Nomad Charities is a non-profit organization based in Bend that seeks to improve the quality of lives of children who are homeless, exploited and orphaned by the devastation of the HIV/AIDS crisis in Kenya.

The story of Nomad Charities is ultimately that of its founders, twin sisters Janette and Jenn Hofmann. Both are longtime veterans of charity work who have devoted much of their lives and endless energy to helping others. The idea for what would eventually become Nomad was inspired by their work in various orphanages across the world and their continual desire to do more for those they wanted to help. Six years ago, the twins were in Africa doing humanitarian work and decided they wanted to get away from large non-governmental organizations that are often bogged down by administrative costs. “You never know where your dollar goes,” Jenn Hofmann said. “We knew we could make an impact if we picked one village. What we spend on dinner in Portland or Bend supports a family for five months.” Bend Rotary clubs have provided transportation and services with generous grants. Along with Rotary grants from National and International Rotary, the Rotary Club of Greater Bend, Mt. Bachelor Rotary Club, Rotary Club of Sunriver and Rotary Club of Sisters have contributed $37,000.

Parker Huffman, a 5th grade student in West Linn, Oregon is raising funds for Nomad Charities to help build a 36-bed orphanage in Kibwezi, Kenya by attempting to climb Africa’s tallest mountain, Mt. Kilimanjaro in September 2008. After Nomad’s “Climb For A Cause” he will spend the rest of the school year and his summer raising funds to help create an organic garden at the orphanage site and to help buy a school bus for both the orphanage and the community of Kibwezi. Many of Parker’s friends at school are helping raise funds for the climb. For more information or to make a donation call 541-318-6099 or visit the Nomad Charities website.

Mavericks at Sunriver can be found within the premiere resort destination of Sunriver, Oregon. Winter sports are in full swing and Mavericks at Sunriver has vacation packages available with special rates. Offering residents and guests a full spectrum of fitness feature and recreational activities, this unique 30,000 square foot was recently expanded with a new Aquatics Center.  In addition to all the features of the original facility – rock wall, basketball, group classes, and high-end fitness areas – the Aquatics Center offers a one-of-a-kind surfing experience on the Flowrider™ – as well as a children’s’ sprayground, an outdoor spa and the only indoor deep water pool in Sunriver. The Mavericks website includes club videos and a virtual tour.

Mavericks members receive discounted rental rates for select properties managed by Sunriver Vacations. Central Oregon offers a wide array of winter activities from skiing and boarding. If the road is clear snow lovers are only a short drive from the front door straight up Century Drive to Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort. The site of a 9,065-foot volcanic cone famous for its downhill skiing, Mt. Bachelor is the first snowboarding pipe on the West Coast. For more information about vacation packages at the enhanced Mavericks at Sunriver call 800-544-0300 or visit the Discover Sunriver website.

At Bend’s Mountain View Cosmetic Surgery, LLC locals and visitors can choose from a full service cosmetic and reconstructive surgery in a private, secure atmosphere. They  use only the latest techniques and equipment in a comfortable, modern atmosphere. Mt. View Cosmetic Surgery offers a consultation to allow clients to select from a variety of options. Procedures include but are not limited to Face lift, Blepharoplasty (eyelids), Breast surgery, Liposuction, Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and treatments for skin cancer. Physicians at the clinic are licensed and members of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons and are considered experts in their respective fields. For more information call 541-317-9555 or go to MountainViewCosmeticSurgery.com.

With Getaway Treatments at Aesthetics MD in Bend you will enjoy the very best in pampering and service, while under the care of Dr. Paul Van Camp MD. and Dr. Daniel Teng MD. Give yourself a week off, to investigate how Getaway assists you with your cosmetic, laser or liposuction treatments. Enjoy the privacy and relaxation of having your procedure done away from your usual acquaintances. You can return home looking great in just a few days. You do not need to let anyone know you had a cosmetic procedure done. Many times, others will only notice that you look better, or more rested, or more trim.  You will go home refreshed, healed and renewed, and glad you set some time aside for yourself. Many out of town patients recommend Erbium Laser Skin Resurfacing, Fraxel Laser Treatments, Precision Liposuction Procedures, MicroLaser Peels, and Leg Vein Treatments (including sclerotherapy and lasers). Also available at affordable cost are treatments with Botox or Restylane. Or pamper yourself with a massage, a manicure, pedicure, and salon services. These are service professionals and they will come to your room if you prefer. Even a personal trainer can be arranged during your stay. Pamper yourself in Bend, one of the most beautiful and healthful destination resorts in America. Call for information: 541 330-6160.

Bend’s Adventure Fitness Boot Camp for Women is a four-week program that offers world-class fitness instruction & motivational tools - packed with fun and energizing activities designed to help you reach your fitness goals fast in a women’s only fitness program. The Adventure Fitness Boot Camp is now registering for Oct 15th  at Bend’s Indoor Sports Center on the corner of Empire and High Desert Lane. For more information see their web site.