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Dear Bend Community,
My name is Mindy and I am the Executive Director of the Downtown Bend Business Association (DBBA). I’m writing this personal letter to you because I wanted to share with you why the Bend Cares program is close to my heart. I come from a long line of entrepreneurs. Both my parents owned small businesses and both my sets of grandparents owned small businesses. I understand in a very real way the narrow line that many small business owners walk. The difference in a good day or a bad day of sales might mean the difference between top ramen for dinner or meat and vegetables for dinner. The difference of a good week or a bad week might decide if a child of a local business owner can afford to play sports or go to camp. The impact of a bad season of sales for a small business owner might mean that a family looses their home, or has to borrow money from a family member. Owning and operating a small business is about as ‘real’ as it gets. You are not guaranteed a paycheck; you put in long hours and a tremendous amount of time and effort. It’s not easy and it’s not for the faint of heart. The circumstances and culture surrounding a small business can have a negative or positive impact on the business itself and weather or not it succeeds. Some of these external circumstances can include things like parking availability, customer discomfort in front or around your place of business, safety concerns, or traffic. As a business owner, it can feel frustrating at times when your business (and family) bears the impact of these things that are out of your control. When I was a child, my family came upon some hard times. My mother lost her business and she had a difficult time finding sustaining work. Off and on for years we went to the food bank a lot, and the church brought us food. We struggled to get by. I remember being in elementary school and being embarrassed to pull out my packed lunch because I thought the other kids would somehow now that it was donated food. Things got worse. My sister, mother and I lived out of our car. I got ready for Jr. High School in the back of a Ford Escort. As an adult I struggled to put myself through school, and I’ve managed to open and successfully run 3 different small businesses. I’ve worked incredibly hard, and I have also been very lucky. Two of the things that I am most passionate about right now in my life are entrepreneurship and (what I like to call) the ‘power of one’. This power of one, to me, represents the immeasurable impact that one person can have on the world. The power isn’t in huge organizations or billions of dollars – the power is in each of us. In the way you greet someone, how you steward nature, where you spend your money, where you give your time, the degree of authenticity that you bring to your everyday life, how you treat others who are different than you. It all matters. You can’t go a day without impacting the world around you. This is why I love the Bend Cares program – it involves two of my innate passions. Care for small business owners, and care for community members experiencing hardship. The Bend Cares program recognizes the need for local small business owners to have clean, safe storefronts and streets and it also recognizes the need for each of us to give responsibly to those experiencing hardship in our Bend community. There is a saying that I love… “If you are up right now, enjoy it, because you will experience being down again in your future. If you are down right now, be patient, there is another up in your future.” We all experience ups and downs. We are all so much more similar than we are different. I believe that when I am up, it is my job to help those that are in a down swing, and when I am down, it is my honor to accept help from those that are up. Bend Cares offers a way to give and get help, and that is why I adore this program. Thank you so much for reading my letter and allowing me to share my story with you. Mindy Aisling Executive Director Downtown Bend
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 Bend Cares is collaborative project designed to provide an easy way for visitors to Downtown Bend to give to local Bend charities. Noticing that panhandling in Downtown Bend was on the rise, Bend City Council voted to work together with the Downtown Bend Business Association (DBBA) on the Bend Cares project to create a more sustainable giving option for donors. The DBBA, whose mission is to increase the economic vitality of Downtown Bend, went to City Council with concerns about the changing culture in Downtown Bend due to the growth of our City. Based on feedback from business owners, building owners, and the public, the DBBA recognized Bend Cares as an opportunity to further accomplish one of the DBBA's primary goals, which is to preserve Downtown's historic, family-friendly environment. This opportunity included upholding the innate Bend culture of kindness. "Be kind you're in Bend" is more than just a tag-line - it's who we are at our core. Downtown is the heart of Bend, and the leader (since 1903) in creating the Bend culture that we know and love to this day.  One of the experiences that did not feel in-alignment with the culture of a family-friendly Downtown, was the encroaching occurrences of aggressive panhandling within the Downtown Bend Economic Improvement District (EID). Understanding the clear research showing that panhandling is not effective at ending homelessness or hunger in communities, and under the advisement of the Downtown Livability Committee, the DBBA proposed to Bend City Council the Bend Cares Program as an informational campaign to drive donors and their donations to organizations that best serve the specific needs of individuals needing services. The Bend Cares program will encourage generous individuals to donate to organizations and programs that provide holistic and ongoing services throughout the community for individuals in need. Donors will be able to easily give using their smartphones. Information on housing, meals and other assistance will be provided to those in need. Who are the people on the posters?If you've been to Downtown Bend recently, you might have seen the Bend Cares banners, posters, and customer cards. All of these materials are designed to bring awareness to the Bend Cares campaign and encourage donors to give to our local organizations. The photos on the materials are photos of the local Bend citizens who volunteer at the organizations supported by the Bend Cares program. We want to celebrate those who are 'giving back' to our community, and encourage other to do the same. Photos were taken by Joshua Langlais, best known for his A Community Thread work.
How can I get involved?If you'd like to get involved with the Bend Cares project, you can donate now, like our Facebook Page, join our Livability Committee, Volunteer for the project or, if you are a business or organization, you can become a Signature Business! What is a "Signature Bend Cares Business"?A Bend Cares Signature Business is a business that has entered into the collective Bend Cares partnership and joined the Bend Cares mission. You can find more information about the Bend Cares program when you visit this businesses, and you can find a list of these businesses on the Bend Cares website (click here) More Information:For more information, please visit www.bendcares.org, or email us at downtownbend@gmail.com. In addition, please feel free to read this person letter from our DBBA Executive Director, Mindy Aisling. 
 April 27-28 Anniversary Sale Silverado is celebrating 17 years in downtown Bend with our biggest sale of the year. We are offering deep discounts up to 70% off on our favorite pieces around the store. The sale is Saturday and Sunday, from 10-6. All of our fashion jewelry will be on sale, and we are offering big discounts on most of our amazing artist made pieces.  May 8-12 Jamie Joseph Trunk Show Jamie Joseph is bringing the fun for a 5 day event at Silverado Jewelry gallery, with hundreds of unique pieces from Silverado’s #1 artist. As an added bonus, we are hosting a fundraising event for our long time manager, Monica Huey, and her baby girl, Rose, who was diagnosed with a unique brain disorder last year and needs a little help from our community. In honor of Mother’s Day, Silverado will be donating a portion of the 5 day event's proceeds to help with Rose’s medical bills. Stop by the gallery Wednesday May 8 through Sunday, Mother’s Day, May 12 to see Jamie’s beautiful collection of one-of-a-kind stone rings, necklaces, and amazing mixed metal creations. Treat yourself with something special, while also helping out a local family in need! Here is the GoFundMe link for baby Rose and the Huey family: https://www.gofundme.com/support-for-the-huey-family  Yasuko Azuma Trunk Show June 8
Silverado Jewelry Gallery will be hosting artist Yasuko Azuma for a one day event on Saturday June 8th from 10am-5pm. Meet the artist behind Silverado’s favorite diamond creations, and join us for cocktails, custom ring sizing, and a raffle for a FREE pair of diamond earrings. She will be bringing her entire collection of handmade jewelry using diamonds and sapphires set in silver, gold, and platinum. Her unique textures and feminine designs make for one amazing diamond party. The drawing will be held Saturday at 5pm- enter to win in the gallery throughout the day of the event. We are so excited to see everyone there! At last night's City Council Meeting, Mindy Aisling, Executive Director of the Downtown Bend Business Association (DBBA), presented to Councilors during the the Council Work Session. Aisling covered some of the key metrics of Downtown, the scope of the DBBA, the proven success of the DBBA and City of Bend (COB) partnering, and the alignment between COB goals and DBBA goals for 2019/2020.  Please review the highlights below, and download the documents provided for more detailed information. A few facts about Downtown Bend 1. Downtown is the largest visitor attraction in Bend. Excerpt from page 5 of the Visit Bend - Bend Summer 2017 Final Report  2. Downtown is the largest employer in Bend. Excerpt from page 1 of the EDCO – 2018 Largest Employers Report  3. The Downtown EID has an annual Tax Assessed Value (TAV) of $112,387,304.00. 4. Downtown Bend is a hub for entrepreneurship, culture, civic services, and it is the historic core of our City. The DBBA Scope The DBBA's scope includes everything from the street up. They create Downtown Bend as you know it.  The DBBA/COB Partnership •Increases the effectiveness of both the COB and the DBBA •Builds trust and communication between Downtown stakeholders •Would be advantageous to expand Goal Alignment •City Council goals align with the top two goals of the DBBA, which are improving transportation access to Downtown & safety and hospitality in Downtown. •The DBBA expects to be an active partner with the COB in achieving our aligned goals To watch the video of last night City Council session, click here. Documents supplied to City Council:
 Happy Friday from Downtown Bend! This weekend we have classic Springtime weather (Sun, Clouds, Rain) - a bit of everything and nothing too cold or too warm. In Downtown Bend, we've got a calendar full of fun, exciting things for you to do! View the list below to plan your fun-filled weekend in Downtown Bend.
that has helped her break down barriers and set a new standard for women’s big wave surfing. The film looks at what drives her, what inspires her, and how she turns fear into fuel when the surf gets huge. Drinks provided by Worthy Brewing and Brew Dr. Kombucha, by donation, benefiting Bend Paddle Trail Alliance with light snacks by Patagonia Provisions. More info Cobbles and Waffles-Paris Roubaix Live @ The CommonsSpring is in the air, the rain is falling and the snow is melting.....For a cycling fan, this means: Classics Season. Come watch Paris-Roubaix with us LIVE at the shop. It is the original gravel grinder, the Hell of the North and the Queen of the Classics. This race will have you "on the rivet" as both a racer and a spectator. Lots of action and we will have some great insights at the shop with a few racers who have actually felt the bone-jarring pain at race pace. And a Belgian morning wouldn't be complete without some Liège waffles and coffee. Zoë Roy will be serving up some delicious homemade Liege waffles and coffee will be provided by Stumptown Coffee Roasters. Doors to the shop will open Sunday at 6:00am and the party will go until all racers see their way to the Velodrome in Roubaix. More info Hammered HERstory @ The Capitol We didn't learn the last time. This time we're going the smart route by ixnaying the re-enactors and just letting these ladies drink as much as they want while yelling at you about some of Oregon's most influential, interesting or notorious women. Come kinda learn about Tonya Harding, Ma Amand Sheela and the Rajneesh, Dorothy Binney Putnam, Sagagawea and more. Featuring four local ladies as storytellers incluidng Monica Williamson, Katy Ipok, Jaime Speed and Kimberly Leemans (actress from Sy-Fy's Spides and Walking Dead) and Cayla Clark as their (sober) host. More info Lit Stuffing Party @ Wabi SabiCome help us stuff lit into bags so our Neighborhood Leaders can get the word out about our great endorsed candidates for the May 21 election! All volunteers encouraged to attend, you do not need to be a PCP or Neighborhood Leader. More info Pentley Holmes Music @ VeveltNew Jersey native, Pentley Holmes is truly that rare artist whose work achieves both technical and emotional brilliance. A self taught guitarist and vocalist, Pentley is as well-rounded musically as they come. More info Piano Showcase: From Bach to Boogie to Jazz @ The TowerSunriver Music Festival presents Piano Showcase: From Bach to Boogie to Jazz. An interactive two-day event featuring three exceptional pianists and teachers celebrating the versatility and virtuosity of piano! Renowned Classical Pianist Sean Chen Boogie-Woogie Blues Extraordinaire Arthur Migliazza - Pianist Sophisticated and Inventive Jazz Pianist Adam Birnbaum More info
PGP State Convention 2019 I: Bend Green Party ConventionPGP Spring 2019 Convention, Bend Saturday, April 13, 12pm to 5pm Brooks Room, Deschutes Public Library, Downtown Bend 601 NW Wall Street Meetup before at Crow's Feet Commons Cafe, 875 NW Brooks St, 10:30; after at McMenamin's, 700 NW Bond St. Both walking distance from library. More info This weekend with DJ DELI @ Seven
Rainy Day Blues @ The BlacksmithDuck out of the rain and head down to The Blacksmith, Friday April 12 from 7-9pm! We'll lift your spirits to sunny heights with our lively, eclectic, jazz infused sets! It's been a month since we've been out on the town. We missed you! Hope to see you there! More info Mexico Fundraiser at Beach Hut DeliPlease come eat lunch at Beach Hut Deli on Sunday, April 14 after church! A percentage of ALL sales will go towards the building of TWO HOMES for two homeless families in Ensenada, Mexico. Compass is again sending a team of 30 people to Mexico in August to be Beautiful Feet! Come support our team! PLEASE SHARE! More info  More than 5,900 spaces - including one for you! With the recent parking changes, there has been some questions about where (and how) to park in Downtown Bend. There are more than 5,000 parking spaces, 3 public lots and a 4 story parking garage - keeping it simple and convenient to come downtown. So while you are dining at one of our award-winning restaurants, shopping for the perfect gift, seeing the latest live performance or attending one of our Downtown events – you won’t have any problems parking downtown. 
Alternative modes of transportation  Riding your bike is a great way to get around Bend. Here are some helpful links to check out so that you can create your perfect route:
Uber is also a great way to get around Downtown, and during the day the CET Bus is easy to ride (and you can even put your bike on the bus). In the summer, they also provide the free Ride Bend service! Finally, if you carpool or ride your bike, make sure that you are logging your trips so that you can win rewards from Commute Options. 4/21/2019 - UpdateToday the Downtown Bend Parking Advisory Committee decided to change the Greenwood parking lot and Irving street parking to match the 2 hours free + 2 hours paid in the Mirror Pond parking lots. They also voted to change the signage in all 3 areas to add more clarity for the user. Although these changes might take 4-6 weeks to implement - you can expect them promptly. We will most a new map reflecting these rate changes when the change is officially made and new signage is installed.  It's First Friday Art Walk! Head into Downtown Bend for a night filled with art, shopping, music and local food & drink. On First Friday in Downtown Bend, we celebrate ALL forms of art - music, comedy, photography, painting, sculpture, acting and more. Head to Downtown Bend, and delight your senses! Megan Marie Myers at Townshend's TeahouseMegan Marie Myers will be at Townshend's Tea in Downtown Bend with a show from April 1st to May 30th. You can purchase Megan's art here: http://www.meganmariemyers.com/, and make sure to attend a meet and greet with the artist from 6:30-7:30pm on Friday April 5th at Townshend's Tea  Jonezy Artwork at Velvet Bend He is known in the art world as JonezyArtwork. He has been creating artwork since the 1990's and started exhibiting his work in galleries all over the world in early 2004. To date, JonezyArtwork has sold over 750+ paintings worldwide. He is self taught, growing up with many great influences and working each year to perfect his own unique style. He uses a steady hand and precise techniques to create these paintings. JonezyArtwork refers to his style as a mix between Cartoon and Urban. You can find his work at Velvet on Wall Street in Downtown Bend during the month of April. Sage Custom FramingVisit Sage Custom Framing during First Friday Art Walk and during the entire month of April! Located on Brooks Alley right next to Beach Hut Deli. Memories to Quilt at Footzone‘Heaven Can Wait’ and other races inspired this memory quilt. I chose bright colors to celebrate a worthy race well run. Do you know a runner who’d like their T-shirts preserved in a one-of-a-kind memory quilt? I'd be happy to help! Friday, April 5th, Memories to Quilt will be at the Foot Zone, for their First Friday event. Please come by and visit. Let’s talk about your collection of race shirts! Free Admission, more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/2231007730561219/
MOsley WOtta, Richard Cork & Rhelms School at The CommonsThe Commons is honored to host MOWO for their album, What Comes After, release party. This event will be an up close and personal performance in the house with MOWO with plenty of meet and greet time mixed in. As with all our shows, it is FREE, but a donation to the artist is greatly appreciated! All ages welcome, but some PG-13 content may be vocalized. More info here.  In addition, Richard Cork's art will be hung in the house for the month of April, and Realms School will be doing a mural presentation outside.
Jacob Joseph Norris at Found Natural Goods First Friday APRIL 2019 plans entail... Found is, of course, serving complimentary 100% agave tequila margaritas ––radical mixer to be announced–– with the colorful company of local plein-air oil painter, Jacob Joseph Norris. "Jacob Joseph Norris is a plein-air oil painter, meaning he paints in the open air. His portfolio is filled with owls, trees, power lines, scenes and colors of Central Oregon, but there is also a magnificent transcendent nature to his work, beyond the range of mere human experience. It is as if he is able to catch things in their hidden moments before they are ready to be seen." - quoted from a Source Weekly article on Jacob in 2016. Jacob's art fills the walls and shelves of Found and has since day one with his birds--inspired by our space. We are pleased to be hosting him for an official artist exhibition on April 5, 2019 for First Friday April. Cheers! Jacq & Jacob Tosch Roy at Outside InFrom beautiful Bonnie Raitt to the rasta beats of Bob Marley, Tosch plays a wide variety of covers performed with a moving and grooving kind of presence. Make plans now to join Outside In for Downtown Bend First Friday on April 5th. More info here. Fettle Botanic, Navone Jewelry and |
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Jesper Hilts at Revolvr | Barb Gonzalez at The Oxford Throughout April, The Oxford Hotel will be displaying "Capturing the Essence" by local photographer Barb Gonzalez. |
Deb Blair at Princess Athletic
Visit Princess Athletic on Wall Street in Downtown Bend and check out the photography of Deb Blair: https://www.debblairphotography.com/
Amanda Clair at Legum Design
Amanda Clair is an artist based in the Pacific Northwest. She collects her inspiration from the landscape; it’s textures and colors, mixed with her memories of the time she spent there.
Bridge 99 at JDUB
Come hang with Brewery reps of Bridge 99 and try their recently revamped Fly Rod IPA as we pour their Rock Crawler Red Ale fresh from the tap on the First Friday Art Walk! Pair their beers with our weekend specials and continue on for an amazing spring night all around Downtown Bend!
SAGEBRUSHERS at The Wine Shop and Beer Tasting Bar
A sunny spring day and new art work on the walls can only mean one thing. It's Art Walk Friday! Come down and support your local shops while looking and buying some fabulous art. Drink specials at The Wine Shop and Beer Tasting Bar.
Remember we are open until 11:00 pm so make us the last stop on your Art Hop evening!
More info: https://sagebrushersartofbend.com/index.html & https://www.thewineshopbend.com
Remember we are open until 11:00 pm so make us the last stop on your Art Hop evening!
More info: https://sagebrushersartofbend.com/index.html & https://www.thewineshopbend.com
**We'll add the downloadable/printable Art Walk Guide to this post on Friday morning to assure that we have included any last minute submissions!
Do you want your event listed on this blog? Click here See changes that need to be made? Email us
Kids Intervention and Diagnostic Service Center (KIDS Center) and MountainStar Family Relief Nursery (MountainStar) will kick off the Blue Ribbon Campaign on April 1, 2019. The Blue Ribbon Campaign coincides with April’s “National Child Abuse Prevention Month.”
The Blue Ribbon Campaign began in 1989 as an awareness movement when one woman tied a blue ribbon on her car antenna to symbolize her grandson’s bruises after he died at the hands of his mother’s abusive partner. The Blue Ribbon Campaign has grown to include educating individuals and groups on how to better protect children, as well as their community, from child abuse. As part of our 2019 Blue Ribbon Campaign, we ask all community members to “Speak Up and Save a Child,” taking an active role in keeping kids safe across Central Oregon.
The Blue Ribbon Campaign began in 1989 as an awareness movement when one woman tied a blue ribbon on her car antenna to symbolize her grandson’s bruises after he died at the hands of his mother’s abusive partner. The Blue Ribbon Campaign has grown to include educating individuals and groups on how to better protect children, as well as their community, from child abuse. As part of our 2019 Blue Ribbon Campaign, we ask all community members to “Speak Up and Save a Child,” taking an active role in keeping kids safe across Central Oregon.
This year, KIDS Center and MountainStar are proud to award four community organizations as 2019 Prevention Partners of the Year! Each organization has dedicated valuable resources and time to learn how to better protect children and prevent child abuse in Central Oregon. Please join us in honoring the following organizations: Advantage Dental in Madras, Facebook in Prineville, Healthy Beginnings and PacificSource in Bend. Congratulations for your outstanding work in preventing child abuse!
Inside The Bulletin on Monday, April 1, readers will find a Blue Ribbon newsletter and a wearable blue ribbon. Almost 50,000 blue ribbons along with educational materials and posters will be distributed throughout the community in April. People are encouraged to wear a blue ribbon to show support for the awareness and prevention of child abuse.
Several special events are scheduled for the month of April and are outlined below. For more information about the Blue Ribbon Campaign, child abuse prevention, and other events in April, visit kidscenter.org or mtstar.org/april.
Inside The Bulletin on Monday, April 1, readers will find a Blue Ribbon newsletter and a wearable blue ribbon. Almost 50,000 blue ribbons along with educational materials and posters will be distributed throughout the community in April. People are encouraged to wear a blue ribbon to show support for the awareness and prevention of child abuse.
Several special events are scheduled for the month of April and are outlined below. For more information about the Blue Ribbon Campaign, child abuse prevention, and other events in April, visit kidscenter.org or mtstar.org/april.
My favorite thing about Downtown Bend is the public art work. The neat thing about public spaces is that they take an entire diverse community to create them. Unlike a mall, public spaces are made by (and for) the community. When I am walking around in Downtown Bend, I marvel at all of the unique jobs, individuals, and stories that created the atmosphere.
For Downtown Bend, this is even more intriguing as the story began 100 years ago, when brave entrepreneurs (just like the ones today!) set up shops in Downtown Bend, streets were made, sidewalks developed, buildings went up, trees were planted - and Downtown Bend as we know it was born.
This historic footprint allows for the rich culture that we experience in Downtown Bend today. Artists, performers, buskers, and small business owners build on this footprint, weaving in the richness of each individual's experience into the tapestry that is our Downtown.
The photo above was taken by Miguel Edwards Photography in Gasoline Alley between Oregon and Minnesota Ave in Downtown Bend. There are works of art like these all around our Downtown area, and every time I see one, and I ask myself: What was the artist feeling that created this expression? How much joy did they feel as they set it up on display for others to witness? As people walk by, what emotions do these art pieces evoke? If Can o'Beans, Dirty Sock and Spoon were walking through Downtown Bend and viewed this art, what ironies would be exposed and what veils of society lifted?
Art is an important part of our community, and Downtown Bend plays the perfect host.
For Downtown Bend, this is even more intriguing as the story began 100 years ago, when brave entrepreneurs (just like the ones today!) set up shops in Downtown Bend, streets were made, sidewalks developed, buildings went up, trees were planted - and Downtown Bend as we know it was born.
This historic footprint allows for the rich culture that we experience in Downtown Bend today. Artists, performers, buskers, and small business owners build on this footprint, weaving in the richness of each individual's experience into the tapestry that is our Downtown.
The photo above was taken by Miguel Edwards Photography in Gasoline Alley between Oregon and Minnesota Ave in Downtown Bend. There are works of art like these all around our Downtown area, and every time I see one, and I ask myself: What was the artist feeling that created this expression? How much joy did they feel as they set it up on display for others to witness? As people walk by, what emotions do these art pieces evoke? If Can o'Beans, Dirty Sock and Spoon were walking through Downtown Bend and viewed this art, what ironies would be exposed and what veils of society lifted?
Art is an important part of our community, and Downtown Bend plays the perfect host.
About the author:
Mindy Aisling is a local Bendite with a love for the outdoors, Irish whiskey, bar trivia, stand-up-comedy, live music, and all things goofy and ridiculous. A multi-generational entrepreneur, Mindy is passionate about small business, shopping local and commitment to community. Currently Mindy serves as the Executive Director for the Downtown Bend Business Association.