ad HOC : Words + Ideas

Vima Lupwa Homes: "Calling for Bras and Undies"

2009-06-19T16:46:00.000-07:00

From Vima Lupwa Homes. -hoc
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Calling for Bras and Undies

All colors, sizes, materials, you name it- we want it!

Why?

In an effort to assist self empowerment of the local women of Mikomfwa, one goal of VLH (Vima Lupwa Homes) is to assist starting up businesses with microloans (of money or goods).
We were recently approached with a unique, creative, easy and inexpensive idea of setting up a small business at the local market, where there is a need for women's undergarments - this would make a very successful business. We thought "Why not have a undie campaign?"
So please ladies, check your closets and drawers, then send or bring any clean and functional extras, if possible by July.

Also, please remember our garage sale is tomorrow at 440 NW Congress St, Bend from 8:30-3:30. At this time we are also collecting art supplies, medical gloves, toothpaste, bandaids, medical tape (for the local clinic) and bicycle gear (for our bike shop).

Natotela Sana~Thank you.

VIMA LUPWA HOMES

www.lupwahomes.org

ONDA Wilderness Party, TONIGHT

2009-06-18T14:38:00.001-07:00

Oregon Natural Desert Association Reminder!

ONDA and the Friends of the Badlands (aka Fobbits) cordially invite you to a blowout bash celebrating the new Oregon Badlands and Spring Basin Wilderness Areas

June 18, 2009 7PM-11PM, All ages
Old Stone Church, 157 NW Franklin Ave, Bend

After decades of work by volunteers, local businesses, ONDA, the Friends of the Badlands, the Oregon Congressional Delegation and wilderness supporters throughout Oregon and beyond, President Obama signed the Public Lands Management Act on March 30th, finally protecting The Oregon Badlands and Spring Basin as Wilderness.

Come celebrate this historic victory with us!
Suggested donation $5, donate online or at the door.

Music by: BlackStrap Bluegrass

6/24 Blackstrap Kicks Off Pickin’ & Paddlin’ Music Series

2009-06-17T07:25:00.000-07:00

Local favorites, rootsy stringband Blackstrap kick off a new live music concert series on the bank of the Deschutes River, the Pickin’ & Paddlin’ Music Series. Beginning Wednesday, June 24 and continuing the last Wednesday of July and August, Pickin’ & Paddlin’ features live music from 7:00 to 9:00pm, as well as the chance to try kayaks, canoes, paddles and other gear on the Deschutes River. Admission is free, and the whole family is welcome. Donations to the Bend Paddle Trail Alliance are encouraged, and Silver Moon Brewing's new Epic Trail Ale will be available for adult consumption (proceeds to BPTA).

From 4:00 to 7:00pm, representatives from top paddle sports companies such as Eddyline Kayaks, Esquif Canoes, Swift Paddles, Bending Branches and Aquabound Paddles will will be available for free demos and to answer questions. Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe’s fleet of 50 demo boats will also be available, with staff on hand to help.

The Pickin’ & Paddlin’ Music Series is hosted by Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe, in Bend at 805 SW Industrial Way # 6 (on the Deschutes at the foot of the Colorado Ave. Bridge). Please call 541-317-9407 for details.

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Protecting Native Trout on John Day River

2009-06-16T20:18:00.001-07:00

From ONDA. -hoc
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Fish advocates applauded a federal judge's decision yesterday to protect native steelhead trout in the John Day River Basin. The court order temporarily halts cattle grazing within important native trout streams in eastern Oregon's Malheur National Forest. This latest round of the decade-long litigation targets, as the court put it, "repeated failures" by the Forest Service to address grazing impacts to fish habitat. The steelhead, an iconic Pacific Northwest native trout, is listed under the Endangered Species Act as a "threatened" species in danger of extinction.

In this order, the court suspended grazing until the Forest Service complies with a series of promised mitigation and monitoring measures intended to ensure against further damage to fish habitat this summer. The protective measures cover 330,000 acres and 235 miles of streams on the forest. The court also indicated it would stop grazing mid-season if the Forest Service failed to comply with the order. In the ruling, Judge Haggerty states, "The time has come for the Forest Service to adaptively manage these allotments in response to conditions on the ground rather than in reaction to this court's rulings."

Stream degredation, caused by livestock, in the Malheur National Forest

"Sadly, Forest Service negligence and mismanagement is driving the steelhead toward extinction rather than recovery," Fenty said. "These streams will take time to recover but this decision ensures that the Forest Service must abide by its own rules and regulations and that steelhead will be conserved for current and future generations."

After several years of monitoring chronic overgrazing on the Malheur National Forest, ONDA filed the first of several cases against the Forest Service in 2003. In 2006, a federal judge in Portland ruled that the agencies' grazing plan violated the Endangered Species Act. In 2007, the agencies issued a new grazing plan to guide grazing throughout the forest. Because the plan actually increased grazing levels and weakened the Forest Service's ability to enforce its own ecological health standards, ONDA challenged the plan in December 2007.

The Malheur National Forest is located in eastern Oregon's Blue Mountains. It includes portions of the Upper John Day, Middle Fork John Day, North Fork John Day, and Malheur Rivers. The John Day River is one of the longest undammed rivers in the continental United States. The river and its hundreds of miles of tributary streams on the Malheur National Forest provide spawning, rearing and migratory habitat for the largest native stock of wild steelhead remaining in the Columbia River Basin.

For more information on this case CLICK HERE.

Rise Up India Update

2009-06-15T16:03:00.000-07:00

Here's the latest from Rise Up India's Sheri Foster. -hoc
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Hi Folks,
Just a quick update of the progress of the Rise Up school in India.
As most of you know, the state of Bihar, located in the northeastern
part of India has some of the highest levels of poverty, illiteracy,
and corruption. It is here, near the town of Bodhgaya that Rise Up
operates three schools and an orphanage for poor children without
regard to social caste or religious background.
With the help from family, friends, supporters and the Art For
India event, we have gone from a one room school with two teachers and
25 kids, to the near completion of the second story of our school, 14
teachers and staff, 250 children receiving free education six days a
week for grades kindergarten to fifth, AND are providing a home at the
school for nine orphan boys!
We couldn't be doing this without all of your support so thanks
again and check out the pics or visit our blog
atwww.riseupindia.wordpress.com. We are looking forward to the Art For
India event this fall, details soon to follow.
Thanks
again and have a great summer!
sheri
from Rise Up

Sheri Foster

RISE UP INTERNATIONAL
RISE UP INDIA weblog
http://riseupindia.wordpress.com/

6/14 Dirty Half Marathon On Phil's

2009-06-13T15:56:00.001-07:00

From COTA. -hoc
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Dirty Half Marathon On Phil's
Sunday June 14th starting at 8
Racers will be starting at 8 am. They will head up Phil's to road 300 and over to Ben's. They will come down Ben's to MTB to Kent's to the Finish. Expect racers on those trails until about 12. If you can avoid them during those times please do. Unless you're going out to cheer them on!

First Friday at BICA

2009-06-03T12:47:00.001-07:00

Vima Lupwa Homes (VLH) Annual Garage Sale

2009-06-01T13:15:00.000-07:00

From Vima Lupwa Homes. -hoc
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Saturday June 20th from 8:30-3:00-
Annual fund raising Garage Sale for children's home in Zambia.
Our goal is to raise enough money to support our 14 Vima Lupwa
children's food budget for one month, plus support Bambuya, age 78,
with a small microloan. Bambuya dreams of starting a local grocery
stand with dried fish, rice, beans, etc to help support her family. It
will take only 500 dollars to make this possible!

If you have good quality goods to donate for the garage sale please
drop them off at 440 NW Congress Street downtown Bend (site of sale) .

We are also SEEKING volunteers to help set up, sell and take down -
and finally, of course, we hope to have lots of people buying!!!

VIMA LUPWA HOME
1550 NW Galveston
Bend OR 97701
541-420-9634
http://www.lupwahomes.org

5/29 Bend Bicycle Film Festival

2009-05-22T14:04:00.001-07:00

This should be cool! Support COTA - it's the reason we have this amazing mountain bike trail system. -hoc

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First Annual Bend Bicycle Film Festival Debuts May 29

Locally-made film shorts and slideshows precede High Desert premier of major production film

BEND, Ore. – May 15, 2009 – The first annual Bend Bicycle Film Festival debuts at the Tower Theatre in downtown Bend on May 29, celebrating the wonders and joys of riding bikes. The festival, a benefit for the Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA) and the Bend Cycling Club, will showcase locally-made film shorts and slideshows followed by a big screen presentation of Freeride Entertainment's New World Disorder 9: Never Enough.

"The format for the locally-made portion of the show will run the gamut of cycling genres," says Paul Lissette, festival organizer. Submissions included cross-country, road, snow, spoof, one-wheel, freeride, urban shredding, desert riding, strange attire, BMX, and Cyclocross footage.

"Several locally well-known film makers and riders will exhibit their skill and creativity at the show," says Lissette. Jonas Tarlen – popular for his humorous backcountry ski films – makes a foray into the backcountry on his mountain bike. Steve Remer of 88 Productions will keep audiences on the edge of their seat with his action-packed footage. And Pro mountain biker Kirt Voreis stars in a Radical Films short clip.

The show will be open to those of all ages. "The top half of Tower Theatre will be a no-alcohol zone to encourage youth and families to attend the event," says Lissette.

Doors will open at 6pm; the show will start at 7pm. Tickets can be purchased prior to the event for $10 at your local bike shop and online or at the Tower Theatre box office. Bike commuting to the event is encouraged; bicycle parking available outside the Tower Theatre. There will be a raffle of donated prizes by various sponsors at intermission.

For more about the Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA): www.cotamtb.org.

For more about the Bend Cycling Club: www.bendcyclingclub.org.

# # #

Sea Captain Kirk's Alaskan halibut is here!

2009-05-22T12:17:00.001-07:00

Any one who's a regular at Thump Coffee has probably met Capt. Kirk,
whose family has been fishing in Alaska for 100 hundred years. He's up
there fishing now, and Duncan is selling "fisherman direct." They also
have a killer deal for nonprofits who want to do fundraisers. Fish on!
-hoc
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I can make your Memorial Day weekend even better!

Halibut caught last week is in and I have it here now. Think of it,
fish & chips, saute', fettuchine, halibut kebobs, and the list goes on.

I have 10 pound boxes of 1-3 ounce boneless/skinless filets for $10.49
a pound or step up to 20 pounds and the price drops to $9.99. That is
delivered to your door or place of business. If 10 pounds is too much,
then I have a scale and baggies to split it up on the spot.

Also available are Halibut sticks which are about the size of a large
hot dog. They are spicy with a light Jalapeno flavoring. These are
really tasty and all you need to do is sauté in olive oil. The price
is the same as filets.

As always, please pass this on to people that love seafood at
"fisherman direct" prices!

Precious Cargo Taxi Company
Alaskan Seafood sales and delivery
Duncan & Kim Laing
Phone cell 541-420-9369

Who is Harold Olaf Cecil, and why is he so busy?

2009-05-21T11:57:00.001-07:00

Pleased to report that Giant Loop, the company I started last fall with my friend David Wachs, is really taking off as we enter our first full riding season!

It's a bit of a wild ride working three jobs right now (landlord, marketer, startup owner), and I've sort of fallen off with the posts here as a result . . .

Here are peeks at what I've been up to:
Giant Loop Moto website
Giant Loop Moto blog
My LinkedIn profile
My Twitter experiment
My Facebook page

Ride while you can,
HOC

6/6 Deschutes River Cleanup

2009-05-21T11:54:00.001-07:00

From Walt at Central Oregon Diving:

STREAM STEWARSHIP DAY!
DESCHUTES RIVER CLEANUP
JUNE 6TH

COME DIVE WITH CENTRAL OREGON DIVING LLC!
LET'S DIVE THE RIVER AND PICKUP TREASURES!
GREAT LOCAL FUN DIVE!

It is spring again and time to help out with the Deschutes River Cleanup!

When: 6 June 2009 9:30 AM meeting

Where: We will meet and check in at McKay park at 9:30 for bagels and coffee, sign waivers and registration forms, then we will move to Farewell Bend Park at about 10:00 AM.

Why: To pick up trash from the bottom, we will drift from Farewell Bend Park down to the Old Mill Landing where the staff from REI will be waiting to celebrate our discoveries!

Who: Any adventurous certified diver wishing to get in some great drift diving in the river. Central Oregon Diving will provide FREE AIR to all certified diver volunteers! SO HOOK UP WITH A BUDDY AND COME ON DOWN. In the past this has been a "hoot" -- we really find some strange things!

You will need to sign up and register with Central Oregon Diving LLC. You will need to pick up a waiver to complete before diving. Central Oregon Diving LLC will be open from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM for people who need to pick up their rental gear. (Please register and get the paperwork done before Saturday morning of the 6th.) Central Oregon Diving will have a dive buddy check in and check out system for all divers in the water.

We will need some shuttle drivers and vehicles so solicit volunteers!

If you have questions, please contact Central Oregon Diving LLC at: 541-388-3660

3/29: Bend Kayak Races - Riverhouse Rendezvous Returns!

2009-03-27T12:52:00.000-07:00

The Riverhouse Rendezvous used to be an annual event in Bend - one of several canoe and kayak competitions here, actually - and Geoff at Alder Creek is helping to revive it! Even if you're not into racing, competitive kayaking is a fun spectator sport - go check it this weekend. -hoc
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Riverhouse Rendezvous Kayak Slalom Race - Slalom Kayak Race Revived!
Date: March 29, 2009
Begins: 09:30 AM
Ends: 04:00 PM

Type: Kayak Races
Location: Riverhouse Hotel, Deschutes River, Bend, Oregon
Contact: Geoff Frank
email: geoff AT aldercreek DOT com
phone: 541.408.4855

Course will be set Friday with open practice & clinics on Saturday March 28th. The actual race will be Sunday March 29th from 10:00am - 4:00pm. Registration is at 9:00am with a racers meeting at 9:30.

No-Cost Oral Cancer Screenings Planned for April “Oral Cancer Awareness Week”

2009-03-18T16:42:00.000-07:00

EVENT DATES: Friday, April 10 and Friday, April 24

Awbrey Dental Group Shares Leading-Edge Oral Cancer Screening Technology With Central Oregon

Awbrey Dental Group in Bend has invested in the region’s first VELscope early cancer screening system and will share this technology with the local community by offering free oral cancer screenings on Friday, April 10 and Friday, April 24. The Oral Cancer Foundation designated April 13-19 as “Oral Cancer Awareness Week,” and screenings are planned across the Unites States, as well as Australia.

More than 30,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer annually in the United States, and one person dies of oral cancer every hour of every day in America. However, if detected early oral cancer is 90% survivable.

“We’ve always conducted an annual comprehensive oral cancer screening for all of our patients,” explains Dr. Peter Yonan, who is in practice with Dr. Anne Scott and Dr. Jill Schroeder at Awbrey Dental Group. “The VELscope System allows us to see things we’ve been unable to see previously. By detecting potential problems earlier, we’ll be providing members of our Central Oregon community with the best oral health care currently available.”

Recently approved by the FDA, the VELscope system is a revolutionary hand-held device that provides dentists and hygienists with a new tool to aid in early oral cancer detection. The VELscope examination is a non-invasive, painless procedure that takes only a few minutes. The dentist shines a blue light into the mouth to cause it to fluoresce. This fluorescence helps the dentist visualize abnormal tissue, which may be, or may lead to, oral cancer.

For more about oral cancer, visit the Oral Cancer Foundation at www.oralcancerfoundation.org.

Non-invasive, completely painless VELscope screenings take just a few minutes and will be performed by Dr. Yonan, Dr. Scott and their associate, Dr. Jill Schroeder. To schedule an appointment for a free VELscope oral cancer screening, call Awbrey Dental Group at 541-383-0754.

3/14 MVHS Band Alaskan Halibut Feed Fundraiser

2009-03-12T15:15:00.000-07:00

Here are more details about the Mountain View High School Band fundraiser this Saturday. If possible, please email before the dinner to inquire or order tickets - an advance head-count will help the organizers to be better organized when you get there. Details below from the local fisherman who is making this event - and others - possible (he has asked not to be named here). His family has been fishing the Pacific for generations. -hoc
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Thanks Harold. The value of this dinner is a phenom. Six pieces of halibut equates to about 12 oz. of halibut. Each piece will be about 2 oz. (you can buy extra pieces for $1.50 per piece). With halibut going for a minimum $15 to $20 dollars a pound in local stores, this is THE halibut feed (or should I say the only one) of Central Oregon. In fact, there has never been a halibut feed in the last 5/10 years that has this size of portions and value in this area. This will be the start of something unique in this area.

In this economy, food budgeting may get rather tight. It is my intention to bring my FDA-approved seafood productions (salmon, halbiut, crab, cod) to Central Oregon to benefit events and fundraisers and to rally optimism in the community. Maybe others will follow example. OPTIMISM BREEDS CREATIVITY. Negative thoughts breed stagnancy.

As for me, I'm off to the Aleutians in 3 weeks to return Oct./Nov.-ish At that time, I can personally delegate productions for helping the community. Let's see how we can create something together.

Note: It would sure be nice to know how many will show up. Tickets will be sold at the door, but those who purchase tickets in advance will be guaranteed the meal. I will bring plenty of extra along. This is a fish & fries/coleslaw feed that is the first of its kind here. There will be extra available for those that want to purchase after the feed, take home--even rain checked. This will be a great price for those. Possibly 1 to 3 oz. pieces for around $10 per pound.

3/14: MVHS Band Halibut Feed

2009-03-05T22:09:00.000-08:00

I played trombone all the way through school, elementary to university (orchestra, jazz band, rock band - you name it, I played it and I loved it). With my own kids in grade school now I often think about my elementary school experience in the Beaverton district in the '70s, when I started playing in the school band program in fourth or fifth grade. Now, there isn't an elementary band program in our most of our public schools, which is a tremendous loss. Anyway, I'm happy to help get the word out about this fundraiser for the Mountain View High School Band. I've sold countless raffle tickets, chocolate bars, etc., etc. for band over the years, but an Alaskan Halibut dinner (fresh fish supplied by the guy who caught it!) sounds way better. Details below. -hoc
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MVHS Band Halibut Feed 2009

Who: Anyone who likes Halibut or MVHS Band

What: Halibut Feed at MVHS to benefit Japan Exchange Program

When: Saturday March 14, 2009, 5:00pm to 8:00pm

Where: MVHS Cafeteria/ Commons

Why: To help students going to Japan pay their way

How: Cash or check paid to MVHS Band

Children’s Plate: $8.00 (approx. 2 piece Halibut)
Medium Plate : $13.00 (approx. 4 pieces Halibut)
Large Plate : $16.00 (approx. 6 pieces Halibut)

Also includes French Fries, Cole Slaw, Dessert, Coffee, Tea or Juice drink.

PLEASE EMAIL YOUR RESERVATIONS TODAY!

ad HOC : Words + Ideas Newsroom

2009-03-05T12:06:00.000-08:00

Just in from the Tooting My Own Horn Department: I've updated my online newsroom. Here you'll find news releases I've distributed at the national and global scale for clients, plus a bit about me and my Ad HOC : Words + Ideas marketing and public relations business. More good stuff to come! -hoc

3/5 Nashelle & Friends Spring Trunk Show

2009-02-27T13:07:00.001-08:00

Join Nashelle Jewelry and local designers Maya Moon Handbags, Vanilla, Love Mert., Habit, Utopia Candles and She's Happy Designs for the Nashelle & Friends Spring Trunk Show. Sip, snack, socialize and shop - while also directly supporting local businesses - this Thursday, March 5, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at Nashelle Jewelry, 61511 Amercian Lane, #5 in Bend. For details, call 541-382-2360, or visit the Nashelle blog at www.nashelle.com/Blog.

March 19-21 - 4 Peaks Spring Fling Tour 2009: Poor Man’s Whiskey, Blue Turtle Seduction Play Portland, Eugene, Bend

2009-02-25T16:28:00.000-08:00

Keep the festival vibe alive! The success of the 4 Peaks Music Festival 2009 hinges on this tour - save the date and show your support. -hoc
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4 Peaks Spring Fling Tour 2009: Poor Man’s Whiskey, Blue Turtle Seduction Play Portland, Eugene, Bend

Help Keep the 4 Peaks Music Festival Alive!

(BEND, OR) 4 Peaks Presents takes the show on road with its 2009 Spring Fling Tour, a three-day Oregon run with stops in Portland, Eugene and Bend. 4 Peaks alums Poor Man’s Whiskey and Blue Turtle Seduction will play the following dates and venues:

March 19: The Doug Fir Lounge, Portland, OR. Doors 8:00 pm, showtime 9:00 pm, $12 advance, $12 day of show. For tickets and info, go to www.dougfirlounge.com.

March 20: WOW Hall, Eugene, OR. Showtime 9:00 pm, tickets $10 advance, $12 door. For tickets and info, go to www.wowhall.org.

March 21: The Old Stone Church, Bend, OR. Doors 8:00 pm, showtime 9:00 pm, tickets $12 at the door only. For details, go to www.oscbend.com.

The 4 Peaks Spring Fling Tour is a showcase taster representative of the artists featured at the 4 Peaks Festival, which for two years now has brought the community together for three days of outstanding music and camping in Central Oregon sunshine. Bend’s The Source Weekly named the 4 Peaks Music Festival one of the Top 10 Live Music Events of the 2008, and Source music critic Mike Bookey wrote that “Throughout the weekend, Poor Man’s Whiskey would take the stage three times (four, if you count a late-night campground appearance), dishing out some bluegrass tunes, but mostly unleashing their rock and roll funk machine on 4 Peakers and rightfully earning their role as the fest’s host band.”

“The idea behind the Spring Fling is to gain exposure for everyone and rally for cause,” explains Stacy Totland, 4 Peaks Music Festival manager. "Now more than ever, we absolutely need this community of music lovers and artists to come together and help make the 4 Peaks Festival happen. After two hugely successful years, we’re struggling in the current economy to raise the critical sponsorship and support needed to produce our third festival this year. But if we can generate enough interest and support during this Spring Fling Tour, we’re still hopeful that 4 Peaks will be back.”

:: ABOUT Poor Man's Whiskey
Poor Man's Whiskey plays what it describes as "High Octane Hootenanny" music. Emerging from the San Francisco Bay area music scene this quintet has developed an eclectic and engaging sound. PMW has been winning over national audiences with their upbeat performances, zany stage antics, and infectious songs. While seamlessly integrating acoustic and electric instruments, the band weaves tales of everyday life, inviting the audience to become a part of each show.

Here are some recent press mentions about PMW:

"They groan with the rundown weight of good Drive-By Truckers…They can still gather 'round the mic acoustic picker fashion, as they did on "Jesus Was A Hippy," but they appear increasingly disinterested in any limiting schtick, and it's always encouraging that every single time I see these guys play they're just a bit better in every regard."
— Dennis Cook, Jambase.com

"The second set showed off PMW's spacey funk rock abilities, which they've been cultivating over the past year, with an instrumental jam that touched on Phish's 'First Tube.'"
— Mike Bookey, The Source Weekly, Bend, OR

For more, visit the PMW website at www.poormanswhiskey.com

:: ABOUT Blue Turtle Seduction

In 2008, Blue Turtle Seduction spent a month-an-a-half creating its new full-length music release "13 Floors" — and the band played more than 160 shows from Hawaii to New York at venues ranging from San Francisco’s legendary Fillmore to the highly regarded High Sierra Music Festival.

“People will also remember that BTS was the band that got the festival crowd on their feet and moving as they rushed from a twangy Americana song to a funk-a-licious groove and back again during their Saturday set.”
— Mike Bookey, The Source Weekly, Bend, OR

“…The kind of music that opens doors to new music, rather than driving listeners to shut out the unfamiliar…BTS has been spreading its own particular brand of…music around the Sierra for years now. It's not unusual to spot a ‘Keep Tahoe Seductive’ sticker on a passing car.”
– Rob Aulwes, Tahoe Daily Tribune

For more, visit the Blue Turtle Seduction website at www.blueturtlemusic.com.

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2/28: 11th Annual Tumalo Langlauf Club Luminary Night

2009-02-13T12:30:00.000-08:00

If you've ever experienced the wonders of being in the forest at night in the snow, then you'll definitely want to check this out. If you haven't, well here's the perfect chance. It's truly one of the most magical outdoor activities you'll ever do. Details from Tumal Langlauf Club below. -hoc
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Come Snow shoe, Classic or Skate ski to Luminary Night

The Tumalo Langlauf Club is proud to present the 11th annual luminary night at the Virginia Meissner Snow Park. It’s a Magical Moonlight event unlike any other. Come snow shoe, cross country ski (classic or skate ski) by candlelight in the Ponderosa Pines! If you haven’t tried this, you’re in for an experience of a lifetime! All levels and all ages are invited! It’s a unique family outing, solo event or a most romantic date. Bring food & cheer for the adventure!

Date: Saturday night February 28th, from 6pm to 10pm

Luminary Path: Starting at Virginia Meissner Sno Park, the groomed candle lit path will follow the main trail out to the Meissner Shelter (1.5miles each way) for everyone; Snow shoes, classic cross country skis, and skate skis. The Pine Drops trail will also be groomed to provide a scenic alternate route for those on snow shoes or classic skis. Don’t worry, you can’t get lost if you follow the candle light!

Directions: Take Century drive 12 miles up towards Mt. Bachelor. Turn into Virginia Meissner Sno Park (the closest Sno Park to Bend).

Weather: More protected and much milder conditions than at Mt. Bachelor. Bring warm clothes and headlamp. At the shelter, we’ll have the fire going for a warm rest stop. Even if it’s snowing or raining, it’s Always Beautiful at Virginia Meissner.

Suggested Donations: $10 adults $5 kids. All Proceeds go towards purchasing the much needed new trail groomer for Virgina Meissner.

Jackalope Grill Cooking Classes: February = Great Grains, March = Soups, Stews, Braising

2009-01-30T15:29:00.000-08:00

There are still a couple of spots left in Chef Tim's cooking class this Monday! -hoc
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EVENT DATES:
Monday, February 2, 6:00 pm
Monday, March 2, 6:00 pm

Jackalope Grill Cooking Classes: February = Great Grains, March = Soups, Stews, Braising

(Bend, OR) Join The Jackalope Grill's Chef Timothy Garling for upcoming cooking classes, this Monday, February 2 and Monday, March 2. These evenings are filled with great food, wine and cooking tips and secrets. The February class covers “Great Grains,” including risotto, barley risotto, quinoa, farro and amaranth. In March, “Soups, Stews & Braising” is the topic. Cooking classes include wine and hors d’oeuvres, demonstration and hands-on preparation in the kitchen, handouts with recipes and techniques and sampling of menu dishes paired with wine and/or beer.

Class starts at 6:00 pm at The Jackalope Grill and space is limited (these classes sell out quickly). Cost is $50. For reservations, call The Jackalope Grill at 541-318-8435. For location and info, go to www.JackalopeGrill.com .

1/30: Tumalo Langlauf Club's Nordic Groomer Fundraiser

2009-01-28T10:43:00.000-08:00

(Bend, OR) If you enjoy skiing the nicely groomed classic and skating cross-country trails at Virginia Meissner Sno-Park, then put this on your calendar for Friday. Bring the whole family and tell your friends . . . or we all may soon be breaking our own nordic trails, because the TLC grooming machine is on its last leg (see below). -hoc
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Meissner Trail Groomer Fundraiser

The Tumalo Langlauf Club (TLC) is hosting this fundraising party to purchase a new groomer to maintain these X-Country trails.**

Everyone is invited to this festive party complete with excellente Mexican food from the Taco Stand and live music by the Sweet Harlots. This is a family event for all who enjoy skiing and winter recreating at Virginia Meissner. Come socialize and bring the kids! It’ll be a fabulous gathering!

Where: Aspen Hall (Shevlin Park)
When: This Friday January 30th at 5:30pm
Food: The Taco Stand will be hosting a burrito bar extravaganza.
Entertainment: Live Music by the Sweet Harlots. For band info, go to: www.laurelbrauns.com
Cost: $10 adults $5 Kids under 12. Price includes food and entertainment.
Contact: Erin at 350-3790 for more info (or to help with the event).

** Without a new groomer, there will be no more groomed trails at Virginia Meissner…. Alas, our current groomer is on very expensive life support. For every dollar spent grooming, $2 is spent on maintenance. We need to end resuscitation on this antique and get a new groomer.

1/24 Local Designers Trunk Show at Habit

2009-01-22T10:50:00.000-08:00

This just in from Heather Beeson-Straw, designer and owner of Nashelle Jewelry. -hoc
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Hi,
Nashelle will be featured at the Habit Trunk Show this weekend.
I have attached the postcard with the address and time. [click image to enlarge] We will have amazing amounts of jewelry all at prices that are too good to pass up — our 'Red Hot' sale bin at $10 and other amazing prices range from $15-$60! This trunk show of course is one sale you do not want to miss! I look forward to seeing you there!
xoxo!

Heather Beeson
Designer & Owner
nashelle.com
61511 American Lane
Unit # 5
Bend, OR 97702

Steens Mountain Wind Power Development: Comments Due 1/16 to Harney County Planning Commission

2009-01-14T12:10:00.000-08:00

Now more than ever we need to develop clean, green, efficient sources of energy. And wind power is certainly one attractive alternative to fossil fuels. But this particular proposal is flawed on many levels (see message from ONDA below). Please comment to the Harney County Planning Commission by 5:00pm on January 16th, 2009. -hoc
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Steens Mountain is threatened by wind power development
Columbia Energy Partners (CEP) has submitted applications for two sites—East Ridge Wind and West Ridge Wind—that could install over 130 wind turbines on the north flank of Steens Mountain near the Kiger Gorge Overlook and the North Loop Road.

The developer already holds a county permit for up to 69 turbines on a third, adjacent site on Mann Lake. The development has been divided into multiple parts to try to avoid rigorous review by the State's Energy Facility Siting Council and the developer has done virtually no analysis to date of the development's potential impacts to wildlife.

Comments are due to Harney County Planning Commission by 5:00pm on January 16th, 2009. Visit the Harney County Planning Commission website for more information on the proposed wind project and to read comments.

Comment Now

Points to consider:

The application does not consider the transmission infrastructure necessary to connect Harney Electric Cooperative and Bonneville Power Administration systems which would cross Steens Mountain and the Malheur Wildlife Refuge.
CEP has avoided the Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council and Oregon Department of Fish Wildlife guidelines by arbitrarily "splitting" their 300 MW project into three sites.
The developer has only provided a few months of biological information. Far less that the two years of pre-construction data voluntarily agreed to by the wind development community and called for by the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife.
This area on Steens Mountain provides important habitat for Greater sage grouse which are currently a candidate being considered for protection under the Endangered Species Act.
40-50% of the cost of these projects ($100-$125 of tax equity value for each project according to information supplied by Columbia Energy Partners) will come from tax credits covered by public funds and therefore the public should be fully engaged in this process.

Visit ONDA’s website for more information and to see the visual impact the wind farms would have on the Steens.

ONDA: Comment on OHV use in John Day Management Plan

2009-01-08T11:51:00.000-08:00

The Oregon Natural Desert Association is encouraging people to chime in and let the BLM know how they would like to see the John Day Basin managed (see below). Public comment is your best opportunity to make your wishes known - don't spectate, participate! -hoc
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PLEASE COMMENT NOW

Tell the BLM to prioritize primitive recreation activities that don't spoil the land, like hiking, hunting, horseback riding and fishing.

There are only 24 days left to comment on the BLM's draft Resource Management Plan (RMP) for the entire John Day Basin.

As the second longest undammed river in the Continental United States, the John Day River is one of the best remaining habitats for wild anadromous runs of salmon and steelhead. The area also provides ample opportunity for recreation, such as fishing, rafting, hiking, hunting and horseback riding.

Please tell the BLM that Off-highway vehicle use in the John Day Basin is a major concern, as it contributes to riparian vegetation damage, bank erosion, soil compaction, water pollution, and other negative ecological impacts.

Let the BLM know that you are opposed to implementation of Alternative 3 in the draft RMP, which would designate two "no-limits" OHV zones adjacent to Sutton Mountain WSA and Rudio Mountain proposed WSA.

The Resource Management Plan should eliminate OHV use from the following lands:

Any lands that have been identified as having wilderness qualities and all adjacent public lands.
All ONDA citizen-inventoried public lands deemed to have wilderness character.
All designated WSAs and Wilderness areas.
Tell the BLM why the John Day Basin is important to you and that improved management of OHV travel is crucial to protecting native deserts.

For more information on the John Day RMP CLICK HERE
To comment about OHV use in the John Day Basin CLICK HERE