Experiencing a tragic loss can sometimes bring out the worst in us. While we see a lot of material on how to cope with our own grief, there's not much out there about how to cope when someone we love goes through it. Claire Merydith and her husband Chris sit down with counselor Sarah Peterson to talk about "grief induced psychosis." Chris tells us about his experience with Claire's depression after losing her mother in 2024, and Sarah gives us some tips and insights on grappling with grief.
COCC's Scholarship Program and Madras Expansion with Zak Boone
Zak Boone shares information about COCC's scholarship program, being awarded since 1955. He also shares about the Madras COCC expansion.
Launching of the Regional Business Alliance in Central Oregon
This episode is a conversation with Sarah Odendahl, CEO of the Bend Chamber of Commerce, and Jennifer Stephens, Program Manager, about the launching of the Regional Business Alliance in Central Oregon. They discussed efforts to support and enhance local businesses as well as the local economy by working together and supporting primary issues facing the area including workforce development, housing, and employment.
Selin Sevinc on her film Homesounds
Local filmmaker Selin Sevinc tells us about Homesounds, a dark comedy about her personal experiences with depression.
PetsForward and the Story of Pumpkin
Jill Peterson tells us about PetsForward, a non-profit helping people who are having difficulty affording veterinary care. She shares a personal story from a recipient of their help, Amanda, who is the Pet Parent of Pumpkin, a cat that was shot by a pastor and lost both of his eyes.
Substitutes Needed in Central Oregon with AnnMarie Anderson from the High Desert Education Service District
The High Desert Education Service District provides many different services for Central Oregon’s school districts, including hiring and training 1600 substitutes. AnnMarie Anderson is the recruitment, retention, and substitute specialist for for the High Desert Education Service District. She talks about the hiring process, as well as the personal rewards for substitutes.
Life Ain't Always Wonderful: How to Survive the Holiday Blues
Isn't it interesting how It's A Wonderful Life is still such a popular Christmas movie, despite being released before many of us were born? Maybe this is because the film's themes are timeless, and George Bailey's struggles are relatable. The holidays aren't merry and bright for everyone, and therapist Scott Cypress gives us some insight and tips on how to cope.
Redmond School District implements the Science of Reading
Stephanie Wilcox and Jen Lee talk about how The Science of Reading has been implemented in the Redmond School District, and the resulting impact on the students, their families and the RSD staff.
The Civics Learning Project of Oregon with Amy Sabbadini
The Central Oregon Civics Learning Project offers programs to students and teachers and teaches the value of civics to sustain democracy in our country and state. By learning ways to participate in the democratic process, students learn the value of civics in governing and policy making. More information at civicslearning.org.
No Hazmat Suit Needed: How to Survive Toxic Positivity
The phrase "toxic positivity" gets thrown around a lot these days, but is it even a real thing? Therapist Scott Cypress gives us the lowdown on this well-intended but often misguided behavior.
Central Oregon Disabilities Support Network with Dianna Hansen
Dianna Hansen, Founder and Executive Director of the Central Oregon Disabilities Support Network, talks about the origin of the organization, services provided, avenues to access services, funding, and the wide range of community and national supporters.
Cascade Culinary Institute with Brian Kerr
This episode is a conversation with Program Director Brian Kerr about Cascade Culinary Institute’s holiday pie and side offerings available to the community, the available Associate of Applied Science Degree, the wide range of classes offered, and the value of serving on their Advisory Committee. cascadeculinary.com
Getting Creative With Bend's Open Arts Center
Founders of the Open Arts Center, Claire Brislin and Maija Kellner-Rhode, tell us how this organization provides a safe space for teens and adults to explore their creative sides.
Council on Aging - Serving Seniors in Central Oregon
This conversation with Executive Director Cassie Regimbal and Caring Connections Program Manager Jamie Lacore from the Council on Aging has a focus of caring for seniors in Central Oregon. Their goal is to keep seniors in our community safe, fed and connected. Those needing help with food, counseling, pet care, connection, and other challenges can be served by the Council on Aging. The contact number is (541) 678-5483. The web site is councilonaging.org.
Fill All Pantries with Kristin Points from High Desert Food & Farm Alliance
Fill Your Pantry is a community bulk-buying farmers market held annually in the fall at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds. The event typically accepts SNAP benefits for payment, but with the current funding freeze, Central Oregonians haven’t received their benefits for November. Kristin Points - Executive Director of the High Desert Food & Farm Alliance - talks about the current Fill All Pantries fundraiser that was started as a response to the SNAP benefits freeze.
Stephen A. Forrester on "Richard Neuberger: Oregon Politics and the Making of a US Senator"
Stephen Forrester discusses his book about Richard Neuberger, a consequential but often-forgotten figure in Oregon political history.
Creative Wellness with HUE's Dr. Maya Heck and Nicola Carpinelli
Since 2022, Hearts Unknown Education (HUE) has offered free art classes for youth in a space free of judgment and where they know there is hope for the future. Nicola Carpinelli is Executive Director and co-founder. Dr. Maya Heck is an adult, child, and adolescent board-certified psychiatrist at St. Charles Health System and a member of HUE’s Board of Directors. They talk about the programming HUE offers for youth at their art space on Franklin Avenue, as well as their upcoming fundraiser - Art from the Heart. ilovehue.org
Bend Burlesque Company with Ivy Devine
A conversation with Bend Burlesque Company owner and performer, Ivy Devine. Claire Merydith and Ms. Devine explore the history of burlesque including the beginning of the Company in Bend ten years ago. Burlesque offers unique and various avenues of creative expression and is appropriate for all - women, men, trans, gay, lesbian. Bend Burlesque offers shows, story interpretation, dance and song.
Visibility is Civic Duty with Mila Shelehoff, Yuliia Hryhorenko, Olena Vasylenko, and Anna Donoghue
Yuliia Hryhorenko and Olena Vasylenko relocated their families to Central Oregon two years ago so that their children could be safe from war. They moved here through Uniting for Ukraine (U4U), a US government humanitarian parole program that allowed private US citizens to sponsor and help support Ukrainian refugees.
They are joined by Mila Shelehoff, Executive Director of Art Sprouts and Founder of Bend For Ukraine, a community initiative supporting Ukrainian families resettling in Central Oregon. Anna Donoghue also joins as translator.
Mila Shelehoff’s article The Quiet Trail: Oregon’s Hidden Humanitarian Crisis and information about upcoming events can be found at artsprouts.org
Around the Bend Farms Programs with Ben Marsh and Josh Lesco
Ben Marsh, Co-founder and CEO, and Josh Lesco, Lead Farm Manager, of Around the Bend Farms, share about the development of ABF an the programs they have developed to help alleviate food insecurity in Central Oregon and particularly at Warm Springs.