The Nugget Newspaper // Vol. XLV No. 48 // 2022-11-30

Agritourism supports farmers in region

By Sue Stafford Correspondent

Farms and ranches around the country and right here in Central Oregon are diversifying their operations to offer opportunities for the public to experience what goes on at a working ranch or farm while providing additional income for ranchers and farmers. Agritourism is a way to add

value to a farm/ranch without adding acreage.

In Deschutes County, the term agritourism refers to a commercial enterprise at a working farm or ranch that is incidental and subordinate to the existing farm use of the tract that promotes successful agriculture. The commercial enterprise generates

See FARMERS on page 8

City looking ahead to new year

By Sue Stafford Correspondent

For each fiscal year, July 1 to June 30, the City Council, with input from staff, adopts a set of goals to direct the work at City Hall for the coming year.

The goals for 2022/23 cover seven specific areas including Livability and Growth, Wildfire

Mitigation and Community Resiliency, Economic Development, Essential Infrastructure, Good Governance, Environmental Sustainability, and Urban Renewal Agency Goals. At halfway through the year, at least 16 of 23 specific projects are either completed or underway.

News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

’Tis the season ... for snow removal

There may be a bit of the white stuff in the forecast, and while it’s a welcome element of Sisters’ winter wonderland, it carries some work along with it.

Business and property owners in the city have some responsibility for snow removal.

The City of Sisters’ snow removal contract applies to the downtown commercial core from Hood Avenue to Adams Avenue and from Pine Street to Locust Street on all public sidewalks, parking areas, and non-private alleys.

K-9s join Black Butte Ranch PD

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

A pair of police K-9s have joined Black Butte Ranch’s Police Department — but perhaps not the kind that usually come to mind. Eight-year-old Brandy, a golden retriever, and Yukon, a 19-monthold Newfoundland, are not deployed to track escapees, disarm burglars, or sniff out contraband. Instead, Officer Joe Schneider, the dogs’ owner along with his wife, is accompanied on his daily rounds by the canines.

They serve two purposes, Schneider tells The Nugget. First, they are classic comfort or therapy dogs who are available for residents and guests at the Ranch in need of a little companionship or a furry listener. For anybody shut in, maybe immobilized or recovering from medical treatment, or not having nearby family, Brandy or Yukon can make all the difference in the world, brightening spirits.

Second, they are goodwill ambassadors of the Ranch in the wider Sisters Country community.

“The department and

management is very supportive and encouraging of us to mingle in the community,” Schneider said.

Schneider, with one or the other, but not both at once, makes regular visits to The Lodge in Sisters, schools, and public events where the dogs’ presence is at once calming and reassuring to all with whom they come in contact.

On the day we caught up with Schneider, he was at the

Sisters Elementary School crosswalk at Locust. The safely crossed students were greeted by Brandy, and the lovefest ensued. Kids hugged the dog, asked questions, and chatted up the officer.

“This also helps the kids learn to trust the police and see them in other than an enforcement environment,” Schneider explained.

Yukon is a young Newfoundland who is learning his job.

PHOTO BY JESSICA RICH

Santa Claus made his appearance at the Sisters Holiday Parade, which means the Christmas season is officially underway in Sisters Country.

PHOTO BY JERRY BALDOCK

Letters to the Editor…

The Nugget welcomes contributions from its readers, which must include the writer’s name, address, and phone number. Letters to the Editor is an open forum for the community and contains unsolicited opinions not necessarily shared by the Editor. The Nugget reserves the right to edit, omit, respond, or ask for a response to letters submitted to the Editor. Letters should be no longer than 300 words. Unpublished items are not acknowledged or returned. The deadline for all letters is 10 a.m. Monday.

Cruel poacher

To the Editor:

To the person shooting deer out of season and in the protected Winter Deer Range in the Plainview area: You shot at a young buck a day or two before Thanksgiving. I guess he ran after you shot at him and you probably thought that you missed him. But you didn’t miss him. You shot him in the face. He

showed up here the day before Thanksgiving, and I saw him trying to drink water from our birdbath. He was pawing at the ice he thought was keeping him from drinking the water, but there was no ice. He couldn’t drink because he had no mouth to drink with, and he couldn’t eat because his lower jaw was gone.

It was the saddest sight I’ve seen since I

The mess that is M114

facto purchase permits.

The Nugget Newspaper, LLC

Website: www.nuggetnews.com 442 E. Main Ave., P.O. Box 698, Sisters, OR 97759 Tel: 541-549-9941 | Email: editor@nuggetnews.com

Postmaster: Send address changes to The Nugget Newspaper, P.O. Box 698, Sisters, OR 97759. Third Class Postage Paid at Sisters, Oregon.

Editor in Chief: Jim Cornelius

Production Manager: Leith Easterling Creative Director: Jess Draper Community Marketing Partner: Vicki Curlett

Classifieds & Circulation: Janice Hoffman

Proofreader: Kit Tosello

Owner: J. Louis Mullen

year, $110; six months, $80.

By Greg Walker (ret.) Guest Columnist

discussing Measure 114.

“My responsibility is to uphold the U.S. Constitution as well as Oregon’s state constitution. When I say our agency will not prioritize enforcement of Measure 114, I am saying you cannot enforce something that has no administrative rules in place.”

Nelson goes further.

“I believe law-abiding citizens in Oregon are important assets to public safety in our county.

“After the terrible shooting at Safeway in Bend this year, our applications for concealed handgun licenses exploded. Our current backlog to process the current backlog will not be completed until May of next year.”

No one involved in putting 114 on the ballot reached out to Oregon’s law enforcement professionals.

“Enforcement of 114,” says Nelson, “is going to be a low priority for us. If complaints are made his deputies will take the information, consult with their supervisor, and make a report if a report is appropriate. “In my view, based on the information I am seeing and discussing with our in-house legal counsel, Measure 114 is a test case for those elsewhere in the country who want to enact similar measures. This is much bigger than Deschutes County, or the state of Oregon. For this reason alone, the legal standing of 114 must be decided in our court system to include the Oregon Supreme Court as well as the U.S. Supreme Court.”

Nelson is considering his options if within 60 to 90 days the State has not cleaned up M114. This in view of the tragic murder of four college students in Idaho and the mass shooting at a Walmart.

“Oregon’s citizens have the right to defend themselves. A measure like this is depriving law-abiding citizens from being able to purchase a firearm, any firearm, for self-defense or hunting, fishing, sports shooting, or the collection of antique firearms. Who gets held accountable, sued when a parent’s son or daughter, now wanting to have a gun nearby for personal protection, cannot purchase one and they end up the victim of violent crime?”

Nelson’s options include authorizing a current Concealed Handgun License holder, as well as retired law enforcement officers who hold a current federally authorized permit, to be de

“We are looking at this as a very real option. I will not stand by and do nothing if a qualified, vetted resident of our county is being penalized because of how poorly conceived this measure is.”

When I shared that the measure had to offer a funding number (how much it would cost to implement the measure if approved, something required by Oregon law), Nelson was not surprised.

“It says that cost was ‘undetermined’ when it went before the voters. ‘Undetermined’ is not a number.“

As of two weeks ago, the state offered their estimate that M114 would cost $145 million to implement. This with no fund site in place, and Oregon’s law enforcement agencies expected to pick up the tab for firearms training, ammunition, and staffing.

“I will have to hire at least three employees to begin with to process so-called purchase permits in a timely manner. That may end up being a higher number if the workload justifies it. It will take upwards of six months to do this because qualified people are no longer interested in joining law enforcement agencies, and when we find them we will have to train them.”

Cost to the taxpayer? $100,000 per employee.

Nelson said, “The state goes about implementation of ballot measures the wrong way. The State of Oregon should pause ballot measure implementation [114] until the framework is in place to accommodate it.”

In closing, Sheriff Nelson offered this:

“You cannot legislate good behavior... Measure 114 only penalizes law-abiding citizens in what is a long-term refusal in Salem to properly fund mental health and drug dependency issues. We consistently rank at the bottom of the barrel in these areas per the yearly statistics available to anyone with a computer. Mass shootings and suicide are mental health related incidents – can you imagine the strides in this area if $145 million dollars were properly set aside in Oregon and used to improve our mental health system?”

I requested to attend the steering committee meetings regarding Measure 114 implementation, or to receive minutes. Oregon State Police denied the request, saying that committee meetings are not subject to public meetings law, and that no minutes of the meetings exist.

Views expressed in this column are solely those of the writer and are not necessarily shared by the Editor or The Nugget Newspaper.

Sheriff Shane Nelson pulls no punches when

PHOTO BY JAROD GATLEY

— The people behind SPRD — Bob Keefer

By Ceili Gatley Correspondent

When Bob Keefer and his wife moved to Sisters in 2015, after his long career in parks and recreation, he knew he wanted to get involved with our local parks and rec district.

Keefer previously worked with the Willamalane Parks and Recreation District for over 16 years at various executive levels.

“I spent my entire career in parks and recreation, managing districts, running the park district, and helping to manage programs,” he said.

His career in parks and recreation started in Junction City when he was young.

“I knew I wanted to work in parks and rec and especially in a small-town, creating community and programs for the community,” he said.

His family often took vacations to the Central Oregon area, and he always knew that he wanted to move here when he retired. He officially retired in October of 2016 and began getting involved with Sisters Park and Recreation District (SPRD). Keefer has served on the SPRD board in many different positions including board chair three times, and is currently serving as the board treasurer.

“I make sure that we are being efficient and transparent with the funds we are receiving, and helping to

create a healthy balance of taking on new things and maintain what we have,” said Keefer.

Five years ago, when the community supported the local option levy providing more funding to SPRD, it helped to stabilize programs — even considering COVID-19 restrictions over the past two years.

“We have really been working to get programs strong again after COVID, and we are doing more special events and building community. We are very community driven,” he said.

“I really strive to watch over our programs and funding and keep SPRD adding

Festival offers holiday fiddle concert

The joyful sound of the fiddle will ring in the holidays in a special Sisters Folk Festival presentation with Hanneke Cassel and friends at The Belfry on Thursday, December 15, at 7 p.m.

Scottish-American fiddler and native Oregonian Hanneke Cassel will be accompanied by Ryan McKasson, Brooke McKasson, Liddy Hoover, Tim Downing, and Christopher Lewis for a performance of holiday favorites and new tunes from Cassel’s 2021 album, “O Come Emmanuel.” The night will be filled with fiddling, singing, and lots of holiday joy. Tickets are

available on Wednesday, November 30 at 10 a.m. at https://aftontickets.com/ SFF2022HolidayConcert. Effervescent and engaging, Hanneke Cassel’s music fuses influences from the Isle of Skye and Cape Breton with Americana grooves and musical innovations. She has performed and traveled across North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. Cassel’s music is a blend of the contemporary and traditional, described by the Boston Globe as “exuberant and rhythmic, somehow wild and innocent, delivered with captivating melodic

Local writers to read at bookstore

Bend writer Kimberly Bowker will present her new anthology called “Central Oregon Book Project” at Paulina Springs Books on Thursday, December 1. Several contributing writers, including Tiffany Lee Brown, Matthew Friday, Andrew Smiley, Catalina Frank, Kai Strand, Shawn Axten, and Beth Wood will read their pieces from the book.

Created, compiled, and edited by Kimberly Bowker, “Central Oregon Book Project” features stories, essays, and poems

SISTERS AREA MEETING CALENDAR

from twenty Central Oregon writers on the themes of archive, gratitude, community, and our future. “Central Oregon Book Project” is an anthology for sharing stories, remembering history, envisioning a collective future, and honoring this land. Intended to honor people’s connection to Central Oregon, “Central Oregon Book Project” serves as a platform where all can gather, share, learn, and listen.

BOARDS, GROUPS, CLUBS

Al-Anon Mon., noon., Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. 541-610-7383.

Alcoholics Anonymous Thurs., 7 p.m., Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration / Sat., 8 a.m., Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration / Mon., 5 p.m., Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church / Big Book study, Tues., noon, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church / Gentlemen’s meeting, Wed., 7 a.m., Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church / Sober Sisters Women’s meeting, Thurs., noon, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church / Step & Tradition meeting, Fri., noon, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. 541-548-0440.

Central Oregon Fly Tyers Guild

For Saturday meeting dates and location, email: steelefly@msn.com.

Council on Aging of Central Oregon Senior Lunch In-person community dining, Tues. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Grab-and-go lunch Tues., Wed., Thurs. 12:30 to 1 p.m. Sisters Community Church. 541-480-1843.

East of the Cascades Quilt Guild 4th Wednesday (September-June), Stitchin’ Post. All are welcome. 541-549-6061.

Go Fish Fishing Group 3rd Monday, 7 p.m. Sisters Community Church. All ages welcome. 541-771-2211.

Heartwarmers (fleece blanketmakers)

2nd Tuesday, 1 p.m., Sisters Community Church. Materials provided. 541-408-8505.

Hero Quilters of Sisters Thursday, 1 to 4 p.m. 541-668-1755.

Citizens4Community, Let’s Talk 3rd Monday, 6 to 7:30 p.m. RSVP at citizens4community.com

Military Parents of Sisters Meetings are held quarterly; please call for details. 541-388-9013.

Oregon Band of Brothers – Sisters Chapter Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m., Takoda’s Restaurant. 541-549-6469.

SAGE (Senior Activities, Gatherings & Enrichment) Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sisters Park & Recreation District. 541-549-2091.

Sisters Aglow Lighthouse 4th Saturday, 10 a.m., meeting by Zoom. 503-930-6158.

Sisters Area Photography Club

2nd Wednesday, 3:30 p.m., at Sisters Community Church. 541-549-6157.

Sisters Area Woodworkers 1st Tuesday, 7 to 9 p.m. 541-231-1897.

Sisters Astronomy Club 3rd Tuesday, 7 p.m., SPRD. 541-549-8846.

Sisters Bridge Club Thursdays, 12:30 p.m. at Sisters Community Church. Email sistersbridge2021@gmail.com.

Sisters Caregiver Support Group 3rd Tues., 10:30 a.m., Sisters Episcopal Church. 541-771-3258.

Sisters Cribbage Club Please call for details. 541-923-1632.

Sisters Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors 4th Tuesday, 6 p.m.

Location information: 541-549-1193.

Sisters Kiwanis Thursdays, 7 to 8:30 a.m., Brand 33 Restaurant at Aspen Lakes. 541-410-2870.

Sisters Parent Teacher Community 2nd Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. at Sisters Saloon. 541-480-5994.

Sisters Parkinson’s Support Group 2nd Thurs.,1 p.m. Sisters Library 541-668-6599

Sisters Red Hats 1st Friday.

Location information: 541-848-1970.

Sisters Rotary 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, Noon, Aspen Lakes. 541-760-5645.

Sisters Trails Alliance Board every other month, 5 p.m. varies from in-person to zoom. Info: info@sisterstrails.org

Sisters Veterans Thursdays, noon, Takoda’s Restaurant. 541-903-1123.

Three Sisters Irrigation District Board of Directors 1st Tuesday, 4 p.m., TSID Office. 541-549-8815.

Three Sisters Lions Club 2nd Thursday, 6:30 p.m., Spoons Restaurant. 541-419-1279.

VFW Post 8138 and American Legion Post 86 1st Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., The Hanger, Sisters Community Church. 847-344-0498.

Weight Watchers Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. weigh-in, Sisters Community Church. 541-602-2654.

SCHOOLS

Black Butte School Board of Directors 2nd Tuesday, 3:45 p.m., Black Butte School. 541-595-6203

Sisters School District Board of Directors One Wednesday monthly Sisters School District Administration Building. See schedule online at www.ssd6.org. 541-549-8521 x5002.

CITY & PARKS

Sisters City Council 2nd & 4th Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Sisters City Hall. 541-549-6022.

Sisters Park & Recreation District Board of Directors 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 4:30 p.m., SPRD bldg. 541-549-2091.

Sisters Planning Commission 3rd Thursday, 5:30 p.m., Sisters City Hall. 541-549-6022.

FIRE & POLICE

Black Butte Ranch Police Dept. Board of Directors Meets monthly. 541-595-2191 for time & date.

Black Butte Ranch RFPD Board of Directors 4th Thurs., 9 a.m., (3rd in Nov.) BBR Fire Station. 541-595-2288.

Cloverdale RFPD Board of Directors 3rd Wed., 5:30 p.m., 67433 Cloverdale Rd. 541-548-4815. cloverdalefire.com.

Sisters-Camp Sherman RFPD Board of Directors 3rd Tuesday, 5 p.m., Sisters Fire Hall, 541-549-0771.

Sisters-Camp Sherman RFPD Drills Tuesdays, 7 p.m., Sisters Fire Hall, 301 S. Elm St. 541-549-0771.

This listing is for regular Sisters Country meetings; email information to nugget@nuggetnews.com

PHOTO BY CEILI GATLEY

Bob Keefer brings a career’s worth of parks and recreation expertise to SPRD.

Building community a pot at a time

By Katy Yoder Correspondent

How can brightly col ored pots and curated indoor and outdoor landscapes cre ate community connections?

Mose Lenowitz has figured out how. With an extensive background in garden pottery, home décor, and landscape design, Lenowitz braided together the three to enhance people’s lives. The answer is simple… when you feel good about your home, you feel better about yourself. A wel coming home inspires time together with family, friends, and your surroundings.

Driving by Lenowitz’s Tumalo store, Pottery House, you can see an array of multicolored pots from the high way. What people can’t see is everything else he offers. You have to slow down, turn on Cook Avenue, and pull up in front of his store. Once you walk through the jewel- and earth-toned pots to go inside the welcoming, well-planned retail space, the magic hap pens. Lenowitz wants Sisters Country people to know he also sells home décor gifts, small-batch, locally made art pieces and indoor house plants perfect for this time of year. His business started two years ago, but everything he’s selling was chosen because of what’s he’s learned from many years in business.

Before opening Pottery House, Lenowitz spent 15 years importing pots for cor porate and individual cli ents. He learned that in cli mates like Central Oregon’s, frost-proof pots from certain Vietnamese makers were best suited to survive unpredict able weather patterns.

“We have frost-proof pots appropriate for the High Desert,” said Lenowitz in his Tumalo office. “A lot of people are moving here with warmer climates’ pot tery, which can’t survive our extreme temperatures. They’re often attached to those pieces so it can be very disappointing.”

Visiting factories and see ing the many ways pots are produced, Lenowitz learned that Vietnamese pottery is some of the strongest pottery on earth.

“It’s because the clay has a lot of silica, and they fire it in excess of 2,500 degrees in dragon kilns,” he explained. “That silica base fuses together into an impenetrable wall, so less moisture gets in to expand and crack the pottery.”

Finding makers that pro duce frost-proof pots that are also vividly colorful took Lenowitz some time.

“If you know how to access the best factories and chemists in Vietnam, who use the highest-quality chemicals

in their colorings, then you end up with products that are much more vibrant than a lot of the pottery on the mar ket,” said Lenowitz. “The bright colors and glaze don’t peel off or crack because it’s baked on. I call my pottery Heritage Pottery, because it’s going to last, and you can pass it on. It’s not going to break unless you drop it on a hard surface.”

Lenowitz always had a vision of where he wanted to end up. It would have a river and mountains, and a small house, close to nature. He wanted to be part of a small community that was a real community.

“Then this location came up and I remembered Tumalo from when I was going to the University of Oregon, when there was just a gas station. The location is convenient for Central Oregon and Sisters Country folks. You don’t have to go into Bend to get what you need. A lot of my ending up here is kismet. I really appreciate how Tumalo is maturing while retaining a small-town feel,” he said.

Pottery House started because Lenowitz saw an opportunity to bring back an era when people were more neighborhood-focused.

“They knew their neigh bors and hung out with them more. I wanted to be in a business focused on making your house more of a home; a place that feels welcoming and reflects your personal ity. I started to get more into home décor because creat ing a stylish sanctuary feels good,” said Lenowitz. “You want to share it with others. I inspire people to recreate their landscape and home, instill ing a sense of pride. Pots are a signature piece that gives a great first impression and completes your landscape.”

Home is a conduit for connection with family and friends. When a home has been enhanced and curated with pottery that reflects the people living there, it encourages more connection with old and new friends. In today’s world, where that kind of connection is often missing, it can enhance com munities and neighborhoods,

connecting everyone in a way once common in American life.

Visit Pottery House at

64653 Bruce Ave. in Tumalo. Contact Mose Lenowitz at mose@re-posed.com or call: 415-533-0879.

Mose Lenowitz operates Pottery House in Tumalo.

PHOTO BY KATY YODER

About a month ago I was kibbitzing with our editor, Jim Cornelius, and telling him that I had just come off the trail – the Peterson, where I happily find myself four or five times a week. We were chatting about yet another person or persons being ticked off about one thing or another in town. There seems to be a lot of that going around these days.

It had to do with growth as I recall, or the homeless issue, the two being the most current things on which to take exception with each other. In the conversation I told him that I had just met a woman on the trail who was red hot about the new Sisters Trails Alliance logo - the one that simply says STA.

She was more than agi tated that the new brand no longer included the word Sisters in its badge. Like in the little decals on all the junction marker posts, one of which marked the spot where we met each other. Her stance was that our highly regarded trail system was bought and paid for by the hard work and good intentions of the decent folks of Sisters, not some nondescript “STA.”

Her position was well articulated and I mused that she was just the kind of per son we used to look for in focus groups back in my advertising days. Somebody not afraid to speak up and

phrase her thoughts in cogent terms.

Just as quickly as she had entered the conversa tion she disappeared. That was, until last week when Scott Penzarella, the new executive director of Sisters Trails Alliance reached out to tell us that somebody was systematically removing the decals with the new design, which had been applied over the original version. Thus making the old look visible again.

Really? Somebody is so unhappy with a marketing decision that he/she/they would go to the consider able trouble of peeling off the new logo so as to reveal the old one? In Sisters? Are you kidding me? This is how we resolve our differences of opinion now?

In this age of rage, I was naïve enough to think in Sisters we were at least somewhat immune to public rants. Silly me. I left room for, say, protesting more con sequential things like arming Ukraine as an example, but the name of a nonprofit… Penzarella and I spoke at length about it he hop ing that the issue ,would get publicized. We speculated that this is not the work of teens nor bikers but an older hiker or hikers with a fierce, albeit misplaced, loyalty to the trails. He told me that the decision was not unanimous among those influential with the Alliance, and some vocal opposition was in the

record. That said, we agreed that Sisters is better than this outburst.

The reason behind the new branding is Penzarella’s and the Alliance board’s vision that their trail stew ardship model goes beyond Sisters, and the “S” in STA is also interchangeable with Sustainable.

A reader with whom I was sharing this affair was somewhat sympathetic to the woman’s distress, remarking that STA sounds more like an airport security program. You have to appreciate the good humor folks in Sisters can muster on short notice, eh?

Abbreviating the name to STA is not without prec edent with similar groups, e.g. COTA – Central Oregon Trail Alliance in Bend — who have more than once imagined their reach expand ing into Sisters. Likewise, Penzarella appears to have ambitions that extend beyond Sisters.

Expect STA to market our trails more assertively. The executive director is par ticularly keen on attracting larger numbers of younger bikers, hikers, and eques trians to our expansive trail grid. That seems to coincide with the thinking of a num ber of merchants like Brad Boyd, owner of Eurosports, who has long believed that we should be spending more money and focus on the appeal of Sisters as an active lifestyle destination and less

on pushing the old Western town theme.

“Trail stewards are tir ing of the nuisance. Some decals have been replaced three times now. It’s a cost to the organization and its donors and an affront to the many volunteers who protect the trails and keep them safe and accessible,” Penzarella

laments.

There’s no way to know who is the culprit. But know this. There is an appropriate forum — several, in fact, to air your grievance. Some right on the pages of this newspaper in the form of a letter to the editor or a guest column or commentary.

Meanwhile, just stop it.

Bill Bartlett Columnist

Sisters Trails Alliance’s new logo (on post) compared with the original one (on hat).

PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT

By Lizzie McCrystal and Cooper Parkins Guest Columnists

Perseus is a constellation in the northern hemisphere that is most visible in the late summer and autumn months. By mid-December, it lies overhead at 9 p.m. local time.

In Greek mythology, Perseus the Hero was the son of Zeus and a mortal woman named Danaë. King Polydectes tasked Perseus to kill the Gorgon Medusa, whose gaze was so horrible it turned men into stone. He was able to defeat her by looking at her reflection on his shield and beheading her, causing the mythical winged horse Pegasus to be born.

On his voyage home after slaying Medusa, he rescued Queen Cassiopeia’s daugh ter Andromeda from Cetus the sea monster. Those three characters also happen to be constellations, two of which border Perseus in the night sky.

The brightest star in Perseus is Mirfak (Alpha Persei), which shines at a magnitude of 1.8. It is a supergiant star that is more than 100 times larger and has a luminosity that is 5,400 times greater than our sun. Yet it’s the constellation’s second brightest star, Algol,

that garners all the fame.

Algol (a.k.a. the Demon Star) is a variable star that dims and brightens with clockwork regularity, com pleting one cycle in two days, 20 hours, and 49 min utes. The phenomenon is caused by two stars very close together that rapidly orbit each other. When the larger but dimmer star moves in front of the brighter one, Algol’s magnitude drops from 2.1 to 3.4. No optical aid is necessary to see Algol fade and brighten—just look up. There is a third member of the Algol star system, but it is considerably dimmer and orbits the two eclips ing stars at a much greater distance.

Because the winter branch of the Milky Way runs through the constella tion, there is a good assort ment of deep-sky objects here. One of the most inter esting of these is planetary nebula M76, also known as the “Little Dumbbell,” or “Cork Nebula.” It was formed when a sun-like star exhausted its nuclear fuel, causing a shell of gas from its outer atmosphere to be expelled into nearby space. The object is located approximately 2,500 lightyears away.

Each year one of the most prolific displays of shooting stars occurs in December.

The Geminid meteor shower is expected to peak on the night of December 13 into the early morning hours of December 14, when about 120 meteors per hour will fill the skies. This year, however, light from a wan ing gibbous moon will mask all but the brighter meteors. Winter in the Northern Hemisphere begins at 1:48 p.m. PST on Wednesday, December 21. At that time the sun will reach its south ernmost point on the ecliptic and appear directly overhead somewhere on the Tropic of Capricorn, at a latitude of 23.5 degrees south. Called the winter solstice, this event results in the short est amount of daylight in a 24-hour period.

All five naked-eye plan ets will be spread across the evening sky in December. Mercury and Venus will appear low in the southwest, still in twilight after sunset. After mid-month, the two inferior planets will be easier to find. Saturn is in the same part of the sky, too, only sev eral degrees higher and a bit farther east. Brilliant Jupiter lies even farther to the east in the constellation of Pisces.

But the “star” of the evening parade is Mars, which reaches opposition on December 8. Though not quite as luminous as Jupiter, the fourth planet from the sun, currently located in Taurus, will glow brightly with a reddish hue. Take time to compare this color with the nearby first magni tude star Aldebaran.

This month’s dark-sky tip is to make your outdoor

lighting targeted. Use fully shielded lamps that direct light only on areas you wish to be lit. In this way, you can illuminate the area you intend to light without draw ing your eye to the light source.

With the holidays coming up, please be mindful of the length of time you use dec orative lighting. Consider turning these lights off after 10 p.m.

M76 is a planetary nebula located about 2,500 light-years from the earth in the constellation of Perseus.

PHOTO BY ADAM BLOCK/NOAO/AURA/NSF

Hemp as treatment for COVID-19

CORVALLIS, Ore. –

Using natural products such as hemp to treat COVID19 will be the topic of Oregon State University’s Science Pub event at 6 p.m. December 6.

The free event, which can be attended online, will feature a presentation by Richard van Breemen, a professor of pharmaceuti cal sciences at Oregon State. The presentation is titled “Natural products and hemp: Under-appreciated sources for COVID-19 therapeutic agents.”

Earlier this year, van Breemen and a team of researchers identified hemp compounds that show the ability to prevent the virus that causes COVID-19 from entering human cells. The researchers found that a pair of cannabinoid acids bind to the SARS-CoV-2 spike pro tein, blocking a critical step in the process the virus uses to infect people.

The findings were pub lished in the Journal of Natural Products and set records for downloads and online views, and were cov ered by more than 400 news agencies around the world.

While natural products account for about half of all drugs currently in use, van

Breemen said natural drug discovery research is not a priority of major pharmaceu tical companies and federal funding agencies.

Hemp is a particularly rich source of unique natu ral products, many of which have pharmacological activ ity, van Breemen said. Propagation of hemp was prohibited in the U.S. from 1936 until 2014, and he said many restrictions remain in effect.

With the passage of the U.S. Farm Bill in 2014, hemp cultivation and hemp-based products grew. The COVID19 pandemic inspired a surge in natural products research for the discovery of new anti viral agents, and several lab oratories around the world, including van Breemen’s, reported that certain cannabi noids from hemp exhibit antiSARS-CoV-2 activity.

Registration is required to attend Science Pub online. For more informa tion visit https://communica tions.oregonstate.edu/ events/events-and-projects/ corvallis-science-pub.

Sponsors of Science Pub include the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Old World Deli, Oregon State Research Office, and Oregon State University.

clarity and an irresistible playfulness.”

A native of Port Orford, Oregon, Hanneke started out as a Texas-style fid dler and went on to win the 1997 U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Championship, which awarded her the opportunity to study with 2022 Sisters Folk Festival performer Alasdair Fraser and intro duced her to fiddle camps and the folk community — both of which continue to play an integral role in her life.

Alongside Cassel on stage are five accomplished musi cians. Washington-based husband-and-wife duo, Ryan and Brooke McKasson, have toured nationwide perform ing Celtic and American tra ditional folk music as “The McKassons” — to critical acclaim. Liddy (Voetberg) Hoover is a multi-instru mentalist, songwriter, and national Texas-style fiddle champion. Providing the driving guitar sound in the band is Canadian native Christopher Lewis – a

Rounding out the group is Tim Downing, a fel low Berklee graduate and scholar of classical music and jazz. Downing notably toured with pop/rock singer Natalie Grant for nine years prior to joining this group on tour.

Main Ave. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show will start at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for youth/students. Additional artist information can be found on the SFF website at https://sistersfolkfestival. org. This is a general admis sion, all ages show. Follow @SistersFolkFestival on Instagram and Facebook for updates and additional information.

graduate of Berklee College of Music and longtime col laborator with Hanneke.

The concert will be held at The Belfry at 302 E.

CONCERT: Ace musicians will bring Christmas joy

Hanneke Cassel is a renowned fiddler.

PHOTO PROVIDED

supplemental income for the owner and must be related to and supportive of agriculture.

Today in Oregon, just over one percent of the population lives on farms, and fewer than 20 percent of the popu lation lives in rural areas. Agritourism helps provide the remaining small farms with additional revenue streams.

The types of agritourism activities allowed in exclu sive farm use (EFU) zones for properties with an exist ing farm use in Oregon were established in Senate Bill 960 by the state legislature in 2011. Individual coun ties adopted ordinances in compliance with the State criteria and may add local requirements.

Deschutes County incor porated the law into County Code in 2012. Three types of limited-use permits are allowed. Type 1 permits allow up to six small-scale agritourism-only uses per year, such as farm-to-plate dinners. Type 2 permits allow up to six agritourism and other commercial events or activities per year. Type 3 permits allow up to 18 events per year and must be neces sary to support the commer cial farm uses of the commer cial agricultural enterprises of the area.

According to Deschutes County, “A commercial event or activity is any meeting, celebratory gathering, wed ding, party, or similar uses consisting of any assembly

of persons and the sale of goods or services. A commer cial event or activity shall be related to and supportive of agriculture.”

There are many types of agritourism, with the most popular activities being farm/ ranch bed and breakfasts, meals featuring farm prod ucts, hayrides, farm/ranch tours, and direct sales, includ ing roadside vegetable stands and pick-your-own produce.

Two local examples of properties that have been granted limited-use permits for agritourism are Pine Meadow Ranch and Pole Creek Ranch, both of which are raising crops and cattle,

and also hosting agritourism events and other commercial events and activities.

Faith, Hope and Charity Vineyards on Lower Valley Drive in Terrebonne is another agricultural business that hosts musical events, wine tastings, weddings, wine release parties, wine maker dinners, farmers mar kets, and other special events in addition to growing wine grapes on 15 acres and mak ing wine.

Agritourism has benefits for both the farmer/rancher and the consumer. In addition to serving as an additional source of income, agritour ism can benefit farmers/

ranchers by:

• Creating name recog nition for their agricultural products;

• Educating consumers about farming/ranching and America’s rural heritage;

• Generating financial incentives for the protection and enhancement of a farm’s or ranch’s natural resources and natural amenities;

• Generating “spillover” economic development opportunities in the commu nity by bringing tourists into town who may then shop, eat, and stay locally.

Travel Oregon launched the Oregon Agritourism Network in 2015 to cultivate

Oregon’s agritourism poten tial and advance Oregon’s agriculture and food and beverage industries. An Agritourism Work Group identified six priority focus areas and developed a 2025 vision for agritourism in Oregon. Those six prior ity focus areas are policy advancement, statewide net work development, market ing and promotion, quality of product, education, and eco nomic impact.

Editor’s notes: In coming weeks, The Nugget will exam ine how agritourism is imple mented in Sisters Country and the benefits and chal lenges associated with it.

Outlaws basketball returns four

By Rongi Yost Correspondent

The Outlaws return four senior players — Adam Maddox-Castle, Jessey Murillo, Taine Martin, and Mehkye Froehlich — to the boys varsity squad this sea son. Maddox-Castle and Jessey Murillo have played on the varsity squad since their sophomore year, and will bring leadership, poise, and experience to the team.

Maddox-Castle primarily played at point guard in past seasons. This year he will also be able to play off the ball, where the team can use his strength and athletic skills to advantage on both the offensive and defensive end.

Adam averaged 4.5 points per game last year and led the team in assists with 2.2 per game.

Coach Chad Rush described Maddox-Castle as a pit bull on defense, and expects him to be a great leader on the floor again this year.

Murillo will play at for ward, and will look to expand his game skills as he moves to more perimeter play. He averaged 4.8 points last year and was second on the team in rebounding with 5.3 per game.

Rush said, “Jessey is an extremely hard worker that played undersized for his position all of last season. He is an intelligent player that understands the game of basketball, which helps him be a step ahead of the oppos ing players during game situations.”

Martin will step into the No. 5 spot for the Outlaws. Last year, Martin floated between JV and varsity, and, according to Rush, has shown himself to be a great rebounder on both ends of the floor. Martin will anchor the inside for the Outlaws with

his defensive intensity and rebounding ability. He is also one of the Outlaws’ quick est players, and the team will look to him to score points in transition after he beats his man down the floor.

Froehlich floated between JV and varsity at the start of last season, moved fully to varsity, and started a few games. Rush noted that Froehlich is the most athletic player on the team, which allows him to do what the coaches can’t teach.

Rush said, “Mehkye’s ath leticism on the wing will be needed as the team will look to pressure defensively more this season and then get out in transition.”

Joining the varsity squad this year are sophomores Kale Gardner, Landen Scott, and Diego Silva.

Gardner will handle a large portion of the point guard duties. Rush says that Gardner is a tenacious com petitor, who brings energy on both sides of the floor. He will lead the Outlaws’ transi tion attack after both missed and made baskets.

Scott is a player who has a knack for finding ways to score. The team will look to him to be a versatile perim eter player, and he will play at multiple positions on the floor.

Silva will also be a jackof-all-trades for the Outlaws this year, as he will play both inside and outside positions.

Rush said, “Diego is a

player that only knows one speed while on the floor, and that is go, go, go! His energy is contagious and helps to bring the energy level of the team up at crucial times in a game.”

Several players will start the season splitting their time between JV and var sity, including Brody Fischer (junior), and sophomores Hudson Beckwith, Garrett Sager, and Levi Szesze, all of who will play an impor tant role in the program this season.

Fischer is expected to be a three-point sharpshooter with his nice, soft touch from behind the arc, which will be needed in the team’s attack ing offensive style. Beckwith also has a soft touch from the outside and has an aggressive attack to the basket. Sager added strength to his game in the off-season and accord ing to Rush will be a “defen sive stalwart” for the team and provide much-needed rebounding. Rush noted that Szesze is a crafty player that has an uncanny ability to attack the basket and finish inside.”

All four of these players will provide valuable depth to both the JV and varsity teams this season.

The Outlaws were sched uled to kick off preseason with a non-league game on Wednesday, November 30 against Burns and then travel to Riverdale on Friday two days later.

Hearing set on psilocybin

The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners will conduct a second public hearing to receive testimony on proposed land-use regu lations related to psilocybin businesses in the unincorpo rated County.

The hearing will occur at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 30, at the Deschutes Services Building, 1300 N.W. Wall St. in Bend. Virtual testimony will also be accepted.

In the November gen eral election, a majority of residents voted to allow psi locybin manufacturing and

service centers in the unincor porated County. As a result, amendments that were heard by the Planning Commission in late September will move forward to be heard by the County Board of Commissioners.

Additional information on proposed land-use regula tions and the submission of written or virtual testimony is available at www.deschutes. org/cd.

Written testimony will be accepted until Friday, December 2 at 4 p.m. and can be emailed to anya. saltzman@deschutes.org.

Americ an Legion and VFW Meeting will be held Wednesday, December 7, 6:30 p.m . at e Hangar, 15211 W McKinney Butte Rd . Members are invited to attend . For more information call L ance Trowbridge, 541-233-8399.

Ukrainian Platoon 541 Benefit at Jackalope Grill

Chef Kelly Day will present a four-course meal inspired by Ukrainian popular dishes. Proceeds go to Platoon 541 to provide winter garments to keep Ukrainian soldiers warm in the winter months . Sunday, December 11, at 5:30 p.m. For reservations visit: http://bit. ly/3NWoCaC

Sisters High Deser t Chorale Concer ts

e Sisters High Desert Chorale will usher in the Sisters holiday season with t wo f ree Christmas concerts. “ e Glor y of Christmas” introduces the season in a beautif ul way with both newer and traditional songs . Concerts will be per formed December 2 at 7 p.m. and December 4 at 2:30 at the Sisters Community Church, 130 0 W. McKenzie Hw y. Come, enjoy, and celebrate the glory of the season with us . Call 541-588 0362 for more information

Weekly Food Pantr y e Wellhouse Church will have a weekly food pantr y on ursdays at 4:30 p.m. (222 N . Trinit y Way) Both drive-through pick-up and shopping-st yle distribution are available. Call 541-549-4184 for information.

Fre e Pet Food Budget tight this month? Call the Furr y Friends pet food bank at 541-797-4 023 to schedule your pickup. Pickups available ursdays , beginning at 12:30 p.m . Located at 412 E . Main Ave., Ste. 4, behind e Nug get

Sisters High Deser t Chorale Concer ts

e Sisters High Desert Chorale will usher in the Sisters holiday season with t wo f ree Christmas concerts. “ e Glor y of Christmas” introduces the season in a beautif ul way with both newer and traditional songs . Concerts will be per formed December 2 at 7 p.m. and December 4 at 2:30 at the Sisters Community Church, 130 0 W. McKenzie Hw y. Come, enjoy, and celebrate the glory of the season with us . Call 541-588 0362 for more information

Fre e Lunches For Seniors

e Council on Aging of Central Oregon is ser ving seniors (60+) f ree lunches on Tuesdays , Wednesdays, and ursdays at the Sisters Communit y Church located at 130 0 McKenzie Hwy., Sisters . e Tuesday meal is sit down f rom 11 a .m. to 1 p.m . and also o ers activities and information about health, communit y resources , and nutrition. On Wednesdays and ursdays lunche s are o ered drive-through style, from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. and seniors can drive through the parking lot to pick up a meal on those days . Come on by ; no need to make a reser vation. For more information call 541-678-5483.

Sisters Cold Weather Shelter Winter Meals

Sisters Cold Weather Shelter is unable to o er overnight shelter this year. ey will be o ering hot meals t wice a week at the following locations December through February : Mondays 2-4 p.m. at Wellhouse Church , 222 N Trinit y Way ; ursdays 2-4 p.m . at Sisters Community Church, 130 0 McKenzie Hwy For more information, email sisterscoldweathershelter@ gmail.com

Camp Sherman Holiday Ba zaar

December 2 & 3, join in a festive communit y gathering at the Communit y Hall with wreaths , crafts , and goodies for sale. Friday hours: 5 to 9 p.m. Enjoy a soup dinner while you browse. Saturday hours: 10 to 3 p.m. Come find that special gift! Call 541-595-2719

Parkinson’s Suppor t Group Are you a person experiencing Parkinson’s disease (PD) or a care partner/f amily member desiring to better support your loved one with PD? We invite you to join our support group to experience friendship, shared experiences, and a better underst anding of PD. Please join us the second ursday of the month 1-2:30 p.m . at the Sisters Library, 110 N . Cedar St. Sisters . For more information contact Carol Pfeil, program coordinator of Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon, 541-6 68-6599 or carol@parkinsonsresources.or

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Family Caregiver Support Group

elma’s Place Adult Day Respite Program in Redmond host s a monthly support group for those caring for someone with Alzheimer ’ s or another dementia-related disease. e support group is held ever y third Wednesday of the month f rom 4:30-5:30 p.m. is is a f ree f amily-caregiver support group featuring local organiz ations For more information call 541-548-3049.

Save the Rubberbands Are you the recipient of a bundle of Nugget Newspapers each week? ose f at rubberbands are highly valued bythe Nug geteers . If you save them, we’d love to use them again. Call 541-549-9941.

ree Sisters Lion’s Club

11th Annual Holiday Faire Great selection of handmade items f rom local vendors

High quality! Unique gif ts! Free admission! Open daily November 25th to December 17th. 311 E . Cascade in Sisters (Old Antler Arts building) Monday through Friday, 10 a .m. until 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a .m. until 6 p.m., and Sunday 11 a .m. until 4 p.m

Sisters Holiday Showcase Auditions

On ursday, December 8 , the SHS Jaz z Choir will host the eighth annual Sisters Holiday Showcase. is showcase will be a fun, f amily-friendly holiday variet y show. We are looking for all types of talents (adult s and students) — the more unique the better. Live auditions will occur in the high school choir room on Tuesday, November 29, f rom 6 to 8 p.m. Please email rick.johnson@ssd6. org for an audition time or to send video auditions (submit by November 29). Call 541-549 40 45 ext. 5 826.

Fre e Weekly Meal Service Family Kitchen is hosting a weekly to-go hot meal ser vice on Tuesdays f rom 4:30 to 6 p.m . at Sisters Community Church, 130 0 W. McKenzie Hw y. For more information, visit: www.FamilyKitchen .org

Announce Your Celebr ations! Birth, engagement, wedding , and milestone anniversar y notices f rom the Sisters communit y may run at no charge on this Announcements page. All submissions are subject to editing for space. Email nug get@nuggetnews .com or drop o at 4 42 E . Main Ave Deadline is 5 p.m. on Fridays

Humane Societ y of Central Ore gon 541-382-3537

is gracious and charming little lady is one beauty of a kitt y! She is high in social graces and enjoys the company of humans. Cats are special little friends who add so much personalit y and soul to your home, and Chai has definitely won us over ! For safet y, Chai will appreciate remaining indoors due to her light colored coat

Sponsored by

Chapel in the Pines Camp Sherman • 541-549-9971 10 a .m. Sunday Worship

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (ELCA) 386 N . Fir Street • 5 41-549-5831 10 a .m. Sunday Worship www.shepherdof thehillslutheranchurch.com

St . Edward the Mar tyr Roman Catholic Churc h 123 Trinit y Way • 541-549-9391 5:3 0 p.m. Saturday Vigil Mass 9 a .m. Sunday Mass • 8 a .m. Monday-Friday Mass

e Church of Jesus Christ of L at ter-Day Saint s 452 Trinit y Way • Branch President, 541-420 -5670; 10 a .m. Sunday Sac rament Meeting

Calvar y Church 484 W. Washing ton St , Ste. C & D • 541-588-6288 10 a .m. Sunday Worship • www.ccsisters.org

Seventh-Day Adventist Church 386 N . Fir St. • 541-595-6770, 541-306 -8303 11 a .m. S aturday Worship

Baha’i Faith Currently Zoom meetings: devotions , course trainings , informational firesides. Local contac t Shauna Rocha 541- 647-9826 • www.bahai.org or www.bahai.us

Wellhouse Churc h 442 Trinit y Way • 541-549-4184 ht tps://wellhousechurch.churchcenter.com 10 a .m. Sunday Worship

e Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration 68825 Bro ok s Camp Rd. • 541-549-7087 8:30 a .m. Ecumenical Sunday Worship 10 :15 a .m. Episcopal Sunday Worship www.episcopalsisters.com

Sisters Church of the N az arene 67130 Har ring ton Loop Rd . • 541-389-8960 www.sistersnaz .org • info@sistersnaz .org 10 a .m. Sunday Worship

Sisters Communit y Church (Nondenominational) 130 0 W. McKenzie Hwy. • 541-549-1201 9:30 a .m. Sunday Worship www.sisterschurch.com • info@sisterschurch.com

Bill will enable cannabis research

By Lynne Terry Oregon Capital Chronicle

Although marijuana is legalized in several dozen states and easily obtainable even in areas where it’s ille gal, scientists have faced big bureaucratic barriers to con duct research on the drug.

A new, bipartisan bill just passed by Congress aims to snip away some of that red tape.

The Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act does not change the federal classi fication of marijuana as a Schedule I substance, which means the Drug Enforcement Administration considers it addictive and without medi cal value. But the act will reduce some of the hurdles researchers have faced in their research.

It will streamline the application process to obtain marijuana for study and will allow research on a much wider variety of can nabis, said U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Oregon and the chief sponsor of the act in the U.S. House.

“The only accepted can nabis was from a facility in Mississippi that provided cannabis of a very, very low quality,” Blumenauer told the Capital Chronicle. “And researchers had to jump through all sorts of hoops that are absolutely unneces sary and troublesome.”

Blumenauer would like scientists to develop a more sensitive detection test for employment that shows whether someone is inebri ated. The test employers use now only detects whether someone has consumed within weeks or months.

Bluegrass featured in Belfry concert

One of the hottest bands in the bluegrass world is coming to Sisters.

Since winning the pres tigious band competition at Colorado’s Rocky Grass festival in 2019, the ensem ble Never Come Down has become a force in the bluegrass and Americana scene. They’ve gone on to tour internationally, includ ing stints traveling with notable bands Old Crow Medicine Show and The Travelin’ McCourys, and opening for The Infamous Stringdusters. This year, Never Come Down was nominated for two IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) awards

– Momentum Band of the year and Momentum Vocalist of the year.

While the band is pop ulated by highly skilled bluegrass musicians, their dedication to thoughtful songwriting and dynamic arrangements offers a

different take on the genre. Driven by the strong and soulful vocal prowess of Crystal Lariza, Never Come Down offers a live expe rience that is moving and uplifting.

Never Come Down will perform at The Belfry on

Saturday, December 3. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. The show will open with solo act Quattlebaum, who is a notable performer in his own right, and a recent transplant to Bend. Tickets are avail able at bendticket.com.

Never Come Down will take the stage at The Belfry on December 3.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Obituaries

Jack Gulick

Our beloved father, husband, and friend, Jack Gulick, passed away on November 16, after a cou rageous battle against sev eral illnesses over the past several years. Jack passed peacefully at St. Charles Hospital in Bend, sur rounded by his many loved ones.

Jack was born in Portland on May 13, 1945, to parents Willora (Nelson) and Joseph Kassebaum. After his father’s death in the Pacific Theater in World War II, Jack’s mom remarried George Gulick and they started a new adventure together build ing a new family with his brother and sister, Frances (Randall) and Jim Gulick (deceased).

After graduating high school in 1963, and always a bit restless, Jack went off to college at University of Oregon, but due to illness had to disenroll. Being the courageous man he was, he then joined the U.S. Marine Corps in January 1966, and served as an avionics tech nician until his honorable discharge in November 1971.During that time, Jack married M. Elizabeth Allen in 1966, and the two brought into the world

Jack’s first son, Stephen, in 1967. Jack remarried in 1975 to Laura (Roney) Gulick, and continued his family with the births of his next two sons, Mark (1976) and Christopher (1978).

Laura and Jack enjoyed an amazing life together for 47 years! They created many wonderful memo ries in various locations: Los Angeles; Redding, California; Chicago; Fairfield, California; Chico, California, and most recently Sisters. Jack is sur vived by his wife, Laura; three sons, Stephen, Mark, and Chris; six grandchil dren: Katie, Zack, Austin, Faith, Joe, and Vivian; and one great-grandchild, Sophie; along with his sister, Frances, and her family.

Following his military service Jack led a success ful professional life using

his generous and friendly nature to successfully man age sales teams across the Unites States for Cannon Office Automation and Panasonic Office Systems, until finally retiring from his career as regional sales manager for NEC Office Systems.

Jack loved the outdoors, and spent countless days camping, hunting, fishing,

and numerous activities with his family, including many trips with his close friend and brother-in-law, Randy Randall. Many grand (and hilarious) stories begin with, “One time when I was with Randy…” Jack also enjoyed a host of other hob bies, including flying as a private pilot, wood working, and many different sports such as golf, tennis, and

racquetball.

Following Jack’s crema tion, the family is planning to have a small private cer emony after the New Year, adhering to Jack’s desire to have his ashes spread in the wilderness. In lieu of flow ers, the family requests you make a charitable dona tion to the National Park Foundation, or your favorite wildlife organization.

Mclean

Passed November 17, 2022

George “Stan” McLean, age 87, of Sisters passed away November 17, 2022. He is survived by his lov ing wife, Sharon; chil dren: Scott, Doug, Kevin, Susan, Donna, and David; grandchildren: Alec, Jesse, Zoe, Ashliegh, Zachary, Linda, and Travis; and sis ters Sheila and Linda. He was preceded by his first wife, Arline Mae McLean; his parents, George and Olivia McLean; and sister Beatrice.

Stan grew up in Winthrop, Massachusetts, where he graduated from Winthrop High. He served in the U.S. Army in Korea and upon return mar ried Arline and moved to California. During his life he lived in California, Florida, Washington, Arizona, and Oregon. After the passing of Arline, in 1998 he married Sharon Thatcher.

Stan was an Eagle Scout and enjoyed camping and visiting National Parks throughout the country.

He was a sports enthu siast, always supporting local teams. He was an avid golfer, playing more than 100 courses during his lifetime.

After a full life, his fam ily is grateful to know that Stan is at peace.

Services will be held at Powers Funeral Home (320 W. Pioneer Ave., Puyallup, WA 98371) on December 10 at 11 a.m.; everyone is welcome.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Charles Foundation in Bend.

Obituaries Policy: The Nugget Newspaper does not charge a fee to publish obituaries. Obituaries may be up to 400 words and include one photo. Obituary submissions must be received by 10 a.m. on Monday to editor@nuggetnews.com or hand delivered to 442 E. Main Ave., Sisters.

George “Stan”

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…

Black Butte Ranch

For generations, Black Butte Ranch has been the place where beautiful family holiday memories are made. There is simply no more magical place anywhere south of the North Pole.

Enjoy a fabulous Christmas Day dinner at Robert’s Pub from 2 to 6 p.m. Reservations are required — call 541-595-1240.

Family Carriage Rides are one of the Ranch’s most beloved traditions, running this year December 26-31. You can rent the entire wagon or sleigh and enjoy the Ranch in classic old-time style.

Santa Claus will visit the Ranch on Saturday, December 17. The reindeer will drop him off at Lakeside Activity Center from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Remember your camera. There will also be cookie decorating and coloring activities. Enhance your time with Santa with a stop at Lakeside Bistro for dining or delicious holiday treats.

New Year’s Day brunch is on tap at the Bistro 10 a.m to 2 p.m. January 1.

You can give the gift of Black Butte Ranch with gift cards for lodging, dining, spa services, or golf — sure to be a treasure in a stocking!

High Desert Chocolates

High Desert Chocolates makes innovative treats for the Sisters community—chocolate for everyone on your list this holiday!

No one can have just a single hot chocolate bomb; there are so many flavors to choose from. What will your favorite be?

But that’s not all. Here you will find handpainted chocolates, and artisan truffles — delicious and classy holiday treats that will enhance any celebration. Yum!

Delicacies from High Desert Chocolates make perfect hostess and teacher gifts, thank-you presents for your closest friends, and sweet surprises as stocking stuffers. Wine baskets are a celebratory holiday gift. Speaking of hosting —book your holiday gathering, birthday party, or “just because” gathering at High Desert Chocolates today!

Your favorite furry pal will love the pet-friendly biscuits dipped in icing too (nonchocolate of course).

In a world where you can be anything, “Be Kind & Eat Chocolate!” Order gift cards or place your pre-holiday orders at high-desert-chocolates.square.site. Purchase a gift card of $25 ore more and get a complimentary $5 gift card for yourself!

Happy Holidays!

Bedouin

Bedouin has become a must-stop spot on many a holiday shopper’s caravan trail. That’s because they know they’ll find perfect gifts — and enjoy the experience of seeking them out.

This Sisters boutique is renowned for its carefully curated selection of clothing, jewelry, and household décor — items that make truly thoughtful and meaningful gifts.

In recent years, they’ve added an outstanding men’s section, with a gift selection that makes it easy to find something just right — even for those who are tough to buy for.

And it’s all accessible to anyone.

“We always work hard to have a wide variety of price points,” says Anya Race. “Anybody on any budget can come in and find a gift for everybody on their list.”

And to make things easy, complementary gift-wrapping is available.

Bedouin is a dedicated part of the Sisters community, and they note that the strong support they have received from customers makes it possible for them to give back to the community in a variety of ways. For that, they are grateful.

Volunteers in the greater Sisters area are once again celebrating the holiday season with several activities during the month of December, including: the holiday lights display at the main fire station in downtown Sisters, Spirit of Christmas gift drive, and the community Christmas dinner.

The Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire and Ambulance Association is sponsoring the annual “Spirit of Christmas Giving Tree” to provide Christmas gifts to families in need in Sisters Country this holiday season. The Association expects to serve close to 200 children this year.

Gifts are available to chil dren age newborn to seniors in high school, of low-income families who live within the Sisters or Black Butte School Districts. Applications for the program are available to be picked up now at the follow ing locations: Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District, Sisters Kiwanis Food Bank, Furry Friends Foundation, and the FAN office in Sisters. Applications are due by Friday, December 2 at 5 p.m. in order to receive a gift. Please get your applications in early, so your request can be filled.

To donate to the Spirit of Christmas pro gram, please collect a tag with items requested by the families at one of the “Spirit of Christmas Giving Trees,” purchase a new gift listed on the tag, deliver the unwrapped gifts with the tag to the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District as soon as possible and by no later than December 12. Spirit of Christmas trees are located at Sisters Ray’s Food Place, Sisters Bi-Mart, SistersCamp Sherman Fire Station, Black Butte Ranch Post Office, and Black Butte Ranch Police Department. Tags will be available to collect from all locations beginning Saturday, November 26.

Sarah Bialous, program leader for the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District, said, “While monetary donations are appreciated, the best way to help is to pick a gift tag for a child from one of the trees and purchase specific gifts requested by the families, rather than just donating a non-specific gift.”

The deadline to return your gift donation to the Fire Station is Monday, December 12, at noon. The gift requests that are not filled by the community will be filled by Fire District volunteer shoppers using donated funds, which means that no qualifying child will be left with out a gift.

For those folks that would like to participate in the program but are unable to purchase a spe cific gift, the Association will also accept cash donations. Cash donations are tax deductible and will go toward gift buying. Monetary dona tions can be made at the main fire station at 301 S. Elm St. in Sisters, by mail at PO Box 1509, Sisters, OR or online at www.sistersfire.com.

Families will receive their donated gifts via a drive-through pick-up event on Saturday,

December 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

If you haven’t seen the Christmas lights dis play at the main fire station at 301 South Elm Street in Sisters, be sure to drive by and stop and listen. The light display is accompanied by music each evening from parade day until after Christmas.

On Christmas Day, The Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District and the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire and Ambulance Association will once again prepare a traditional Christmas dinner, which will be served from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Community Hall at the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District Station 701, 301 S. Elm St. in downtown Sisters. To request a meal, call 541-549-0771.

“We would like to sincerely thank our part nering agencies and community organizations for their support and assistance with making this holiday season special for our Sisters Country families: Sisters Kiwanis, Furry Friends, Black Butte Ranch Police, Toys for Tots, Ray’s Food Place, and Sisters Bi-Mart,” Bialous said.

For more information, please contact the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District at 541-549-0771.

Don’t forget your furry friends

Pets are part of the family too, and Furry Friends Foundation makes sure they have a good Christmsas — and stay well taken care of year-round. To donate to Furry Friends, make a tax-deductible contribution at the Furry Friends office at 412 E. Main Ave., Ste. 4 (behind The Nugget Newspaper), mail your check to PO Box 1175, Sisters, OR 97759, or donate online by clicking on the donate button at wwwfurry friendsfoundation.org.

If you need help with pet food this holi day season, call or text to schedule your nocontact pickup available every Thursday. Furry Friends has pet supplies — leashes, collars, har nesses, bowls, litter, beds, toys, treats, and more.

Contact Furry Friends Foundation at 541-7974023 or info@furryfriendsfoundation.org.

A big-hearted parade offers old-fashioned fun

— By Bill Bartlett, Correspondent —

“Macy’s has got nothing on you guys.”

So said Hank Young from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, taking in his first-ever Sisters Holiday Parade. He was serious.

“I mean, that’s a commercial spectacle. This is a small community with big heart. Nobody’s showing off. Everybody’s plain havin’ fun, the old-fashioned way.”

Well, Macy’s it’s not, but it appeared that spectators and participants alike were having just as much fun as those New Yorkers.

“And a whole lot less stress,” said Young’s wife, Frances.

They were just passing through, headed from Bend en route to Bandon for golf.

Carlos Alvarado and Sonia Estrada from San Diego were also passing though. They are coffee freaks (their words, not ours) and were huddled at Sisters Coffee sampling when they realized they were trapped, their car parked on the parade route.

“So, we just watched,” Alvarado said. “You guys do this every year,” Estrada asked. “This is, like, very cool.”

They reminisced about how their grandpar ents talked about life in their little villages.

“It might have been like this, maybe,” they both wondered aloud, “all the villagers getting together to celebrate each other.”

“I haven’t seen a horse in, like, forever,” Estrada mused as several passed before them.

Home Styled

“And the dogs pulling that little cart — that’s hilarious,” Alvarado laughed.

A number of visitors got caught in the parade, many of them snaking their way through town with Christmas trees atop their roofs or stretch ing out their pickup bed. (See story page 19).

It looked like half the locals were on hand for the fun. The day was picture-perfect. It was 57 degrees at start time, little to no wind, with an unobstructed sun beaming on beaming faces. The route stretched five blocks eastbound on Hood Avenue with the streets lined on both sides, although most were choosing the north side to absorb the sun’s rays.

The parade began in customary fashion, with the color guard provide by American Legion and Band of Brothers and a few dozen veter ans from all branches. Twenty-six entrants in all ranged from kids, to dogs, to horses (and a mule).

The Sisters Science Club had challeng ing posters for spectators to test their STEM skills. The Corgi Express, a perennial favor ite, was wonderfully cute, and a dozen or more Newfoundlands, large working dogs, got lots of “wows” — and food bill bets.

Hoodoo had folks pining for more snow. Other floats included Hayden Homes, who at the parade’s conclusion opened up their McKenzie

The holiday season is in full swing. Let Home Styled be your one-stop shop for all things festive. Whether you’re hosting this year’s big event or gathering around the table with family, let Home Styled help you bring style home. Owner Jennifer Beech says “The walls of your home create the space where memories are made, so let us help you create a lasting one this holiday season.”

From home staging to small dinners, Home Styled can provide everything you’ll need from furniture to tableware. The store is overflowing with beautiful linens, scented candles, charcuterie boards, books, holiday decor, and so much more. Stop by the shop to preview their seasonal selection and check off some things on your gift list…even Santa needs some help sometimes. And don’t forget gift cards!

As Home Styled nears two years in business, they thank you for your support and wish you a happy holiday season.

Sisters Cascade

Beginning in September, the magical transformation begins. Each week the elves of Sisters Cascade work late into the night bringing in new arrivals, including hundreds of Christmas ornaments, stockings, holiday decor, floral, kitchenware, and local-made candles, soaps, and jewelry. They have “Oregon” and “Sisters” souvenirs and ornaments, affordable stocking stuffers, and beautiful hostess gifts. Their Customer Appreciation Day is always the first Saturday of December (this year December 3 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.) with storewide discounts, wine, Italian food catered by R Spot after 5 p.m. and a free dessert bar by The SweetEasy Co. Their chocolatiers are busy every day making jumbo peanut butter cups, pecan turtles, and of course the well-known classic, fresh fudge in 24 flavors. Sisters Cascade has been in the heart of downtown Sisters for 42 years and always welcomes you to stop by for a free sample of fudge, and they can help you find something very special for yourself or someone you love.

cocoa to parents and grandparents relishing the gesture.

Of course the big trucks were on the parade route, the ones little boys (and their dads) espe cially get carried away with. Mountain res cue, fire engines, paramedic units courtesy of Cloverdale and Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Districts, and Three Creeks Backcountry.

High Velocity Training, The Gallimaufry, Claudia’s Kitchenware, Skinner Welding, and High Desert Chocolates were commercial entrants.

Horses were a big hit. Equestrian Trails, the Sisters Rodeo, and Kalamataca Ranch show cased a number of equines, complete with a trailing pooper-scooper.

The best seats in the house were pickup trucks, nosed to the curb with tailgates open to the passing parade. Some had elaborate seating

arrangements and most had a passel of kids or grandkids or dogs, or all three.

Everybody knew somebody. Friendly banter punctured thousands of holiday good wishes as treats flew from windows. The Batmobile was there, with Batman at the wheel and Batwoman tossing candy to joy-filled kids.

Nobody was in a rush to leave, many choos ing to hang around and bask in the good times with their neighbors and friends. A fair number headed for shopping and local watering holes and coffee dispensaries to further the mood.

No, it wasn’t the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. But SPRD – Sisters Park & Recreation District, the organizer, was the beneficiary of hundreds of kudos and a thousand-plus happy customers, who were thinking Sisters on November 26, 2022, was pretty darned special.

Three Sisters Historical Society

Take a trip back in time this holiday season with a visit to the Three Sisters Historical Society’s museum, located at 151 N. Spruce St. in Sisters.

The museum’s home is itself a historic site — Sisters’ original library building.

“We’re very proud to be in the historic Old Maida Bailey Library,” says President Jan Hodgers.

Visitors strolling and shopping through town can take in the current exhibit, “Milling Around Sisters,” which celebrates Sisters’ rich heritage as a timber town. See photos, view a slab of a ponderosa pine, and check out logging tools a hundred years old or more.

There are books for sale, and you can leave a donation in the name of a loved one for the holidays.

Three Sisters Historical Society provides oral history resources on tape, and they host historically oriented Fireside Chats. Keep an eye out for the next chat on February 21.

The museum is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

There is no more precious gift than the gift of health and well-being.

Alesha Faris, licenced massage therapist, is dedicated to making people feel better — knowing that, at the end of the day, she has made people’s lives better is the key motivation for her practice.

You can give that gift of well-being to a loved one.

“It’s a great gift to give to your family,” Alesha says.

Get a gift certificate for six-hour bundles and brighten a loved one’s world. And you might want to give yourself that gift of well-being, especially in this sometimes-stressful (and injury-prone) season.

Alesha can offer massages to de-stress, for workout recovery, and for rehabilitation from injury, with referrals coming in from local physical therapists. She can currently get someone in within a week.

The gift of well-being makes the world a better place.

As Alesha says, “When people are feeling good, it makes the world go around more smoothly for everyone.”

PHOTO BY JAROD

Holiday season launches

— By Bill Bartlett, Correspondent —

More than 700 gathered at Fir Street Park the day after Thanksgiving to celebrate the annual tree lighting, a long-standing and grow ing Sisters Country tradition. Following a “three, two, one” countdown led by Mayor Michael Preedin, the 65-foot tree burst into luminance with 2,500 shimmering white bulbs at 5:50 p.m.

During welcoming remarks — less than three minutes by design — Preedin acknowledged the crowd size, by all accounts the largest ever.

“I personally counted 843,” the Mayor said facetiously, although he was not far off the mark.

According to Jan Holland, Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD) executive director, the count well exceeded 700. The Nugget’s unofficial count was closer to Preedin’s. But numbers alone didn’t tell the tale — that lay in the high spirits of the crowd.

Mother Nature forced everybody into sweat ers and parkas. Although dry, the temps were high 40s with close to an 8 mph wind making it feel colder. Sponsor Hayden Homes provided hot chocolate and the line was steadily 50 deep.

The conversation was, as one would expect, mostly stories of how Thanksgiving Day was spent and what plans were for the December holidays. All were in a bright, festive mood with an abundance of hugs and back patting.

Dozens of dogs took part in the festivities; there were scores of strollers and toddlers on parents’ shoulders for better views.

Holland opened the ceremony promptly at 5:30 p.m. It had been preceded by recorded carols and popular Christmas songs delivered by soundman DJ Chuck Boogie. Following remarks from Hayden Homes community man agers and Preedin, Peggy Tehan, SPRD (event organizers) board chair, took to the stage with her ukulele for some holiday songs.

This was the moment during the event when the deficiency in the sound system was most prevalent. Given the size of the crowd, at least

Radiant Day Spa

two hundred more than last year’s happening, the audience filled the space clear to the side walk on Main Avenue. Those in the back rows could only guess what was happening on stage.

Holland intends to beef up the sound output next year. She gave glowing reviews of City staff who prepped the park. Likewise she had praise for the event’s previous organizer for 21 years, Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce.

The High Desert Chorale took the stage for two songs. They were 25 in strength, about half their full roster. The audience joined in as they sang a medley: “Childhood Christmas Favorites (Frosty the Snow Man, Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, and Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer).” They followed with “Glow,” a Christmas song that served as a pre-show to Disney’s “World of Color: Winter Dreams.”

The event, as in years past, drew visitors from long distances. Carol and Greg Duskin were on hand from British Columbia along with their daughter, Elise, from Madison, Wisconsin. They were part of a large family gathering from as far away as Michigan, which takes place regu larly in Sisters. This was their fourth or fifth tree lighting participation.

“It’s so celebratory,” Carol said with agreement from Greg and Elise. “You don’t find this kind of thing very often, even in other small towns,” Greg added. “What’s happening tonight is spe cial. We’re really glad to be here and be part of it.”

The Crenshaws from Bremerton, Washington, were also delighted, as were many other long-distance observers. Mom and dad Jesse and Randy had kiddos Harper Lee (5) and Mattie Lou (3) in tow, along with cousin Brayden Wilson (5) from Bend. It was part of a recurring holiday visit to Sisters grandparents Bill and Lee Kelly.

“No way we miss this,” Randy said. “It is just a lot of fun and very meaningful, a real family tradition.”

Radiant Day Spa in Sisters is founded on the belief that we all need more beauty in our lives. And that’s what clients experience at this boutique spa located on Main Avenue. During this holiday season, you can give yourself and loved ones a Radiant Experience. Stop by Radiant Day Spa and ask about in-spa incentives on treatments and product— or seek out a truly fabulous Royal Treatment. Someone on your list would love a gift certificate for a treatment or for product from the Éminence Organic Skin Care line or other brands. Ask about the Bundle of the Month program for ongoing skin care. This is a perfect time to schedule a massage —a great way to relax, de-stress, and fortify your health and well-being in the busy holiday season. Massage is also a wonderful gift to give to those you love.

Winter is hard on our bodies and skin in Central Oregon — making it the right time of year to visit Radiant Day Spa. As owner Marianne Kennedy says, “It’s just nice to go somewhere warm, and wonderful, and inviting.”

Mayor Michael Preedin welcomed a record crowd to Sisters’ community tree lighting ceremony Friday evening.

PHOTO BY JERRY BALDOCK

Tree hunters preserve family tradition

— By Bill Bartlett, Correspondent —

The price of cut Christmas trees has been rising steadily, and this year shoppers in Sisters Country should expect to pay $80 for a six- to seven-foot tree. Or for only $5 a family can gather in the woods and harvest their own tree up to 12 feet in height. That same size tree at a big-box store would run close to $150 — if you could even find one.

The biggest tree The Nugget found in Redmond was nine feet for $109. Overall, cut live trees this year are up about 20 percent, according to the industry trade group Real Christmas Tree Board. So a trip to the Sisters Ranger District Office at Cascade and North Pine for a $5 tree permit may be in your future.

Far more than the savings is the satisfaction and sheer fun of bundling up the kids and heading into the forest and finding that perfect tree, cutting it, and hauling it out, the latter often being the hardest part of the endeavor.

The Nugget met the Blair family from Bend, who come to Sisters annually for tree hunting.

“There are plenty of trees a lot closer to where we live,” mom Becky said, “but it’s so much fun coming to Sisters for our tree. We like the small-town atmosphere and it’s less crowded.”

Dad, Mark, said: “It’s more of a wilderness feel here.”

Their children, Sam and Melinda, were all smiles and occasional squeals as they traipsed through nine to 10 inches of snow at around 5,000 foot elevation near Three Creek Butte. Their goal was a Balsam (subalpine) fir that they like for its nar row shape as it must fit in a particular spot in their home.

Mark was aided by helpful free guides from the Sisters Ranger District office that identify by type and map where to find a dozen different species.

The rules for taking a tree from the Deschutes National Forest are few and clear. The tree must not exceed 12 feet. Trees always look smaller in the forest than on a retail lot, particularly if found in snow. Many a hunter has cut what they thought was a six- or seven-foot tree only to find it was too big to fit on the roof of their car.

Only take a tree that is within 20 feet of another tree. Do not cut trees within 150 feet of state highways, picnic areas, campgrounds, and other developed areas.

Do not take trees from designated wilderness areas.

In general, pines can be found on flatter ground at lower elevations. Firs and cedars are found at higher elevations.

Ward and Ella Farnham from Redmond combine snowshoeing with tree hunting.

“It can be quite comical hauling a tree out in snow shoes,” Ella said.

They found their prized tree, an incense cedar, well above the snow line at Black Butte, just in time, as the snow lasted only a few days.

Most hunters come on the weekend when the District office is closed. That is not the problem it might seem, as permits can be obtained from Sisters Ace Hardware on East Hood Avenue, Bi-Mart, Mainline Station, and the Camp Sherman Store. Each tree harvested requires a separate permit.

Rangers say that some hunters mistakenly think that they first get the tree and then stop by to get the permit. You must have the permit in advance, and it must be attached to the tree during transport.

Another occasional issue Rangers see is hunters mistaking private land as public land. Privately owned land is intermingled with public land, and the two can be dif ficult to distinguish without a map or good sense of your location.

SUTTLE LODGE

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

Blake Carr, age 4, from Bend helped bag the family tree.

PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT

Sisters Holiday Parade

— Saturday, November 26, 2022 —

PHOTO BY JERRY BALDOCK

PHOTO BY JAROD GATLEY

PHOTO BY JERRY BALDOCK

PHOTO BY JERRY BALDOCK

PHOTO BY JERRY BALDOCK

PHOTO BY JERRY BALDOCK

PHOTO BY JAROD GATLEY

PHOTO BY JAROD GATLEY

WRITERS:

Bulletin following college. She loves to explore and write about how everything connects.

Continued from page 3

Kimberly Bowker is a writer based in Bend. Her first job in high school was at Paulina Springs Books and she worked at The

The free event starts at 6:30 p.m. at Paulina Springs Books, located at 252 W. Hood Ave. All ages are wel come.

For more information call 541-549-0866 or visit www. paulinaspringsbooks.com.

SNOW: Businesses need to keep sidewalks clear when it snows

When snowfall reaches three inches and it’s still snowing, the City will mobi lize its contractor to start plowing operations that night, with a target to be done by 10 a.m. the following morning.

Business and property owners are asked to: Move all vehicles out of the public parking spots before a storm event.

Property owners are responsible for snow removal in their private park ing lots. Remember to keep open access to your garbage dumpster or container. If the access is not available, you may not receive garbage ser vice from Republic Services. When plowing the

parking area in front of your home/business, be mind ful of storm drains. If snow mounds cover storm drains, the melting snow will create flooding. The snow mounds can also reduce visibility to adjacent streets, alleyways, and sidewalks.

Do not use chemical deicers; they can damage a sidewalk surface. Sand or birdseed works well. Shovel any leftover snow off the sidewalks from plowing operations.

“We appreciate every one’s cooperation,” said Public Works Project Coordinator Jackson Dumanch. “If you need spe cial assistance or know of someone who does, please call, and we will accom modate you as quickly as possible.”

For more informa tion call the City of Sisters Public Works Department at 541-323-5220.

Local writers will be featured at event

Kimberly Bowker will be at Paulina Springs Books.

PHOTO PROVIDED

It’s not your time

By Katy Yoder Columnist

What is time? Maybe it’s a gift… or a curse? Or simply an hourglass turned over at birth? “It’s not your time” is a phrase I’ve heard in movies, from oncologists and employers. Hearing it could fill me with hope or deflate me with dread. Who’s in charge of load ing the hourglass? God? Me? Maybe the guy in a bar reaching for keys after six bourbon-and-sevens?

Contemplating time and how it works hurts my head. Sundials, pyramids, and Stonehenge are positioned to track the sun’s move ment. Ancient ancestors used the sun, stars, and planets to understand time, the sea sons, and how to navigate when there’s no land in sight. Marking yearly cycles was

the beginning of keeping time.

Life can feel fleeting or forever; sometimes painfully short or too long. Looking at a watch, time is tangible — tricky, seeming able to change cadence. Thinking back to when time began to shift and taunt has to be school. A clock loomed in front of me; an eye with dark hands circling and cross ing over numbers on a beige classroom wall. The teacher’s voice droned. The clock arms moved with a sound some times louder than voices. So slow… painfully slow. Then the bell rang. Class was over. Time was up. We pushed away from scribbled desks and orange-plastic seats; grabbed backpacks stuffed with knowledge and sat down in front of another clicking Cyclops.

Time rules lives, grabs

hearts, shifts perceptions of an hour, a day, a decade. Maybe it’s all in my head? What’s happening really can slow down or go faster. One thing I know for sure: joy ous anticipation feels like forever, while waiting for the worst quickens unwelcome arrivals.

I’ve analyzed an hour glass. Two glass bulbs are connected by a narrow neck. The size of the bulbs and width of the neck affect the duration the sand will flow. A wooden stand holds it erect. No leaning one way or the other… so it’s fair, uniform. Starting the same for every one. I’ve learned that idea is bogus…. Humans leave the blocks at birth in differ ent places. Some have a short way to go, while others have to run twice as far and fast just to catch up to the others. The contents of an

hourglass are often sand, once-pulverized rocks lying inert on layers of time. Rain, wind, and human ambitions reduce stone into pebbles, then tiny grains… braille beaches for bare feet to read. Sand is what happens when rocks break, wear down, change shape. Time is like that. It becomes our percep tion. It exists and doesn’t. Eventually, it disappears; only relevant when we make it so.

Maybe no one’s in charge of the hourglass? Just another unsolvable mystery. A wise voice says, “Get going, live, breathe, hate, forgive, love, then break more stones and let them settle.” The beach is helter-skelter, callow, chang ing life. It’s messy, orderly; something not meant to fully understand.

I might as well say I’m in charge of the hourglass. That

answer is just as provable as any. It might help me focus on what I know. My hour glass is running down fast. When it’s empty, so am I. The voice continues, “Be the person you were born to be, not what others tried to make you. Be!” Then, “Time’s up! You’re done! How’d you do? Feeling good about it? Or disappointed in yourself?”

Then, “Surprise!!! There’s a bit more sand in the hour glass; make every precious granule count.”

The holidays are filled with anticipation that slows time down or speeds it up. Waiting to see the smile of a returning child can seem like forever. Worrying if a fam ily member will “behave” at dinner makes their arrival fraught with what-if’s that hasten time’s orbit around the dial. Either way, time passes, love abides, and opportuni ties to try again will appear.

Schroeder lived the small e when war introduced itself World Wa r II r eshaped the he l oved and late r inspired serve. In 1958, he left the rural e and enlisted in the United States e as a radar technician and the c ountry manning dif radar installations. He also ed in Bangkok, Thailand observ ussian aircraft delivering supthe Mek ong Delta shortl y America ’s in vo lv ement in Vietnam. After eight years of service the military, late r settling in in 2007 He r emains highly ed in local American L egion VFW affairs, and fo r the last 15 has spearheaded the flaginstallations effort ar ound Sisters.

“I liv e and br eath the American flag,” he says, echoing the pride he has fo r c ountry and deep devotion to those w ho f ought to pr otect it

As the last brittle leaves of fall skitter across the fro zen ground, I stare out the window, lost in contempla tion of my own journey, which finds me in the winter of my life.

As an adult, late fall and early winter have usually prompted some feelings of loss and sadness for me. No more long, leisurely warm summer evenings at twi light. Waking up to dark ness that returns by late afternoon.

The end of the year is stuffed with holiday hype, full of commercials featuring smiling fami lies gathering to celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. I used to be steeped in that prescribed gaiety, gather ing immediate and extended family around groaning tables laden with copious amounts of food.

At this point in my life, I wonder in amazement how I pulled off Thanksgiving for

30-plus, while herding six children. Life these days is so markedly different from that of 40 years ago, and I was finally able to banish feelings of sadness or loss when holidays ended up being just another day on the calendar.

This Thanksgiving, a dear friend and I took in an early movie and returned to her house for an amazing turkey dinner with all the trimmings, compliments of Whole Foods. We reveled in the deliciousness of the food and the uncomplicated pace of the day. We even took a lovely walk before din ner, soaking in the majestic mountain views.

We are only at the begin ning of hibernation season, and I used to wish I could sleep through it like a bear. But being in the last season of my life, I don’t want to wish it away, and I don’t want to waste my days being depressed with low energy.

How do I counter these feelings? First, I am kind to myself, not beating myself up for whatever I’m feel ing. I make sure to take good care of myself with appropriate hours of sleep. Getting outside, no matter the weather, is the quickest way for me to kickstart my motivation. Out in nature has always been my place of peace, restoration, fun, and creativity. It began as a child in the large woods behind our house, where I built secret forts in the undergrowth and regularly dammed the creek to create temporary ponds.

Here in Sisters, heal ing nature surrounds us. A

glimpse of the snow-cov ered mountains always lifts my spirits. The wildlife that uses the creek bed behind my house as their highway and resting place, and those that wander through my yard, always give me pause to be thankful for living in this special place. Of late, a flock of 17 turkeys have been a daily presence, along with the deer, the bushytailed gray squirrels, and all the flitting winter birds. The Central Oregon winter sunshine provides another boost.

I try to live with a spirit of conscious gratitude every day, and that helps crowd out dark thoughts and wor ries about my younger son. Staying in touch with those who hold an important place in my life also helps stave off feelings of isolation or sadness. Sharing a laugh, a memory, or a new high light can do much to even my keel. Human contact is a necessary component for a balanced life. I am an intro vert who needs time alone to recharge my batteries, but I do enjoy times of interact ing with those in my life who feed my soul.

I hope to (or should I say I will) make this winter a time of clearing clutter, downsizing, completing my wishes for end of life, read ing some good books, and seeing some good movies, while counting all my many blessings.

These blessings include those of you who read my occasional “Of a Certain Age” column and take the time to comment on it. Thank you for your thoughtfulness.

Town of Tiny Lights…

Sisters is beautifully lit for winter evenings.

PHOTO BY JAROD GATLEY

Sue Stafford Columnist

Cultural grants available

The Deschutes Cultural Coalition (DCC) is seeking applications for grant fund ing from all sectors within the culture field including arts, heritage, and humani ties. Grant funding is spon sored by the Oregon Cultural Trust and Deschutes County. The partnership with the County, which began earlier this year, will continue into 2023 to help cultural non profits rebuild infrastructure and capacity lost during the pandemic.

The online grant appli cation for Cultural Grants opened on Monday, November 19. The com plete application is due Friday, January 13, 2023 at 5 p.m. Guidelines and instructions are available at: https://www.deschutes culturalcoalition.org/grants. The Coalition will make its awards at the end of January and expects to grant roughly $50,000.

“We are very fortunate to continue to collaborate with Deschutes County to increase funding opportuni ties for local cultural organi zations,” said Cate O’Hagan, president of the DCC. “We are grateful to the County for designating the Deschutes

Cultural Coalition as a dis tributor of County funds to support our local arts and culture organizations in their efforts to restore services cut during the pandemic.”

In 2022, the DCC awarded $53,250 to local nonprofits such as BEAT Children’s Theatre, Opera Bend, and Sisters Art Association. The Deschutes Cultural Coalition provides grant funding from all sec tors within the culture field including arts, heritage, and humanities. This grant fund ing must support projects and activities that address one of the four priorities out lined within the Deschutes Cultural Plan:

• Encourage greater awareness of local culture.

• Ensure that a variety of cultural resources and pro gramming are accessible to all residents.

• Provide cultural educa tion in Deschutes County.

• Help new and estab lished cultural organizations increase their capacity to ful fill their mission.

To learn more and see a list of past grantees, go to DCC’s website at https:// www.deschutescultural coalition.org.

Emergency motion filed to stop gun law

PORTLAND (AP) — A gun rights group, sheriff, and gun store owner filed an emergency motion in fed eral court late Wednesday, November 23, seeking to stop enforcement of one of the strictest gun control laws in the nation.

The gun control mea sure narrowly approved by Oregon voters is set go into effect on December 8. U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut on Thursday scheduled a hearing on the motion for December 2. The State has until next Wednesday to file a response to the emergency motion for preliminary injunction.

The Oregon Firearms Foundation, Sherman County Sheriff Brad Lohrey, and Adam Johnson, owner of Coat of Arms Firearms, filed a federal lawsuit against the Oregon governor and attorney general on Nov. 18 saying Measure 114 is unconstitutional.

The measure requires res idents to obtain a permit to purchase a gun, bans maga zines that hold more than 10 rounds except in some

circumstances, and creates a statewide firearms database.

“Banning magazines over 10 rounds is no more likely to reduce criminal abuse of guns then banning high horsepower engines is likely to reduce criminal abuse of automobiles,” the lawsuit said. “To the contrary, the only thing the ban contained in 114 ensures is that a crim inal unlawfully carrying a firearm with a magazine over 10 rounds will have a poten tially devastating advan tage over his law-abiding victim.”

Measure 114 backers argued that banning largecapacity magazines will save lives because it would force shooters to pause to reload, which would provide an opening for others to stop the shooting. Proponents also say it would reduce sui cides _ which account for 82 percent of gun deaths in the state — mass shootings, and other gun violence.

The preliminary injunc tion seeks to stop the State from enforcing the new law while the lawsuit is consid ered by the court.

ALL advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.

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COST: $2 per line for first insertion, $1.50 per line for each additional insertion to 9th week, $1 per line 10th week and beyond (identical ad/consecutive weeks). Also included in The Nugget online classifieds at no additional charge. There is a minimum $5 charge for any classified. First line = approx. 20-25 characters, each additional line approx. 25-30 characters. Letters, spaces, numbers and punctuation = 1 character. Any ad copy changes will be charged at the first-time insertion rate of $2 per line. Standard abbreviations allowed with the approval of The Nugget classified department. NOTE: Legal notices placed in the Public Notice section are charged at the display advertising rate.

DEADLINE: MONDAY, noon preceding WED. publication.

PLACEMENT & PAYMENT: Office, 442 E. Main Ave. Phone, 541-549-9941 or place online at NuggetNews.com. Payment is due upon placement. VISA & MasterCard accepted. Billing available for continuously run classified ads, after prepayment of first four (4) weeks and upon approval of account application.

C L A S S I F I E D S

MINI STORAGE

Sisters Rental 331 W. Barclay Drive 541-549-9631

Sizes 5x5 to 15x30 and outdoor

RV parking. 7-day access.

Computerized security gate. Moving boxes & supplies.

STORAGE WITH BENEFITS

8 x 20 dry box

PROPERTIES

Monthly Rentals Available–Call Debbie at 541-549-2002 Full details, 24 hrs./day, go to: PonderosaProperties.com Printed list at 221 S. Ash, Sisters Ponderosa Properties LLC

206 Lost & Found

CASCADE HOME & PROPERTY RENTALS

Country. 541-549-0792

second

MISSING BOY CAT

His name is Tupak. He is usually very skittish around people. PLEASE CHECK YOUR GARAGE OR SHEDS. Call/Text 541-699-8979 or 541-699-6734

301 Vehicles

We Buy, Sell, Consign Quality Cars, Trucks, SUVs & RVs ~ Call Jeff at 541-815-7397

Sisters Car Connection da#3919 SistersCarConnection.com

302 Recreational Vehicles

2018 Tiffin Allegro Bus 40SP Motor Home. Original owners, excellent condition, ready to roll wherever your spirit leads. For complete details and photos, see our Private Seller ad on-line at RVtrader.com asking $ 298,000 OBO. Serious inquiries only please. 541-797-9759

2018 Keystone Bullet Ultra Lite travel trailer for sale $19,995. More details: www.rvtrader.com Questions: wadsdd@aol.com

401 Horses

Give the gift of understandinghorse communication, care, & handling. All skill levels. $40 hr. Our horses or yours. Bend Horse Talk 541-639-9309

403 Pets

FURRY FRIENDS

helping Sisters families w/pets. FREE Dog & Cat Food No contact pick-up by appt. 412 E. Main Ave., Ste. 4 541-797-4023

Three

Society

yard debris. You Call – We Haul! 541-719-8475

GEORGE’S SEPTIC TANK SERVICE “A Well Maintained Septic System Protects the Environment” 541-549-2871

BOOKKEEPING SERVICE

~ Olivia Spencer ~ Expert Local Bookkeeping! Phone: 541-241-4907 www.spencerbookkeeping.com ~ WEDDINGS BY KARLY ~ Happy to perform virtual or in-person weddings. Custom Wedding Ceremonies 20+ years • 541-410-4412 revkarly@gmail.com

Tree Service & Forestry

TIMBER STAND IMPROVEMENT

TREE SERVICES: tree removal, trimming, stump grinding, brush mowing, Firewise compliance.

— Certified Arborist — Nate Goodwin 541-771-4825 Online at: www.tsi.services CCB#190496 • ISA #PN7987A

LOLO TREE WORKS

Tree Services: Tree Removal, Tree Pruning, Stump Grinding, Emergency Tree Services.

ISA Certified Arborist

Owner / Operator: Erin Carpenter lolotreeworks.com Call / Text: 503-367-5638 Email: erin@lolotreeworks.com CCB #240912

4 Brothers Tree Service Sisters' Premier Tree Experts!

– TREE REMOVAL & CLEANUP –

Native / Non-Native Tree Assessments, Pruning, High-Risk Removals, 24 Hr. Emergency Storm Damage Cleanup, Craning & Stump Grinding, Debris Removal.

– FOREST MANAGEMENT –

Fire Fuels Reduction - Brush Mowing, Mastication, Tree Thinning, Large & Small Scale Projects!

Serving Black Butte Ranch, Camp Sherman & Sisters Area since 2003

** Free Estimates ** Owner James Hatley & Sons 541-815-2342 4brostrees.com Licensed, Bonded and Insured CCB-215057

Earthwood Timberframes

• Design & shop fabrication

• Recycled fir and pine beams

• Mantels and accent timbers • Sawmill/woodshop services www.earthwoodhomes.com

Custom Homes

Residential Building Projects

Concrete Foundations Becke William Pierce CCB# 190689 • 541-647-0384 Beckewpcontracting@gmail.com

Custom Homes • Additions

Residential Building Projects Serving Sisters area since 1976 Strictly Quality CCB #16891 • CCB #159020 541-280-9764 John Pierce jpierce@bendbroadband.com

C L A S S I F I E D S

Full-Time Resource Sales Associate

Complete landscape construction, fencing, irrigation installation & design, pavers/outdoor kitchens, debris cleanups, fertility & water conservation management, excavation.

CCB #188594 • LCB #9264 www.vohslandscaping.com 541-515-8462

– All You Need Maintenance –Pine needle removal, hauling, mowing, moss removal, edging, raking, weeding, pruning, roofs, gutters, pressure washing. Lic/Bonded/Ins. CCB# 218169 Austin • 541-419-5122

Lara’s Construction LLC.

CCB#223701

Offering masonry work, fireplaces, interior & exterior stone/brick-work, build barbecues, and all types of masonry. Give us a call for a free estimate. 541-350-3218

CENIGA'S MASONRY, INC.

Brick • Block • Stone • Pavers CCB #181448 – 541-350-6068 www.CenigasMasonry.com

SPURGE COCHRAN BUILDER, INC. General Contractor Building Distinctive, Handcrafted Custom Homes, Additions, Remodels, Cabin Renovations Since ’74 A “Hands-On” Builder Keeping Your Project on Time & On Budget • CCB #96016 To speak to Spurge personally, call 541-815-0523

Lic. Bond. Ins. • CCB #184660 Servicing Central Oregon ––– 541-771-7000

SWEENEY

PLUMBING,

From design to installation we can do it all! Pavers, water features, irrigation systems, sod, plants, trees etc. 541-771-9441 LCB #8906 bendorganiclandscaping.com J&E Landscaping Maintenance LLC Clean-ups, raking, hauling debris, gutters. Edgar Cortez 541-610-8982 jandelspcing15@gmail.com Keeping Sisters Country Beautiful Since 2006 candcnursery@gmail.com 541-549-2345 701

Domestic Services

We are looking for a person who is friendly, outgoing, and reliable; someone who enjoys working with the public in a team environment. Full-time position Monday-Friday. Applications available at the Stitchin’ Post, 311 West Cascade Ave. in Sisters or by email: diane.j@stitchinpost.com Questions? Contact: julie@stitchinpost.com Sisters Folk Festival is hiring a full-time Logistics & Facilities Manager to manage production of all SFF events and day-to-day maintenance of its office building in downtown Sisters. Duties include supervising set up, production, & clean up of events with seasonal staff & volunteers; negotiating contracts with vendors & suppliers; procuring, managing SFF-owned equipment and supplies; communicating with building tenants; and overseeing building repairs & maintenance. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. Excellent organizational, time management & communication skills; a basic aptitude with computers; and the desire to learn new skills while working on a collaborative team are a must. Salary $48-52K DOE plus health, dental, and IRA match. SFF is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusivity. We are committed to a workplace free of discrimination. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications & merit. Send resume and cover letter to admin@sistersfolkfestival.org.

999 Public Notice

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

provided to Sisters City Hall at 520 E. Cascade Avenue, Sisters (mailing address PO Box 39, Sisters, OR 97759) or emailed to swoodford@ci.sisters.or.us. Comments should be directed toward the criteria that apply to this request and must reference the file number. For additional information, please contact Scott Woodford, Community Development Director at 541-323-5211 or swoodford@ ci.sisters.or.us. The staff report and recommendation to the hearings body will be available for review at least seven (7) days before the hearing. All submitted evidence and materials related to the application are available for inspection at City Hall. Copies of all materials will be available on request at a reasonable cost. The Planning Commission meeting is accessible to the public either in person or via Zoom online meeting. Meeting information, including the Zoom link, can be found on https://www.ci.sisters. or.us/meetings.

PUBLIC HEARING: November 17, 2022 at 5:00 pm FILE #: TA 22-04

APPLICANT: City of Sisters REQUEST: Text amendment to Sisters Development Code (SDC) to support the recommendations of the Sisters Housing Plan and Efficiency Measures Report, including to Chapter 2.3, Multi-Family Residential District to increase allowed residential density and building heights and remove the floor area ratio requirement, to add Zoning Incentives for affordable housing, to Section 2.4 to allow

801 Classes & Training

802 Help Wanted

Sisters Habitat for Humanity Join our fun team & make a difference in our community!

Full-time Finance Manager. Seeking a candidate with accounting or extensive bookkeeping experience using QuickBooks, creating fiscal forecasts, servicing home mortgages, processing payroll, assisting in development of the annual budget, serving as point of contact for all insurance-related issues, preparing monthly reports, maintaining files, and preparing information for annual audit and tax returns. Full-time (30-40 hours), $26-$30/hour DOE, paid medical benefits, flexible schedule. Email cover letter, resume, and references to sharlene@sistershabitat.org.

See Job description at sistershabitat.org/hiring OUR CLASSIFIEDS go online at no additional cost to you! Call 541-549-9941

Notice is hereby given that the City of Sisters City Council will conduct a public hearing at Sisters City Hall, 520 E. Cascade Avenue, Sisters, on November 30, 2022 at 5:00 PM regarding the application listed below. The hearing will be held according to SDC Chapter 4.1 and the rules of procedure adopted by the City Council and available at City Hall. Prior to the public hearing, written comments may be

Residential Only development in the parts of the Downtown Commercial Zone, and to Section 1.3.100, Table 2.2.2, and Table 2.3.2 to Facilitate Middle Housing Types and to Chapter 3.6 to add Middle Housing design standards.

APPLICABLE CRITERIA: SDC Chapter 2.15 - Special Provisions; Chapter 4.1 - Types of Applications and Review Procedures; Chapter 4.7 - Land Use District Map and Text Amendments; Oregon Statewide Land Use Goals; City of Sisters Urban Area Comprehensive Plan.

Giving campaign for schools underway

Sisters has a reputation for innovative education programs that enrich stu dents’ school experience. It also has a reputation for exceptional community involvement in the life of the schools.

Those elements come together in the annual giv ing campaign of the Sisters Schools Foundation (SSF), which is now underway. Local folks can support vital programs through donations made at http://ssd6.org.

Donations go toward materials and equipment for programs — not for salaries.

Current Foundation President Angela Buller noted that SSF distributed over $30,000 in its last fall season distribution. Distribution is done primar ily in the fall so that funds can be accessed during the current school year.

Funds provided a new keyboard for Sisters Elementary School and sup ported the traditional fourthgrade field trip. Greenhouse enhancement and materials for science experiments sup ported the school’s STEM (science, technology, engi neering, math) instruction.

The Foundation supported Sisters Middle School’s pro grams promoting belonging and inclusivity, including the Outlaw Store and “Everyone

Belongs” clubs.

Sisters High School received funding for the audio-visual program to upgrade equipment, manne quins for CPR instruction, and materials and technol ogy to enhance digital arts programs.

The Roundhouse Foundation in Sisters has contributed to arts funding through the Foundation.

“We really appreciate their support,” Buller said.

Buller noted that com munity support is vital in supporting teachers who are going above and beyond the norm to provide excel lence in education to Sisters students.

“These teachers who are being creative and think out side the box get funding for their programs so the kids get a really well-rounded education,” she said.

If you prefer to donate by mail, make your check pay able to the Sisters Schools Foundation, and send it to: Sisters Schools Foundation P.O. Box 2155, Sisters, OR 97759.

K-9s: Dogs are great community-builders for Department

Continued from page 1

Brandy, as a golden, is typical of therapy or comfort dogs seen in a wide variety of settings from hospitals to jails to assisted living cen ters. Yukon, on the other hand, a “goofy Newfy,” as Newfoundlands are affec tionately called, is anything but typical. With his size — males typically are 140 to 180 pounds at maturity — and the breed’s propensity for drooling, one doesn’t imag ine them in a usual therapy setting.

Yukon is just plain irre sistible, though. He’s still in training, and, like most teenagers, would rather play than work.

Schneider deftly wipes away the occasional drool as humans approach, and makes the dog sit in an orderly fash ion to meet and greet. Yukon dutifully obeys, but it’s obvi ous he just wants to love all over his admirers.

During the winter months when few tourists are encamped at the Ranch, Schneider is free to expand his reach into Sisters and Camp Sherman. If you see them on the street, don’t

hesitate to introduce your self, and if you have a situa tion where one of these dogs could make a difference in somebody’s life in Sisters

Country, call the Ranch’s nonemergency number, 541595-2191. There’s a good chance Officer Schneider can find time to respond.

Officer Joe Schneider brought Brandy to Sisters Elementary School to meet delighted students.

PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT

got home from Vietnam.

As for you and your rifle, I sure hope Karma is real.

Bill Rubertus 

A Thanksgiving thank-you

To the Editor:

Another year is nearly passed, and with it another Community Thanksgiving Dinner in the record books.

Each year this event gets bigger than the last, and still feels cozy. Seeing family, friends, and neighbors come in with smiles and hugs makes the Sisters community so very special. Sisters, despite it’s growth and fluctuation, is still a small town. Everyone knows everyone. Everyone jumps in to help when one person is in need. Thanksgiving celebrates that, and Sisters celebrates it best.

This year without a doubt was the largest gathering, with the most meals served. We even made the local news! After all was said and done, there were approximately 550 hot meals served in person, picked up and delivered around the community. Deri Frazee and myself, along with Michele Hammer and Josh Reed, coordinated over 50 volunteers to pull it all off. We can’t forget Kimber Finney, who was unable to attend this year but is still part of the “turkey crew.”

We have to absolutely thank our community partners: The Nugget Newspaper , Ray’s Food Place, Sno Cap Drive In, Big Ed’s Artisan Bread, and Sisters Bakery. We also can’t leave out Dave and Sandy for their financial contribution as well. Overall, donations this year exceeded $1,500 toward next year’s gathering. We are already excited to see the 10th Anniversary edition of the Sisters Community Thanksgiving Dinner come to life. Until then, we will enjoy the season of giving and the New Year to come. We love and appreciate every single person that attends this event, because without you it wouldn’t happen.

With love and thankfulness, Jennifer Knowles-Seher   

To the Editor:

Who’s to blame

I was disappointed, but not surprised, to read in last week’s Nugget that Democratic leaders from our congressional district blamed everybody but themselves for Jamie McLeod-Skinner’s loss to Lori Chavez-DeRemer in the race for Congress.

Democratic party leaders took a huge risk when they decided that Rep. Kurt Schrader did not live up to their standards, despite having a 100 percent rating with Planned Parenthood, so decided to challenge him in the primary. Taking out an incumbent of your own party is always risky. In this case their strategy failed.

Schrader might have lost to DeRemer. We’ll never know. Right now local Democrats need to put on their “big boy pants” by admitting their strategy failed and start developing a better one to assure that our new, strongly antiabortion Congresswoman-elect is a one-termer.

Jeff Tryens

Livability and Growth strategies address evaluating the buildable land inventory and potential expansion of the Urban Growth Boundary, as well as implementing toppriority projects from the 2020 Transportation Safety Audit to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety. The City actively participated in the creation of the Joint Office of Homelessness with Deschutes County and is currently working with a development partner for a future multifamily workforce housing rental project.

Progress has been made in each of the seven goal areas, which provide the road map from City Council to City staff for the year’s focus areas.

Some of the ongoing and upcoming projects for the second half of the 2022/23

fiscal year include starting development of the East Portal transportation hub. Following the community open house, where citizens were able to provide feedback on three concept drawings, work is now underway on a final concept plan for adoption by the Council.

At the November 30 Council meeting, councilors will be presented with a consent agenda item to accept a right-of-way deed of dedication with the Sisters School District for the Highway 20/ Locust roundabout.

In January 2023, the city manager position will be advertised by Jensen Strategies with a new city manager hopefully in place in March.

Work will continue through the school year on the Sisters Sustainable City Year Program through the University of Oregon. Upper-level students from a variety of disciplines are currently working with the Sisters School District on possible uses of the District

administration building and the elementary school when the new one is completed. They will also be working with the City on several projects.

Ongoing work is being done on the Water and Wastewater Management Plan Update, the Adams Avenue Streetscape project, possible changes to the shortterm rental program, updating the Dark Skies ordinance and enforcing it, and plans for the new city park in the Sisters Woodlands development at the northeast corner of West Barclay Drive and Highway 20.

The Community Development Department is continuing its review of the Sunset Meadows Master Plan from Woodhill Homes. Several public hearings on the project prompted citizen turnouts of 60-plus people, almost all of whom were opposed to the proposal as presented.

Check the City of Sisters website for more information – www.ci.sisters.or.us.

End-of-year City meetings

Wednesday, November 30, 5 p.m. City Council meeting to include resolution acknowledging 2022 Housing Plan Update and Sisters Land Use Efficiency Measures Report, Development Code text amendments, approval of Ordinance 526 amending Sisters Development Code.

Wednesday, December 7, 4 p.m . City Parks Advisory Board reviewing proposed City Parks Master Plan to be adopted in early 2023.

Thursday, December 8, 4 p.m. Planning Commission meeting rescheduled from December 15 will address Master Plan

for Sunset Meadows.

Monday, December 12, 3 p.m. Urban Forestry Board.

Tuesday, December 13, 4 p.m. Public Works Advisory Board.

Wednesday, December 14, 5:30 p.m. City Council workshop with meeting at 6:30 p.m.

CITY: Council will address livability and growth

to the fabric of our commu nity and making sure we are doing that wisely and getting things out the door.”

Keefer sees the value of SPRD as providing critical services for young families.

“COVID made it clear that we provide essential services for families with young kids. We really tried to make it work and happen during that time as there aren’t a lot of services in town, and we pro vide more than outdoor recre ation spaces and programs,” said Keefer.

“We have great volunteers that help maintain our pro grams,” he said.

SPRD is currently striving to reengage programs with seniors after halting them due to COVID.

Keefer supports the pick leball team that SPRD is now promoting, working with older adults, He is a part of the pickleball team, playing at least once a week at the elementary school courts that were recently restored.

“The recreation activities and events all provide memo ries and create a sense of fam ily as well as economic vital ity in the business district of the town,” said Keefer.

Keefer also serves as a consultant for the Special District Association of Oregon, working with park districts, fire districts, and irrigation districts around the state, providing his knowl edge and experience.

It’s not all work though.

“I enjoy making home brew,” he said. “My first and only time I entered a home brew contest (McKenzie Craft Beer Festival - 2014), I won for the best porter...Old Hazel Porter (hazelnut).”

To learn more about SPRD visit www.sisters recreation.com.

Avoid

PORTLAND – An increase in severe respira tory infections this season is putting pressure on Oregon’s already-strained hospitals as the holidays get under way. But health officials say people can take simple steps to avoid exposure – and the need for an emergency department visit – as they gather for celebrations.

“We want people to remember the holidays as a festive time of family, friends, food, and fun events, not because of a severe case of RSV or other respiratory virus,” said Dana Hargunani, M.D., M.P.H., a pediatri cian and Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) chief medical officer. “Commonsense vigilance this season can help keep you and your loved ones safe and out of the hospital.”

Beau Gilmore, M.D., pediatrician and chief infor maticist at Mosaic Medical in Central Oregon, shares his thoughts on staying safe dur ing the holidays in a video on OHA’s YouTube channel. Gilmore also offers advice for parents and caregivers on how to know when to go to the hospital.

According to OHA data, the RSV hospitalization rate for children nearly qua drupled between October 29 and November 5, from 2.2 to 8.7 per 100,000 pop ulation. The rate dropped slightly by November 12, to 5.7 per 100,000, but that was

still double what it was two weeks earlier.

RSV hospitalization rates for adults have been lower, although there remains a risk of serious illness for older adults.

“Emergency departments in Oregon are overflowing,” Hargunani said. “We need to make sure families have access to the emergency care they need when facing seri ous, life-threatening medical emergencies”

OHA offers the follow ing tips for staying healthy and avoiding an unneces sary hospital visit during the holidays:

• Get a flu shot and stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations, including new bivalent boosters.

• There is no vaccine or treatment for RSV, but peo ple can protect themselves by covering coughs and sneezes, cleaning high-touch surfaces, and regularly wash ing their hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizer.

• Consider wearing a mask during indoor holi day gatherings and events. Anyone at risk for get ting severely ill from RSV – young children and older adults– should con sider wearing a mask when indoors with people who are not in their household.

• Because children younger than two are too young to safely wear a mask, parents and caregivers should consider asking those

around them to wear a mask.

Hargunani emphasizes that RSV is a common respiratory virus that usu ally causes mild, cold-like symptoms, such as runny nose, coughing, and sneez ing. Most infections go away on their own in a week or two. Almost all children will have had an RSV infection by their second birthday, she said.

People experiencing mild symptoms of RSV should:

• Stay home from work or school, and avoid holiday gatherings and events.

• Manage fever and pain with over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers.

• Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

• Make sure to talk to your health care provider before giving your child over-the-counter cold medi cines, which are typically not indicated for this age group.

However, parents and guardians should imme diately seek health care if their child is experiencing more severe symptoms of

RSV, such as trouble breath ing, dehydration, gray or blue color to the tongue, lips, or skin, or signifi cantly decreased activity and alertness.

“Over the holidays, it is especially important that we maintain the vigilance that served us so well during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Hargunani said. “Get vacci nated, avoid large gatherings, and wear a mask in crowded indoor places. Doing so will help us all have a happy and positively memorable holi day season.”

KEEFER: SPRD is reengaging with senior community

The recreation activities and events all provide