In this issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

  🎩✨ Magic & Bingo Night with Joe the Magician – A Benefit for Central Oregon Veterans Ranch

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

 💡Changes to County outdoor lighting rules take effect Dec. 23

 🛫Travelers at Redmond Airport feel ripple effects of nationwide flight chaos 🎦

🍽️ Bend Woman Creates Food Resource Website Amid SNAP Delay

🔥 Sisters Considers New Wildfire-Resistant Building Standards

🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

 🚨 💥Prineville Man Airlifted After DUII Crash on Powell Butte Highway

🚨Crime News

🥰Community News

🎁 Toyz for Kidz Kicks Off Holiday Giving in Redmond

📰Regional News

💸 Oregon's $1.41 Billion Surplus Means 2025 "Kicker" Tax Credit for Residents

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🍎Monday’s Health Corner

🌟🔔🎵Discover the Healing Power of Sound Bath Therapy

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

GOOD MORNING

 BEND

What’s Up Central Oregon? 

FEATURED EVENT

 🎩✨ Magic & Bingo Night with Joe the Magician – A Benefit for Central Oregon Veterans Ranch

What: An evening of illusions, laughs, and classic bingo fun is headed to Redmond! Join Joe the Magician—the (semi) masked man of mystery—for a special night of magic and bingo in support of Central Oregon Veterans Ranch.

Where: Dry Canyon Club, Redmond, OR
When: Monday, November 10, 2025 – 6:00 PM
Why: 100% of bingo proceeds go to support the programs and mission of Central Oregon Veterans Ranch, helping local veterans heal, grow, and connect.

Come for the tricks, stay for the prizes—don’t miss this one-of-a-kind evening for a great cause!

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Deschutes Public Library Events

Other Event Sources:

Visit Central Oregon Event Listings

Bend Magazine Event Listings

Local News…

 💡Changes to County outdoor lighting rules take effect Dec. 23

Earlier this year, Deschutes County amended its outdoor lighting ordinance to reduce light pollution and protect Central Oregon’s night skies while maintaining public safety. The updated rules take effect Dec. 23 for all new outdoor light installations in unincorporated areas of the county. Property owners with existing outdoor lights installed and working before that date will have until December 2028 to comply.

After receiving feedback from two advisory panels and holding multiple public hearings, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved changes to the outdoor lighting ordinance during its Sept. 24 meeting.

Changes include:

• Using guidance from DarkSky International to promote safe, responsible lighting.

• Updating terminology, which includes “downcast,” “light trespass,” “fully shielded” and “string lights.”

• Setting three primary requirements for non-exempt fixtures:

1. Lights must be downcast.

2. Fixtures must be fully shielded.

3. Light trespass is prohibited.

• Clarifying existing exemptions and adding others. For example: the updated ordinance clarifies that holiday lighting is allowed from the day after Thanksgiving through Jan. 15 each year.

Learn more about the County’s outdoor lighting ordinance by listening to the Inside Deschutes County podcast or visiting the Community Development Department website.

🍽️ Bend Woman Creates Food Resource Website Amid SNAP Delay

BEND, Ore. — While November SNAP benefits have now been restored, the week-long delay left many Central Oregonians scrambling to feed their families. In response, one Bend resident took action.

Keely Watkins, who works at a local relief nursery, launched Bend Table—a personal project aimed at connecting people quickly to food resources without the stress of scouring flyers or social media.

“People need to know, ‘What can I eat today?’” Watkins said. “They shouldn’t have to spend hours looking for help.”

Bend Table compiles up-to-date food access information in one easy-to-use site. Watkins hopes to expand it across Central Oregon and keep it running even after SNAP benefits stabilize.

🔥 Sisters Considers New Wildfire-Resistant Building Standards

SISTERS, Ore. — The Sisters City Council will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, November 19 at 6:30 p.m. to consider adopting new wildfire mitigation rules for future home construction. If approved, the standards—based on Oregon’s Residential Specialty Code Section R327—would require ignition-resistant materials and fire-resistant construction techniques for new homes and accessory structures within city limits.

The move is part of the city’s broader goal to enhance wildfire resiliency in the 2025–26 fiscal year. City officials say the building hardening measures, combined with defensible space practices, are critical in reducing wildfire risk and protecting life and property. Community members are encouraged to attend and share feedback. Details are available at www.ci.sisters.or.us/meetings.

Fire & Rescue…

 🚨 Prineville Man Airlifted After DUII Crash on Powell Butte Highway

PRINEVILLE, Ore. — A Prineville man was airlifted to the hospital Thursday evening after crashing his pickup through a fence and into a field off Powell Butte Highway near milepost 6.

According to the Crook County Sheriff's Office, the crash occurred around 5:23 p.m. when 36-year-old Trent Allen, driving a white Dodge pickup eastbound, veered off the road, struck a fence, and landed in a field with significant vehicle damage.

Allen was treated at the scene by Crook County and Redmond Fire & Rescue before being flown to St. Charles in Bend, where he was listed in stable condition.

The highway was closed in both directions for about 30 minutes. Allen was cited for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, with investigators saying alcohol and speed were likely factors in the crash.

Crime News…

 Community News…

🎁 Toyz for Kidz Kicks Off Holiday Giving in Redmond

REDMOND, Ore. — Central Oregon motorcyclists launched the holiday giving season Saturday with the Toyz for Kidz fundraiser at General Duffy’s in Redmond, collecting toys, gifts, and donations for local families in need.

The event supports the Central Oregon Holiday Toy Drive, led by Marine Corps League Detachment 1308 in partnership with Summit Health and Veterans of Central Oregon. The effort steps in for Toys for Tots, which will not operate locally this year.

“We immediately went to work to fill that gap,” said organizer Aaron Myhra. Fellow organizer Dennis Smith added, “It’s in our hearts to bless families—especially those in need this time of year.”

With arm wrestling, axe throwing, cornhole, a poker run, live music, and a silent auction, the event drew a crowd—and organizers say they’re already planning for next year, set for November 14, 2026.

Regional News…

 💸 Oregon's $1.41 Billion Surplus Means 2025 "Kicker" Tax Credit for Residents

Thanks to a confirmed $1.41 billion revenue surplus in Oregon’s 2023–2025 budget, taxpayers will receive a "kicker" credit on their 2025 state income tax returns (filed in 2026). This isn’t a check in the mail—it’s a credit that will either reduce what you owe or increase your refund. The credit amount is 9.863% of your 2024 Oregon income tax liability (before any credits), and only those who file both 2024 and 2025 returns are eligible. You can calculate your credit using the “What’s My Kicker?” tool on Revenue Online. If you haven’t filed your 2024 return yet, do it now to lock in your eligibility.

Taxpayers also have the option to donate their entire kicker to Oregon’s State School Fund or split part of their refund among 29 approved charities using Form OR-DONATE. For full details, visit the Oregon Department of Revenue website.

 Where can I find more information about the kicker?

You can find more information about the kicker and a link to the “What’s My Kicker?” calculator on the Oregon Department of Revenue website, including a list of frequently asked questions, and historic data listing the years of past kickers and their amounts.

City of Bend Events

Road Construction

Discover the Healing Power of Sound Bath Therapy

Have you ever found yourself overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of everyday life? With work deadlines, family responsibilities, and the constant ping of notifications, it’s no wonder so many people are seeking solace and rejuvenation. If you’re on the lookout for a unique way to unwind and reconnect with yourself, sound bath therapy might just be the answer you’re seeking.

What is Sound Bath Therapy?

At its core, sound bath therapy is a meditative experience that involves immersing yourself in the sounds and vibrations produced by various instruments like crystal singing bowls, gongs, and tuning forks. These instruments create soothing sound waves that resonate through your body, inducing a deep state of relaxation. Imagine lying back comfortably, closing your eyes, and allowing the rich tones to wash over you – it’s like a spa day for your ears!

But this practice is not just about relaxation; it’s about healing. Sound baths have roots in ancient cultures and are becoming increasingly popular as a holistic approach to well-being. The vibrations from the instruments are believed to help balance energy, reduce stress, and promote emotional release. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to step away from technology and reconnect with your inner self.

How Does it Work?

You might be wondering how exactly sound can lead to such profound benefits. When sound waves travel through the air, they create vibrations that resonate with our bodies on a cellular level. This interaction can have several positive effects:

1. Stress Reduction: The calming sounds help lower cortisol levels in your body, leading to reduced stress and anxiety.

2. Improved Focus: By creating a tranquil environment, sound baths can enhance mental clarity and improve focus.

3. Emotional Healing: Many participants report experiencing emotional releases during sessions, which can be incredibly cathartic.

4. Enhanced Sleep: Regular attendance can promote better sleep patterns and alleviate insomnia.

5. Increased Creativity: The meditative state achieved during a sound bath often sparks creative thoughts and inspiration.

What to Expect During a Sound Bath

If you’ve never attended a sound bath before, here’s what you can expect:

1. Finding Your Space: You’ll typically enter a serene room designed for relaxation. Mats or cushions will be provided so you can lie down comfortably.

2. Setting Intentions: Many practitioners encourage participants to set personal intentions or goals for their experience—this could be anything from letting go of stress to seeking clarity on an issue in your life.

3. The Sound Experience: Once everyone is settled in, the session will begin with gentle sounds gradually building in intensity. Allow yourself to surrender to the experience as the music envelops you.

4. Integration Time: After the sound bath concludes, many people take time to reflect on their experience or journal about their feelings while sipping herbal tea—this is part of the healing process.

Tips for Your First Sound Bath

1. Dress Comfortably: Wear loose-fitting clothing so you can fully relax without any restrictions.

2. Arrive Early: Give yourself time to settle in before the session starts so you can enter a calm mindset.

3. Stay Open-Minded: Everyone's experience will be different—allow yourself to fully embrace whatever feelings arise during the session.

4. Hydrate Afterward: Drink plenty of water post-session as sound baths can be quite detoxifying!

Join the Sound Bath Revolution

In a world that often prioritizes productivity over peace, sound bath therapy stands out as a beacon of hope for many. It invites us to slow down, breathe deeply, and embrace healing through sound—a powerful reminder of our innate ability to restore ourselves.

Whether you’re looking to alleviate stress or simply want to explore something new on your wellness journey, consider trying out a sound bath session! You might just walk away feeling lighter, brighter, and more connected than ever before.

Are you ready to immerse yourself in this incredible experience? Check out local wellness centers or holistic practitioners in your area that offer sound bath therapy. Who knows? This might just become your new favorite self-care ritual!

Embrace Your Healing Journey

Sound bath therapy isn't just about listening; it's about experiencing transformation through sound—something we could all use more of in our lives. So why not take this step towards healing? Step into a world where stress melts away and peace fills your spirit—it’s waiting for you!

Join Us for a Transformative Sound Bath Experience! At EPIC Energy Centers - Bend

Our sound baths are enhanced by the Energy Enhancement System, creating a serene environment that helps guide you and your body back to balance.

Event Details:

• What: Releasing Ceremony & Sound Bath

• When: Thursday, December 4th, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

• Where: Inside the Energy Room - 205 NW Franklin Ave

  Bend, Oregon

• Cost: $65 Per Person

Don’t miss out on this soul-awakening sound journey under the supermoon! Celebrate your achievements while letting go of what no longer serves you. The combination of crystal singing bowls, chimes, and other gentle vibrational instruments will harmonize with the room’s elevated frequency to help restore and realign your energy.

Your Guide: Stephanie Radkay, Owner of Trebled Souls, Certified Sound Practitioner, and Reiki Master Teacher.

Experience relief from pain and anxiety, boost your immune system, and achieve energetic balance through this immersive sound journey.

Reserve Your Spot Now! Click Here to Reserve Your Seat for the Supermoon Releasing Ceremony & Sound Bath on December 4th! 6:00PM - 7:30PM

Feeling stuck in your healing journey? This experience goes beyond sound; it’s a re-calibration of frequencies for your entire being. Let’s empower your body’s natural healing abilities!

Whether you seek deep relaxation, clarity, emotional renewal, or just a peaceful break in your week, our sound baths provide a nurturing space to restore and reconnect with your inner harmony. Lay down, listen deeply, and allow your energy to realign.

Welcome to resonance. Welcome to Epic Energy Centers.

 😎Just sayin

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