Arts + Culture

Mari and Her Dream

Local Band Releases Debut Mini Album Article by Donna Burklo | Photography by Miguel Edwards Mari Wilson took the stage in a long, glittery gown holding an electric guitar with attitude and confidence just like the woman in the picture she saw as a child. That woman was Sister Rosetta Tharpe, 1930’s through early ‘70’s genre-bending singer/guitarist. Photos of Tharpe, known as the “godmother of rock and roll”, portray a joy-filled woman cranking up the volume like nobody’s business when the...

Arts + Culture

Fragments of Beauty

Bend's Mare Schelz Brings Colors and Rhythms of Nature to Life Through Mosaic Stained Glass Article by Lynette Confer | Photography by Natalie Stephenson The way light dances through the hand-cut pieces of glass in Mare Schelz’s intricate stained-glass mosaics reveals her deep love for nature, her reverence for movement and flow, and the joy she finds in creating art, and sharing it with others. Each piece she creates is a luminous reflection of the natural world that surrounds her and the...

Arts + Culture

Where the Music Leads

From Bend to the Top 30 on American Idol Article by Lynette Confer | Photography by Maile Mason This past October, on a stage nearly 2,000 miles from Bend, 23-year old Bella Emry stood in the spotlight, steadying her nerves in front of three celebrity judges on the national stage of American Idol. Just a few months earlier, Emry had been singing in her bedroom, creating videos to post on social media. But an audition video sent in on a whim quickly landed her among a top group of contestants...

Home + Design

Invest in an Outdoor Retreat

Patio World's Legacy of Quality Furnishings Article by Sue Baldani Patio World, the local destination for high quality outdoor furniture, is an institution in Bend. Founded in 1997 by Scott Holmer, it continues to focus on offering the finest furniture with timeless style for outdoor entertaining. Although Scott passed away last year, his son, Eric, is continuing his father’s legacy. “I've loosely been a part of it my whole life because we used to live above our skiing/patio shop,” says...

Fitness

Investing in Every Step

The Simplest Path to Better Health Might be Easier Than You Think Article by Lynette Confer On any given day in Bend, you’ll find people out walking the river trails before work, circling neighborhoods walking their dogs, walking a loop around Drake Park on their lunch break, fitting movement into the rhythms of a busy day. When we think about investment, we usually think in terms of money – savings accounts, portfolios, and long-term returns. But, one of the most valuable investments we can...

Life + Culture

The Power of Knowing

How Learning Leads to Lasting Financial Freedom Article by Julie E. Furnas As access to information and technology continues to grow, financial planning and investment participation has hit an all-time high. Individuals of all ages can develop sound and healthy financial habits and taking personal responsibility for their values, wealth and their future. Research shows that it comes down to four factors: Security – During economic uncertainty, knowledge and long-term planning are...

Fitness

A New Showroom for Outdoor Spa Enjoyment

Relax in Your Own Backyard Article by Sue Baldani Aqua Clear Hot Tubs announces its new showroom and warehouse in Bend. At 6000 square feet, half of it is a modern, welcoming space filled with products customers can see, touch, and even experience. “It's the largest showroom for hot tubs, saunas, and swim spas in central Oregon,” says Christian Zundel, chief financial officer and one of its owners. “Historically, we have been in Sisters and did really well with the Black Butte crowd, but Bend...

Home + Design

The Bathroom Revolution

How Bathrooms Have Become a Design Statement in Luxury Homes Article by Sue Baldani | Photography by Kayla McKenzie Photography A powder room is often a basic space, mainly for guests to use. Often not much thought is put into its décor, but that’s been changing. “Powder rooms have significantly evolved from merely functional spaces into areas that reflect personal style and design preferences,” states Kenneth Sunzeri, the founder of Deschutes Custom Homes in Bend. “In recent years, they have...

Life + Culture

Silver Linings Rescue Ranch

A Second Chance at a Home for Life Article by Julie E. Furnas With its abundance of hiking trails, restaurant patios and easily accessible lakes - Central Oregon is known as one of the most dog-friendly places in the Pacific Northwest. Our region also offers top-quality veterinary services, dedicated rescue organizations and numerous open spaces to hold fundraising and adoption events. Central Oregon is also home to several pet-centric businesses, such as Wag Bend, S'Opie, Dancin' Woofs, See...

Home + Design

The Heart of Home

Making Your Home Pet-Friendly with Intention Article by Lynette Confer For many in Bend, pets rule the hearts – and sometimes the homes – of their adoring humans. And, in some cases, these homes find custom touches that revolve around these precious pets – cats and dogs alike. From trail-to-tub dog washing stations to backyard agility zones and handcrafted catios, many homeowners enjoy finding ways to keep their pets happy and healthy and their homes clean, tidy and organized. With a bit of...