz 7pm $15/$17 24th HERstory Open Mic
In celebration of Women’s History Month, proceeds benefit Human Dignity Coalition 7pm $5 25th 10 Foot Tall and 80 Proof 8pm $5 26th Disco Organica 9pm $5 27th Gary Fulkerson CD Release 9pm tbd 28th 2010 Roller Rumble Race Series (new event, six consecutive Sundays!) 7pm $5 31st Elephant Revival 8pm $7
March 01, 2010
19:26
Kohl's
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Shopping [edit]

Kohl's is opening this week to much fanfare—actually, they opened yesterday, but their Grand Opening celebration is this Wednesday, the 3rd, according to the Bulletin. (According to the Kohl's website, the Bend Grand Opening is the 24th.)

This is one of those places, like Olive Garden, that a lot of people are excited about; certainly the construction over the past few months behind the Bend River Promenade (right next to the Parkway) has been highly visible and kept it fresh in people's minds.

But I can't help but think about Gottschalks all over again; and we all saw how that turned out. (The Bulletin mentions this too, and points out that Kohl's has actually been profitable during this recession.)

What do you all think? Excited, or blasé?

If you go, Kohl's hours are 8am to 10pm Monday through Saturday, and 9 to 9 Sunday.
February 25, 2010
23:07
Bend Brewing turns 15!
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: beer [edit]

I almost missed this by my wife spotted the news on the Downtown Bend site: Bend Brewing Company is turning 15 this month and this Saturday (February 27th) they're having their 15th anniversary party!

Here's the skinny from the Downtowners:

Saturday, February 27th marks the fifteenth anniversary of the BBC. The anniversary party will last all day, beginning at 11:30 a.m. with half-priced appetizers and $2.50 pints of beer, both of which will be served until closing time that evening.

From 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., visit the BBC Garage Sale. Miscellaneous merchandise, including shirts, hats, pint glasses and more, will be offered at very good prices. Guests will also have the opportunity to win tons of great raffle prizes from 5 to 10 p.m.

From 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., enjoy live music on the patio from The Buck Rodgers Band, known far and wide for their progressive alt rock with a twist of psycho-billy and infused psychedelic jams. Fire pits will keep revelers warm as they boogie, and a server will be on hand to ensure crowds are adequately fed and watered.

I bolded the best parts. It's gonna be epic. Who's going to be there?

Congrats BBC!
February 24, 2010
23:41
Ignite Bend 4 - Thursday the 25th
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Events [edit]

Depending on when you are reading this, either tomorrow or today is Ignite Bend 4. I don't know how this slipped completely under my radar, but Ignite is definitely something cool you'll want to see—either in person at the Tower Theatre or via live webcast.

Here's the meat of the press release:

Tower Theatre ‐ Bend, OR
February 25, 2010 ‐ 7pm (Doors open at 6:30pm)

Ignite Bend 4 will be webcast live thanks to our multimedia partner, Pinnacle Media. Presentations may also be selected for inclusion in the O’Reilly “Ignite Show” which highlights a different talk from Ignite events around the world for weekly broadcast at their site.
ABOUT IGNITE BEND – If you had five minutes on stage what would you say? What if you only got 20 PowerPoint slides and they rotated automatically every 15 seconds? Around the world people have been putting together “Ignite” nights to share their answers. Visit the Ignite Bend website to find out more about local events.

And here's the schedule of speakers:

Kevin Smyth – What is Ignite?
Michelle Goodin – 143 Species in 4 Days (or something like that)
Ethan Maffey – 100 Live in 2009
Meri Glade – Stories from the Camera Phone of a Technomad
Nick Reese – “Try Not To Die”: Advice on Completing Your First Triathlon

Intermission: 30 minutes (Kousefly)

Jeff Browning – Ultramarathons
Janette Sherman – I wish my life was a musical
Paul Arney – 6 months in 901 words, a poem.
Shannon Hinderberger – Vacationing Nebraska Style
Justin Iverson – Dr. Strangecoop or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Egg
Paul Evers – Conviction

Admission is free but: "Tickets are still available here: http://ib4.eventbrite.com. Reserving an advance ticket is the best way to guarantee admission to what we hope will be a full house."
12:29
Beer news
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: beer [edit]

Couple of beer-related items kicking off today.

First, McMenamins is having their last-Wednesday-of-the-month Limited Release beer tasting tonight, starting at 5pm:

Bring all your beer-minded friends out to try a specially released beer, with pints selling at Happy Hour prices all night long (or 'til the keg is kicked!).

"Admission" is free though you'll still pay for the beer, of course.

Also today is the grand opening of 10 Barrel Brewing's new westside brewpub, over on Galveston. The Bulletin has a short writeup today, with a few details:

The pub will open at 11 a.m. daily and will serve 10 different 10 Barrel beers, plus a full menu of pizzas, burgers, salads and more. The 3,000-square-foot building has an 80-person capacity, as well as four large garage doors that will be opened when the weather permits, said co-partner Garrett Wales.

The new pub's address is 1135 NW Galveston, in the former DiLusso Bakery building.
February 22, 2010
23:17
Bend on Wikitravel; Shoji's
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Online [edit]

I was browsing the Bend page on Wikitravel (ever checked out Wikitravel? It's basically Wikipedia for travel guides) and though I was expecting something pretty sparse, there's actually more detail there that touches on some decent points.

(Though it could really use a good editorial hand going over it.)

But I will give credit to the fact that it revealed something that I don't think I already knew (or if I did, I didn't blog about it): Shoji's is closed. The Japanese flair restaurant that was over by Shopko closed last summer (confirmation from the Bulletin).

Odd place to get restaurant news; you'd think if something was closed it wouldn't still be on the wiki page.
February 18, 2010
23:30
Cascade Winds: From Russia With Love
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: music [edit]

Even though the upcoming Cascade Winds Symphonic Band's winter concert sounds like a James Bond movie, in reality it "will feature important literature either about Russia, or from famous Russia composers." Don't be dissuaded by that, though; the (always) free concert is coming up on Sunday, March 7th, at the Summit High School Auditorium.

The Cascade Winds Symphonic Band will present the second concert of their 2009-2010 season, From Russia With Love, under the baton of music director Dan Judd, March 7, 2:00 p.m. at Summit High School auditorium. Featured soloist is Dr. Mark Babbitt, trombone professor at Central Washington University. The concert is free, although donations are gratefully accepted, open to the public and suitable for all ages. For more information visit www.cascadewinds.org or call 593-1635. Summit High School is located at 2855 NW Clearwater Drive, Bend.

Of course, now I have the theme song to that Bond movie stuck in my head.

Hat tip to Jake.
February 17, 2010
12:46
Wednesday night music
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: music [edit]

Every Wednesday McMenamins offers up free music starting at 7pm; tonight they are featuring Blue Turtle Seduction as part of their "Great Northwest Music Tour."

This five-piece rock / bluegrass / reggae / hip-hop hybrid from South Lake Tahoe, CA, captures the upbeat party vibe and jovial ambiance of their hometown, and hits the Pacific NW in support of their latest work, 13 Floors.

It's all ages as well, so you don't have to worry about leaving the kids with a sitter if you're heading down to check it out.

Over at Silver Moon, they are featuring Wayne Newcome and Problem Stick, starting tonight at 8pm. Cover is $5 and the show starts at 8pm. Unless they otherwise specify (and they haven't), assume the Silver Moon shows are not all ages.
February 15, 2010
23:27
Silver Moon Theater
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Theater [edit]

Silver Moon Brewing is not only one of the music hotspots of Bend, they're even moving into theater now. I got this email about it, which I think is interesting:

I'm excited to announce that Volcanic Theatre and The Actors Realm will be launching its first production, “Bobby Gould in Hell” by David Mamet at Silver Moon Brewing on Tuesday, March 2nd at 8pm.

Beer Theatre is an exciting new concept that brings live theatre to audiences and alcohol induced revelers. The short one-act plays are often thought provoking and always funny. The first show Bobby Gould in Hell begins when a misogynistic narcissist wakes up in Hell to be interrogated by the Devil himself. The Devil, who would rather be fishing, attempts to convince Bobby that he has been indeed a ‘Bad Man.’ The lunacy continues when The Devil and his Assistant bring a woman ‘down’ as an eye witness to attest to Bobby’s ‘acts of a bad man.’ Mamet’s razor sharp dialogue is blazingly original and on occasion profane, but ultimately is exactly what you’d expect from the Pulitzer Prize Winning Playwright: Very Smart. Bobby Gould in Hell is the ideal play to begin Volcanic Theatre’s quest to thrill audiences all over Oregon and bring live intimate theatre to bar patrons and audiences alike.

Pre-sale tickets $7 at www.bendticket.com. $10 at the door. Doors open at 7PM.

Small-cast, one-act plays could work well in their more intimate venue, I think.
February 13, 2010
10:22
Weekend happenings
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Weekend Happenings [edit]
A bunch of stuff going on this holiday weekend.
Saturday
- WinterFest of course continues at the Old Mill District, from 11am until 10pm with a schedule full of events:
  - 11:30am: High School Cross Country Ski Sprint Races
  - 2pm: Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe demos
  - 5pm: The U.S. Cellular Rail Jam – Snowboard Competition
  - 5:30pm: The Dirty Words live on stage
  - 7pm: Brynna Dean and Her Sympathetic Strings live on stage
  - 8:30pm: Hell's Belles live on stage
- Ruff Wear is holding a Demo (Sample) Sale from 2 to 4pm: "Ruff Wear Demo and Used Gear Sale - Get your Ruff Wear gear for up to 70% off. We will be selling used, sample and returned gear at major discount. Proceeds to benefit COTA (Central Oregon Trail Alliance)." Cash only sale, and all sales are final.
- Also starting at 2pm is the Central Oregon Symphony Children's Concert being held at the Bend High School Auditorium—this show is completely free and will be fun and interactive for kids (recommended for ages 5 and older).
- Silver Moon Brewing is hosting a WinterFest afterparty starting at 9pm, featuring Brynna Dean and her Sympathetic Strings (who also plays WF at 7pm). Cost is $3 to get in if you have a WinterFest button, $5 otherwise.
- Saturday is also Zwickelmania, a free Oregon beer celebration hosted by the Oregon Brewers Guild. Our local breweries are participating with free tours (roughly scheduled from 11 to 4) and have some specials planned:
  - Deschutes Brewery will have samples of 2009 Super Jubel available in the tasting room (along with tours).
  - Bend Brewing is featuring a special tour of the brewhouse and they should have their award-winning HopHead and Outback X on tap.
  - McMenamins Old St. Francis School is featuring their "1000 Mile Journey Baltic Porter, the 1000th batch brewed on site at St. Francis".
  - Silver Moon Brewing will be holding tours and I just got an email saying, "To celebrate Valentine's Day, [the brewers] have put together a half barrel of Chocolate Snake Bite Porter, and it is due to be tapped around 12 noon today."
  - 10 Barrel, Cascade Lakes, and Three Creeks will all be doing tours, as well.
Sunday
- More WinterFest from 11am to 6pm, including:
  - 1 to 2pm: The Sled Dawg Races (for humans)
  - 1, 3, and 5pm: Metal Mulisha (motocross)
- Valentine's Day at the Blacksmith, mixing up aphrodisiac cocktails with Columbine starting at 1pm. ($25)
- Montana Slim String Band plays Silver Moon Brewing at 7pm. Cover is $8, or 2 for $15.
February 11, 2010
23:42
Valentine's Day at The Blacksmith
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Holidays [edit]

Valentine's Day is Sunday, and The Blacksmith has something special in mind for you:

Spend the afternoon in the cozy environs of the Blacksmith learning how to make aphrodisiac cocktails with Columbine Quillen, considered one of the nation’s top mixologists.

Space is limited.
Reservations are required.
This Sunday February 14 at 1 p.m.
$25 includes appetizers.

Aphrodisiac cocktails! How well do you suppose they'd pair with the erotic pastries from the Sparrow Bakery?
February 09, 2010
19:39
Press Release: Storefront Project for Young Writers: Free, Fun and Fabulous!
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Press Releases [edit]

It's Free, It's Fun, It's Fabulous!
Come to the Grand Opening and Find Out What the Buzz is All About.
Mark Your Calendar - February 11, 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.

The Storefront Project is a new program that provides free drop-in creative writing workshops and one-on-one writing and language arts tutoring for middle- and high-schoolers. The Bend Bulletin recently reported on the Storefront Project. Click here to read all about it.

Conveniently located in downtown Bend in Dudley's Bookshop Cafe at 135 NW Minnesota Ave. (thank you Terri Cumbie!), the Storefront Project aims to appeal to all segments of young writers, including traditional and alternative school students, home schoolers, homeless students, and everyone who is interested in developing creative writing skills.

Students can drop in any time and participate in a workshop on Mondays or Thursdays between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. Individual tutoring is available after the workshops.

Interested in supporting the Storefront Project and other valuable programs of The Nature of Words? We need your help to keep this program going, as well as our Creative-Writing-in-the-Schools program, Rising Star Creative Writing Competition for young writers, and scholarships for our annual November literary festival. We welcome your donation via mail to The Nature of Words, P.O. Box 56, Bend, OR 97709. Or use the convenient PayPal link on our website. Join us at the Storefront Project Grand Opening on February 11 to learn more and meet some of the young writers participating in the workshops. Have questions or can't make it to the grand opening? Call The Nature of Words at 541.330.4381 or email info@thenatureofwords.org. Or visit us at www.thenatureofwords.org.

We look forward to hosting you at the Storefront Project and demonstrating how The Nature of Words is nurturing the creative writing skills of young writers in our area.

Remember: Storefront Project Grand Opening, Thursday, February 11th, 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
February 08, 2010
20:07
Baldy's BBQ 5th anniversary
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Restaurants [edit]

I'm totally stealing this from Bend Oregon Restaurants:

This week Baldy's BBQ is celebrating their 5th Anniversary with $5 specials all week long. From what I've heard, they're doing $5 full racks, smothered fries, dozen wings, 2 pulled pork or chicken sandwiches, and more + drink specials.

**Update**
After lunch at Baldy's today (Monday) I have the $5 specials:
- Full Rack of ribs (these are the Danish ribs, little smaller than their normal but well worth $5)
- 2 pulled pork sandwiches
- 2 pulled chicken sandwiches
- Dozen smoked wings (had them for Super Bowl and they are gooood)
- Smothered fries
$5 drink specials as well
**/Update**

Then Saturday they have a FREE pig roast in the parking lot, with live music (the boxcar string band), raffle prizes, Ski/snowboard equipment, Sunriver weekend for two, and Baldy's gift cards.
February 04, 2010
22:51
Restaurant closings
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Restaurants [edit]

Saw something about this the other day, I think, but the Bulletin has an article today: Ciao Mambo in downtown Bend closed its doors.

Local eatery Ciao Mambo closed its doors last week after serving Italian cuisine to Bend for more than a year.

Owner Gary Sather cited the down economy as the primary reason for shutting down. He said he has been planning to close Ciao Mambo, which employed 17 people, for months.

“The economy is just real bad in Bend,” Sather said. “Our business model didn’t fly under the conditions.”

I thought it was probably doing all right, so I'm a bit surprised to read that the owner planned the closing for so long.

And news comes out today that McGrath's Fish House (over by the Bend River Mall Promenade) is filing for bankruptcy; there are no plans for closing—yet—but it sure seems like an ominous sign. If they do end up closing this year, I wouldn't be surprised in light of the Chapter 11.
February 03, 2010
19:02
Jubel 2010 Release Party!
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: beer [edit]

This Friday (the 5th) is Deschutes Brewery's Release Party for Jubel 2010, their latest big beer bottling for their "Super Jubel"—a 10% alcohol "double" version of their seasonal Jubelale. This is only the second time they've ever bottled it (the first being in 2000), so the Release Party should be fun:

Jubel 2010 beer on tap with special menu items. Bottles for sale (6 bottle limit). First 100 guests will receive a Jubel 2010 commemorative goblet.
For more information, please call the Bend Pub at 541-382-9242.

The party officially kicks off at 6pm, and you'll probably want to get there early.
February 02, 2010
13:00
Central Oregon Symphony Children's Concert
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Events [edit]

Jake forwarded this to me:

If you are receiving this, then I know you to have a love of classical music. We are very happy to be presenting a children’s concert on Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 2 pm. For all of us at COS this concert is in loving memory of our cellist Virginia Riggs. Virginia Riggs passed away in December. She had been with us for 39 years. Virginia led a life that we all admired. And we miss her. She believed strongly in supporting musical education for children and taught many Central Oregon students how to play the cello.

Click here to view the flier graphic that was attached. Additional details: it's free, and should last about one hour, at the Bend High School auditorium.
February 01, 2010
19:06
WinterFest
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Events [edit]

It's that time of year again already: Bend WinterFest is just around the corner. Billed as "Central Oregon's Premier Winter Festival" (well, it's also the only winter festival), it takes over the Old Mill District during Valentine's Day weekend, from Friday the 12th through Sunday the 14th.

In addition to the ice carving exhibitions, fireworks, Mojo Music Eruption in the Festival Center, children’s activities at Snowflake Village, the ever popular U.S. Cellular snowboard and ski rail jam and ice skating, Bend WinterFest will feature an expanded Winter Wine Walk, winter light show, a larger WinterFest Marketplace, and the exciting cross country ski sprint races.

A few other details to note: the Winter Wine Walk will cost $20 and you'll need to have your packet with you to participate; live music is on Friday and Saturday nights; and I think there will be fireworks in the evening as well.
January 29, 2010
22:27
Wanna be in a music video?
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: music [edit]

This from the Source Weekly this evening:

Capture the Flag, the young up-and-coming pop punk band from Bend, are shooting their first music video on Saturday (Jan. 30) and want you to be part of it.

The band's guitarist, John Davis, who many know from the concerts he promotes in town, is asking any and all folks who want to be in the video to be at the Rise Up warehouse (corner of 1st and Penn) around noon. Ever the nice guys, the bands will provide you with coffee and hot chocolate...not to mention the chance to be in a friggin music video.

No idea what they're looking for or intending the video to look like, but sounds like it could be fun anyway.
January 26, 2010
22:40
Deschutes Crabfest extra day
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Events [edit]

I'm dumb, teaches me to blog without checking: yesterday's post about Deschutes Brewery's Crabfest missed one very important point: they are also featuring the crab feed on Friday, the 29th, because Saturday is sold out.

But Friday is still available, still for $75 per person. Call 541-385-8606 for reservations and talk to Winter.
January 25, 2010
23:38
Crabfest (Deschutes Brewery)
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Events [edit]

Deschutes Brewery is hosting their 8th Annual Crabfest this weekend up at their Mountain Room: the all-you-can-eat crab feed paired with Deschutes beers and live music from Bill Keale.

Menu:
Passed appetizer:
- Dungeness Crab Stuffed cucumber
- Dungess crab stuffed jalapeno poppers wrapped with bacon
Seated appetizer:
- Free form Pasta Salad with Dungeness Crab, Cherry Tomatoes, Avacados, and Pistachos tossed in a buttermilk herb dressing
Soup:
- Dungenesss Crab Bisque
Entrée:
- All you can eat Crab with Andouille sausage and corn on the cob.

The cost is $75 per person and it starts at 6pm Saturday, the 30th. To make reservations, call 541-385-8606 (and talk to Winter).
January 22, 2010
12:40
Weekend happenings
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Weekend Happenings [edit]
A few more things happening this weekend, making it a bit busier than the rest of the month.
Friday
- McMenamins Old St. Francis School is hosting their Winter Scotch Tasting at 7pm. Reservations are required, $50 per person. Nice list of appetizers and five different scotches to taste.
- The Ascetic Junkies is having their EP Release Party at Silver Moon Brewing starting at 9pm. Cover is $7.
Saturday
- The High Desert Museum has their Family Free Saturday going on from 10am until 4pm. There is even a free shuttle all day long, from Morning Star Christian School, just off 97 at Baker exit.
- The Deschutes Public Library is having their Friends of the Bend Library Winter Book Sale, from 10am until 4pm. I'm a big fan of these sales as always; the books are incredibly cheap and you can find some real treasures.
- Eleven Eyes is playing at Silver Moon Brewing starting at 9pm. Cover is $10.
Sunday
- The Library Book Sale continues, from 1pm until 4pm, where they will be selling books for $3 a bag—I'm guessing these are the leftover books from Saturday's sale, but if the bag is a full-sized grocery bag, then that's a really good deal.
January 21, 2010
22:54
Winter Scotch Tasting
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Alcohol [edit]

I may be too late on blogging this one, but McMenamins is hosting a Winter Scotch Tasting on Friday the 23rd; for $50 you'll get to try five different scotches and enjoy a gourmet-ish appetizer menu:

Bacon-wrapped quail eggs
Scallops gratin
Duck wontons with orange sauce
Vension chop with single-malt demi-glace
Gingerbread pudding with Drambuie cream

It's at 7pm and you can find out more by giving McMenamins a call—reservations are required.
22:50
Press Release: Renegade Rollergirls, Jan. 30
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Press Releases [edit]

Haven't seen news from the Renegade Rollergirls for awhile; nice to know they're still going strong.

WHAT: January 30th, 2010 Will host another co-ed no holds-barred roller derby bout in Bend! Oregon Renegade Roller Derby; Bend's only non-proﬁt Roller Derby League, will hold their second bout of their 4th season at Midtown Music Hall, located on Greenwood Ave. The Renegades will be competing in a co-ed bouting event including guest skaters from Washington and Portland. This is a no holds barred bout, full of hardcore skating abilities, wipeouts, bumps, bruises and cat ﬁghting ﬁstﬁghts. This event is sponsored by The Source, 92.7FM, Action Typesetting and Printing, THEM! Marketing, Players Bar and Midtown Music Hall. Doors open at 7 p.m., action begins at 8 p.m. Admission is $10.00 and kids 10 and younger are free. There will be an after party with live music from Yenn at Players on Century Drive. Presale tickets are available at Aspect Board Shop, Riverside Market, Mum’s Tattoos or from your favorite rollergirl. Tickets are also available for purchase at the door beginning at 2pm the day of the event.

WHEN: January 30, 2010. Doors open at 7 p.m., actions starts at 8 p.m. $10 for general admission, 10 and under are free. Presale tickets are available at Aspect Board Shop, Riverside Market, Mum’s Tattoos or from your favorite rollergirl. Tickets are also available for purchase at the door beginning at 2pm the day of the event.

WHERE: The event will be played at Midtown Music Hall, located at 51 NW Greenwood Ave, downtown Bend, Oregon. After party to follow at Players located at 25 SW Century Drive, Bend, Oregon.
January 20, 2010
21:55
Free show at Silver Moon Thursday, Jan. 21
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Free Stuff [edit]

Silver Moon Brewing is hosting a free show tomorrow, the 21st (Thursday):

David Clemmer, frontman of local indie rock band The Dirty Words, will be playing a free show at the Moon this Thursday, January 21st. He's an incredibly talented songwriter, and is beginning to play with his own band to showcase his solo talents. Show starts at 8 p.m., no cover.

Incidentally, I see that Silver Moon's new website has (finally!) been launched. Looking good, but the live music calendar needs to be updated and I'd love to see an up-to-date list of what's on tap.
January 19, 2010
22:12
Olive Garden
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Restaurants [edit]

I mentioned the Phoenix Cafe opening yesterday but somehow missed the Olive Garden opening. (For shame!) It made a blurb in the Bulletin, and I can only imagine how busy it is, people were apparently "lined up outside the door when the restaurant opened for business at 4 p.m."

This week, the Garden opens at 4pm, and next Monday starts opening regularly at 11am for their lunch menu.
January 18, 2010
23:30
Phoenix Cafe
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Restaurants [edit]

The Phoenix Cafe is now open in the old Kayo's Roadhouse location: I don't know how long exactly, but there was an ad in this weekend's Bulletin, and their website does in fact say "Now Open."

The new hours of operation are seven days a week: 11:30am to close Monday through Saturday (lunch and dinner), and 9am to close on Sundays (brunch included). The menus don't look bad at all.

In case you didn't know where the old Kayo's was located, it's on the eastside, across 27th street from the Forum shopping center (Safeway, Costco, Barns & Noble). The address is 594 NE Bellevue.
January 16, 2010
9:32
Press Release: National Day of Service on Martin Luther King Jr., Day 2010
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Press Releases [edit]

“Make it a day on, not a day off!”
Join Central Oregon in a national day of service on Martin Luther King Jr., Day 2010

To make Martin Luther King Day a "day on, not a day off," Volunteer Connect has organized service projects in Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties. Volunteers of all ages are encouraged to participate in this event and connect with their community on January 18th, 2010.

In 1994, Congress initiated Martin Luther King, Jr. day as a national day of service. Last year, in 2009, over 13,000 community service projects took place across the country on the King Day of Service. For more general information about the King Day of Service you can visit www.mlkday.gov.

This year Volunteer Connect has organized over 20 half-day projects for volunteers to participate in, spanning Bend, La Pine, Madras, Prineville, Redmond and Sisters.

Volunteer Connect MLK Day organizer, Jessica Knight, is excited about this event’s potential, “Our goal is to support Dr. King’s message that ‘everybody can be great because anybody can serve’ by engaging a wide variety of volunteers. We will have youth and student groups, corporate staff, families and individuals coming together”.

Projects are primarily in the morning, and include cooking, cleaning, organizing, painting, building, sewing and even bicycle repair. In Redmond, there will also be a special afternoon literary workshop hosted by Deschutes County RSVP.

To view a list of projects with more details, please visit www.volunteerconnectnow.org

Schedule:
Projects will be from 9:30am-12:30pm, followed by a light complimentary lunch and reflection session in each community.

About Volunteer Connect
Slated to launch its full volunteer referral program in February 2010, Volunteer Connect will work to link interested volunteers with meaningful opportunities to meet community needs in Central Oregon. The Volunteer Connect website will serve as a resource for students, businesses, families or individuals who are looking for one-time or ongoing community service opportunities. To date, over 70 agencies throughout the tri-counties have signed on. Interested agencies and volunteers are encouraged to visit www.volunteerconnectnow.org or call (541) 385-8977.

[Disclaimer: I worked on the Volunteer Connect website.]
January 15, 2010
12:37
Weekend happenings
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Weekend Happenings [edit]
There's a few things going on this weekend, but in general January (winter!) seems to be a slower time for weekends.
Friday
- Deadly Gallows, Larry and His Flask, and Bo Deens are all playing at Silver Moon Brewing tonight, starting at 8:30pm. Cover is only $5 and as Silver Moon posted on Twitter: "Are you ready for some ruckus?"
Saturday
- Tracorum is playing Silver Moon Brewing at 9pm. $5 cover.
Sunday
- The Crescent Lake Challenge cross-country ski race is going on from 10am until 2pm. It kicks off at Crescent Lake snow park and goes for 22 kilometers. There's a $45 entry fee at the start of the race.
- Silver Moon is featuring a Bellydance Showcase starting at 6pm—and it's completely free.
January 13, 2010
23:53
Restaurant ins and outs
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Restaurants [edit]

China Sun Buffet is closed, at least for now. On their website is the message about it:

WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF RELOCATING DUE TO LOSS OF LEASE. CURRENTLY WE STILL HAVE NOT FOUND ANY SUITABLE LOCATION YET.

They're refunding gift certificates, so it's up in the air whether they'll re-open anytime soon.

(China Sun was up next to Shopko, north end of town.)

The Bulletin ran an article about the Oxford Suites hotel on Monday, including their new restaurant, 10 Below: so named because it's located below ground level. It seats "about 75" and they're open now, I believe; a copy of their menu (faxed to us) showed reasonably-priced dishes with a wide variety of cuisine styles (Asian, Italian, Middle Eastern, American, and more).

And BOR over on Bend Oregon Restaurants has a review of 5 Spice, the new sushi restaurant that took over the former Deep space. BOR gives it good marks for being delicious, well-paced, and reasonably priced.
January 11, 2010
23:46
Press Release: Grammy winner John Cruz at Silver Moon
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: music [edit]

Central Oregon is a long way from warm, sunny Hawaii, especially in January, but Hawaiian singer songwriter John Cruz is gladly making the trip to celebrate his debut as a Breedlove artist, with a show at Silver Moon Brewing Wednesday January 27th, at 8pm.

John, who has never played in Bend, is one of Hawaii's most popular artists. He is a Grammy winner and 3 time Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner, which is Hawaii's equivalent to the Grammy. His first album, Acoustic Soul, sold over 100,000 copies in Hawaii alone and produced the hit song "Island Style," which has become an anthem known around the world. His second album, One of These Days, was recorded at Jackson Browne's studio in Los Angeles, with some of the most respected musicians in the business, and produced 2 number one songs.

Some other recent career highlights include playing at Barack Obama's inauguration with Jack Johnson and being featured at the prestigious South By Southwest Music Festival in Austin, Texas.

John is known as a world class acoustic guitar player, so his association with Breedlove makes perfect sense. Breedlove Guitars, manufactured in Bend, are known in musician's circles as classy, exotic, finely crafted instruments of extraordinary quality. The sound and feel are sought after by artists ranging from Madonna to Joe Craven to Sugarland.

John will be featuring his Breedloves at Silver Moon Brewing. He takes the stage at 8pm for a solo acoustic performance and will headline the entire evening.

Silver Moon Brewing
24 NW Greenwood Ave.
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 388-8331
www.silvermoonbrewing.com
8:00 p.m. showtime/ 7:00 p.m. doors
21 and over only
$10 advance/ $12 at the door
Tickets available soon at www.bendticket.com
January 08, 2010
12:53
Weekend happenings
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Weekend Happenings [edit]
My first "Weekend happenings" post of the new year! (We were out of town with limited access last weekend.)

I don't actually have much to list, from the calendar: just two things:
- Tonight, Silver Moon Brewing is hosting Unkle Nancy and the Family Jewels, starting at 9pm. Cover is only $5.
- Saturday, another Silver Moon show: The JZ Band, starting at 9pm and also $5.
Of course, the Source's music calendar covers everything (perhaps I should start integrating everything into one?)

Overall, things just seem slow—everyone's hunkering down for the post-holiday winter.

Feel free to list any other happenings in the comments!
January 07, 2010
22:09
Sisters Wine and Brew Festival
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: beer [edit]

Sisters is having their very first Wine and Brew Festival, coming up in June. This came through as a press release, and it's not for another five months, but sounds pretty cool to me!

One question (so far): will it be kid friendly?

Sisters Wine & Brew Festival Announces First Annual Event

Announcing the first annual Sisters Wine & Brew Festival. Come celebrate the wonderful wines and brews of the Pacific Northwest! The weekend will also include live music, wine and beer pairing classes, cooking demos, art vendors and fantastic food. Entrance to the festival is free.

When:
Saturday, June 19, 2010
11am-6pm
Where:
The Village Green in downtown Sisters.
More Info: www.sisterswineandbrew.com, 541-385-7988, info@specialzied-events.com.

What Takes Place at the Event?

Wineries and Breweries
25 wineries and breweries will be in attendance to serve, sell and discuss their products.

Other Vendors
An array of other vendors will be on hand selling their products and services at the festival to round out participants’ experiences. These will include arts and crafts, food, specialty products and an extension of the retail already available throughout Sisters.

Music and Cooking Demos
Live music will add to the atmosphere and what is wine and beer without great food? Local chefs will be on hand to demonstrate their special recipes on our cooking stage.

VIP Area
Guests in this exclusive part of the Sisters Wine and Brew Festival will enjoy an array of all the wines on hand for hosted tasting at the event as well as delicious appetizers. VIP tickets are available for $60 (hosted wines, brews and cuisine).

Additional Events
In order to round out the guest experience, local restaurants will host a wine and brew makers’ dinner Friday evening. On Saturday, there will be an after party and a variety of local establishments will be staying open late.
January 06, 2010
23:16
Press Release: BMC establishes new acupuncture services
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Press Releases [edit]

Haven't run a straight-up press release in awhile, and this one caught my eye because it seems... odd for Bend Memorial Clinic to offer an alternative treatment like acupuncture. It's just not something I think you'd ordinarily see at such a place...

Bend Memorial Clinic (BMC), the largest provider of quality, comprehensive and convenient physician healthcare in Central Oregon, has launched a new acupuncture service as part of its broad scope of practices. Dr. Greg Borstad, MD, and Dr. Charlotte Lin, MD, will lead the department.

Read full press release
January 05, 2010
23:48
Crescent Lake Challenge
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Sports [edit]

The organizers of the Crescent Lake Challenge sent in this info about this up-and-coming cross-country ski race:

On Sunday Jan 17 my wife Cary and I are hosting the Crescent Lake Challenge inaugural xc ski race. We hope that it will grow over time and that part of the proceeds (once profitable) can be donated to High School xc skiing. If you are a HS team member you can enter for free. If you are a parent or would like to support the effort you can join the 22 kilometer (13.5 miles) race at www.crescentlakechallenge.com or volunteer by sending me a e mail or calling me at 541-345-9623 work, or 345-2180 home. Sign ups are starting to come in and we've sent posters to about 120 ski shops around the Northwest. It starts at the Crescent Lake snow park and ends right at Crescent Lake Resort. We'd love any help or support that can be offered. Trails will be groomed for freestyle, all abilities welcome.

Capsule details: it takes place Sunday, January 15th at 10am, and you can register in advance on their website up through the 14th for $35; after that, you can register at the race itself for $45.
January 04, 2010
23:45
Cinder Cone Red Farewell Party
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: beer [edit]

Tomorrow night, Tuesday the 5th, Deschutes Brewery is holding their "Cinder Cone Red Farewell Party" down at their pub. That's kind of a big deal for local beer geeks; Cinder Cone is (was) one of Deschutes' most popular seasonals.

Here's the details on the party:

That's right, we are toasting a fond farewell to Cinder Cone Red this year, and making way for Red Chair NWPA. Are you clutching your hair and screaming "WHY!" Well, we'd love to bottle and distribute every beer we come up with, but if we tried that our team would be the ones screaming. Come give us your own words of farewell on our "Memorial Wall" and enter to win a Cinder Cone Red Farewell Bend Package that includes a Mt. Bachelor Lift Ticket, Lodging at Mt. Bachelor Village, Snowshoe Rental from Sunnyside Sports and a $25 Deschutes Brewery Gift Certificate and VIP Brewery Tour. Cinder Cone Red Koozies will also be handed out to those who want to pretend that they are drinking Cinder Cone Red all of the time.

They kick off the Farewell Party at 6pm and go until closing; I don't know when they'll do the raffle for prizes, but I'd imagine not too late.
20:17
New chef at Lola's in the Breezeway
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Downtown [edit]

A fan of Lola's in the Breezeway (the restaurant that filled in the space that the Downtowner vacated) writes in to say:

Did you hear that the Chef from Soupcon has stepped into the Exec Chef shoes at Lola's In the Breezeway? He's brought his soups (from his little vending cart location), and has changed the Lola's menu to include...drumroll...Jerk Pork Pressed Cubans, House-made Pastrami on Rye, and even a Doggie Style Pastrami Dog. This, and lots more, like house made sausage plates, a house made meatloaf that rivals The Blacksmith, and comfort foods like Mac 'N Cheese.

Lola's In the Breezeway
New hours:
Monday 11am-4pm
Tuesday-Saturday 11am-Close

Not sure when "Close" happens on Tuesdays through Saturdays but a Doggie Style Pastrami Dog sounds pretty good.
January 03, 2010
23:02
Bend Blog Predictions
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Blogging [edit]

No, these blog predictions aren't mine, but that's okay 'cause they're better. From acloudtree: Top 5 Bend blog predictions for 2010:

HackBend
Jon Abernathy surprisingly rues the day “The Brew Site” was able to supply him with an all-you-can-drink alcoholic beverage buffet. In a drunken haze some time during June and while trying to sober up, he will access his HackBend blog over an unencrypted wireless network at one of the many coffee shops around Bend. The packet containing his username and password will be garnished by a 15 year old taking a break from an eighteen hour WoW marathon. The teen will then proceed to hack “HackBend” leaving the message “You’ve been h@x0r’d!!! All your base are belong to us!” on the index page of HackBend’s site. Oh the irony!

That's pure awesome.

Hat tip to Jake for finding that before I did.
January 01, 2010
16:31
Happy New Year!
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Holidays [edit]

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you all had a safe holiday and are ready for 2010.
December 25, 2009
12:30
Merry Christmas!
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Holidays [edit]

Merry Christmas! I hope everyone's having a safe time this year and enjoying good food, good cheer, and good family. Except for a (possibly) a few posts here and there, I'm expecting to take the week off from the blog—sort of a Christmas blog vacation.

Happy Holidays everybody!
December 22, 2009
23:35
Holiday Shopping 2009: Stuff I missed
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Holiday Gift Guide [edit]

Yes, there are only two real shopping days until Christmas left, and I realize there are more things in town to shop for than pets, books, toys and games, and food and drink. Here's a general roundup of more shopping options that I missed. (And I'm pretty sure I'll miss more, too.)

The Brew Shop: Homebrewing supplies for beer makers, and an excellent bottle shop for beer seekers. 2524 NE Division, 541-323-2318.

Local Joe: Downtown's locally-owned clothing store that's been around forever. 929 NW Wall, 541-385-7137.

Hot Box Betty: Women's boutique clothing. 903 NW Wall, 541-383-0050.

Bambini of Bend: Kids clothing, toys, and gear. 1052 NW Newport, Suite 102, 541-385-1806.

Folks from Desperado wrote in earlier with: "Desperado in the Old Mill carries some fun leather pillows by designer Patricia Wolf." The Old Mill, 541-749-9980.

Goody's: Can't believe I missed them the first time around. Handmade chocolates and candies, including sugar-free treats. 957 NW Wall, 541-389-5185, and 2680 NE Hwy. 20, 541-388-6965.

Ranch Records: Best local music store in town. 831 NW Wall, 541-389-6116.

Skjersaa's: They've really been around forever (since 1958). Ski and snowboard shop. 130 SW Century Drive, 541-382-2154‎.

Pine Mountain Sports: Outdoor sports and gear shop of all kinds. 255 SW Century Drive, 541-385-8080.
December 21, 2009
23:44
The Bulletin's gift guide
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Holiday Gift Guide [edit]

The last few posts have been pretty Bulletin-centric, but what can I say? They're publishing interesting stuff. Today it's a compendium of their own holiday gift guide.

Tech gifts, "nifty gifts" (whatever that means), practical gifts, homemade gifts, luxuries: not everything is local but it's good for ideas. Only a couple of shopping days left, and judging by what I've seen so far this season, people have waited longer this year—it's still busy out there.
December 19, 2009
23:10
Christmas light displays around town
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Holidays [edit]

The Bulletin has their annual list of big Christmas light displays online, and you should definitely drive around and check these out one of these nights.

We did tonight, and while we didn't follow the Bulletin's list, we did catch the display at Perrigan Drive, which the paper's article covers. It is as big and crazy as advertised and totally worth seeing.
December 18, 2009
22:54
Near/Far is back for the third year
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Free Stuff [edit]

The Bulletin's Ben Salmon has brought back Near/Far for the third year now: the compilation of free music representing the best music of 2009.

36 free, legal, downloadable MP3s covering the best music of 2009.

There are 18 from local bands like Moon Mountain Ramblers, Person People, Eric Tollefson, Erin Cole-Baker and more, and 18 from national acts like The Avett Brothers, Brendan Benson, Animal Collective, Felt, and Japandroids.

It all comes with nifty artwork in two .zip files.

I've said it before: this is one of the most progressive, open things the Bulletin does during the year. Of course, it's Salmon's hard work that makes this happen, but kudos to the Bulletin for being willing to support the endeavor.
December 16, 2009
23:49
Holiday Shopping 2009: Food and Drink
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Alcohol [edit]

Christmas is fast approaching (less than two weeks away!) and for any last-minute shopping you need to do, herewith are some suggestions. Organized by category, all as local as possible, with some specific suggestions and some general. Feel free to leave additional suggestions in the comments.

Both Newport Avenue Market and Whole Foods are great places to go for both specialty foods (gourmet cheeses, chocolates and candies, organic whatever), and have extensive beer and wine selections as well. (Particularly the beer—both have great offering perfect for any beer geek.)

Newport Market: 1121 NW Newport Avenue (west side), 541-382-3940. Open 7 days a week, 7am to 9pm.

Whole Foods: 2610 NE Highway 20 (east side), 541-389-0151. Open 7 days a week, 8am to 9pm.

Gift cards to one of our many good restaurants is always a good option: off the top of my head several good ones would be Zydeco, Ariana, the Pine Tavern, Joolz, the Victorian Café, Kebaba, and one of the many breweries.

Speaking of breweries, pick up a growler or bottles from one of our many: Deschutes Brewery, Bend Brewing, Silver Moon, 10 Barrel (at JC's), McMenamins, Cascade Lakes, or Three Creeks (in Sisters). Word to the wise about growlers though: they shouldn't sit around too long after buying them—they're full of fresh beer and don't have an airtight seal. So if you buy one a week or more in advance then you'll likely be giving flat beer as a gift.

More of a wine person? Try Maragas Winery or Volcano Vineyards. Both offer a nice variety of locally-produced wines which you can pick up (and taste!) in their tasting rooms here in town. Both also feature wine clubs that would be a fun gift to someone as well.

Maragas tasting room: 643 NW Colorado, 541-330-0919. Open Thursday through Saturday 2 to 8.

Volcano tasting room: 126 NW Minnesota, 541-617-1102. Open Tuesday through Saturday 12 to 8, Sunday 12 to 5.

Cheese goes great with wine, and Tumalo Farms produces handcrafted cheeses locally: artisan goat milk cheese, six different varieties on their website right now. You can order from them directly online, but I've also seen some of their cheeses as Whole Foods, and Newport Market probably has them as well.

Coffee lovers on your list? Check out Strictly Organic: they roast their own beans and sell a wide variety of blends and yes, they are certified organic. Stop in at their retail location/café to pick up your coffee, and stick around long enough for a cup or two and maybe lunch.

6 SW Bond, 541-330-6061. Open Monday through Saturday 8 to 8, Sunday 10 to 6.

Finally, booze might be what you're after—nothing wrong with that! My favorite liquor store is East Bend Liquor at 2220 East Highway 20, though the smaller west side liquor store inside of Ray's is pretty good also. East Bend Liquor carries a nice variety of gift packages—bottles of specialty alcohol with custom glassware, for instance—and the staff is friendly and very helpful.

And they stock the full line of Bendistillery wares as well: Crater Lake Vodka, Cascade Mountain Gin, Mazama Pepper Vodka, and the Hazelnut Espresso Vodka.
December 15, 2009
23:51
Holiday Shopping 2009: Toys and Games
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Holiday Gift Guide [edit]

Christmas is fast approaching (less than two weeks away!) and for any last-minute shopping you need to do, herewith are some suggestions. Organized by category, all as local as possible, with some specific suggestions and some general. Feel free to leave additional suggestions in the comments.

D's Hobbies: A full-service hobby shop, with models, radio-controlled everything, paintball, wood hobbies, trains, puzzles, rockets, and much much more. It would be pretty hard not to find something, though they don't stock "just" toys (it's all hobby oriented). They have an online store too, but I definitely encourage you to stop in and browse.

757 NE Greenwood, 541-389-1330. Open 7 days a week, 10 to 6.

Leapin' Lizards: Downtown Bend's boutique toy store, carrying many of the popular toys as well as the unusual, imaginative, and educational toys and games. Great for big gifts and stocking stuffers. They'll gift wrap orders over $15.

953 NW Wall, 541-382-8326. Open Monday through Saturday from 10 to 6, Sunday from 11 to 4 (winter hours).

Pegasus Books: Not just books and comics, Pegasus carries a large number of games and toys that are comic, video game, and/or science fiction themed, or just plain eclectic or unusual. Heard of a fun and unusual board game? Try here first.

105 NW Minnesota, 541-388-4588. Open Monday through Saturday 11 to 6, Sunday 12 to 4.

I don't know of any toymakers in town, other than the Qubits people: they've developed an educational construction toy that's kind of a cross between an erector set and Legos, but flexible; the pieces are uniquely geometrical and there are a couple of kinds of connectors to play around with.

There's a Junior Kit for $29.99, and a Jumbo Kit for $79.95, all ages 5 and up. Order online directly from their website.
December 14, 2009
23:38
Holiday Shopping 2009: Books
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: books [edit]

Christmas is fast approaching (less than two weeks away!) and for any last-minute shopping you need to do, herewith are some suggestions. Organized by category, all as local as possible, with some specific suggestions and some general. Feel free to leave additional suggestions in the comments.

If you're just browsing, there are a number of local new and used bookstores you should visit (in alphabetical order):

Between the Covers: 645 NW Delaware (the corner of Delaware and Bond), 541-385-4766. Open Monday through Saturday, 10 to 6.

The Bookmark: 228 NE Greenwood, 541-617-9271. Open 10 to 5:30, I think 7 days a week (at least Monday through Saturday).

Camalli Book Company: 1288 SW Simpson, Suite C, 541-323-6134. Open Monday through Saturday 10 to 6, Sunday 12 to 4.

Dudley's Bookshop Cafe: 135 NW Minnesota, 541-749-2010.

The Open Book: 155 NE Greenwood, 541-388-3249. Open Monday through Saturday 10 to 6.

Pegasus Books: 105 NW Minnesota, 541-388-4588. Open Monday through Saturday 11 to 6, Sunday 12 to 4.

Of course, there are specific book recommendations as well (some from user submissions, some are my own picks):

All Around Bend: Though the first printing has sold out, this newest (locally-published) guidebook to Bend looks to be accepting (pre?)orders for the new edition.

Living Local Coupon Book: Featuring 150 coupons from local businesses, including Alpenglow Cafe, Bellatazza, the Deschutes Historical Museum, Pine Mountain Sports, and many more. It's $20 and coupons are good through November 2010.

Haven Home Style in downtown Bend features a variety of "Interior Design and Specialty Books" available for purchase. If you're looking for books on architecture, interior design, or lifestyle you might give them a look.

Bend, Overall: Great guidebook released five years ago, by Scott Cook. (Read my review.) (Yes, a couple of these are Amazon.com links—despite my admonition to buy local. Sometimes those are the best-available links and I'm using my affiliate code. Click as you wish.)

Frontier Doctor: Love this book, it's the early history of Bend and the town's first doctor, Urling Coe. Fun read, a must for local history buffs.

Bend (Images of America): You can get this at the Deschutes Historical Museum, a 100-year pictorial history of Bend.

Meet Me in the Badlands: Exploring Central Oregon with Jim Witty: A collection of some of the best of the late Jim Witty's great travel adventures around Central Oregon. Proceeds from sales go to the Jim Witty Memorial Fund. Also found at the Deschutes Historical Museum, and some of the outdoor sports stores like Pine Mountain Sports.
19:34
Holiday Shopping 2009: Pets
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: dogs [edit]

Christmas is fast approaching (less than two weeks away!) and for any last-minute shopping you need to do, herewith are some suggestions. Organized by category, all as local as possible, with some specific suggestions and some general. Feel free to leave additional suggestions in the comments.

RuffWear: Bend is a dog town, so naturally there evolved a company like RuffWear: they produce gear for "dogs on the go", from boots to coats to packs to beds and quite a bit more. They even helpfully have a Holiday Gift Ideas section on their website, organized by price.

The folks from RuffWear wrote in to say, "Our products are available either through our website, or at Healthy Paws in Northwest crossing, Pandora's Backpack downtown, or at both locations of Bend Pet Express."

Contact/info: order directly from their website or visit one of the afore-mentioned stores in person.

Bend Pet Express: Bend's locally-owned pet superstore, with locations on both the west and east sides of town. Pet food, toys, accessories, treats, and even a grooming service, Bend Pet Express has everything you should need. You can shop online, and they'll even deliver!

Right now you can buy personalized ornaments, and like RuffWear are running some other Holiday Gift Ideas on their website's front page. Even better, they are running wishlists for local non-profits: things you can buy and donate to organizations that help animals.

East side: 420 NE Windy Knolls, 541-385-5298. Open 7 days a week, 9 to 6.

West side: 133 SW Century Drive, 541-89-4620. Same days/hours.
December 11, 2009
16:30
Weekend happenings
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Weekend Happenings [edit]
A bit late, but here's a roundup of stuff going on this weekend. The Good Drop Wine Shoppe is still holding their free tastings through Saturday during their regular hours of 11 to 6. There's also a number of Santa-related things I'm not listing here, but you can find on Visit Bend's event calendar.
Friday
- The Bicycle Art Walk is going on downtown; businesses will display bicycle-themed art and other fun bike-related events will take place in conjunction with the 2009 National Cyclocross Championships. From 5 to 9pm.
- Matt Miller brings his music to Bottoms Up in Sunriver, starting at 7pm.
- Indie artists The Physical Hearts & Celilo are playing Silver Moon Brewing at 9pm. Cover is only $5.
Saturday
- The Phoenix Inn is having a Holiday Rummage Sale from 8am until 4pm. $2 admission for adults, taking place at the hotel on Franklin.
- Frontier Santa—aka Father Christmas—is at the High Desert Museum from 11 to 2. This is Santa dressed in green Victorian garb. $10 non-members (plus admission), $5 members; includes a gingerbread cookie and a personalized photograph.
- Matt Miller gets around: he's playing Strictly Organic Coffee at noon. It's a free show.
- Blind Citizens & The Dirty Words are playing at Silver Moon at 9pm. Hip-hop/rock music for $5.
- Sublime tribute band 40 Oz. to Freedom is playing The Domino Room at 9pm (doors open at 8). $12 cover.
Sunday
- Peace of Mind Orchestra is at Silver Moon Brewing at 7pm. They're funk/rock, and cover is $5.
December 08, 2009
23:55
So... a holiday shopping guide?
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Holiday Gift Guide [edit]

First full week of December is down and I'm thinking about the ol' Holiday Shopping Guide series of posts. Actually, there were two different ones: the Shopping Guide for places to shop back in 2006, and the Gift Guide for specific local products back in 2007.

(Last year I did a "12 days of Christmas" countdown.)

So if I do a 2009 all-in-one shopping/gift guide, what does everyone want to see? Perhaps I'll scroll through the old posts of 2009 and look for likely things, as well as rehashing the previous guides.

If you have something in mind, or something you want to sell, let me know either with a comment on this post or via the contact form. Or heck, use Facebook or Twitter too.
December 07, 2009
21:48
The DMV is moving
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Government and Politics [edit]

This seems like such an odd story—how does a government operation not get its lease renewed?—but KOHD is reporting that the DMV did just that and now has to move.

The Bend DMV field office is moving temporarily to the former Bend Visitor Center, now owned by another division of the Oregon Department of Transportation.

The office will leave its current location after close of business on Dec. 17 and will reopen Dec. 22 at the ODOT Region 4 annex building, 63085 N Highway 97, Bend. DMV will operate at this location until a permanent site is ready for use in Bend. That location has not been announced. The DMV hopes to have one secure by January. It has to relocate because the lease at its current location was not renewed.

The temporary office's hours of business will remain the same - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Wednesday, when the office is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Just in time for the holidays...

The old Visitor Center is just across the street from and a bit north of Shopko.
December 05, 2009
23:33
Christmas Parade flash mob
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Unusual [edit]

We were late to the Christmas Parade today, so naturally missed the Flash Mob that happened beforehand.

Wait, "Flash Mob"? Well, just watch:

If you have trouble viewing the embedded video, go check out the original on YouTube.
December 04, 2009
16:00
Weekend happenings
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Weekend Happenings [edit]
There's a pretty good variety of things going on this weekend, check it out:
Friday
- Tonight it's First Friday in Downtown Bend, the Old Mill District, and Northwest Crossing: also know as the Art Walk where galleries stay open late with receptions, featuring guest artists and new exhibits. There's also been known to be live music and refreshments (wine!). From 5 until 9pm tonight.
- During Art Walk, Lahaina Galleries is featuring their Annual Holiday Show, featuring original artwork that will be unveiled from three artists (who will be attending). Also 5 to 9.
- At Paradigm Artist suites (upstairs from Local Joes), there will be featured Portland filmmaker Phil Davis (who will be there in person) and his documentary "Living in Community", about a community working hard to live sustainably away from modern society. It takes place at 7pm. (During Art Walk.) Also featuring artwork by Karen Eland and Coffee Creations and Photography from Native American Artist Forest James.
- Mark Ransom and The Mostest (with special guest Brad Jones) is the featured show at Silver Moon Brewing tonight. Rock/folk music for a $5 cover. The show starts at 9pm.
Saturday
- The Bend Christmas Parade is taking place at noon!
- The Good Drop Wine Shoppe is featuring free wine tastings from 11 until 6 for a week starting Saturday. Besides the free tastings, a portion of the proceeds from sales over the week will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon.
- It's Repeal Day at the Blacksmith: December 5th is the day Prohibition ended, so the Blacksmith is having "a special celebration with a pre-prohibition cocktail list with such delights as the whiskey daisy, the Saratoga brace up, and Santa Cruz sour."
- Bluegrass group the Montana Slim String Band is playing Silver Moon Brewing at 9pm. Cover is $7.
Sunday
- The free Cascade Winds Symphonic Band Concert is taking place at Summit High School starting at 2pm. It's their opening concert of the season, and you can go watch Jake bang on some drums.
December 03, 2009
23:47
The Christmas Parade!
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Downtown [edit]

I nearly forgot that the Bend Christmas Parade is this weekend! This is one of my favorite Bend events of the holiday season, and it's coming up this Saturday, December 5th.

The Parade starts at noon, and as always, proceeds from Newport and Harmon east along Newport and the Bridge, then turns south(west) on Wall. Then west on Franklin/Riverside (along Drake Park) to cross the Galveston Bridge and end up back on Harmon.

Bundle up before you go, though. The temperature is only supposed to be 33 degrees that day.
9:40
Civil War at McMenamins
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Sports [edit]

You can't go anywhere without hearing about the OSU-UO Civil War tonight, and if you're looking for a place to watch the game tonight, McMenamins is showing the game on their big screen (the theater).

Doors will open at 4:30 while the game kicks off at 6. Admission is free (though you can buy food and drinks, of course—and what would football be without beer?), and minors are welcome with a parent.
December 02, 2009
23:24
Art Walk(s)
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Art [edit]

This Friday is the First Friday Art Walk in Downtown Bend (also the Old Mill District and Northwest Crossing). In addition to the usual activities going on from 5pm until 9pm (galleries open late, often with live music and/or refreshments), I have some details on extra things happening that were sent in.

- At Paradigm Artist suites (upstairs from Local Joes), there will be featured Portland filmmaker Phil Davis (who will be there in person) and his documentary "Living in Community", about a community working hard to live sustainably away from modern society. It takes place at 7pm.

- They'll also be "featuring Artwork by Karen Eland and Coffee Creations (coffee-art.com) and Photography from Native American Artist Forest James forestjames.com".

- There's going to be a second Art Walk on Friday, December 11th:

The Downtown Bend Business Association invites bicycle fans to enjoy a special Bicycle Art Walk on Friday, December 11. Downtown business will display bicycle-themed art and other fun bike-related events will take place in conjunction with the 2009 National Cyclocross Championships in Bend, December 10-13. The Bicycle Art Walk event is in addition to the regular First Friday Art Walk downtown on December 4. For Bicycle Art Walk, everyone is encouraged to leave their cars at home and ride a bicycle.

Incidentally, the Downtown Bend website has been revamped and is now actually usable; they have a good listing of businesses participating in this Friday's Art Walk, as well as participants for the Bicycle Art Walk.
12:55
Ugly Holiday Sweater Party
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Events [edit]

The title pretty much says it all... this evening (from 5:30 until about 7) there's a Tweetup/"Ugly Holiday Sweater Party" over at Flatbread Pizza in the Old Mill District. The Facebook Event page is here.

Wear your ugliest (or coolest, depending on your point of view) holiday sweater, show up and have fun. Kids are welcome. And yes, Flatbread has beer and wine as well as food.
December 01, 2009
23:06
In one month, don't talk and drive
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Advisories [edit]

January 1st is the date the new cellphone law goes into effect: if you talk on your cellphone while driving and are not using a hands-free device, you can be pulled over and fined $90. Are you ready for that? The Bulletin ran an article today on the subject.

Passed by the Oregon Legislature earlier this year, the new law bars drivers younger than 18 from using a cell phone behind the wheel at all — with or without a hands-free device — and outlaws text messaging while driving for all drivers.

Violation of the law will be considered a “primary” offense, meaning police will be authorized to pull over and cite drivers observed texting or holding a phone to their ear.

A hands-free device is a headset or earpiece that connects to a phone by wire or with a wireless signal, allowing an individual to talk on the phone without the use of their hands. Under the new law, drivers will be permitted to handle their phone to answer a call, dial a number or hang up, but must use the hands-free device while conversing.

The article also covers the exemption to the law: if you are driving and using a cellphone "in the scope of" your job. But it's pretty clear no one knows what that means.

So what does everyone think? Are we going to see an uptick on people being pulled over around town come January 1st?
November 30, 2009
20:21
Free Cascade Winds Symphonic concert
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Free Stuff [edit]
Jake has the details on the latest free concert coming up from the Cascade Winds Symphonic Band:
- Sunday, December 6th, at 2pm
- Location: Summit High School auditorium
- Free!
It's the kickoff concert of their 2009-10 season, and while free, they happily accept donations. You can call 593-1635 for more information.

Looks like they're opening with a good show, and you'll get a chance to see one of Bend's most popular bloggers (Jake) bang on some drums.
November 27, 2009
15:46
Christmas Tree lighting tonight
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Events [edit]

It's late notice, I know, but tonight is the annual Christmas tree lighting in downtown Bend.

A great tradition in Central Oregon! The Downtown Bend Holiday Tree Lighting. Spend the evening singing carols, listening to local choirs, music and dance groups. The festivities get under way at 6pm. The big guy will be there to light the tree just before 7pm. The tree is in a new location! Come to Newport Avenue and Wall Street for all the fun.

Note the "new location": Newport and Wall, presumably by the Bank of America digital sign and the fountain.
November 24, 2009
22:19
Thanksgiving Dinners
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: food and Dining [edit]
Sometimes you don't feel like cooking on Thanksgiving, or perhaps your plans fell through, or perhaps you have no other alternatives to a Thanksgiving meal. If you need other plans for your Thanksgiving dinner, here are some I've found around Central Oregon:
- McMenamins Old St. Francis School is hosting a Thanksgiving Buffet from 1pm until 7pm. You'll need reservations, and costs are: $23.95 adults; $18.95 senior; $11.95 kids 6-12; free for kids 5 and under. Their blurb:
  This holiday, let us handle the food — you bring the guests. Make reservations (early!) for the whole family to meet for an incredible meal with all the traditional American fixings. Throw in some handcrafted ales, wines and spirits, and it'll certainly be a Thanksgiving to give thanks about!
- The Jackalope Grill is open and featuring a Thanksgiving dinner from 1pm until 5pm. They'll be serving a traditional Thanksgiving meal (as well as items from their regular menu).
- The Lodge at Suttle Lake is offering "Thanksgiving at the Boathouse": $29.95 Adults, $15.95 children 10 and under. I don't have times though, so call 541-595-2267 to find out more.
- The Trinity Episcopal Church downtown is having their Community Thanksgiving Dinner hosted by the Hunger Prevention Coalition from 11am until 2pm. They accept volunteers and donations to help, you can find out more by emailing help1729@hotmail.com.
- Jake's Diner is hosting their Fifth Annual Thanksgiving Meal for Seniors from 12pm to 5pm. For $7.95 they serve Thanksgiving dinner to seniors in the area who do not have family here; the restaurant is closed for the occasion and staffed by volunteers.
- Sunriver Resort is having their Thanksgiving Feast in their Great Hall: $39 adults; $19 children 6-12; complimentary for children 5 and under. Reservations required. It takes place from 1pm to 7pm, and you can make reservations by calling 800-486-8591.
- The Blacksmith is featuring Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday: a four course pri fix menu for $30 a person and a smaller version for children under 12 for $15. They feature the menu on the blog post I linked, which has traditional dishes; the regular Blacksmith menu will be available too.
Any other suggestions? Leave 'em in the comments!
November 23, 2009
23:27
Central Oregon Winery Barrel Tasting
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: wine [edit]

This Saturday Maragas Winery is hosting a winery barrel tasting out at their north-of-Terrebonne location. They're teaming up with Volcano Vineyards to do this, which is cool. Here's their news blurb about it:

The first annual Central Oregon Winery Barrel Tasting Saturday November 28, 2009 from 10am to 5pm.

Maragas Winery and Volcano Vineyards will both be tasting and celebrating the Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend on Saturday with their limited production wines – including internationally award winning wines. Additionally, they will each barrel taste wine that has yet to be released.

Five dollar entrance fee allows for 5 tastes of wine. Additional tastes are one dollar each. Kids are welcome with their parents and will be admitted free. Hot spiced cider and popcorn will be provided free to all.

We'll also be tasting local/regional cheese.

And - Live jazz - Enjoy the Desmond/Getz jazz stylings of Bend's "Just Joe" and Portland's own David Evans.

They don't specify exactly what wines they'll be sampling, but it's hard to beat the price whatever they might be.
November 22, 2009
22:15
Good Drop Wine Shoppe grand opening
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: wine [edit]

The Good Drop Wine Shoppe is the new wine place that moved into the old Chocolat et Gateaux space on Minnesota in Downtown Bend. They've been open almost a month and are having their grand opening celebration the beginning of December. Here's the press release:

The Good Drop Wine Shoppe, which opened Oct. 2 in downtown Bend, is hosting a Grand Opening celebration over the entire week of Dec. 5 - 12. The new wine store and tasting venue will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for anyone who wants to come downtown to taste "bubbles" and unique wines for free, and shop for unique gifts at special, grand opening prices for the wine lover on their list.

In addition, a portion of the proceeds from sales over the week will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon.

"This will be a truly special week-long wine event like no other," said The Good Drop's owner Chris Oatman. "We'll be pouring free tastings of bubbles, but also at times will bring out vintage wines that are probably out of stock everywhere else or extremely hard to find. It will certainly be a memorable celebration of great wine and good times. And while the event and tastings are free, any sales made during that time will benefit a great cause."

Throughout the week, Oatman, a vintage and rare wine specialist, will greet guests, answer questions, and have wine tastings available as they peruse the unique selections of wine and wine-related gifts.

For years, Oatman has collected, sold, and shipped wines to wine connoisseurs across the world. Now these same wines are available in downtown Bend at its new store a 141 NW Minnesota Avenue, and through www.gooddropwineshoppe.com. It carries vintage, hard-to-find, rare, and everyday fine wines at affordable prices.

According to Oatman, "Being so close to the Willamette and Columbia Valleys, Walla Walla, Yakima, and the California wine regions, means we can offer a wide selection of well-rounded, diverse, and high-end wines at a price that's often lower than wine connoisseurs might expect."

See www.gooddropwineshoppe.com or call 541-410-1470 for wine store location and hours, wine selection, and for more information about the latest offerings.

I don't really know anything about the shop, but free wine tastings are always an intriguing start.
November 20, 2009
22:44
Weekend happenings (late edition)
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Weekend Happenings [edit]
This weekend is busy! I'm too late on the Friday stuff, but there's a bunch more to cover if you're looking for something to do Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday
- Deschutes Brewery's Annual Garage Sale starts at 10am and ends at 1. As always, it takes place up at their Mountain Room over at 901 SW Simpson. Lots of stuff for really good deals.
- Summit High School presents Harmony 4 Women, a holiday chorus, at 2 and 7pm. Non-profit beneficiaries are Grandma's House, Saving Grace, Women's Resource Center of Central Oregon (WRCCO) and Central Oregon Showcase Chorus.
- The Renegade Rollergirls kick off their fourth season at the Midtown Music Hall on Greenwood. Crazy skating sports! Doors open at 6pm, action begins at 7. $10 admission and kids 10 and under are free.
- The Freak Mountain Ramblers are playing at McMenamins as part of the Old St. Francis School's fifth(!) anniversary celebration. Show starts at 8pm, it's free, and all ages are welcome.
- The Ascetic Junkies are playing Silver Moon Brewing, with Mai from the Moon Mountain Ramblers also. Starts at 9pm. Folk/bluegrass/rock, for only a $5 cover.
- Tan Republic is hosting the Blacksmith After Dark Party, starting at 10pm. "Bend's best DJ and sick drinks" and everyone who comes will get a free tan from Tan Republic.
Sunday
- Kites and Crows, an acoustic duo, is playing Silver Moon Brewing, starting at 7pm. This is a free show!
November 19, 2009
23:43
Calendar updates
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Events [edit]

I've gone through and added a bunch of stuff to the Calendar, so if you haven't checked it out in awhile, do so now.

I'll probably be posting some of those items to the blog in a bit, too.
November 18, 2009
23:53
2nd Street Theater is closing
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Economy [edit]

More sucky local economy news: The Source breaks the news today that the 2nd Street Theater is closing.

I just got word that, after nine years as a main player in Central Oregon’s theatrical world, 2nd Street Theater will be closing for good following the upcoming run of Harvey.

“It was a very hard decision to make but since we will still own the building, it will be open for other groups to produce shows and rent the space for parties and events. I may even produce one or two shows a year as long as the building is available,” Thoma said in a press release this morning.

2nd Street was the theater that brought us Evil Dead: The Musical.
November 17, 2009
22:02
New area code
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: general [edit]

This Qwest notice about the new area code coming up is sitting here on the desk staring at me, so I'm relaying the news for anyone who hasn't heard it yet: come January 10, 2010, all of Oregon outside the Northwest 503/971 area codes will have a new area code in addition to 541: 458.

January 10 is the magic date because that's the day that all calls will have to be made with the area code—even the local calls. Qwest's little info notice indicates that we should all be dialing the 10-digit numbers for local calls even now, just to get used to it.

Numbers with the new 458 code should start showing up after February 10.

At least they're not changing everyone's current numbers to the new code...
November 16, 2009
21:58
Restaurant news... and Olive Garden!
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Restaurants [edit]
The Bulletin had two new restaurant bits on Saturday:
- NorthWest Crossing gets new restaurant
  The new NWX Bar & Grill, at 745 N.W. Mt. Washington Drive, replaces Aloha Cafe, which closed Oct. 23. Aloha’s other two restaurants in east Bend and Sunriver remain open.
  Stoddard said the restaurant is a family-friendly neighborhood gathering place that serves burgers and sandwiches but also features a full bar and big-screen televisions for sports.
- Chicago-style hot dog shop opens in Bend
  A new Chicago-inspired hot dog shop opened Nov. 7 in the old Baskin-Robbins location at 1106 N.E. Third St.
  Chicago Style Hot Dogs is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The owners said they import all of their products — from Vienna Beef hot dogs to neon green relish — from suppliers in Chicago. Co-owner Jeff DeHart, who grew up in Chicago, said the food is authentic, adding his restaurant serves up hot dogs just like they do in Chicago.
But what I know really drew you in to this post was the Olive Garden news.

There's an opening date: Monday, January 18th at 4pm. That's the word straight from their Corporate offices.

(We had heard a rumor last week that they were doing a soft opening this past weekend, but that turned out to be false, and my wife called them direct.)
November 12, 2009
23:28
Renegade Rollergirls are back, Nov. 21
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Sports [edit]

I was wondering when roller derby started back up: for the Renegade Rollergirls, it's Saturday, November 21st. It's their season opener.

Oregon Renegade Roller Derby; Bend's only non-proﬁt Roller Derby League, will hold their ﬁrst bout of their 4th season at Midtown Music Hall, located on Greenwood Ave. The Renegades will be competing in a co-ed bouting event including guest skaters from Medford and Salem. This is a no holds barred bout, full of hardcore skating abilities, wipeouts, bumps, bruises and cat ﬁghting ﬁstﬁghts. This event is sponsored by The Source, 92.7FM, Action Typesetting and Printing, THEM! Marketing, Players Bar and Midtown Music Hall. Doors open at 6 p.m., action begins at 7 p.m. Admission is $10.00 and kids 10 and under are free. There will be an after party with live music at Players on Century Drive. Presale tickets are available at Aspect Board Shop, or from your favorite rollergirl. Tickets are also available for purchased at the door beginning at 2pm the day of the event.

If you've never been to a bout, it's definitely an experience worth seeking out at least once. Only $10!
November 11, 2009
23:51
Former Deep space to get new restaurant
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Restaurants [edit]

I just realized my headline there could be read a different way, which amuses me. Anyway.

The Bulletin reports that a new restaurant is finally taking over the space of the former Deep, Jody Denton's expensive sushi bar that closed suddenly in January when Denton left town in a hurry.

A new restaurant, 5 Spice Fusion and Sushi, will open in December in the vacant space that once housed Deep, a similarly themed Japanese fusion restaurant that closed in January.

The restaurant, in the O.C. Henkle Building at 821 N.W. Wall St., will be a sushi bar that also serves Asian-European fusion dishes, said co-owner and Chef Bi Long. The restaurant will use organic, local, healthy food, said co-owner Lilian Chu, the former owner of the Hong Kong Restaurant on Southeast Third Street.

They plan to open December 3.
November 09, 2009
23:38
Press Release: Time to Volunteer
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Press Releases [edit]

Been awhile since I ran a press release... this one is for a good cause but since they're looking for volunteers aged 55 and older, I started to wonder what's the age demographic of Hack Bend blog readers?

Central Oregon Council on Aging RSVP needs volunteers. If you are 55+ years old and can read to children, help build homes for those in need, deliver meals to seniors or lend a hand with a community project, we need you.

The Central Oregon Council on Aging RSVP is looking for dedicated and resourceful volunteers with all kinds of talents and skills. You can be part of a dynamic team, meet new people, and set your own schedule.

Volunteers are needed now for:

Marine Corps Central Oregon Toys for Tots — Share a smile with a child in need this Christmas by helping out once a week with the Central Oregon Toys for Tots project.

Meals-On-Wheels — Drivers who can deliver meals to seniors and disabled people a few hours once a week.

Santa To A Senior — To make the Christmas deadline, we need volunteers to help sort and label, and participate in our gift wrapping party on December 16th.

Habitat for Humanity — Needs people who can use a hammer to help in construction of homes for low-income families.

Central Oregon Council On Aging serves seniors in the Tri-County. Help fellow seniors in multiple ways.

If you’re looking for a meaningful way to help friends, neighbors and your community, please call (541) 548-8817 and sign up today.

For more information about RSVP and additional volunteer opportunities, visit www.rsvpco.org.

Central Oregon Council On Aging (COCOA) is a 501c3 organization dedicated to promoting dignity, well-being, security and independence for Central Oregon Seniors and the designated AAA. RSVP is a partner agency of COCOA.
November 06, 2009
8:19
Weekend happenings
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Weekend Happenings [edit]
Here's our weekly look at the goings-on around Bend for the weekend, culled from the calendar. It's also First Friday tonight, so there are a number of things going on across downtown, the Old Mill District, and Northwest Crossing that aren't listed—just lumped together under the heading "First Friday."

The Nature of Words also continues through the weekend. There a number of readings, workshops, and signings still going on; I'll point to their event page for details.
Friday
- Swollen Members (hip-hop) are playing The Domino Room at 8pm (door open at 7). It's an all-ages show costing $18 in advance and $20 at the door.
- Alpaca brings their funk/electronic music to a show across the street at Silver Moon Brewing starting at 9pm. $7 cover.
- Volcano Vineyards is hosting live music from The Quons in their new location at 126 NW Minnesota, across from Toomie's.
- After the First Friday festivities, PoetHouse Art is featuring "Art Fusion" at 9:30pm: "Featuring perfomances by five painters, five spoken-word poets and live music." $5 to get in.
Saturday
- Hoe Down for Hunger: a fundraiser to feed the hungry, taking place at the Bend Community Center starting at 11am. There'll be a chili feed, a silent auction, and live music, all for $15.
- Eric Tollefson plays Silver Moon at 9pm. Blues music for a $5 cover.
Sunday
- Dropkick Murphys are playing The Domino Room at 8pm (doors at 7). It's an all-ages show with tickets costing $22 in advance, at $25 at the door.
For a ton of other live music listings, go check out The Source's music calendar too—they've got it covered like nobody's business.
November 04, 2009
23:44
Mondays at Typhoon
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Restaurants [edit]

I suspect I'm behind the curve on this one, but Monday nights at Typhoon in downtown Bend are half-price wine nights. Basically, all wine under $100 is half price... that's per glass and per bottle.

No kidding, half off a bottle. Our waitress told us that there are people who basically order a bottle on Monday nights just to take home.

It's probably about time to start compiling a new list of happy hours and deals like this one.
November 03, 2009
12:48
Open Mic night at Silver Moon
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: music [edit]

Tonight is the first "Open Mic with Tall Adam" night at Silver Moon Brewing, something new they're debuting that will repeat on the first Tuesday of each month. Here's their blurb:

Starting in November, the Moon will be hosting an open mic on the first Tuesday of every month, hosted by our very own bartender Tall Adam. All kinds of performers are welcome...solo-singer/songwriters, bands, drummers, spoken word artists...you name it. We will provide a stage and a mic for our talented community to show what they've got. This event is free and starts at 8.

Free entertainment and microbrewed beer. It's hard to get much better than that...
November 02, 2009
23:17
Dick's is now open
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Business [edit]

We noticed this weekend that Dick's Sporting Goods is now open up on the north side of Bend. That's the business that took over the old Joe's (née GI Joe's) space in the Cascade Village shopping center (between Food 4 Less and Ross).

Personally I'd never heard of Dick's prior to them coming to town, but they've got a huge presence nationwide, and at least the Joe's space didn't sit vacant for long. Is anyone excited about the opening?
October 31, 2009
0:47
Weekend happenings (late edition)
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Weekend Happenings [edit]
Yes, "late edition" since it's late Friday night so I've already missed listing one-third of the stuff going on this weekend. And, remember I posted a big Halloween Happenings list the other day, so I won't be reiterating that stuff here, just the non-Halloween stuff.

(As an addendum to the Halloween Happenings, The Source's calendar has a bunch of Halloween things on it that I didn't list.)
Saturday
- Goodbye Dyna and Warm Gadget are playing at Silver Moon Brewing at 9pm. Rock music, cover is $5.
- The Moon Mountain Ramblers are playing across the street at the Domino Room at 9pm also. Tickets are $7.
- Necktie Killer, Tuck and Roll, and Danger Death Ray are playing a free show at the Black Horse Saloon at 9pm.
Sunday
- There's a Dia de los Muertos Festival at the Domino Room, starting at 4pm. "Admission and dinner on sliding scale starting at $5. Celebrate the holiday and support a great cause with traditional food, fellowship, mole cook-off, raffle and more. Call Greg at 617-3879 for info." (via The Source)
October 28, 2009
21:48
Halloween happenings
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Events [edit]
Looking for something to do on Halloween? There's a ton going on, both on the 31st and the days before as well. Here's the list:
General
- The Deschutes County Fairgrounds is hosting their "ScareGrounds" featuring "The Haunt at Juniper Hollow" and "Dark Intentions" running on a number of days this month, including the 28th through the 31st. You'll need to buy tickets and they recommend children to be ages 12 and up (though not required).
- Don't forget you can catch a showing of Evil Dead: The Musical at the 2nd Street Theater right up until the 31st—when they will present a midnight show, "Rocky Horror" style.
Thursday
- Bouncing off the Wall is having a Halloween party Thursday (the 29th). Unfortunately I don't have any other details but you can always call them at 306-6587.
Friday
- There's a Family Halloween Party at the Athletic Club of Bend Friday night (the 30th), from 6 until 8:30pm. It's taking place at the basketball court, and you'll need to RSVP at the front desk. (Thanks, Jen!)
- Person People is playing at the Domino Room Friday night; while not explicitly a Halloween event, it's "Mischief Night" and people are encouraged to wear costumes. The show starts at 8pm and costs $10.
- Deschutes Brewery is having their Halloween Fresh Hop Beer Tasting on Friday the 30th. They will be pouring at least six fresh hop beers and costumes are encouraged. $40 per person, starting at 6pm at the Mountain Room. Call 385-8606 to get in.
- The Monster Ball is taking place at the Old Stone Church Friday night (the 30th), starting at 8pm and lasting until whenever. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door; with lots of live music and a costume contest with prizes for the funniest, scariest, and naughtiest costumes, this is sure to be a wild party.
Saturday
- The Old Mill District is hosting a Halloween Party from 2-6p. There will be trick-or-treat for candy, healthy snacks and toys in each of the Old Mill District stores. Crafts will be hosted in Central Plaza (by the footbridge) by Arts Central and will include treat bag decorating, pumpkin painting, spooky sensory boxes and more. There will also be wagon rides as well as a special one-day reopening of Working Wonders Children's Museum. (Thanks, Cassondra!)
- CAT6 is having their party from noon on the 31st until 2am: "Spend this Halloween with your friends at CAT6. We’ll be running contests and mini-tournaments for prizes. Wear a video-game related costume and get a free candy! Best costume wins a 1-Year Family Membership to the lounge!!"
- Halloween is Carnivore Day at the High Desert Museum: "See our meat-eating animals enjoy special treats and other activities throughout the day."
- The Bend Factory Stores (AKA the Factory Outlets) are having their First Annual Halloween Festival from 10am until 4pm, with Trick-or-Treating among 21 of the Mall's stores from 4 to 8pm: "The Halloween Festival will feature Bouncy Houses, Face Painting, Balloon Creations, & Delicious Food! Entrance to the event is FREE and includes a Treasure Hunt for the first 100 kids with Prizes and Goody Bags. Make sure to arrive in the morning if you want to participate in the Treasure Hunt."
- The Tower Theatre is presenting a showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show Halloween night. $10, all ages, doors open at 9pm, costume judging (of course!) is at 9:30, and the film starts at 10.
- The Run Like Hell! Half Marathon starts in the morning at 8:30pm. It's a fundraiser and for Halloween is featuring a costume contest and an afterparty at Deschutes Brewery.
- The (new) Maragas Tap Room is featuring a Halloween Beatnik Bash from 3pm until 10, featuring live music with no cover charge. Beer on tap is $2.50, and wine on tap is $4, $5, and $6.
- Cascade Village (the shopping center at the north end of Bend) is featuring Trick-or-Treating from 5 to 7pm Halloween night.
- Kids can Trick-or-Treat at the Bend Police Department and get a Halloween goodie bag between 5 and 8pm.
- McMenamins Old St. Francis School is having their Halloween Party in the Theater, featuring the Empty Space Orchestra and MC Mosley Wotta. It starts at 9pm and is 21 and over.
- McMenamins is also having a DJ'd Costume Dance Party in Father Luke's Room, starting at 9pm—also 21 and over.
- Seven Nightclub is celebrating their first birthday with "Flesh for Fantasy: A Halloween Experience." It starts at 6:30pm, and yes, I'm guessing it will be exactly as the name sounds...
Have I missed anything?
October 27, 2009
0:50
Halloween is fast approaching...
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Holidays [edit]

Halloween is this Saturday (already!) and I'm putting together a list of Halloween events going on around town to be posted later in the week. You know, if you need something to do.

But! If there's something going on I (possibly/probably) don't know about, you need to tell me. Let me know here in the comments or via the contact form, and it'll make the list.
0:42
News from the County
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: News [edit]
Couple of email dispatches from the Deschutes County offices:

First, the County has a new draft of the "Comprehensive Plan" that they're offering open houses over the next couple of months for residents to offer feedback on. What is it?

The Comprehensive Plan is a blueprint of how and where growth and development occur and natural resources are protected in the unincorporated areas of the County for the next 20 years. The draft Plan is based on public input received over the past year, changes to state law, coordination with other agencies and organizations and analysis of current conditions and trends.

It's the first time a new draft has been prepared since 1979. This type of thing sounds like it could be rife with controversy.

Here's their schedule of public meetings:
- 10-27-09 Brothers - Brothers School 6-8 p.m.
- 10-28-09 Redmond - Redmond Fire Station 6-8 p.m.
- 11-10-09 La Pine - Mid-State Electric Building 6-8 p.m.
- 11-30-09 Sunriver - Three Rivers School 6-8 p.m.
- 12-7-09 Bend - Deschutes County Services Center 6-8 p.m.
- 12-9-09 Sisters - Sisters Library 6-8 p.m.
Next, the Cascade Lakes Highway is being closed tomorrow, the 27th, at 9am. The weather's moving in, folks. They're talking about snow in the weather reports.
October 23, 2009
13:49
Weekend happenings
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Weekend Happenings [edit]
Let's see what's going on around town this weekend.
Friday
- Matt Hopper and Eric Tollefson are playing at Silver Moon Brewing tonight, starting at 9pm. Folk/rock music with a $5 cover.
Saturday
- The High Desert Museum is featuring Civil War in the High Desert: "Experience life in the 1860s through Living History with military drills, authentic cooking, and when they aren’t gambling, they will try to recruit you. Dutch oven cooking demonstrations and churning butter as well!" It runs from 11 until 3.
- The Blacksmith is hosting another Mixology class, with bartender/mixologist Columbine Quillen. It starts at 2pm. Cost is $25, 21 and older (obviously). You'll need to reserve a space: call 318-0588.
- Larry and His Flask is playing at Silver Moon Brewing at 9pm. Acoustic punk enjoyment for a $3 to $4 cover.
- Poor Mans Whiskey is hitting the Domino Room at 9pm and performing their "Dark Side of the Moonshine"—their own interpretation of the Pink Floyd "Dark Side of the Moon" album. Pick up tickets at Ranch Records in advance for $15, or $20 at the door.
Sunday
- The Civil War in the High Desert continues at the High Desert Museum, 11 to 3.
- Silver Moon Brewing has a special show Sunday night starting at 7pm (not 9 like usual): Jail Weddings, a 10 piece soul/retro group. Cover is $5.
0:54
George Putnam
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: History [edit]

Over on his Source Weekly blog, Bob Woodward (who should rightly be Bend's official historian) posts an interesting piece of Bend history: a summary of the life of George Putnam, an early Bulletin publisher and mayor of Bend, who married Amelia Earnhart.

As Mayor he approved the laying of Bend's first sewer lines. As majority owner of The Bulletin, he turned it from a weekly into a daily paper.

Putnam's marriage to Earhart was a much publicized event, and according to books on her life was, a very modern "open" marriage. Open or not, Putnam was a big supporter of Earhart’s career and a major financial backer of her various flights leading up to her final flight in 1937.

As to their life in Bend, Putnam and Earhart set up residence at 606 NW Congress Street. The house still stands.

Neat. I'd love to see more interesting history from Woodward.
October 21, 2009
0:42
Street Food
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: food and Dining [edit]

On the Go-Go has a nice writeup on Bend's growing "street food" scene—AKA food carts like hot dog stands and the like. King Weenie gets a mention, and Soupçon and Spork get several paragraphs. I had no idea street food could be so gourmet.

Soupçon’s daily lunch offerings change with the season. Current selections include curried pumpkin soup with coconut, chickpeas, and fresh basil, exotic mushroom and pearl barley with dried tomato gremolata, and Creamy Red Potato/Bacon/Corn Chowder with scallions and smoked paprika.

Spork’s offerings include Vietnamese caramel chicken served with a mint-sprout salad and extra fine jasmine rice, Korean BBQ pork belly tacos topped with house kimchi slaw, Thai style grilled Vegetable coconut green curry with fresh herbs, a bit of heat, and rice and crispy egg-leek salad with a lemon garlic thyme vinaigrette.

There's also a mention of Blacksmith's Gavin McMichael's latest plan, "The Street": a "centralized location for vendors in collaboration with several other food vendors in and around town". Located next to the Blacksmith, of course.

(Doesn't the whole street food vendor concept work best when it's decentralized? You know, spread out? Isn't that more convenient to people over a wider area?)
October 19, 2009
14:03
Beer fans: The Abyss release party November 3rd
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: beer [edit]

Good news for you beer lovers out there: Deschutes Brewery is having their Abyss release party on Tuesday, November 3rd, starting at 5:30pm. They posted on their Facebook fan page:

The wait is almost over. The Abyss 2009 release party at the Bend pub will be on Tuesday, November 3rd, at 5:30 PM. This will be your chance to purchase the first bottle of the season, try a three year vertical tasting and purchase the new t-shirt.

If you're wondering, a "vertical tasting" is where they take several different vintages of the same beer and taste them side-by-side. Most likely they will be doing the tastings based on the 2007, 2008, and 2009 (this year's) vintages of The Abyss.
October 16, 2009
13:47
Weekend happenings
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Weekend Happenings [edit]
We've got a slower weekend this time around, with only a few things going on (and nothing on Sunday)—at least, going off the calendar. And of course if you're stretched for things to do, there's always the Free Fall Guide to give you ideas.

Anything else going on this weekend? Tell us about it in the comments!
Friday
- Tracorum and Shayna and the Bulldog are playing live at Silver Moon Brewery at 9pm. This is Americana/rock music for a $5 cover.
Saturday
- From 12 noon until 4pm, it's the Northwest Crossing Harvest Fest: lots of kids' activities including a scavenger hunt and a free bouncy house; live music; and the "Produce Patch Harvest Bounty Booth."
- From 7pm until 10 at the Decoy Bar and Grill downtown, they will be hosting free live jazz. This is their first foray into live music, and free is a tough price to beat.
- Eric Tollefson and James Orr are bringing acoustic and blues music to Silver Moon at 9pm. Cover is $5.
October 15, 2009
0:48
Swine flu
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Advisories [edit]
I've been hearing apocryphal accounts lately of how rampant swine flu is here in Central Oregon, and while not disbelieving them, it's hard to point out any hard figures—'til now. The Source has a blog post today on this very topic.
The swine flu situation in Deschutes County is more serious than the local news media so far have reported, judging by an e-mail County Communicable Disease Manager Shannon Dames sent to health care professionals today.

Under the subject line “H1N1 Cases are way up!” Dames’s e-mail states:

“I am sure this is not news to you, given what you are seeing in your own clinics, but to be sure we are all in the loop:
- Schools are seeing higher absentee rates - some up to 25%
- The Bend and Redmond emergency rooms are packed - 44 ILI [influenza-like illness] admissions in two days early this week, and 22 positive results [for H1N1 flu] from the State lab.
- We are getting reports that staffing [has] become a concern at some of our medical locations with people having to leave due to onset of ILI.”
There's also not much vaccine to be had: there's "some out there" but right now it's a waiting game.

However, so as not to inflame any fears needlessly, let's review this post I made back in April:

Illness caused by this new strain of flu has the same symptoms as other strains of flu including fever, lack of energy and appetite, coughing, runny nose, sore throat, and can include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Those who have had swine flu in the United States have experienced mild illness, and have recovered. US hospitals have not reported an increase in serious respiratory illness. All cases were detected through routine surveillance for seasonal influenza.

I highlighted the "recovered" portion there, but obviously there have been some swine flu-related deaths that are owed more to extra circumstances than just getting the flu. From all accounts, H1N1 is a milder form of the "regular" influenza outbreaks that happen every year. So if you get swine flu, you'll be sick for a few days and (most likely) be just fine.

The number one thing you can do to prevent catching it? Wash your hands regularly.
October 14, 2009
0:16
Press Release: BMC to expand Redmond services
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Press Releases [edit]

Bend Memorial Clinic (BMC) will be relocating their existing Redmond services currently located at 1541 NE Canal Blvd to a new expanded location projected to open in March 2010. The new building is located at 865 SW Veterans Way approximately four blocks west of Highway 97 near Fred Meyer in Redmond.

Read full press release
October 12, 2009
21:17
Bend Streetview in Google Maps is just a few days old
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Online [edit]

Looks like there's been a very recent Streetview update for Bend in Google Maps—and I mean very recent, as in within the past week or two at most. Previously they only had the blue "Streetview routes" (in blue) on Highways 97 and 20. Take a look now:

And when you look at the Streetview pictures, it's obvious they were taken in the Fall—leaves on the trees are turned and the weather looks like, well, like it has been lately. And, you can view the schedule on the Tower Theatre's sign to see October events highlighted—notably BendFilm. So it's fairly obvious the Google Car has been through Bend and that Google does fast updates to their system.

Two questions: is the Google Car still driving around Bend, getting Streetview pictures? And, did anyone see it?

Update: Apparently I'm wrong and these images are from last year; the anonymous comment below and over on Jake's post point out the correct dates and better research. Still, it's nice to see more coverage coming to Central Oregon and hopefully there will be more updates soon.
13:51
Ignite Bend 3 is this Wednesday
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Events [edit]

Don't forget, the third Ignite Bend is coming up this Wednesday, the 14th! It's at the Tower Theatre, starting at 7pm (doors open at 6:30), and admission as always is free. However, seating can be limited so it's a good idea to get advance tickets if you're going. And a $3 donation would be greatly appreciated.

Doors will open at 6:30pm. Anyone holding advance tickets will be admitted immediately. We’re requesting a $3 donation – anyone that donates any amount will receive a raffle ticket. Kousefly will be warming up the crowd with some tunes. Twist Cocktail Catering will be selling adult beverages. After some brief announcements at 7pm the first round of presentations will begin.
October 09, 2009
23:24
Volcano Vineyards' new Tasting Lounge is open
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: wine [edit]

Volcano Vineyards posted on their blog today that their new Tasting Lounge is open:

Right this second Scott is at the OLCC office picking up our new license, so we should be open today at 126 NW Minnesota (between Wall and Bond) by 3 pm! Woohoo! The next two weeks we will be in “soft opening” mode, meaning we won’t have the full food menu (if any food at all) just yet, and the hours will be erratic, as we complete the move and iron out the new set up.

No Grand Opening announced as yet, and one other bit of news: no minors allowed anymore. (Minors used to be allowed into their tasting room on Brooks.)
10:16
Weekend happenings
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Weekend Happenings [edit]
Another weekend is upon us already and there's a few things going on. The biggest and most obvious is the BendFilm Festival, which started yesterday, and packs a ton of movies, short films, parties and more into four busy days (concluding on Sunday).

Other stuff going on:
Friday
- Silver Moon Brewing has Tom Catmull and the Clerics playing tonight at 9pm, bringing Americana music to the brewpub. Cover is $5.
Saturday
- The Central Oregon Trail Alliance is having their Biketoberfest Trail Work Party, from 9 to 2pm, with an after party from 2 until 6 at the Wanoga Complex parking lot. Additional info:
  We will meet at the Park and ride(Colorado & Simpson) by 9 a.m.,then divide into work parties. Food and beverage will be provided to all volunteers at the BBQ.
  
  Remember to bring plenty of water, safety glasses, gloves, sturdy shoes, sunscreen and lots of friends.
- The Original Central Oregon Pumpkin Festival kicks off from 10 until 4 out at Tillicum Ranch (off Couch Market road west of Bend towards Sisters). Pumpkins to pick, hay rides, live entertainment, a haunted barn, lots of kids activities, food. (No dogs allowed.) Kids activities cost money (not much), adults are free.
- At two o'clock there is a Mixology Class with Columbine Quillen at The Blacksmith. The cost is $25 and you'll need to call 318-0588 for reservations.
- Silver Moon hosts Planet Loop and Thumbrprint Collective at 9pm. World/jazz/electronica music for a $5 cover.
Sunday
- The Janks and AM Interstate are playing at Silver Moon at 9pm. Indie rock music for a $7 cover.
0:50
Yard debris disposal sale at Knott Landfill
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: outdoors [edit]

It's not very glamorous, but next month from October 31st until November 15th, all yard debris disposal fees at Knott Landfill are half off, part of the FireFree awareness to create/maintain a wildfire-defensible space around homes and businesses. Since it's fall cleanup time (dead leaves, pine needles, branches, etc.) it makes sense to take advantage of the reduced fees.

The hours of the Recycling Center out at Knott Landfill are 7am to 4:30pm, seven days a week.
0:31
Living Local coupon book
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Economy [edit]

There's been something of a "local economy" movement floating around lately ("make local habit" is the prominent phrase I keep seeing) and now there's a local coupon book that is embracing that philosophy. It's called Living Local: A Community Coupon Book for Central Oregon, and has been out since May of this year.

It's a $20 purchase, and funds partially benefit the Waldorf School of Bend. Here's what they say about it:

2000 copies of LIVING LOCAL were printed Spring 2009, with a distribution premiere at the Waldorf School of Bend’s May Fair Festival, May 2, 2009. Books will be available for purchase ($20, tax deductible) from many local outlets; check www.livinglocalbook.org for all locations including Camalli Book Company, VisitBend, and Tower Theatre Box Office. Participating businesses were charged NO FEES to participate in this project so that more local businesses could participate in this community-building project. Also, current LL Book vendors are not receiving any book profits. Thus, all of the project's proceeds come directly from book sales and support the local non-profit school and support the community!

For this first edition, coupons will not expire until November 2010 so that participants may use and enjoy its offers for a full 1½ years. Printed locally on FSC paper. Future editions in coming years are expected to surpass 5000 copies. We plan to publish annually in Fall after 2010 as a perpetual income source for the school and community at large.

They've assembled an impressive list of local participants but to be fair, I don't know what kind of savings the coupon book represents; some sort of preview would be nice.

Has anyone seen this book around town?
October 07, 2009
0:27
BendFilm
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Movies [edit]

I keep seeing updates on Twitter but it finally sunk in that BendFilm is just around the corner—as in, two days around the corner. (Maybe because it's been less hyped this year?)

From the 8th through the 11th (Thursday through Sunday), this independent film festival grips Bend with a ton of feature length and short films, documentaries and special events that will leave any movie buff satisfied. (Or so I understand.) Movies will be showing at the Tower Theatre, McMenamins Old St. Francis School, two "Regal" screens (at the Old Mill), and the Sisters Movie House.

Of course, the parties are what it's all about. Should make for an interesting few days.
October 05, 2009
22:46
There is now a Hack Bend Facebook group
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Blogging [edit]

So there's now a Hack Bend Facebook group set up and I'll be honest, my Facebook knowledge is limited so I don't entirely know what I'm doing with it (like, is the group page better, or would a fan page be the way to go? What's the difference exactly?). But since I've been using other services it was time for Facebook integration.

Events would be a nice thing to include on the page—ideally I'd like to be able to import events from the Google Calender rather than having to re-create them manually on Facebook (duplicating the work).

If I need to create a fan page instead of (or along with) the group, let me know.
0:27
ODS Free Seniors Day at the High Desert Museum
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Free Stuff [edit]

Monday, October 5th (tomorrow... or "today" if you reading this Monday morning) is "ODS Free Seniors Day at the High Desert Museum": People aged 60 and older will have free admission all day. (Actually, the website says 65, but the email I received says 60—call first.)

In addition to the free admission, they are offering "special wildlife encounters, Living History performances and animal keeper talks", which sounds like business as usual—though I suspect these will be stepped up for the day.

And it's not entirely related, an additional note was attached to the email as well:

Also, the High Desert Museum will honor Working Wonders Children's Museum Golden Tickets through their expiration date and punchcards through March 2010 for free admission to the High Desert Museum.
October 02, 2009
11:36
Weekend happenings
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Weekend Happenings [edit]
The first weekend of October, and the cold weather is on us; I think I even heard some forecast mention snow, though I very much have my doubts about that.
Friday
- It's First Friday, which means the art galleries and shops downtown, in the Old Mill District, and in Northwest Crossing are all open later hours (5pm until 9pm), often offering up refreshments and live music as well. But wait! It's also the twice-a-year Art Hop! It's basically more of the same, only amped up.
- There's also a shuttle service going on during First Friday/Art Hop:
  Catch the free shuttle driven by Bend's own John Flannery of Green Energy Transport to take you from downtown Bend to the Old Mill District and Northwest Crossing to celebrate wine, art & music all over Bend. The shuttle runs from 5:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. and leaves from 900 Wall St. beginning at 5 p.m. The loop is about an hour and is free for riders.
  (Picked that tidbit up from Visit Bend.)
Saturday
- The Bend Fall Festival starts today. Like the other seasonal 'fests, downtown streets will be closed and there will be artists and vendors set up and selling their wares, free live music across several stages, food, beer, and wine, and more.
- The Deschutes Public Library is having their quarterly Friends of the Library Book Sale, in the Administration building from 10am until 4pm. You know I always recommend this—I loves me some cheap books!
- At Silver Moon Brewing starting at 9pm, Longbottom Leaf is bringing their acoustic music to Bend from Ashland, and the cover is only $3.
Sunday
- The Bend Fall Festival continues.
October 01, 2009
20:07
Who has Bend's best chili?
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: food and Dining [edit]
The topic of chili came up at work today (why not? It's perfect chili weather), and it was mentioned that Pilot Butte Drive-in has good chili and cornbread on their menu. Which naturally got me to wondering, what restaurant in Bend has the best chili?

For that matter, what restaurants have chili regularly on their menu? Besides Pilot Butte, I see that Black Bear Diner has chili on their lunch menu (along with a chili burger). A quick search online also reveals:
- The D&D Bar and Grill: Ah yes, of course the D would have chili.
- Baldy's BBQ
- ...and Wendy's of course, if you want to count them.
Who else in town is serving up chili? I want to hear about them, and I want to know who's the best. Sound off in the comments!
September 29, 2009
19:51
Sponsor Ignite Bend 3
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Events [edit]

Ignite Bend 3 is coming up rapidly—it's on October 14th, just over two weeks away—and they are in serious need of sponsorship help to be able to even have the event. From their blog:

We are looking for sponsors for Ignite Bend 3! Ignite Bend is a free community event organized by a bunch of Bend locals. 100% of sponsor dollars go toward venue, refreshments, and other costs of putting on the event. We need your help to put on this amazing event!

And they Twittered today, "Hi folks! @ignitebend desperately needs sponsors asap for the upcoming event at the Tower Theater #inbend. [www.ignitebend.com".]

Essentially, if they don't get sponsorships, they can't have Ignite Bend, at least at the Tower Theatre: the Tower requires a deposit 10 days in advance of an event—otherwise, there's no event. That means Ignite Bend has to get the sponsorships and raise the money by October 4th in order to make the deposit.

One of the best things about Ignite Bend is that admission is always free—this is because they're able to get the sponsorships needed to cover all of their costs. Yes, there may be alternatives to the Tower Theatre if it comes down to it (I don't know)—but the attendance and experience will suffer for it.

Let's get some local businesses on the sponsorship bandwagon—there's only five days left!
9:20
Evil Dead: The Musical
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Theater [edit]

All during the month of October, the 2nd Street Theater is presenting one of the more (most?) unusual shows to grace Central Oregon's stages: Evil Dead: The Musical.

Based on Sam Raimi's 80s cult classic films, EVIL DEAD tells the tale of 5 college kids who travel to a cabin in the woods and accidentally unleash an evil force. The songs are hilariously campy and the show is bursting with more farce than a Monty Python skit.

EVIL DEAD: THE MUSICAL unearths the old familiar story: boy and friends take a weekend getaway at abandoned cabin, boy expects to get lucky, boy unleashes ancient evil spirit, friends turn into Candarian Demons, boy fights until dawn to survive. As musical mayhem descends upon this sleepover in the woods, "camp" takes on a whole new meaning with uproarious numbers like "All the Men in my Life Keep Getting Killed by Candarian Demons", "Look Who's Evil Now "and "Do the Necronomicon".

Shows take place Wednesday through Sunday (except for this Sunday, the 4th), starting at 8pm Wednesdays through Saturdays and 6pm on Sundays. On October 31st, they're going Rocky Horror-style and presenting a midnight show.

Tickets cost $20 and $18, and you can buy them online at the 2nd Street Theater site.
0:36
Working Wonders is closing, Oct. 4
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Economy [edit]

As many have probably heard, Working Wonders Children's Museum in the Old Mill District is closing, effective October 4th (Saturday, October 3rd will be their last day). They weren't able to meet their fundraising goals (some $200,000, I heard on the news), and the overall model apparently isn't financially viable.

The kicker is, this week they're also celebrating their fifth anniversary:

We invite you to share in our final 5th birthday celebration from Wednesday, September 30th to Saturday, October 3rd in the museum. We have scheduled special activities and encourage everyone to participate in the festivities. If you have a punch card or Golden Ticket, please invite your friends and family in with you.

Unfortunately, there's nothing else quite like it in town for kids that I'm aware of; and I particularly liked when they would sponsor the childrens activities during the Summerfest for free.
September 27, 2009
0:19
Great American Beer Festival winners
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: beer [edit]

The latter half of this week the Great American Beer Festival has been going on in Denver, Colorado, and today was the awards ceremony for all the beers across the country that was sent to compete. There was some 3300 beers in 78 different categories, and I'm happy to report several of our local breweries are bringing home medals.

First and foremost, big congrats to 10 Barrel Brewing for winning their first GABF medal! They won the Bronze in the "Out of Category" er, category for their S1NIST0R Black Ale, beating out 79 other beers to do so (82 entries in the category total). Huge win for the young brewery—good job guys!

Bend Brewing also brought home a medal: Silver in the "Old Ale or Strong Ale" for Outback X, their double-strength Outback Old Ale. They have been a consistent medal contender for the past few years, so it's nice to see another big award like this.

And finally, Deschutes Brewery won three medals: Silver for Mirror Pond Pale Ale in the "Classic English Style Pale Ale" category; Bronze for their "Quad" (a Belgian Quadrupel) in the "Belgian-Style Abbey Ale" category; and Bronze for Black Butte Porter in the "Brown Porter" category. Nice work as always!
September 25, 2009
9:11
Weekend happenings
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Weekend Happenings [edit]
The first weekend of Fall is here, made apparent by the fact that it's the last Friday Farmer's Market and the Bend Oktoberfest is going on. Check out what's going on this weekend, but there's also the Free Fall Guide to check if you run out of ideas (shameless plug!).
Friday
- The final Bend Farmers Market in front of St. Charles hospital for the season is taking place from 2 until 6pm. (The one at Drake Park on Wednesdays continues until October 14th.)
- The Bend Roots Revival music festival continues, with evening shows taking over the westside at 14th and Galveston (Parrilla Grill and Victorian Café).
- The Bend Oktoberfest starts at 6pm, 21 and over only for the evening. It's free admission this year. Beer, German food, music, and more.
- At Silver Moon Brewing, Ruins of Ooah and Raquy and the Cavemen bring world music to the stage, starting at 9pm. (I don't know what the cover charge is.)
- Cabaret is playing the Tower Theatre starting at 8pm. Tickets are $25.
Saturday
- More Bend Roots Revival, starting early and going all day with a ton of things happening.
- Oktoberfest continues, still free admission, and starts at noon. Kids are allowed until 6pm. (Festivities end at 10.)
- It's Open Mic night at Silver Moon Brewing, in conjunction with Bend Roots Revival. It's free and open to anyone and starts at 9pm.
- Cabaret has its final performance at the Tower.
Sunday
- Final day of Bend Roots Revival. It's another all-day packed schedule.
- Maragas Winery is crushing 2 tons of grapes, most of which were actually harvested here in Central Oregon (I didn't know they were at that stage!), at their Terrebonne location. It's free to the public to come watch and starts at 10am.
September 24, 2009
0:50
Free Fall Activity Guide (2009)
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Free Stuff [edit]

Since I've taken the time to create a Free Summertime Activity Guide the past couple of years, a friend on Twitter suggested/asked if I was going to do any for fall and winter as well. I am now! So here is a guide to the free (or nearly free) activities to be found during autumn in Bend.

Keep checking back, as I'll be updating this over the next few days/weeks, as well.

Click through for the Free Fall Activity Guide!
0:36
Fall music, upcoming
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: music [edit]

Ben Salmon over on his Frequency blog has posted (the first of?) a "fall music guide", lists of upcoming shows for Bend. Ben is pretty much the music authority these days for what's happening locally, so if you're into the music scene, this is where you need to start.
September 23, 2009
0:20
Working on a Fall Activity Guide...
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Free Stuff [edit]

In the next day or so I will have a Free Activity Guide online for the Fall, to replace the Summertime one I ran the last few months. It was brought about by a suggestion and it seemed like one of those no-brainer things to do that of course I didn't think of it myself first. (I'll be doing a Winter one too, and probably Spring.)

It's going to be somewhat of a "first pass" guide, and I'll be editing and adding to it as I come up with more free (or cheap) things to do in the Fall—as always, suggestions are welcome.
September 21, 2009
22:48
Bend Roots Revival
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: music [edit]

Now in its fourth year, the Bend Roots Revival is possibly the biggest free music festival / celebration / revival / clambake in Central Oregon; spanning four days this coming weekend (the 24th through the 27th), the Revival will take over the westside at 14th and Galveston—both Parrilla Grill and the Victorian Café are heavily involved—and will present no less than 70(!) local acts and workshops across eight performance areas.

Here's a bit about the Revival in their own words (emphasis mine):

The Bend Roots Revival, now in it’s 4th year, is a 4-day celebration of our local performing arts community. The annual event is a project of 106.7 KPOV Bend Community Radio.

As a project of KPOV Bend Community Radio, all Revival performances and workshops are free and open to the public. This event is underwritten by pure community giving and effort, and hosted by The Victorian Café and Parrilla Grill.

Bend Roots a grassroots organization based in Bend, Oregon. Our mission is to help educate, connect, nurture and promote performing artists (of all ages and skill levels) in our area.

Many workshops are offered throughout the weekend and Sunday is focused on kids and families. This year we are pleased to announce that Victor Johnson will be performing and helping out with the Kids Music Workshop. Victor is a renowned kids music performer and Putamayo recording artist who has made a career of kid's songs. Based in the Dalles, he is a bright light for sure, and a neighbor our performing arts community can learn from.

Check out the schedule on their site; it's pretty eclectic and simply huge. Whatever music you're into, I'm willing to bet you'll find something to like at the Revival.
September 18, 2009
0:06
Cabaret!
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Theater [edit]

The musical Cabaret has been brought to the Tower Theatre for six showings by a brand-new local theater company, Cat Call Productions. You've probably seen the ads or heard the spots on the radio, it's been pretty well publicized. It's a high-profile musical, too, and The Source mentioned it "might be one of the most innovative theater ventures" Bend has seen in a while.

Evan Smith, a member of the cast, had written in to say:

A brand-new theater company, Cat Call Productions, owned by Tifany [LeGuyonne], is putting this on. I went with to massage school with Tiffany for two years back in 2002, at COCC. She is way cool and producing this on her own dime... the Tower costs over $25,000 to rent for 6 shows, so she is def. a go-getter and entrepreneur worth mentioning.

We had our dress rehearsal tonight and it was off da Hook!

Tickets are $25, though for $100 you can get a VIP table for two right up front:

The front three rows of theater seats have been removed to make way for 8 tables, creating the illusion that you are sitting in the rear of the Kit Kat Klub - Berlin 1929. Stairs will bring the show from the stage to play out amongst you and your guests.

That sounds like fun!

Show performances are the 17th (first was tonight), 18th, and 19th, and then next week the 24th, 25th, and 26th. It's also a more adult-oriented show, as it contains mature content.

Oh, and in case you need a synopsis:

CABARET is set in Berlin at the close of 1929 and the beginning rise of the Third Reich. A young American novelist has come to Berlin to write and has fallen in love with an English cabaret singer. He becomes entangled in a rocky relationship, political propaganda, and the seedy, sorted night life of the Kit Kat Klub. The Cabaret’s own Emcee sarcastically narrates the story through song and dance. The audience gets a glimpse into the changing political tide of a nation destined to transform history forever.
September 16, 2009
23:51
Bend Oktoberfest 2009
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Events [edit]

In what has become an annual tradition, the Bend Oktoberfest is back again this month, on September 25th and 26th (Friday night and all day Saturday). A portion of Downtown Bend will be closed off for the autumn festival.

Friday night starts at 6pm and is for 21 and over only, ending at 10. Saturday starts at noon and until 6 is all ages, and then from 6 until 10 again is 21 and over.

Admission is free—though food and drink will cost you, of course. This is the first year that the admission is free—my past blogs on the event (back to 2006) list an admission price—so that's a good sign!

So what to expect? Well, aside from the usual bounty of Oktoberfest beer and German food, there will be live music and dancing, yodeling contests, wiener dog races, activities for kids like puppet shows and face painting, and more.

Most intriguing (odd?) are the wiener dog races; their free to anyone who wants to enter though it'll cost $10 per dog. I don't remember them being a part of the original Oktoberfest tradition, but here they benefit the Humane Society of Central Oregon. You can print out the registration form from the site.
September 15, 2009
22:14
Press Release: BMC CEO Launches Blog on Healthcare in Central Oregon
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Press Releases [edit]

Posting this because I always find it interesting when blogs are involved.

Bend Memorial Clinic (BMC) has launched a blog regarding healthcare in Central Oregon. The inaugural post by BMC’s CEO Marvin J. Lein titled “What If Our Current Healthcare System Chose to Be Accountable?” can be viewed by visiting BMC’s website located at www.BendMemorialClinic.com.

The blog will host a variety of topics including healthcare reform, health care issues effecting Central Oregon and BMC’s TotalCareTM promise to continue to support the unique relationship between a patient and their doctor.

ABOUT BMC: Bend Memorial Clinic includes over 100 providers representing 15 branches of medicine and 30 service specialties. It is the largest multi-specialty group east of the Cascades and functions as a comprehensive referral center for physicians and communities throughout the state. The Clinic has provided primary and specialty care since 1946.
22:09
Press Release: Human Dignity Coalition's 7th Annual Drag Show Fundraiser
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Press Releases [edit]

With Portland's Poison Waters and Friends

Human Dignity Coalition is raising funds to support our Queer and Allied Youth Program and make schools safer for all youth and the community. Bring your checkbook or credit card!

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Boondocks Bar & Grill
70 NW Newport Ave, Bend, OR 97701

Doors open at 7:30 doors, 8PM Showtime Tickets $10-20 sliding scale at the door. Ages 21 and over - no host bar Live Auction, bring your checkbook.

Proceeds benefit Human Dignity Coalition

For accessibility and info, 541-385-3320 office@humandignitycoalition.org
14:00
Bend Adventure Boot Camp Invitation
» ‎ Hack Bend

Tags: Spa and fitness [edit]

Jen forwarded this email to me, thinking it would be "hack bend-able." (I kind of like how she adjectified the blog name... verb next?) Anyway, it looks like a good deal to check out.

Dear Boot Campers and Friends,

You are invited to our Bend Chamber Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Thursday September 17th at 4:15pm-5pm. Please come to Drake Park, and share this exciting afternoon with us. We'll be providing refreshments, a raffle, and we are even offering an hour long boot camp class at 5pm at no cost, so bring your workout gear! Come out, join in on the fun, and see what the new owners of Bend Adventure Boot Camp are all about! We'll also be raffling off fun prizes like boot camp class passes! If you are interested in joining us, please RSVP! Here are the details:

Time
4:15 PM TO 5:00 PM, 5PM FREE BOOT CAMP
Date:
9/17/2009

Event Description:
Adventure Fitness Boot Camp is Central Oregon's Premier Fitness Program! Boot camp classes are held all year long and each hour-long workout includes world-class fitness instruction, motivational tools, and of course, a lot of fun! The program is designed to help you reach your fitness goals fast, in both women only and coed fitness programs. Lose weight, tone up, and feel great!

Please stay after the Ribbon Cutting ceremony for a free boot camp class around 5pm to see what our business is all about. The workout will be for all fitness levels.

Directions:
Look for us in the stage area of Drake Park.

Email or call us with any questions. PLEASE RSVP!

To your health,

Victoria Adelus and Josh Field - Adventure Boot Camp Trainers/Owners

Phone: 541-350-5343
Address: PO Box 5861, Bend, OR 97708
Website: www.BendBootCamp.com

Email: info@bendbootcamp.com
Max Muscle Bend Store: maxmusclebend.com

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