The Nugget Newspaper // Vol. XLVI No. 37 // 2023-09-13

The Nugget

Honoring Military Veterans

Protecting Sisters against wildfire

By Sue Stafford Correspondent

With the increasing number of record-breaking wildfires occurring in recent years, the availability and cost of homeowner’s insurance is becoming a concern for communities located in fire-prone areas.

The Sisters Outlaws and the Madras White Buffaloes honored military veterans at the beginning of Friday’s football game in Sisters. Veterans lined up along the south side of the field and then the Outlaws and the Buffs entered and lined up on the sidelines at center field. The veterans then walked to the 50-yard line. There was complete silence in Reed Stadium as the Sisters High School Jazz Choir sang the national anthem, and then players from both squads shook hands with all the veterans and thanked them for their service.

Some drivers putting kids at risk

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

According to the Transportation Research Board, more than 100 children are killed every year while walking to and from school. About 25,000 are injured.

With school back in session, local citizens have expressed concern about

driving they have witnessed in school areas, particularly on Locust Street near Sisters Elementary School during the afternoon.

Causes of pedestrian accidents in school zones vary widely. It’s important to remember that the word “pedestrian” includes more than just people walking. It

See DRIVERS on page 15

Seestoryatwww.nuggetnews.com.

Many traditional insurance companies have announced they will no longer write policies in fireprone areas, having seen millions in losses due to wildfire. Other carriers have stopped renewing policies due to the increasing liability and cost of replacements. This topic and many others were discussed last

See WILDFIRE on page 18

Sisters hosts prestigious horse event

By Craig Rullman Correspondent

The Godby Farm in Sisters hosted officials from the KWPN (Royal Warmblood Studbook of the Netherlands) for a keuring event on Thursday, September 7.

Council votes ‘no’

on shelter application

By Ceili Gatley & Jim Cornelius Correspondent & Editor in Chief

Sisters City Council came to a 3-2 contingent decision to deny the application of the Sisters Cold Weather Shelter (SCWS) organization for an emergency homeless shelter at 192 W. Barclay Dr. in Sisters.

Councilors Gary Ross, Jennifer Letz, and Mayor Michael Preedin voted to deny the application by SCWS, while councilors Susan Cobb and Andrea Blum voted to approve.

The decision made in

See SHELTER on page 11

A “keuring” is an official inspection by a jury, wherein Dutch Warmblood horses are evaluated for their adherence to breed standards and fitness for participation in events such as dressage, hunter-jumper, or harness. Horse owners from around Central Oregon brought their mares and foals to a tradition-filled evaluation on a perfect mountain morning.

Kanoe Godby of Sisters has been breeding Dutch Warmblood horses for over 20 years, and inherited her love for horses from her mother, who was among the first to breed Friesian horses in the United States over 40 years ago.

Dutch Warmbloods, which are notable for their large size in comparison to other popular breeds such as

Kanoe Godby with Freedom.

the American Quarter Horse, “are bred to be an all-around horse,” Godby says. “They are known for their excellent temperament. They are big boned, with big feet. They are a horse that can pull a carriage, compete as jumpers, or in dressage, or take your grandmother on a trail ride.”

The keuring judges, known as a kern team, must

PHOTO BY CRAIG RULLMAN

have several years of experience evaluating Dutch Warmbloods, and travel from Holland yearly as representatives of the KWPN, judging horses in over a dozen locations in both the United States and Canada to ensure that horses raised in North America are meeting the same official standards as

See EVENT on page 16

PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT

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.

Haves and have-nots

To the Editor:

It’s all about the haves and the have-nots.

The Sisters City Council vote last week against approving a warming shelter says that a majority of the Council adheres to the view that the haves are not obligated to provide assistance to the have-nots. It’s a view of callous indifference toward those of lesser means. Just let them freeze to death.

The votes by City Councilors Michael Preedin, Gary Ross, and Jennifer Letz suggest the majority of citizens in Sisters believe in the fearmongering by shelter opponents. The

Wednesday September 13 • Sunny 81/48

next opportunity to vote for these councilors will give Sisters citizens a say as to whether or not they adhere to their position of opposition to providing public largesse to the less fortunate.

Council President Andrea Blum and Councilor Susan Cobb have a different opinion about what the Sisters citizenry believes. They apparently support the notion that those of lesser means deserve being helped by the haves. Voting to keep Blum and Cobb in office will be a chance for voters to say they don’t support the opposition to the shelter reflected

See LETTERS on page 4

Sisters Weather Forecast

Thursday September 14 • Sunny 85/50

Sunday September 17 • Mostly Sunny 89/52

Friday September 15 • Sunny 89/53

Monday September 18 • Mostly Sunny 83/49

Your teachers are ready!

By Edie Jones Guest Columnist

The Back-to-School Breakfast for teachers and all employees of District 6 took place on August 29. Being on the Sisters School Board I felt an obligation to accept the invitation to attend.

Sitting next to a middle school math teacher I was greeted by many from my days of teaching parents for Together For Children, 25 years ago. I instantly felt connected.

Saturday September 16 • Sunny 90/55

Tuesday September 19 • Partly Cloudy 77/46

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for information contained in advertisements, articles, stories, lists, calendar etc. within this publication. All submissions to The Nugget Newspaper will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyrighting purposes and subject to The Nugget Newspaper’s unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially, that all rights are currently available, and that the material in no way infringes upon the rights of any person. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return or safety of artwork, photos, or manuscripts.

I was immediately swept away by the camaraderie that permeated the room. Starting with the District Office and continuing with each of the principals and department heads, all the new hires were welcomed. At least four of the new teachers were from adjoining districts. Next came appreciation for years of service, starting with employees of five years, going all the way up to 30. We learned that the average number of years teaching in the Sisters district is 16 years. Wow! What other district can boast of the same?

How pleased I was that I had come. Feeling connected to those who will be heading back to school to teach your kids gave my role as a school board member a new perspective.

I planned to leave until I noticed the topic of the training about to take place. Seeing Amen Clinic SPECT Brain Scan on the screen, I recognized work from my past, decided to stay, and was engrossed in one of the best trainings I’ve ever experienced. During the next hour your teachers were introduced to what happens to your child’s brain every day they come to school.

We were walked through auditory processing and hearing, and why it’s important to understand the difference. The example given, of marbles rolling around in a barrel before they settle down, explained beautifully why continuing to talk or give directions to a child may not work; often, fewer words are better. Until it’s regulated, the brain shuts down and turns off its ability to communicate.

What happens in each section of the brain was clearly shared, both as it

applies to children going through trauma and to all children, every day. We adults often co-escalate this deregulation instead of being co-regulators. Ideas on how to bring about the calm state desired were presented.

The work of the renowned child psychiatrist Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D. emphasized how the brain works in education. Until a child’s brain can regulate, it isn’t able to reengage. Without reengagement, it won’t be able to reason. This section made it clear that learning needs to sequentially go through those three “R”s; regulate, reengage, and reason. This is an important concept all teachers, parents, and caregivers need to remember.

To better understand this, the metaphor of an obstacle course that is short-circuited was given. An example from one of the participants was the backpacks kids carry into the room. Some kids know exactly what’s in their backpacks, some kids don’t. It’s the kids who don’t know who may have a difficult time in school.

An exercise called 2x10 Strategy was given to the group. It suggests they pick one student and spend two minutes per day talking to them about a topic of their choosing for 10 consecutive days. Statistics give it an 80 percent success rate. I suggest all parents try this with their kids. It might be just the ticket if connections are difficult.

The topic of emotional bank accounts discussed what makes a deposit and what causes a withdrawal, stressing the importance of being intentional and knowing each kid. Often, what we think will build that account goes in the other direction. For some, a public compliment may be embarrassing, whereas a small Post-it note will be coveted.

I left when the room was still packed, with everyone engaged. The presenter had done their job well of regulating and reengaging, causing a lot of reasoning and learning to take place.

As your kids get back to school this week (or start for the first time), be assured, they are in good hands.

Your teachers are eager and ready to get back to work and I saw firsthand that they are being well trained.

The Stars over Sisters Starwatch will take place at the Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD) building and adjacent parking lot on Saturday, September 16. Local amateur astronomers will bring their telescopes, eager to share views of the summer night sky. Proceedings will begin with a brief presentation at 7:30 p.m. SPRD is located at 1750 McKinney Butte Rd., next to Sisters High School. (Photo from a Starwatch back in 2014.)

PHOTO COURTESY RON THORKILDSON

Starwatch!

Festivities in the KidZone

The second annual Sisters Folk Festival (SFF) KidZone will be back this year, featuring live musical performances, face painting, Smokey Bear, and more on Saturday, September 30, at Fir Street Park in Sisters. The event is free to the public and fun for the whole family! Interactive art activities will kick off the festivities at 10 a.m., with performances from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Enjoy kid-friendly live music from The Party Animals, Dennis McGregor, Fode Sylla, Porpoise Porpoise, Sisters High School (SHS) Americana Project students, and Elias Alexander. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own instruments and their dance shoes to join the

BOARDS, GROUPS, CLUBS

Al -Anon

Mon., noon, Shepherd of t he Hills Lutheran Church. 5 41-610 -7383.

Alcoholics A nonymou s

Taking the badge in the fire service

By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief

Local firefighting professionals honored the 2023 cadre of young resident volunteer firefighters as they launch their careers in the service last Thursday, September 7.

The resident volunteers successfully completed the Firefighter 1 Academy and were “pinned” with their badge as newly fledged firefighters in an hour-long Joint Recruit Academy Graduation & Recognition

Ceremony held at SistersCamp Sherman Fire District Community Hall.

Cade Heitschmidt, Madison Jones, Noah

McAllister, and Zacharaiah Oublasque are serving with the Black Butte Ranch (BBR) Fire District. Andrew Lord is serving with the Cloverdale Fire District, while Grant Dickensen, Jessa Hocker, Cody Martin, and Tyler Wallace serve at SistersCamp Sherman. Black Butte Ranch Fire Chief Dan Tucker administered the oath of office.

The resident volunteers spent their summer attending wildland firefighting school, receiving equipment driving instruction, undergoing an intensive EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) program, and an eight-week

Sisters Middle School (SMS) Outlaw Strings Club onstage for a community jam from 2:00-2:30 p.m. and the Sweater Weather String Band from 4:15 to 5 p.m. for a dance party. View full schedule and more information on the performers at sistersfolkfest.org/kidzone.

The SFF KidZone celebrates community connecting through creativity and features various interactive art activities from 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. including the opportunity to paint your own SFF T-shirt (featuring our 2023 “Folk on the Moon” astronaut) while supplies last. Familiar favorite Smokey Bear, will also be in attendance to talk all things fire prevention and take some selfies too.

The young and young at heart are all encouraged to participate in this free opportunity! Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult; the KidZone is not a dropoff childcare service.

Three-Day All Events passes and Saturday-only tickets to the Sisters Folk Festival are sold out. Fridayonly tickets are $85 for adults and $35 for youth and Sunday-only tickets are $70 for adults and $30 for youth; supplies are limited. Find out more and purchase tickets at https://www.sistersfolkfest. org/.

Follow @Sisters FolkFestival on Instagram and Facebook for the most current updates and additional information.

Community gathered for harvest dinner

By T. Lee Brown Correspondent

Farmers and founders, longtime friends and new acquaintances, all gathered together Saturday to celebrate Seed to Table’s 10th Anniversary at the Fall Harvest Dinner.

Clear skies and mellow weather created a welcoming atmosphere, along with the strings of lights above and flowers laid out on long tables. Live music hit a soothing note from the stage.

“The farm tour was

SISTERS AREA MEETING CALENDAR

Council on Aging of Cent ral O rego n Senior Lunch In- person community dining, Tues. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Grab -and -go lunch Tues., Wed., Thurs

12:3 0 to 1 p.m. Sisters C ommunity

Church. 5 41-4 8 0-18 43

Sisters Aglow Lighthouse 4th Saturday, 10 a.m., meeting by Zoom. 503- 93 0- 6158

Sisters Area Photography Club

2nd Wednesday, 3:3 0 p.m., at Sisters Communit y Church. 5 41-5 49 -6157.

great!” said one participant. “It wasn’t hot at all.”

Farm tours gave guests a glimpse into the nittygritty behind farming and farm-based education. Encompassing greenhouses and hoop houses, fields, and washing stations, Seed to Table’s farm spans four acres.

Fine weather continued into the evening as folks nibbled local delicacies from Feast Food Company based in Redmond. Locally ranched lamb was featured,

See

Sisters Red Hat s 1st Friday. For location infor mation, please c all: 541- 8 48 -1970.

Sisters Rotary 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, Noon, Aspen Lakes. 5 41-760 -5 64 5.

on page 20

Sisters School District Board of Directors O ne Wednesday m onthly, Sisters School District Administr ation Building. See schedule online at www ssd6.org. 5 41-5 49 -8 521 x5 002.

Thursday, 7 p.m., Episc opal Church of the Transf iguration / Satur day, 8 a.m., Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration / M onday, 5 p.m., Shepherd of t he Hills Lutheran Church / Big Book study, Tuesday, noon, Shepherd of t he Hills Lutheran Church / Gen tlemen’s meeting, Wednesday, 7 a.m., Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church / Sober

Sisters Women’s meet ing, Thu rsday, noon, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church / Step & Tradition meeting, Fr iday, noon, Shepherd of t he Hills Lutheran Church. 5 41-5 48 -0 440.

Central Oregon F ly Tye rs G uild

For Saturday meeting dates and location, email: steelef ly@msn.c om

Ci tizens4Communit y New neighbor meetup, last Tuesday of t he month, 5 to 6:3 0 p.m. at T he Bar n in Sisters

Ci tizens4Communit y C ommunity Builders meeting, 3rd Wednesday, 10 to 11:3 0 a.m. V isit citizens 4c ommunity.c om for loc ation.

East of the Cascades Quilt Guild

4th Wed. (September- June), Stitchin’

Post . A ll are welcome. 5 41-5 49 -6 061.

G o Fish Fishing G roup 3rd Monday 7 p.m., Siste rs C ommunity Church.

541-771-2211

Hear twarmers (f leec e blanketmaker s)

2nd Tuesday, 1 p.m., Siste rs Communit y Church. M ater ials provided.

541- 408 -8 505.

Hero Q uilters of Sisters Thursday, 1 to 4 p.m. 5 41-6 68 -1755

Milita ry Parent s of Sisters M eetings are held quarter ly; please c all for details. 5 41-388 -9 013.

Oregon Band of Brothers Sisters Chapter meets Wednesda ys, 11:3 0 a.m., Takoda’s Rest aurant.

541- 549- 64 69

SAGE (Senior Activities, G athering s & Enrichmen t) M onday- Fr iday, 11 a.m.

to 4 p.m. at Sisters Par k & Recreation District. 5 41-5 49 -2091.

Sisters Area Woodworke rs First Tuesday, 7 to 9 p.m. 5 41-231-18 97

Sisters Bridge Club Thursdays, 12:30 p.m. at Sisters C ommunity Church. Email sister sbridge2021@gmail.com.

Sisters Caregi ver Suppor t G roup

3rd Tues., 10:30 a.m., Siste rs Episcopal Church. 5 41-719 -0 031.

Sisters Cribbage C lub M eets 11 a.m. ever y Wed. at S PR D. 5 09 -9 47-574 4.

Sisters Garden C lub For monthly meetings visit: SistersGardenClub.com.

Sisters Habitat for Humanit y Board of D irectors 4th Tuesday, 6 p.m. Location infor mation: 5 41-5 49 -1193.

Sisters Kiwanis Thursdays, 7 to 8:3 0 a.m., at Aspen Lakes Golf Cours e. 541- 410-2870

Sisters Parent Teacher Communit y 2nd Tuesday, 6 p.m. at Sisters Elementary School Commons. 917-219-8298

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

Sisters Trails A lliance Board Meetings take plac e ever y other month, 5 p.m. In- person or zoom. Contact: info@sisterstrails.org

Three Sister s Irrigation Distric t Board of Direc tors M eets 1st Tuesday 4 p.m., TSI D Of fice. 5 41-5 49 -8 815

Three Sister s Lions Club 2nd Thursday, 6:3 0 p.m., Spoons Rest aurant. 5 41-419 -1279.

VF W Po st 813 8 and A merican Legion Post 8 6 1st Wednesday of the mont h, 6:3 0 p.m., M ain Church Building Sisters Community Church. 8 47-344 -0 49 8

SCHOOLS

Black Bu tt e School Board of Direc tors 2nd Tuesday, 3:45 p.m., Black But te School. 541- 59 5- 6203

CITY & PARKS

Sisters Ci ty Council 2nd & 4t h Wednesday, 6:3 0 p.m., Siste rs City Hall. 5 41-5 49 -6 022.

Sisters Park & Recreation District Board of Dire ctor s 2nd & 4th Tues., 4:30 p.m., SPR D bldg. 5 41-5 49 -2091.

Sisters Pl anning Commission 3rd Thursday, 5:3 0 p.m., Siste rs City Hall. 5 41-5 49 -6 022.

FIRE & POLICE

Black Bu tt e Ranch Polic e Dept Board of Dire ctor s M eets monthly 541- 59 5-2191 for time & date Black Bu tt e Ranch R FPD Board of Directors 4th Thurs., 9 a.m BB R Fire Station. 5 41-595 -2 28 8 Cloverdale R FPD Board of Dire ctor s 3rd Wed., 5:3 0 p.m., 6743 3 Cloverdale Rd. 5 41-5 48 -4 815. c loverdalef ire.com.

Sister s- Camp She rman R FPD Board of Dire ctor s 3rd Tuesday 5 p.m., Siste rs Fire Hall, 5 41-5 49 -0771.

PHOTO PROVIDED

The Sisters Folk Festival will offer interactive art activities, music, and more at Fir Street Park on Saturday, September 30, as a free offering during the Festival. See

LETTERS

Continued from page 2

by the votes of Letz, Preedin, and Ross. These councilors could be wrong about what the citizens of Sisters believe. Let’s hope so.

Roger Detweiler

We need to come together as a community to support our neighbors and give them a place for reprieve from the elements and to provide basic needs. We are all residents of Sisters, whether we are housed or living outdoors.

Hannah Joseph

s s s

Support shelter

To the Editor:

I am writing in support of the Sisters Cold Weather Shelter purchasing the building on Barclay. Sisters greatly needs an emergency shelter and daytime resource center to provide basic needs for our neighbors. Supporting this shelter is the best way for our city and community to show that we are truly a welcoming place. Supporting our unhoused neighbors is critical as summers get hotter and smokier and winters continue to be cold and uninviting for those living outdoors.

I know folks will have a lot to say to deter this shelter from coming to fruition, but I ask the City councilors to think about these statements and try to understand the underlying fears and lack of empathy in these statements. If we are truly caring for each other, we can see that a shelter is the best thing we can provide for our neighbors. It’s time to show that we value people over property.

According to the Sisters Country Vision, Sisters strives to “actively seek to improve our community’s quality of life, economic opportunity and affordability for all residents, and the facilities, programs and services that enrich and sustain our lives.”

We need more programs and services to support those living in poverty, and the proposed Cold Weather Shelter is just that. Additionally, the vision for a Connected Sisters, Strategy 4: Diversity and Inclusion states that the City will “bring Sisters Country’s less frequently heard voices into a more diverse, welcoming and inclusive community conversation, fostering greater tolerance in the community helping newcomers as well as long-time residents to feel valued and supported.”

Approving the Cold Weather Shelter is the best way to actually do what the Vision asks.

Check your sources

To the Editor:

In reply to Art Mitchell’s letter of August 30 (Biden failures), I want to point out a few “inaccuracies” listed.

Claim: The president has signed no bipartisan legislation. To the contrary, I found quite a few nonpartisan bills pretty quickly:

• Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests in rebuilding roads, bridges, ports, and airports.

• Bipartisan bill to crack down on fraud in the COVID-19 relief program.

• Bipartisan PACT Act — is the most significant expansion of veterans health care and benefits in more than 30 years.

• Bipartisan bill to suspend the debt limit until 2025.

There were several other claims and accusations listed, some valid and some not. It was a pretty quick keyboard action on my part to research his claims, and I will leave that to readers to do the same. However, what does bother me most is that people just don’t want to take the time to check. They believe what they hear regardless of its validity.

At one time, this was known as plain old country gossip.

So, while we all know who Mr. Mitchell doesn’t want in office in the next presidential election, let’s hope he makes an informed and ethical decision on who should be sitting there.

As for me, I will vote for the candidate who represents all Americans, not just a select few groups of their choosing or religious affiliation. And I will not vote for a candidate who has acted so unethically that he has a buttload of indictments looming—and a penchant for bullying people when things don’t go his way.

In summary, before you pitch your tent in any political camp, please check sources. Weed out the bias from the facts. Unfortunately, we

See LETTERS on page 8

Join

...authors,

WED., SEPT. 13 • 6:30-7:30PM

DAVID TURNER pr esents Fish Lake in the High Cascades: A Historic Legacy. Nestled in the forests above the head waters of Or egon’s McKenzie River, the Fish Lake historic site has countless stories to tell of the people w ho occupied the site.

THURS., SEPT. 21 • 6:30-7:30PM

ANNE GRAHAM pr esents Tall Annie: A Life in Two Genders, an autobiogr aphical story of a carefully managed tr ansition bounded on both sides by a high level of contribution to society in both gender s.

FRI., SEPT. 22 • 7PM

HOUSE CONCERT featuring True North Duo (Kristen Grainger & Dan Wetzel) and Gabrielle Louise Songs ar e liter atur e! Join us for an intimate evening of song and stor y. $20 suggested donation – 100% goes to ar tists

WED., OCT. 4 • 6:30PM

FIRST WEDNESDAY COMMUNITY OPEN MIC NIGHT Music, Poetry, & Storytelling Open Mic Sign-ups open at 6 p.m., 5 minutes per par ticipant. An all-ages event.

THURS., OCT. 5 • 6:30-7:30PM

BOB WELCH pr esents Seven Summers (And a Few Bummers): My Adventure Hiking the 2,650-mile PCT taking r eader s on a 10-summer jour ney involving author Bob Welc h’s attempt to hike the entir e Mexico-to-Canada tr ail — w hile in his 60s

MON., OCT. 9 • 5-6:30PM

WRITING WORKSHOP with Nathan Brown deals with how to ne ver be caught without something to write about. RSVP to events@ paulinaspringsbooks.com. Suggested $20 donation goes to author

THURS. OCT. 12 • 6:30-7:30PM

POETRY READING with JENNIFER REIMER and IRENE COOPER sharing fr om spare change and Keske.

MON., OCT. 16 • 5:30PM

PSB FICTION BOOK CLUB discussing When Women

Were Dragons by KELLY BARNHILL. Meeting thir d Monday of ever y month; details at paulinaspringsbook s.com.

There’s a fall chill in the air but it’s still feels a little bit like summer out at Black Butte Ranch.

PHOTO BY JIM CORNELIUS

DINNER: Organization marked its 10th anniversary

Continued from page 3

along with vegetables grown by Seed To Table.

The dinner took place in a pleasant meadow on the farm. This year, the annual harvest meal marked a unique occasion: Seed to Table’s 10th anniversary. In 2013, former Sisters High School student Audrey Tehan was invited to develop a farm education program at her alma mater in collaboration with Sisters Science Club.

The program evolved into today’s nonprofit organization, which spans three programming areas: providing farm-based education, growing and distributing fresh produce for people of various income levels, and managing Sisters Farmers Market.

Tehan gave a moving speech ( see related article, page 20 ). Seed to Table’s programs director Hannah Joseph presented Tehan with a special gift: a framed photomontage featuring ten years of pictures. Joseph offered up words of appreciation on behalf of herself, the staff, and director of operations Helen Vaskevitch, who could

Live the dream

not be present.

In particular, Joseph thanked Tehan for creating an environment where people learn to laugh as they overcome obstacles. She ended with a toast: “Here’s to another 10 years of Seed to Table!”

Members of the audience clapped and hollered in appreciation. Some were visibly moved to tears.

In its decade-long history, Seed to Table has affected many lives. As Tehan reported from the stage, the farm is currently producing 85,000 pounds of produce per year.

Farm-based education lies at the heart of Seed to Table. The organization provides local children and youth with hands-on education at the farm along with programs on-site in schools, such as the Sisters High School greenhouse programs. In a given year, 1,500 to 1,750 student visits typically take place.

Some of these students may go on to start their own gardens or inspire their families to grow their own food at home. Some have become volunteers at the Farmers Market. Currently, one student has returned to Seed to Table, now working professionally as a farmer.

The bounty of fresh food

PRICEREDUCED!

Beautiful, handcrafted 6-bed., 3-bath, 3,600 sq. ft. log lome located in a forest-like setting on 5.03 acres. Quiet and secluded area in Sisters School District. A prepper’s dream — potential for being off-grid. New well pump and drainfield. Includes garden area, greenhouse, outbuildings, chicken coop, detached garage. $1,295,000 | MLS#220165831

Winfield Durham, Broker 541-420-9801

382 E. Hood Ave., Ste A-East, Sisters winfield@stellarnw.com

The community gathered to eat, drink, and celebrate Seed to Table’s 10th Anniversary on the farm. Pictured here, folks applauded founder and Executive Director Audrey Tehan.

distributed to a wide range of residents, some facing barriers to food access. A community supported agriculture (CSA) produce share enables folks to pick out their preferred vegetables every week on the farm in season.

“Seed to Table touches so many lives, whether through education, feeding families,

seeing your friends and neighbors at the Farmers Market,” said longtime volunteer Fran Willis, who is now vice chair of the Board of Directors.

“It’s woven into the fabric of this community in ways that many people don’t realize.”

Through partnerships with groups including Kiwanis and NeighborImpact, the

farm provides fresh produce to food banks and pantries. Sisters Farmers Market, which Seed to Table has led and managed for the last four seasons, offers a point of access for fresh food and a community gathering place. For some kids, a trip to

PHOTO BY EMILY GREEN

See DINNER on page 20

Lady Outlaws volleyball crowned at Cascade

By Rongi Yost Correspondent

The Lady Outlaws volleyball squad dominated play at the Cascade Invite on Saturday, September 8, and walked off the court as undefeated champs for the second straight year. Fourteen 3A and 4A teams were in attendance, including 4A Marshfield, who are the defending 4A state champions.

Sisters began pool play against 4A Junction City and 4A Stayton and beat both teams in three straight sets.

The Outlaws faced Corbett (3A) in their first match of afternoon bracket play. Sisters used aggressive serving to cruise past the Cardinals in two straight sets (25-12, 25-17).

The Outlaws then faced 4A North Bend in the semifinals and showed a gritty defense that blocked tough at the net and passed extremely well to fly past the Lady Bulldogs, once again in straight sets (25-13, 25-13).

The championship game was a matchup between the Outlaws and No. 1

Marshfield. While both teams went back and forth in scoring, the Outlaws battled the very tough opponent with their high-flying ability on full display. Their entire front line blocked and hit the ball all over the floor.

Coach Rory Rush said, “We really showed our athleticism today. Our girls were aggressive and showed their ability to play above the net. This group of girls is fun to coach, and fun to watch!”

Two days earlier, the Outlaws rescheduled their home game to a road game at Elmira on Wednesday, due to a lack of referees.

Sisters won in three straight sets (25-14, 25-15, 25-8), but it wasn’t pretty. The Outlaws missed many of their serves and struggled on serve-receive. Gracie Vohs led the team with 17 kills and Holly Davis dished out 30 assists.

The Outlaws were scheduled to play at home against Harrisburg on Tuesday, September 12. On Thursday they hit the road for a match against the Lady Billies at Pleasant Hill.

BADGE: Event recognized new firefighters

Continued from page 3

firefighting academy.

BBR Fire Deputy Chief Jason Ellison said, “They spent their summer dedicating to our community.”

Ellison noted that his department has hosted a student program for more than three decades.

“You have become part of a culture, part of a family that goes back 36 years,” he said.

Sisters-Camp Sherman Deputy Fire Chief Tim Craig noted that the three local districts had a pick of excellent applicants.

“It’s an application process that goes Central Oregon-wide,” he said. “We came together to conduct the interviews together, and then Chief Ellison and I got together to arm wrestle over who we got.”

Chief Craig noted that the resident volunteers won’t all land in Central Oregon positions — the local districts do not have enough openings to offer them all jobs.

“We are proud and honored to send you out into

other organizations, and make those organizations stronger,” he said.

Sisters Fire Chief Roger Johnson, who hosted the event, noted the importance of the family support shown to the new firefighters — through their education and going forward.

“This is just the beginning for these folks,” he said.

The event also recognized promotions and new hires within the three local fire districts. BBR Fire District marked the promotion of

Travis

Sisters-Camp

Krieck to the rank of captain, and the hiring of Grace Schuhmann as a firefighter/EMT.

Sherman Fire District honored Ben Duda as a new volunteer captain, and the establishment of Steven Lord as a firefighter/EMTR and community risk and fire safety manager. Rachelle Otasu has come on board as a fire medic, along with Rachel Ulm and Jack Wales, and Jeff Puller is fire safety manager.

New firefighters took the oath of office in a graduation and recognition ceremony held at Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District Community Hall.

PHOTO BY JIM CORNELIUS

Young artists add vitality to arts group Studio Tour

By Helen Schmidling Correspondent

The Sisters Arts Association’s Seventh Annual Artist Studio Tour is happening Saturday and Sunday, September 23-24. This is a self-guided driving tour, featuring 32 artists in 19 home studios and host galleries, in and around Sisters.

This year, three young artists are excited to meet the public and make new friends at Space in Common, Sisters’ newest art gallery at 351 W. Hood Ave. Taylor Manoles and Raina Verhey are both oil painters who live in Bend, and Maren Burck is a ceramist painter who lives in Sisters. They, along with gallery owner Amelia Morton, represent an up-and-coming dynamic in the Sisters Arts Association.

Manoles grew up in Minnesota where as a kid she loved to draw — horses, and only horses. Her aunt, who is an artist, gave her a proper oil painting class — which inspired her to major in art education with an emphasis on painting at North Dakota State.

After a year of teaching, she turned to creating her art full-time. Being a selfemployed full-time artist is like having three or four different full-time jobs. Of course there is painting — Manoles tries to spend three or four days a week doing that — and then there’s everything else – building and maintaining her website, keeping up on email and social media, selling, packing, and shipping.

“It’s extremely satisfying being totally self-employed and getting to work and live in the places you want to be,” she said.

Her artwork explores themes of faith and the human experience through the natural world of flora and fauna. The landscapes are intense, vivid, with deliberate, angular strokes.

Manoles enjoys climbing, doing anything in the out doors, with her husband, Joe, and border collie, Finn.

“I love the Studio Tour because it’s a chance to get out of my own bubble and into the community,” she said. “I’ll get to meet people, and to hang out with Raina, Amelia, and Maren. I look

forward to putting down roots here. I have a goal of scheduling one thing a month like this that will keep me focused.”

Verhey was raised outside of Atlanta, the eldest of five and homeschooled in literary classics. Her teenage notebooks were filled with sketches but she didn’t consider creating art until she turned 18. She began making really big shapes that expressed her feelings. At first she did a lot of abstract line drawings, and eventually migrated to watercolor. Her story is one of creativity born through depression. Her abstract scribbles became the language for what she could not say in words. Then one day, she decided to create oil paintings, so she went out and bought all the necessary materials.

to drive out into the desert in her off-road Prius, spend time with her boyfriend, or just sit and think.

“I am a ponderer!” she said. Aside from creating art

She’s anxiously looking forward to building a foundation for the arts in this area, after so much of life as we knew it was washed away by Covid.

“I want to spend the week-

Raina Verhey and Taylor Manoles will meet the public during the September 23-24 Studio Tour.

PHOTO PROVIDED

all will have to do the homework to get through the smoke and mirrors of the 2024 election.

There’s a saying that the person who can’t read is still far above the person who won’t read. It’s a good rule to follow. That saying has been attributed to author and journalist Mark Twain. However, that’s not true. Mr. Twain never said it.

I checked.

Marlene McCormack

Loaves and fishes

To the Editor:

The following “note” was attached to the petition that is making its way around the town of Sisters lately. I found it on one of Sisters’ public bulletin boards here in town. The petition is in opposition to the homeless inclement weather facility that has been discussed in length over the last couple of months.

Personally, my politics are neither left nor right but after reading this I felt that a much broader swath of Sisters citizens might take a moment and look deeper into themselves about how they view this ongoing situation:

“Someone’s willingness to help others says a lot about them. Conversely, opposition to something like this also says a lot. Welcome to the real world — change is inevitable. Do something to help or shut up. You should be spending your time/ effort helping others — not trying to stop people from doing so. If you are religious, you should be

ashamed. DO BETTER!”

End of note!

Maybe ask yourselves WWJD? Story of loaves and fishes comes to mind!

It will be interesting to see where this ends up and as a town how we live with it.

W.L. Duggan

Thoughts on shelter

To the Editor:

While I seldom find myself compelled to write a letter to the editor, the sentiments expressed during the recent City Council meeting on Tuesday, September 5, coupled with my own unspoken thoughts, urge me to share my perspective. I’ve been fortunate to play a role, in some capacity, at the Sisters Cold Weather Shelter (SCWS). Although I may not have initially felt a strong inclination to assist those experiencing houselessness, I am troubled by the distressing state of our communities in this regard.

My life has been enriched, and my connection to the community deepened, through my involvement with the SCWS. My life has taken an unexpected turn since I got involved with the SCWS. I’ve made connections with folks from all walks of life in our community – people with homes and those without. These relationships wouldn’t have happened without the SCWS. Houselessness, though, is a complicated and messy issue, and I won’t pretend I’ve got all the answers. The presence of tents, litter, and shopping carts can be disheartening consequences of this issue. However, the misinformation, halftruths, and fear-driven comments I witnessed at the

recent meeting were far more disconcerting. Some folks kept saying we should do things “the Sisters way.” It is my opinion, the SCWS has been doing just that since 2017. It is a collaboration of various faith-based groups, civic organizations, and concerned citizens working together to provide meals, build a sense of community, and offer a warm place to sleep. If you are worried about them veering off course, consider joining the board to help them stay true to their mission. If safety is a concern, become a volunteer and get to know the shelter guests on a first-name basis. You will see how that Code of Conduct works.

Our City has a tough job on its hands. The state hasn’t exactly given them a clear road map on this issue. I am not a fan of the State telling local governments what to do either, but if they are handing out over a million dollars to tackle a problem that is not going away, well, maybe we should accept it. “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth,” comes to mind.

I commend the mayor, council, and staff for their diligent efforts in navigating these complex waters, with a special acknowledgment to Councilor Susan Cobb for her thoughtful and reasoned remarks during their deliberations.

We might have our differences in opinion, but that is okay. When we bump into each other at the Post Office, Bi-Mart, or church, let’s remember that we are all just trying to make our community better. We are in this together, and it is alright to agree to disagree.

Lois Kaping SCWS co-chair 2017-2018

See LETTERS on page 21

Sisters salutes...

• The smoky weather in August and early September wreaked havoc on fall sports teams that normally practice and compete outside, including the Outlaws’ cross-country team. Tate Metcalf and his staff at Sisters Athletic Club have been able to offer time and space for the team to do training on the spin bikes and in the pool.

• The Transitions program team members from Partners In Care were recognized as “2023 Health Heroes” in a ceremony at Deschutes County Health Services.

The Partners In Care Transitions team has been transforming lives across Central Oregon since 2004. Five Transitions coordinators, Bethany Benefield, Laurie Slye, Pam McConnell, Hollie Andrews, and Molly Denton, cover a 10,000-square-mile area from Jefferson and Crook Counties, through Deschutes County and out to Christmas Valley.

Transitions is a no cost, resource-based, non-clinical case management program for medically fragile individuals with a limited prognosis, including those who may not qualify for home health or hospice. Anyone can refer

to the Transitions program, from the person themselves to medical providers, community members, and family members.

“Being recognized as Public Health Heroes is an incredible honor that took us all by surprise!” said Benefield, Transitions team lead. “It’s easy to only focus on the immediate needs of the individuals we serve, so it’s been particularly special to have a reason to take a step back and reflect on the impact we’ve been able to make in our community. We take pride in what we do and are humbled by this acknowledgment of our work.”

Transitions coordinators help clients and families navigate resources that many are not familiar with; this results in people not falling through the cracks or feeling alone. Many are isolated or have minimal support from family. The team works closely with numerous organizations

in Deschutes County and across Central Oregon, to include the county health services, social workers, the Department of Veterans Affairs veteran service officers and VA Clinic, the Vet Center, unhoused resources, transportation resources, the Council on Aging and senior centers for Meals on Wheels, and many more organizations that provide a support network throughout the region.

“As a nonprofit organization that has been addressing community needs for over forty years, Partners In Care has supported medically fragile or seriously ill individuals through implementation of programs such as Transitions and Palliative Care,” said Greg Hagfors, Partners In Care CEO. “The Transitions Program started nearly twenty years ago and continues to fill a gap in our community. This award is a testament to the commitment of these five team members

who go above and beyond every day collaborating with one another to best serve the clients in their care.”

Daily, the team supports approximately 400 people across the tri-counties, touching thousands of lives each year. Transitions

Coordinators go wherever the client calls home and assess the situation for what may be needed. That could be a one-time visit to help answer questions and provide referrals to other agencies for support; it could be visits

each month for a few years. Enrolling in Transitions can benefit the client and their family, ensuring support is provided as health conditions or living conditions change. Because Transitions is a no-cost program for those receiving support, Partners In Care can continue this program through donations from the community. To learn more about the Transitions Program or donate in support, visit partnersbend.org or contact the Transitions team at 541-322-1289.

Get Clear on Your Soul’s Purpose with a Natal Chart Reading!

Saturday, Sept. 16, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Bedouin, 142 E. Hood Ave., Sisters In-person Natal Chart Readings starting at $25 for 15 minutes For information on all services visit www.anotherdaygreener.com Email: anotherdaygreener@gmail.com

Outlaws runners had to train indoors due to smoke.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Partners in Care’s Transitions team was honored for work.

PHOTO PROVIDED

A NNOUNCEMENT S

GriefShare Group

Cele ation o

Sisters Bell Choir

Sisters Cribbage Club

Go Fish Group

Li fe for Rollo “Skip “ Simpson

f

at FivePine Lodge

Friday, September 15 from 3 to 6 p.m

Sunday School for Children

Church of the Transfiguration is now o ering Sunday School for children, ages 5 to 12, regardless of church a liation, during both Sunday worship ser vices. Protestant/ecumenical ser vice is at 8:30 a .m. and Episcopal service begins at 10:15 a .m. e church address is 121 Brooks C amp Rd. Sisters . For information call Margaret Doke at 541-588-2784.

Weekly Food Pantry

e Wellhouse Church hosts a weekly food pantr y ursdays at 3 p.m. at 222 N . Trinit y Way. Both drive-through pick-up and shopping-st yle distribution are available. Call 541-549-4184 for information.

Free Weekly Meal Service

Family Kitchen hosts weekly togo hot meals on Tuesdays , 4:30 to 6 p.m. Sisters Community Church, 130 0 McKenzie Hwy Visit www FamilyKitchen.org.

Free Lunches for Seniors

For those 60+, the Council on Aging of Central Oregon o ers a f un, no-cost social lunch every Tuesday, 11 a .m. to 1 p.m. at Sisters Community Church, 1300 McKenzie Hwy. No reser vations needed. No-cost Grab-N- Go lunches take place weekly on Wed. and urs ., f rom 12:30 to 1 p.m. Call 541-797-9367.

STAR S Seeks

Dispatch Volunteers

While working from home, help STAR S transport Sisters Country resident s to nonemergenc y medical appointments. Needed: A computer, the abilit y to use online apps, and a telephone. Call 541-9 04-5545 . STAR S is an AFSC Action Team.

Making a Di erence Made

Easy in Sisters Country

Age Friendly Sisters Country (AFSC) fiscally sponsors three great Action Teams, and two of them currently need your help to advance their projects to improve livabilit y in Sisters Countr y. Help the Family Friendly Restroom Team get their project (literally!) o the ground by going to www agef riendlysisters com and following the links to volunteer Go to starsride.org to learn more about their Action Team. Call AFSC directly at 541-241-7910 to learn more about what we do.

Beginning September 14, join a friendly, caring group who will walk alongside you through the experience of losing a loved one. Meeting s will be ursdays f rom

2-4 p.m. at Sisters Community Church. For registration and more information, visit www grief share.org/groups/169894.

STAR S Volunteer Driver Training

STAR S will train new drivers 10 :30 a .m. until noon on Friday, September 15 at Sisters Firehall Training Room. Complete an easy application online at https://starsride.org/volunteer.

Click “Drive for us.” To apply in person, arrive at 10 a .m. STARS has a flexible commitment and o ers mileage reimbursement

Email volunteer@starsride.org with questions . STAR S is an AFSC Action Team.

Social Security: Unlock Its Potential

When should you begin taking social securit y? What if you continu e to work? What about ta xes? Social Securit y is likely ver y important to you and it helps to see the big picture as you prepare for it. Join guest presenter Casey Miller to learn the options and implications for taking Social Securit y benefits and how to maximize them.

Wednesday, September 27, f rom

5:45 to 6:45 p.m. in downtown Sisters. Free, but you must R SVP. To register & confirm location, call Edward Jones o ce of Karen Kassy, 541-549-186 6.

Tax-Free Investing

Learn about: tax-advantaged investments and their features; ta x-free investment returns versus taxable investment returns; three ways to purchase municipal bonds; how tax-f ree investing can help you achieve your goals faster f rom guest expert/presenter Casey Miller.

Tuesday, September 26, f rom

5:45 to 6:45 p.m. in downtown Sisters. Free, but you must R SVP. To register & confirm location, call Edward Jones o ce of Karen Kassy, 541-549-186 6.

Volunteer Oppor tunities in Sisters

Sisters Countr y Connects is a website that allows volunteers to connect with oppor tunities to ser ve in Sisters Country Organizations post volunteer needs and those seeking to serve can read details about oppor tunities and find contact information. Find the website at www sisterscommunity.org/ volunteer/

Historic Sisters

Docent-led Walking Tours

Family-f riendly and free! Take the “Downtown Sisters L andmarks

Tour ” and learn the histor y of Sisters’ oldest buildings and early pioneers. Held Wednesdays and Sundays at 10 a .m. For reservations email museum@ threesistershistoricalsociet y.org or call the Sisters Museum at 541-549-14 03

is would be a great year to tr y e Twelve Tone bell choir for their 15th anniversar y in Sisters! e bell choir will be performing with the Sisters High Desert Chorale for Christmas concer ts , as well as 3 or 4 other venue s on their own around town in December. For more information please call or text Lola Knox at 541-390-4 615 or email 4tayknox@gmail.com.

Clippit y Clop Fundraiser

Join Equine Community Resources , a 501(c)(3), for a comp etitive Trail Ride on Saturday, September 16 or a Poker Ride on Sunday, September 17 at Cow Camp in Sisters . Prices var y and food is available for purchase. For more information go to equinecommunit yresources .org or find them on Facebook.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Family Caregiver Support Group

elma’s Place Adult Day Respite Program in Redmond host s a monthly support group for those caring for someone with Alzheimer ’ s or another dementia-related disease. e support group is held ever y third Wednesday of the month f rom 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. is is a f ree family-caregiver support group featuring local organizations. Call 541-548-30 49

Since the early 1980s , the Sisters Cribbage Club has continued to meet once a week. Originally the Club met upstairs in Bronco Billy’s , now known as Sisters Saloon & Ranch Grill. e man to beat was Curt. In 2013 the Club began meeting in the Communit y Room at Ray ’s , and now meets in the SPRD building , just west of Sisters High School, ever y Wednesday at 11 a .m. e group is always looking for new members , and questions can be answered at 509-947-574 4.

Sisters Careg iver Support

A f acilitated support group for caregivers of those with chronic or life-shor tening diseases meet s 10 to 11:30 a .m. on the third Tuesday of ever y month at Sisters Episcopal Church of e Transfiguration, 121 Brook s Camp Rd. For more information, please contact Kay at 541-719- 0031

Announce Your Celebr ations!

Birth, engagement, wedding , and milestone anniversar y notices from the Sisters community may run at no charge on this Announcements page. All submissions are subject to editing for space. Email nug get@ nug getnews com or drop o at 442 E . Main Ave. Deadline is 5 p.m. on Fridays

wedding announcement

Blust & Z aval a

tney Blust and Jos eph Z id Nb

Go Fish Group will meet on Monday, September 18 , at 7 p.m. at Sisters Community Church. Our speaker will be John Shewey, the editor of American Fly Fishing Magazine, and his program will be on “Fly Fishing the Oregon Outback ” For more information please call Gar y at 541-771-2211.

MONT Y

Zavala

were married on November 19, 2022, in Southern California Cour tney is the daughter of Tom and Sally Blust of Sisters Joseph is the son of Jose Zavala of Anaheim, California ey met while working at Disneyland. Cour tney currently works as a CAD designer at an interior design firm. Joseph is an actor who is currently working with Kaiser Permanente Educational eatre ey live in Fuller ton, California with their dog , Koda.

Monty is a nine-year-old Great Dane looking for a home af ter coming to HSCO as a stray. He is a darling older gentleman who would do well in a quieter home with an adopter willing to work on leash skills. Since Monty is a senior, he’ll need light exercise such as evening strolls and lots of cuddles. If you are looking for the sweetest guy to give loving companionship to during his sunset years, look no further. Come to HSCO and meet Monty today!

— SPONSORED BY —

The Arends Group

Phil Arends: 541-420-9997 phil.arends@cascadesir.com

Thomas Arends: 541-285-1535 thomas.arends@cascadesir.com

SISTER S- ARE A C HURCH ES

Baha’i Faith

For information, devotions, study groups , etc , contact Shauna Rocha 541-6 47-9826 • www.bahai.org • w ww bahai.us • w ww.bahaiteaching .org

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

121 N Brook s Camp Rd. • 541-549-7087

8:30 a .m. Ecumenical Sunday Worship

10 :15 a .m. Episcopal Sunday Worship www.transfiguration-sisters.org

Sisters Church of the N az arene

67130 Har ring ton Loop Rd . • 541-389-8960 www.sistersna z.org • info@sistersnaz .org

10 a .m. Sunday Worship

Sisters Communit y Church (Nondenominational)

130 0 W. McKenzie Hw y. • 541-549-1201

9:30 a .m. Sunday Worship www.sisterschurch.com • info@sisterschurch.com

Chapel in the Pines

Camp Sherman • 541-815-9153

10 a .m. Sunday Worship

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (ELCA) 386 N . Fir Street • 541-549-5831

10 a .m. Sunday Worship

www.shepherdof thehillsluther anchurch.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

12 p.m. Monday Mass • 8 a .m. Tuesday-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 • w ww.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 subject to editing and run as space allows . Email janice@nug getnews com or drop o at 4 42 E . Main Ave. Deadline is 5 p.m. on Fridays

Wheeler

a marathon special meeting on Tuesday, September 5, is non-binding until a written decision is adopted. City staff will prepare a draft written decision and the Council will convene in a special meeting on Tuesday, September 19, at 5 p.m. at City Hall to review and vote on the final decision.

The SCWS application was made under House Bill 3095, which updated HB 2006, which sought to reduce barriers to siting homeless shelters in cities. The updated legislation allowed for a public hearing, though it offered no guidance as to how that hearing should be conducted, or by whom.

Until this month, the decision had been slated to be made by City staff. City council decided to take on making the decision in the form of a public hearing due to the importance of the decision to the community ( see The Nugget, August 30).

The meeting was formatted to resemble a land-use hearing, even though, under statute, this was not a landuse process. It allowed for the applicant to present to the public and to the Council as well as for public testimony on the subject. From there, Council was to deliberate in open session, with the public able to hear the Council’s thoughts and questions on the topic.

The Council chambers were packed full to overflowing, and more than 100 people attended via Zoom.

Councilors asked questions of the Sisters Cold Weather Shelter applicant during their presentation in front of the crowd, allowing for the public to hear more about the shelter and the perspective of the councilors.

Each councilor offered their rationale for their vote on the application.

“I have no doubt that the Cold Weather Shelter has a good heart,” said Mayor Michael Preedin.

However, Preedin expressed concerns about safety — and one of the

criteria of approval was that a shelter must not pose an “unreasonable” threat to community safety.

“I’m not convinced that this particular application would work the way it sounds like it should work,” he said.

Preedin also expressed frustration at a process that placed the onus on cities to allow for shelters.

“I think this was pushed on cities by the State and the governor’s office,” he said. “I think that was an unfair thing to do to cities, because not all cities are the same.”

The mayor hopes the applicant and others interested in the issue could go back to the drawing board and come up with a more community-generated proposal.

“I think there is a Sisters way,” he said.

Councilor Jennifer Letz echoed many of the mayor’s concerns, including issues with the process.

“I feel that these house bills were intended for larger communities with more resources — not a community like ours,” she said.

Letz said the City needs to grapple with root causes of homelessness, including affordable housing, and she wants to address what she described as deteriorating

medical services in Sisters. She said she is heartened by evidence that citizens want to address the issue of homelessness, even if they opposed the shelter proposal.

“I think the majority of people in the community believe that this is an issue that needs to be addressed,” she said. “They were just not jibing with what they were seeing and being presented with… There was a missed opportunity there to get a lot of hardworking and compassionate people together to kind of come up with some creative solutions.”

While she concurred with complaints about the process, Councilor Andrea Blum voted to approve the application.

She said she is “very, very upset and concerned that the ability of our community to make our own decisions about what happens in our community has been taken away from us.”

She noted that the homeless “emergency” looks different in different communities.

“It would have been, for me, so much more beneficial had we had the opportunity to work with the community on this kind of proposal,” she said. “We did not have that opportunity.”

However, she said, the City has narrow legal authority under the house bills, and the City could be overturned on appeal if they do not apply the legal intent of the legislation.

“The political intent was to get shelters in communities, and get them there now,” she said.

She noted that she is heartened by the apparent willingness of SCWS to work with the City to clarify and make more precise the scope of the project.

Councilor Susan Cobb voted to approve the application with conditions, describing it as “an opportunity to help those who can’t necessarily help themselves.”

She said she doesn’t see a threat of growth in the scope of the project, and that, with conditions in place defining and limiting that scope, the City can manage such concerns.

“I don’t think it’s a door that, once it’s open, can’t be closed.”

Councilor Gary Ross effectively cast the deciding

vote, and noted that he could only vote to approve with strong conditions limiting operations.

“I don’t like the idea of some of the services that are being added to this till we know what’s going to work,” he said.

For Ross, there was a major sticking point regarding safety for those who would be using the shelter during the winter months. The area around the location at 192 W. Barclay Dr. lacks sidewalks or a walking path, and street lighting.

“There is a safety issue having people that may be walking on Barclay at night, especially in the winter,” he said.

With Ross voting to deny, the Council adjourned — but their decision is not yet final. City staff will prepare a draft written decision and the Council will meet at a special meeting on Tuesday, September 19, at 5 p.m. in Council chambers to review and vote on the decision.

See SHELTER on page 14

Trekking To Texas …for an equine connection

By Katy Yoder | Correspondent

Looking into the eye of a horse can be mesmerizing. Within their gaze is a wisdom, light, and energy that’s hard to portray. A horse’s emotions, will, and acceptance are conveyed through body language like breathing, eyes, and ears. Kimry Jelen has sought a myriad of ways to understand the horses she paints and rides. It’s her fervent quest for understanding and the ability to capture the indescribable that makes her a unique and compelling artist.

In one of Jelen’s paintings, the profile of a bay stallion rises effortlessly off the canvas; its brown eye is lit with power and purpose. That image encapsulates Jelen’s mastery of the paintbrush and as a rider.

Whether she’s finding the perfect color to convey an emotion, or her leg and seat position on a horse, it’s because of her profound connection that she’s able to bring out the beauty hidden within.

Her continuous quest to perfect her skills as a horse trainer and equine artist has taken her to foreign lands and over the back roads of the United States. Her latest adventure was shared with her four-legged family, her horse, Dhiaa, and faithful cattle dog, Harley. She was heading to Texas to realize a decade-long dream of learning from a master, Manolo Mendez.

After seeing Mendez at a clinic in Washington, she knew she could learn from him.

“I saw what he accomplished with the horses at the clinic. He used his skills as a trainer and intuitive to correct and promote proper muscular development. He could sculpt the horse into

the most comfortable body position. As they understood what he was asking, each horse was calmer and more beautiful under his care. I had to know more about him,” said Jelen at the stable outside of Sisters, where she trains horses and has an art studio.

Jelen knew it would take time to pull together a trip to one of Mendez’s clinics. Originally from Spain and now living in Australia, Mendez hosts five-day clinics. They weren’t close to Oregon, and they weren’t cheap. In the interim, Jelen found other ways to learn from Mendez.

“I saw a DVD of the groundwork he does. I began practicing what he

was doing with Dhiaa. The more I followed his training techniques the more I recognized what he saw. He sees and knows so much, which is evident in the appropriate bodywork he provided. He has stretches, massage, acupressure points, tensionand-release that he tailors to each horse’s needs. He watches a horse move, then tries different things like positioning their feet using a bamboo pole. It’s fascinating to watch. When Mendez scheduled a clinic in Texas, Jelen didn’t know how she’d pull it off, but she was determined to go. At first, the logistics and cost seemed insurmountable. Then the barriers began to crumble. Her concerns about transportation,

timing, and money became less of a roadblock and more just detours she was able to navigate with the help of a friend loaning her a trailer, and unexpected commissions from art sales.

The trip to Texas was important because Jelen knew her hearthorse, Dhiaa, could benefit greatly from Mendez’s gifts.

“I always try to do what’s best for Dhiaa,” said Jelen. “Dhiaa is an enlightened soul, and I’m learning a lot from her. She’s my teacher. All I have to do is pay attention to her and she tells me things. She’s made me face any bad habits I might have and inspired me to seek the growth that needs to happen.”

Pulling a horse trailer across the country is no small feat. Planning for rest and overnight accommodations with a horse requires time and knowledge about what they will need along the way. Jelen knew for Dhiaa to be safe and healthy when she arrived at the clinic, she required as stress-free a drive as possible.

“I didn’t ship her because she can get emotional when she doesn’t like something,” Jelen said. “Taking a week to get somewhere is a different story. I went without another person because I needed to listen to Dhiaa with no other influences. It was a training trip.”

Jelen converted a two-horse trailer into a box stall full of shavings, with room to move around and even take a nap.

Staying in tune with Dhiaa required Jelen to take 10 days to reach their destination. But Mother Nature demanded Jelen’s attention,

too. They left in May, right after a spring snow. Her plan was to go through Idaho, but hailstorms were hitting the area.

“I couldn’t imagine putting a horse in a box with that sound,” she said. “I went farther south than planned. Every way I went, I just missed some torrential downpour and flooding. Through Nevada some severe flooding required road crews to put in culverts every half mile. Poor Dhiaa had one hundred miles of big bumps, going between twenty and forty miles per hour. There was no place to stop, so we both had to suck it up, chill out, and not stress.”

About 30 miles before they made an overnight stop in Scottsdale, Arizona, the horse trailer got a flat tire.

“We were going over a really bumpy road, and just as we reached the crest of a hill I heard a big noise like something was hitting the side of the trailer,” Jelen recalled.

Once again, the kindness of strangers and friends-of-friends turned a difficult circumstance into a series of blessings. While Jelen waited for help, Dhiaa remained calm, and Harley was a trooper. After getting the tire changed, they reached a beautiful dressage barn and a good night’s rest. But the next

day brought more challenges. This time, Harley was the hero.

Two states later in Texas, Jelen could tell Harley was sensing an oncoming storm. His behavior let Jelen know they needed to find a place to stop and hunker down. She found a place by a swap meet. Harley was getting more nervous just as Jelen saw tables at the swap meet flipping over and a huge roiling cloud coming their way. Just before the dust storm hit, Jelen got Harley in the truck and she climbed into the trailer with Dhiaa. It was the longest twenty minutes she’d ever experienced.

The journey to the Manolo Mendez clinic was mainly a fun and positive adventure. As Jelen had predicted, Mendez helped Dhiaa with body adjustments, and inspired Jelen with his graceful movements that reminded her of a dance.

“He’s so coordinated and sure of each move,” Jelen said. “As he goes, it becomes more and more beautiful. Over the five-day clinic, the horses’ bodies changed from looking angular and tight to soft like teddy bears.” The horses were transformed physically and behaviorally. “Sometimes when I paint, I know how the muscles should look and I’ll make tweaks in my paintings to

enhance the horse a little bit… Manolo was doing it in real life!”

Color and movement are the hallmarks of Jelen’s work.

“I want my paintings to be a place of pause and to feel good. Horses have an immense heart and they put out an electric current that helps us ground. They are literally healing us. I want to capture that in my paintings and share it. It helps me, too, when I’m painting,” she said.

The community of horse people at the clinic were highly educated and acclaimed riders, veterinarians, and bodyworkers. “I was in awe to be in that crowd. The knowledge that was shared and the intention of everyone was all about the well-being of the horses,” said Jelen.

The trip also inspired Jelen’s current project called “Colors of the Horse.”

“It’s my next big art idea where experiences through horses and color come together. The idea is to use a color wheel but of horse colors; black can be purple… bays can be red… chestnuts can be orange… palominos are yellow… green could be horses in a pasture or forests; grays can be blue. It will be an installation instead of hung on gallery walls. Viewers will enter the approximately 40-by-80-foot oval and be immersed in a continuous flow of transitioning color spectrum… absorbing all the goodness that horses have to offer.”

To learn more about Kimry Jelen’s artistic and equine endeavors visit her website at www.kimryjelen. com.

SHELTER: Appeal of denial would have to go to courts

Continued from page 11

Luis Blanchard, president of SCWS, spoke with The Nugget about what’s next.

“We don’t know what the written report will say,” said Blanchard. “It sounds like the Council is alluding to the safety issue of the neighborhoods, and also the safety of the homeless walking on Barclay.”

The SCWS has a few options based on the official written report. One of their options is a legal appeal.

“We wouldn’t want to use the funds we’ve procured or fundraised for legal fees, that’s just not fair. If this weren’t backed by the governor’s office to support an appeal, we probably wouldn’t, we are just too practical about it,” said Blanchard.

“It could very well be that the shelter board is going to wait for another chance. According to the governor’s office, there will be more funds coming through. If this thing gets drawn out to beyond the time we can use these funds, which must be spent by January 10, then we would pull our wings in and continue work as we did last year,” he said.

Blanchard is hopeful that there will be refinement in the language of the bill in the legislature, including tightening up the timeline, and who can make the decision.

“When listening to the councilors, so many of them were talking about issues that were outside of the criteria that is supposed to be considered in the scope of the bill. I think they are looking at the best interest of Sisters, but the bill is focused on specific criteria listed,” said Blanchard.

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Sisters-Area Events & Enter tainment

WEDNESDAY • SEPTEMBER 13

Long Hollow Ranch Outdoor Movie Night: The Sandlot Doors open at 7 p.m.; movie at 8:15 p.m. Information and free tickets at: https://thelonghollowranch.com/public-events. Lawn seating, bring blankets or chairs. Food and drinks available for purchase. 71105 Holmes Rd., Sisters

Paulina Springs Books Book Talk David Turner presents “Fish Lake in the High Cascades: A Historic Legacy.”

6:30-7:30 p.m. Info: PaulinaSpringsBooks.com.

Lake Creek Lodge Live Music: Brent Alan

5-7 p.m. Information: www.lakecreeklodge.com/events/.

THURSDAY • SEPTEMBER 14

Angeline’s Baker y Live Music: Skillethead with Honey Don’t 6 to 9 p.m. Cover is $5 to $10 sliding scale Local mix-master-folk-grassers Honey Don’t and cast iron heavy-metal bluegrass chefs Skillethead are joining forces for a summer wine down hometown bash. Let’s get together ON the grass FOR some grass! Info: 541-549-9122.

Hardtails Karaoke with KJ Mindy 7 to 11 p.m. For more information call 541-549-6114.

Food Cart Garden at Eurosports Trivia Night

Sign up at 5:30 Starts promptly at 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. Dogand family-friendly Free For info call Eurosports at 541-549-2471

FRIDAY • SEPTEMBER 15

The Barn in Sisters Live Music: Sonic Benders 6 to 8 p.m. Weather permitting For information go to www thebarninsisters.com.

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

Eurosports Food Cart Garden Car Show & Live Music: Smoke Drifters 5-7 p.m. Free Family- and dog-friendly Bring your cool or vintage car for the car show — or come to see them! For more info call 541-549-2471

SATURDAY • SEPTEMBER 16

Sisters Depot Live Music: Seth Burrows Trio 6-8 p.m. Reservations recommended. Info: www.sistersdepot.com/events.

The Barn in Sisters Live Music: Use’ta Do 6 to 8 p.m. Bend-based roots-country and bluegrass band, performing with a nod to great musical eras. Weather permitting For information go to www thebarninsisters.com.

SUNDAY • SEPTEMBER 17

Fir Street Park Sisters Farmers Market 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Featuring live music community booth, vendors, kids activities, and more. Info: www.sistersfarmersmarket.com.

Sisters Saloon Live Music: Coyote Willow

6 to 8 p.m. on the patio All ages Free Information at facebook.com/SistersSaloonAndRanchGrill.

Space In Common Art Workshop

“Dried Floral Wreath” 12 to 2 p.m. with Leah Thompson of Stumpmonk Farms. Information and signups at www.spaceincommon.com. 351 W. Hood Ave., Sisters

THURSDAY • SEPTEMBER 21

Paulina Springs Books Book Talk Anne Graham presents “Tall Annie: A Life in Two Genders.”

6:30-7:30 p.m. Info: PaulinaSpringsBooks.com.

Space In Common Art Workshop

“Intro to Pastels - Part 1 of 2” 1 to 4 p.m. with JoAnn Burgess Information and signups at www.spaceincommon.com.

351 W. Hood Ave., Sisters

Hardtails Karaoke with KJ Mindy

7 to 11 p.m. For more information call 541-549-6114.

Food Cart Garden at Eurosports Trivia Night

Sign up at 5:30 Starts promptly at 5:45 to 6:30 p.m.

Dog-and family-friendly Free For info call Eurosports at 541-549-2471

FRIDAY • SEPTEMBER 22

Paulina Springs Books House Concert: True North Duo (Kristen Grainger & Dan Wetzel) and Gabrielle Louise Songs are literature! An intimate evening of song and story $20 suggested donation – 100% goes to artists

7 p.m. Info: PaulinaSpringsBooks.com.

Downtown Sisters 4th Friday Artwalk 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Galleries and shops feature art and demonstrations. For additional information go to sistersartsassociation.org.

Hardtails Karaoke with KJ Mindy

8 p.m. to 12 a.m. For more information call 541-549-6114.

The Open Door Live Music: Jim Cornelius & Mike Biggers 6-8 p.m. in the yard Jim’s rich baritone and accomplished rhythm guitar make for fine delivery of well-crafted story-songs. Mike’s originals are a fun mix of sweet and hysterical, and he laces in bright lead guitar and mandolin throughout. Info: www opendoorwinebar.com.

Eurosports Food Cart Garden Car Show/Live Music: Fiddler Bob & Mark Beringer 5-7 p.m. Free Family- and dog-friendly Bring your cool or vintage car for the car show — or come to see them! For more info call 541-549-2471

SATURDAY • SEPTEMBER 23

East Main Avenue Glor y Daze Car Show 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free to spectators. Information at www.sistersrecreation.com.

SUNDAY • SEPTEMBER 24

Fir Street Park Sisters Farmers Market 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Featuring live music community booth, vendors, kids activities, and more. Info: www.sistersfarmersmarket.com.

Sisters Saloon Live Music: Chris Couch (of World’s Finest) 6 to 8 p.m. on the patio All ages Free Info: facebook.com/SistersSaloonAndRanchGrill.

THURSDAY • SEPTEMBER 28

Space In Common Art Workshop

“Intro to Pastels - Part 2” 1 to 4 p.m. with JoAnn Burgess Information and signups at www.spaceincommon.com.

351 W. Hood Ave., Sisters

Hardtails Karaoke with KJ Mindy 7 to 11 p.m. For more information call 541-549-6114.

DRIVERS: Safety is a prime concern as school returns

Continued from page 1

can also refer to joggers, runners, cyclists, skateboarders, and roller skaters.

These accidents usually occur because of rolling stops or failure to stop, speeding, reckless driving, poor intersection design or maintenance, drunk or distracted driving, or passing a school bus.

The most common causes of these accidents are reckless driving and distracted driving. Drivers often aren’t paying attention to the road and may not be aware that they are in a school zone. This may lead to their driving too fast, potentially injuring someone in the process. Distracted driving can also cause accidents.

One local driver reported being passed while she was stopped at the crosswalk across Locust as school was getting out.

Deschutes County Sheriff’s deputies regularly patrol the area.

A Minnesota study finds that reduced speeds allow motorists more time to avoid collisions. A motor vehicle traveling at 50 mph requires 424 feet to come to a complete stop, while a vehicle traveling at 25 mph requires only 152 feet.

The same study found that at 40 mph, 85 percent of struck pedestrians died, and at 30 mph, 45 percent died. At 20 mph, there were almost no deaths. School zones require slower mileage simply because traveling at a slower speed prevents fatal accidents.

Fatalities involving texting while driving comprised 9 percent of all fatal crashes nationwide. Seven percent of

Know Oregon crosswalk laws

• In Oregon, every intersection is a crosswalk — whether it’s marked or not.

• Crosswalks may also exist between intersections (mid-block), but only when marked with painted white lines.

• By law, a pedestrian is in a crosswalk when any part of the pedestrian moves into the roadway, at a crosswalk, with the intent to proceed.

drivers are using cell phones (including making a phone call) at any given time.

Texting while driving increases by 400 percent a driver’s time spent with their eyes off the road.

The use of a cell phone while driving causes an estimated 1.5 million car crashes in the U.S. Including the cost to people’s lives, these crashes were responsible for $129 billion in losses, 15 percent of the overall societal damage caused by motor vehicle crashes.

A total of 47 states have a texting ban (Arizona, Missouri, and Montana don’t). Only 16 states have a ban on phone usage while driving and hands-free devices for all drivers.

The State of Oregon’s cell phone law requires the use of a hands-free accessory while using a mobile communication device and operating a vehicle. A person under 18 years of age may not use a mobile communication device while operating a vehicle.

Examples of hands-free accessories are: wireless or corded earpieces, headsets, or a car-kit that integrates one’s phone to their car ste reo via wireless connec tion. The hands-free acces sory must permit the driver to maintain both hands on the steering wheel. The law allows drivers to perform functions of the phone such as accepting or declining calls.

• That includes not only the pedestrian’s body, but also a wheelchair, cane, crutch, bicycle, or any other extension of the person.

• A driver may be cited and fined more than $250 for failing to stop for a

Zone violation fines can be as high as $875 if deemed a Class A violation. At a minimum you will pay $225. Law enforcement in general tend to be harsher with drivers endangering the lives of children.

Be especially aware on the busy tourist streets as visitors often enthralled by their strolls up and down Cascade, Main, and Hood are often oblivious to their surroundings and forget that Cascade is a state highway. If you are on foot, set the example by using one of the crosswalk bright orange and yellow flags or encouraging others to do so. The flags are

PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT

their counterparts in Europe.

The challenge at a keuring, Godby told The Nugget, is that a horse “might come in looking like a giraffe, so we just hope it’s a great day for the foals, that they look good and the judges appreciate what they are seeing.”

On hand to help the horses look and behave their best, was Janko van de Lageweg. Janko, whose family owns a Warmblood stud farm in Holland, is considered one of the finest “voorbrengers” in the world. Dressed in the traditional all-white, Janko handles both mares and foals in front of the judges to help present the horses in their best light.

The first stage of the keuring was an individual measurement, followed by a thorough inspection for markings and genetic defects. Next, the horses were walked and trotted on a lead, on a hard surface. In the third phase the horses were brought into a grass arena, one at a time, where they first walked the perimeter on

a lead to familiarize themselves with the surroundings.

At a signal from the judges the horses were let loose so that they could be evaluated based on their movement.

Finally, the horses were caught, led around the arena a final time, and brought before the judges.

Perhaps most exciting is when the mares and foals are shown together, and let loose to show their fluid movement around the arena as a team.

At the conclusion the jury chairman reveals the results, explaining in detail the jury’s reasoning for the horse’s score, and awarding premiums or predicates based on the horse’s intended use.

After the last horse was inspected, the judges from Holland presented Godby with a carved wooden bowl in a show of appreciation for her dedication, and the demanding work of pulling a keuring together.

Godby told The Nugget: “I think that as a breeders

We

we do have to remember that this is just a day in the life of the foals, and not to be too

wrapped up in the highs and lows of the day. I am pleased with our foals though.”

This mare and foal stole the show at an equestrian event in Sisters last week.

PHOTO BY CRAIG RULLMAN

STUDIO TOUR: Event starts with Fourth Friday Artwalk

Continued from page 7

makes the ceramics, and Burck hand paints each oneof-a-kind piece with cobalt underglaze. Her designs are inspired by her Norwegian heritage, giving her work a distinctly Scandinavian feel. The ceramics include dishes, collectables, figurines, jewelry, and more.

The Studio Tour weekend begins with the Fourth Friday Artwalk through 10 Sisters galleries on September 22. The Studio Tour follows on Saturday and Sunday, September 23 and 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Studios will be open to all visitors.

The tour is self-guided and free. You may arrange your visit in any order, and spend as little or as much time as you like with artists, to see what they do and how they do it. They will have works in progress, and finished pieces for sale.

Other artists making their Studio Tour debut are Ruth Carroll (oil painter), Donna Denker (watercolor and mixed-media painter), Lim Khim Katy (oil painter), and Garth Williams (oil painter).

Back after a short hiatus are Len Babb (Western oil painter), Gary Cooley

(bronze sculptor and painter), Steve Mathews (color pencil on wood artist), Mary Moore (ceramicist), and Dan Rickards (oil painter).

Favorite artists returning are J. Chester Armstrong (wood sculptor), Kay Baker (oil and pastel painter), Linda Barker (upcycled clothing and jewelry artist), Paul Alan Bennett (painter and printmaker), Wendy and Bill Birnbaum (photographers), Clarke Berryman (oil painter), Art Blumenkron (fine wood furniture maker), JoAnn Burgess (pastel artist), Annie Dyer (potter), Gin Laughery (printmaker), Diane Hallstrom (Western and abstract painter), Kimry Jelen (acrylic painter), Danae Bennett Miller (sculptor and printmaker), Ken Merrill (potter), Mary Moore (clay sculptor), Lynne Myers (acrylic painter), Mike Stasko (fine art pencil artist), Lawrence Stoller (crystal sculptor), and Susie Zeitner (glass artist).

These artists represent some of the best in art, design, creativity, and fabrication in this area. Many rely on sales of art, so this event is a win-win; not only do the artists retain 100 percent of the sales of their work, but they may also present special one-time-only sales items to the public.

The tour includes a Quick Draw (raffle) for two $100 gift certificates, to be used toward purchase from any

artist. Winners will be chosen from the sign-in sheets, so be sure to sign at each location. A tour guide with maps and addresses of each artist’s location is available in local galleries, hotels, and businesses, and at www.sistersarts association.org. These guides will list and describe each of the artists and their studio or gallery location. Roadside signs will be posted on the days of the tour, and visitors may use their GPS devices in conjunction with the guide. More information is at www. sistersartsassociation.org.

A wide range of artistic media will be on display. PHOTO PROVIDED

week when the local fire service agencies — Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Deschutes County Emergency Management (DCEM), Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office (OSFM), Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District – gathered for their monthly meeting. The group is convened by Matthew Martin, City principal planner, nine months of the year, not meeting during fire season when personnel are in the field.

To an outsider, the meeting offers reassurance that coordinated, crucial planning is going on behind the scenes in the areas of fire prevention and response. In Central Oregon, three counties – Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson – work together to offer coordinated response to fires when needed.

So far, the 2023 fire season in Central Oregon has been “good” with quick response times putting out small fires. The regional mobility coordinator for the OSFM office reported that Central Oregon task forces have been deployed to other areas in the state to help fight fires there. There have only been two conflagrations statewide. One complex fire is the one that has moved up into southern Oregon from northern California and the other is in the Columbia Gorge.

The USFS reported that there have been 71 humancaused fires on the Deschutes National Forest in 2023, and 30 caused by lightning, for total of 101 fires. Those fires burned only 41.45 acres, as firefighter response kept each fire small.

The Pete’s Lake Fire on the west side of the Cascades covers about 395 acres with no direct suppression efforts due to the rugged wildland terrain. A significant weather event involving rain or snow will extinguish that fire. Machine work will be taking place in the Crossroads area and all two- and four-digit Forest Service roads will be brushed to offer fuel breaks.

Nathan Garibay, Deschutes County Emergency Services manager, reported that small fire suppression equipment is being supplied to some patrol deputies to help extinguish small grass fires they may encounter, to keep them from spreading into heavy fuels. They carry a 2.5-gallon water extinguisher in their patrol car. The intent is to slow down fire spread before the fire service arrives. By next summer, most Deschutes

County Sheriff”s Office deputies will be outfitted with the 2.5-gallon units, and some will have five-gallon backpack pumps.

Garibay encourages citizens to opt in to the Everbridge emergency alert system, which he believes is the best system, delivering the “right information in the right place.” The Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system is a Federal integrated early warning system that doesn’t require enrolling. It is the system that issues Amber Alerts among other warnings, but it is not as accurate in alerting to correct areas as Everbridge.

Chief Roger Johnson reported the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District has had a few mobilizations of personnel to other fire areas this summer in Roseburg and Klamath Falls.

“It’s been a great fire season for us,” the chief said, meaning there have been no large fires locally.

The smoke from the fires west of the Cascades are posing difficulties for those with

certain medical conditions.

Johnson reported an uptick in the number of calls to the volunteer Fire Corps to make assessments of wildfire mediation preparations around local structures. Those assessments are available to anyone in the Sisters fire district. They will also conduct home risk assessments.

City Public Works Director Paul Bertagna reported that the public works crew will be doing fuels reduction work throughout town this fall and winter.

With a grant from the OSFM, the fire district has hired Steven Lord, a Cloverdale fire department volunteer, to address Community Fire Risk Reduction. He will work 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., five days a week, devoting half of his time to prevention and half to response. Some of his work will involve engaging with neighborhoods within the city to gain Fire Adapted Community status. Fire students will be doing similar work both inside and outside

the city.

A lengthy discussion around the impacts of wildfire on insurance coverage involved all the attendees. Up until recently, insurance rates haven’t accurately reflected the risks. Because of more frequent and larger wildfires and weather events, Chief Johnson said everyone can expect increases in their premiums. Finding and affording insurance will be challenging going forward, especially for those on fixed incomes.

A recent example was given by Johnson: A new $1.5 million property in Black Butte Ranch had to pay an annual premium of $17,000 for homeowner’s insurance.

Deschutes County’s Garibay made the point, “If we don’t fix it, the insurance companies will, and we may not like it. If they can’t make money selling policies in a community they won’t be there.” He went on to say, “As individuals, we need to make good decisions with our property that contribute to the safety of the

whole community.”

There is much that can be done by individual residents and the entire community to improve our chances with insurance companies. Go to www.sheriff.deschutes.org/ emergencymanagement to get detailed instructions for minimizing the impact of natural and human-caused incidents.

As individuals act responsibly, the conditions for the whole community improve. Getting people engaged to take ownership of their own property can help reduce the possibility of losing Sisters to a wildfire.

The Sisters fire department recently invited three local insurance agents to the fire station to review their website and how to better design their data reporting system that is accessed by data companies like Core Logic, which sell that data to insurance and reinsurance companies who make their determination regarding coverage in riskprone areas based on the data.

In wildfire season, lost acres decline

By Bill Bartlett Columnist

Notwithstanding the tragedy of Maui, as the peak wildfire season draws to a close, national woodland firefighters and foresters are breathing a cautious sigh of relief. As of last Saturday, a total of 2.1 million acres have been lost to wildfire as compared to 7.58 million acres in all of 2022.

Mother Nature still has about six weeks to change the outcome, but for now things are looking good. In Sisters there have been about a dozen days where smoke put the air quality index at unhealthy levels.

2022 saw some huge fires in Oregon. The Double Creek fire that sparked on August 30 and burned until October 21 consumed 171,532 acres, making it the ninth-largest fire nationally that year. It took $39 million to fight. The Cedar Creek fire burned 127,311 acres and took over $133 million to battle.

A large fire is one that burns more than 40,000 acres. Thus far, none of our Oregon fires has reached that level. The Flat Fire has scorched 34,242 acres; the Bedrock, 31,590, and the Lookout, 24,457.

As of Saturday 427,442 acres were still burning in U.S. woodlands. Oregon has lost 105,274 acres through the week ending September 9. The trend has been noticeable. In 2022 Oregon lost 456,008 acres, a 45 percent decline from 2021, which itself was a 21 percent decrease from 2020 when 1.14 million acres were lost, including the catastrophic Labor Day fires.

The five-year average of acres burned in U.S. wildfires is 8.1 million and the 10-year average is 7.4 million. At current projections, 2023 could come in at 20 year lows.

Commercial real estate stalls in Sisters

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

Work began in 2022 on several large-scale commercial buildings in Sisters.

Expectations were high that as Bend might be reaching saturation with fewer options for light manufacturers and service sector industries, businesses would be drawn to Sisters. Now as these projects have completed they stand mostly empty of tenants, with a few exceptions.

Sisters does not mirror the national commercial real estate market where remote workers have decimated much of the office building sector. But Sisters does reflect the national mood deflating commercial realtors, depressed by soaring interest rates.

It’s a double-edged sword

The Nugget learned in an interview with Eric Strobel, EDCO’s Sisters area director., Economic Development for Central Oregon, is a nonprofit founded in 1981

to create a diversified local economy and a strong base for middle-class jobs.

Sellers are feeling the pain of high interest in their carrying cost of the bare land. When interest rates were 2 or 3 percent, even 4, but values were growing 5 to 10 percent a year, it made sense to sit on the property. When carrying costs are 6, 7 or as much as 10 percent, and valuations are growing at only a few percentage points or are flat, then out come the for-sale signs.

You can see that all over Sisters where realtors’ signs are popping up on lots. Strobel says sellers are not in a panic, but are wondering if they were too late to the party. Economists’ projection are bearish on commercial real estate for the next year, with several predicting a recession and little easing of inflation.

While the rate of inflation is coming down, inflation itself is not. Basically something that cost $1 in 2021 costs $1.13 today and

borrowing rates for commercial property generally exceed that for residential real estate, the former being of higher risk to lenders. Regional banks and credit unions are the main source of commercial lending in Deschutes County. Rates vary between 6.75 percent to 10.5 percent.

EDCO doesn’t see any deals happening soon in Sisters. There are prospects and some “tire kickers” but nothing that will fill the approximately 100,000 square feet of unleased space.

The other edge of the interest sword is would-be tenants unable to afford a move to newer or expanded space. What’s more, regional banks are under pressure following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and First Republic Bank, the second largest bank failure in history.

Spooked depositors have

been pulling funds from smaller regional banks at an alarming rate, putting a pall over lending. Adding to the distress, many projects started in 2021 and 2022 in Sisters will reach loan maturity in the coming months and if renewed will be at rates double at least.

The ongoing labor shortage among skilled trades workers means projects take longer to complete, adding to the cost burden and dispiriting new investment.

A look at listings for light industrial buildings in Bend shows a good selection of offerings at $12 per square foot per year.

A 6,000-square-foot property in Bend would fetch $72,000 in annual rent. In Sisters, the same 6,000 feet will cost $90,000 on average. When you add in lack of workers and commuting distance with $4.75/gallon gas, Sisters is looking less competitive.

Marsh, Krista Palmer, and Sam Pitcher

DINNER: Event drew enthusiastic appreciation

Continued from page 5

Seed to Table might be their first exposure to fresh food, grown nearby using sustainable and organic methods. Fresh vegetables taste bright and delicious—as evidenced by the salads guests enjoyed in their harvest dinners.

As sunlight faded, diners sank forks into slices of cake. Gathering up sweaters and jackets, ready to head home, they talked about how nice it was to meet new people and run into old friends.

“They do so much here, I had no idea,” commented a Tumalo resident. “We’re lucky to have all this so close.”

“The organization has only come this far with immense community support and dedicated staff,” said Tehan.

She thanked staff, volunteers, board members, donors, consultants, partners, and participants. Lead sponsor Metabolic Maintenance got a big shoutout and applause for their long-term support.

The farmers who work the land at Seed to Table bring “knowledge and connections that have become a touchstone, nurturing both the land and the community,” she said.

Celebrating a milestone at Sisters farm

By T. Lee Brown Correspondent

“At 10 years old I sat perched in the backyard of my parents’ house in Sisters, looking out on the cattle pasture,” Seed to Table founder and executive director Audrey Tehan told the crowd gathered at the farm Saturday evening. The backyard she spoke of was a few yards away.

“I came to this spot sparked by tales from my grandmothers, how they tended their gardens with their grandmothers in Oklahoma and Eastern Oregon. Buckets of tomatoes, midnight potato beetle hunts, bean tendrils growing to the sky, the sun scorching as they weeded, running to grab lettuce to bring to the dinner table… the stories sparked my curiosity,” she said.

“And so I asked, ‘Mom, can we make a garden?’”

The occasion for this remembered tale was Seed to Table’s 10th anniversary, celebrated at the organization’s annual Fall Harvest Dinner.

Many in the Sisters community know Seed to Table as a farm that provides them with fresh, local, sustainably grown food. Others are more familiar with its educational

offerings for kids and youth. Still others come to know Seed to Table as the presenter of Sisters Farmers Market every Sunday in season.

The organization’s farm, which has grown to four acres, is located on the property of John and Peggy Tehan, the parents of Audrey Tehan.

She went on with her story. After she asked about starting a garden, her mom responded. “I could sense a shared curiosity in her voice as a resounding ‘yes’ came out, no hesitations,” Tehan continued. “Within minutes we found a spot in the backyard for our first garden. This garden sits only 30 feet from the vegetable fields of what is now Seed to Table.

“I’m sure my mom had no idea that her big yes would one day grow into Seed to Table, with vegetables taking over every corner of the former cattle pasture, with students exploring, their voices ringing out across the fields.”

Tehan recounted how Sisters School District and Sisters Science Club invited her to start a farmto-school program in 2013. “Much like my mom’s swift response two decades prior, I answered with an unwavering yes,” she said.

“One garden bed, one

OUR FREELANCERS LOVE DOING THE “WRITE” THING…

T Lee Brown is a veteran journalist with particular interest in arts, theatre, well-being, and nature education. She writes the “In the Pines” column as well as features on a variety of community events and activities. She believes that kids should be regarded as full-fledged artists and loves nurturing — and reporting on — their creativity

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middle school greenhouse, and 30 students comprised Seed to Table’s first year,” Tehan explained. For perspective, Seed to Table now grows on four acres of land, operates multiple greenhouses, and educates kids with up to 1,750 student visits each year.

Stocking food pantries with fresh produce, managing a bustling farmers market, teaching vocational skills to youth with learning disabilities, and more: Seed to Table covers a lot of ground in Sisters Country. It has grown into a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization staffed by about eight people and supported by an eightperson board of directors.

“The organization has only come this far with immense community support and dedicated staff,” said Tehan. She thanked staff, volunteers, board members, donors, consultants, partners, and participants.

The farmers who work the land at Seed to Table bring “knowledge and connections that have become a touchstone, nurturing both the land and the community,” she elaborated.

Hearkening back to the early days, Tehan choked up a bit. So did many in the audience. She offered deep

thanks to her parents and to Benji Nagel and Carys Wilkins of neighboring farm Mahonia Gardens, all of whom were instrumental in the creation of Seed to Table.

With Seed to Table celebrating its anniversary, community members have recently offered thanks and congratulations. Kathy Deggendorfer, founder and trustee of the Roundhouse Foundation, noted her appreciation for the organization’s variety of communityfocused programs.

Deggendorfer also expressed her strong respect for Tehan.

“She’s a leader. She has a great vision and plows through to get it done,” explained Deggendorfer. “You need dynamic leaders, and she is one.”

Barb Schulz is a retired science teacher and former chair of the Seed to Table board of directors. “I actually started volunteering with Audrey right after she started Seed to Table,” she said. “It’s marvelous how the program has grown, not just growing good food and making it available to the community but also educating the next generation about what is possible... and the Farmers Market, the whole thing!”

And if you like doing the “write” thing too, we’ve got a complimentary pen for you! Just stop by the office and say hello!

Obituary

Charles “Chuck” Lindstrom

May 3, 1958 – August 28, 2023

Charles “Chuck” Lindstrom, a man with a love for the great outdoors, departed this world on August 28, 2023, at the age of 65. He was born in Detroit, Michigan, on May 3, 1958, and lived his life to the fullest.

Chuck is survived by his mother, Susan Valenti; his sister, Nancy Lindstrom; his stepfather, Greg Valenti; his uncle, Don Faleris; and his beloved canine companion, Bennie. Chuck was preceded in death by his father, John “Bill” Lindstrom, and his aunt, Jill Faleris.

Chuck’s adventurous spirit led him to explore some of the most remote corners of the world. He became a pilot and enjoyed a long and successful career with several commercial airlines. Chuck frequently took to the skies for trips to the rugged and pristine landscapes of Alaska. His love for the wilds of Alaska and the serenity of Sisters, Oregon filled his heart with

LETTERS

Continued from page 8

To the Editor:

joy, and he was happy to call both states home. His passion for aviation enabled him to appreciate the beauty of numerous scenic locations. Not only was Chuck a skilled pilot and a certified airline mechanic, he was also a talented craftsman having restored antique planes. He had a knack for working with his hands. Chuck was equally skilled in the realm of art and creativity, and he pursued custom picture framing, turning captured moments into timeless treasures.

A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, October 14, at 11 a.m. at Christ Church Cranbrook, 470 Church Rd., Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304.

s s s Shelter disappointment

I’m so disappointed that the homeless shelter in Sisters will probably not happen. The fearmongers are louder than the rest of us, even though, I believe, we who want it are in the majority. The shelter is simply a housing situation for those needing it in extreme weather conditions like cold, heat, and smoke. It’s about providing shelter so the less fortunate don’t freeze to death in their tents. It’s not going to affect your quality of life except maybe for the better, knowing you live in a community that cares about every community member, not just those with homes. It requires a little bit of empathy from you and that’s all.

What’s the alternative? Are you hoping the people living in the forest will just go away? Should we build a moat around the town with alligators or snakes to keep them out like Trump suggested for the border? Or maybe, after the meetings when citizens are freaking out about situations that may never happen, we should hand out pitchforks and run the homeless out of town?

Remember these are people who haven’t done anything wrong. Implying that they are sex offenders and felons is irresponsible and cruel. Any one of us at some point in our lives could have been in their situation. We are not better than them. In so many ways the reason we are able to live in this beautiful place, where the average home is worth $832,693 and rent averages $2,650, basically comes down to just plain old luck. We need to stop acting like we chose the right parents and worked harder than everyone else. But, hey, maybe you and your family members really are smarter, work harder, go to church, are fortunate enough to not have any serious health issues or mental illness. Maybe you don’t really care that much about the brother who has addiction issues. The thing is, it really doesn’t matter. It still does not give any of us the right to demonize the homeless and treat them with contempt.

Ex-president Donald Trump is a convicted sex offender and the owner of six residences. Owning a home doesn’t make him an upstanding citizen. Regardless, even he should be able to stay in a shelter in extreme weather, although I am looking forward to the day when he’s serving time in federal prison and wouldn’t need one anyway.

Terry Weygandt

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.

23' spaces available in Sisters for immediate occupancy. Gated and secure with 24/7 surveillance and personal lockbox code.

www.travelersrestrvstorage.com 541-719-8644

MINI STORAGE Sisters Rental 331 W. Barclay Drive 541-549-9631 Sizes 5x5 to 15x30 and outdoor RV parking. 7-day access.

Guitalele

Sound Smith acoustic-electric, 6-string (strung with Aquila Red E tuning). Solid spruce top tone-wood, ovangkol back and sides, lovely inlays/binding. Low action and closer frets. Convenient for traveling. Truss rod. Fishman pickup. Instrument and hardshell case are like new, $450.

541-977-8494 (call/text)

Three Rivers Humane Society

Where love finds a home! See the doggies at 1694 SE McTaggart in Madras • A no-kill shelter Go to ThreeRiversHS.org or call 541-475-6889

500 Services

Mad River Canoe

15’ Expedition. $375. 541-420-6091.

205 Garage & Estate Sales

NOT YOUR USUAL GARAGE SALE

10 x 10 pop-up tent, 6-person tent, polished rocks, DVDs, woodboxes, etc. 1621 W. Hill

Ave. in Sisters. Sat. 9-4, Sun 9-2.

Traveler Ultra-Light Guitar

Smallest, lightest, full-scale travel guitar!

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

We’ve got your cats covered!

Sisters-Tumalo-PetSitting.com

–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

Moving Estate Sale in Sisters!

541-306-7551 • Julie

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 Rentals Popular 1 and 2 Bedroom

SistersVacationRentals.net

Great pricing. 503-730-0150 Looking for something to do while vacationing in the Sisters area? Visit SistersOregonGuide.com

107 Rentals Wanted

Looking for a room/loft to rent. Call Tim at 541-306-7340 or lynchpinstim@gmail.com.

201 For Sale

New Maytag Washer & Dryer

Top-load washer, electric dryer, white. $1,000. 541-419-2502

Right-handed, acoustic/electric, satin-finish maple, Piezo pickup, 1.75" nut width, 22 frets, 24.75" scale length. Size in gig bag: 30" long, 3 lbs. 12 oz. Comes with removable lap rest, gig bag, strap, picks, and Vox Classic Rock headphone amp. $365 value Like new, $260. 541-977-8494 (call/text)

A D V E R T I S E H E R E ! Need to sell your vehicle? Looking for a new rig? Check out the For Sale Section

Let folks know! Just $2 per line the first week, $1.50 per line on repeat weeks, and $1 per line week #10 & beyond. And it goes online at no additional charge!

Call to place at 541-549-9941 or online at NuggetNews.com

202 Firewood

LODGEPOLE PINE

Very Seasoned Firewood Logs

69284 Ladigo in Tollgate Fri & Sat, 9-4

Dining table, hutch & bookcases from Korea, leather furniture, antiques, kitchenware, clothing, beds, electric bikes, game table, scuba gear, cameras, fishing gear, tools & more.

View pics on estatesales.net

– Hosted by Happy Trails! –HERITAGE USA

Open daily 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

253 E. Hood Ave., Sisters. 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

CUSTOM CAR GARAGES

HEATED, INSULATED 541-419-2502

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

Sisters Car Connection da#3919 SistersCarConnection.com

401 Horses

IN GREAT NEED OF A PASTURE for 4 well-behaved mini-horses. Self care preferred. Great refs available. Current on shots. Please help, urgent! Call 541-610-5902 or 541-410-8001.

ALFALFA TRITICALE

ORCHARD GRASS HAY

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

Located in Sisters, we specialize in payroll solutions that fit your needs! Give us a call for more information on how we can help you and your business. Contact jennifer@ makinandassociates.com, or call 503-826-7909.

GEORGE’S SEPTIC TANK SERVICE

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

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

www.NuggetNews.com

Y O U R S O U R C E for news up-to-date!

501 Computers & Communications Technology Problems?

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

VHT Guitar Speaker Cabinet Special 6 112 1x12 Closed-Back 60 watts, 16 ohms, 2 speaker jacks, black tolex, 35 lbs. Like new,

Delivery avail. • Call for quote 541-306-8675

SISTERS FOREST PRODUCTS

DAVE ELPI – FIREWOOD

• SINCE 1976 •

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

203 Recreation Equipment Eddyline Equinox 15' Kayak Red • $1,600 • 541-610-6695

New crop. No rain. Barn stored. 3-tie bales. $250-$390/ton. Hwy. 126 & Cline Falls. 541-280-1895

403 Pets

FANTASTIC DEAL! Leaving the business. Three pure-bred German shepherd puppies.

2 F, 1 M. Available for pickup

October 1, 2023. Call early for your pick at 510-459-5898. $200 per puppy. Parents on property.

Puppy training class at SPRD starts on Tuesday, Sept. 19, at 5:45 p.m. 6-week class. Start your puppy out right with good manners, potty training, no nipping. Ages 2-5 mos. Register at sistersrecreation.com.

GERMAN WIREHAIRED POINTER PUPPIES. Excellent bloodlines, parents strong upland and waterfowl dogs. Ready end of September. Call 541-408-6256

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