elcome to Area 97, an out-of-this-world region in the heart of Oregon bordered by the snow-capped, ponderosa-covered Cascades to the west and the juniper-strewn High Desert to the east, blessed with sunny skies, alpine lakes, sparkling rivers, volcanic rock formations, broad sagebrush plains, and an abundance of wildlife, offering unreal outdoor adventure and chill Central Oregon culture.

And welcome to Area 97, a new magazine that will cover the region, our stories, our communities, and the lifestyle we enjoy—from the busy farms of Madras to the ranchland and high-tech data centers of Prineville. From Sunriver to Sisters, with their boutique charms, sun-kissed and alpine, beckoning us into the beauty of the Oregon outdoors. From the ruggedly independent character of La Pine to Redmond, increasingly transformed by area-wide growth due to its centrality. And of course there’s Bend, which both anchors and advertises what Central Oregon is all about.

Area 97 offers a window into our neighbors’ lives, a forum for dialogue about our own communities and the larger ones around us. It invites us to explore Central Oregon identity and what that looks like to us, old-timers and newcomers, at the start of the 21st century. And to think about what we want it to look like at the end.

For our inaugural issue, we chose to celebrate the outpouring of ideas and creativity in the arts around the region. Our cover story is about MOsley WOtta, Bend poet, hip hop musician, visual artist, and notable community figure, who invites us to use art as a tool to express ourselves and connect with each other. And to address the thorny issues of community life and growth.

Next up, Greg Congleton, rancher, contractor . . . sculptor? Congleton’s work graces public spaces in Bend, Redmond, and Prineville. And speaking of public art . . . do you know how much time and energy have gone into enhancing our community spaces? Is your town onboard? Check out “On the Street” to find out what your neighbors think about it. I bet you have a favorite too.

Read about Cascades Theatre and its full slate of mainstage, improv, teen, and children’s productions, put on with volunteers who design sets, collect props, direct, and of course act. Ah, the thrill of the theatah.

If house-gazing is your thing, feast your eyes upon the sumptuous R&B Ranch layout. Country living at its finest indeed. Who knew?

And we’re pleased to share the Bend Chamber of Commerce’s nominees for the Women of the Year awards. Who will win? Join the good company at the Tower Theatre on April 6 to find out.

We embarked upon this magazine to engage in conversation. About the interests and issues of our communities. About our stories, big and small. About what people are up to around the area. There’s a lot going on out there—interested? In the spirit of community, we offer our vision of Central Oregon. More kindness than anger. More courtesy. More listening. More patience and respect. And my takeaway from MOsley WOtta’s opinion piece, which bookends this issue: if you can help out, help out. Join in the conversation. Of course everybody’s got an opinion. Feel free to share yours with us.

We’re in this boat together. Let’s get friendly. •