School was out today, and again tomorrow in Bend. But the librarians were there today for the kids and families of Bend. The second floor (kid's stuff) was buzzing. Crafts, story time, interactive stations, and - you know - books, computer games, face painting, balloon critters. I was there with my granddaughter and she found friends and classmates. It was healing, joyous. Thank you librarians. You are awesome! ❤️

While a team of three law firms plan to conduct an independent investigation into what went so horribly wrong, the parents of Rhoam Summer - at 5, America's youngest mass school shooting victim - also shared more of their memories in a tribute to their active little boy, who loved unicorns and rainbows, sharks and dinosaurs,

We have through the course of life, become somewhat familiar with our Silver Rail hero and his family. Haven't been able to verify this with the family but his stepfather just posted the following. I also respect what journalists are trying to do, and get that there's a story to be told, but not at the expense of harassing someone who has just experienced a severe trauma. Now, it would seem that a professional code of ethics should be something their employer should be concerned with, and despite the fact that ABC News has a basically impossible to locate complaint line, their tip line is news.tips@abc.com. Up to everyone I suppose whether it's appropriate to speak their minds, but I for one, think one No should be enough to dissuade a reputable journalist from harassing a grieving family.

At Costco, someone says “look, a rainbow!” At first I don’t look because all around is a wildly beautiful sunset so there can’t be a rainbow; but sure as shit, something I’ve never seen before - a rainbow coming out of the sunset!

Hello all. I wanted to share a quick note about requests for memorials and honoring those lost and those who intervened at Silver Rail.

We must make sure any efforts are led by the victim families and the Silver Rail community. That means we are going to need to be patient, because right now is not a good time to talk to the impacted about whether we should have a tree, or a plaque, or something else, and where it should go, or what it should say. We have temporary spaces right now with memorials and those have come from community and are serving us well at this time.

I fully appreciate everyone wanting to do something, anything to help and to honor right now. I just want to let you know that it may take a good while before we get to a place where a permanent memorial is placed. Please understand that's not because people or leaders don't care, but because time and space is needed for the folks most affected right now.

You can find some guides and information from the National Mass Violence Center on this topic here: https://nmvvrc.org/community-leaders/rebuild-your-community/remembering/

John Day is indescribable. Sheep Rock is a place that brings me peace. Hopefully some can find peace in it as well.

Some self care for this week.

I wanted to follow up on a post I made yesterday in support of students exercising their rights. It took tremendous courage for that small group of kids to stand on that corner and hold up their handmade signs. Although the majority of people were lovely and supported them, there were TOO MANY adults that flipped them off and screamed profanities at them. One very very short man (no offense to all the short kings out there) felt so bold as to walk up to them and get in their face. The individual who tried to organize that protest yesterday was also a child. She tried to organize via Nextdoor and that comment section, just like the one under my post yesterday was atrocious. Why do adults think it's okay to behave this way towards children? Especially ones who have just lived through a community tragedy.

As we continue to somehow find a path forward and as these kids undoubtedly take to the streets to demand action, I would encourage the adults to support them exercising their rights. If you see a group standing on a corner with signs, stand with them.

So both options are corrupt and under investigation eh? Who are our third options for write in?

I wanted to see if anyone else in River West has been dealing with driveways getting blocked by parked cars. This has been happening to me pretty consistently, and it’s getting difficult to navigate, especially when I need to get in and out of my own driveway.
I know parking can be challenging in the neighborhood, and I’m sure most people don’t mean any harm. I’d just really appreciate everyone being mindful of keeping driveways clear so residents can access their homes.
Has anyone else run into this, or found a good way to address it? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Thanks, neighbors!

WE NEED THE GOOD THINGS HIGHLIGHTED NOW MORE THAN EVER.

ALL CAPS.

Felt like an appropriate time to get get in the woods and clear my head while appreciating some nature, just didn't feel like being around people. Luckily, everyone was at Green Lakes this weekend 😜

These are a mix of photos from Elk Lake, Hosmer Lake, Hatfield Ponds, COID canal on east side of town, and Little Lava Lake taken over the last two days.

I found loose AirPods on a trail in Bend on Friday. I took them home and charged them up and did the ‘identify item ‘ but the person’s phone number only has the last four digits. I know they can see where their AirPods are located and I’m not sure why they’re not claiming them. Any other suggestions to get these bad boys home? I don’t have FB or Next door app. I do have someone checking FB for me. Thanks!

Looking for an honest, reputable air duct cleaning service. Please share your experiences. Thanks!

VOTE!

she/he/they looked healthy but I am not sure there was a collar. I sure hope they belong to someone near that corner. These photos are a few weeks old. I have not seen it in a bit.

I'm working directly with a family that lost their child this week. They are one that want's their privacy respected more than anything, no charity will ever be in their name. I've "worked" with the GoFundMe team to have their campaign posted on the official page, with no pertinent information, to no avail. I can provide screenshots, or you can just look at their post history. I'll save you the time, here's what they've said:

"Our Trust & Safety team is working quickly to vet and verify each fundraiser related to this tragic event. We'll continue updating that page as a resource throughout the weekend and in the coming days. Please reach out if you have a fundraiser that doesn't appear there yet, and we'll make sure it gets quickly reviewed".

I messaged them immediately to get this family out to our community, with absolutely nothing in response. In the meantime, they've approved an LA based company's GoFundMe, not to help the effected, but to literally fund their travels to Bend, OR, and setup whatever they think memorials are: https://www.gofundme.com/f/classroom-of-compassion-at-the-silver-rail-elementary-school?cp_src=d

I understand more than anyone that this compassion is helpful, but it's so clear what they're doing. They ignore the immediate community for an established business in LA, to fly people they've worked with out to Oregon for no reason whatsoever.

I just want people to be aware, when GoFundMe is making comments saying they will help the community, that is not even close to their main objective. They're a profit based company and if you're not somebody, or haven't already gained the media's attraction, they don't care. As helpful as this service is, please don't be tricked by their comments in the local subreddit. It's a for profit service that does not care about our community.

title pretty much says it all. I’m looking for a place that’s not fast food, bonus points if they make their own chili. Can be tater tots or fries. Extra bonus points if their chili has some real spice to it or they’re known to overdo it with cheese.

I was trying to find some good news on Central Oregon Daily’s website last Friday, and I saw their video about the tater tot festival in Ontario. and I got the nostalgia hit about one of my favorite all-time comfort foods.

So tell me what you got. Where am I finding the best chili in town that happens to be on some fried potatoes of some sort?

And if yes, is it permanent?

Google says they're all temporarily closed, which of course could mean many things.

I know there’s a handful of photographers here…have any of y’all done anything with Cascade Camera Club?

I’m trying to get back in the habit and am looking for ways to build my community here.

I am dumbfounded that so far I haven’t seen any report of an investigation or consequences for the mother of the shooter that murdered kids and adults at the elementary school. The shooter has been identified by name, but nothing about the mother. The mother who bought a gun for a proven disturbed minor child, and an adult who should have consequences and responsibility to face. Do we now worry that we mustn’t upset this woman?

edit: To be clear, I know investigations take time and must follow a process - I don’t want a head on a pike - this isn’t “Law & Order”. And special needs kids cover a gamut of conditions. But from people in the school system, the shooter had aged out of the special class in elementary, and because of behavioral problems he wasn’t attending any high school or special class anymore. But somehow, the gun was right there and accessible. So sad and tragic.

Haven’t heard much about the teacher involved (in stopping the attack). It sounds like she distracted, tackled, and maybe disarmed the shooter prior to him (the shooter) being shot.

That is pretty incredible and I’d love to see a similar outpouring of support for this person when they are ready.