Daisy Layman, President Elect and the Forum Lead for the City Club of Central Oregon, talks about the December forum discussion on the recent announcement of the decision to sell Mt Bachelor. Local and out-of-town experts explore the options, consequences, and possible challenges of the sale.
Think Wild - Conversation with Molly Honea, Development and Communications Coordinator
This conversation covers the organization and the rescue of wildlife, especially birds, native to Oregon. Emphasis is placed on the impact of lead bullets on wildlife and humans and the importance of education to the hunting community.
Bend City Update October 2024
Assistant City Attorney Ian Lighthouse and City Councilor Megan Perkins discuss how Bend could be impacted by the Supreme Court decision regarding homeless individuals and whether removal is considered cruel and unusual punishment. They also cover the housing shortage in Bend and the impact on plans for action for both City and County.
Diane Hodiak from 350 Deschutes
Diane Hodiak is the Executive Director of 350 Deschutes, an environmental watch group. 350 Deschutes is hosting the 9th annual Go Clean Energy Conference on October 2nd at COCC. She talks about what attendees can expect and how to get the most out of the event.
Confidence Documentary with Bola Gbadebo
The human-interest documentary short Confidence, screening September 28th at COCC in Bend, explores the courageous stories of local individuals, sharing their inner struggles and reflections. The film offers a look at how we connect through our shared experiences, despite our differences. Bola Gbadebo discusses the powerful stories behind this inspiring film.
SCORE, Assistance to Businesses for Success
Ed Weiser - SCORE business mentor, Amber Hoover - owner of Bend Village Merchant, and Dr. Stephanie Austin - owner of Fourward Motion - Veterinary Mobile Rehab & Acupuncture talk about the value of assistance to businesses provided by SCORE in Central Oregon, from the start-up to sustainability.
NAMI Central Oregon - Supporting Individuals and Families Facing the Challenges of Mental Illness
Program Manager Casey Munck and Board Member Kenny Hadden, from the National Alliance on Mental Health Central Oregon, share information about services available to assist individuals and families facing the challenges of mental illness. Working cooperatively, NAMI Central Oregon is a resource for referrals to Mental Health Professionals. They also offer training and support to individuals, family members, schools, police and other community agencies on identification and treatment options.
Discussing Obesity and Weight Loss Treatments with Family Nurse Practitioner, Leah Sullivan
About 74 percent of adults in the US are overweight, according to the CDC. That includes nearly 43 percent who are considered obese. The United States has the highest rate with approximately 79.4 million obese individuals. These rates have tripled over the last 60 years. So the trend isn’t getting better. You may have heard about the new class of weight loss drugs called semaglutide, which are getting surprising results. Today we’ll explore those and other new treatments for obesity with Leah Sullivan, a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and a member of the American Academy of Anti Aging Medicine currently serving as the Medical Provider for Optimal Medicine.
High Desert Food and Farm Alliance (HDFFA)
Sharon Maier-Kennelly, Executive Director of the High Desert Food and Farm Alliance, believes that everyone deserves good food along with a sufficient quantity of affordable, culturally preferred, nutritious food that is sustainably produced in Central Oregon. HDFFA has been in the community for nearly 15 years and offers a variety of services, events, educations, to farmers, ranchers, and the community members.
SCORE Assistance and Business Owners of SENDR
Kaye Kloster, SCORE Volunteer and Regional Coordinator explains SCORE services and how they help business owners through the life of their business. SENDR business owners and brothers, Ben and Drew Balzer, talk about the assistance they have received in specialty areas from SCORE volunteers as they run their business, now international.
"Gaining Ground: The Fight for Black Land" with Marcus LeGrand and Sharon Maier-Kennelly
Carolyn Esky talks to Sharon Maier-Kennelly, Executive Director for the High Desert Food and Farm Alliance, and Marcus LeGrand, COCC’s Afro-Centric Program Coordinator about the Central Oregon premiere of the film "Gaining Ground: The Fight for Black Land.”
To learn more about the Good Deeds Project that Marcus LeGrand mentions in this podcast, check out this Critical Conversations podcast with guest Riccardo Waites.
Cultivate Bend
Board Members Kyle Krull and Paul Evers describe the efforts of Cultivate Bend, a mutual benefit trade organization, 501(c)(6), formed to cultivate a vibrant ecosystem for the natural products Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) sector throughout Central Oregon. Their mission is to listen and meet the specific needs of our growing population of CPG entrepreneurs, operators, and leaders at every stage and be representative of every Central Oregon community - geographic, gender, racial, ethnic, and culture. They also inform about an documentary presentation at the Tower Theater supporting regenerative farming and equity in the farming industry.
The Kids Center Services Upcoming Events
Ginger Thiess-Stevens, Development Director for The Kids Center, talks about the strong community investment and support in building the organization, their specialized services that focus on identification, care and treatment of child abuse, and a fundraising event to educate the public on their services and volunteer opportunities.
Part 2: Zee Clarke, Author of Black People Breathe: A Mindfulness Guide to Racial Healing
This final conversation with author Zee Clarke highlights the basic need of safety and code-switching. Zee Clarke's emphasis on mindfulness, meditation, and breathing strategies to overcome injustices were explored along with specific breathing techniques.
Laura Flood on Maintaining a Healthy Pelvic Floor Through Yoga and Treatment
Owner/Operator of Lotus Flower Physio, Laura Flood, talks about the importance of maintaining a woman's pelvic floor throughout life, including pregnancy and aging. The goal of her work is for women to return to a feeling of safety, connection and trust in one's body through non-traditional, whole being and highly compassionate physical therapy care.
Part 1: Zee Clarke, Author Of Black People Breathe: A Mindfulness Guide To Racial Healing
Zee Clarke discusses the benefits of mindfulness strategies primarily for Black people dealing with racial injustice and racism. Her recommended strategies can help to improve the overall health of Black people around the world. In her book Black People Breathe, she shares personal experiences and strategies for self-care and proactive responses.
Community Grief Ceremony
This conversation about the Community Grief Ceremony includes ways to utilize group support during grief. This yearly event is offered by community healers to support the community.
Season of Nonviolence and Black History Month at COCC
Christy Walker, Director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at Central Oregon Community College, and Betsy Walker, community activist and reading group facilitator, talk about events during the Season of Nonviolence and Black History Month available through the community and COCC.
Cheri Redgrave on Toastmaster Clubs
Cheri Redgrave, President of one of the three Central Oregon Toastmasters Clubs, talks about the international organization and the variety of clubs available here in Central Oregon. She shares benefits, the ease in joining, and how Toastmasters offers a welcoming environment for those who wish to improve communication skills. Ms. Redgrave also talks about her creation of dairy-free Cheri's HazelCream.
Bend City Update: Winter Road Maintenance
Bend City Councilor Mike Riley and David Abbas from Bend's Transportation and Mobility Department talk about road maintenance with an emphasis on winter road conditions. The need and rationale for the Bend City Transportation Fee was explored, as well as additional information about strategies and policies for communicating with community members during severe changes.