The League of Women Voters of Deschutes County organizes programs based on their belief that the freedom to vote is a nonpartisan issue. Their candidate forums - which are open to the public not only to attend, but also to submit questions - are starting on September 30th.
Shine A Light on Mental Illness
The Shine a Light Vigil at Drake Park aims to bring awareness to mental illness and build community. Anyone is welcome to attend the 24-hour long event to shine a light with a glow stick on the footbridge at Drake Park in Bend.
Nico Carpinelli is Executive Director of HUE - Hearts Unknown Education, Casey Munck is Regional Director of NAMI Central Oregon, and Dr. Maya Heck is Clinical Director and Board President of HUE.
Bob Moore from COPY
COPY project coordinator Bob Moore shares the need for volunteers to work with children of at least one incarcerated parent, a program that has been a part of Central Oregon for more than 20 years.
Healing From the Wounds of Slavery and Racism ... A Continuing Conversation
This conversation is about racism and the need for an inclusive perspective on the history of the nation and the world to help bridge the gap between races. Marcus LeGrand, Bend-LaPine School Board Member and Advisor/Coordinator of the COCC Ethnocentric Program and Mark Montgomery, facilitator for Coming To The Table, explore race relations and healing. We are reminded that historical events are seen and experienced differently by various ethnic groups. Often the experiences are sanitized and briefly mentioned, if at all, from the mainstream telling of history.
Mental Health Professional Weighs In on Immigration Trauma
Professional Counseling Associate Ofelia Sanchez tells us about the psychological impacts on immigration, and where Latinos can find support right here in Central Oregon.
"We Bring Trauma With Us" The Emotional Impact of Immigration
Claire Merydith talks with Catalina Sánchez Frank, Executive Director of Central Oregon's Latino Community Association. Catalina shares personal stories of immigrating to the U.S. from Colombia in the 1990's, and sheds light on the emotional issues that many immigrants are grappling with.
What's Your Number? Exploring The Enneagram
Author Elizabeth Orr joins forces with Licensed Clinical Social Worker Sarah Peterson to tell us about the Enneagram. This personality model consists of nine different types, and many say it can help us understand ourselves and improve our relationships.
Heather Dion from CASA
Heather Dion from CASA discusses the program, the requirements to become a volunteer, the experiences of advocating in court, the challenges of funding, and her transition from development director to executive director.
Healing Reins Equine Assisted Services and the Diamonds and Dust Annual Fundraiser
Polly Cohen, Executive Director for Healing Reins Equine Assisted Therapy, talks about the one year anniversary of their growing occupational health therapy program along with the range of physical and mental health services. Also covered: the patient types who receive services, the horses that are part of the healing herd, and the upcoming Diamonds and Dust annual fundraiser (Sept. 26, 2026). www.HealingReins.org
Bend City Update with City Councilors, Mike Riley and Ariel Mendez
Every two months representatives from the Bend City Council update community members on current issues and projects of the City. The "August Update" highlights the Housing (affordability and meeting housing need), fire safety both preparation and planning, and the Bend City website at bendoregon.gov.
A conversation with Deschutes County Commissioner Phil Chang
Louise and Carolyn have a conversation with Deschutes County Commissioner Phil Chang covering the new makeup of the DCC, proposed districting, the 2026 fire season and more.
The Redmond Community Concerts Association Celebrates Their 43rd season
Diana Barker, from the Redmond Community Concerts Association, talks about the 43rd RCCA season and their performing arts scholarships for Deschutes County high school seniors. There will be five Fall and Winter concerts including a brass ensemble, three tenors, stride and swing piano, a violin virtuoso and ending with a powerful multi-octave vocalist.
Destination Rehab - Helping patients with neurological challenges to reclaim an active life in the great outdoors.
Carol-Ann Nelson, founder and executive director of Destination Rehab, describes how people with neurological issues can enjoy outdoor recreation like kayaking, paddle boarding, rock climbing, and other activities. www.DestinationRehab.org
The Redmond Food Project: Fighting Hunger One Green Bag at a Time
Dr Lucy Hart Paulson, President of the Redmond Food Project, talks with Paul Roger about food insecurity in Redmond and how the Project provides a simple way to support those in need. Also discussed: how food insecurity affects a child's development and learning. RedmondFoodProject.org
Sunriver Music Festival - Celebrates its 49th summer season and 250 years of American music.
Meagan Iverson, the executive director for the Sunriver Music Festival, talks about the 49th summer season of the festival including the featured musicians and the robust music education programs made possible by festival funding. www.SunriverMusic.org
Camp Fire Central Oregon - 110 years supporting the high desert needs community support now.
Kecia Kubota, Camp Fire Central Oregon's executive director, talks about their 110 year history in Central Oregon and addresses the significant loss of funding that threatens a wide range of kid-centered programs. www.CampFireCO.org
Healing from the Wounds of Slavery and Racism - A Conversation
This is a conversation about racism and the need for an inclusive perspective on the history of the nation and the world, bridging the gap between races. Marcus LeGrand, Bend-La Pine Schools Board Member and Advisor/Coordinator of the COCC Ethnocentric Program, and Mark Montgomery, facilitator for Coming To The Table, explore race relations and healing. comingtothetable.org/organizer/bend
Ballot Initiative to use Ranked-Choice Voting for County Comissioner Election
Tawny Howlett introduced the Proportional Rank Choice Voting Ballot Initiative which is backed by Defend Our Democracy Coalition, Common Cause, Tribal Democracy and several other pro-democracy groups. The PRCV Measure is in response to the DMAC (districting map which is based on old census data) to ensure a more diverse representation on our County Commissioner Board. Currently, the County Commissioner Board represents only Bend and Redmond. PRCV creates a pathway for South County and Sisters to be represented as well. The measure is proposed for multi-winners races, such as County Commission.
Moving into stable housing without furniture? Furnish Hope can help with that!
Megan Martin, the founding executive director for Furnish Hope, talks about the exponential growth of Furnish Hope, a program that started with a request to help one family obtain furniture as they moved into stable housing. Ten years later, more than 3,000 families across Central Oregon have benefitted from their vital transitional support. www.FurnishHope.com
Deschutes County Dept of Solid Waste - Modernized Recycling with Jackie Wilson
Jackie Wilson, Community Engagement Coordinator for Deschutes County's Department of Solid Waste, shares new recycling guidance as part of the Recycling Modernization Act (RMA). www.DeschutesCounty.gov