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
Board House Society with Caitlin and Trygve Bjornstad
Trygve and Caitlin Bjornstad started the non-profit Board House Society to empower everyone through skateboarding, creative expression, and community. Through school programs, camps, events, skateboard lessons and other local collaborations, their goal is to curate and foster togetherness through skateboarding. boardhousesociety.org
Secret Central Oregon: NASA Training with Vanessa Ivey
Louise and Paul talk with Vanessa Ivey from the Deschutes Historical Museum about NASA's astronaut training here in Central Oregon. deschuteshistory.org
ONDA - Protecting Biodiverse Wildlands in Central and Eastern Oregon
Ryan Houston, the Executive Director for the Oregon Natural Desert Association (ONDA), discusses 1) the status on lithium mining in southeastern Oregon's McDermitt Caldera, and 2) the open comment period on a federal proposal to deregulate cattle grazing in Central and Eastern Oregon (closes July 13 at 9:00pm PDT). www.ONDA.org