Redmond biz manager to lead Bend parade: Lindsay Greco, manager of Wilson’s of Redmond furniture, has been chosen as the 2018 Grand Marshal for the Dec. 1 Bend Christmas Parade, which starts at noon in downtown Bend. Greco founded the Christmas Tree Project of Bend, which provides decorated Christmas trees to families in need, after caring for her husband who had been diagnosed with ALS. “There’s always something good that can come from any tragedy in life. I realize that giving back to my community by helping people in simple ways, can truly make a difference. And I have only just begun. This organization is able to give families a little bit of Christmas cheer which allows them to use whatever resources they have for food and maybe gifts. And our generous community makes this process so easy — local tree farms and tree stands donate the trees while most of the decorations and home decor items come from individual donations.” For more information about the project, visit: www.christmastreeprojectofbend.org or call 541-669-8200. Donations of decorations can also be delivered to B&B Auto Works, 1910 S Hwy 97, in Redmond.

Events

Gingerbread House Contest: Families, kids, individuals and businesses can participate in the Redmond Downtown Association’s annual gingerbread house contest, Dec. 8. Entries will be displayed in downtown businesses. For more information, contact organizer Cheriee Perrine at 541-504-4544.

FFA Benefit Dinner and Auction: The 2018 I Believe Benefit Dinner and Auction will be held Dec. 8 at the Deschutes County fairgrounds. The silent auction begins at 5 p.m., with a live auction following the 6:30 p.m. dinner. Tickets are $20 and corporate table sponsorship is available. Proceeds benefit the Redmond High School FFA chapter. Contact Alyssa.Davies@redmondschools.org.

Education

Redmond woman graduates Pacific U: Trina Bice, of Redmond, received a bachelor’s degree in health science with magna cum laude honors from Pacific University in Forest Grove.

COCC NURSING PROGRAM OVERVIEW: Central Oregon Community College will hold a nursing program overview 9-10 a.m. Monday at the Redmond Campus, Building 3, Room 306. The information session is designed for individuals interested in COCC’s associate degree in nursing and include a formal presentation and question time. Reservations are not required. Contact: Kara Rutherford at 541-318-3741. COCC also plans an information session on its Allied Health programs from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Dec. 6, in Building 3, Room 305. The health programs covered include dental assisting, massage therapy, medical assistant, pharmacy technician and veterinary technician. Reservations are not required. Call 541-383-7420 for information.