Thursday, October 16, 2008, at 7PM, Meet the Candidates at the Deschutes Democrat's Campaign Office, right downtown next to the Library, on Wall Street
"While most Oregonians are focused on the Presidential and U.S. Senate races, there are four other statewide races of importance to Oregon's future: Secretary of State, State Treasurer, Attorney General and Labor Commissioner. The Democratic candidates for these seats will be traveling around the state to meet with Oregonians and get people excited about the positive state of change we are experiencing. Come talk to candidates Kate Brown, Brad Avakian, John Kroger & Ben Westlund "

Saturday, October 18, 2008, Skyliners Winter Ski Swap at the Mt. Bachelor Bus Barn
This big Bend event, a swap benefiting MBSEF has been held at 115 SW Columbia Street for many years. Admission is still $3.00. Come early, the line is long!
We will try to upload our photos of last years event soon.

October 19-21, 2008,  AMGA Annual Meeting at Smith Rock near Bend, Oregon
"We welcome you to join us and participate in all of the Annual Meeting events listed in the following pages. Some of the highlights include the AMGA Opening Night Event at the Pete and Julie Keane’s house on Sunday October 19th. This event is sponsored by Marmot and includes free food, beer and door prizes. On Monday there are Professional Development Clinics being held at or around the Smith Rock State Park Visitor Center, to be followed by the Annual Meeting Main Event held at the Terrebonne Depot in Redmond, OR. The Main Event will feature food, drinks, silent auction, raffle, awards ceremony, as well as a slide show presentation by a special guest. 2008 Annual Meeting Program Catalog

Saturday, October 25, 2008, from 9AM to about 3PM, FREE Navigation Noodle™ in The Badlands near Bend for ONDA with Robert Speik
We will use the basic skills needed to go off trail in the backcountry. This is a field experience for those who have studied the map, compass and optional GPS skills of the backcountry navigator. Also, it is a good beginning experience for those who may not know that they may not know the first thing about modern traditional land navigation.

I have purchased a few USGS Horse Ridge Quad maps of The Badlands for those who need them. You can buy them from me at $7.00, the retail price that I paid. The map is a must for any real explorations of this desert Wilderness. Bring your own maps, compass and optional GPS of course!

We will learn about the practical use of map, compass and GPS together, in this Navigation Noodle™ in the Badlands. This will involve walking as a group, working in pairs or threes to solve practical navigation problems presented by the unique terrain of The Badlands area. We may walk as much as seven miles over the course of the day over desert sand and jeep trails. Dress in layers as we will stop and find ourselves many times during the seven-mile walk.

You will need lug soled hiking shoes or very light boots, light low sand gators if you have them, two quarts of water and a light high carbo lunch. Dress for the forecast weather and carry a daypack with the light and fast Ten Essential Systems. We will practice Leave No Trace Wilderness Ethics® in The Badlands.
The outing is limited to 10 folks who have reserved in advance. No dogs please.

YOU MUST RESERVE A PLACE TO LEARN WHERE WE MEET TO CARPOOL AND MORE! 
Phone calls to Robert Speik to 541-385-0445 in Bend, for Reservations, or email: info@www.TraditionalMountaineering.org
Flyer: Print the flyer for a friend. See our photos of this event. Read Jim Witty's story about this event.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008, Deschutes National Forest 2008 Volunteer Celebration
This is out 15th "Ice cream Social" Volunteer Party. This year, join us from 5 to 6:30PM at Bend Senior Center. Honoring our Volunteer hours!
More information from Jean Dean at 541-383-5576.

MONTH OF NOVEMBER 2008

Tuesday, November 4, 2008, ELECTION DAY 2008
Thank goodness! We are so tired of the stupid lies approved by some candidates.  Vote for Change!  and  A brief video from Barack Obama.
Read our OpEd to The Bulletin. Have you watched watched this youtube.com Video:  Yes We Can

Barack Obama and Joe Biden and Oregon's Jeff Merkley are elected

ELECTION '08
A Progressive Mandate
"Our nation today is only now realizing the extent of the resounding victory for progressive ideals registered on election day. Progressives triumphed in all regions of the country and won overwhelming support from individuals of all different backgrounds. President-elect Barack Obama defeated Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) decisively, winning the most votes in history and the largest share of the popular vote of any presidential candidate in two decades. Candidates running on progressive platforms helped Democrats expand their majorities in both houses of Congress. Democrats now have the most elected members of Congress any party has held since 1995." The Progress Report.

Thursday, November 6, 2008, 6:00 to 9:00PM, ONDA's Annual Volunteer Appreciation Party and Fundraiser.
This year we will be celebrating the service of Alice Elshoff, an ONDA board member since 1987. We hope you will join us to honor and recognize Alice for all the work she has done to protect Oregon’s high desert and to celebrate all that ONDA has accomplished in 2008. The event will also feature a silent auction with items donated by Keen Footwear, Awbrey Glen Golf Club, The Patient Angler, TraditionalMountaineering and more. The event will take place at the Deschutes Brewery's Mountain Room (901 SW Simpson Ave in Bend) from 6:00 pm - 9:00pm. Appetizers and refreshments will be served. I hope you can join us. We have limited space so please RSVP soon by sending an e-mail to onda@onda.org or call Devon at 541-330-2638. See our photos of an ONDA event.

Friday, November 7, 2008, 5 to 9PM, First Friday Gallery Walk in Downtown Bend
The streets of Bend fill with art patrons on the first Friday of every month as Downtown Bend and Old Mill District art galleries stay open late with receptions for guest artists and special presentations of new exhibits. In addition, the First Friday experience also includes musical performances and refreshments at selected galleries.

Saturdays in 2008, from noon to 4PM Deschutes Brewery Tours
Enjoy a tour through the brewery and visit the tasting room. Special arrangements may be made by calling 541-385-8606, 901 SW Simpson.

Saturday, November 8, 2008, "Whoops Build Party" with COTA
Join COTA volunteers for a trail work day on Saturday, November 8th on lower Whoops trail. The volunteer group will meet at the parking area at the bottom at 8:00 am. RSVP to Lev Stryker via email or call 280-3164. See our photos of an earlier trail building event. As usual, wear good, sturdy boots and bring lots of water. Hand tools from COTA available, but please bring your own if you want. Good tools to bring are flat shovels, spade shovels, Pulaski's and rakes.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008, Veterans Day
Support President Elect Barack Obama for a Change of Course in care for our Veterans.
We respect and support our nation's professional military forces.
--Robert Speik, formerly, First Lieutenant, Armored Force, Korean Conflict

Tuesday, November 11, 2008, 9:30AM, Jeff Merkley Addresses Oregonians in Bend!
Jeff Merkley Addresses Oregonians in Bend at the Riverhouse Conference Center, Cascade Room D, 3075 N. Business 97 in Bend

Tuesday, November 11, 2008, USFS, Bend Ft-Rock Ranger District, Trail User Group Meeting
We will be meeting at Red Oaks Square at 6:30PM. (This is our 13th year as a member of this USFS Advisory Committee!)

Tuesday, November 11, 2008,  6:30 to 8:30 PM, "Forests, Fires, Resilience, & Restoration in Oregon", at The Environmental Center
Join Guest Speaker Asante Riverwind, Oregon Chapter Sierra Club, in an inspiring visual presentation and discussion on bringing society into an ecologically sustainable balance with nature, protecting and restoring our forest wildlands for generations yet to be. Free & Open to the Public (with beverages & snacks), Info, call 541-322-4065.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008, 3:30 to 5PM, Silver Striders FREE "Snow Shoe Orientation" with Pam Kirk at the Deschutes County Library, downtown Bend
Pam Kirk's Guide Service caters to the over 50 crowd, with 3 times weekly graded adventures for only $22. www.SilverStriders.com or call 541-383-8077.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at the Central Oregon Environmental Center. Members slide show night with Cascades Mountaineers Club Members
If you would like to share one of your adventures, please contact Larry Wallace to let him know you would like a time slot - he can be reached at 323-8783.

Saturday, November 15 2008, Badlands Full Moon Hike with ONDA
Join Friends of the Badlands and their fearless leader, David Eddleston, as we take a nature hike by moonlight. At our destination the tour will be greeted by a Scottish Piper, followed by short interpretations of the geology and history of the Badlands. Adult beverages of the Scottish variety, hot drinks and dessert will also be served. We’ll see the full moon rise over the Badlands and once the moon is up and shining, the tour will depart to the sounds of the Piper leading the group back to the Trailhead.
Space is limited. Register Now for this very popular event with ONDA's Devon Batley at 541 330 2638

Sunday, November 16, 2008, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones in concert at the Tower Theater
"Start the holidays on the right foot! An evening of eclectic blues-pop with this multi-Grammy award winning group...A Francis Hansen & Martin LIVE AT THE TOWER Presented by Jones & Roth. 7pm at the Tower Theater."

Wednesday, November 19, 2008, Powder Hound Preview Party at the Tower Theater
"Pine Mountain Sports will once again host Powder Hound, our annual "Welcome to Winter" party. On November 19th, hundreds of locals will pack the Tower Theatre to watch ski movies and slideshows made by locals. Thousands of dollars worth of outdoor gear are raffled off, and proceeds benefit Central Oregon Trail Alliance and Deschutes County Search and Rescue. Don't miss it! Doors open at 6:00 p.m., show starts at 7:00; Tickets on sale now @ Pine Mountain Sports exclusively $10 pre-show ($9.50 for Club Card Members); $12 at door  Dan & Michelle McGarigle, owners, Pine Mountain Sports"

Thursday, November 20, 2008,  5PM, Ladies Night in Downtown Bend
THIRD THURSDAYS ARE LADIES NIGHTS IN DOWNTOWN BEND!! Come to Downtown Bend the 3rd Thursday of each month for special promotions just for the ladies. Look for the "Ladies Night" sign on the shopping bag outside participating businesses.

Thursday, November 27, 2008, Thanksgiving Day in the United States

Friday, November 28, 2008, 6PM, Bend Downtown Christmas Tree lighting
"The tree lighting will be held again the day after Thanksgiving on Friday. We will have choirs, music, Santa and more. Please bring the family down for this wonderful event."

Saturday, November 29, 2008, 9AM to about noon, at the Environmental Center in downtown Bend
"Staying found in the Backcountry with Map, Compass and GPS, together"
You just can’t “stay found” with GPS alone! You need the right map and a compass too. But how do you use them together, for a day hike, a backpack, a hunt or a mountain bike adventure?

We will talk about USGS Quad maps ($7) and affordable TOPO map computer programs ($99), that help you print your own small maps. Free Forest Service maps at Trail Heads have UTM Grid lines and give you important locations in UTM NAD27 coordinates. Your GPS will give an exact position on your map, not possible with Lat-Lon grids. How do you use these maps and UTM grids?

We will talk about how to use a simple base plate, declination adjusted Compass ($30), not to just point to North, but to plot a bearing back to car or camp using the compass on the map as a simple protractor

A simple Garmin eTrex H GPS ($99) is just as accurate as a GPS costing $750. There are just five basic pages needed to find your way, to find a location on the map and to plot the way back along trails, traces and contours. Those participants who have a GPS will learn how to use these pages and program their own unit.

Our proprietary Power Point program helps us cover all the information. Then, with a five page workbook, we will work in pairs and threes in the classroom on drills and real life situations. Handouts include an eleven page printed summary too.

We provide the maps; you can use your compass and GPS or try ours.

Cost per student is $40.00, benefiting the not-for-profit website www.TraditionalMountaineering.org.  (Call for the couples discount and scholarships.)

For more information and to hold a place, email info@traditionalmountaineering.org or call Robert Speik at 541.385.0445.
Print the flyer for a friend . See photos of a recent class.   See photos of a USFS Volunteer Training.  See this year's February class!

Recent rescues, tragedies spur hiker-safety reminders on KTVZ
Check KTVZ.com for this segment!  

MONTH OF DECEMBER 2008

Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at 6PM, Winter Warriors Winter Party at Fleet Feet Sports
Come on down for Peppermint Schnapps Hot Cocoa, Jubelale and 20% off on all apparel for that night only!! Enjoy the celebration and knock out some Christmas shopping all at once. Who are the Winter Warriors and how can you be a Warrior too? Winter Warriors is simply a free program that rewards you for attending free runs and $5 workouts at Fleet Feet Sports Bend.

Saturdays in January, 2009, Deschutes Brewery Tours
Saturdays from noon to 4pm enjoy a free tour through the brewery and visit the tasting room. Special arrangements may be made by calling 541-385-8606.
The Deschutes Brewery is located at 901 SW Simpson Drive at the Simpson-Colorado Roundabout in Bend. See photos soon.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009, TUG Meeting, USFS, Bend Ft-Rock Ranger District, Trail User Group Meeting
We will be meeting at Red Oaks Square at 6:30pm. (This is our 15th year as a member of this USFS Advisory Committee!)

Wednesday, January 7, 2009, 7pm, Bend Hiking Meetup Group, Pub Night to plan fall hikes at the BBC
Tom Ryan says: "Let's meet to plan some hikes for the fall season. Come along with your suggestions for hikes and I'll put them on the calendar." Not a Member? Drop by and check us out!

January 7, 2009 to February 18, Pt. 1 Traveling Basics, March 4 to 25, 2009, Pt. 2 Integration/Conversation: French for Travelers Class with Hilloah
If you’re traveling to France and would like to go with a better knowledge of the language and culture, this 7 week, small group class could be just for you! We will cover the basics for getting around airports, train stations, restaurants, hotels, & shops. This course is great for the person with little or no experience. Part 2 integrates using Part 1 with conversation. We will work out of a book and handouts. 6:00 – 7:30 pm Wednesdays, $120 for Part 1 / $80 for Part 2  For information: Hilloah Rohr M.S., hzr@bendbroadband.com, http://www.hilloah.com, 541 330 6621

Thursday, January 8, 2009, 6:30 Coffee, 7pm meeting time, Deschutes Democrats at the Central Oregon Environmental Center
Come celebrate our volunteers and our election successes! Get an update on how our organization will be moving forward! Learn about the February election of officers! It's time for the Deschutes Democrats to reorganize and give others the opportunity to take on leadership roles. The election of new officers will take place at our February 12, 2009 meeting. Our current officers do not intend to continue in office. We are looking for people who will continue to build the party and infuse new ideas into the organization. There are no "insider" candidates - the field is wide open. The new officers will inherit a healthy treasury, a database of hundreds of volunteers and support from past officers. Please don't be shy - step forward and get involved.

Friday, January 9 to 11, 2009, Strong Medicine Exhibit - High Desert Museum
From Sweat Lodges to Snake Oil: A Century of High Desert Remedies Faced with the perils of life on the remote High Desert frontier, pioneers were forced to devise novel ways of gaining relief from injury and sickness. Vast expanses of treacherous terrain and the dangers associated with raising livestock and other animals left the area’s early inhabitants in dire, constant need of health care.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009, 7pm, Cascades Mountaineers host Cathy Sassin and Aaron Lish, at the Environmental Center
Cathy Sassin, is a sports nutritionist and a Legend in the Adventure Racing World. Aaron Lish is a COCC outdoor recreation Instructor. The subject will be endurance training for climbing.

HOW DO YOU FIND YOUR WAY BACK IN UNEXPECTED BLOWING SNOW?

Seventeen people braved the snow storms last year!
  Saturday, January 17, 2009, 9am to about noon,
"Staying found in the Backcountry with Map, Compass and GPS, together"
You just can’t “stay found” with GPS alone! You need the right map and a compass too. But how do you use them together, for a day hike, a backpack, a hunt or a mountain bike adventure? How do you find your way back when blowing snow has covered your tracks. How do you actually use that GPS anyway?

We will talk about USGS Quad maps ($7) and affordable TOPO map computer programs ($99), that help you print your own small maps. Free Forest Service maps at Trail Heads have UTM Grid lines and give you important locations in UTM NAD27 coordinates. How do you use these maps and grids?

We will talk about how to use a simple base plate Compass, not to just point to North, but to plot a bearing back to car or camp using the compass on the map as a simple protractor

A simple Garmin eTrex H GPS ($99) is just as accurate as a GPS costing $750. There are just five basic pages needed to find your way, to find a location on the map and to plot the way back along trails, traces and contours. Those participants who have a GPS will learn how to use these pages.

Our proprietary Power Point program covers all the information. Then, with a five page workbook, we will work in pairs and threes on drills and real life situations. Handouts include an eleven page printed summary too. We provide the maps; you can use your compass and GPS or try ours.

Cost per student is $40.00,  benefiting the not-for-profit website www.TraditionalMountaineering.org.  Ask about couples discounts, scholarships, etc.

In fairness to all, you must Reserve a place!
For more information and to hold a place, email info@traditionalmountaineering.org or call Robert Speik at 541.385.0445.
Print the flyer for a friend.  See photos of a recent class.  See photos of USFS Volunteer Training.  See last year's class!