This episode of Grand Craft BEND welcomes Robin and Todd Clement, founders of Monkless Belgian Ales. The Clements personify a Hollywood love story, if Hollywood was a beer-soaked high desert town that focused on true and truly lovable characters. Whereas the Monkless Brasserie became the brewing company's sequel, we learn about the upcoming Monkless Abbey to complete the trilogy.

February is Black History Month and in this episode, SW publisher Aaron Switzer visits with Marcus LeGrand, Afrocentric Program Coordinator at Central Oregon Community College. The college is hosting events throughout the month including a drum making class, a screening of Blend: On Being Black in Bend and an author event with Tracey Michae'l Lewis-Giggets among other happenings.

In this episode, SW publisher Aaron Switzer chats with State Representative Jason Kropf as he's headed into the 82nd Oregon Legislative Assembly, which convened for the 2024 Legislative Session on Monday, February 5th. Jason represents House District 54 in the Legislature. Elected in November 2020, Jason is currently in his second term of office. Hear Aaron and Jason talk about the issues Jason is focused on and his hope for this current session.

In this episode, Source Weekly publisher Aaron Switzer hangs out with Marieka Greene, the new Events and Financial Development Director at Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation (MBSEF). She has served in this role since September 1st, 2023, but has been involved in the organization, primarily as a volunteer and event participant, since moving to Bend in 2005. Prior to her work with MBSEF, Marieka was a Bend La Pine educator for 17 years. Marieka talks about the legacy of MBSEF and their tentpole events including Bend's iconic Pole, Pedal, Paddle race.

This episode welcomes Mark and Dana Henion who make up two thirds of the owners--and one half of the name--of Van Henion Brewing. The Henions, along with John Van Duzer, launched Van Henion in early 2022 and have been making Bend's most celebrated lagers ever since. They brew on a large, 50-barrel system that could be called "Frankensteined" making it less nimble for small batches, but Van Henion's pedigree and affable owners makes them desirable collaboration partners.

This episode welcomes the Midtown Yacht Club's general manager and beer buyer, Alesha Goodman. This beer bar--which is increasingly a "beyond beer" bar for its non-beer inventory from cider to hard and soft seltzers and other non-alcoholic drinks--is centrally located on 4th Street. How convenient for a spot that aims to be the center of Bend Life with large menus at all seven food trucks. It's also the hub for the 2nd annual Flannel Fest on Feb. 3, a winter warmer ale fest that raises money, food, and warm gear for Bethlehem Inn serving Central Oregon homeless families, and every donation gets raffle tickets to win brewery branded flannels every half hour.

In this episode, Source Weekly publisher Aaron Switzer chats with the new Executive Director of Bend Film, Giancarlo Gatto. Gatto talks about his lifelong passion for film, how Bend Film contributes to our community's well-being and how you can be a part of this incredible community asset. He also talks about taking the advice he's been giving his kids!

Grand Craft Beer: Vance Wirtz, Brewmaster McMenamins Old St. Francis by The Source - Bend, Oregon

In this episode of Grand Craft Beer, cicerone Brian Yaeger kicks off 2024 with Alesong Brewing and Blending’s Matt Van Wyk, whose many hats include owner, brewer, and runner-arounder to get Alesong’s award-winning barrel-aged beers all across Oregon including Bend. While Van Wyk is accustomed to fitting bungs in bungholes, his real specialty is fitting his quixotic, square peg beers (bourbon-aged stouts, cocktail-inspired sours, and farmhouse-style ciders) into the current beer industry’s IPA-shaped round hole.

Corie Harlan is Central Oregon LandWatch's Cities & Towns Program Director and the City of Bend's Core Area Advisory Board Chair. In this lively conversation with Source Weekly publisher Aaron Switzer, Corie talks about her passion to help create Complete Communities. They also talk about what's coming up sooner than later for Bend's Central District.