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In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia T&TH

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 Lots and LOTS of Events

 🎅The 2024 Bend Christmas Parade - Dec. 7th

🏃‍➡️Ugly Sweater Fun Run on tap in Sisters

🎉New Event Calendar! Central Oregon Local Live!

📅Save The Date Section

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

📰New Sewer Systems Aim to Solve Wastewater Challenges in Tumalo and Terrebonne

🛍️Bend's Big Lots isn't closing after all

🍺🍔Two new pubs, Cassity’s and The Commonwealth Pub, open doors on Bend’s west side

❄️All volunteer Central Oregon Nordic Club keeps snowshoe trails signed and cleared

🙏‘We are incredibly grateful’: Shepherd’s House hosts Thanksgiving dinners in Bend and Redmond

📰Regional / National News

📰Housing and Food Insecurity Surged Among Oregon Medicaid Recipients During Pandemic

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🔥⛑️Fire & Rescue News

🚨Crime News

📰 Community News

🎅Christmas festivities underway at Sisters Fire District

 Got some news or know of news for our Community News Segment - share it with C.O. Local Buzz!

📲Sponsors & Partners

😁 MEME of the Day

🌆 On going Events Fun N Games in Central Oregon has LAUNCHED 🚀

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What’s Up Central Oregon 

December 6th

4pm - 7pm

Kick off the holiday season at Downtown Bend’s Annual Tree Lighting! Join us for a magical evening filled with festive lights, carols from local choirs, hot cocoa, and a special visit from Santa himself! Bring your family and friends to celebrate and watch the tree light up the night. See you there!

The 2024 Bend Christmas Parade

Saturday Dec. 7, 2024 – 12pm Start Time

Bend's most beloved event is coming soon! After 40 years, the Parade keeps on going and growing, and the 2023 Parade  was the largest ever!
2024 is going to surpass 2023!

Our Grand Marshals this year truly deserve the honor. For 39 years of the Parade history Terry Rahmsdorff served as our Santa Claus, bringing up the rear of the Parade and bringing cheer to countless kids of all ages with his booming, "Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas!" Sadly, Terry passed away last year and he was greatly missed at the 2023 Parade. His wife Terri and his family have agreed to serve as Grand Marshals this year so that we can acknowledge and express our gratitude for Terry's years of love and care for our community. 

Ugly Sweater Fun Run on tap in Sisters

Runners and walkers are invited to don their ugliest sweaters and other holiday garb for the fourth annual Ugly Sweater Run/Walk. The 5 kilometer event, set for Saturday, December 7 at 10 a.m. will be  staged from the Fir Street Park in downtown Sisters.

Photo by Charlie Kanzig

Participants in last year's Ugly Sweater Run show their holiday spirit. 

Race director Kelly Bither, founder of RunSistersRun, sponsors theme-oriented runs during the year and sees the events as an opportunity to  get people together for some fun while also raising funds for local non-profits. This year's event will support Living Well with Dementia in Sisters and the Sisters High School alpine ski team.  

Last year's event attracted 250 participants and Bither hopes to match that this year. 

Participants can form teams of six or more to qualify for a discount on the registration price of $39. The cost is $25 for 12 and under and  there is also a free "Santa's Lil Helpers" 100 yard dash just before the 5k starts for the little ones. 

Bither said, "Registration includes holiday glasses to complete your outfit, jingle bells to put on your shoes, and hot chocolate, coffee, and holiday snacks to enjoy." 

Rumor has it that Santa will be present on his red Vespa, according to Bither. 

Registration must be completed online at http://www.runsistersrun.com which also includes complete details of the event. 

The course finishes at The Barn food truck court where food will be available for purchase. Post-race festivities include prizes in recognition of the best, or ugliest, outfits. 

"This is a great way to kick off the holiday season with family and friends," said Bither.

December 7th

5pm- 8pm

The Festival of Trees is Hospice of Redmond’s Annual Fundraiser. Voted the Best Nonprofit Event in 2024, it is held at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds on the first Saturday in December. We have both a daytime and an evening event.

During the free daytime event, the community is invited to come see Santa, enjoy cookies, and view the 30+ stunningly decorated Christmas Trees prepped and ready for the live auction, which will take place during the evening event.

For the evening event, attendees purchase tickets to enjoy dinner, music, raffles, games, and a moving and exciting live Christmas Tree auction!

All Festival of Trees Fundraiser proceeds go towards our various free programs.

Coming up - Save the Date

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New Sewer Systems Aim to Solve Wastewater Challenges in Tumalo and Terrebonne

Efforts to improve wastewater management in Tumalo and Terrebonne are advancing, aiming to resolve decades-old problems that have hindered growth and strained the environment. Tumalo formed its first sewer district in 2024, planning a small-scale system to serve around 139 properties initially, with monthly fees starting at $80. The system is designed to protect the Deschutes River and groundwater while maintaining the town’s rural charm.

Terrebonne, meanwhile, is connecting to Redmond's wastewater treatment facility, with an $8 million project that includes six miles of pipe and capacity for 300 buildings in its first phase. Monthly costs will range from $58 to $80. Both projects rely on grants and local funding to address outdated septic systems and environmental risks.

While the projects could spur development, leaders emphasize their focus on solving existing sanitation issues rather than driving growth.

FULL STORY HERE

Bend's Big Lots isn't closing after all

Central Oregon Daily News Staff

The Big Lots store on Bend’s east side is staying open after all.

Signs have been up for weeks outside the store in the Forum Shopping Center saying the store was closing. The Bend location was one of 344 reportedly set to close after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September.

A viewer reached out to Central Oregon Daily Monday and said he had gone in to take advantage of the 50% off store closing discounts. But then he was told that the closure was no longer happening.

A manager for the store tells Central Oregon Daily News that the group which bought out the chain wanted more west coast stores. The Bend location is included on that list.

The Bend location re-negotiated with the Forum Shopping Center and is officially sticking around.

Two new pubs, Cassity’s and The Commonwealth Pub, open doors on Bend’s west side

New pubs, Cassity’s and The Commonwealth Pub , have arrived in Bend, serving up libations and hearty meals.

Bend, known for its vibrant craft beer scene, has added two new pubs to its growing roster on the west side of town.

Both establishments aim to offer unique experiences for beer enthusiasts and locals alike.

The Commonwealth Pub, opened a couple of weeks ago on century drive. Featuring 13 flat screen TV’s to local, national and world sports from every angle, enjoy a lineup of signature ales, with a British twist.

Co-owner Dan Larsson explains the vibe of the pub.

“The vibe of the place is British inspired. We have an island bar… to expand it, to have it be the Commonwealth, so you can have Canadian, British, Indian, Australian, Jamaican, and a lot more flexibility with things.”

Just across the street is Cassity’s. It has moved in where Cabin 22 once was.

The pub boasts an outdoor patio with fire pits, perfect for enjoying bend’s crisp evenings.

It launched with the focus being on small-batch beers, and a rotating selection from local and regional breweries. The venue pairs its offerings with a menu of elevated pub fare and pool.

Bendite Sawyer Demeyer says he’s impressed.

“Our buddy and I had heard about it. We've never been here. We just wanted to check it out, just see what the atmosphere is like. I love it. It's got a really kind of nice wood-theme. It's just this nice little sports bar. I think it's great, right across from Cascade West.”

Both pubs highlight Bend’s continued growth as a destination for craft beer culture.

Residents and visitors can look forward to these new spots becoming neighborhood favorites.

The post Two new pubs, Cassity’s and The Commonwealth Pub, open doors on Bend’s west side appeared first on KTVZ .

All volunteer Central Oregon Nordic Club keeps snowshoe trails signed and cleared

Brooke Snavely, Reporter

Of all the winter sports available to us here in Central Oregon, snowshoeing is perhaps the easiest and most affordable. There are 27 miles of designated snow shoe trails between Bend and Mt. Bachelor. These trails are signed, cleared and easy to navigate thanks to the all-volunteer Central Oregon Nordic Club’s snowshoe trail maintenance team.

We caught up with them on the Summit Bypass trail near the Swampy Lakes Sno-Park, replacing trail marker signs that are fading or delaminating due to exposure or get knocked down by falling trees.

"The newer signs we are using in the snowshoe and ski area. We call it color core," said Chuck Delcambre, Central Oregon Nordic Club Volunteer. "It’s blue on the outside with a white core. We design it with software and cut things out with a CNC machine -- the letters -- and we round them around the edges. The contrast with the white and the blue. Hopefully the color core will last longer than these other ones. It’s severe ultraviolet light at this elevation and signs just don’t last."

 To help snowshoers navigate, volunteers cut limbs and remove whole trees that block the trails and the sight lines.

 "Our goal is to have the ability to see one marker behind and one ahead so that one can stay on the trails. The little snowshoer emblem is 3M reflective material so if you come out at night they will just pop out with your headlamp. It’s an easy way to navigate the trails at night," said Bob Timmer, Central Oregon Nordic Club Snowshoe Trail Volunteer Coordinator.

 The Meissner Nordic Club is riding a rising tide of popularity in cross country skiing. Thanks to community support, the non-profit ski club n…

 A third focus of this volunteer maintenance effort is leveling steep spots so that snowshoers don’t tumble into tree wells. Snowshoe trails aren’t groomed like ski trails. Instead, they meander through the trees, up hills and across meadows.

 "Some say if you can walk, you can snowshoe. It’s low cost. It’s very family friendly," Timmer said. "Most of the trails are loops, some you can do like the Swampy Shelter trail here is about a three-mile loop. There are shorter loops at Swampy you can do on your first time out. At Meissner, the trail to the shelter is a good easy trail to start out on as well. There are trails for all different abilities from beginner to intermediate to difficult."

Snowshoeing may be an easy-entry activity, but breaking the trail through fresh snow is hard work. You have to lift your feet that may be heavy with snow and you have to walk with a wider stance. Most first-timers will feel muscles they didn’t know existed.

One of the volunteers stood out because he carried a ladder onto the trail.

 "Without the ladder, we wouldn’t be able to work on the signs. So we rotate on who carries what gear and today, it was my turn to carry the ladder," said Kelly Eager, Central Oregon Nordic Club Volunteer. "It’s not particularly heavy, it's just awkward to walk on snowshoes with it. You’ll notice I avoided breaking trail. That’s a good way to fall down."

There are lots of things to like about going snowshoeing with a U.S. Forest Service ranger at Mt. Bachelor.

Jim Davis, a retired physician from Portland, established the first snowshoe trails with Forest Service permission in 2002. Since then, new volunteers who call themselves SWATS (Sawyers With Attitude to Spare) have taken on the mission to keep the trails open and accessible for all to enjoy.

"The line of sight to the signs changes as the snow level changes. Also, the snow on the tree limbs brings them way down and can block the signs, so we try to make it so that you can see at least two signs from anywhere on the trail," Delcambre said. "We do a lot of branch trimming close to the signs and also in between signs just clearing the line of sight."

The snowshoe trails are open because the volunteers come through clearing branches, removing fallen trees and posting highly visible signs.

"We’ve benefitted from a couple of grants from the Deschutes Trail Coalition and the Bend Sustainability Fund. They have provided the funds for the markers and the signage, otherwise it's the volunteers that make it happen," Timmer said.

The next time you go snowshoeing on a marked and maintained trail, thank the Central Oregon Nordic Club.

‘We are incredibly grateful’: Shepherd’s House hosts Thanksgiving dinners in Bend and Redmond

By Kelsey McGee KTVZ

On Wednesday, Bend's Lighthouse Navigation Center hosted their own holiday meals, giving people a chance to reflect on what they're thankful for.

"When I came in here, I was pretty defeated," Matthew Kaiser said Wednesday. "With all of their support and help, I've been able to gain employment, go to school. Just, opportunities that I didn't see in my life are coming full circle. Without their help, I don't think I could have done it."

The Lighthouse Navigation Center is a 24/7 care and support facility for people who are currently experiencing houselessness in Central Oregon. 

Even though many people staying there have few personal possessions, many were thankful for what they did have. 

Kevin Woodson said, "I'm thankful it's warm in here. We have bathrooms, which you can use. I'm just thankful for this place. If not, I'd be homeless. I'd be out on the streets."

The Thanksgiving meals, held in Bend and at the Redmond Center, were filled with turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans and pies. 

Michael Hewes said, "It's going to be delicious. They've been working a lot on it. Several different places have been cooking for all this deal, so I'm sure it would be fantastic. Thanksgiving, turkey, everything, all the goodies."

The Thanksgiving meal is thanks to community donations.

Lighthouse Navigation Center Director Naomi Blair said, "We are incredibly grateful. We want to be able to thank the community. Thanksgiving's just a great time to reflect on the gratitude that we have for the community in which we live and in which we serve."

If you want to donate, or want to learn more about the Shepherd's House and The Lighthouse, you can visit their website.

Housing and Food Insecurity Surged Among Oregon Medicaid Recipients During Pandemic

A study by OHSU found significant increases in housing and food insecurity among Oregon Medicaid and Medicare recipients during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite eviction moratoriums and expanded food benefits. From March 2020 to late 2021, 17.7% more people reported challenges with basic needs like housing and food, a trend that persisted even with federal aid.

The study followed 21,000 Oregonians on Medicaid or Medicare and highlighted the critical role of social determinants in health outcomes. A national survey showed that addressing basic needs during healthcare visits improved overall health and reduced taxpayer costs.

To combat these issues, Oregon’s new Medicaid waiver program provides up to $1 billion in rental assistance, food benefits, and other supports. Medicaid recipients can now receive six months of rental aid, utility payments, and home improvements like wheelchair ramps. Researchers say this program positions Oregon as a leader in connecting housing stability with healthcare delivery.

Christmas festivities underway at Sisters Fire District

Volunteers in the greater Sisters area are once again celebrating the holiday season with several activities during the month of December.

The main fire station holiday lights display is back this year. Shift Captain Gary Lovegren rebuilt the displays so the entire community can enjoy them again. The station lights will be turned on after the Sisters Christmas Parade on Saturday, and will be available for drive-by enjoyment throughout the month of December. The light display is accompanied by music each evening from parade day until after Christmas.

The Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire & Ambulance Association is sponsoring the annual “Spirit of Christmas Giving Tree” program to provide Christmas gifts to families in need in Sisters Country this holiday season. The Association expects to serve close to 200 children this year.

Gifts are available to children from newborn to seniors in high school of low-income families who live within the Sisters or Black Butte School Districts. Applications for the program are available to be picked up now at the following locations: Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District, Sisters Kiwanis Foodbank, Furry Friends, and the Family Access Network office in Sisters. Applications are due by Friday, December 6, at 5 p.m., in order to receive a gift. Get your applications in early, so your request can be filled.

To donate to the Spirit of Christmas Program, collect a tag with items requested by the families at one of our “Spirit of Christmas Giving Trees,” purchase a new gift listed on the tag, deliver the unwrapped gifts with the tag to the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District as soon as possible, and by no later than December 13. Spirit of Christmas trees are located at Sisters Ray’s Food Place, Sisters Bi-Mart, Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Station, and Black Butte Ranch Police Department. Tags will be available to collect from all locations beginning Wednesday, November 27.

Program leader for the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District, Angela Linker, said, “While monetary donations are appreciated, the best way to help fulfill the community needs is to pick a gift tag for a child from one of the trees and purchase specific gifts requested by the families, rather than just donating a non-specific gift.”

The deadline to return your gift donation to the Fire Station is Friday, December 13, at 5 p.m. The gift requests that are not filled by the community will be filled by Fire District volunteer shoppers using donated funds, which means that no qualifying child will be left without a gift.

For folks that would like to participate in the program, but are unable to purchase a specific gift, the Association will also accept cash donations, which are tax deductible and will go toward gift buying. Cash donations can be made at the main fire station at 301 S. Elm St. in Sisters, by mail at PO Box 1509, Sisters, OR, 97759 or online at http://www.sistersfire.com.

Families will pick up their donated gifts via a drive-through event on Saturday, December 21, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District main station at 301 South Elm Street in Sisters.

On Christmas Day, Fire District staff and volunteers will once again prepare a traditional Christmas dinner which will be served from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Community Hall at the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District at 301 S. Elm St. in downtown Sisters. No reservation is necessary, just come join us for a beautiful meal.

The Fire District thanks partnering agencies and community organizations for their support and assistance with making this holiday season special for our Sisters Country families: Sisters Kiwanis, Furry Friends, Black Butte Ranch Police, Toys for Tots, Ray’s Food Place, and Sisters Bi-Mart.

For more information, contact the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District at 541-549-0771.

 😎Just Sayin

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