The Nugget Newspaper - Holidays in Sisters 2022 // 2022-11-23

Holidays in Sisters

This is the season when we remind ourselves of all we have to be thankful for: the natural beauty that surrounds us; the bonds of a strong community; friends and family who bring us joy. We are also fortunate to live in a community of creative makers, who provide food, gifts, and experiences that offer real meaning and lasting value. Meet them here…

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Giving thanks is a community effort

— By Jim Cornelius —

Gathering with friends and family to enjoy a Thanksgiving feast is one of the most beloved of American traditions. Yet there are many people who don’t have family in the area, or who are somewhat isolated in their lives — or simply don’t have the wherewithal to cook a big Thanksgiving meal.

On Thanksgiving Day, November 24, community members will gather from noon to 4 p.m. for the Sisters Community Thanksgiving — an event that has become a beloved tradition for many in Sisters.

In 2014, an off-the-cuff conversation between Sisters residents Jennifer Seher and Deri Frazee led to the grassroots production of a Thanksgiving tradition.

“I thought there was a lot of people who didn’t have a place to go for Thanksgiving,” Frazee said.

Seher agreed — and the idea of putting on a meal was born. The project suited Seher perfectly.

“I love on people with food,” she said.

Sisters Community Church opened its kitchen facilities and a gathering space, and a dozen volunteers got to work.

“We worked from 7 a.m. to 5:30 in the evening, and we served about 125 meals,” Seher said. “That was when we decided to do this every year.”

“Some people are there because they need a meal,” said longtime volunteer Michele Hammer. “Others are there for the community, the companionship.”

Many folks will stay at the site all day, visiting with friends.

Seher notes that local folks are welcome to call in for a take-home meal.

“If people want to come in and go, that’s fine,” she said. “We will deliver within the city… we have volunteers who volunteered just for that.”

For pickup or delivery, call Seher at 541-390-4597.

Local businesses have stepped up to provide support, including Ray’s Food Place. Last year, the volunteers cooked 20 turkeys.

Josh Reed is the chef for the affair. After his first year volunteering, he told Frazee and Seher that they have him for life. For Reed, “volunteering, helping, providing food for the masses,” is a wonderful expression of personal and community values.

“I believe my boys learned a valuable lesson,” he said. “I hope to have them at my side when they are of an age to help.”

The Sisters Community Thanksgiving dinner is held at Sisters Community Church, where the meals are prepared on-site. The church is located at 1300 McKenzie Hwy.

MacKenzie Creek Mercantile

Minnetonka slippers, moccasins

everyone warm and dry. Mackenzie Creek Mercantile

a wide selection of Dorfman-Pacific

hats, too. For guys and gals, Montana West

purses

and silver jewelry make

Basic Options has a wide array of year-round clothing for men and women and Jess & Jane shirts make a great gift for women. When the weather gets chilly, everyone will appreciate having a USB Warming Vest at the ready. Cashmere-lined winter gloves and real mink and blue fox hats for the ladies are not only warm but stylish. Sunglasses, pocket knives, candles and more make great stocking stuffers.

And just in time for your holiday shopping, Mackenzie Creek Mercantile is offering a $10 gift card when you spend $100!

A crew of dedicated volunteers stage a joyful community Thanksgiving meal each year.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Peeling the potatoes

— By Jim Cornelius —

My family is full of “themers,” which is a slightly more glamorous term for “nerd.” Virtually everything we do somehow gets spun up into the context of some song or story.

Take mashed potatoes, for example.

My role in the preparation of the traditional Thanksgiving dinner is limited to wielding the sharp implements. Carving the bird, sure— but before that I’m handed a bagful of potatoes and a peeler, and given a wide berth to make the peelings fly. This is all in service of my daughter’s truffle-oil mashed potatoes. The chore, of course, requires appropriate accompaniment.

For the past several years, that has been Season 2, Episode 8 of “Outlander.” In this Clan Cornelius favorite series, based on Diana Gabaldon’s bestselling books, our protagonist, Claire Elizabeth Beauchamp Randall has “fallen through time” from the very end of the Second World War into the Scottish Highlands in the 1740s, on the cusp of the disastrous 1745-46 Jacobite Rebellion, in which adherents of the old Stuart dynasty attempted to overthrow King George II.

Through a series of breathtaking and romantic adventures, Mrs. Randall has become Claire Fraser — and she is compelled to attempt to protect her adopted clan from the grim fate that she knows awaits the Highlanders when the English Crown finally crushes the Jacobites in the 1746 Battle of Culloden. The ethnic cleansing that followed the Jacobite defeat was savage, and the Highlands faced famine. Claire advises her sister-in-law Jenny Murray to plant potatoes. They’ll keep the family and their tenants at the family estate of Lallybroch from starving in the hard times to come.

Of course, Claire can’t explain what she knows and how, but Jenny takes her advice on faith, and, sure enough, a bountiful

Sisters Hats + Co.

harvest of the then-unfamiliar tuber comes, in a charming scene in the Lallybroch kitchen.

This is all just a wee bit of entertainment to pass the time during a mundane chore. Yet, it’s more than that, too.

For, it is good to reflect on what true bounty is — especially on a day when the goal seems to be to indulge in too much of everything. True bounty is having enough — enough to keep family whole and together. The humble potato can be, by itself, an exquisite feast when means are small and hunger looms.

And the message of preparation and selfreliance is worth heeding in a time when the ease and convenience we’ve addicted ourselves to is growing increasingly frayed.

Change is constant — whether it’s the kind of catastrophic social and cultural earthquake that hit the Scottish Highlands in the 1740s, or the more subtle, but no less profound kind of paradigm shift our society is experiencing now — or smaller changes in our personal worlds.

Our clan has grown as our daughter is newly married and has a whole new family to share in. But whatever change may bring, I’ll still be venturing into the 18th Century Highlands on Thursday — still peeling the potatoes. A whole lot more of ’em.

Top off your holiday style with a hat from Sisters Hats + Co. From fedoras to a range of Western styles to Spanish-flavored pieces, you’re sure to find the style that suits you perfectly.

Come visit their booth at the Holiday Marketplace at Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards on Saturday, November 26, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, November 27, 10 a.m. to 4. You can find a festive holiday hat, a yearround hat, or a cozy merino wool beanie (and alpaca fingerless gloves or mittens) to keep you warm in the chill of winter.

If you have a hat-lover on your list, there are easily adjustable hats that will fit most anyone. And gift certificates are available.

Founder and maker Stacey Squire will help you find just the right style and fit — and through January she’s offering locals a private fitting.

New and vintage ribbons and unique Pendleton-remnant hatbands offer a custom accent that makes your hat truly your own statement. Quality, craftsmanship, style — that’s what everyone wants in this holiday season.

PHOTO BY JESS DRAPER

Scottie Wisdom & Faith... Sco ie holiday love and joy

— By Jean Russell Nave —

A magical fall with warm, sunny days soon crashed into early winter just after Halloween. I heard people start to grumble that it was too cold, but the Scotties rejoiced that their weather had finally arrived.

Each morning they started running outside to roll in either ice or snow as they sang a Scottie version of “Joy to the World.” It marked the start of the best time of year for Scotties in the Nave household.

Christmastime means delicious roasted turkey, buttery, raw piecrust crumbs, and an occasional lick of eggnog for the Scotties. But best of all are lots of visitors and Christmas stockings hung by the fire.

Years ago, our little rescued Scottie, Lola, who became a character in my “Harry and Lola Adventures” series of illustrated books, would sit on the fireplace hearth guarding the stockings from any other Scottie. She’d stay there for a long time each day, until the stockings were finally filled. Then she would pace in excitement until they were taken down to be given to the Scotties on Christmas morning.

Ten minutes or so of pandemonium would follow the distribution of gifts and snacks. It was as much fun for the people as it was for the Scotties. That’s why we still do it every year. The Christmas season means love and joy in our house.

Christmastime and the holiday season have

Sisters Kiwanis

changed a lot in my nearly seven and a half decades on this earth. Many other cultures now want their chance to bring their traditions forward during this season. Of course, this is not really the time of year during which Jesus was born. This date was adopted by the Catholic Church because it was already a long-standing time of celebration in many cultures.

That fact simply amplifies the concept that a winter holiday is far older than Christianity, and widespread throughout nearly every culture.

If we look at many of these celebrations, they embrace many of the values of the Christian observance. The foundation of this holiday in Western culture is the birth of a baby named Jesus. This baby grew into the man who introduced a fearful and subjugated world to a radical new concept. He told people that they didn’t have to spend their lives shrouded in fear. He said that their Creator was love, and if they embraced that love they would be free of fear and be able to prosper.

Many of the winter celebrations embrace love as their central theme.

If you listen closely to the teachings of Jesus, you will see that he said God is love. Not God loves, but God is love. Therefore, when anyone celebrates love, they are embracing the Creator of the universe. Any follower of Jesus should celebrate that love with everyone.

Even many scientists, going as far back as

Giving a gift of chocolate and helping our community is a delicious opportunity!

Help Sisters Kiwanis help Sisters youth by visiting the See’s Candies RV trailer in the Ray’s Food Place parking lot. This fundraiser, which has become a Sisters holiday tradition in its own right, supports Kiwanis programs that support the community.

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Everyone has a favorite but there are so many choices

Everyone has a favorite but there are so many choices to choose from including assorted milk chocolate and dark chocolate boxes, truffles, toffee, brittle, peppermints and more in larger and smaller sizes, sets and stocking stuffers.

The trailer is open Monday through Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. through Saturday, December 31 (or while supplies last). Orders are taken and fulfilled at the window.

Candy sales go to support Sisters scholarships, youth organizations, and activities. All money raised goes into these programs. Sisters Kiwanis thanks the community for their year-round support!

Alpaca Country Estates

Alpaca Country Estates is a working alpaca ranch. The herd is now over 1,000 strong. The ranch offers breathtaking views of the Cascade mountains and includes a boutique ranch store open for one-stop holiday shopping.

Many items are made in the U.S. with Alpaca Country Estates’ fiber. The boutique is overflowing with beautiful capes, sweaters, ponchos, socks, hats, mittens, scarves, purses, toys, yarn, blankets, rugs and so much more, all made with alpaca fiber.

Nancy and Art Izer would love for you to visit their picturesque ranch in Terrebonne, where you can take a tour by appointment and let the kiddos get alpaca kisses. The ranch produces their own hay, strives for a green planet, designs alpaca clothing/quilts, and has top-line alpacas of every color for you to choose from if you want to start a ranch of your own!

On Saturday, November 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, November 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., be sure to shop their booth for holiday gifts at the Faith, Hope & Charity Vineyard Holiday Marketplace at 70450 NW Lower Valley Dr., Terrebonne.

the mathematician Albert Einstein, have recognized that once science digs deep enough into the elements that make up our world, they will eventually find an intelligence behind its creation. And that intelligence has to be benevolent and filled with love, or everything would have smashed and killed itself off soon after creation. Thus God the Creator is love!

Jesus taught that each of us has two powerful forces inside of our mind. The higher mind is divine spirit, the limitless power of our Creator’s love. With love we find strength, forgiveness — for ourselves and others — joy, and peace. The lower mind is the human-made ego running on fear, which engenders anger, jealousies, greed, guilt, attack, and depression. He said we have a free choice when choosing which road we want to take, fear or love. Ultimately the holiday season, whether Christian or otherwise, is a celebration of love, and we all need to remember that love is the secret to a good life and take that

love with us all year through.

Jesus came to tell us not to be afraid. The God of Adam and Eve, who gave them everything they needed, is still our loving God. Most of us have allowed ourselves to be subjugated by “Adam’s fear,” separating us from God’s powerful love. We can change that. Fear is a choice. Love is a choice. They are both inside of us. We choose which one rules our lives. We can choose to change if fear has been the driving force.

I’ve addressed the issue of habits before in this column. Habits are powerful. They live in our subconscious. We spend a lot of time on autopilot, which means our subconscious minds run most of our lives. If fear has been the main driver, we have made many fear-based decisions, limiting our ability to be the best and happiest we can be.

The good news is that we can change that today. It takes work, because habits take time to change. But if we start now during this holiday season, we can build new lives filled with love and appreciation for all people, no matter how they celebrate the holiday season.

We can thrive in this complex world of many cultures and beliefs when we embrace love and banish fear.

We can embrace all people when we are filled with love, the gift that came with the birth of Jesus. Or we can be controlled by fear. Choose love, forgiveness, caring, and helping; and may your holiday season be filled with peace and joy.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” — Romans 15:13

Roam Natural Skincare

Everyone wants to look and feel their best during the holiday season. A visit to Roam Natural Skincare is a gift you can give yourself—or give to others with a gift card for any services.

Roam Natural Skincare is a safe, single-person environment, carefully sanitized between appointments so you can relax and feel secure while you enjoy an experience that is healthful inside and out.

Owner Sarah Woods brings a depth of knowledge and experience as an esthetician to provide a higher quality service and experience.

Natural skincare ensures that the products you are putting on your skin are good for you—and good for the environment as well. You an enjoy a true sensory experience with any of her facials, body treatments, waxing/sugaring, and tinting services.

Give the gift of well-being to yourself and loved ones this holiday season with Roam Natural Skincare. Appointments are filling up fast so reserve yours today at roamnatural skincare.com/book. Skincare products can also be ordered online for shipping or by appointment in-store.

Shop with Sarah in-store Saturday, November 26, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., for Small Business Saturday.

Somewhere That Green

Nowhere south of the North Pole is more active this holiday season than Somewhere That’s Green Indoor Plant Shoppe in Bend.

This magical space and community becomes even more magical in the holiday season with a series of makers markets that celebrate the season when it’s white outside — but still green and welcoming indoors.

On each of four weekends after Thanksgiving, Somewhere That’s Green will host Magical Markets of Merriment, featuring jewelry, cards, and an array of handmade crafts. There will be 12 makers on hand each weekend from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., creating an atmosphere that visionary shop owner and founder John Kish compares to Hogsmeade of Harry Potter fame.

If the term “magical” comes up a lot in relation to Somewhere That’s Green, it’s no accident. There is something magical in nurturing thriving plant life indoors, and Somewhere That’s Green is on a mission to provide the community the resources to create beautiful green spaces within our homes. There’s no time that matters more than when the jingle bells ring.

Be safe while exploring our winter wonderland

— By Craig F. Eisenbeis —

Although the winter snow pack has only just begun to settle onto the mountains of Sisters Country, winter sports enthusiasts are already starting to venture out into the developing winter wonderlands. Accordingly, it is never too early to start thinking about winter

While winter safety precautions are particularly important for backcountry travelers, others need to take safety measures, as well. Just because most outdoor enthusiasts may not consider themselves to be wilderness adventurers, “light duty” backcountry users can get into trouble, too, if not properly prepared. Something as simple as a family Christmas tree hunt can turn to tragedy if common sense and safety are ignored.

Winter weather conditions can change rapidly and drastically. Disorientation in the woods is common, and tracks can be obliterated by falling snow. As a general rule, if you are out of view of your vehicle, you should already have taken some basic safety measures and be carrying at least some rudimentary emergency equipment.

Cell phones and GPS are good ideas and are easy and convenient to carry, but they should not be considered an alternative to appropriate emergency equipment. Cell phone service in backcountry areas is often limited; and in cold conditions, batteries often run down much faster. Still, if you have one don’t leave it in your car!

Another thing to remember is to always keep children under control and within sight; and, if there are any Y chromosomes in the mix, extra caution should probably be exercised.

When heading off the beaten path, backcountry users should always prepare by carrying appropriate emergency gear. The “Ten Essentials” are a basic starting point. Essentials should include a map, compass, sunglasses, matches, fire starter, first aid kit, lamp with extra batteries, extra food, water, extra clothes, repair materials like duct tape or wire, knife, whistle, emergency blanket,

tin cup for melting snow, and other items as appropriate.

And, yes, that adds up to more than 10 items; but remember the old adage that it’s better to be safe than sorry. Another alternative for emergency shelter and blankets are the relatively new emergency bivouac devices, or “bivy bags.” Bivy bags are small, lightweight and designed to preserve body heat in an emergency and are not expensive.

Backcountry users are reminded that search and rescue missions are often hampered by bad weather, deep snow, cold temperatures and poor access. A lost person may have to rely on what they are carrying for several hours, overnight, or even for a day or two. Be a safe and responsible winter outdoor recreationalist, and always inform a responsible friend or family member of the location, duration, and return time of your outing.

In deep snow conditions, tree wells are another danger to avoid. Loose and unconsolidated snow under trees and near other objects can form quicksand-like pits. Ski patrol officials urge caution and warn that skiers and snowboarders in the backcountry should carry shovels and never travel alone.

Curiously, as dangerous as tree wells can be, under certain circumstances, the natural snow cavities can also be used for shelter in an emergency. Very deep tree wells, with unconsolidated snow, should never be entered. However, if the snow is firm and the well is not too deep, a tree well can be the nucleus around which to build an emergency shelter.

Skis and tree branches can be utilized, with a small plastic tarp, to form a roof for a shelter that can be quickly constructed over a tree well. While emergency supplies might seem like a nuisance because of the extra weight, if an unexpected overnight bivouac becomes necessary, such precautions can be the difference between life and death.

It is still early in the snow year; by midseason, backcountry travelers must also be on the alert for avalanche danger. After

Three Sisters Lions Club Holiday

The most heartfelt gifts of the season come from the hands of local makers — beautiful, handcrafted work that you can’t find just anywhere. At the annual Three Sisters Lions Club Holiday Faire, held at the old Antler Arts building at 311 E. Cascade Ave., you’ll find a great selection of quality, handmade items from carefully selected local vendors — and your purchases will also support the community work of the Lion’s Club.

Everything from jams and jellies and maple products to jewelry, glasswork, metalwork, kitchen items — including gorgeous cuttingboards, and Christmas crafts can be found at the Holiday Faire. Traditional wreaths and the classic “Bernie Mittens” are back, and there are new vendors on hand as well.

A portion of the proceeds supports Three Sisters Lions Club’s medical assistance for sight and hearing and diabetic issues, and a Sisters High School scholarship for students interested in trade school.

Put checkmarks on your list, and help your community thrive at the Three Sisters Lions Club Holiday Faire!

snow on the ground

mid-winter thaws or multiple compacted snowfalls of differing density, potential avalanche danger can exist on any snowcovered slope. If different layers from different snowstorms are not sufficiently melded, the layers can more easily separate and slide apart, causing an avalanche.

While an avalanche can occur on any slope, they more frequently occur on slopes between 25 and 65 degrees, with the most common range between 30 and 45 degrees. Less-steep slopes can be more stable, and extremely steep slopes may slough snow continually, preventing large buildups of snow.

Backcountry users should be alert to changing conditions and learn to recognize signs that lead to avalanche. Whenever avalanche danger is high, travel is better directed to low-angle terrain that is also away from avalanche path runouts.

Fire marshal offers tips for safe holiday cooking

With Thanksgiving upon us and Christmas coming soon, State Fire Marshal Mark Wallace is reminding Oregonians to practice fire safety when cooking and preparing holiday meals.

Cooking safety tips:

• Keep a close eye on your cooking.

• Never leave cooking food unattended. If you leave the kitchen, turn off the stove or set a timer.

• Keep your cooking area clean, including stovetop, burners, oven, and exhaust fan.

• Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, dishtowels, and food packaging away from your stovetop.

• Heat cooking oil slowly and never leave it unattended.

• Wear clothing that will not dangle onto stove burners and catch fire.

• Keep pot and pan handles turned in toward the stove to avoid bumping them and spilling hot foods.

• Have a “kidfree zone” of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot foods or drinks are prepared or carried.

If you have a cooking fire:

• Always keep a lid nearby to smother small grease fires. Smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan. Turn off the burner and don’t move the covered pan until it is completely cool.

• Never pour water on a grease fire; it can splatter the grease and spread the fire.

• In the event of a fire in your oven or microwave, turn off the oven and keep the door closed.

• When in doubt, get out! Call 9-1-1 after you leave.

Make sure you have smoke alarms on every level of your home, outside each sleeping area, and in every bedroom. Test smoke alarms monthly and replace them if they are 10 years old or older.

The gift that makes everyone’s dreams come true, with no returns!

TAKODA’S RE STAURANT

Our gift cards make great stocking st uf fers! We welcome you to dine in with fr iend s or take out for quick and delicious holiday meals at home 541-549- 8620 | www.t akodassister s.com

STITCHIN’ POST

A gift card opens up a world of op tions! We have fabr ic s, yarns, ar t quilting supplies, book s, patterns, gift s, and more! 541-549- 60 61 | www.stitchinpost.com

SOMEWHERE THAT

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THE SUTTLE LODGE

Gift an ap ré s-sk i st ay, a supper, or both this winter. Lodg ing cert ificate s for cabins, lodge rooms, and Sk ip Re st aurant av ailable. Be merr y this holida 541- 638-70 01 | www.thesuttlelodge.com daay!

There’s

in Sisters Country — making a winter wonderland to explore.

PHOTO BY JAROD GATLEY