The Nugget Newspaper // Vol. XLVI No. 8 // 2023-02-22

The Nugget

Waiting for spring...

Do short-term rentals have a negative impact?

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

An ad hoc group called CATS (Citizens Action Team of Sisters) has formed, with the goal of helping to formulate policy for growth and development in the city. The group believes that Sisters is overwhelmed by the increase in population and building, and perhaps lacks competency to meet the growth.

The new group, just

getting itself organized, has no office nor governing authority nor official spokesperson. Mark Dickens is a lead organizer and speaks with conviction about the group’s potential, saying that they are now 12 to 15 in number with plans to meet monthly or semimonthly. They hope to grow their numbers.

They are regulars lately

See CATS on page 22

Sisters roundabout to be built in 2024

By Ceili Gatley Correspondent

The Locust/Highway 20 roundabout is set to move forward in 2023-24 — along with many other ODOT roundabout projects throughout Central Oregon. In June of 2022, $5 million was added to the construction budget along with $250,000 from the City of Sisters for preliminary

from Sisters, Oregon

Sunset Meadows development will go forward

By Sue Stafford Correspondent

City of Sisters Principal Planner Matthew Martin was notified last week that the Sunset Meadows housing development by Woodhill Homes will be built as approved by the Sisters Planning Commission.

During their January 19 hearing on Sunset Meadows, the commissioners approved the master plan with the condition

See SUNSET MEADOWS on page 12

Sisters man stands tall — with tech help

By Stu Ehr Correspondent

Erik Himbert has lived in his Sisters home for over 10 years but never walked the scant 100 yards to his mailbox. It wasn’t for lack of desire. Yet late last week, servo motors hummed and Himbert — a paraplegic — was able at last to walk the short distance to his mailbox, a journey that invariably elicited excited responses from the neighbors. A woman who Himbert has known for years stood in her yard with her mouth agape and exclaimed, “I never knew you were so tall!”

Himbert returned her comment with a broad smile, and a simple, “Yep!”

design for the roundabout.

ODOT is advancing funds to maintain the 2024 construction due to halts in the timeline due to COVID and supply-chain issues. The Locust Avenue roundabout is part of the 2024-2027 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program that ODOT conducts every three years. According to

See ROUNDABOUT on page 23

It was 2009 when Himbert’s life took an unexpected turn for the worst. It only took a few seconds for this catastrophic life event to unfold. Himbert recounted that evening, snowboarding in Wildwood, California.

“I hit the jump at full speed and thought it was powder, and it turned out to be ice. My board shot out from underneath me. I fell headfirst about 20 feet or so, and landed on my back, and that was it. When I saw my friend’s face… They came up

to me and touched my legs and I couldn’t feel my legs, and that’s when I knew it was pretty bad.

“I was in the ICU for two weeks, on morphine, tubes coming out of everywhere. I didn’t know what my life was going to look

PHOTO BY STU EHR

like, or if I was even going to live.”

After months in the hospital, and in a full back brace, Himbert was transferred to a friend’s house. All he could do was lie in bed and listen

Erik Himbert is on his feet again — with the assistance of cutting-edge exoskeleton technology and his safety partner Rick Retzman.

The landscape of Sisters keeps alternating between spring and winter conditions. This classic rig seems ready to get to work.

PHOTO BY JAROD GATLEY

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.

Finger waving code

To the Editor: Re: “Not so much moseying in Sisters these days,” The Nugget, February 15, page 2: I was in my 20s (I’m late 60s now) when I finally asked my father about the finger wave from the wheel. He was driving me in his pickup on Lower Bridge Road near the dicalite mine and had just waved twice to cars, but differently. To one car he had just lifted the single finger, but to the second he had taken the thumb and two fingers off the wheel and almost lifted another... just as Bill Bartlett describes!

So I said, “Dad, what’s going on with the weird finger discrimination?!!” He replied, “Oh, that’s easy. Raising the index finger is for a car you don’t recognize with out-ofstate license plates. Two fingers is for a local you don’t know. Three fingers is for a neighbor or a friend. But if you see a sheriff’s deputy it’s got to be the whole hand off the wheel and a big grin!”

So, over the years I began to do the same. This summer I happened to drive through Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana up through Saskatchewan to Northern Manitoba. On all rural back roads, especially gravel, the finger wave language was understood. But not in Canada. The people were so friendly in Saskatchewan, and it was definitely rural with mostly gravel roads, but there was no waving while driving. I had the idea that the language evolved from the horse drawn

wagon era where waving while holding the reins could cause problems. But that doesn’t explain Saskatchewan.

Anyway, I enjoyed Mr. Bartlett’s column this week!

Henrik Kibak

Transgender issues

To the Editor:

As a parent and human being, I read with dismay the February 8 letter to the editor in support of transgender kids. Ms. Vermillion, identified as a former teacher, asks us to educate ourselves on the issue of transgender youth. On this point, I wholeheartedly agree, but the consensus ends there.

Ms. Vermillion’s letter is a perfect example of the manipulation of language in this devastating cultural development. She uses a personal history of gay and lesbian relationships to parlay into general support for transgender and nonbinary youth, citing the need for “diversity” and “acceptance.” But there is a big difference between an adult choosing to live as a homosexual, and a minor child who is going through the turbulence of puberty in a social-media-saturated society being encouraged to identify as the opposite sex. There is a real danger here when that identification is accompanied by encouragement and support for irreversible gender transition

See LETTERS on page 6

Sisters Weather Forecast

Out of Afghanistan

By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief

Last week, I flew to San Antonio, Texas, for a conference with my colleagues with Mullen Newspapers. Louie Mullen, the majority owner of The Nugget (with myself as minority owner), has community weekly newspapers across the country, and a dozen of the publishers of those papers gather regularly to share ideas and to work through the struggles that each of us face in a challenging media landscape.

A snafu at the car rental counter put me on the taxi line at the San Antonio Airport. A small, wiry man jumped out of his taxi and hailed me. I told him my destination and, without thinking about it, climbed into the front seat. He gave me a bit of side-eye, and I told him I’d get in back if he was more comfortable with that. He shook his head and gave me his phone to punch in the unfamiliar B&B address.

Of course, we got to talking. And what a story Sayed had to tell.

The man who was now a taxi driver in San Antonio had been an interpreter for U.S. forces in Afghanistan. He saw serious combat. He fled Afghanistan two years ago, when it became apparent that the U.S. was leaving and that the Taliban were again on the ascendant. He described the Taliban as “very scary,” both in appearance and in action. He was very glad to have gotten out before the mad rush of the final departure in August 2022 — but his family is still in Afghanistan, and he has little hope of getting them out. Which means he probably won’t see them again.

with Montagnard tribesmen in the Highlands, creating a highly effective anticommunist force. And when the war went bad, we abandoned them to repression and expropriation.

We abandoned the Kurds in northern Syria and Iraq.

It goes back further than that. Stockbridge Indians who fought in the Continental Army were rewarded for their service by being juked out of their land in Massachusetts. Loyal Apache scouts were rounded up in 1886, sent off on a train, and incarcerated in Florida along with the militants they ran down.

If you haven’t read “The Afghanistan Papers,” by journalist Craig Whitlock, you should. It’s not a fun read; it’s an indictment of systematic failure and lies across every administration from Bush through Obama to Trump. The Biden Administration added its own crowning disaster last year.

“Distracted by the war in Iraq, the U.S. military became mired in an unwinnable guerrilla conflict in a country it did not understand. But no president wanted to admit failure, especially in a war that began as a just cause. Instead, the Bush, Obama, and Trump administrations sent more and more troops to Afghanistan and repeatedly said they were making progress, even though they knew there was no realistic prospect for an outright victory.”

The hubris and deceit had a real impact on the ground, in the lives of Americans who served there, and for people like Sayed who tried to save their country from Islamist fanatics.

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

Editor in Chief: Jim Cornelius

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Postmaster: Send address changes to The Nugget Newspaper, P.O. Box 698, Sisters, OR 97759. Third Class Postage Paid at Sisters, Oregon. The Nugget is mailed to residents within the Sisters School District; subscriptions are available outside delivery area. Third-class postage: one year, $70; six months (or less), $45. First-class postage: one year, $110; six months, $80. Published Weekly. ©2023 The Nugget Newspaper, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or

I found myself short of breath as Sayed matterof-factly described a tragedy that had permanently upended his life. Because we Americans are responsible for it. All I could do was thank him for the work he did — at the constant risk of his life — on behalf of American forces and his own country, and tell him I was sorry that we abandoned him.

The United States has an abysmal record of abandonment and betrayal of indigenous auxiliaries — men who help us fight the wars of empire and are rewarded with a fistful of ashes.

During the Vietnam War, U.S. Army Special Forces worked and fought

If there is any uplifting story to be salvaged from the wreckage, it is that American citizens, many of them special operations veterans, stepped up and mobilized their own expertise and resources to get people like Sayed out of the country before they could be hunted down and killed as collaborators. Look for “Saving Aziz: How the Mission to Help One Became a Calling to Rescue Thousands from the Taliban,” by Force Recon Marine veteran Chad Robichaux.

As for Sayed, he is resilient because he has to be. He doesn’t have the luxury of victimhood. He’s out there scuffling for a living.

“It’s good,” he told me. “I’m lucky to be alive and in the USA.”

Sisters Folk Festival will host summer creativity camps

Sisters Folk Festival (SFF) will host seven summer creativity camps for middle- and high-schoolaged students at Sisters Art Works in July and August.

The organization partnered with regional teaching artists to create funfilled sessions of art, music, theater, and self-expression. Registration opens February 22 at 10 a.m. online at https://sistersfolkfestival. org/creativity-camps with “pay what you can pricing” to ensure that no child is prevented from participating due to financial barriers.

Seed to Sprout Music Camp , July 10-14, is for players with minimal music experience on their chosen acoustic instrument. Teaching artist Joe Schulte, mandolin player

BOARDS, GROUPS, CLUBS

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

Grants promote Sisters’ vision and goals

By Sue Stafford Correspondent

Citizens4Community (C4C) is announcing the availability of their small Momentum grants for projects related to the Sisters Country Vision.

The purpose of these grants is to help promote community-led action on Vision Strategies outlined in the Sisters Country Vision. The four focus areas include:

Prosperous Sisters: jobs, small business, economic development, and

and bandleader from Moon Mountain Ramblers, Cascade School of Music, and String Theory Music School in Bend, will teach the course. Schulte will provide songs that can be played with the most basic common chords and short, easy-to-learn melodies to memorize. Students will have opportunities to try other instruments as well, offering players real-life experience, and showing them what each different “noise machine” can offer. Enrollment is open to students grades 5-8 and will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Maximum of 20 participants.

Science and the Arts Camp is a half-day camp focused on the intersection of art and science.

The camp is scheduled for July 17-21. Through experiments and constructions using light and sound, campers will tap their personal creativity, finding patterns in nature and art while exploring concepts in Design Science. The camp will be led by Rob Corrigan, former chemistry, physics, engineering, and math teacher at Sisters High School. Enrollment is open to students entering grades seven through nine and will run from 9 a.m. to noon each day. Maximum of 16 participants. Teaching artist and Sisters Middle School science teacher Melissa Stolasz will lead a halfday Middle Grades String

See CAMPS on page 22

entrepreneurial activities that generate income for Sisters — tourism, arts and crafts, recreation, and more.

Livable Sisters: growth and planning, housing, transportation, parks and recreation, environmental quality, biking and walking, and other factors that make Sisters Country a great place to live.

Resilient Sisters: public safety, health and wellness, social services, fire safety and disaster preparedness, and other initiatives to prepare the

Rezoning approved for housing development

By Sue Stafford Correspondent

An affordable housing apartment project in Sisters cleared a big hurdle last week.

The Planning Commission approved a modified version of the City’s application for rezoning of Heavenly Acres from Urban Area Reserve (UAR) to Public Facilities and Institutions (PFI) and Multi-Family Residential (MFR), to accommodate the proposed apartment project.

The City had requested rezoning of two lots as MFR. Initially in their deliberations, the commission was

SISTERS AREA MEETING CALENDAR

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

Heartwarmers (fleece blanketmakers)

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.

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 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.

hesitant to allow any MFR zone at this time because the agreements are not complete with NW Housing Alternatives (NWHA), the apartment complex builders. A compromise was fashioned after hearing public testimony and Commission deliberations. The final decision to grant the MFR rezone to the one lot adjacent to Wellhouse Church was predicated on the fact that NWHA was interested in that lot now, and if the commission didn’t approve the MFR designation now, the builder might go elsewhere. NWHA is currently

See REZONING on page 7

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., 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 PROVIDED

Young musicians of all levels will have a chance to explore their creativity in a series of camps hosted by Sisters Folk Festival. Registration for the camps is underway.

Astronomy Club offers learning outside the classroom

By Olivia Nieto Correspondent

Contributing to community knowledge and learning outside the classroom is a priority in Sisters School District. The Sisters High School Astronomy Club plays a big part in this culture.

Emily Moss, a senior at Sisters High School (SHS), recently visited the Southwest Research Institute in Boulder, Colorado, to help collect data for NASA’s Lucy Mission, joining a team to learn more about the Trojan asteroid Polymele, and its moon Shaun.

The trip lasted six days and provided her with a completely new, hands-on learning environment.

The name “Lucy” was the title given to a NASA space probe launched in October of 2021 for a research and discovery mission to the Trojan asteroids that orbit both sides of Jupiter.

“The goal is to eventually get Lucy to a group of asteroids in Jupiter’s orbit, and throughout the next couple years it’ll use gravity as a boost to fly by a bunch of these asteroids,” said Moss.

The Sisters High School Astronomy Club also contributes data to RECON (Research and Education Collaborative Occultation Network), which focuses on studying unfamiliar objects in the solar system through a citizen-scientist network.

Through their involvement with RECON, the SHS

Astronomy Club was able to participate in a similar NASA Lucy Mission event in 2021, in which six of the Astronomy Club students visited Las Vegas. They joined a campaign focused on collecting data about another Trojan asteroid, named Eurybates, which is also a Lucy target.

This time around, only one SHS student was able to attend the event.

“There were nine students who initially planned to go,” said SHS science teacher and Astronomy Club advisor Rima Givot. “Unfortunately this campaign required participants to be there for a full week, and it was too long for most students to be away.”

The gathering hosted more than 80 people from all over the world to participate in collecting data about Polymele.

“Some people came from Mexico, the UK even, just everywhere,” said Moss.

One of these participants was 2022 graduate and former SHS Astronomy Club President Paola Mendoza. Mendoza is currently studying music education at The University of Colorado at Boulder, and has been an active participant in both RECON and the Lucy Mission.

With such a large group of astronomers, with vastly differing ages and experience levels, Moss was able to familiarize herself better with the material.

“There were attendees there from anywhere to college age, to older people.…

there was a big range of generations. I think I might’ve been the youngest one there,” said Moss. “I learned a lot of stuff I didn’t know before, especially technical things.”

Moss has been a part of the Astronomy Club for a little less than a year, but she still had enough knowledge to understand the ins and outs of what was going on.

“We were looking through the cameras on the telescopes and computers while practicing setup and observation,” she said.

In fact, most of this event revolved around how much the participants could see using telescopes, cameras, and computers. They collected data with an occultation technique, which uses the shadow of an asteroid passing in front of a star to determine the asteroid’s size, shape, velocity, and reflectivity.

This meant that the team had to find the location with the clearest skies that would still be dark at the time of occultation. With these constraints, the team ended up in Kansas.

Despite some technical difficulties, nearly all the teams managed to extract valuable data to contribute to research. Moss and her mother, who accompanied her on the trip, were exposed to the beautiful world of astronomy while doing so.

“It was such a great experience, and it was fun spending time with my mom and getting to know all of these super interesting people who’ve been doing things like this for so long,” Moss said.

Givot was pleased that her student was able to have that experience.

“I’m so glad she went… and the fact that no other adult could go gave Emily the chance to share that time with her mom, which is incredibly special,” she said.

With 11 years left of planned research on the Lucy

Mission, there may be many more opportunities for the future astronomers of Sisters to attend.

Givot said, “I hope students feel a connection to the universe, and know that they’re contributing to learning about the history of the solar system, which helps us all better understand how we fit into this bigger picture of the universe.”

To learn more about NASA’s Lucy Project, visit lucy.swri.edu. To learn more about RECON, visit http:// tnorecon.net.

A Sisters student had an exceptional opportunity to join the Lucy Mission, learning about the Trojan asteroid Polymele.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Reject gas station expansion

Continued from page 2

procedures. I daresay these medical procedures do not leave these individuals “to be just regular people,” as Ms. Vermillion posits.

Schools cannot administer aspirin to a student but they can “affirm” their identity as the opposite sex without alerting the parents. In the state of Oregon a minor cannot get a tattoo — even with their parent’s consent — but they can obtain puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and even gender reassignment surgery without their parent’s clearance. In the 1990s we decried female genital mutilation in African countries, and yet here we are celebrating performing double mastectomies on 15-years-olds and calling the supporters of such things “heroes.” If a parent, teacher, or medical provider speaks out about the insanity of these heinous procedures, they are immediately charged with being a bigot.

Brothers and sisters, I do not say this lightly: This is not tolerance. This is child abuse. Transgender ideology in our youth is a lie, and the procedures that enable “gender transitions” create life-long medical patients out of healthy children’s bodies. It is madness, and we must stop masking it with words like “tolerance” and “affirmation” and futile debates on pronouns. We can love, affirm, and accept our youth without kowtowing to this dangerous cultural phenomenon.

Dawn Bernhardt

To the Editor:

s s s Unhoused

So with the Bend camping restrictions looming over Bend’s unhoused people, and particularly those on Hunnell Road, I wonder if there will be an uptick in the unhoused that are displaced from those clearances coming out to Sisters and camping on the Forest Service property in our area?

Oh, I don’t wanna go borrowing trouble, but it seems like it would be good for the City, and the warming shelter proponents of Sisters, and the Homeless Leadership Coalition to be eyeing any potential situation. Is there anyone in our community that can share any data? Is there any data to be shared?

Michelle Ehr

To the Editor:

Anne Thompson hit the nail on the head in her letter to the editor of February 8.

Let’s be frank. By any relevant standard, a 16-pump station at that location (on the corner of Cascade Avenue and Pine Street) would be inappropriate. Full stop.

On its very face, the proposal violates both the words and the spirit of the Comprehensive Plan. There is no way that an objective, rational, and merits-based —i.e., responsible — land-use process should approve it. A decision to deny the proposal may be a difficult and uncomfortable one, as Sisters is a small city, and officials in small cities often have legitimate community or social connections with proponents of a project.

These connections can influence — however subtly — the decision-making process. But they must not. The bedrock principles of a proper landuse process dictate that decisions be made wholly unencumbered by such influences. And the public — aided by the accountability afforded by the land-use appeals process — expects no less.

Kirk Johns

s s s

Sisters as we know it

To the Editor:

I sympathize with the letters to The Nugget (February 15, 2023) critical of the proposal to build a 16-pump gas station at the site of the Space Age station. This proposal is a result of the City’s inability or refusal to rein in development.

The City’s approval of the many apartment units behind the Dollar Store followed by its approval of the extensive tract housing of the Woodlands and the Mckenzie Meadows projects will add perhaps a thousand cars to the streets of Sisters. These cars will need services: gas stations, repair shops, dealerships, etc. The explosion in population will require additional services: larger schools, larger police and fire departments, a larger city hall, bigbox stores, etc. Indeed, try to imagine the ripple effect of this runaway development. The City certainly didn’t.

Sisters as we have known it will disappear. Its future will be that of a mini-Bend, a mess.

It cannot be said often enough that these housing developments are not meant to address organic need but to attract people from elsewhere to the profit of developers who have no interest in the consequences of their projects.

The City frequently claims that it must approve development if it meets zoning requirements. This is a tired excuse used to justify destructive projects. If true, and if the City cares about the quality of life of its residents, then change the zoning or, even better, go to Salem and get the legislature to change the land laws to favor municipalities over developers. Otherwise, may the residents of Sisters be damned and be prepared for more gas stations.

Gary Leiser

Nothing is unbelievable anymore

To the Editor:

Could it get any worse? Sadly, yes. I wasn’t planning to write another letter quite yet since my comments on Measure 114 (The Nugget, January 18 issue). On that topic, two mass shootings in California just in the week after, and more since. I rest my case on the endless debate about the need for better gun control in America.

On to another topic that is completely mindboggling to me: Will this country actually stand by, and allow Trump — the proven “leader” of the January 6 insurrection, run for any political office, much less the presidency again?! Even worse, if that is possible, the rumblings about M.T. Greene being considered as a running mate? Whoa, if that actually plays out — then, as my Dad used to say, “give us strength.”

I don’t think anyone will really ever figure out what has happened to the Republican Party, and I have never voted Republican, but Liz Cheney, please run for president in 2024, so I can vote for you — you are one politician who might be able to restore some semblance of common sense to this country, and not cater to MAGA supporters or “Let’s Go Brandon” fanatics.

Steven Blauvelt

Three swimmers medal at State

By Charlie Kanzig Correspondent

Clayten Heuberger, Joseph Souza, and Ella Bartlett all medaled at the OSAA 4A/3A/2A/1A swimming championships held February 17-18 at Tualatin Hills Swim Center.

Heuberger, a senior who attends Redmond Proficiency Academy but swims for his hometown Outlaws, finished among the top swimmers in both the 100-yard backstroke and the 50-yard freestyle, placing third in both. The same two swimmers placed ahead of him in both races.

Heuberger clocked 56.46 in the backstroke, the third best time in the prelims, and the next day dropped his finals time to 53.54 in a hotly contested race. The winner, Sam Postlewait of Newport, won in 53.04 and Akira Van de Groenendaal of Catlin Gabel took the runnerup spot in 53.31.

In the 50-yard freestyle, Heuberger took a time of 22.82 into the final, but he could not match the speed of Postlewait (21.77) and Van de Groenendaal (21.89) as he finished in 22.87.

Teammate Joseph Souza, a sophomore, fought his way into the final of the 50-yard freestyle as the sixth and final qualifier with a time of 23.51 in the prelims. He finished sixth in the final as well, with a time of 23.77 to earn a medal.

Souza could not match the magic in the 100-yard breaststroke, where he missed the

final spot, placing seventh in the prelims with a seasonbest time of 1:06.13.

In the girls’ competition, junior Ella Bartlett secured a spot in the finals of the 100-yard breaststroke with a sixth-place finish in a time of 1:15.74. In the finals she lowered her mark to 1:15.62 to take the sixth-place medal.

The winner, Kirsten Sautel of Sweet Home, swam 1:08.22.

In the grueling 500-yard freestyle, Bartlett finished 12th in the prelims (5:51.21), and did not advance to the final.

The winner, ninth grader Becca Koza of Cove, won the race in 5:09.51.

Coach Alex Bick had a lot to say about his three swimmers following the meet,

“It was incredible for all three to make finals and extend their swimming

seasons,” he said. “Clayten had personal best swims and gave everything he had in his races. Ella did not make 500-free finals but still set a personal record and left the pool with burning lungs. Ella embodies everything you want in a competitor, and leaves nothing behind when she finishes a race.”

He continued, “Swimming is a tough sport and can be incredibly humbling. Joseph made a big leap to make 50-free finals. He took the race to heart as witnessed by him taking time to sit by himself on the side of the pool. I think he was plotting his plan to come back next year and compete at an even higher level.”

In the team competition, perennial power Catlin Gabel of Portland won both the boys and girls titles handily.

Continued from page 3

in negotiations with the owner of the lot, Wellhouse Church, to purchase the 2.63 acres to build and manage apartments specifically designated for people earning 80 percent of the adjusted area median income or less.

The Heavenly Acres subdivision (27.32 acres) was created in 1981 as part of Deschutes County. It was annexed into the City of Sisters in 1999 when it was subdivided into seven lots and platted. The properties are located in the southwestern area of Sisters and are bounded by West McKinney Butte Road to the north, Highway 242 to the south, and South Village Meadow to the east. The area is bisected north/south by North Trinity Way.

At the time of the annexation, Urban Area Reserve (UAR) zoning was applied to the property “to serve as a holding zone and to retain parcels in larger sizes until

public facilities (including water, sewer, and transportation) are available and the land is rezoned for urban uses and densities.” Public facilities are all now available to the parcels and UAR isn’t a relevant designation.

The rezone has never been requested by any of the property owners, all of whom are churches. The impetus to finally push forward with the rezone relates to the City Council’s goal of achieving more affordable housing in the community.

Funds are available to help leverage affordable and workforce housing through the City’s Affordable Housing Grant Fund (funded by a percentage of the transient lodging tax), Urban Renewal District Funds devoted to housing, and from a one-time, $500,000 contribution of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds passed through from Deschutes County for affordable housing. MFR zoning for one lot was necessary to accommodate the lowcost housing. The Planning Commission chose to change the zoning on the remaining six lots to PFI.

www.NuggetNews.com

Ella Bartlett, Clayten Heuberger, and Joseph Souza all medaled at the state swimming meet last week.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Outlaws hit the hardwood in league playoffs

By Rongi Yost Correspondent

The Outlaws (No.3) defeated La Pine (No.4) 65-53 at home on Thursday, February 16, in the first round of the Mountain Valley Conference Playoffs. Sisters got off to a hot start right out of the gates, just like they did in their match-up three days earlier (see related story at www.nuggetnews.com) , and scored the first nine points of the contest.

Jessey Murillo got the scoring started on a drive and dish pass from Mehkye Froehlich. Kale Gardner scored the next seven points, his first basket a wing threepointer on an assist from Scott, and the next two baskets on drives to the basket in transition.

The Outlaws’ defense stifled the Hawks and held them to one-of-seven shooting (14 percent) in the quarter, and forced them into four turnovers.

Gardner scored nine points in the period, Murillo had six, and Scott chipped in with four of the Outlaws’ 19 points. At the close of the first quarter the Outlaws were on top 19-6.

Play was fairly even in the second quarter. Sisters had four baskets in the period, three of them three-pointers. Scott hit a triple on the wing with an assist from Adam Maddox-Castle 30 seconds into the period, Fischer hit his triple-try at the top of the key on a pass from Murillo, and Maddox-Castle hit the final three from the wing on a pass from Froehlich. Froehlich finished the scoring with a contested layup with less than a

minute to go in the quarter. At the half the Outlaws held a 14-point cushion with a score of 30-16.

Teams traded baskets back and forth at the start of the third period, but then with 4:30 left on the clock the Outlaws went on a 6-0 run and extended their lead to 18 points. The run started with another triple from Scott (assist from Froehlich) on a baseline inbound play. Scott hit another long ball in the quarter, and Fischer hit a three-pointer on a pass from Taine Martin with less than a minute left in the quarter. The Outlaws’ defense was solid and forced another four turnovers. Sisters held a 19-point advantage, 49-30, as teams headed into the final quarter.

The Outlaws knew they needed to come out aggressive and put the Hawks away early, but the Hawks had other plans. La Pine came out with more aggressiveness and full court pressure than before and cut the Outlaws’ lead to 13 points with 3:49 left in the game. Most of their points came from the charity stripe as they went a perfect 12-12 in the period.

Sisters called a timeout to regroup and refocus. The Outlaws responded and increased their lead back to 19 points. La Pine’s second unit hit a few field goals and several more free-throws to cut Sisters’ lead back to 12 for the final score of 65-53.

The Hawks went 27-34 from the free-throw line on the night, which accounted for over half of their total points.

Gardner led the Outlaws with 17 points, followed

by Scott, who scored 15. Maddox-Castle contributed nine points, Fischer and Murillo tallied eight each, and Froehlich added six.

Coach Chad Rush said, “This was a game that no one was really excited for as we had just played La Pine three nights earlier. Despite that, I was proud of the way the team came out and performed tonight to earn us a berth into the state playoffs. Tonight was a pretty balanced attack with five guys scoring eight points or more, which is always a formula for success. We are excited to participate in the state playoffs next week and are eager to see who and where we will play.

Two days later the Outlaws traveled to Pleasant Hill (PH) to take on the Billies in the second round of league playoffs, and lost the contest 50-37. The game was a Stateseeding game and didn’t affect either the Outlaws’ or the Billies’ berth into the 3A State Playoffs.

The Outlaws struggled on offense from the start and only scored four points in the first quarter, all from Murillo. Sisters just couldn’t convert on the offensive end, and missed several good shots that unfortunately didn’t fall. On the plus side, the Outlaws’ defense held the usual highscoring Billies to just 13 points in the period.

In the second quarter the baskets began to fall for the Outlaws. Scoring started off quick with Murillo being fouled and then converting both his free-throws. Maddox-Castle contributed

the next five points; a three-pointer on an assist from Diego Silva, and on the next possession a fast break layup on an assist from Gardner.

Gardner tied the game 14-14 on the next possession when he hit a triple from the corner with an assist from Scott. Unfortunately, the Billies responded with an 8-0 run and took the lead. PH extended their lead to 11 at the half, with the Outlaws down 18-29.

The Outlaws’ defense did a good job in the third quarter, and held Gavin Inglish, the Billies’ high-scorer, to just three points. Sisters’ offense outscored the Billies 14-12 in the quarter, with five different players contributing points. With less than a minute left in the third, Brody Fischer and Beckwith hit back-to-back three-pointers to close out the quarter and cut the Billies’ lead to nine.

Sisters’ defense again focused on Inglish and held him scoreless in the final period, and in addition held the Billies’ offense to singledigit points for the first time this year. Sadly, the Outlaws also only scored in the single

digits and were not able to make up the point deficit, and had to record the loss.

Murillo led the Outlaws with 10 points, and MaddoxCastle followed with nine. Gardner tallied six points and two assists, and Scott finished with four points and two assists. Fischer contributed three points, three rebounds, and two blocks.

Rush said, “This was a game that meant very little for us in terms of standings and positioning for the State Playoffs, which we already clinched with our home win over La Pine on Thursday. The meaning that it did have was to try and erase the two league losses and the bad taste those losses left in our mouths. While we didn’t get the victory tonight, we played so much better and confident that I was pleased with the way the kids played.”

I was proud of the way the team came out and performed tonight to earn us a berth into the state playoffs.

— Coach Chad Rush

2014 GMC SIERRA 2500HD

By T. Lee Brown

One day a couple of weeks ago, I was writing at Junction Roastery coffeehouse in Redmond. It’s an active, friendly place. On a previous visit I’d met a cool guy named Clifford who had great style, with a 1980s MC vibe. Later I found out he’s a former sheriff’s department commander who sits on the city council, a veritable Redmond demiceleb. But at the coffeehouse, it was all casual. We just chitchatted.

Another time, a woman carrying a striking handbag — it had the Black Flag logo on it — sat next to me at the counter. We got to talking and found that we had things in common: singing in bands, doing theatre, concern for our aging parents, a love of vintage clothes and furniture. Our kids go to the same school.

Now we are friends. I think she and her Atomic Bazaar vintage shop are wonderful. Thank heavens I didn’t just whip out my phone and ignore the real people around me that day.

Last week, a familiar face appeared at Junction. It was one of our elected officials, Phil Chang. People sat and talked, got up, made space for newcomers. Whatever was on their minds, these voters brought it to Phil Chang on neutral, friendly ground — not whatever government building the Deschutes County Commissioners work in. Apparently he’s going to visit us in Sisters too.

That night I logged on to Mastodon, an alternative to corporate, algorithm-driven social media. Mastodon’s gotten popular since Elon Musk bought Twitter. Mastodon felt like the old-school Internet of the 1990s— a little clunky, a little random, rife with possibility.

Strangers, many of us new to the Mastodon platform and the sprawling technolibertarian Fediverse of which it is part, reached out to each other. Some imitated news pundits from the old Twitterverse, making bold statements about politics and current events, most eliciting little response.

Some chatted about their lives: favorite music, on-theground photos from Ukraine, deep geekery on programming languages, the weather in North Dakota.

Nature nerds posted photos of large trees (hashtag #thicktrunktuesdays). I was delighted to find an actual news and tech culture pundit, someone I sort of knew when we both wrote for Wired magazine.

I wasn’t sure how to respond, see if he remembered me. I clunked along, typing @, saying something like, “Hey, didn’t you play accordion for Lakeside Rebar with us in Jamie’s apartment?” He remembered.

But I’d gotten the instrument wrong. The accordion in my memory, playing altcountry in a Chelsea apartment before a gig upstate, was flat-out false. He’d actually played #harmonica. Note to self: Do not count on your memory. When possible, corroborate presumed facts with other people’s, also possibly incorrect, memories. He was nice about it, and helped me learn Mastodon.

There were other brief reunions. A bunch of us wrote quickie haikus based on a daily prompt. A conversation emerged between myself and a professor emeritus of economics based in the UK. I

made encouraging posts to a depressed stranger, a kid far away having a rough time.

Fewer cats, fewer fights, fewer clever but annoying memes than I remember from a decade ago when I was active on social media. Mastodon reminded me of conversations I’ve had at local hangouts—Fika, Sisters Coffee, Angeline’s, Suttle Tea.

I thought back to my family’s first months in Sisters some seven years ago, meeting other parents by striking up conversations at the splash pad, Village Green’s old wooden playground, SPRD. Some became dear friends or cherished acquaintances.

Back on Mastodon, conflict invariably emerged. An antifa magick guy groused at me; his friends starred and boosted my gentle rebuttals. Elsewhere I was accused of being insufficiently woke. The blocker bestowed upon me the opportunity to explain myself.

Instead I decided to re-explore my culturally ingrained, possibly discriminatory thinking in private. I’ll be blocked by some while I do this soul work. That’s okay.

It feels good, living in a world where we can congregate and conversate, even disagree. As someone with recurring chronic illness,

I know what it’s like to be stuck at home and need the lifeline of online community.

Better, though, is to take a chance on real people in the real world around me— including people I can’t just block if their views seem old-fashioned or genuinely upsetting. Assume we might have something in common, even if our every political or religious belief is not aligned. Be open to a short conversation when I don’t have time for an in-depth one.

Today I sit typing next to the roaring fire in Sisters Coffee. Outside, snow blows from the west, swirling down Hood Avenue. For every person engrossed in their

phone or laptop, I see three or four chatting with each other. A few silently contemplate the room, listening to the buzz.

A young woman puts down her iPhone to say hi to a somewhat older gentleman who sits down nearby. He turns away from his laptop and they talk. He works in Internet infrastructure, building the bandwidth we depend upon. They enjoy 10 minutes or so of conversation, then return to their separate devices and separate lives. I see acquaintances across the room and make do with a wave. My deadline looms. Perhaps tomorrow we can chat.

Deschutes County residents chat with County Commissioner Phil Chang at a coffeehouse in Redmond.

PHOTO BY TL BROWN

A NNOUNCEMENT S

Sisters High Deser t Chorale

Practices for Spring Season begin on March 27. e group meets each Monday night f rom 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration on Brooks Camp Road. Spring concerts are planned for the first week of June. ere are no auditions required. If you would like to lend your voice to this f riendly musical group, we’d love to have you as a member. For more information, please contact Connie Gunterman at 541588- 0362

Weekly Food Pantry

e Wellhouse Church has a weekly food pantr y on ursdays , now beginning at 3 p.m. Both drive-through pick-up and shopping-st yle distribution available. Call 541-549-4184

Parkinson’s Support Group

Are you a person experiencing Parkinson’s disease (PD) or a care par tner/ family member desiring to better support your loved one with PD? We invite you to join our support group to experience f riendship, shared experiences , and a better understanding 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 hosts 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 amilycaregiver support group featuring local organizations Call 541-548-3049

Free Weekly Meal Service

Family Kitchen is hosting a weekly to-go hot meal ser vice on Tuesdays , 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Sisters Communit y Church Visit www FamilyKitchen.org

Americ an Legion and VFW Change of location. Meetings will be held in Main Church Building Sisters Community Church. First Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Members are invited to attend . For more information call Charles Wilson 847-34 4-0498

Sisters Careg iver Support Group

A f acilitated support group for caregivers of those with chronic or life-shor tening diseases meets 10 to 11:30 a.m on the third Tuesday of ever y month at Sisters Episcopal Church. For information, call 541-719-0 031, ask for Kay

Free Lunches for Seniors

For those 60+, the Council on Aging of Central Oregon o ers a fun, no-cost social lunch ever y Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sisters Communit y Church. No reservations needed. No-cost Grab-N-Go lunches take place weekly Wednesdays and ursdays at Sisters Communit y Church 12:30 to 1 p.m. Call 541-797-9367.

Museum is reopening!

e Sisters Museum, brought to you by the ree Sisters Historical Society, will be reopening on Februar y 17. Returning to regular hours of 10 a .m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays , they are looking for volunteers with an interest in Sisters history. Please call 541-5491403 or email volunteer@ threesistershistoricalsociet y. org to find out more.

Silent Echo eater Company

Auditions for Silent Echo eater Company ’s 2023

One-Acts will take place f rom

7 to 9 p.m. March 5 at Sisters Communit y Church and March 6 at 1687 Foundation, 260 E . Sun Ranch Rd. Actors

14 years old and older are encour aged to attend. For more information visit https:// silentechotheatercompany org or call 310 -710 -2874.

Sisters Habitat Board Openings

e Sisters Habit at Board has openings for people passionate about a ordable housing in Sisters . We seek communit y members with a variet y of talents . Board members ser ve for three-year terms. If interested, email info@sistershabitat.org or call Habitat at 541-549-1193.

Sisters Communit y Garden Opens Applications

Join Sisters Community Garden and reser ve a place to grow your favorite vegetables , flowers and herbs . Applications for new and existing members are available through March 1 Returning gardeners have until that date to reser ve the same raised bed they used last year. e application, release of liability form, garden rules and f urther information are located on the group’s website at sisterscommunitygarden org. Email questions to SistersCommunityGarden@ gmail.com or call 503-6800691

Cloverdale Rural Fire Protec tion Distric t Cloverdale Rural Fire Protection District is accepting nominations for the Don Johnson Communit y Service Award until Friday, March 10. Nominee must reside in the Cloverdale Fire District and exhibit a notable sense of communit y spirit, support, and volunteerism. Any resident of Cloverdale Fire District may submit a nomination to: Board Secretar y, Cloverdale RFPD, 67433 Cloverdale Rd., Sisters , OR 97759

Hunny

Hunny is an adorable, sophisticated, sensitive, and intelligent bunny. She has been expos ed to children and has used her litter box like a champ. Honey will make a great companion. She’s full of love and ver y play ful; loves her toys and may even learn to play fetch! Just like a dog or cat, rabbits need plent y of exercis e, toys , vet care, a cozy home, and best of all, lots of loving interaction with you!

Commentary...

Recovering from burnout

By Mitchell Luftig Columnist

When I feel utterly exhausted and every obligation seems overwhelming, I know I’m burned out.

According to the Unease Modulation Model formulated by Joseph Apaia, M.D. and others, burnout occurs when we have exhausted our long-term energy reserves and we face substantial barriers to replenishing them.

One way long-term reserves can be exhausted is through persistent unease, “that may be due to abuse, deprivation, distress in a primary relationship, or having to violate core values in order to maintain a work or living situation.”

Our long-term reserves may also be drained by family and work obligations that make excessive demands on us.

The pandemic, as a case in point, substantially increased demands in several areas at once:

• Financial demands — you may have been laid off, trying to make ends meet;

• Cognitive demands — searching for accurate information about the coronavirus to keep yourself and family safe;

• Social demands — trying to preserve relationships and systems of support without the benefit of direct contact with friends, family, and colleagues;

SISTER S- ARE A C HURCH ES

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.transfiguration-sister s.org

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

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

POLICY: Nonprofits, schools , churches , birth, engagement, wedding , and anniversar y notices may run at no charge. Business items do not run on this page. All submissions are subject to editing and run only as space allows. Email nug get@nuggetnews com or drop o at 4 42 E . Main Ave

• Time demands — parents supervising and supporting their children’s education, while working from home or seeking new employment.

Not surprisingly, around four in 10 people who struggled to meet increased demands due to the pandemic have reported trouble sleeping — with sleep experts calling the surge in sleep problems “coronasomnia.” The pandemic’s disruption of our daily routines and the resulting increase in our media (and alcohol) consumption has also contributed to a spike in coronasomnia cases, according to www.sleep foundation.org.

One of the functions of sleep is to restore our energy and vitality; chronic sleep problems will hinder our recovery from burnout.

(See https://nuggetnews. com/Content/Columns/ Columns/Article/Sleep-andthe-pandemic/10/10/31931)

Once we have exhausted long-term reserves, the only means we have to meet daily demands is to send our sympathetic nervous system into overdrive with activation of our “fight or flight” response, producing a growing sense of unease that prevents us from refueling our reserves.

The road back from burnout

To replenish our longterm reserves we must engage in activities that restore our energy and vitality, which must include weeks of restful sleep. Rest and relaxation activates our parasympathetic nervous system, which shuts off the fight-or-flight response, quelling our sense of unease.

You can learn to increase parasympathetic arousal with a simple breathing technique: Close your eyes and take a slow, deep breath; gradually releasing the air from your lungs. Find a rhythm that relaxes you.

The next step in your recovery from burnout is to select a routine — working out at the gym, meditating, hiking, etc. — to systematically raise your parasympathetic arousal.

Beginning a new routine introduces an unfamiliar demand into your life that may initially increase unease, making you resistant to practicing the healthy behavior you selected.

You can learn to tolerate the uptick in unease using a visualization technique:

• Use your breathing technique to enter a relaxed state.

• Visualize the steps involved in mastering your new routine.

• When you experience unease, return to your breath until the unease subsides.

• Practice until you can visualize your new routine without unease.

Once your program has become a “healthy habit” it will effectively modulate your level of unease.

You will want to address the factors that contributed to burnout so that you don’t repeat the same cycle:

Identify excessive family and work obligations that drain your reserves. Create a plan to limit obligations so that resources remain adequate to meet demands. Invite others to share these obligations to make them more manageable.

Not all unease is bad.

A moderate increase in unease can enable you to draw energy from shortterm reserves, increasing your effective use of your resources, which decreases the difficulty of a task.

When we complete a difficult task and reduce our unease, we experience a pleasurable feeling that motivates us to tackle new challenges.

Modulate unease by focusing attention on the resources you have available to meet current demands, the outcome you want to achieve, and your past successes at meeting similar demands and obligations.

When dealing with a stressful confrontation — at work or in your personal life — modulate your unease with your breathing technique so that you remain calm, and are able to harness your social skills to deescalate the situation, and cognitive resources to achieve a constructive resolution to the conflict.

Should the confrontation pose a physical threat to your safety, retain sufficient sympathetic arousal so that you can accurately appraise potential danger and quickly respond.

Something’s brewing at Suttle Lake

The Fourth Annual Suttle Lodge Winter Beer Festival is on tap for Friday, February 24 - Sunday, February 26, noon to 5 p.m. each day, on the shores of Suttle Lake.

This Bavarian-inspired outdoor festival offers a full weekend of fun under the pines of the Deschutes National Forest with 25-plus craft breweries, food, live music, and cozy winter lodge vibes, all benefiting CASA, which supports children.

Suttle Lodge’s six rustic cabins will be transformed into mini-pubs serving seasonal and limited-release craft beers from 35 Oregon breweries, plus food, live music, VIP special reserve tastings, and more. It’s an outdoor celebration of seasonal beers, fresh mountain air, and the magic of winter in Central Oregon, all benefiting children in need in Central Oregon.

Single-day and weekend pass tickets are available with general admission and VIP options, ranging from $50 to $160 per person. Designated drivers and kids have free entry, and well-behaved dogs are also welcome. Tickets are available at https://the suttlelodge.com/happenings/ upcoming/wbf/.

“We’re excited to share new releases from some of our favorite Oregon breweries, revel by the warmth of the fires, enjoy the music of the Suttle Lodge house band, and meet new beerloving friends,” says Donald Kenney of The Suttle Lodge & Boathouse. “There’s something magical about the crisp forest air in the wintertime.”

This year’s participating breweries include: Ale

Apothecary, Bale Breaker Brewing Company, Bauman’s Century Farm Cider, Bend Cider Co., Boneyard

Brewing, Boss Rambler Beer Club, Breakside Brewery, Buoy Beer Co., Crux, Deschutes Brewery, Double Mountain Brewery & Cidery, Everybody’s Brewing, GoodLife Brewing Company, Heater Allen Brewing, Hopworks Urban Brewery, Level Beer, Ninkasi Brewing Company, pFriem Family Brewers, Stickmen Brewing Company, Sunriver Brewing Company, Von Ebert Brewing, Wayfinder Beer, Wild Ride Brewing, Wolves & People Farmhouse Brewery, and Xicha Brewing Co. VIP Liquor Partners: William Grant & Sons and Brown-Forman.

A portion of the proceeds from the 2023 Suttle Lodge Winter Beer Festival will be donated to CASA of Central Oregon, a nonprofit

organization that recruits, trains, and supports volunteers who advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in the court system. CASA volunteers work within the courts in collaboration with key agencies, legal counsel, and community resources to ensure that every child in foster care in Central Oregon can transition into a safe and permanent home.

Sisters-Area Events & Enter tainment

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23

Suttle Lodge Fireside Music by Dave and Melody Hill

6-8 p.m. Reservations required; tickets at bendticket.com. For more information: info@thesuttlelodge.com.

Paulina Springs Books Community Poetr y Open Mic Night & Book Talk Share a poem you have written, or one you love, then listen to featured poet Donna Henderson present “Send Word,” 6:30 p.m. Info: PaulinaSpringsBooks.com.

FRIDAY • FEBRUARY 24

Hood Avenue Art Going To The Beach Galler y Show

4 to 6:30 p.m. Live music by Sisters Ukulele Club 357 W. Hood Ave. More info: 541-719-1800

Paulina Springs Books Book Talk Paul Alan Bennett presents “HUG: A Visual Chronicle of Our Need to Touch.” 6:30 p.m. Info: PaulinaSpringsBooks.com.

Hardtails Karaoke with KJ Mindy 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. For more information call 541-549-6114.

SATURDAY • FEBRUARY 25

The Belfr y Live Music by Henhouse Prowlers with Ky Burt 7 p.m. Henhouse Prowlers are Bluegrass Ambassadors. Tickets at BendTicket.com.

THURSDAY • MARCH 2

Suttle Lodge Fireside Music by Scout Harris Band 6-8 p.m. Reservations required; tickets at bendticket.com. For more information: info@thesuttlelodge.com.

Paulina Springs Books Book Talk Local thriller/mystery writers Frank Zafiro and Jamie Lee Fry read from their new works “Hope Dies Last” and “The Liar ’s Club.” 6:30 p.m. Info: PaulinaSpringsBooks.com.

FRIDAY • MARCH 3

Hardtails Karaoke with KJ Mindy 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. For more information call 541-549-6114.

SATURDAY • MARCH 4

Chops Bistro Live Music: Deni Herrmann & Bob Baker Playing 6 to 8 p.m. in the lounge at 370 E. Cascade Ave. Information: 541-549-6015

THURSDAY • MARCH 9

Suttle Lodge Fireside Music by Jeshua Marshall 6-8 p.m. Reservations required; tickets at bendticket.com. For more information: info@thesuttlelodge.com.

The Suttle Lodge Winter Beer Festival is on tap this weekend.

PHOTO PROVIDED

SUNSET MEADOWS: Construction slated to begin summer 2023

Continued from page 1

that the multifamily apartments, which were slated for the last phase (of five) of the development would be built as phase three, to ensure they would be available sooner.

Initially, the applicant, George Hale of Woodhill Homes, announced he would appeal that decision, and it was scheduled for a de novo (new) hearing before the Sisters City Council on February 28. However, several weeks later the appeal was withdrawn. Therefore, according to planner Martin, the January 19 Planning Commission decision is final.

In a phone interview with The Nugget , Hale said his partner, who is building the apartments, wanted to go ahead with the apartments to be built simultaneously

GRANTS: C4C offering small grants for ‘Vision’ projects

Continued from page 3

community for unanticipated events.

Connected Sisters: governance and leadership, education and learning, civic engagement and dialogue, volunteerism, and other things that bind us together as a community.

With an annual grant budget of $5,000, made possible by support from the Ford Family Foundation, the maximum request may be for $1,250. C4C offers an open application process based on the availability of funds. Grant proposals are due the end of each month while funding remains. Notification of funding status will occur by the 20th of the following month. Requests under $250, with preapproval and applicable invoice, may be funded without committee review at the discretion of C4C staff and/or C4C board chair.

Projects must be focused on work being done in Sisters Country in support

with the construction of the single-family homes and townhouses. Therefore, they will be complying with the conditions of the master plan approval.

Hale indicated that, if all goes according to schedule, street construction within the development should start sometime this summer.

The site plan for the apartments must be approved by the City prior to the start of construction. The master plan indicated the apartment complex might include a dog park and playground.

The entire 12.92 acres was approved as three parcels, one for the single-family homes and townhouses, one for apartments, and a third one on the southeast corner of the property bounded by West Hood Avenue and Highway 242, which will be an open space with trees.

The entire development will be market-rate dwellings.

of strategies in the Sisters Country Vision. Applicants may be organizations, businesses, coalitions, or individuals. Priority consideration will be given to projects that involve collaboration with others in Sisters Country.

Applications are reviewed by a five-member committee consisting of two C4C board members and three Community Builders and/or Vision Implementation Team (VIT) members.

Past recipients of Momentum grants have included Seed to Table, Age Friendly Sisters, Together for Children, FEAST (Food Education Agriculture Solutions Together), and Prevent Mass Shootings Now. Previous grantees may make another application but only once a year.

If interested in applying, send an email request to Josie Newport at director@citizens 4community.com to receive a link to the online application. Before completing an application, it is strongly recommended you discuss your project and its viability for receiving funding with Josie Newport of C4C at 541-306-9797.

Obituaries

Sylvia Lee Reinhardt

Passed January 16, 2023

Sylvia Lee Reinhardt of Sisters has a new residence in heaven as of January 16, after a long battle with cancer. Sylvia was predeceased by her husband, Vern Reinhardt, and her son, Steve Reinhardt. She has left behind her brother and sister-inlaw, Wayne and Kathy Kerley; her daughters, Linda Wheatley (George), Christal Valdez (Jorge), and her daughter-in-law, Terrie Reinhardt. She also leaves behind her

Lynn (Audrain) Berg

Lynn (Audrain) Berg was born in Prineville but was raised in Lebanon and spent most of her young adult life in the Willamette Valley. In 1994 she followed her eldest daughter to Central Oregon and over the next few years the rest of the Audrain family followed suit until basically the entire family lived within 25 miles of each other.

She opened The Barbershop in Sisters in 2000 until she moved it to her home in 2010, where she continued barbering until she retired several years later. She enjoyed work ing with her clientele and

grandchildren, Jay, Dusty, Jordyn, Cameron, Eva, Jilly, Ross, Kevin, and Matthew; as well as her great-granddaughter, Olivia.

Sylvia will always be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She had a great love for her country, golf, football, baseball, Jesus, and her family.

She was also proud of her career at City of Hope and as a broker in real estate. She was an active member of the Seniors in Sisters group and a Red Cross volunteer.

Sylvia will be greatly missed by those who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

greatly missed seeing them after she had retired.

She loved riding and taking care of horses, “flipping” travel trailers/campers, fishing with her sisters, gardening, working on her koi pond, crafting, i.e. making gnomes and fairy houses, and — last but not least — her dogs, Lilly and Teddy.

She loved teaching her grandchildren how to bake and make cheesecake — her specialty.

She is survived by husband Mike Berg of Sisters, daughters KaSondra Stutzman and Jamie Audrain of Sisters, three grandsons, Skyler Stutzman of Albany, Josh and Jake Glenn of

sisters, Holly Perry, Sandra Mayernik, and Robin Morehouse as well as many, many nieces and nephews. She asked that no services be held but would like

1. Pick up a specially labeled BLUE BAG from the porch of Furr y Friends or The Nugget.

2. Fill the bag with Oregonredeemable bottles and cans. (Max 20 lbs. per bag.)

3. Drop off at any BottleDrop location including Ray’s in Sisters (scan code on bag to open door), or on The Nugget’s porch (now on the right side). Mail

Obituaries

Lester W. Stiles, Deschutes County Sheriff (ret.)

Sheriff (ret.) Lester W. Stiles passed away January 6, at his home in Caldwell, Idaho, from a series of nonCOVID related lung issues. He was born December 7, 1945 in Pensacola, Florida, where his father, Marine Captain William Robert Stiles, was teaching hand-tohand combat. June Stiles was Les’ mother.

As a child and with his sisters, Laura and Donna, the family lived in Hartford, Connecticut, Little Rock, Arkansas, Charlotte, North Carolina, Houston, Texas, Joliet, Illinois, and Naperville, Illinois. Les attended Naperville High School, after which joined the United States Army and was stationed on the DMZ in Korea. Commissioned an engineer Second Lieutenant at the age of 21 years, he was assigned as company commander in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. After serving six years on active duty, he left to attend college and joined the Army Reserves with Special Forces. Always seeking new experiences and skills, Les completed many Army schools including Airborne, Special Forces Underwater Course, and Pathfinder.

Les and his wife, Carol, were married in 1974. Upon completion of a Bachelor of Arts degree at Illinois State University, Les and Carol toured the country and ultimately settled in Colorado. Les’ original intention was to be an English teacher, but he was hired as a rookie

patrolman by Northglenn, Colorado Police Department and found his true calling. While with Northglenn Police, Les taught undergraduate law enforcement college classes and attained a master’s degree in public administration at University of Northern Colorado-Greeley.

After six years with Northglenn, the family moved to Moab, Utah where Les was sworn in as police chief. Two years later they moved to Bend, and found “their” community, where they remained for 36 years.

Hiring on as a patrol officer with Bend Police Department, Les moved through the ranks attaining the position of Lieutenant. He always said the best job was being a watch commander. During the 17 years he served with Bend Police, Les taught law enforcement classes at Central Oregon Community College. He also owned a fly-fishing guide business working with Stringham Outfitters.

In 2000, Les was elected Deschutes County Sheriff and took office in January, 2001. He was a servantleader who led with vision, compassion, and humor; always with an eye on the

future and the best outcomes for the public.

Les and his team accomplished many things, including Sheriff’s Office and jail certification, Shop With a Cop, the COPY program, the largest successful biganimal criminal case in the state, installation of a cybercrimes unit, improvement in fund accountability, and permanent funding. Deschutes County Sheriff’s office is still the only one in the state not funded through the general fund.

Always a teacher, one of his greatest joys as sheriff was attending the Adult Basic Education graduations in the jail. Elected to two terms, he retired in 2007 having achieved all the goals he set for the Sheriff’s Office.

Following his retirement, Les founded a consulting business, Legacy Leadership, working with City-County Insurance and Curry County among others. Following Legacy Leadership, Les taught master’s level leadership and ethics classes for Concordia University. In 2015, Les assumed the interim police chief position at Prineville Police Department, where he served for 18 months. He and his team attained law enforcement accreditation for that department.

Les had many interests and achievements and continually sought new challenges, both physical and mental. An avid reader, he was articulate on many topics. He attained many advanced certificates in law enforcement. He was

a pilot. But at his core he was a teacher and a mentor and never missed an opportunity to support and guide someone, whether it be casting a line, teaching a niece to shoot, or guiding a young officer on officer safety.

Les’ peace came from flyfishing and he was always ready for the next adventure.

Memberships included Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police, National Association of Chiefs of Police, Oregon Sheriff’s Association, Special Forces Association, and Co-Serve International.

Les is survived by his wife of 48 years, Carol; grandson Zach Stiles, Bend; daughters Leslie Stiles, Richmond, Virginia (grandson Mark Stiles and greatgranddaughters Salem and Jordyn Stiles); Kasandra Stiles Henry, Boise, Idaho, (David Henry and granddaughters Jamie and Olivia Henry); sisters Donna Stiles, Chicago, Illinois, and Laura Stiles Bagshaw, Greenbrae,

California; brothers-inlaw Mike Pugsley (Rose) Tacoma, Washington, Kent Pugsley (Debbie), Colorado Springs, Colorado, Chris Ellsworth (Kelly), Bend; sister-in-law Beth Cummings, Woodbine, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his precious daughter Kristin Stiles, parents Bob and June Stiles, sister-in-law Kelly Pugsley Ellsworth, and beloved mother-in-law Lavonne Stenzel.

A celebration of life is scheduled for March 4, 1 p.m. in the Middle Sister Building at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center.

The family has established the Les Stiles Legacy Leadership Scholarship through Oregon Community Foundation, which will support college students pursuing a career in public safety. In lieu of flowers or other memorials, please feel free to make a contribution to this fund at http://oregoncf. org/stiles-scholarship-fund.

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STANDING TALL: Sisters man walks again, with robotic exoskeleton

Continued from page 1

to the activity outside his window.

“Right outside my window was the backyard and the pool, and I’m just hearing the kids out there playing… normally I would be out there with them but I’m stuck in the bed in the back brace and unable to move,” he recalled.

“I would never say that I was fully depressed… but it just really hit me at that point. I really felt impressed upon by God to stop thinking about what I can’t do and start thinking about what I can do.”

There would be many challenges for Himbert in the years since his accident. Understanding how paraplegia degrades the body through atrophy, and often shortens life-expectancy, was a key motivator for Himbert to do the truly hard work of staying active while he hung on to hope.

Sitting all the time poses significant challenges.

“We’re not meant to be sitting,” he said. “Blood flow is a big one, bone density is huge, not being weight bearing, being prone to bacterial infections, excess fluid. It’s all super painful.”

Despite his optimism and hard work, Himbert

could sense his body slowly degrading.

“Over the years, nothing has helped. I’ve made my own standing frame. I have leg braces, and stretch out every morning. I’m seeing a massage therapist. I was always just kind of maintaining… and slowly getting worse,” he said.

As Himbert continued in his vocation and passion as a music teacher and worship leader, friends and family constantly sent him articles and links on new medical technologies to help in living with his paraplegia. One of those links, for a company called ReWalk Robotics, really grabbed his attention. He saw videos of paraplegics — like himself — standing upright and walking with the assistance of an exoskeleton rig, worn like a set of mechanical pants that propelled the wearer forward.

There would be many challenges ahead to meet the tight physical and mental qualifications required by ReWalk. Then there was the price. At nearly $160,000 per ReWalk Exoskeleton, even if Himbert met ReWalk’s qualifications, insurance companies are often reluctant to cover this proven — yet expensive — cutting-edge technology. Finding a local physical therapist with the expertise and tools to do the hard work of learning and training in this new tech nology would be another challenge.

Finally, a qualified physical therapist was identified in Destination Rehab, a group that specializes in neurological and spinal cord injuries. For Himbert, it became the obvious choice.

“Destination Rehab does a lot of active outdoor things, and they are just great people to work with and so they were a perfect fit,” Himbert said.

A big part of Himbert’s approval for the program centered on his mental status and ongoing motivation for this rigorous program.

Jon King is the business development manager for ReWalk Robotics.

“He (Himbert) seems to have an amazing attitude in life, to live on with his life, and be positive, and be involved with his vocation, his community, his church, and so forth,” King said. “He just has a spirit about him where he wants to reach goals and do what he can to get there.”

In November, Himbert started an intensive threemonth course with the therapists at Destination Rehab, to learn how to walk with the ReWalk Exoskeleton. The results were almost immediate.

“The machine (exoskeleton) is awesome!” he said. “It’s been a life changer! It’s

way better than anything that I’ve ever experienced. Yet I still have to balance. I have to get that timing down of leaning and pushing off the crutches and keeping my forward momentum. Mentally being aware of obstacles so I can know where to put my crutches, so I know where I can push off from my next step. So there is a lot of work and mental fatigue as well.”

Himbert graduated from the program at the end of January and took his ReWalk Exoskeleton home.

John King commented on Himbert’s “graduation” from the ReWalk training course:

“To see his spirits lift once he started really rolling with it (the exoskeleton) are very consistent with what we’re seeing in everyone who

embarks upon this journey with ReWalk.”

Part of the requirement of using the exoskeleton is having a walking/safety partner to train with from day one and to accompany him every time he goes out. Taking an uncontrolled fall backward in the 60-pound exoskeleton could injure Himbert, and risk damaging any part of the complicated rig, requiring a technician to fly in to ensure the exoskeleton is in proper working order.

“I’m single, on my own, and so to have someone to do this multiple times a week in the middle of the day, it really narrows the pool down,” Himbert said.

Fortunately, he was able to find that enthusiastic and dedicated walking partner in neighbor Rick Retzman.

“When Erik called me and asked if I could do this, I immediately cleared my calendar,” Retzman said.

“I’m lucky to have a guy like Rick on my team to be a part of this, so dedicated, (and) excited about it,” Himbert said. “He really pushes me to keep going, to try new things, so he’s been huge.” Rick is enthusiastic about working with Erik and the ReWalk Exoskeleton.

See HIMBERT on page 15

My hope is that more people get to use the machine. That’s what my ultimate goal is; I want to raise awareness for the machine, that it is something out there...

— Erik Himbert

Destination Rehab helps injured regain active life

Continued from page 14

“As Erik’s walking partner, my only job is to help him maintain balance and to have as minimal contact as possible, because we want Erik to be all Erik,” he said. “In his words, ‘to be more normal.’ It’s a huge blessing to be part of Erik’s story. This is a very rewarding experience for me.”

He noted, “At first it took about 20 minutes to get Erik strapped in to the machine (exoskeleton), and now he does it in two minutes. Yesterday we did a third of a mile in approximately an hour. It doesn’t sound like a whole lot. But it’s huge compared to the 12 weeks to go 10,000 steps, about four miles, so we covered a good chunk of that in one day.”

However, even in the short walk to the mailbox, Himbert faced challenges.

Figuring out how to get through a gate and across uneven pavement, chip seal, and loose gravel are just a few of the tests Himbert would face with his “new legs.”

“There are probably situations where I would still need to use the wheelchair. But just the benefits on my body of using the ReWalk three to four times a week, I’m progressing instead of regressing,” Himbert said. “I’m not going to die early because my body is failing me. This is so much better for the body, physically on every level, but also mentally.

“Everybody is used to seeing me in a wheelchair. I’m not able to talk to people eye to eye at their level. To me that’s what I remember before my accident. So that’s what feels normal when I’m standing up and looking at people. It makes me feel normal and that’s a good feeling to get back to.”

As Himbert and Retzman push into what’s possible, they are hoping by the end of summer to navigate the mile-long Whychus Creek Overlook Trail. That is certainly within reason. With an operating time of 10 hours, the only challenge is Himbert’s endurance. Although he has a strong upper body, the 60-pound exoskeleton and the mental toughness required adds to the challenges of safely ambulating the trails and streets of Sisters Country.

Himbert is now enthusiastic about his future, yet he has an even greater desire for other paraplegics.

“My hope is that more people get to use the machine. That’s what my ultimate goal is; I want to raise awareness for the machine, that it is something out there, and how amazing ReWalk and Destination Rehab have been to work with.

“It’s just huge, and I want more people to experience that.”

By Stu Ehr Correspondent

It was up to Erik Himbert to locate a physical therapist in Central Oregon who specifically worked with neurological and spinal cord injuries. After much research and recommendations from others, Himbert settled on Destination Rehab. ReWalk Robotics needed a partner who could quickly come up to speed on the technology, and they found such a partner in Destination Rehab.

John King, business development manager for ReWalk, commented on the suitability of Destination Rehab to train on the ReWalk Exoskeleton.

“It was critical to have a local facility. Their specialty in neurological rehabilitation, strokes, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, was right in their wheelhouse. They are very technology oriented, and really have a unique program. They are very excited and there wasn’t any push or pull to get them on board, and it worked out beautifully.”

Destination Rehab was founded in 2016 by Dr. Carol Ann Nelson. She saw a niche for returning neurologically injured patients to healing, and enjoying the lives they once had.

“I observed and thought about it because my patients had experienced such a radical change in their life. I thought it was important for physical therapists to step in

to that gap and help people return to home but also return to engage in community life and making things fun,” she said. “I wanted to take my training and knowledge and help that population, come alongside and support them to engage in the outdoors again.

“We get an average of a 30 percent improvement across the board with everything we measure, and it’s very rewarding to see the measurable improvement.” When the Central Oregon weather allows, Destination Rehab conducts their clinics in the fresh air and open space of the great outdoors.

All of the therapists at Destination Rehab are board certified in neurological injuries, including head and spinal injuries, Parkinson’s, and chronic brain diseases.

“Erik was at Destination Rehab for three months, four to six hours a week, and after those three months we saw huge improvements,” Nelson said.

Another physical

therapist who worked closely with Himbert was Amy Briley.

“Erik has a lot of goals I can see just from the psychological standpoint of just standing up and being at eye level with folks. He holds himself a little bit taller and a little bit prouder,” she said.

“With a neurological injury you’re grieving the loss of the use of your body. Sometimes there is a loss of hope. And if Erik can bring hope to others in a similar situation, I think that’s awesome,” Briley said.

HIMBERT: Sisters man is excited ‘to be more normal’

It’s a huge blessing to be part of Erik’s story.

This is a very rewarding experience for me.

— Rick Retzman

With a neurological injury you’re grieving the loss of the use of your body. Sometimes there is a loss of hope. And if Erik can bring hope to others in a similar situation, I think that’s awesome.

— Amy Briley

BUILDING REAL-WORLD SKILLS IN SCHOOL ON

Jason Chinchen believe s that all of his varied life experience — f rom working in carpentr y and running cabinet shops to building guitars, f rom climbing to skiing and snowboarding — are culminating in his role as a teacher in the manufacturing program at Sisters High School.

“It feels really natural,” he said. “It feels really good to me .”

Chinchen is commi tted to providing student s with hands- on experience th at builds skills that are immediately applicable in the working world. For ex ample, his student s are designing and building skis and snowboards. That’s indeed a lot of fun — especially when you take your own creation out on the slopes — the student s are also learning graphic design, compu ter assisted design, and CNC process.

“

Tho se are real-world skills for the industr y,” Chinchen said.

Student s love the work . Many take ever y class the high school o ers, and some take multiples . Depending on the term and the o erings, 80 to 100 student s are in Chinchen’s classes . It is immensely gratif ying to Chinchen to ser ve those kids whose real connec tion with school is found in his shop — because that ’s the kid Chinchen was in high school.

The program is remarkable. The luthier program ties together music and shop experience. Many student s in the Americana Projec t make their own guitar, then write songs and per form with it — a power ful, integrated experience that Chinchen describes as the oppor tunit y to “create something to create things with.”

In his t wo years at Sisters High School, Chinchen has worked to streamline the woodshop and it s process, to maximize student s’ hands- on time. He’s also sourced upgrades in equipment , including new vacuum devices to evenly and e iciently glue down braces on guitars in the lu thier program, a new planer, and an upgraded table saw with up -to -date safet y technology.

He has his eye on another major upgrade

“My goal for nex t year is to get a full-size, four-by- eight CNC in this room,” he said. “I need $50,000 for that machine. I think we’re going to need some communit y suppor t as well.”

A large number of communit y volunteers with a passion for

woodworking and passing on skills have stepped up to assist with the program. They are a vital resource, especially for beginning classes, where so many student s need to learn the fundamental skills.

“My volunteer pool is incredible,” Chinchen said. “I could not do this withou t the volunteers.”

Stop the hand-wringing and make change

By Bill Carmichael Guest Columnist

It seems that we are chasing our tails in this ongoing concern about Sisters growth with endless meetings and letters to the editor that accomplish nothing. On one hand, we have a City Council and Planning Commission who are making the attempt to abide by the state land use laws, while on the other hand we have a majority of citizens who feel something is desperately wrong in how we are going about keeping Sisters the special place that all of us feel it is.

The City Council and its Planning Commission legitimately say their hands are tied to do anything about the state laws enforced by LCDC (Land Conservation and Development Commission), so our only option is to continue to stuff what’s left of the available land with more dense housing so we can fill up every square inch and then apply to the state to expand our UGB. While on the other hand, most citizens realize by just following this path, we end up ruining the ambiance of Sisters and its natural beauty and resources.

A few weeks ago, I applied for a vacancy on Sisters Planning Commission.

During the interview I asked several questions about why there was this “rush” to approve all of these development projects, which is probably a major reason I was not considered for the job and which was probably a good decision on the interviewers’ part as I would have, no doubt, been a thorn in their side. The chairman of the Commission said, “Our hands are tied. We cannot stop any development that meets the code, even if we personally disagree with a proposed development…. We can only point out where it does not meet code, but in the end we must approve all applications that meet the code.” He did not address the code “exceptions” that were granted to some of the recent approved developments or how that can be done. The Sisters mayor then spoke up and said, “The only way to change this is to change the code,” but did not offer anything the City Council is currently doing to change the code or, further, push back on the state landuse board on their “one size fits all” mandates.

I am not trying to throw our well-meaning City Council members under the bus or denigrate the Sisters Planning Commission. These are good, well-intentioned,

unpaid volunteers who are caught between the laws of LCDC and current city codes versus the citizens who see something is terribly wrong with how we are proceeding to develop Sisters. Many of our city leaders agree with the citizens on this but discover, once elected or appointed, that their hands are tied. And we tend to hire outside city planners and managers, who are trained in the ways of LCDC with the goal to defend and embrace every idea that comes out of Salem, stick around for a couple of years, and then take a higher-paying job somewhere else.

All this without much consideration of the fact that much of the 50-year-old landuse law conflicts with itself. It does not take a genius to see in reading the 14 statewide landuse planning goals: Goals 2-8 directly conflict and collide with goals 9-13, especially in a place like Sisters that is surrounded by national forests on one side and exclusive farm-use land on the other. And what is the point of filling up all our city land with high-rise apartments and tiny lots in order to apply to LCDC to expand our UGB? Under the current process the plan would then be to fill all that new land with the same type of development, lining

Portraits OF SISTERS

Time is their business, and for Ed and Beacham it has served them well. Their ness, Beacham ’s Clock Compan y, is a staple. In 1978 it was one of only two store fr onts on H ood Avenue. Today it the corner of Hood Avenue and Oak Street mere stone’s throw from their first location. fell in love with clockmaking when the art woodworking caught his appeal in high He w as assigned a grandfather clock assignment and never looked back. He went to serve four years in the Air Fo rce maintaining ICBMs in southern California, and his clock mak ing and repair business put him through college at Oregon State University, where he studied be a woodshop teacher But the business growing, and Ed says the numbers didn as a teacher So in 1978, with his wife, Kathi, profound love for the Central Oregon landscape, he m ov ed to Sisters and started Beacham Clock Company. Today, Kathi runs the operations, d ealing with bu ye rs, sellers, a ccounting, an d customer service. He r job allows Ed to remain as, what he calls, “just the grease monkey in the back.” But that grease monkey is currently working on his 1000th piece, three years in the making, a Bavarian-themed masterpiece he’s c overtly titled “K1.” Fo r Ed and Kathi, their work remains a cornerstone in Sisters history and their passion fo r craftsmanship echoes in the work they do.

the pockets of the developers, until we pack that out and do it once again — maybe for years to come, finally reaching the outskirts of Bend city limits?

That is why I agree with the group that is proposing a moratorium on all new construction in Sisters. This I think is a very good idea and one that will give everyone who has a stake in the outcome to take a breath and reconsider how to go about finding good answers. I know the city just did a whole new planning thing, but it was under the banner of the current LCDC laws. If we are to see real change, I see several major questions that need to be answered.

Can the City Council, by law, declare a moratorium on new building projects and if so, what process is needed to do so.

Can Sisters apply to LCDC to be an exception, like what was done for the Oregon Coast and the Willamette River Greenway in the original land-use laws?

Will the state consider opening a revision of the 50-year-old land-use-law mandates to reconsider that the a “one size fits all” concept may be out of date?

Do we have elected state representatives that will go to bat on our behalf to see the

state reconsider changes to the land-use laws?

Can the City Council (or is the City Council willing) to rescind or adopt new local codes that reflect citizen concerns for slow growth, preserve more trees, add substantial fees to developers (like a $1,000 fee for every tree cut down and a steeper fee for sewage, water, road, and school impacts), and do other things that will provide a slower, more planned development of Sisters that protects what we all love about living here?

Can we agree to put on hold all talk and initiatives about expanding the Sisters UGB until we have changes on the part of the State Legislature in revising their land-use laws?

I think it’s time to stop the hand-wringing and sense of being victims and slaves of LCDC and the developers who are using the current codes to pocket profits. As citizens and city leaders it’s time to stop the bantering back and forth about this in useless hearings and go to work together to push back and get the needed changes accomplished. And if our elected officials are unwilling to initiate this task, then as citizens let’s elect officials at all levels who are committed to change.

PHOTO AND STORY BY Cody Rheault

Science Club explores ‘reality’

Hate – Hides Under Rocks

ByEdieJones

When we open our eyes, are we perceiving reality? Why did we fail to agree on the color of “The Dress” that went viral in 2015? Have you ever glanced at a ticking clock and noticed the second-hand suddenly freezes for a split second?

Hate hides under roc ks — waiting

When hit by oxygen it explodes

The ember s scatter— feeding ideas that simmer. Ideas need fuel. When nur tur ed — they grow

Unsuspecting, other s get caught in the path. Without r ealization, they ignite.

died unexpectedly earlier this year. Short remembrances will be offered by David Hiller, Carol Wall, and Rima Givot, along with a photo gallery showcasing his commitment to science education throughout Sisters Country.

A fir e of hatr ed spr eads quic kly.

Love, it devour s — soon, gone fr om our sight. Like a wildfir e, it stays on the move. Little time is spar ed befor e all is consumed. It sneaks up, unassuming, w hispering lies Even w hen smoldering, it funnels and fumes

Neuroscience research suggests that the brain evolved to make rapid, bestguesses about the objects in our environment, rather than create a one-to-one representation of the world. Through stories and demonstrations, Dr. Mark Pitzer will discuss some of the effects of this strategy and how our visual system can highlight some objects, delete others, and alter our conscious awareness.

February Poetry

Winter of Life

Admission is $5; teachers and students are admitted free. The Belfry is located at 302 E. Main Ave., Sisters. For more information on the event and on the Sisters Science Club, email scienceinsisters@gmail.com.

Honoring the legacy of Cal Allen

Stay aler t. It cr eeps in—unexpected. Attac k it we must, with car e and with speed. Counter act its evil with a blaze of love. With goodwill and knowledge, we can succeed. Be wary. When all seems well, hatr ed will cower, stay hidden—appear dead.

Without war ning it stealthily returns, cr eating fear of a life we all dr ead. We can win if we’r e diligent. Never forget, it hides in the shadows, a ppear s to fade. Constant we must be. To quenc h its flame join hands and form a love bu cket brigade!

“Seeing the Big Picture: How the Brain Manipulates Our Visual World” will be the topic when Dr. Pitzer speaks at The Belfry on Tuesday, February 28, for the first winter lecture in the 2023 Frontiers in Science series.

A neuroscientist at the University of Portland, Dr. Pitzer has worked for the last 25 years to better understand and treat diseases of the brain, including Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases.

Dr. Pitzer is also an awardwinning teacher who uses the findings from the fields of learning and neuroscience to invoke enduring enthusiasm, curiosity, and deep learning in his college students.

“Students play an essential role in all aspects of my research, from generating research questions to the publication of findings,” Dr. Pitzer said. “They learn how to conduct rodent brain surgeries, to measure a wide variety of behaviors, to cut and stain brain sections, analyze tissue under the microscope, measure changes on MRI scans, statistically analyze data, and write up the results.”

Known for his engaging presentations, quick wit, and ability to explain complicated concepts with a light touch, Dr. Pitzer brings that teaching expertise to his public lectures as well.

The Sisters Science Club will welcome Dr. Pitzer to The Belfry as part of an evening event hosted by longtime science educator Rob Corrigan. Social hour begins at 6 p.m. with light fare, beer, and wine available from the bar.

At 7 p.m., Sisters High School students will make a short presentation before the lecture about their upcoming field trip to the labs at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, a program restarted this year after the pandemic hiatus.

Following the lecture, the Sisters Science Club will offer a lively and loving tribute to cofounder Cal Allen, who

David Hiller vividly remembers getting a call from Bob Collins and Cal Allen a dozen years ago. The two were having coffee and lamenting the state of science education in schools nationwide. Would he be interested in finding a local solution?

Hiller definitely was. Men of action, they decided what to do: Create an organization to support local science education for students and their teachers, and along the way, spark the entire community’s interest in science.

Thus, the Sisters Science Club (SSC) was born. As soon as the Club got underway, science educators such as Carol Packard, Rima Givot, Carol Wall and Barbara Schulz added their energy and expertise to the new organization.

Since 2011, the Sisters Science Club has benefited from the late Cal Allen’s

generous and long-lasting contributions to the Science Club as the mainstay of the Science Fair, a builder of greenhouses, an organizer of various events, and as a key member of the SSC governing committee.

Hiller, Wall, and Givot will share their memories of Cal at the February 28 Frontiers in Science lecture at The Belfry. A photo collage highlighting Allen’s sense of fun, inventiveness, and support for Club activities and programs will follow.

“Cal was a very special friend and colleague,” said Kathy Campbell, president of the SSC board of directors. “He kept us all centered on our work with his intelligence, great energy, and, most important, his kindness and good humor. We are looking forward to honoring him on February 28 at The Belfry.”

Janice Hoffman

He loves the winter mountains strong

Finds solace in the w hite wind song

In stillness hear s the voices long

Remembering those well-loved and gone

She w as all youth, and fleet of foot

Amazing gr ace and good took root

But all his car e and love came moot

Her spirit gone too soon

The Woman and the Bee

ByAlissaCowan

Stic ky golden honeycombs, the hexagon maste rpiece of all the bees inside

Thousands working to gether to cr eate it — this is life in the hive

Sweeping up pollen, pr eparing Bee Br ead to take care of the br ood

Mixing Royal Jelly for the Queen to eat only the finest food

Keeping the hive r unning, c hec king ever y bee that comes in and out

To stop any intruder fr om making a ne w route

Guar ding the honey, to be able to live and thrive

thr oughout the winter, to kee p ever yone alive

As women, how often do we live like the bees?

Flying along, aiming to please

So busy flying from flower to flower

Tr ying to meet the quota, paid by the hour

Removing the waste, keeping on task

Buzzing and busying with all of life’s tasks

Exhausted but tr ying to meet expectations

Perfection is key, befo re any vacations

I look in the mir ror after a full hard day’s work

And r ealize I don’t look near ly as pr etty as her

The Queen Bee in all her splendor, the one who is beautifully ador ned

My wings ar e tir ed and bent, the edges a little bit tor n

Guilty and ashamed for not measuring up

Often we wonder if we ar e enough

Sometimes jealousy or envy get the better of us

“Did you see Queen Bee, and how she made suc h a fuss?”

Our wor ds can cause shar p pain, and sting

Or be pleasant like a honeycomb — sweet to the soul and to the bones, healing bring

The bees do have some good attributes

They can wo rk together, despite their disputes

Eac h confident in their own role

Working toward their common goal

Together they help ca rry each other’s loads

Although they’ ve each been down differ ent roads

We started in the gar den alongside the bees

Clear bac k at the time of Adam and Eve

The woman and the bee both tended the flower s in that day

God designed them both in His own special way

SUDOKU Level: Difficult Answer: Page 22

Intricate and delicate, a design unique to Him

Complex and so complete, His value is placed within

How often do we as women, place w alls ar ound our hive

To guar d and pr otect our hear ts, for fear of the deep pain inside

Keeping other s out, we tr y making honey on our own

The finest and the sweetest, but going at it all alon e

What if we, in this community, r eac hed out to eac h other

To heal, to bond, to str engthen — Aunties, Gr andmas, Sisters, Mother s

Ever y garden we have visited, bringing pollen fr om each one

Of fers ne w color and flavor to the honey that has begun

A thriving, healthy colony just star ts with you and me

In community together, both the woman and the bee

THANK YOU to all w ho submitted poetr y in Febr uary; My appreciation for you, dear reader s, is extraordinar y. Let’ s keep this going in Mar ch, as space allows. Send in your verse, I’ ll happily br owse.

Email jess@nuggetnews.com with your poems, not too long.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down, and each small nine-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.

Sisters High School’s “Pie in the Face” raised $4,001 for FAN (Family Access Network). The event was part of the school’s annual Pageant scheduled for April 15. Students will host a pasta feed fundraiser on March 5.

Skiers face rough conditions at Mt. Ashland

By Rongi Yost Correspondent

The Outlaws ski team traveled to Ashland to compete with the southern league in an invitational race held Friday and Saturday, February 17-18. The invitational was a crossleague event, so scores did not apply to season league totals.

Coach Gabe Chladek told The Nugget that the Outlaws skiers showed up with a competitive attitude and pushed for some wins, but the challenging conditions resulted in several crash-outs and disqualifications from Sisters’ usual varsity finishers. The JV skiers stepped up, stayed on their feet, and filled in the missing varsity finishes.

Bela Chladek finished first overall on the boys side with a combined time of 1:50.40, which was almost three seconds faster than the secondplace finisher. Gus Patton finished 17th (2:11.96), Emerson Backus 18th (2:12.15), John Berg 19th (2:13.92), Jack Turpen 35th (2:33.47). The final Outlaws’ varsity score was brought in by first-year racer Hudson Hayes with a combined time of 2:34.77.

Joseph Derksen was the lone skier to score for the Outlaws JV squad, as Corbin Fredland, Cooper Merrill, and Spencer Tisdel all crashed on their first run. They did, however, bring in respectable finishes on their second run.

The Lady Outlaw racers had slightly smoother course conditions and fared a bit better on the steep giant slalom course. Charlotte Seymour was their fastest racer, who came in fifth with a combined time of 2:02.61, followed by Tallis Grummer, who finished sixth (2:02.64). Ava Riehle finished ninth (2:05.41), Presley Adelt 15th (2:10.60), Mae Roth 18th (2:15.86), and Payton Adelt 23rd (2:20.47). The JV girls in order of

finish were Kate Singleton, Freja Peterson, and Teagen Welsh.

Saturday was the giant sla lom event, and challenging course conditions continued.

Styopa Myagkov was the fastest racer for the Outlaws boys, who finished in third place with a combined time of 1:28.22. Spencer Tisdel filled the second Outlaws varsity spot with a 10th-place finish and a combined time of 1:37.83. Gus Patton fin ished 11th (1:38.06), Hudson Hayes 16th (1:49.09), Cooper Merrill 20th (1:52.82), and Joseph Derksen rounding out the final varsity spot with a combined time of 1:58.37.

Bela Chladek missed a gate and was disqualified on his first run, as he slid out and had to hike up a gate on his second run. Jack Turpen crashed on his first run and had a respectable finish on his second.

Chladek made special note of Corbin Fredland, who crashed on his first run but logged the fastest time of the day on his second run with a time of 39.66, the only athlete to get a time under 40 seconds on the slalom course.

“Corbin’s winning run on course was really outstanding,” said Chladek. “This was some of the best skiing I’ve seen from Corbin all season.”

On the girls side, Presley Adelt led the Lady Outlaws with a second-place finish and combined time of 1:33.12.

Freshman Payten Adelt finished 10th (1:51.01), Mae Roth 11th (1:52.45), Ava Riehle 14th (1:54.05) Kate Singleton 18th (2:03.12), and Freja Petersen 19th (2:06.23).

Tallis Grummer and Charlotte Seymour pushed hard but suffered crashes and did not get combined times.

Emerson Backus recorded the only JV boys time of the day, and Teagen Welsh was the lone JV finisher.

PHOTO BY JACK TURPEN

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.

CLASSIFIED RATES

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.

• Fenced yard, RV & trailers     • In-town, gated, 24-7 Kris@earthwoodhomes.com

103 Residential Rentals ClearPine Building Luxury Apartments Brand new w/second-story mountain views, covered parking.

units available by 4/15/23.

bedroom/2 bathroom 889 sqft.

bedroom/2 bathroom 1368 sqft. $2,900 3 bedroom/2 bathroom 1458 sqft. $3,100

Contact: peterhallclearpine@gmail.com

DT Sisters Townhome for Rent

3 beds, 2.5 baths. Fully remodeled. Avail. 2-15-23. $2,550/month. 619-847-3891.

One bedroom with access to kitchen and living area in exchange for light caregiving duties. Duties include but are not limited to: Dressing, emptying catheter, assist with stretches and exercises, cooking, and basic house cleaning. Contact Steve Rollins at 541-549-6213.

PONDEROSA 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

200 Business Opportunities

ATTENTION CRAFTERS !

SPRING FAIR March 24-26 at Douglas County Fairgrounds. Our 46th Year! Booths available for quality crafts. For info send SASE to: Spring Fair 2023

P.O. BOX 22, Dillard, OR 97432 Or email: innerspacefamily@gmail.com

201 For Sale

QUALITY HAY FOR SALE

1st and 2nd cutting available. Barn stored, no rain. Call 541-279-5252 or 541-420-1764.

SCHWINN AIRDYNE AD7

BICYCLE

Indoors w/removable windscreen attachment, wide seat. 3 yrs. new. $850. Call 831-750-0212.

202 Firewood SISTERS FOREST PRODUCTS

DAVE ELPI – FIREWOOD

• SINCE 1976

•

Doug Fir – Lodgepole – Juniper DRIVE-IN WOOD SALES – 18155 Hwy. 126 East –SistersForestProducts.com Order Online! 541-410-4509

205 Garage & Estate Sales

ANNUAL UPSCALE

MULTI-FAMILY Garage Sale!

February 25, 2023

8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

River Run Event Center in Eagle Crest Resort, 1730 Blue Heron Dr., Redmond. Contact 541-526-1876 Linda Bender.

Happy Trails Estate Sales and online auctions!

Selling, Downsizing, or Deaths?

Locally owned & operated by... Daiya 541-480-2806 Sharie 541-771-1150

301 Vehicles

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

Sisters Car Connection da#3919 SistersCarConnection.com

~ WEDDINGS BY KARLY ~

Twenty+ years of officiating and writing wedding ceremonies. 541-410-4412 revkarly@gmail.com

504 Handyman

SISTERS HONEYDO

General repairs, interior painting and trim, carpentry, drywall, lighting, and much more-just ask. 25+ yrs. Maint. exp./local refs. Scott Dady 541-728-4266

JONES UPGRADES LLC

Home Repairs & Remodeling

Drywall, Decks, Pole Barns, Fences, Sheds & more. Mike Jones, 503-428-1281

Local resident • CCB #201650

Junk removal, new home, garage & storage clean-out, construction, yard debris. You Call – We Haul! 541-719-8475

BOOKKEEPING SERVICE

~ Olivia Spencer ~

Expert Local Bookkeeping! Phone: 541-241-4907

www.spencerbookkeeping.com

GEORGE’S SEPTIC TANK SERVICE

“A Well Maintained Septic System Protects the Environment” 541-549-2871

SPOTLESS HOUSEKEEPING

Get a jump on spring cleaning. Experienced, licensed, bonded. We also do windows, wood decks, fences, landscaping, and car detailing. Call Elena for a quote today at 541-588-0675.

SMALL Engine REPAIR

Lawn Mowers, Chainsaws & Trimmers

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

Authorized service center for Stihl, Honda, Ariens/Gravely, Cub Cadet, Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, Kawasaki Engines

MOVING TRUCK FOR HIRE

–COMPLETE MOVING, LLC–Sisters' Only Local Moving Co.! Two exp. men with 25+ years comm. moving. Refs! ODOT Lic. Class 1-B • Call 541-678-3332

501 Computers & Communications Technology Problems?

600 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: timberstandimprovement.net

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 **

CASCADE HOME & PROPERTY RENTALS

Monthly Rentals throughout Sisters Country. 541-549-0792

Property management for second homes.

CascadeHomeRentals.com

104 Vacation Rentals

~ Sisters Vacation Rentals ~ Private Central OR vac. rentals, Property Management Services 541-977-9898

www.SistersVacation.com

Downtown Vacation Rental

Five star. 1 and 2 bedroom. SistersVacationRentals.net

Great pricing. 503-730-0150

106 Real Estate Wanted Wanted: A small lot to set up a (1,100 sq. ft. to 1,400 sq. ft.) new manufactured home. Location: Close to town. Call Shelley 503-351-4767.

401 Horses HORSE BOARDING

Minutes from Sisters www.LazyZRanch.com Call 541-588-5299

403 Pets

Great Pyrenees Puppies

All white, ready soon. Males, Females $350 each. Call or text for details. 530-905-2250

Three Rivers Humane Society

Where love finds a home!

1694 SE McTaggart in Madras, A no-kill shelter. Go to ThreeRiversHS.org or call 541-475-6889

500 Services

• DERI’s HAIR SALON • Call 541-419-1279

I can fix them for you. Solving for Business & Home Computers, Tablets, Networking Internet (Starlink), and more!

Jason Williams

Sisters local • 25 yrs. experience 541-719-8329

Oregontechpro.com

SISTERS SATELLITE

TV • PHONE • INTERNET

Your authorized local dealer for DirecTV, ViaSat HS Internet and more! CCB # 191099 541-318-7000 • 541-306-0729

502 Carpet & Upholstery

Cleaning

GORDON’S

LAST TOUCH

Cleaning Specialists for CARPETS, WINDOWS & UPHOLSTERY

Member Better Business Bureau

• Bonded & Insured • Serving Central Oregon

Since 1980 Call 541-549-3008

M & J CARPET CLEANING

Area rugs, upholstery, tile & dryer-vent cleaning. Established & family-owned since 1986. 541-549-9090

Owner James Hatley & Sons 541-815-2342 4brostrees.com

Licensed, Bonded and Insured CCB-215057

Top Knot Tree Care can handle all of your tree needs, from trims to removals. Specializing in tree assessment, hazard tree removal, crown reduction, ladder fuel reduction, lot clearing, ornamental and fruit tree trimming and care.

• Locally owned and operated •

• Senior and military discounts

• Free assessments •

• Great cleanups •

•

• Licensed, Insured and Bonded • Contact Bello Winter @ 541-419-9655, Find us on Google CCB#238380

601 Construction Pat Burke

LOCALLY OWNED CRAFTSMAN BUILT

CCB: 288388 • 541-588-2062

www.sistersfencecompany.com

HAVE A PROPERTY TO SELL?

Advertise it in The Nugget 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

CENIGA'S MASONRY, INC.

Brick • Block • Stone • Pavers

CCB #181448 – 541-350-6068

www.CenigasMasonry.com

SISTERS OREGON GUIDE is Online!

SistersOregonGuide.com

602 Plumbing & Electric SWEENEY PLUMBING, INC.

“Quality and Reliability”

Repairs • Remodeling

• New Construction

• Water Heaters 541-549-4349

Residential and Commercial Licensed • Bonded • Insured

CCB #87587

NORTHERN LIGHTS

Electrical Installations LLC

605 Painting METOLIUS PAINTING LLC

Meticulous, Affordable Interior & Exterior

541-280-7040 • CCB# 238067

~ FRONTIER PAINTING ~ Quality Painting, Ext. & Int. Refurbishing Decks

CCB #131560 • 541-771-5620 www.frontier-painting.com

EMPIRE PAINTING

Interior and Exterior Painting and Staining

CCB#180042

541-613-1530 • Geoff Houk

606 Landscaping & Yard Maintenance

–

Conversational German tutor wanted. Call Gail 541-350-5115

Black Butte School District is hiring:

-Facilities & Grounds Specialist

-Family/Community Engagement Coordinator

www.blackbutte.k12.or.us/emplo yment or 541-595-6203

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

Custom Homes • Additions

Residential Building Projects

Serving Sisters area since 1976 Strictly Quality

• CCB #159020

CCB #16891

541-280-9764

John Pierce jpierce@bendbroadband.com

CASCADE GARAGE DOORS

Factory Trained Technicians

Residential & Light Commercial • Service No job too small. 503-509-9353

CCB# 235868

Ridgeline Electric, LLC

Serving all of Central Oregon

• Residential • Commercial

• Industrial • Service

541-588-3088 • CCB #234821

603 Excavation & Trucking

BANR Enterprises, LLC

Earthwork, Utilities, Grading, Hardscape, Rock Walls

Residential & Commercial CCB #165122 • 541-549-6977

www.BANR.net

Full Service Excavation

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

Keeping Sisters Country Beautiful Since 2006 candcnursery@gmail.com

541-549-2345

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

Caregiving needed for a 71-year-old man who recently had a spinal cord injury. Wanting to exchange a bedroom with access to kitchen and living area for light caregiving duties. Duties include but are not limited to: Dressing, emptying catheter, assist with stretches and exercises, cooking, and basic house cleaning. Contact Steve Rollins at 541-549-6213.

Part Time Sales Associate

We are looking for a person who is friendly, outgoing, and reliable; someone who enjoys working with the public in a team environment. Workdays are Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Applications available at the Stitchin' Post, 311 W. Cascade in Sisters or by email diane.j@stitchinpost.com.

Questions? Contact diane.j@stitchinpost.com.

Comments should be directed toward the criteria that apply to this request and must reference the file numbers. For additional information, please contact Scott Woodford, Community 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/meeti ngs.

Public Hearing: March 8, 2023 at 6:30 pm

File #s: CP 22-04 / ZM 22-01 / TA 22-05

Applicant: City of Sisters

Site Location: Address/Tax Map and Lot: 442 N Trinity Way/15-10-5CD 200; 322 N Trinity Way/15-10-5CD 300; 222 N Trinity Way/15-10-5CD 400; 121 N Brooks Camp Rd/15-10-5CD 500; 123 N Trinity Way/15-10-5CD 700; 452 N Trinity Way/15-10-5CD 800; 1307 W McKinney Butte Rd/15-10-5CD 900

Request: Comprehensive Plan Map and Zoning Map

Since 1983

• CCB #44054 541-548-2215 • 541-382-4553

Free On-site Visit & Estimate Tewaltandsonsexcavation@gmail .com

541-549-1472 • CCB #76888

Drainfield

• Minor & Major Septic Repair

• All Septic Needs/Design & Install General Excavation

• Site Preparation

• Rock & Stump Removal

• Pond & Driveway Construction Preparation

CCB #188594 • LCB #9264 www.vohslandscaping.com

541-515-8462

All Landscaping Services

Mowing, Thatching, Hauling and SNOW REMOVAL Call Abel Ortega, 541-815-6740

J&E Landscaping Maintenance

LLC Clean-ups, raking, hauling debris, gutters. Edgar Cortez 541-610-8982 jandelspcing15@gmail.com

701 Domestic Services

We are Hiring!

Join our summer camp culture at Lake Creek Lodge. We're recruiting for: Housekeeping, Baristas, and Kitchen Team. We are proud to offer flexible schedules, excellent compensation & opportunities for onsite housing.

541-390-1206

beavercreeklog@yahoo.com

Log repairs, log railing, log accent, log siding, etc.

CCB #235303 Insurance & Bond

• Building Demolition Trucking

• Deliver Top Soil, Sand, Gravel, Boulders, Water

• Dump Trucks, Transfer Trucks, Belly

• The Whole 9 Yards or 24

Whatever You Want!

ROBINSON & OWEN

Heavy Construction, Inc.

All your excavation needs

Construction & Renovation

Custom Residential Projects

All Phases • CCB #148365

541-420-8448

*General excavation

*Site Preparation

*Sub-Divisions

*Road Building

*Sewer and Water Systems

*Underground Utilities

*Grading

BLAKE & SON – Commercial, Home & Rentals Cleaning WINDOW CLEANING!

Lic. & Bonded • 541-549-0897

I & I Crystal Cleaning, LLC Specializing in Commercial, Residential & Vacation Rentals. Licensed, Bonded & Insured. 541-977-1051

802 Help Wanted

The Garden Angel is now filling landscape supervisor and maintenance crew member positions. LCB #9583 Inquire at 541-549-2882 or thegardenangel@gmail.com

www.lakecreeklodge.com

13375 SW Forest Service Rd.  #1419, Camp Sherman.

803 Work Wanted Available in Sisters

COMPANION CAREGIVER

Please call or text 503-274-0214 for more information.

999 Public Notice NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Amendment to redesignate and rezone the "Heavenly Acres" subdivision from Urban Area Reserve (UAR) to Public Facility and Multi-Family Residential. The request also includes associated Text Amendments to Sisters Development Code (SDC) Chapter 1.3 (Definitions), Chapter 2.3 (Multi-Family Residential District). Chapter 2.7 (Public Facility District), Chapter 4.7 (Land Use District Map and Text Amendments), Chapter 5.2 (Non-Conforming Use), and Chapter 5.3 (Subsequently Allowed Uses). No specific development is proposed at this time.

Custom Homes

Residential Building Projects

Concrete Foundations

Becke William Pierce

CCB# 190689 • 541-647-0384

Beckewpcontracting@gmail.com

Earthwood Timberframes

• Design & shop fabrication

• Recycled fir and pine beams

• Mantels and accent timbers

• Sawmill/woodshop services

www.earthwoodhomes.com

*Sand-Gravel-Rock Licensed • Bonded • Insured CCB #124327

541-549-1848

604 Heating & Cooling ACTION AIR Heating & Cooling, LLC

Retrofit

Sisters Liquor Store is looking for a team-oriented person who can lift 45 lbs., is available for weekends, and who wants to work either part- or full-time.

110 W Cascade Ave.

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 March 8, 2023 at 6:30 PM regarding the applications listed below. The hearing will be held according to SDC Chapter 4.1 and the rules of procedure adopted by the Council and available at City Hall. Prior to the public hearing, written comments may be 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.

Applicable Criteria: SDC Chapter 1.3, Chapter 2.3, Chapter 2.7, Chapter 4.7, Chapter 4.1 (Types of Applications and Review), Chapter 5.2, Chapter 5.3, Statewide Land Use Goals, City of Sisters Comprehensive Plan, Oregon Revised Statutes, and Oregon Administrative Rules.5.3, Statewide Land Use Goals, City of Sisters Comprehensive Plan, Oregon Revised Statutes, and Oregon Administrative Rules.

Information on Licensing for CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTORS ~

An active license means your contractor is bonded and insured. The state of Oregon provides detail at the Oregon Construction Contractors Board online. More information is at www.oregon.gov/CCB

CAMPS: SFF partnered with teaching artists to create youth camps

Continued from page 3

Camp July 24-28. This camp is open to players who have some experience on fiddle or guitar and can play a few tunes. Instruction will include two music sessions each day with additional teachers supervising and providing specific musical expertise. Students will learn new techniques on the fiddle, work on their bowing game and learn some great new tunes. Enrollment is open to students going into grades 5-8 and will run from 9 a.m. to noon daily. Maximum of 25 participants.

Another half-day camp focused on mixed media arts will take place July 24-28 with teaching artist and visual arts teacher Judy Fuentes. During the Impressions Creativity Camp students will explore Impressionism through a variety of mediums as they learn about Impressionistic art styles and artists. Artists will explore different subject matters, recognize personal style, and practice analyzing works of art. Enrollment is open to students grades five through nine and will run from 9 a.m. to noon each day in the upstairs JAM Studio at Sisters Art Works. Maximum of 16 participants.

A theater production camp titled Nothing Is Without Meaning will begin on July 31 and run through August 4. Taught collaboratively by teaching artists Steven Livingston, Judy Fuentes, and Jayana Hinkle, this camp will focus on building skills to help develop a deeper understanding of the creative theatrical process. Student thespians will explore the following themes: body language, expression, sound and music, and intention and motivation. To explore these themes, students will be involved in group projects augmented with the study of music, drama, and stage craft. The culmination of their work will be presented the last day to family, friends, and community members. Enrollment is

for puzzle on page 18

open to students grades five through nine and will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

Maximum of 30 students.

August 7-11, Joe Schulte will offer a Branch to Fruit Music Camp for players who are comfortable on their instrument and relatively fluid in the common major and minor chords found in popular music. In addition to playing together as a large group, campers will break out into some small group ensemble sessions in which two to four players will work out tunes that may include custom song arrangement, individual solos, harmonies, and improvisation. Enrollment is open to students grades six through nine and will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

Maximum of 20 participants.

The Music in Art Creativity Camp will take place August 7-11 and will focus on exploring how music intertwines with visual arts and informs one another. Judy Fuentes will introduce students to musical influences in artworks by Wassily Kandinsky, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Romare Bearden while creating with paints and collage. Enrollment is open to students entering grades five through nine, and will run from 9 a.m. to noon daily in the upstairs JAM Studio at Sisters Art Works. Maximum of 16 participants.

The suggested tuition for each full-day camp is $275 and includes lunch and snacks each day. Half-day suggested tuition is $175 and includes snacks. All camps will offer pay-what-you-can pricing to help eliminate financial barriers to participation. Sisters Art Works is located at 204 W. Adams Ave. For more information, visit www.sistersfolk festival.org.

CATS: Group seeks to help formulate policies in Sisters

Continued from page 1

at Planning Commission and City Council meetings, where Dickens says they have been welcomed and felt heard. He sees CATS as an ally to the process, not oppositional, notwithstanding their concern with any number of pending actions by the City.

Each of the ad hoc citizens has a different hot button. For Dickens it’s the issue of STRs — short-term rentals. Think Airbnb or VRBO — vacation rentals. Dickens is a walking encyclopedia of statistics and policy papers supporting his contention that unregulated STRs are fundamentally changing the character and affordability of Sisters.

Tourism-based towns all over Oregon are grappling with the success of Airbnb. Since its inception in 2008, the home-sharing platform has grown rapidly, from a start-up of three college students to a $30-plus billion company with over 3 million listings in 190 countries and 65,000 cities and more rooms available than any major hotel chain, including Hilton, Intercontinental, and Marriott. As such, some regard it as a disruptive innovation for the traditional lodging industry.

Oregon has a vital tourist economy where 237 of 241 cities are under 100,000 in population. There are STRs in all of the state’s 36 counties and in 75 percent of the cities in the state. The small cities account for 8,000 STRs, or roughly 44 percent of the total STRs statewide.

A permit to operate an STR is required by city

ordinance. Dickens claims that the City has issued 100 such permits and that the number is growing each year. Dickens has no data showing the number five years ago, but he projects that about 30 per year will be added going forward.

The theory is that investors come in and snap up housing stock, paying full asking price or more, driving up the average home price, contributing to the lack of affordable housing in Sisters. The City limits an STR to every 250 feet.

“That’s essentially one for every three houses,” Dickens said.

That’s essentially one [short-term rental] for every three houses.

— Mark Dickens

He also cites the 2020 census for Sisters showing that 319 dwelling units are not occupied full-time or at all, about 20 percent of all homes. Dickens and others worry that some homes are operating as an STR under the radar, not bothering to get a City permit or

paying the tourist occupancy tax.

“A proliferation of STRs will destine Sisters to being a tourism town and not one of diverse employment and population,” Dickens said.

Newport, Bandon, and other towns driven by tourism have limited or placed a moratorium on STRs, which thus far have survived legal challenges. Newport capped theirs at 176. Bend has doubled the separation of license holders from 250 to 500 feet. Ashland has put so many conditions in place, ranging from the amount of parking to the property being at least 20 years old, that they effectively killed incentives for any new STRs.

While not the primary cause of affordable housing problems, many experts believe that STRs do have a negative impact on affordable housing at the local level, especially in hightourism communities. Several organizations, such as The Pew Charitable Trusts and the Harvard Business Review have conducted or published research showing that, as the number of short-term rentals increase in a community, the quantity of affordable housing units decrease.

“This is the 2nd time I’ve used Sheila to buy/sell a home and all went flawlessly. She did many open houses and went above the call of duty to make sure the transaction went smooth. I definitely will use her again if the need arises. I highly recommend Sheila for all your real estate needs.” — Cindy O.

“Khiva helped us with a remarkably difficult sale from outside the countr y. I can confirm she made herself available, offered advice with the unfamiliar processes and various form filling, and stayed the course despite all our frustrations. We could not have succeeded without Khiva’s help, whether it was liaising with tradespersons, the buyers, or the title company Khiva managed the sale ver y patiently and professionally I would definitely recommend her!”

Julia E.

“ There’s no plac like home!”

the ODOT website: “Every three years, the OTC (Oregon Transportation Commission) puts together the Statewide Transportation Program (STIP) that lays out where we will invest federal and state money in the transportation system — everything from roads and bridges to public transportation to bike paths and sidewalks.”

The Locust/Highway 20 roundabout is the main improvement project in Sisters.

“The purpose of this project is to construct a single lane roundabout at the intersection of Highway U.S. 20 and Locust Street in Sisters, Oregon,” the agency states. “The current intersection fails to meet ODOT operation standards. High levels of truck traffic led to long delays on Locust Street. This intersection has the highest number of vehicle collisions in the city.”

Bob Townsend, the ODOT area lead for Central Oregon, presented the update on the project to the Sisters City Council at the February 8 meeting. Townsend highlighted the proposed timeframe. From now through 2023, this includes preliminary engineering and right-of-way (R/W) acquisition, and having the anticipated bid let in December of 2023, with anticipated construction in 2024.

The Locust Avenue roundabout is like the roundabout at the other end of town, at Barclay Avenue, but with

steeper curvature to slow traffic going in and out of town on Highway 20. There will be pedestrian crossing on the sides of the roundabout, like the design of the Barclay roundabout.

Townsend also presented information on other ODOT roundabout projects on Highway 20 between Sisters and Bend. There are two other major construction projects on Highway 20 on the north end of Bend and in Tumalo. These roundabout projects are aimed at improving traffic flow at the Highway 20/OB Riley Road, and Highway 20/ Old Bend-Redmond Highway intersections.

According to the project website, there will be, “a bike/pedestrian undercrossing at U.S. 20 and 4th Street in Tumalo and a multiuse path from Cooley Road to

the intersection of Old BendRedmond Highway. The project will extend two eastbound lanes on U.S. 20 from the Old Bend-Redmond intersection east to milepost 17.23.”

The roundabouts will be equipped with flashing beacons and ADA-compliant crosswalks and ramps.”

The Old Bend-Redmond Highway roundabout is expected to be ready for use by May of 2023 and the Tumalo one by July of 2023. Those projects are already impacting speed limits and traffic flow on the drive to Bend, and there will likely be more impacts due to another ODOT project at U.S. 97/20 — the Bend North Corridor Project. Its goal is to improve safety and traffic flow on Highway 20 and Highway 97. The scope of that was presented by Townsend, which

includes another roundabout at Highway 20/Robal Road, a roundabout at Highway 20/ Cooley Road, highway widening, and bike and pedestrian improvements.

According to ODOT’s project site: “This project will realign one of the most congested portions of U.S. 97 in Bend and improve a section of U.S. 20. The U.S. 97 Bend North Corridor project includes a realignment of U.S.

97, improved intersections, new ramp connections at critical locations to improve local and highway traffic, and pedestrian and bicycle facilities.”

That project is expected to continue through 2023 and into 2024.

Learn more about other ODOT projects across the state by visiting: https://www. oregon.gov/odot/Projects/ Pages/default.aspx.

ML

S#

ML S# 220142 810

81.0 2 Acres

81 ACRE S AL ON G INDI AN FORD ROAD $1,5 00,000 Rural Acreage

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ML S# 220144 37 2 .6 7 Acre / Zoned NSBP

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CUSTOM MI XE D-US E

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clos e to town

ML S# 22015682 0 3 bed / 2 bath / 1,674 sq.f t. ACRE AG E, VI EW S & PRIVAC

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