Poverty Weekend

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Jon

This Saturday and Sunday, January 21st and 22nd, is “Poverty Weekend” as a part of the larger “Poverty in America Awareness Month” being promoted by the Partnership to End Poverty. For this upcoming weekend Greg forwarded the link to the document (PDF) that talks about it:

As part of this awareness campaign, during the weekend of January 21-22, 2012, people of faith across Central Oregon will be discussing poverty, its effects on people and our communities, the barriers people face and our commitments to help. We are calling this weekend, “Poverty Weekend.”

The culmination of this weekend will be an interfaith U2charist service held at First Presbyterian Church in Bend, Sunday, January 22, 2012. This service, featuring U2 music and with a free-will offering for Bethlehem Inn, will be held at 5:01, followed by a light meal and a community discussion on the Occupy Movement.

All are welcome for the Sunday service, of course, and for more information on that you can contact 541-382-4401.

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Snow day for Bend-La Pine schools

Posted on January 18, 2012 by Jon

Heads up Central Oregonians: The Bend – La Pine School District has closed all schools due to snow today, Wednesday, January 18th. The snow continues to fall so keep your kids home.

You can always call and check the school district status at (541) 323-SNOW (7669).

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Togo’s in the old Quiznos

Posted on January 16, 2012 by Jon

Togo's SandwichesOver on the eastside, a Togo’s Sandwich Shop is set to open in the space formerly occupied by Quiznos. According to the Bulletin, the opening should be February 1st.

I know next to nothing about Togo’s as a brand, but apparently there are some 240 of them around; but it looks like pastrami is one of their big signatures. Has anyone tried them? Are they good?

They should be open in a couple weeks to find out; they’re on east Highway 20, next to Double Happiness and across the street from the East Bend Library.

Posted in Business, Restaurants | 11 Comments

Donate to The Stylish Stork

Posted on January 13, 2012 by Jon

The Stylish StorkThe Stylish Stork is Bend’s largest non-profit baby clothing and furniture store located over on Greenwood, selling new and gently-used items for children up to six years of age. They accept tax-deductible donations and they seem to be going out of their way to provide a good shopping experience to folks.

This came to my attention because Melanie from Cog Wild is organizing a donation drive to The Stylish Stork to celebrate her mother’s birthday, and would love to get as many people as possible donating to honor her mother:

My mom is turning 60 this month and has a request other than gifts, which gave me an idea. But first a short background: My mom’s childhood was very frugal. I am happy to say her adult life is different, but she has always volunteered her time to give back to those still in need. For many years now she has been very involved with the Samaritan House in her community that donates clothes to those who cannot afford to purchase clothes for their kids. I have been able to volunteer with my mom, digging though bags of donated clothes looking for school uniforms and specific size pants for mom’s who kids are in need. It was heartbreaking.

So back to my idea.. My mom has asked that people donate clothes instead of a gift for her. Since I live 8 hours away, I could bring stuff with me, or…. here in Bend I found out we have a place called The Stylish Stork where families in need can get clothes, toys and other necessities for their children. I would much rather help our community and let my Mom know what is going on than bring stuff to her.

I gave the Stylish Stork a call to share my idea and Danny who answered the phone was ecstatic. Sounds like the demand for kids clothes and toys is much higher than what they can keep in stock. So sending this email is the start in making this idea for my Mom’s birthday a reality. If you are able to help, I am very grateful!

Info on donating
Sizes needed:
Infant through toddler sizes
Boys and Girls size zero through 6yrs

Specifics on clothes:
They will only take clothes and shoes that have no rips, stains, tears or smells.
Clothes that are good quality, in good shape are preferred.
If possible, please wash the clothes first.
Spring clothes and jackets are requested specifically.

Specifics on toys and furniture:
Baby equipment and furniture are also needed
Same with toys that are in great shape

Where to drop off:
To drop off items, please call first: 541-550-7055
The Stylish Stork is at 165 NE Greenwood (across from the Gear Peddler)
They are open Monday through Saturday.

Note – you can donate clothes or drop them off for store credit! Anyone can purchase kids clothes here.

Posted in Clothing, Helping Out, Kids | 1 Comment

Bites & Brews at the Pine Tavern tonight

Posted on January 12, 2012 by Jon

My wife told me about this, and it sounds like a pretty cool event: The Pine Tavern is hosting a “Bites & Brews” event tonight, where they are pairing beer tasters from seven breweries with special food “bites” for $25 per person.

Join us for a night of FANTASTIC BEER paired with FANTASTIC FOOD!
Try 20-30 Beers from Central Oregon’s Finest Breweries with food created by our Executive Chef especially for each beer, bringing out the natural flavors of each distinctly different Beer

The Pine Tavern Presents: 10 Barrel – Silver Moon – Good Life – Deschutes Brewery – Cascade Lakes – Bend Brewing – Seven Brides

The “20-30 beers” is no joke, if they truly have 2-3 tasters from each of the seven breweries represented; pairing that variety with a custom menu easily makes the $25 worth it.

It’s all taking place tonight in the Garden Room (the main room in the back) at the Pine Tavern from 5:30 to 8pm. And the “Advance Ticket Purchase Required” note on the flyer on their website isn’t needed—I had called and was told I could pay when I arrived (if I go).

Posted in Beer, Food and Dining | Tagged | 2 Comments