Arts + Culture

The Gift of Art

Local Artist Paints Stories of Wonder Article by Lynette Confer | Photography by Miguel Edwards To gaze upon a painting by local artist Megan Myers is like looking through a window into another world. One inspired by nature, animals, and her audience she loves so much. Each painting tells a story, but not one with a single message. Instead, Myers paints with the goal of allowing each person to connect to their own story. “My paintings don’t tell a full story, but I think in them you are...

April 2024

Life + Culture

Standing Tall

One Woman’s Story of Resilience Article by Lynette Confer | Photography by Natalie Stephenson What would you choose to do if you were given only one year to live? And you had given birth to your first child three days before? And, you were a single mom and owner of a new small business? This was the scenario local dog trainer Lauren Henderson faced in January 2023. Her first child, daughter Kennedy, was born on January 18, 2023. Three days later, Lauren was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s...

April 2024

Fitness

A Perfect Hit

Empowering Women Through Fitness and Self-Defense Training Article by Sue Baldani | Photography by Maile Mason Melanie Martinson, owner/trainer of 30 Minute Hit in Bend, has one main goal these days – to empower women by giving them the tools they need to be fit and stay safe. “We’re more of a boutique martial arts studio than a fitness studio,” she says. “We want to provide a very safe, friendly environment for women of all ages, backgrounds, and fitness levels to be able to come and learn...

April 2024

Life + Culture

Vietnamese Spring Rolls

Simple Ingredients for a Delicious Burst of Spring Flavors Article by Lynette Confer This time of year, you might be craving the tastes of spring. Fresh Vietnamese Spring Rolls are easy to assemble and served fresh, with a sauce of your choosing, offer a burst of fresh flavors that promise of spring and summer gardens to come.  These rolls are versatile. If you have rice paper wrappers, use your imagination and whatever fresh veggies, green or herbs available (even a different type of noodle...

March 2024

Life + Culture

Finding the Way Through Grief

Clear Mourning Offers Support on a Personal Journey Article by Lynette Confer In 2016, local resident, therapist and former hospice social worker Sarah Peterson experienced two great losses in her life. Her two-year old daughter, Marley, was killed when their family car was struck by a drunk driver. Three months later, Peterson lost her father. Having walked beside patients experiencing grief, this was not new territory for Peterson. But, this journey through grief was different. It was her...

March 2024

Fitness

A Passion for Strength

Purefit Lagree Studio Cultivates Community with Low Impact, High Intensity Workouts Article by Julie E. Furnas | Photography by Maile Mason When walking into the PureFit Lagree Studio on the northeast side of Bend, there is an immediate sense of community — a community dedicated to health, strength, and connection. The impressive machines line the studio, ready for users to get into an intense and fulfilling workout, guided by energetic and highly trained instructors. Anyone looking to invest...

March 2024

Life + Culture

Lessons Learned From the Bees

Local Beekeeper Discovers the Value of Community Article by Lynette Confer | Photography by Amanda Long This issue of Bend Lifestyle focuses on investment. When considering investment, you might not think about honeybees. And yet, our lives are intrinsically tied and forever connected to these small insects who play an integral role in pollination, the process of which supports biodiversity and helps maintain ecosystems. Healthy bee populations are essential to a healthy and thriving...

March 2024

Life + Culture

Equilus Capital Partners

A Focus on Income-Producing Real Estate for Client Investment Portfolios Article by Sue Baldani No matter your age or where you are in life, when it comes to investing, it’s important to find a team you can trust. With the state of the economy always in question, you also want to make sure your investment is protected, diversified, and earning as much as possible. Just last year, a Northwest investment company opened a new Bend office. Offering a fresh approach to investing, Equilus Capital’s...

March 2024

Home + Design

A Forward-Thinking Investment in Your Home and the Future

Bend-Based National Solar Provides Clean Renewable Energy Options Article by Lynette Confer When it comes to investing in your home, there seems to be an endless list of possibilities. But, what if your next home project could be an investment in your home that also is an investment in the future? One that makes an impact beyond your own home and family by protecting our environment, our natural resources, and this place we all call home, our planet.  Solar panel installation is one such...

February 2024

Home + Design

Rustic + Modern Design

A Vision for a Peaceful Oasis Becomes Reality Article by Sue Baldani | Photography by Natalie Stephenson When Kenneth Sunzeri founded Deschutes Custom Homes (DCH) in Bend two years ago, he already had a lot of experience under his tool belt. “My forte is high-end custom home building,” he says. “For the past 17 years, I've been building 6000 to 10,000 square foot houses on the [San Francisco Bay] peninsula.” When he moved to Bend, he found there was a big need in the luxury market, so he and...

February 2024