The Nugget Newspaper // Vol. XLVII No. 13 // 2024-03-27

The Nugget

Fire district has a strong volunteer culture

By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief

Helping people in need — that’s the fundamental mission and purpose of the men and women who volunteer with the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District.

There are many different ways to help fulfill that mission — and many paths to becoming a volunteer.

“My journey with the fire service has been long,” Firefighter Kevin Cramer told The Nugget last week. “It’s got a lot of holes in it; it’s not continuous.”

As a young man, he was on a path toward the fire service in southern Missouri, but deviated from that course for marriage and a job in Chicago. He was living in Seattle when he decided he was pretty much done with corporate life, and he explored switching careers into the fire service. However, as he talked with friends in the field, he realized that the vast majority of calls in the fire service are medical — and that wasn’t where his heart and interest lay.

“If it’s all medical, that would be hard for me,” he realized.

So he set the dream aside

again. When he and his family moved to Sisters five years ago so that his daughter Tatum could attend Sisters High School, he saw the volunteer firefighters working at the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show.

“Here it is in my life again — different circumstances,”

Candidates seek to serve Sisters

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

The primary election is May 21 and ballots will be mailed May 1. There are only two races. One for County Commissioner Position #2, and the other for Deschutes County Sheriff. Both are four-year terms.

There are eight measures on the ballot, none affecting Sisters nor which Sisters voters can vote.

School district looks into allegations

By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief

Sisters School District officials and other agencies will look into potentially inappropriate texts between a Sisters teacher and a former student believed to be 17. The texts came to light in social media posts on Sunday, March 25, involving choir and Americana Project teacher Rick Johnson.

“We’re aware of the issue,” Sisters Schools Superintendent Curt Scholl told The Nugget Monday afternoon. “Can’t comment on personnel issues, but we’re working with all the agencies on the matter.”

he thought. He met with Captain Jeff Liming to inquire about volunteering — and he’s been at it ever since.

This spring, there is an opportunity for others to follow the desire to serve into volunteering with the SistersCamp Sherman Fire District

(SCSFD). The District is currently accepting applications for the upcoming Spring Volunteer Firefighter Academy, set to begin April 24. There is a particular need for volunteers for the Camp Sherman and Whychus

As is standard practice for mandatory reporters, the agencies involved are the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission.

Scholl said that information, complaints, or concerns

Airport drops holiday attraction

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

After conferring with its attorneys and insurance advisor, Sisters Eagle Airport has decided against continuing its annual July 4th event known as Rumble on the Runway. As The Nugget reported earlier this month, the very popular event has grown in size to the point where risk leaves the airport vulnerable.

More details of the candidates will be found in the voters pamphlet to be mailed

See CANDIDATES on page 4

This is the first commissioner election since voters approved a measure to make such races non-partisan. Thus the top two vote getters will appear on the November ballot. Phil Chang is the incumbent for Position 2 and is seeking re-election. Judy Trego, executive director of Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce, and Rob Imhoff of Bend, owner of Broken Top Window Coverings, filed to run against Chang. Samuel Facey of La Pine filed and then withdrew. Thirty minutes before the filing closing deadline, Brian Huntamer of Bend added his name to the race. Huntamer is currently unemployed but lists real estate, construction, and drug and alcohol counseling in his background statement.

Last week, Rotary Club of Sisters, Citizens4Community (C4C) and Explore Sisters met in an emergency setting to discuss alternatives for an Independence Day family event of similar appeal and scale. They plan to engage other community organizations to assess the feasibility of pulling off a comparable

event over the next three months.

Airport co-owner Julie Benson told The Nugget “This all started out as a celebration of aviation and has grown far beyond that” — referring to the car show, 5K run, and amateur drag racing held during the day-long gathering. “We are in the aviation business, that is our mission, and this is not core to our business.”

She added, “We are grateful for all the encouragement

Sisters Eagle Airport is enhancing its facilities. The owners are focusing on the aviation core of their business.

PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT

Kevin Cramer took a long and winding path to service as a volunteer firefighter with Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District.

PHOTO PROVIDED

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.

Don’t reuse eclipse glasses

To the Editor:

There is an important safety issue that people should be made aware of concerning the upcoming eclipse on April 8, 2024. People should NOT use old eclipse glasses, especially ones that they used during a prior eclipse, such as the one in 2017. The protective coatings on some eclipse glasses deteriorate over time and will not protect a person properly. It is entirely safe to use new glasses, and those who experience the period

Wednesday

of totality do not need any glasses during those few minutes. But used glasses should not be reused, and should be discarded after this upcoming eclipse.

Astronomy Magazine (April 2024, p. 15) elaborates on this danger in the following way:

“No one can deny the beauty of a solar eclipse, but seeing one is not worth endangering your eyesight. Even a momentary look at the Sun with your naked eye during

See LETTERS on page 7

Sisters Weather Forecast

The Nugget Newspaper, LLC

Website: www.nuggetnews.com

Tel: 541-549-9941 | Email: editor@nuggetnews.com

Postmaster: Send address changes to The Nugget Newspaper, P.O. Box 698, Sisters, OR 97759.

Editor in Chief & Co-owner: Jim Cornelius

Production Manager: Leith Easterling

Creative Director: Jess Draper

Community Marketing

Partner: Vicki Curlett

Classifieds & Circulation:

Lisa May & Janice Hoffman

Proofreader: Kema Clark

Co-owner: J. Louis Mullen

The trouble with STRs

By Melody Carlson Guest Columnist

Living in a place like Sisters, we can all appreciate how visitors are drawn to its natural beauty, recreational activities, and small town charm. And there’s no arguing that tourists provide a healthy livelihood for many local businesses. But some are using that very rationale to defend an increase of STRs (short-term-residences, aka vacation rentals) in Sisters. But do we fully comprehend the price our town could pay if that happens?

I visited Jackson Hole a couple decades ago. Another beautiful “small” town that got discovered by tourists and grew too fast. As a result, many low wage workers were forced out of the affordable housing market. Retail, restaurant, hotel employees had to relocate to campgrounds, shared housing, or more affordable towns with a long commute. Sound familiar? I remember thinking that could be our town in twenty years, but hoped I was wrong. Seems I wasn’t.

Lincoln City experienced a similar form of overgrowth, followed by the devastating consequences of too many STRs. Once again the workers who serve tourists and locals were squeezed out. So exactly how does a vacation rental impact affordable housing? Why should it matter if we pack in more STRs, doesn’t the tourist industry profit, and don’t hospitality taxes help the city?

a condo unit where, permitted or not, many apartments surrounding her are used as vacation rentals. Guests come and go, usurp street parking, and are often noisy and disruptive. According to City codes, this shouldn’t happen. But it does.

STRs are supposed to be a permitted use located at least 250 feet apart. But a quick check on some vacation rental site maps reveals how many appear to be located closer than that. I also discovered a surprisingly large number of STRs in Sisters. One lesser known site showed 161 rentals. And I’m guessing many STRs fly under the radar by not listing themselves on the better known sites. I realize City Hall is overwhelmed by recent growth, but is anyone really regulating STRs, or enforcing the current code and licensing requirements?

Meanwhile, there are those eager to allow even more vacation rentals. What is their motivation? As usual, with overdevelopment, follow the dollar. STRs have become a lucrative business and a very luring investment for out-of-town investors. And developers capitalize on a new excuse for additional housing, and profit by developing more land and building even more houses. All these new homes filling up the city limits will eventually force an increase to the UGB, which becomes another bone of contention for many who are concerned about local resources like water supply.

Well, let’s keep it simple. Say an investor from Portland sees opportunity to pick up an inexpensive piece of property and purchases it. Then, using a management company, he allows the house to be rented for vacation use. Not a bad way to turn a profit if he doesn’t care about the impact on the neighborhood or community.

But the out-of-town owner doesn’t recognize how that same property previously provided an affordable rental home to a single mom supporting herself and teenage son with her job at BiMart. She now must search out new affordable housing. But where? A camp trailer in the woods? A friend’s attic? Prineville? She is essentially houseless.

And what about the neighbors who live next door to numerous STRs? I know a Sisters woman who owns

One of the reasons I love living in a small town is the sense of community. But if you live in a neighborhood where every other house has turned into an STR, what does it do to neighborliness? With people coming and going, any sense of “neighborhood watch” is compromised, leaving certain sections of town ripe for an increase in crime. And absentee homeowners, motivated purely by investment purposes, don’t contribute much to small town life and community values.

An abundance of STRs competes with our local hotels and accommodations already trying to stay in business. So, ask yourself, who really profits from the increase of STRs in our town? Out-of-town investors? Greedy developers? And what is the price the rest of us pay for their gains? Is it worth it?

Fly fisher people tie one on

By Valarie J. Anderson Correspondent

There is nothing quite like sitting across the table from a fisherperson. There is genuine happiness in their eyes, laughter, and pats on the back. Their faces light up like a warm campfire when they start spinning yarns with hands outstretched (“It was that big!”).

We eavesdropped as the older guys shared the location of their favorite fishing holes. Some kids from a middle school fly tying club sparkled with anticipation and awe as they took in every word. Best of all, there was the shared love of fly fishing and the art of fly tying with all its glorious gear.

I was honored to join this enclave of dedicated men and women at the 2024 Northwest Fly Tyer and Fly Fishing Expo in Albany, Oregon March 8 and 9. They invited me to tie a commemorative fly I’d created to celebrate Pearl Harbor’s anniversary.

I named it “Pearl Harbor Remembrance.”

I crafted several variations of “Remembrance,” and finally settled on an adaptation of a classic salmon fly pattern. Like my book, “Pearl Harbor’s Final Warning,” it took me years to perfect it since I’m an intermediate tyer who leans more to the beginner’s side of tying.

Before the show, I’d set up a card table in the

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

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

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

Paul Alan Bennett to teach painting class

SFF Presents will host another all-day painting class with renowned local painter, Paul Alan Bennett, on Saturday, April 27, at Sisters Art Works. Registration opens on Wednesday, March 27, at 10 a.m. at https:// aftontickets.com/learn-topaint and is limited to 10 people. Participants must be 18 or older to enroll; no experience necessary.

Bennett attended the Maryland Institute of Art and lived in Greece for six years where he taught art and got a master’s degree in Greek History with an emphasis on Greek Art. He’s published three collections of his work, including “Hug,” “Night

family room and practiced and practiced, making sure my thread was flat like Jerry Criss taught me, watching my proportions as Sherry Steele had explained, and guiding my wraps John Kreft style so they didn’t overlap. Expert tyers, all; wonderfully patient people who teach and share their knowledge with anyone who asks as long as it doesn’t interfere with their fishing time.

As I sat tying my fly at the Expo, the guy beside me did a finish knot and parachute loop I’d never seen before. I stopped tying when my audience left to watch him. He’d gone back to some old tyers’ books to

citizens 4c ommunity.c om for loc ation.

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

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

Sisters Astronomy Club 3rd Tuesday, 7 p.m., SPR D. 5 41-5 49 -8 8 46

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, 4:3 0 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

Skies,” and “Pandemic Portraits” and has painted the stage backdrops for five Bend Opera productions. By his own estimate, Bennett has taught painting to more than 25,000 students over the years.

Students will begin by participating in a guided pencil drawing to cover the basics of composition and expression. Bennett will cover techniques on color mixing and working with a brush before setting students loose to complete at least two paintings. To conclude the day, the class will gather to discuss their processes

Sisters merchants form new alliance

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

A group of businesses, mostly but not exclusively centered downtown, has launched a new Sisters Business Association (SBA).

The group, some two dozen in number, was the inspiration of Shaunette White, owner of High Desert Chocolates at the corner of Cascade and Pine. She serves as SBA’s first president. Josh Smith of Paper Place is Vice President, and Eryn Ross at Sisters Depot is CFO.

Leslie Cutler (Homestar),

Casey Boyd (Rescued Living), Sheree Vance (Sisters Apothecary), Stephen Saunders (Avenir Realty), David Moore (Sisters Depot), Beth Pruett (Mountain View Ranch), and Jackson Higdon (Luckey’s Woodsman) all have leadership roles.

The non-profit membership organization says it serves as a networking opportunity and a source of education and shared marketing for all Sisters businesses who wish to join. Common challenges to business success are

Sisters

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.

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

Sisters

Three Sister s Irrigation Distric t Board of Direc tors M eets 1st Tuesday 10 a.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 month, 6:3 0 p.m., M ain Church Building

Sisters Communit y Church 541- 549-14 62 (John).

SCHOOLS

Black Bu tt e School Board of Direc tors 2nd Tuesday, 3:45 p.m.,

PHOTO BY VALARIE ANDERSON

See CLASS on page 21

CANDIDATES: Four candidates have filed for the May election

Continued from page 1

prior to the election.

The Nugget asked each candidate a set of questions and their responses are as follows:

What strengths/assets do you bring to voters in Sisters Country (boundaries of Sisters School District)?

Imhoff: My focus is on “getting things done” to improve the lives of all citizens of Deschutes County. I have a proven track record of doing hard work and utilizing all of my relationships to get things accomplished. I will continually learn and grow from people around me, this includes everyone in Sisters Country. I think folks living in and around Sisters will find me to be approachable, honest, and focused.

Trego: I am running for Deschutes County Commissioner because I have the skills, experience, and temperament to do the job.

Huntamer: I am honest, a good communicator, empathetic, and experienced in working in collaboration with others in problem solving. I am a U.S. Army veteran with an extensive background in real estate and construction, and experience as an alcohol and drug counselor.

Chang: I know Sisters Country and many community leaders well because I have worked to improve public safety and maintain quality of life in the Sisters area for 20 years. I helped plan and implement hazardous fuels reduction projects on the Deschutes National Forest that helped prevent the Pole Creek Fire (2012) and the Milli Fire (2017) from burning into the City of Sisters, Tollgate, Crossroads, and Black Butte Ranch. I have helped to steward Whychus and Indian Ford Creeks so they provide better fish and wildlife habitat, run clean and cold, and pose less flood risk to nearby residences.

I learned a great deal about the hopes and concerns of Sisters Country residents when I staffed the first Sisters visioning project in 20062007. I’ve been involved in efforts to transfer portions of the Sisters Ranger District administrative site to City or private ownership since 2005 – efforts that are now providing land for homes, businesses, and public spaces right in the center of the City.

Why should a Sisters Country citizen vote for you?

Imhoff: If we specifically focus on things that matter

to Sisters, then traffic, wildfire, managed growth, and homelessness would require the most attention from our county leaders. I will work hard to listen and provide a voice for those citizens who are the most affected by each of these issues.

Trego: The Sisters community should vote for me because qualifications matter. I bring a breadth of knowledge and experience that includes my current position working for a small business association, as the founder and president for the Sisters Community Foundation, whose mission is to help people of limited means in the community, and I previously served as a community advocate in Sisters working to reduce the root causes of poverty for the Central Oregon Partnership.

My government experience includes: serving as chief of staff for an Oregon state senator, a constituent services manager for the U.S. House of Representatives, and as an elected Sisters city councilor and council president.

I currently serve on the Deschutes County budget committee and previously on the Deschutes County commission on Children and Families and the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council.

Huntamer: My bond with Sisters Country and Deschutes County is not just professional; it’s profoundly personal. Since 1978, it has been my home, a place where

I’ve raised my family and witnessed generations thrive. My children and grandchildren have been nurtured by the schools here, with some having graduated from Sisters High School and others currently pursuing their education in Bend. I personally received my higher education from COCC and OSU.

Chang: In my first term as Deschutes County Commissioner, I voted to allocate millions of the County’s American Rescue Plan funds to affordable housing and child care projects in Sisters. I represented Sisters Country concerns about community wildfire protection to Salem, and helped get legislation, state agency support, and funding to help reduce risk to Sisters area homes. I’ve supported the City in thinking growth management and meeting state requirements for buildable land supply. I successfully advocated to expand County Homeless Outreach Service Team staffing in Sisters Country to help unhoused people with behavioral health take steps out of homelessness. I helped establish a partnership with the Deschutes Trails Coalition to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars in County Transient Room Tax revenue in trails projects in Sisters Country and beyond. In a second term I will keep focusing on making sure Sisters Country continues to be a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family.

I’m a pragmatic problem solver who uses input from community members and real data and analysis to tackle problems instead of partisan political ideology. I know how to bring people with diverse perspectives together to collaboratively develop solutions and then build public-public and public-private partnerships to implement solutions. I show up for Sisters City Council meetings, Citizens4Community forums, and major community events like the Folk Festival, and I offer Coffee with a Commissioner events and online Town Halls so that I can listen to the hopes and concerns of Sisters Country residents and answer County-related j19

questions.

What do you see as the biggest concerns facing citizens of Sisters Country?

Imhoff: I have heard from many Sisters Country residents who feel wildfire resilience is their biggest concern. I would agree, as we have seen in years past. This is specific to acquiring and maintaining insurance on their homes and property. We must have proper forest land management coupled with wildfire mitigation techniques, all while maintaining a strong level of access to the forests.

Trego: The largest concern facing Sisters is growth and the challenges that come with growth including

See CANDIDATES on page 5

Rob Imhoff.

Judy Trego.

Brian Huntamer.

Phil Chang.

workforce, affordable housing, infrastructure, and traffic. Homelessness has also been at the forefront of community discussions.

Huntamer: Sisters Country has grown a lot over the past several years, but is still a very desirable community; however, it faces several challenges including affordable housing, homelessness, traffic concerns, and public safety.

Chang: Workforce and affordable housing is extremely scarce in Sisters Country. This is why so many workers need to commute to Sisters, and it also explains why a significant number of people who work in the City of Sisters live unhoused on federal lands just outside the City. The underlying reasons for this shortage of affordable and workforce housing are the cost of building housing, the scarcity of buildable lands, and the decoupling of housing prices from local salaries and wages.

How would you remedy/ mitigate those concerns?

Imhoff: Deschutes County should be a leader in wildfire and natural resource policies in Oregon. Resilience, working with federal and state partners, and mitigating wildfire risk to levels as low as possible, will be major tasks to focus on for our commission. To this end, all this comes with prioritizing our resources, including our firefighters. I get things done and will work hard to get this done for our friends and neighbors.

Trego: I will work with the city to support workforce, affordable housing, and infrastructure improvements, and continue to advocate for funding from the county, state, and federal government, as well as the private sector to develop sustainable workforce, affordable housing, and infrastructure. Sisters is a successful community built with innovation and a pioneering spirit.

There are solutions to the homeless crisis facing our community.

I have been working in the area of homelessness prevention, reducing poverty, and substance abuse prevention for many years. I will partner with the Homeless Leadership Council, the Coordinated Office of Homelessness, the county and the private sector to address the serious challenges facing our homeless population and our community.

Huntamer: My strategy begins with listening— genuinely understanding the diverse needs of our citizens. I believe in fostering a collaborative effort between the community and government to tackle our challenges head-on. Homelessness, a particularly contentious issue, demands a balanced approach. My empathy for individuals seeking temporary shelter and food does not overlook the broader implications for public safety, community well-being, and the rights of landowners, schools, and the use of public lands.

Chang: In my time on the Board of Commissioners, the County has helped to address the cost of building housing by contributing funds to land purchases and construction costs for development of deed-restricted affordable housing with Habitat for Humanity and the City of Sisters. The County needs to help create long term local sources of public financing for affordable housing projects. In 2023 the County authorized development of Accessory Dwelling Units on rural residential properties outside incorporated cities in order to produce more workforce and affordable housing. The County can support the City of Sisters with increasing the supply of buildable lands by providing community development expertise and analysis as the City evaluates expanding its Urban Growth Boundary. Continued from page 4

Boys tennis team loses openers

By Rongi Yost Correspondent

The boys’ tennis squad lost both their opening matches this past week, a 0-8 loss at home against Crook County (CC) on Monday, March 11, and two days later a 1-8 loss at Mt. View.

On Monday, the Outlaws played in cool weather on damp courts at home against CC. For many of the players it was the first time they had played against an opponent in a real match.

Sisters No. 1 singles (Dominic Pulver) and No. 2 singles (Jude Parzybok) both played fairly well against their opponents, but not well enough to post a win. Pulver struggled with consistency on his serve and fell 4-6, 4-6, to Jamie Acura. Parzybok faced a tough opponent in Victor Covarrubias and lost the match 1-6, 3-6. Parzybok did come back in the second set with a strong serve but just couldn’t quite pull off a win.

Coach Vince Grace told The Nugget that most of the Outlaws struggled with their serves, but is confident that they will quickly improve as the season progresses.

Of the day, Grace said, “Smiles and attitudes were contagious. Everyone played for fun, everyone got to hit, everyone learned a little more about themselves, and so that was a win for our team.”

Two days later the Outlaws fell 1-3 to Mt. View.

Parzybok was the lone winner for the Outlaws and he dominated play in his 6-0, 6-1, win over Noah Kronberg.

Grace said, “Jude played a smart defensive game today. His strategy of consistently getting the ball back over the net and letting his opponent make the mistakes paid off for him with a very solid win.”

Jack Murray and Finn Stancliff both played in games that were down to the wire, but in the end they came up short.

Grace told The Nugget that Murray and Stancliff had nail-biter matches. They were close to having really good serves, but not consistent enough to win the games they were hoping for. Their ground strokes were very good and Grace stated that both are strong up-and-coming players.

Grace commented on his team overall:

“We are just now starting to play the game on a real tennis court, under real conditions. The team is improving every day, as we work on the repetition of ground strokes, volleys, overhead smashes, serves, and returns.

“Tennis isn’t just about technique,” added Grace. “It’s about grit, sportsmanship, and the joy of chasing a fuzzy yellow ball. So, as a newer upand-coming team, whether we win or lose, we play with passion. And, when we shake our opponents’ hands, we know that we just shared something meaningful.”

Sisters Habitat for Humanity hunts for land

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

As it seeks to add workforce housing to its primary mission of affordable housing, Sisters Habitat for Humanity is eagerly awaiting a decision from the State of Oregon for its grant application.

Beginning in 2017 Oregon launched its statewide housing plan in response to the critical shortage of affordable homes, especially for lower income earners. The same plan included efforts to ease homelessness. (OHCS) Oregon Housing and Community Services was formed and, over the years since, the state legislature has produced myriad funding bills, some assisted by federal dollars.

OHCS estimates that Oregon is 8,000 homes short of meeting needs. No community is exempt from the issue. In Sisters, Habitat for Humanity has been the leader in tackling the problem. To date they have delivered 78 affordable homes to the community with more in construction.

Those homes were in the category of affordable, meaning those homes went to families whose median income was less than 80 percent of the surrounding area. The median household income ($93,802) for zip code 97759 is more than Deschutes County ($82,042), Jefferson County ($69,345), Linn County ($69,523), and Sisters city ($84,088). For all of Oregon it is $65,667.

OHCS is a sprawling agency with several components. One, the General Housing Account Program (GHAP), expands the state’s supply of housing for low- and very-low-income Oregonians. GHAP resources support two primary activities: developing affordable multifamily housing and increasing the capacity of

OHCS partners to meet the state’s affordable-housing needs. All projected uses are subject to revenue availability. 25% of GHAP funds are set aside to support Veterans.

It is from GHAP that Habitat hopes to get a slice of the pie.

“It is competitive,” said Peter Hoover, executive director for Habitat. “We’re optimistic but there are no guarantees. We just have to wait along with all the other applicants for the decision, which we think will be around June.”

Habitat has a clear idea of what housing it would like to build with the funds, but until the money is in hand they cannot make a formal application to the City for approvals and permits. Like all construction in Sisters it must be submitted to the Community Development Department for review.

Habitat has acquired three parcels of land on which the homes would be built. One, under contract, sits on the north side of Adams Avenue just west of Larch Street. A second, owned outright, also on Adams, is at the intersection of Cedar Street, and the third, four times as large as the other two is on Larch Street one block north of Adams.

“Land, as we all know, is scarce,” said Hoover.

“Finding suitable land is much harder than building the homes.”

These three parcels will be able to accommodate 19 affordable homes and up to seven homes for workforce housing, homes where the median family income can be up to 120 percent of the area’s.

As with many towns like Sisters, characterized by retirees and empty nesters, homes are often unaffordable for the essential workers needed for a sustainable community – first responders, teachers, and service employees, for example.

Habitat was hoping to build yet another 20-some homes and made an

unsolicited $1.25 million (full appraised price) offer for land directly across the street from its Larch Street holding. That land is owned by Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church and sits behind its building and parking lot on North Fir Street. The land has been vacant for 39 years and the church has no known plans for its future use. In a more than 2-to-1 vote, church members voted to reject Habitat’s offer.

Upon learning of the church’s decision from community members (not

Habitat), The Nugget sought comment from Pastor Ron Gregg. Gregg asked that The Nugget not report on the matter.

Hoover expressed hope that at some point in the future the church may reconsider an offer.

Meanwhile, Habitat, in partnership with Sisters Woodlands and other funding, is moving forward with two more workforce units. Sisters Woodlands is a 300plus mixed-use project bound by Pine Street, Hwy. 20, and Barclay Drive.

Acquiring land for home-building projects is a bigger challenge for Habitat for Humanity than actually building homes.

PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT

Continued from page 2

the partial phases risks long-lasting vision problems. A view through binoculars or a telescope can cause permanent blindness in a second or less. And the damage occurs painlessly, so you might not be aware of problems until hours later. Eclipse glasses are the easiest and cheapest way to protect your eyes... One note of caution, however: If you saved your eclipse glasses from seven years ago, toss them. The protective coating deteriorates over time and typically doesn’t last more than three years.”

I have encountered a number of people that were planning on using their glasses from 2017, so I would like to suggest some public announcements on this danger.

Michael J. Caba

s s s

The wonder of it all

To the Editor:

The recent days of sunshine have been great, and it really feels good to just stand outside and take in the welcome warmth of the sun. How blessed we are to live in America and Central Oregon. Easter is coming next week and a time to reflect on its importance in contrast with political chaos seemingly everywhere.

I just finished re-reading the series of articles written by Pastor Steve Stratos, which I had cut out of The Nugget. It was a well-written and thoughtprovoking approach where Steve discussed development of an individual world view, then a Biblical world view based on actual history and eyewitness testimony of the hope “built around the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” What a wonderful gift from our Creator to all of humanity; that if in your worldview false, then of no importance; but if Biblically true is of infinite importance.

I think back many years to the first flights man took into space and another perspective, a view of the physical world we live on. They were overwhelmed at the wonder of our beautiful planet in contrast to the lifeless solar system we exist in. During their ninth orbit of the Moon, astronauts Anders, Lovell, and Borman recited verses 1-10 of the Genesis Creation. Apollo 11’s Armstrong and Aldrin, first to walk on the moon, held a private communion service reading Jesus’ words from John 15:5. Something they felt deep within their souls; that view of our world was to them the “Wonder of It All,” God’s creation.

If you missed the opportunity to read Steve’s series it’s not to late to revisit seeking that which brings true hope and discernment this Easter. John 3:16 and Romans 1:20 speak clearly to Steve’s question of destiny.

Jeff Mackey

s s s

Chavez-DeRemer & Israel funding

To the Editor:

Just in case you missed the recent mailing from our 5th District Congresswoman C-D, she announced the passage of a bill she sponsored giving $10.4 billion to Israel for its defense. Folks, that is $10,400 million U.S. DOLLARS. With a population of 9.24 million, of which 21 percent are Arab, we are giving the people of Israel $1,125,541 PER PERSON or $1,458,625 for each Jewish citizen of Israel. Is this the wise use of American tax payer money? Will this reduce the National Debt? It’s time to tell Chavez-DeRemer to hit the road.

Rob Phelps

s s s

Alternatives to pesticides

To the Editor:

It is starting to be spring. Many are getting in the swing of things with the start of yard maintenance. The idea is: let’s attack weed areas before the weeds come up. Some even get out Round-Up. But wait! Please consider the following: Chemical products have unintended consequences.

Newest research shows that herbicides, including Roundup-type, have detrimental effects on pollinators. Herbicides can take away pollinators ability to navigate and find food. Herbicides can weaken insect adults and juveniles. Herbicides have found to reduce the number of butterfly offspring. Herbicides can take away food sources.

We know that any product that is an insecticide (neonictinoids) kill all insects. (https://xerces.org/ blog/protect-pollinators-at-home-alternatives-toherbicides) (https://www.beyondpesticides.org/ assets/media/documents/alternatives/factsheets/ Least%20toxic%20control%20of%20weeds.pdf)

But wait – there are easy solutions. There is a product, long-used but understated. It is a preemergent that uses corn gluten meal. It kills weeds before they start, then it decomposes into a fertilizer. A win-win. Look for the words “ corn gluten meal.” Among companies are: Concern, Purely

Organic, Espoma, Pearl Valley. You can order from big box stores. You can order directly online. You can use some of our lovely local retailers like Central Oregon Lawn Center, Moonfire Nursery, some of the Ace Hardwares, Green Leaf Garden.

Having healthy soil is the primary defense. However, if needed, there are multiple alternative to pesticides. See some in the link above. Some include types of horticultural vinegar or acetic acid (like Avenger products; some are herbicidal soaps.

Be kind to the Earth and our pollinator friends this spring. Your educated gardening will help. You do have alternatives to pesticides.

Barb Rumer

s s s

Sportsmen support wildlife

To the Editor:

I'm a hunter, hiker, fisherman, and birdwatcher who is annoyed that so much space was dedicated to Mr. Bronstein's ranting column on choosing an Oregon Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) director ( The Nugget, March 13, page 2). Mr. Bronstein and others of his ilk belittle science, and describe their opposition with slurs instead of civil discourse. There is far too much of that in national politics.

Let's take the wildlife science issue. For a little history, in the early 1900s market hunting had decimated many wildlife populations. Elk, white-tailed deer and wild turkeys were almost extinct. Ducks and other birds were similarly affected. National Parks, wildlife refuges, and the science of wildlife management grew out of the response to this crisis. Today there are thriving elk populations in every western state and elk have been reintroduced into Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, Missouri, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin. This is due to scientific game management and conservation organizations such as the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. White-tailed deer have become so numerous in the east that they are a nuisance in some places. Wild turkeys are now present in places where they were never native (Oregon among others).

Those are some examples of the successes of scientific wildlife management. Here is an example of wildlife management by nonprofessionals: In the 1960s Oregon had about 600 mountain lions and a very healthy mule deer population. In the 1990s a flood of money from animal rights groups

See LETTERS on page 13

Girls tennis swings into season with convincing wins

By Rongi Yost Correspondent

The Lady Outlaws tennis squad took down Bend High 5-3 in their opening match of the season on Tuesday, March 12, and two days later beat Mt. View 7-1.

In Tuesday’s match the Outlaws won all of their singles matches in straights sets.

Juhree Kizziar (No. 1 singles) blanked Kyla Guerrero 6-0, 6-0. Kizziar demonstrated her new power on serve and return, and didn’t allow Guerrero to win a single game.

Coach Bruce Fenn said, “Juhree has improved in all areas of her game. Her ground strokes are fast and consistent, and her volleys are controlled with placement. Juhree committed to playing winter tennis indoors, and the results showed today.”

Katie Ryan (No. 2 singles) notched a 6-4, 6-4, win over Meredith King.

“Katie’s serve has improved and her ability to run down balls is even better,” stated Fenn. “Katie decided to focus on tennis this winter and was invited to play doubles every Tuesday with the gracious Moms of Eagle Crest Resort, along with Leah O’Hern, Sophie Rush, and Lilly Pomering.”

Rylie Bick (No. 3), although feeling a bit under the weather, stayed strong and beat Lucy Cox 6-2, 6-2, in two challenging sets.

“Rylie showed her ability to be consistent with her forehand,” said Fenn. “Her foot speed getting to the balls early helped her overpower Cox.”

Shae Wyland wrapped up the single’s victories with a 6-1, 6-2, win over Parker Evans.

“Shae was more consistent than Evans, and her superior athleticism was exciting to watch,” said Fenn.

The Outlaws No. 1 duo, Leah O’Hern and Sophie Rush, played well together in their first match of the season, and defeated Tatum Bunting and Ina Link. They took the first set easily with a score of 6-2. In the second set they held a significant lead, but then lost momentum and Bend roared back to even the score at 6-6, requiring a seven-point tie-breaker. O’Hern and Rush took control, and won the deciding tie-breaker 7-1.

Fenn told The Nugget that O’Hern and Rush hit better-placed shots and their defense won the match.

“Both girls communicated great,” said Fenn. “O’Hern with her consistent defense, and Rush’s attacking style, was a winning combination.”

Of the remaining doubles

teams Fenn said, “They struggled today because of lack of quality practice on the tennis courts. Injuries have hurt the teams as well. The team has been forced in the gym due to inclement weather for two weeks, and it is difficult to teach winning positioning in doubles in a gym to new players.”

Fenn added that the bright spot of the match was watching the new players (junior Lilly Pomering, sophomore Kalie Sullivan, and freshmen Jessica Stahn, Ella Panozzo, and Caitlin Carter) compete.

“These girls showed hustle and their efforts will help us win matches,” said Fenn.

On Thursday the Outlaws overpowered Mt. View and won seven of the eight matches.

Sisters’ singles once again showed their dominance and won all four singles matches.

Kizziar took control from the start of the match and easily blanked Ava Uht 6-0, 6-0. Kizziar outclassed Uht in every area with power and defense. Fenn told The Nugget that Kizziar is a dominant force on the tennis court.

Ryan posted a 6-1, 6-0, win over Lindsey Spakausky. Ryan played more consistent throughout the match, moved the ball around with good placement, and also

defended with speed and good placement.

Bick played with energy and determination and easily came out on top 6-0, 6-0, against Stella Haleakala.

Wyland (No. 4) also played with great energy and was determined in her match against Jocelyn Elias Molina. Wyland’s left-handed forehand confused Molina, and Wyland posted a dominant 6-0, 6-0, victory.

The No. 1 and No. 2 doubles teams both went into extended 10 point tie-breakers in nail-biting matches.

O’Hern and Rush, Sister’s No. 1 doubles, lost the first set 0-6, in their match against Haven Hevzog and Carmen Roberts. The duo regrouped and squeezed a second set advantage in a seven-point tie-breaker 7-5. They dug deep to finish the match in a 10-point nail-biting

tie-breaker and won 14-12.

Fenn explained, “A 10-point tiebreak is used when the score is one set all to finish the match.”

“The key to their (Rush and O’Hern) success was not giving up, even through they were not playing good tennis,” said Fenn. “Their determination was nice to see. Their placement on match point was smart tennis and won them a grueling victory.”

Charlotte Seymour and Presley Adelt (No. 2 doubles) also squeaked out a victory. They lost the first set 3-6, to Andrea Hernandez and Brynn Osborne but came back and tied the score 6-6 in the second set, and then raced ahead to win 7-2 in the tiebreak. The 10-point tie-break was suspenseful but the duo pulled out the 11-9 win.

Ava Riehle and Molly

Greaney (No. 3) rounded out the Outlaw’s wins with a 6-2, 6-0, victory over Addi Kenner and Harper Stone. Riehle and Greaney dominated play with hustle and some good forehand.

Sisters No. 4 doubles, Lilly Pomering and Jessica Stahn, who are both new to tennis, struggled in their first set against Scarlett Haarberg and Lily Knapp. As the match went on they became more confident and hit more balls in the court, but in the end fell 1-6, 3-6.

Fenn said, “We are off to a good start, but we have a lot to learn.”

The Lady Outlaws were to play at home against Summit on Monday, March 18, and again at home on Tuesday against Ridgeview. They will play at home against Redmond on Thursday.

We brought them home in a snowstorm. They were half wild. At 15 weeks, they were the last dogs for a Scottie breeding kennel to sell, of his 30 puppies bred in 2023. It was obvious that these two brindle boys were not popular with the breeder’s clients.

You almost never see brindle Scotties. Yet it is a valid color for the breed. I won’t ask what happens to most of the ones that don’t sell. Fortunately for us, these two came to our home.

It may have continued snowing outside, but the sun has been shining in our home ever since the boys joined us.

Piper, our 13 year old Scottie lass, had been lonely ever since last Memorial Day, when her buddy, Bernie, passed on to Scottie heaven.

I would watch her out in the yard, just looking, as if she were waiting for Bernie to come home. Add to that, my husband is dealing with cancer, and he needed more love and excitement in his life.

It is amazing what a little love from us has done for these dogs. They indicated, by their behavior, that they were only picked up when the breeder gave them their three shot series, because they started out very afraid of being picked up. Now, after lots of love and holding, they know they are safe and that a walk or a treat may be the result of a reaching hand.

The love is pouring back to us ten-fold for what we have given them. Love is the most powerful, and transformative power in the universe. It changes lives, sometimes profoundly.

A while back I read a story that relates to our Scottie puppy’s experience with love, and I feel it needs to be shared with everyone. Though the story is a little older, it is relevant to today. Following is a summary.

Kamal Saleem was born in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1957. His family taught him Islamic radicalism: hate Christians and Jews. Recruited by the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), Kamal completed his first mission, smuggling weapons into Israel, at the age of seven. He spent many years after that learning how to shoot weapons such as AK-47s and rockets. He became a powerful warlord and fought Christians and Jews all over the Middle East and Europe. After that, he successfully immigrated to America and began radicalizing Muslims.

In 1985 he was in a serious automobile accident. His world changed as a result of what followed. When he woke up, after being knocked unconscious in the accident, a man was leaning over him saying, “Don’t worry. Everything will be OK.”

Paramedics soon rushed to the scene, and also assured Kamal that he would be all right and cared for. The hospital personnel treated him with kindness and the man who first found him returned to the hospital to check on his recovery.

One day, the man came to the hospital with several others. They told Kamal that they had to get him out of the hospital as soon as possible, because his hospital bill was already $60,000.

It turned out that this man was a medical doctor, and he was a member of a Christian doctor’s organization. Kamal was soon moved to the doctor’s house where

the doctor’s wife, a nurse, helped Kamal recover to full health. His hospital bill was paid by the Christian organization, and Kamal was lovingly treated like a part of the family.

This process of love was something Kamal had never felt before. Hate had always been his driving force. Even his Koran promoted killing the infidel. The force of love he felt from this experience, and these people, overwhelmed him. He soon believed that the Christian God had intervened with a miracle and saved him. Kamal said. “There are no miracles in Islam.”

Kamal discovered that the Christian God and the God of Abraham, whom the Muslims worship, are one and the same. He decided that the Muslims needed to learn to see their God was also a loving God. He has since become an ordained Christian minister, and dedicated his life to helping Muslims learn to love Christians and Jews.

Kamal has also worked with the U.S.

military, security experts, law-enforcement, and he speaks at colleges, universities, and churches.

This story and our new Scottie boys show us realworld demonstrations of what unconditional love can do for lives. Love is not only powerful, it is transformative.

Each of us have that Divine Love in our hearts. Often that loving power has been buried beneath the daily stress and agony of work and living. But when we take the time to give that love to others, it multiplies for them and for us. Our hearts can fill to the point of pouring love into the world around us.

The more love we pour into life, the better our lives become. These Scottie boys will fill our house with years of love, and we will share that overflowing love with many others.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

1 Corinthians 13:4-5

10 0 Women Who Care

10 0 Women Who Care-Sisters will hold its inaugural meeting on ursday, March 28, at noon at e Lodge, 411 E . Carpenter Lane. 10 0 Women Who Care is a newly organized group that will pool its resource s to fund local nonprofits . For more information, email 100wwc. Sisters@gmail.com or call/text 541-912- 0750

Sisters Beekeepers Mee t

Calling all Sisters Country beekeepers and those intrigued by beekeeping . Gather to swap tales , share tips , troubleshoot woes , and celebrate successes ursday, March 28, at 5 p.m. at e Barn in Sisters . Call Trac y at 970 -481-4 477 for more information.

Americ an Legion and VFW

American Legion Post 86 and VF W Post 8138 meet the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m., at Spoons Restaurant, 473 E . Hood Ave. Sisters . Call John at 541-549-1462 for info.

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

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. Info: 541-549-4184.

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.

Sisters Habitat

Volunteers Needed

Are you looking for something fun to do with your free time? Volunteer with Sisters Habit at for Humanity! Call 541-549-1193 to get connected

STAR S Seek s Volunteers to Transpor t Patients

Help Sisters Countr y residents get to nonemergenc y medical appointments in Sisters , Redmond , and Bend . Attend a free t wo-hour training. Emails from STAR S dispatchers allow you to accept dates and times that work for your schedule, and a mileage reimbursement is included . Learn more at www starsride.org. STAR S is an AFSC Action Team.

A NNOUNCEMENT S

THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

Thursday, March 28

100 Women Who Care

The Lodge in Sisters

Thursday, March 28

Sisters Beekeepers

The Barn in Sisters

Sunday, March 31

Fire Dept. Easter Egg Hunt

Creekside Park/Campground

Sunday, March 31

Easter Sunday at Hoodoo Hoodoo Ski Area

Sing Your Hearts Out, Sisters!

Sing your hearts out with the Low Bar Chorale at e Belfr y on Saturday, April 13. Hosted by Age Friendly Sisters Country, it’s a night of community, music, and pure energy. ese professional musicians will back us on pop/ rock hits f rom Elvis to Elton John. AFSC invites all voices and is asking for any contribution at the door to support their mission to enhance livability and combat isolation in Sisters Countr y. Embrace the harmony, make new connections , and let Sisters’ musical tradition unite us . Doors open at 6 p.m., singing starts at 7

SE S Kindergar ten Roundup

Sisters Elementar y School (SES) will hold their annual Kindergarten Roundup preregistration on Frid ay, April 26 , in the school g ymnasium. Students will participate in a teacherled activit y while parents are involved in a parent orientation Sign up by contacting the elementar y school at 541549-8981. Children who will be 5 years old on or before September 1 are eligible for the 2024 -25 school year. Enrollment forms may be picked up at the SE S o ce bet ween 9 a.m. and 2 p.m . e school will be closed March 18-29 for Spring Break Forms need to be completed and returned to the school o ce on April 26 at the time of the scheduled appointment e following documents are required to register : enrollment packet; copy of birth certificate; immunization records; proof of address . Students will not be registered until all forms in.

Sisters Rodeo Parade

Want to participate in the parade? ere are limited entries , so don’t wait. Deadline is May 15 . Visit sistersrodeo.com and fill out the registration.

Sunday School for Children

Church of the Transfiguration

o ers 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 Brook s Camp Rd . Sisters . For more information call Margaret Doke at 541-588-2784.

Central Oregon Federated Republican Meeting

COFRW (Central Oregon Federated Republican Women)

meet s the first ursday of every month f rom 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Brand 33 at Aspen Lakes Golf Club in Sisters. Learn f rom quality speakers, and hear and question local and state candidates. Meetings include lunch for $27 RSVP required to attend at www.COFRW.net

K

Humane Societ y of Central Oregon 541-382-3537

ALVIN

ree year-old Alvin came to us as a stray and he is a friendly, wiggly boy here at the shelter. Sta have discovered that he knows how to sit down, shake, and other paw! While he does pull some on the leash, he has been ver y friendly to dogs and would do best in a home with dogs of similar size.

Francois’ Workshop 541-549-0605 541-815-0624

Baha’i Faith

Sisters French Club

For people interested in French culture and language, Sisters French Club meets the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m . at e Barn. Visit Facebook @SistersFrenchClub.

Announce Celebrations! Sisters community birth, engagement, wedding , and milestone anniversar y notices from may run at no charge on this Announcements page.

Ea ster Church Servic es & Event

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church Come celebrate the source of our hope. Maundy ursday combined ser vice with Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration (see below). Good Friday Ser vice Friday, March 29, at noon. Easter Sunris e Ser vice at 8 a .m. on Sunday, March 31, and Easter Worship Celebration at 10 a .m. For more information call 541549-5831 e Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration

Holy Week Ser vices : Maundy ursday, March 28: Ser vice at 7 p.m.; Good Friday, combined service with Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (see above); E aster Sunday, March 31: Protestant Liturgy Celebration of Easter at 8:30 a.m.; E piscopal Easter Celebration at 10:15 a .m. For more information call 541549-70 87

Chapel in the Pines

You’re invited to the Chapel in the Pines E aster Ser vice on Sunday, March 31, at 10 a.m. at the Camp Sherman Communit y Center. For more information: 541-815-9153.

Easter Sunday at Hoodoo Celebrate spring on Sunday, March 31, at 9 a .m. at the Easter eg g hunt at Hoodoo Ski Area, 274 0 0 Big L ake Road, Sisters . Presented by Breaking Free Media

For information, devotions, study groups , etc., contac t Shauna Rocha 541-6 47-9826 • www.bahai.org www.bahai.us • www.bahaiteachings .org

Calvar y Church

484 W. Washington St. , Ste. C & D • 541-588-6288

10 a .m. Sunday Worship • www.ccsisters.org

Chapel in the Pines

Camp Sherman • 541-815-9153

10 a .m. Sunday Worship

e Church

Sisters Community Church

Good Friday, March 29: Ser vice at 6 p.m., including dramatic performance of the centurion at the cross . E aster Ser vices, March 31: Sunrise ser vice at 6:48 a .m.; Regular ser vice at 9:30 a .m. For more information call 541-549-1201, or info@ sisterschurch.com.

St . Edward the Mar tyr Easter ser vices are as follows:

Holy ursday, March 28: Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7 p.m.; Good Friday, March 29: Stations of the Cross at 6:30 p.m., and e Passion Ser vice at 7 p.m.; Holy S aturday, March 30 : E aster Vigil at 8:30 p.m.; Easter Sunday, March 31: Mass at 9 a .m. For more information go to www stedwardsisters.org.

Fire Depar tment

Easter Eg g Hunt

Kids age 0 to 11 are invited to the annual Easter Egg Hunt co-sponsored by the SistersCamp Sherman and Cloverdale fire districts . e hunt is on, regardless of weather, Easter Sunday, March 31, at 2 p.m. at the adjoining Creekside Park and Sisters Creekside Campground. e Easter Bunny will be present to greet all. Arrive 20 minutes early so kids can be divided into age groups. Be prompt, as the eggs go f ast! For information, cont act Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District at 541-549-0771.

Seventh-Day Adventist Church

386 N . Fir St. • 541-815-9848

11 a .m. S aturday Worship

Shepherd of the Hills Luther an Church (ELCA)

386 N . Fir Street • 541-549-5831

www.shepherdof thehillsluther anchurch.com

10 a .m. Sunday Worship

Sisters Church of the N az arene 67130 Har rington Loop Rd. • 541-389-8960

www.sistersnaz .org • info@sistersnaz .org

10 a .m.

Sunday Worship

Sisters Communit y Church (Nondenominational)

130 0 W. McKenzie Hwy. • 541-549-1201

www.sisterschurch.com • info@sisterschurch.com

9:30 a .m. Sunday Worship

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

Wellhouse Churc h

442 Trinit y Way • 541-549-4184 ht tps://wellhousechurch.churchcenter.com

10 a .m. Sunday Worship

VOLUNTEER: Everyone

can find their niche with District

Continued from page 1

Canyon Estates stations.

Christi Davis lives at the Camp Sherman station as she serves as a volunteer. Davis had been seeking to become a career firefighter.

“I have health conditions now that prevent me doing it full-time as a career,” she explained.

Davis had her EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) license and still wanted to serve — so she volunteered. Being available in Camp Sherman makes her a critical resource for the District, especially in the winter.

“Being able to respond from Camp Sherman and be able to get to a patient in a more timely way” is valuable, she explained. With her background, she can provide information on a situation and “help the duty staff out and also establish patient care a little quicker.”

There is always a valuable role to be played by volunteers responding to calls.

“There’s always something to do,” said Mike Terwilliger, who has been volunteering for five years. “Whether five people show up, or 15, there’s always something to do.”

Terwilliger got involved with Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District through his neighbor, Ben Duda, Sisters Unit Wildland Fire Supervisor with the Oregon Department of Forestry. Duda is also a volunteer firefighter with SCSFD. Duda urged Terwilliger to enter the fire service — and he did.

Terwilliger started out as a wildland firefighter (a job he continues to work each summer) and wasn’t initially sure he was interested in structural firefighting. Turns out he loves it. He became a firefighter with SCSFD, and is soon to head off for an intensive training to earn his EMT certification.

He says he looks forward to being “able to be a little more participatory on medical calls.”

One of the key aspects of volunteering with SCSFD is that each volunteer has plenty of space to find his or her areas of strength and interest. Terwilliger and Davis want to participate in medical care; Cramer does not. Each can find their role.

For Cramer, that means, among other duties, driving an ambulance. That’s a critical need for the District, and frees up an EMT to be at work where he or she is most needed — in the back of the ambulance.

“Being an ambulance driver got me added value to the district, but it also keeps

me in my comfort zone,” Cramer said.

Finding that comfort zone can take time. Cramer remembers feeling pressure when he started the initial Academy training. Just getting into his gear and into the truck was a challenge, and he made mistakes. He told The Nugget that the staff at SCSFD was always encouraging, assuring him that he would catch on. And he did. But after he finished his initial training, he still felt less than fully ready psychologically. He didn’t initially respond to calls “because I was scared,” he said.

He started responding to clean-up details, an unglamorous but critical aspect of responding to calls. He started building his confidence, and started doing more. That’s all part of the journey for many volunteers.

“You get those moments when you’re challenged, and you’re scared — and you get that affirmation,” he said. “You start to find where you fit.”

Terwilliger, who instructs at the Academy, affirms that the culture at SCSFD is all about teaching and learning and getting better incrementally over time.

“Everybody wants to see you succeed,” he said.

Cramer says that there has to be a willingness to serve at the foundation. Then comes ability — what you have a knack for and are suited to do. Then there’s capability.

“Capability comes through the department,” he said. “They teach you how to do this stuff. They give you that capability through training.”

It’s a process, and no one is a world-beater right off the bat.

“I’ve been doing this for about five years, and it’s only in the last year that I’ve felt

Sisters-Area Events & Enter tainment

THURSDAY • MARCH 28

Suttle Lodge Fireside Concert Series: Jeshua Marshall 6 to 8 p.m. Doors at 5:30 Tickets, $10, at www.bendticket.com.

Frankie’s Upstairs Live Music: Paul Eddy Bend troubadour playing Beatles, Sinatra, Hank Williams, and more, plus originals. 7 to 10 p .m. Upstairs at Sisters Depot, 250 W. Cascade Ave. Tickets, $20, at www.sistersdepot.com/our-events.

FRIDAY • MARCH 29

Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights

5 to 8 p.m. Booster Draft at 5 p.m. $15

More information at www.paulinaspringsbooks.com. Hardtails Bar & Grill Karaoke with Gaby & Annie 8 p.m. to midnight. Information call 541-549-6114.

Hoodoo Ski Area Friday Night Lights 4 to 9 p.m. Night lights, live music, and more. Info at www.skihoodoo.com.

SATURDAY • MARCH 30

Hoodoo Ski Area Rodeo Day at Hoodoo 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Celebrate the spirit of the wild West on the slopes. Dress Western, chili cook-off, mechanical bull. Info at www.skihoodoo.com. Hardtails Bar & Grill Karaoke with Gaby & Annie 8 p.m. to midnight. Information call 541-549-6114.

SUNDAY • MARCH 31

Paulina Springs Books Sunday Scrabble

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Come to play Scrabble socialize, and drink coffee. Open to all. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.

TUESDAY • APRIL 2

comfortable doing everything. Give yourself time. And the department gives you time.”

Volunteers have to determine for themselves how their service fits in with the other commitments in their life, like work and family.

Davis acknowledges that it’s important to attend as many of the regular Tuesday evening trainings as possible so that if you’re responding to a call you can be an asset and make a difference.

“I think it has to be more than an every-once-in-a-while hobby,” she said.

Still, nobody expects volunteers to make it to everything. Davis works a full-time job.

“If you’re at work, there’s not an obligation to leave work,” she noted.

Davis noted that volunteers also do a lot of community outreach activities.

“It feels really important to show up for those things,” she said. “The impact you can have feels really meaningful.”

Davis estimates that last year she went on about 25 or 30 calls. So far this year, she’s been out on a handful.

Terwilliger concurred that there is flexibility built into the system. During the day, he’s broadly available across the District. At night, he has his phone app set to respond only to calls for his Whychus Creek Canyon Estates neighborhood substation.

And volunteers can choose what types of calls they respond to.

“If a car accident isn’t for you — don’t go,” he said.

All three of the volunteers The Nugget spoke with emphasized the sense of camaraderie and community they feel. Terwilliger noted that it’s not just with SCSFD

See VOLUNTEER on page 13

Ski Inn Taphouse Hotel Live Music: Grits n’ Gravy A folksy take on country featuring Lilli Worona, Mike Biggers, and Kurt Silva. 6-8 p.m. Free entry Info: sisterstaphousehotel.com.

Sisters Movie House & Café April ADVART: "Holy Frit" Tim Carey a talented, yet unknown LA artist bluffs his way into winning the commission to create the largest stained-glass window of its kind — problem is he doesn’t know how to make it. 7:15 p.m. Tickets $16 at www.sistersmoviehouse.com.

WEDNESDAY • APRIL 3

Suttle Lodge Live Music: Dirty Jazz with Wolfe House Records 6 to 8 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets, $15, at www.bendticket.com.

Paulina Springs Books First Wednesday Open Mic Bring a poem, song, or short story to share — or come listen! 5 minutes per reader 6:30 p.m. Info: PaulinaSpringsBooks.com.

THURSDAY • APRIL 4

Suttle Lodge Fireside Concert Series: New Victorian 6 to 8 p.m. Doors at 5:30 Tickets, $10, at bendticket.com.

Frankie’s Upstairs Live Music: Eric Leadbetter 7-9 p.m. Location is upstairs at Sisters Depot, 250 W. Cascade Ave. Tickets, $20 at www.sistersdepot.com/our-events.

FRIDAY • APRIL 5

Hardtails Bar & Grill Karaoke with Gaby & Annie 8 p.m. to midnight. Information call 541-549-6114.

Hoodoo Ski Area Friday Night Lights 4 to 9 p.m. Night lights, live music and more. Info at www.skihoodoo.com.

Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights 5 to 8 p.m. Booster Draft at 5 p.m. $15 More information at www.paulinaspringsbooks.com.

SATURDAY • APRIL 6

Hardtails Bar & Grill Karaoke with Gaby & Annie 8 p.m. to midnight. Information call 541-549-6114.

Hoodoo Ski Area Snake Run Rally 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Grassroots banked slalom snowboard event on hand-dug course Info and registration at www thesnakerunrally.com.

SUNDAY • APRIL 7

Paulina Springs Books Sunday Scrabble 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Come to play Scrabble socialize, and drink coffee. Open to all. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.

TUESDAY • APRIL 9

Sisters Movie House & Café April ADVART: "Yamnuska: The Ragged Edge" follows two modern day adventurers as they embark on a rock climbing journey through time, celebrating the rich history and folklore of one of Canada’s most iconic climbing cliffs. 7:15 p.m. Tickets $16 at www.sistersmoviehouse.com.

THURSDAY • APRIL 11

Suttle Lodge Fireside Concert Series: Rich Swanger 6 to 8 p.m. Doors at 5:30 Tickets, $10, at bendticket.com.

Paulina Springs Books Book Talk Wendy Williams presents "Autobiography of a Sea Creature: Healing the Trauma of Infant Surgery." 6:30 p.m. More information at www.paulinaspringsbooks.com.

Mike Terwilliger mans an apparatus in training with the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Planning commission mulls future of Conklin property

By Jim Cornelius

Plans to turn the site of the former Conklin’s Guest House near the intersection of Camp Polk Road and Barclay Drive into a boutique RV park are wending their way through a multi-tiered planning process.

Sisters planning commissioners met in a workshop on Thursday, March 21, to get up to speed on proposed changes to the City of Sisters Development Code that would have to be in place before a formal plan for the site can be filed. The code changes are being proposed by the applicant rather than the City, in a process that is unusual — but not unprecedented — for Sisters.

The prospective developers — Lake House Inn, LLC (Ernie Larrabee) — are represented by Skidmore Consulting, LLC. In a memo to the City, Skidmore Consulting explained why they are pursuing an applicant-driven code change:

“There were questions about why the text amendment is proposed. The answer lies in the fact that the property owners have a vision to develop the property in a mixed-use fashion consistent with the purpose of the Sun Ranch Tourist Commercial (SRTC), but there was disagreement about what uses are permissible within the zone. The mix of uses envisioned includes various potential types of overnight accommodation to meet tourist

demand, a tap house or similar, food carts, fire pits, a fishing pond, potentially a pickleball court, and other ideas.

“One of the key components of this vision is the concept of a boutique, higherend RV park that caters to the growing sector of the tourism industry that travels in RVs. The existing SRTC zone contains ‘Lodging Facilities’ as a permitted use and the owner felt that term included an RV park use. The City was approached about whether an RV park could be proposed under the ‘Lodging Facilities’ use. Staff explained that because the ‘RV Park’ use is defined in the Sisters Development Code and not listed specifically as a use in the SRTC, ‘Lodging Facilities’ doesn’t include the RV park use. Staff suggested the applicant-initiated textamendment application route as the way to have the RV park use considered for inclusion in the SRTC.”

The workshop allowed planning commissioners to ask planning staff questions about the proposed code changes, but they were not allowed to discuss the pros and cons of a possible project. That discussion must wait till the developers file a development plan for the property. Deliberations on the proposed code changes will take place after a public hearing, tentatively set for Thursday, April 18.

In a staff report, principal planner Matthew Martin explained how the process works:

“While the review process is the same for applicantand city-initiated legislative amendments, the timing of the opportunity for the Planning Commission to evaluate and refine the amendments is different. The Commission has likely become familiar with the city-initiated process that can involve a lengthy process of developing, drafting, and refining the amendments prior to the public hearing. In contrast, for applicant-initiated amendments the applicant has completed the initial steps of developing and drafting the amendments prior to the public hearing. This does not mean the Commission recommendation is limited to an approval or denial of the amendments as drafted. To the contrary, the Commission has the opportunity to recommend refinement of, or changes to, the amendments they see appropriate. The difference is that instead of discussing refinement or

changes before the hearing, the discussion will take place during deliberations following the close of the public hearing.”

Martin made note of an answer to public comment that had raised concerns about the future of the “historic site.” While the Conklin house, once known as the Hitchcock house, holds important memories for many people who remember “old Sisters,” it is not an officially “historic” site.

Martin reported:

“The property contains old structures or may have a history of significance to the community, but this alone does not make it a protected historic resource requiring preservation. To be a protected resource it must

be designated on the local (Oregon Land Use Goal 5) historic resource inventory or the National Register of Historic Places. The subject property is not listed on either. Therefore, there are no requirements or standards for preservation that are applicable to the subject property.”

If the planning commission approves the code changes, the next steps for the developer would be to craft a detailed development plan for the property. It is at that point in the process that issues such as traffic impacts and the specific proposed uses of the property would be up for discussion and debate.

Jon Skidmore previously told The Nugget that the project could come on stream in 2025.

LETTERS

Continued from page 7

from outside Oregon resulted in passing a measure that eliminated the only effective method of hunting mountain lions. Since then the mountain lion population has exploded to more than 6,600 and the mule deer population has declined by about half with each succeeding decade.

Now a look at the finances: ODFW receives less than 10 percent of its funding from the Oregon general fund.

The majority of its funding comes from hunting and fishing licenses and tags, or federal matching funds based on the number of licenses sold. These federal funds come from excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, archery equipment, and fishing gear. In the 1960s when congress was eliminating excise taxes, sportsmen lobbied to retain these taxes to support wildlife management. In FY2023 over $1.2 billion was raised by these taxes.

In contrast the hiking and birding communities contribute little to state wildlife organizations. In fact, there have been several efforts over the years to get an excise tax on binoculars, spotting scopes, and backpacking equipment, but these efforts have been vigorously opposed by hikers and birdwatchers. It appears that they want to direct ODFW while getting a free ride.

To me it is clear that the new wildlife director should have background in scientific wildlife management and represent the constituency that provides funding for his organization, namely the sportsmen who buy hunting and fishing licenses.

Jim Thrower Ph.D.

Tree obituary

To the Editor:

On March 20, a live old growth tree with a dead top was chopped down near the Sisters labyrinth. At 300 years old (I counted the rings) this elder was way older than any humans alive today. She was born here before the United States of America existed. Before the state of Oregon was created. Before the first white settlers arrived. This tree grew from a tiny seedling into a mature tree, in lands populated by Wasco, Warm Springs, and Paiute peoples. What a different place this must have been then, with no cars or airplanes and surrounded by wildlands.

Humans tend to see older trees as being irrelevant (some of us elders can relate.) But, in actuality, old growth trees are a source of tremendous biodiversity. And it is natural for them to fail from the crown down. On spring equinox, the night before this tree was killed, her upper branches were full of chattering pygmy nuthatches – most likely enjoying the bugs that are attracted to dying wood. We heard the northern flickers that evening too. They choose the dead parts of tree trunks to build their nests.

In these times of extreme climate change, old growth trees are the most fire resilient. In fact, it’s said that ponderosa pines were “born in fire.” And, most impressively, big old trees are huge carbon sinks. At 300 years old, our tree had sequestered 62 tons of carbon! This is carbon that would have stayed here forever, within her bark and soil, had she died a natural death and become a snag. In our present rush to development, there are big old trees being taken down all around Sisters. I ask us to take a moment to acknowledge what’s being lost for the sake of progress.

Susan Prince

VOLUNTEER: District will host an Academy in April

Continued from page 11

— it also includes working with Cloverdale and Black Butte Ranch.

“That cluster of three is a really good group to be with,” he said.

Davis loves her Camp Sherman outfit.

“The volunteers in Camp Sherman are awesome,” she said. “The people out there are really great people to be around, outside of calls.”

Whether a volunteer wants to stay at the basic level or advance volunteer service into a career, SCSFD provides the support and training appropriate to each volunteer’s goals. There are multiple certifications offered to volunteers during their tenure with the District that include driving and operating fire engines, ambulances, and wildland firefighting trucks, CPR and first aid training, wildland firefighting qualifications, and many others.

The 11-week academy begins April 22. It will host a combination of new volunteers for SistersCamp Sherman Rural Fire Protection, as well as Cloverdale Rural Fire

Protection District. The academy will focus on hands-on training in multiple skills such as fire suppression, deploying ground ladders, hose deployment, structural search and rescue, property conservation/overhaul, vehicle extrication, ropes and knots, and many other integral skills that our firefighters need to understand. The academy also will focus on firefighter knowledge and skills that include topics such as firefighter safety, communications,

building construction, hazmat awareness/operations, and fire dynamics.

Once recruits have completed the academy and earned their Firefighter 1 certification, they can begin responding to emergency calls with the department, as well as scheduling volunteer shifts to help with daily staffing.

For more information, contact Volunteer Coordinator Captain Jeff Liming at 541-549-0771.

Christi Davis volunteers out of the Camp Sherman fire station.

Sisters moves into wildfire season

By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief

Sisters’ taste of warm temperatures and bright sunshine earlier this month heralded spring, and a hint of summer. It’s a welcome tease — and also a reminder that we’re headed into wildfire season.

Local officials met informally with a group of Sisters area citizens on Wednesday, March 20, at Sisters Fire Hall, to talk about wildfire preparedness.

According to Andrew Myhra of the Sisters Ranger District, it’s a little early to predict what kind of wildfire season we’re facing. Snow and rainfall have eased drought conditions in Central Oregon, and Myhra noted that the region is at 110 percent of its “normal” snowpack.

“The thing to keep an eye on is how fast that comes off,” Myhra said. The quicker and earlier the snowpack melts off, the earlier potential fire fuels like grasses start to cure.

Weather indicators are not strong or clear yet, but early indications for April, May, and June point to likely above-average temperatures and below-average precipitation.

Myhra noted that the Sisters Ranger District is planning a series of prescribed burns in partnership with private landowners that will tie in fuels reduction in Glaze Meadow east of Black Butte Ranch with the broader SAFR (Sisters Area Fuels

Reduction Project). Local residents should be aware that there will be smoke from prescribed burning later in the spring.

Local residents are encouraged to take homehardening and the creation of defensible space seriously. Replacing flammable home materials with fire resistant materials, and clearing brush and other flammable vegetation from around the home makes a significant difference in a home’s survivability in a wildfire. City of Sisters Principal Planner Matthew Martin noted that the City is working on code updates that would require higher standards for homes in vulnerable areas of town.

Deschutes County Emergency Services Manager Nathan Garibay urged residents to be prepared for evacuation; know the routes out of your neighborhood, and have essential

items prepared so you don’t have to put together a “go bag” at the last minute.

He also urged the attendees to sign up for Deschutes Alerts, which sends out phone messages when there is an incident in the area that may require action. In the event of an emergency, Deschutes County officials can identify an affected area and send a message that describes the situation and recommend protective actions people should take. Deschutes Alerts will automatically call all land-line and opt-in telephone numbers within that geographic area and deliver the recorded message.

“If you do nothing tonight but go home and sign up for alerts, you’ve just made yourself a little safer,” he said.

Sign up for Deschutes Alerts at https://www. deschutes.org/911/page/ sign-deschutes-alerts.

Outlaws launch golf season

The Sisters Outlaws kicked off their golf season by hosting a two-person scramble event at Tokatee on March 14. Many of the courses were still closed in Central Oregon because of the cold snowy weather. Tokatee was not only open but presented us with a 60-degree day for the tournament. We had a nice field consisting of 3 teams from the coast; Marshfield, Bandon & Coquille, and Crook County; Bend High, Summit, and Sisters from Central Oregon. Summit and Bandon are consistently two of the best teams in the state, and each school had a team post low scores for

the day of 67.

“This is a fun format to kick off the season especially given the miserable weather we have had,” said Coach Bill Mitchell.

Devin Coverdale and Carson Bell fired a 77 for the Outlaws. Ella Eby played in a girl’s event at Eagle Crest on March 19 and had 105, which she was happy with. She said she made a nine on a par 3 and her putting was terrible, so she knows she has room for improvement.

With the two-week spring break, the next event for the Outlaws is not until April 2 in Prineville.

Devin Coverdale on left and Carson Bell.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Nathan Garibay, Deschutes County Emergency Services manager, spoke to a group of citizens at a wildfire preparedness event on March 20.

PHOTO BY JIM CORNELIUS

Life is a GAME

Introducing the Table Top Games Club

A couple weeks ago, I called up Rick Kroytz, counselor and mentorship facilitator at Sisters High School, and asked if he knew of any students I could interview about the local hobbygaming scene. He met me at the school during the lunch period, and introduced me to senior Dylan Rundle and sophomore Brennan Frutos of the Table Top Games Club. During our chat, we were joined by the club’s faculty advisor, T. R. McCrystal.

At any given time, Table Top Games has about a dozen members. Dylan formed the club in 2021 along with four other students (who’ve since graduated), to organize sessions of Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, chess, and Dungeons & Dragons, a storytelling game where players assume the roles of characters in a medieval fantasy world. While the group still plays board games occasionally, it’s become increasingly focused on D&D, so I opened by asking Dylan about his history with the game.

Dylan said, “I first encountered D&D in sixth grade, when I found Taine [a founder of the club] carrying the Player’s Handbook, and after I learned the options, I decided to play a paladin. It took me about two lunches to complete the character.”

Though he started in the role of a player, Dylan assumed the mantle of Dungeon Master, or “DM,” after about a year. The DM presents the players with a setting and story hooks to get the players working toward a goal, like to plunder treasure from a monster-infested labyrinth, rout invading goblins from a town, rescue a captive, slay a dragon. A DM doesn’t just assume the role of one character; they act out the role of every person or creature the other players interact with, and can develop a saga for their group over several connected adventures in what’s called a “campaign.”

I asked Dylan what attracted him to D&D, and he said, “I’m a writer and actor, and D&D is for me primarily

an improv-acting exercise, and as DM, I get to tell my own stories in a new way.”

Dungeons & Dragons draws heavily on history and various literary and mythic traditions. For example, the paladin character that Dylan chose for his first intersection with the game is a class of holy warrior, and the name derives from the twelve foremost knights of the emperor Charlemagne, who ruled the Franks during the late eighth century. Though a figure from the Dark Ages and an inspiration for Arthurian legend, a paladin might encounter monsters from ancient Greek or Norse mythology. As my friend Rob Heinsoo, author of the 4th Edition of Dungeons & Dragons observed, “Dungeons & Dragons is classical education for the masses.”

As D&D characters defeat enemies and solve mysteries, they become more powerful and have greater potential to impact the larger setting of the game, maybe even to right wrongs at the scale of a kingdom, or greater. There’s a popular book on the history of wargaming and D&D called “Playing at the World” (by Jon Peterson), and I think the title sums up the activity well. Players explore a version of the world with rules they can reliably navigate and master, exercising their creativity, and building friendship through collaboration.

Just as characters in D&D start small in a local ruin or town adventure and eventually bestride their world, the players themselves adopt a language of interactive fun connecting them to both a local and global gaming community. I asked T. R., the advisor, why he decided to facilitate the gaming group, and he said, “I went around the lunchroom and looked at kids who’d been marginalizing themselves and encouraged them to join. What impressed me with these games is the level of knowledge required. You can see it’s multidisciplinary

too, and that they get an organic education on many fronts. The club helps them find friends, and once they find their place within the group, they have resources and larger connection within the school.”

I asked Brennan how this assessment mapped to his experience. “About two years ago,” he said, “a couple of the seniors invited me to play in their campaign, and I was really excited about it. The thing that most interests me about the game is the fact you can do and be whatever you want. There are essentially no limitations to what is possible. We try to introduce as many people as we can to D&D, to spread the community.”

The Friday after our chat, four members of the club -- Dylan and Brennan, joined by Weston Dean and Lainne Darst -- showed up to Paulina Springs Books for a Magic: The Gathering cardgame tournament. The store has not yet organized any D&D games, but probably will soon. (Brennan crushed me in the final round of Magic, but that’s neither here nor there.)

After the tournament, I asked Weston and Lainne about the club. “I wanted to do something that would allow me to try and do things of my own imagination,” Weston said. “I got involved with the club a little last year,

but D&D is really what made me join.”

Lainne said, “I learned it last fall from Katie Jo, who is also in the club. I play a half-elf artificer who can make bombs, but I also like rogues and their powerful sneak attacks. I’ve made three good friends at least in the last five months, and am getting to know several other people. Our longest session so far has gone five hours. That was just a week ago. The puzzles were really

fun. We’ve been campaigning with big groups, but we hope to split them up in the spring to make the game more manageable.”

I asked Lainne what moment stuck out for her and what she liked most about D&D.

“On my first initiative, I rolled a natural 20, and that got me extra combat turns where I did a lot of damage. I like combat, but the roleplaying is really where it’s at!”

Left to right Lainne Darst, Brennan Frutos, and Dylan Rundle of the TTGC; local gamer Caleb Eigner; Weston Dean of the TTCG; and Paulina Springs’ owner Lane Jacobson. Taking a break in the background: Jakob Eigner.

PHOTO BY ROBERT KRUGER

Sisters Country birds

By Douglas Beall Correspondent

Wading along rivers, streams, and lakes is America’s largest heron, the Great Blue — possessing a wingspan of up to 79 inches and a height of 40 to 53 inches. Around Sisters, they can often be seen in wheat and grass fields feeding on moles, gophers, frogs, insects and ground squirrels. Also Great Blues can be seen overhead soaring slowly, traveling to their nests or new feeding areas, such as your backyard pond.

They will form rookeries in mature forests in which large stick nests — two to three feet wide — are built

for two to six eggs, and to accommodate their fast growing chicks which are fed in the nest for up to 80 days. This community nesting has up to 500 nests and will erupt into loud guffawing when disturbed. Clear cutting and construction near a colony are particularly damaging, and a 1,000 feet buffer zone is recommended. In recent years Great Blue Heron colonies are becoming smaller, numbering 100-200 birds. A group of herons are called a “sedge,” a “flock,” a “stand,” or a “siege.”

For more Great Blue Heron image, visit http:// abirdsingsbecauseithas asong.com/recent-journeys.

FLYFISHER: Tyers dream of summer and tight lines

Continued from page 3

learn his “new” methods. It’s always nice to hear that some people still use books. And he had some great tools. Really great.

Fly fishing and tying is the ultimate sport for gearheads. There is not just one type of hackle plier; there are dozens. His hackle pliers were engineering perfection: flexible, precise, small, and handy. I grabbed my notepad and noted the South Dakota fly shop that carried them.

By the time my shift ended, I was sure the new tools I coveted were well over a hundred bucks.

Someone interrupted my lustful reverie about new pliers and a magnetic material holder and asked, “Are you the lady that’s tying the mouse pattern that catches trout?”

“No, but let me know when you find her,” I said.

A trout eating a mouse — how fabulous is that? It’d have to be a big one, for sure.

And so the day went. People stopped and chatted, asked questions, and shared stories. Some had their dogs with them, others had their children or partner in tow. My favorite encounter was with a seven-and-a-halfyear-old girl and her dad. She was enthralled with fly

fishing and tying. She told me, “I make pink flies that sparkle.” And her dad’s eyes smiled.

At the banquet and live auction that evening, I sat next to Jeff Perin, our local fly shop owner and resident fly fisherman extraordinaire. I gulped down his words like a trout during a salmon fly hatch. He was leading a trip to Belize soon. If only I had the money! He’d just gotten back from Argentina. Holy cow, Argentina! And yes, the fly tyers in his shop still use my long-deceased father-inlaw’s table. I felt like I was in the presence of the water master himself.

I am so fortunate. The richness of fly tying and fishing came into my life after I retired, thanks to one magnificent woman, Sherry Steele. I would never have met Jerry, John, or Jeff without her. She has done more to keep fly fishing alive than anyone I know. She organizes Expos, holds Zoom tying meetings, founded our fly-tying guild, and teaches fly-tying whenever possible. The MC at the

dinner announced her name at least four times.

Sherry has been my mentor and guide. She has never charged me a dime and is always there when I need a helping hand. She is a rare gift to Sisters Country. Like our fabulous sunrises, she brightens the fly fishing community with her light and generosity, for which I will always be grateful.

Thanks to Sherry, I’ve started two of my grandkids fly-tying. Iden is learning the art of taking a break as we progress to ever-smaller hooks. His eight-year-old sister, Harley, loves to tie pink sparkle flies, too. They eagerly await summer and dream of tight lines and “fish that big” slurping up their flies on the crystal clear waters of the Metolius River. So do I.

Valarie J. Anderson is an award winning author and a member of the FFI since 2009. She is also a founding member of the Central Oregon Fly Tyers Guild in Sisters.

Great Blue Heron.

PHOTO BY DOUGLAS BEALL

Therapist opens new office in Sisters

By Sue Stafford Correspondent

Nick Sundstrom’s favorite client to work with is someone willing to explore and be curious about their thoughts, emotions, and history. He has worked with adults, teens, couples, and families in a number of different settings.

A licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), who has been in practice for 31 years, Sundstrom is now seeing clients in Sisters at 220 South Pine Street, Suite 102. He spends one-to-two days a week in an office in Redmond as well.

Sundstrom says he is wired for “working with people and finding opportunities to foster growth and healing.” He has worked in Portland and Central Oregon in both inpatient and outpatient mental health settings, as well as in private group practice offices. After recently being engaged administratively helping grow a group practice, he is happy to return full-time to his first love — helping facilitate changes with individuals and couples. He has also been consulting with the Redmond Fire Department concerning mental health services offered to first responders.

He employs a variety of modalities in his practice including, but not limited to, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and eye movement desensitization and re-processing therapy (EMDR).

Sundstrom is a native Oregonian, growing up in the east Portland area and attending Sam Barlow High School. He received his LCSW degree from Portland State University. While in Portland, he worked for the child welfare department with families involved in the court system as well as in an inpatient mental health facility.

Sundstrom and his family moved to Sisters in 2006. All three of their children attended Sisters schools, with their youngest set to graduate this year from Sisters High School. Their two older children are pursuing post-graduate degrees. He and his wife have been together for 39 years.

In his free time, Sundstrom enjoys bird hunting with his two dogs, a Braque Francais Pyrenean (French pointing dog) and

a Vizsla. He and his wife enjoy kayaking, being out in nature, and experiencing all that Sisters Country has to offer.

Sundstrom explained his role in counseling sessions is not to tell people what he thinks they should do. Rather, he provides considerations and thoughts for the client to examine and reach their own conclusions regarding healthy choices.

He is a strong believer in the importance of collaboration, both between therapist and client, and therapist and the client’s other care providers.

“While working in Portland and Bend psychiatric units, the importance of collaboration of care became

very clear. Working as a part of a multidisciplinary team of nurses, psychiatrists, and mental health technicians, they all had pieces of information surrounding the people we were serving. This experience, along with working in a mental health group practice, where I was responsible for communicating with community partners, has shaped the importance of working collaboratively. Often the mental health and primary care have been siloed and it doesn’t need to be that way. The importance of the primary care provider (PCP) or behavioral health consultant (BHC) in clinics that have them, often leads to improved health outcomes for the client. By coordinating with the PCP and BHC, especially if there is a new concern or something raised in counseling that could impact their overall medical health, their issue may be addressed quicker and have options or solutions to remediate the issue,” Sundstrom explained. Sundstrom can be reached at (541) 903-5822 or by email at nicksundstromllc@ gmail.com for a free 15-minute consultation. He is available for appointments both in-person and online.

MERCHANTS:

Association plans events in Sisters

Continued from page 3

something they hope to overcome together.

They will engage in activities which they say promote a healthy retail and service climate as well as a downtown that is clean, green, and safe.

When asked if SBA would be in conflict with Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce, White told The Nugget : “I don’t think so. I hope not. Many of our members are also members of the Chamber and as far as I know none have given up their Chamber membership.”

White sees the Chamber and Explore Sisters as having different missions than SBA. A key difference is in strategy. “We are more focused on promotion, grass roots marketing,” White said. “It’s not about imagery. We need

to drive more shoppers into our businesses. It’s sales and transaction focused.”

The group wants to develop more shopping among locals and not be so tourist dependent. They are looking for uniformity in hours of operations and sales messaging, and finding ways to drive business during the off season.

A number of cross-promotion ideas are on the table whereby stores feed off of each other.

Some of the ways they hope to accomplish this are with regular networking events such as, Sip & Mingle, Sisters Perks, workshops, trainings, education, business partnerships, marketing opportunities, special events, mini holiday campaigns, social media, and even an Annual Award Banquet. They aspire to create ongoing community events and experiences to bring in customers throughout the year and help businesses grow.

Nick Sundstrom. PHOTO

Obituaries

Ietje van Dobbenburgh

Orr

Ietje van Dobbenburgh

Orr, 93, a former longtime resident of Sisters, passed away March 10, in Holly Springs, North Carolina. Ietje is survived by her daughters Chapin Zakrzewski of Portland, Oregon, and Missy Orr (Dave Bullamore) of Holly Springs, North Carolina, granddaughter Alyssa Kuwik (Jordan) of Edgewood, Washington, grandson Garrett Zakrzewski (Leanna) of New Orleans, Louisiana, great-grandson Lincoln Zakrzewski and several second and third cousins in her native homeland of the Netherlands.

Born May 3, 1930, in Ede, Netherlands, to Willem and Ida van Dobbenburgh, Ietje and her parents moved to Enka, NC, in 1934. Ietje’s father was a charter manager at the Enka Rayon factory. In May 1951, Ietje graduated with a degree in Zoology from Duke University, where she met Harry Orr. They were married in November of that year.

Ietje and Harry lived in many different locations as they followed Harry’s assignments with the U.S. Navy, settling in Charleston, South Carolina, where Chapin and Missy were born.

In 1963, Harry and Ietje moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where Harry attended dental school. Upon his completion in 1966, they moved to California, then Oregon before permanently

ALLEGATIONS: Matter has been referred to standards commission

Continued from page 1

May 3, 1930 – March 10, 2024 should be directed to him via email or made through the formal KL-AR complaint procedure (available at https://district.ssd6.org/ download/kl-ar-public-com plaint-procedure/).

“If people have concerns, they are welcome to e-mail me,” Scholl said. “Some folks have e-mailed me already.”

Some of those commenting on the situation online

settling in Los Altos, California, in 1968. Harry established a dental practice in Palo Alto. Ietje switched between being a stay-athome mother and working alongside Harry in his 22 years of dental practice. They retired in 1990 and set about to travel the world, literally.

Ietje, with Harry, was a lifelong world traveler. While too numerous to mention all the trips they completed, they favored Scotland, New Zealand, Thailand, and Iceland, and made several trips to each of those countries. They explored all 50 states in the USA and touched six continents.

Ietje and Harry moved to Sisters in 1992, where they lived until 2017, when they moved to Bend. While at home in Sisters, Ietje and Harry were active in the Homeowner’s Association and various clubs. They loved to cook and entertain guests in their home. Ietje moved to Cary, North Carolina, in 2022.

A private celebration of life for Ietje’s immediate family is planned for later in the year.

have proposed bringing their concerns to the school board at their next meeting, set for Wednesday, April 3. Asked about that potential, Scholl told The Nugget that personnel issues are explicitly excluded from public comment at open board meetings, and would not be allowed.

“That’s not the venue for those things,” he said. “Personnel issues run through me. The board is about policy.”

The Sisters School District is currently on spring break; students return to the classroom on Monday, April 1.

Donald Eugene Hancock 1927-2024

Donald Eugene Hancock passed away from age related causes on March 21, 2024. at his apartment in The Lodge at Sisters, where he and his wife had made their home since 2021.

Don was born in 1927, to Willis and Ethel (Lingbloom) Hancock in Yakima, Washington. Don was raised in Selah, Washington. While young, Don was active in the Selah Swingsters, playing both the coronet and trombone and with the Boy Scouts, earning the rank of Life Scout prior to leaving for WWII. Don enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1945 just prior to graduation from Selah High School. After his graduation from High School he was sent to Walla Walla, Washington, where he began training for the Navy Air Corps. After World War II ended, Don was sent to various stations throughout the United States. He separated from the U.S. Navy in 1947, but remained a member of the Navy Reserve until 1950. In 1947, while attending the University of Washington, he met his future wife, Sally Jo Manning. They married in 1950. Don worked for the Food and Drug Administration; PICT

Sweet; and eventually found his niche at Jantzen Knitting Mills as their Quality Control Engineer and Technical Director. Don retired from Jantzen in 1984. He remained as a Fellow of from the American Society of Quality as a lifetime member. Throughout his adult life, Don loved building things, camping, skiing, fishing, and all things associated with trains. He and his friend Jack built two fiberglass boats in his backyard (one for each of them). He also prefabricated a 24-by-24-foot cabin in the backyard, then trucked it to Carlyon Beach (Olympia, Washington) where eventually he and Sally retired. After retirement from Jantzen in 1984, he began to pursue his passion for building things at the beach. He repaired outboard motors and had a tractor/backhoe business. He loved going to the forested acreage where he kept his tractor to maintain the forest. Don also took over the basement of their home and had a functioning HO model railroad village. Don took great pride in his many locomotives and working rail cars that he built. Both he and Sally Jo received multiple Presidential Awards

for Volunteerism with the Olympia Senior Center. Don also became very active in Wrinkles of Washington, both in set design and in performance, the Olympia Choral Society (performing at Carnegie Hall), and the Aloha Sweethearts (taking third in their senior class at a Hawaiian competition). Don is survived by his wife of almost 74 years; his two sons and their spouses; his daughter and spouse; multiple grandchildren; multiple great grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren. Don’s middle name is a historic family name used in multiple past and current generations of the Hancock Family.

Don will be interred in the VA Cemetery in Portland at a later date. Memorials should be sent to: American Legion Stevens-Chute Post and Unit #4; PO Box 784, Bend, OR 97709.

Obituaries

Scott Armond Brooksby

1962-2024

Scott Armond Brooksby was born August 13, 1962, in Eugene, Oregon to Linda and Gerald Brooksby. He was the eldest of seven children and spent his early years in Minnesota until moving to Portland in 1972 where he spent the remainder of his childhood, graduating from Beaverton High School in 1981. Scott graduated from Brigham Young University with a BA and went on to earn his law degree at The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law in 1994.

While working at law firm Bullivant Houser in Portland, Scott met the love of his life, Kristin Olson, and they were married on September 24, 2005. In 2012, they started the law firm Olson Brooksby. Scott was a distinguished attorney who practiced commercial litigation, personal injury defense, and aviation law. He was recognized as one of the “Best Lawyers in America” from 2018 to the present and named an “Oregon Super Lawyer” from 2008 onward. He published extensively and was invited to speak at various conferences nationwide regarding aviation law and product liability law. Scott also served as legal counsel to prominent companies and advised multiple global religious organizations.

Most of all, Scott loved being a father. He considered his greatest roles in life to be a doting husband to Kristin and a loving father to Gia, age 12, and Bianca, age 10. His girls made him so happy, and he loved watching them enjoy their lives. More than his exceptional professional

success, his daughters were his true source of joy and fulfillment. Being with his family was his top priority, and they were his whole world. Scott loved to talk about what his girls were doing and he was so proud of their accomplishments. It was fun to watch him enjoy the magic of their childhood and he was enchanted by their joie de vivre.

Scott was a master gardener, outdoorsman, an avid fisherman, and he enjoyed traveling with his family. He learned from his own father the importance of how to create a truly enjoyable family vacation. Scott made great efforts to provide his girls unique and inspirational experiences so that they could grow and learn about people and the world. Scott was always interested in the lives of people. He was a great listener and was genuinely curious about others. Not only what they were doing, but, more importantly, how they were doing. Not one for the spotlight, he was gifted at illuminating others. Scott was always available to help his family, his parents, and his siblings and their families navigate difficult circumstances and hard times. He was their source of counsel and comfort. When asked by his sisters recently for the best advice he could offer, his response was, “Work the

problem and move forward. You only have the runway in front of you.” We wish we had more time to ask for his tender and wise words of advice. He was patient, kind, caring, and he had a fantastic sense of humor. His laughter is still ringing in our ears.

Scott and his family were featured on the cover of Eastmoreland Living , and Scott loved their home. Scott also loved his pugs, and he would want any charitable donations to go to the Oregon Humane Society.

Scott is survived by his wife, Kristin; daughters, Gia and Bianca; mother, Linda Brooksby; siblings, Alisa, Emily (Scott), Rachel (Nathan), Craig (Windy), Ben (Julie), and Anne (John); as well as 24 nieces and nephews; 3 great nieces and nephew; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

We are all so saddened and wounded by the loss of our dear Scott. We wish he was still with us. He took comfort in the hope that he would be watching over his sweet daughters, whom he adored, in the afterlife.

His departure has left a giant hole in the lives of those who love him. He leaves behind a legacy of excellence and love and he will never, ever be forgotten by all who had the privilege to know and love him. He is the best of brothers, husbands, fathers, sons, and men.

Susan Ann De Voe

July 7, 1937- March 21, 2024

Susan Ann De Voe, 86, of Black Butte Ranch, passed away peacefully at home on March 21, 2024. She was born in Salt Lake City on July 7, 1937, to parents EJ and Mildred De Voe. She is survived by her lifetime best friend of over 50 yeas, Phyllis Lees, cousins, Mary (Mal) Wolfson, Dick (Jan) Mitchell, Chris (Don) Mochel, and numerous friends and former students.

Sue began playing golf at a very young age, displaying a passion and superior talent for the game, winning her first trophy at age 13, with numerous others to follow. She even had four holes in one! Other interests included travel, cruises, fishing, and camping. She was an avid Oregon Duck fan (class of 1959) and Pi Beta Phi Sorority Sister,

maintaining lifelong friendships. Her teaching career began in the Bay Area, and ended with retirement after 30 years at Gresham High School.

Following her wishes, there will be no service, with her remains to be scattered at some of her favorite spots. Those wishing to honor Sue can make a donation in her memory to Oregon Junior Golf Association or their favorite cause.

By Chester Allen

Going crazy to stay sane Tight Lines

I woke up Sunday morning on fire to fish the March Brown mayfly hatch on the lower McKenzie River — just a few miles from Springfield.

Yes, this spot is about 100 miles from Sisters.

Yes, it was a holiday of sorts — St. Patrick’s Day.

Yes, I am nutso.

Yet, being a nutso fly angler is often a good thing, I don’t eat or drink stuff that is dyed green and I have a fly fishing truck that is set up for local, medium, and long fishing trips. A day trip to the McKenzie is a long day trip, but that river in early spring can be just great.

Besides, I have a long love affair with the lower McKenzie that goes back to my days at the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication. While I was grinding through a very challenging J-school

program, this stretch of the McKenzie saved my life — or at least my sanity.

Sneaking away Journalism school at the UO is a rough time. Deadlines hurtle toward you like freight trains, and if you miss one of those deadlines, you flunk the project.

While I was living in Eugene, I quickly learned that the McKenzie River — and the upper Willamette River — were great trout streams. They were also very, very close to campus. I fell into a routine of fly fishing at least once a week, even if it was only for a couple of hours.

When I was on the river, those deadlines melted away. I always felt like a new person after a little bit of time on the water. These short trips to the river taught me that little breaks took much of the stress out of the stressful world of journalism.

I also learned that it’s okay to give into temptation, especially when the March Brown mayflies start hatching on the McKenzie in the middle of March. I once spotted one of my professors fishing my favorite water on a Thursday afternoon.

That was a great lesson as well.

A lifelong spot

The upper McKenzie is less than 40 miles from Sisters, but my favorite spot is a ways downstream from the pristine flows of the upper river. My favorite spot is a short drive from the strip

malls of Springfield. I love remote water, but I also like finding trout that manage to survive and thrive near a bunch of people.

This part of the river is a big, wide flat with a deep trough down the middle. A massive riffle upstream feeds bugs onto the flat, and the fish slide out of the deep water and ease into the shallows when a lot of insects

— say size 12 and 14 March Brown mayflies — levitate off the bottom and hatch into fleets of winged insects that resemble sailboats.

Yet, this hatch — and this spot — are tricky.

Sometimes the March Brown hatch doesn’t happen, as water levels play havoc with bugs and fish in this spot. If the water is too

high and too cold, the hatch is sparse, and catching can be poor.

I’ve fished March Brown hatches for decades — they’re the first big mayfly of the year on many rivers, including the Middle Deschutes River and our own Metolius River. The McKenzie, as the lower stretch is in the Willamette Valley, warms up faster than our local rivers, and the March Browns hatch much earlier than they do in Sisters Country. On Sunday, the McKenzie was a little high, but the water had about two feet of visibility, and I figured a day in the high 60-degree range would spark the March Browns. Well, the hatch was pretty

PHOTO BY CHESTER ALLEN

sparse — thanks to that higher water — but a few bugs came off.

The trout were focused on the bugs that were slow to break out of their nymphal bodies, so they were very, very silly for Hare’s Ear Soft Hackles fished in the shallower, slower currents near shore.

On my second cast, a sleek rainbow trout whacked my soft hackle as it slowly swung through the soft water. The trout pulled a bit of line off my reel and jumped a couple of times.

That first fish — all 11 inches of him — made the long day’s drive an act of joy — and sanity. Yes, I’m going back in a week or so, as soon as I can sneak away.

SISTERS

walk into Fika Sisters Coffeehouse you might Aaron makes more ee as a cup of “light Virginia, he spent most of his the island of Maui, Hawaii. ound a competitive outlet canoeing team. emains a safe space for ortable. He and his job and education with the small-town vibe. in 2020 — enduring VID-19 — his plans to attend the egon studying herpetology (a zoology focus elled in the chaos of the om job to job in Sisters, he landed found interest in the art of the ee intrigues him too. But vides the tired and weary e handing someone a

Cody

The first fish in the net makes a long drive worthwhile.

PHOTO PROVIDED

CLASS: SFF Presents is hosting program for

Continued from page 3

and share their work.

Students should come dressed to paint and move around. The class will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the JAM studio on the

AIRPORT: New jet fuel will be available at Sisters Eagle Airport

Continued from page 1

and offers to help with the event. Some of the ideas presented would work well at the rodeo grounds. We hope something can be found.”

In other airport news, a 10,000 gallon Jet A fuel tank has been installed next to the 10,000 gallon AVGAS tank at the airport. Benny Benson explained how this addition, funded in part by a grant from the Oregon Department of Aviation, would benefit Sisters. The primary benefit is in firefighting.

“Wildland fires are often aided by turbine driven helicopter and fixed wing aircraft that bivouac at Eagle Airport and require Jet A fuel. They have to haul the fuel by tanker truck, a costly and riskier method to keep the planes in the air.

“We can also handle more charter flights into Sisters, bigger planes like (Cessna) King Airs,” saying how such flights bring visitors to Sisters for golf, music festivals, and other events. Many in Sisters might be surprised at the number of charters regularly arriving and departing Eagle Airport.

Jet A is a refined kerosene-based, colorless type of fuel that’s used in aircraft with turbine engines, including turboprops and jet engines. Jet A is easier to obtain than AVGAS because,

The Nugget Newspaper Crossword

second floor of the Sisters Art Works building. All supplies and lunch will be provided, with gluten-free and vegan options available.

The recommended tuition for the class is $150/person. SFF Presents is offering pay-what-you-can pricing to help eliminate financial barriers. For more information, please visit https://www.sff presents.org/learn-to-paint

during the refining process, jet fuel comes off first. Its simple refining process also makes Jet Fuel much cheaper than AVGAS.

“Jet A is more environmentally friendly,” Benny Benson said, pointing to developments in piston driven engines enabling them to run on Jet A. “We will see more planes at our airport in the future needing Jet A.”

With the aid of a separate grant, the airport resurfaced and striped the runway and taxiway.

The new box hangar has completed with six bays able to handle a dozen or so planes depending on their size and wing configuration. Previously the airport was limited to 10 T hangars, basically one plane per hangar.

Tenants at the airport are shifting locations on the property to accommodate their growth and the expansion of the Benson’s primary business — ESI, a leading national engineering and operations firm for biogas utilization. They are one of Sisters largest employers.

Arriving at the airport is New Moon Aviation, a Madras based aircraft maintenance business expanding to Sisters.

Julie Benson reports that the shuffling of tenants will enable them to restart the flight simulator program in the coming months. This will grow the number of pilots and benefit the Flight Science Program at Sisters High School.

artists

Paul Bennett is a renowned artist. He will lead students in a day of painting at Sisters Art Works.

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

for the

102 Commercial Rentals OFFICE/RETAIL

SPACE FOR RENT

Great location across from Ace Hardware. Several space types available. Call owner

Jim Peterson/RE Broker. 503-238-1478

MINI STORAGE

Sisters Rental

331 W. Barclay Drive 541-549-9631

Sizes 5x5 to 15x30 and outdoor RV parking. 7-day access. Computerized security gate. Moving boxes & supplies.

STORAGE WITH BENEFITS

• 8 x 20 dry box

• Fenced yard, RV & trailers

• In-town, gated, 24-7

EWDevcoLLC@gmail.com

103 Residential Rentals

1 Bd/ 1Ba for Rent!

181 E. Tall Fir Ct. D

$500 off first month of rent!

$1295.00 plus $60.00 WSG See utopiamanagement.com for disclosures and application. 541-702-1111

TENANT PLACEMENT

“nothing’s more expensive than bad tenants” call or text mike 541.588.2028 mikez@wetdogpnw.com

CASCADE HOME & PROPERTY RENTALS

Monthly Rentals throughout Sisters Country. 541-549-0792

Property management for second homes.

CascadeHomeRentals.com

For rent

Fully furnished, 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in Camp Sherman close to the river and store. 6-month lease. Available May 1st. $3,250 includes utilities. 541-206-2844

PONDEROSA PROPERTIES

–Monthly Rentals Available–Call Debbie at 541-549-2002

Full details, 24 hrs./day, go to: PonderosaProperties.com

Printed list at 221 S. Ash, Sisters Ponderosa Properties LLC – Sisters Oregon Guide –Pick one up throughout town!

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

107 Rentals Wanted

Seeking mutually beneficial housing situation for 2 + dog Skilled Sisters mom of 10-year-old and a 3-year-old lab. Pay rent or partial exchange for caretaking, could include grounds maintenance, animal care, meal prep, shopping, and open to other possibilities per your needs. Options: small cottage, trailer, ADU, and open to others. mbayur4321@yahoo.com

Looking for a room to rent.

Needed by mid-May Call or email Tim 541-306-7340 lynchpinstim@gmail.com

201 For Sale FREE!

U. S. Postage Stamp Collection

Free to new, young collector in the Sisters area. Call John at 503-997-9340

Two Niches, Cascade Chapel Mausoleum, Sisters, Alcove Columbarium, Deschutes

Memorial Chapel and Garden. 63875 N. Hwy. 97, Bend, OR.

Glass front to view your loved ones' urns. Niches FWL-21 and FWL-32 on left bank. FWL-21 regular price $2,945, selling for $2,000. FWL-32 regular price

$3,595, selling for $2,500. For more information call

Bonnie Wright 541-410-5650

— Blue Adult Electric Trike — One year old, basket, helmet, barely used. Purchased new at Blazin' Saddles for $2,500. $1,800 • Call 541-771-6455

202 Firewood

• SPRING SPECIAL • SISTERS FOREST PRODUCTS

DAVE ELPI – FIREWOOD

• SINCE 1976 • KINDLING

Doug Fir – Lodgepole –Hardwood – Juniper – Fir DRIVE-IN WOOD SALES

– 18155 Hwy. 126 East –SistersForestProducts.com

Order Online! 541-410-4509

205 Garage & Estate Sales

Garage Sale Sat., 9-5 14763 Bluegrass Loop, Sisters. Furniture & household items, indoor and outdoor.

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

206 Lost & Found FOUND!

If you are the Sisters person who left 4 wine glasses at the Vintage Etc. shop in New Meadows, ID, call Darlene at 208-634-6920

301 Vehicles

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

Sisters Car Connection da#3919 SistersCarConnection.com

CUSTOM CAR GARAGES

HEATED, 110 POWER $275 • 541-419-2502

401 Horses

ORCHARD GRASS HAY

New crop. No rain. Barn stored. 3-tie bales. $300-$360/ton. Hwy. 126 & Cline Falls. 541-280-1895

403 Pets

AKC Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies avail. 1st of May. Call/text 541-413-0912

SISTERS WHISKERS

Your purr-fect friend is waiting for you at our local nonprofit cat rescue! Apply to adopt at: sisterswhiskers.org

AKC Golden Retriever Puppies, available in April. Email Gingerthedog25@gmail.com

500 Services

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

GEORGE’S SEPTIC

TANK SERVICE

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

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

• 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!

Jason Williams

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

Oregontechpro.com

3 Sisters TeleNetworks, LLC Cable jobs, security cameras, WAPs. CCB #191099

541-318-7000 • 541-306-0729

502 Carpet & Upholstery

Cleaning

M & J CARPET CLEANING

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

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

504 Handyman

JONES UPGRADES LLC

Home Repairs & Remodeling

Drywall, Decks, Pole Barns, Fences, Sheds & more.

Mike Jones, 503-428-1281

Local resident • CCB #201650

600 Tree Service & Forestry

4 Brothers Tree Service

Sisters' Premier Tree Experts! – TREE REMOVAL & CLEANUP –Native / Non-Native Tree Assessments, Pruning, High-Risk Removals, 24 Hr. Emergency Storm Damage Cleanup, Craning & Stump Grinding, Debris Removal.

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

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

** Free Estimates **

Owner James Hatley & Sons 541-815-2342

4brostrees.com

Licensed, Bonded and Insured CCB-215057

LOLO TREE WORKS

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

ISA Certified Arborist

Owner / Operator: Erin Carpenter lolotreeworks.com

Call / Text: 503-367-5638

Email: erin@lolotreeworks.com

CCB #240912

TimberStandImprovement.net

Tree Removal & Pruning TRAQ Arborist/ CCB#190496 541-771-4825

601 Construction

Lara’s Construction LLC.

CCB#223701

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

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