The Nugget Newspaper // Vol. XLVII No. 17 // 2024-04-24

The Nugget

Fire consumes shop, two rare cars

A massive fire at a shop east of Sisters consumed two rare cars and destroyed the structure early Wednesday morning, April 17. There were no injuries and firefighters kept the fire from spreading.

The Cloverdale Rural Fire Protection District responded to an early morning fire near the 67000 block of Fryrear Road near Sisters. Cloverdale fire officials reported that multiple callers indicated that there was a large building on fire with explosions. The first arriving crews found a large 40- by 60-foot shop fully engulfed in flames with ammunition and pressurized cylinders exploding.

Fire crews went into “defensive operations” to keep the fire from spreading due to the large amount of fire, nearby exposures, and the threat of more explosions, Fire Chief Thad Olsen reported. Fire crews had the fire under control within 40 minutes of the initial call. Firefighters were able to keep the fire from spreading to nearby structures and vehicles.

The building and its contents, including two rare classic cars, are a total loss. There were no reported injuries, and the fire is under investigation by the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office. Four fire engines, four water tenders, and 22 firefighters responded. Cloverdale fire District thanked SistersCamp Sherman Fire District, Bend Fire & Rescue, and Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office for their response, as well as Black Butte Ranch

Sisters student earns his wings

By Matt Van Slyke Correspondent

On a chilly Friday morning earlier this month, an FAA examiner grilled Timber Bionda. Four hours and one flight later, he had earned his pilot’s license.

Then he had to get ready for school.

The 17-year-old is exceptional, to say the least. Those in his circle describe him differently:

“Amazing. The coolest kid.”

“Very dedicated. Very methodical.”

“A natural in the air.”

Timber grew up in France. At age 11, he and his French father, American mother, and little brother set sail and road-tripped on a five-year, worldwide

odyssey. A French speaker, Timber did not know much English. In his free time, he built model planes.

“Since I was little, I have loved airplanes and always liked aviation. I started with remote-controlled planes, then I said, ‘Why not build a real airplane and become a pilot?’” said Timber. “We were homeschooled for five years, and me and my brother were starting to get into aviation at about the time where we should settle in the U.S. to get back into a school system.”

The family made a spreadsheet of 150 small cities that met their criteria: mountains, skiing, good climate, close enough to a large city. They visited 10 of them.

Building ‘affordable’ is a real challenge

By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief

Kevin Eckert speaks bluntly when it comes to “affordable housing” in Sisters: “The era of single-family homes being affordable is gone,” he says.

Fire Department which covered both the Sisters and Cloverdale Districts while crews were on scene.

The fire resulted in an estimated $250,000 worth of damage.

Eckert is the principal of Build LLC, architects and designers of Sisters Woodlands, a housing development located on a portion of the former Sisters Ranger District property along Pine Street on the western edge of Sisters. He will be part of the panel sparking discussion of the housing situation in Sisters at a town hall sponsored by C4C on Sunday, May 5, at 4 p.m. at Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District’s community hall. The forum is titled: “Who Gets To Live Here? The

Rodeo names grand marshals

Ernest and Alinda Dunn epitomize the essence of community spirit and dedication, as evidenced by their remarkable journey intertwined with the Sisters Rodeo Association.

The couple have been named Grand Marshals for the 2024 Sisters Rodeo.

Raised in the Willamette Valley, their roots run deep within the fabric of Oregon, and our tight-knit community of Sisters. Prior to retirement they settled in Sisters and worked at Black Butte Ranch.

Their story with the Sisters Rodeo Association began in 1994 when Alinda, while residing in Central Oregon, crossed paths with Susie Aylor, a persuasive member who encouraged her to join. Ernest, commuting between the Valley and Central Oregon, followed suit two years later,

Ernest and Alinda Dunn epitomize the Sisters Rodeo’s volunteer spirit. They are 2024 Grand Marshals.

solidifying their joint commitment to the association. Initially drawn to the thrill of coordinating the

parade, their involvement later transitioned to cleaning

A shop building on Fryrear Road was destroyed in an early morning fire on Wednesday, April 17.

PHOTO BY MITCH TURPEN, CLOVERDALE RURAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

Better angels

To the Editor:

Tim Hockett’s guest column, “We Must Do Better” in the April 10 Nugget was beautifully written and so important. It’s a reminder of where we as a nation have been and a caution to where we’re going.

Jim Cornelius, would you offer Mr. Hockett his own column? In these times, we could use someone who speaks to the “better angels of our nature.” Terry Weygandt s

Tejanos curse in Spanish and a Cajun eyes the weather

There’s black mud on the belly of the yellow colt I ride Never thought I’d catch myself so calm out in the open As a gulf storm deals in bucket loads and hits from every side — Turnpike Troubadours, “A Cat in the Rain”

“We are more often frightened than hurt; and we suffer more from imagination than from reality.” — Seneca, First Century Roman Stoic

These are unsettling times, no doubt about it. Wars and rumors of war. A “booming economy” where everything costs more, and it feels like our standard of living is slipping backwards. There’s a whiff of corruption and failure around many of our once-revered institutions. Our politics and culture are riven by divisions so deep and angry that we despair of them ever being bound together again. The buzz-worthy movie of the moment depicts an America plunged into civil war.

read that?” Not before bed).

The important thing is to recognize that we can’t control the storms — all we control is our response. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on those clouds on the horizon, but obsessively checking the forecast every 10 minutes probably isn’t.

The Stoics knew 2,000 years ago that troubles usually loom larger in anticipation — in our imagination — than the stature they assume when they actually arrive. Mostly, we can handle them. It’s prudent to be prepared; it offers better outcomes, and salves fear and worry.

Even better is to build resilience.

Sisters offers a whole lot of ways to do that — and quite pleasantly, too. Nothing soothes the mind and spirit more than getting out into the natural beauty of the world that surrounds us. It’s spring — or trying to be — and time to dig your fingers into the earth in your garden. Or go for a hike or a bike ride. Or just sit in the yard and soak up some sunshine. A bit of vigorous exercise elevates the mood — and it makes us stronger both physically and emotionally when we have to face adversity, as we surely will.

Our society is marinating in fear — and fear is bad for us, collectively and individually. Fear corrodes trust, and you can’t have a pluralistic republic where nobody trusts anybody else. On a personal level, living in a constant state of fight-or-flight wreaks havoc on our bodies. Dumping cortisol into the system leaves us anxious, depressed, sleep-deprived, overweight and unhealthy, with upset stomachs and headaches. Fun times.

Stoking fear is big business. Politicians fundraise off of fear — because stoking fear is the surest way to pry open wallets. Social media companies make bank off of our constant doom scrolling, which can be addictive. Partisans of every stripe preach fear-thyneighbor doctrine because exploiting fear to create division offers them power.

It’s hard to nail down a causal connection, but there is a clear correlation between spiritual practice and resilience. The National Center for PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) notes that: “It is likely that spirituality and religiousness provide a foundation for resilient coping in the face of difficult traumatic event(s) and loss events through a meaningmaking process. Spirituality also plays a role in coping with grief and loss.”

For many people, time spent in the woods and on the streams of Sisters Country is a spiritual practice.

When we succumb to fear and the rage it breeds, we’re being played.

The storms are real. I’m not suggesting that we pretend they’re not. Heck, my column last week was about Annie Jacobsen’s chillingly plausible doomsday scenario for nuclear war. (A friend asked me “When do you

Knowing you are not alone is critical to warding off existential fear, and building resilience. I am blessed to have a strong community of family and friends around me that have my back. To be worthy of their love and support, I must always be ready to step up and have theirs.

The storms will come, and sometimes they will deal in bucketloads. If we make ourselves ready, we may just find ourselves surprised at how calm we are out here in the open while they hit from every side.

COMMUNITY

Scottish band wows a packed house

By T. Lee Brown Correspondent

It’s a mild Wednesday evening. Warm sun stripes the sidewalk outside an old church in Sisters. “This show is sold out,” reads a sandwich-board sign.

The church in question is The Belfry, a music venue and creative community center. The show is Breabach, a contemporary Scottish folk group claiming “deep roots in Highland and Island tradition with the innovative musical ferment of their Glasgow base.”

The audience gets drinks and waits in anticipation. As the five performers begin to play, a delighted hush falls over the Belfry crowd. Breabach’s talent and love

of the music is evident from the first note.

Acoustic guitar, fiddle, bouzouki, highland bagpipe, and other pipes and whistles fill the stage. Every musician is skilled and appears deeply comfortable onstage, absorbed in the music, enjoying each other and the crowd.

They all sing. They all lead up stories and patter between songs. The ease of the musicians’ interrelationship, the cumulative effect of their ensemble, brings a hypnotic fluidity to the show.

The female vocalist, Megan Henderson, has a voice both angelic and firm. When the men join in on harmonies, the church walls vibrate. She remarks on

their recent whirlwind tour of California and Alaska. It was all grand, but Sisters “has the edge, because you have the alpaca farm.”

Themes of nature, regeneration, and rebirth weave throughout the music, also available on the band’s new album “Fàs.” Springtime animates the music; an awareness of current environmental issues can be heard.

“Eadar an Dà Bhràigh” celebrates the resurgence of wildlife and trees in a nature preserve near their home in Scotland. The tune “Fridays for Future” was named by fiddler, vocalist, and dancer Henderson after she took part in a climate strike

SHS Pageant raises funds for families

The SHS Pageant is an annual fundraiser at Sisters High School that’s taken place for well over a dozen years. Although last year was the first time the term “SHS Pageant” was used to describe it, it still raised nearly $10,000 for Sisters Family Access Network (FAN), a Central Oregonbased program that provides basic needs and services for families and children who require additional support.

The pageant, set for Sunday, April 28, focuses on a handful of senior students who carry exemplary “Outlaw qualities,” both in and outside of school. They’re partnered and set off to rehearse, record, and perform different activities that are showcased during the pageant. This year’s contestants include Justin DeSmet, Juhree Kizziar,

Timber Bionda, Sienna Jones, Brooke Blakelock, Ted Stolaz, Logan Ryba, Autumn Linville, Bryant Lever, Charlotte Seymour, Blake Parker, Teague Wessel, Dylan Rundle, and Katie Buller. The student coordinators include Jack Turpen, Jordan Velikonia, Holly Davis, and Ella Eby.

The theme of this year’s pageant is “Outlaws on Broadway,” with teams choosing musical themes like “Grease,” “Shrek,” “La La Land,” and “The Greatest Showman.”

So far, the pageant has raised about $6,300, but still aims to gain more donations. The SHS Pageant will take place at Sisters High School on Sunday, April 28, from 6 to 8 p.m. To buy tickets or donate visit https://givebutter.com/ THE2024SHSPAGEANT.

C4C awards $7,000 for community building

Local nonprofit Citizens4Community (C4C) recently selected 10 organizations, businesses, and individuals as the recipients of its 2024 Momentum Grants. Now in its fifth year, the program offers funding for grassroots projects aligned with the Sisters Country Vision.

The Vision is a “guiding light” for the community,

SISTERS AREA MEETING CALENDAR BOARDS, GROUPS, CLUBS

Al -Anon

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

Alcoholics A nonymou s

Monday, 5 p.m., Shepherd of t he Hills Lutheran Church • Tuesday, noon, Big Book study, Shepherd of t he Hills Lutheran Church • Wednesday, 7 a.m.,G entlemen’s meeting, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church • Thursday, noon, Sober Sisters Women’s meeting, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church

Thursday, 7 p.m., Episc opal Church of the Transf iguration • Fr iday, noon, Step & Tradition meeting, Shepherd of t he Hills Lutheran Church. 5 41-5 48 -0 440.

Saturday, 8 a.m., Episc opal Church of the Transf iguration

Central Oregon F ly Tye rs G uild

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

Central Oregon Trail A lliance (COTA) Sisters Chapter meets 4th Thur sday 6 p.m. at Blazin Saddles Bike S hop sistersrep@c ot amtb.c om

Ci tizens4Communit y C ommunity Builders meeting, 3rd Wednesday of ever y mont h, 10 to 11:30 a.m. V isit citizens 4c ommunity.c om for loc ation.

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

Living Well W it h D ementia Sisters Care Par tner suppor t group. 2nd & 4th Thurs., 1:3 0- 3 p.m. Siste rs C ommunity Church, Room 4. 5 41-6 47-0 052.

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

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 Sup por t G roup 3rd Tues., 10:30 a.m.,

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- 632- 3663

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

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 Three Sister s Irrigation Distric t Board of Direc tors M eets 1st Tuesday, 10 a.m., TSI

developed through a citizenled process and designed to offer a long-term framework for the future of Sisters Country. A Vision Implementation Team (VIT) composed of local agency, organizational, and community leaders currently serves as steward of the Vision. This year, C4C committed

PHOTO BY TL BROWN

Folk group Breabach lights up The Belfry with traditional and contemporary music.

Singing brings community together at The Belfry

By Sue Stafford Correspondent

The songs of Elton John, Rod Stewart, and John Lennon filled The Belfry on Saturday night, April 13, as more than 125 singers gathered to be entertained and to participate in Sing Your Heart Out, Sisters, a free event sponsored by Age Friendly Sisters Country (AFSC).

“By bringing the community together at the end of winter, and after COVID, AFSC hoped to help reimagine what Community can look like in person,” explained Mike Deal, AFSC board president. “The community-wide singing event was specifically meant to combat social isolation and encourage social interaction among Sisters Country residents.”

The Low Bar Chorale from Portland, made up of seven national touring musicians led by Ben Landsverk, had the room rocking out and creating beautiful harmonies.

Deal told The Nugget , “The band was thrilled to have been invited, and the audience — ranging in age from little kids to a van full of older adults from The Lodge — learned more about each other and about AFSC and experienced an evening of community and song. Everyone agreed to wear name tags, and folks mingled. We even had a surprise performance by lively Zumba dancers who crashed the party.”

At the end of the evening, many attendees were heard

remarking about how much fun they had, and they hoped this would become an annual event.

“Chasing away isolation and promoting social inclusion are fundamental to livability — so AFSC was pleased to see the big turnout for this community-wide event,” said Deal. “Sisters has long been known for its rich musical tradition, and this was a chance for everyone to join the band for one night. While it was a fledgling effort for AFSC, we learned a lot and hope to do it again next year.”

The AFSC board acknowledged: their grant partner, The Roundhouse Foundation; their co-sponsor of the evening Citizens4Community; and donors Rotary Club of Sisters, St. Charles Health System, AARP, Sisters Folk Festival Presents, Les Schwab Tire, Sisters Ace Hardware, MidOregon Credit Union, the Central Oregon Council on Aging, Van Handel Automotive, and GrandStay Hotel.

“AFSC hopes that we have earned the trust of our funders and their willingness to continue supporting us to spread our message about the work of our Action Teams and livability in Sisters Country widely throughout the community,” Deal added.

Those who attended the event may not recognize AFSC, but they have likely heard of their flagship action team — STARS (Sisters Transportation and Ride Share) — which recruits

volunteer drivers to provide free non-emergency medical transport. From its beginning in 2020, STARS now has over 30 drivers, 10 dispatchers, and 150 passengers. They have provided over 1,000 rides, driven over 50,000 miles, and provided over 7,000 volunteer hours to the community. While the event at The Belfry was free, donations at the door were encouraged to help AFSC expand its impact. AFSC is a nonprofit with a mission and passion to make Sisters livable and accessible for all. This often begins with a citizen or group having a great idea for a project or service, but moving from “lightbulb moment” to launch can take some heavy lifting. To make that process easier, AFSC has simplified their

process and created a straight line between innovation and impact, delivering the strategic oversight, fiscal structure, and administrative support needed to get inspiration up and running. Anyone with a

great idea for improving livability in Sisters Country is encouraged to contact them. AFSC can be reached at info@agefriendlysisters.com or 160 S. Oak St., Ste. 100, PMB 172, Sisters, OR 97759.

Zumba dancers “crashed the party” at a community sing-along event held at The Belfry.

PHOTO BY SUE STAFFORD

Fourth Friday spring artwalk in Sisters

By Helen Schmidling Correspondent

With Mother’s Day just a few days away, mothers and grandmothers play a significant role in the April 26 Fourth Friday Artwalk in the galleries of Sisters. Local galleries will be open all day, and most will serve light refreshments and feature guest artists between 4 and 7 p.m. New gallery maps are available in all galleries to help you navigate.

Space in Common’s “Motherline” is a collection of work by Sisters artist Amelia Morton as well as her maternal grandmother Nasha Tischinsky (1932–1970), and her step-grandmother Diane Olsson (1932–present). The creative spark was passed down from Nasha, whom Amelia never met, and was nurtured by Diane, who was her first creative idol and an early mentor. The paintings in “Motherline” are all pieces Amelia grew up with or watched Diane paint. In her own work for the show, Amelia explores the connection to her maternal grandmothers through a series of original line drawings and watercolor paintings on watercolor paper in handmade cherry frames.

Sisters Gallery & Frame welcomes printmaker and author Denise Kester, creator of “magical realism.” Denise specializes in viscosity printmaking using oily lithography inks on Plexiglas plates and printed on fineart papers. Her studio in Ashland is a safe place where she opens her heart to connect with the world, to celebrate joy, lend support to others in difficult times, and touch people’s hearts and souls. The second edition of her popular book, “Drawing on the Dream,” is in progress and she will take prepaid orders for signed copies, in addition to showing original work, giclee prints, and note cards. As an extra treat, oil painter Sandy Melchiori will show new paintings of spring flowers in all their glory.

en plein aire, and teaches at Chehalem Cultural Center in Newberg.

Quail Lane Press. The two Oregon-based artist studios capture the beauty of Oregon through fine art prints inspired by nature, local area geographical maps, and artistic interpretation of the high desert. Letterpress is a relief printing technique in which the raised surface from a printing plate or handset type is inked and pressed into paper. The pressure from the press, combined with a thick paper stock, creates a deep impression in the paper, giving each piece a unique tactile quality.

The Rickards Gallery’s Christine Joy learned to paint from her grandmother, Norma Peterson. They painted together through Christine’s early childhood chronic illnesses, with Norma providing encouragement and inspiration. Christine went on to earn a degree in fine art from George Fox College, and to study with master oil painters. She paints mostly

Hood Avenue Art features pastel artist JoAnn Burgess and ceramicist Annie Dyer. JoAnn’s love of nature is reflected in her artwork, and her love of teaching the fine art of pastels to beginning artists. For more than 30 years, Annie has been bringing clay to life in the form of pots that are friendly, intimate, and grow more personal with everyday use. Her distinctive pieces are thrown or handbuilt, then sculpted, scored, stretched, smooshed, and/or flattened to resemble bark, perforated rock, a twisted piece of wood, or the swirl and knot of burl. She finds success in loving the process of making things with her hands, and having a few people along the way really like what you’re doing.

Makin’ It Local proudly displays “Deep Impressions / Perfect Print / Wonderful Feeling”— Letterpress prints from Green Bird Press and

The Campbell Gallery continues a show of work by Melanie Whedon of Bend. Originally from Philadelphia, Melanie is a full-time architect who uses watercolor as a medium to express her ideas of the world. She regards scale in nature and strikes a balance between abstract texture and crisp detail. Outside of painting, she is an avid hiker, yogi, reader, and most recently, rock climber.

Wildflower Studio introduces original acrylic paintings and new prints with sweeping landscapes and Cascade Mountain views by Bill Hamilton. The prints are matted to ready-made frame sizes. Also, for Mother’s Day, check out the natural handmade sustainable products from Rough Cut Soap Co. The lineup includes soaps, shampoo bars, lotion bars, and lip balms.

The Stitchin’ Post Gallery shows “My Own Back Yard,” themed pieces by the Journeys Art Quilt Group. Their “Back Yard” is filled with forests, flowers,

bluebird skies, rivers, lakes, and mountains. Or perhaps it is a back yard from another place, another life. Celebrate the artistic voices of Judith Beaver, Helen Brisson, Betty Gientke, June Jaeger, Jean Wells Keenan, Donna Rice, Martha Sanders, Marion Shimoda, Mary Stiewig, and Jan Tetzlaff.

If all that’s not enough to fill your art’s desire, be sure to visit ARTifacts 2024, Sisters High School’s annual high school art showcase, from 6 to 8 p.m. It will feature live music, upcycled T-shirts (or BYO), hands-on art fun, and a silent auction. The action is in the Sisters High School commons.

Remember to sign up for Quick Draw, once per gallery. Two lucky registrants will each win $50 gift certificates, good for purchase in any of the above listed galleries. Quick Draw is made possible thanks to a generous donation from Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s Realty in Sisters.

“A Bird in the Bush III” by Denise Kester is featured at Sisters Gallery & Frame.

PHOTO PROVIDED

“Bird of Paradise” by Diane Olsson is featured at the Space in Common gallery.

PHOTO PROVIDED

“Where the Birds Sing” by Jean Wells is among featured quilts at Stitchin’ Post.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Recreating with wolves in Central Oregon’s forests

By Ander Rhoads Correspondent

Wolves, once native to Central Oregon, were eradicated from the State by the mid-1940s. However, over the past 15 years, wolves have steadily migrated from neighboring states to reestablish themselves in Oregon, including in the Deschutes National Forest and surrounding areas.

The chances of encountering a wild wolf are extremely low. Wolves are generally shy and secretive animals, and there are significantly more bears and cougars in Oregon than wolves. However, just like being prepared for any other possibility while you recreate in our local forests, it is good to be prepared for a wolf encounter.

Wolves are generally not a threat to humans unless they become habituated to people, usually from being fed. In North America, it is rare for wolves to attack humans. Statistically, wolves pose the least danger to people as compared to other large carnivores like bears and cougars. There have not been any documented human deaths caused by wolves in the lower-48 states in the last hundred years. However, like coyotes and bears, wolves can learn to associate campgrounds, picnic areas, and roads with food, which can cause them

to become aggressive.

Seeing a wolf can be an incredible experience. Nevertheless, like all wild animals, wolves can be dangerous, so it is essential to keep your distance. Even though the chance of a wolf attack is remote and far less of a risk than many other things found in our forests, while recreating there are mistakes you could make which increase risks. Just like if you are in a lightning storm it is advisable not to stand on top of a hill with a metal rod in hand, when you are in an area where wolves might be present, there are recommendations for making a negative encounter even less likely.

• Do not feed wolves or their pups. Feeding a wolf does not help us or the animals, but it likely ultimately harms the wolves and could lead to a negative encounter with a human. Wolves habituated to humans through feeding are in a no-win situation, increasing problems for both people and wolves. For example, you do not want to encourage wolves to seek food from campsites or vehicles.

• Do not attract wolves (or any other predators) by leaving out food. While wolves are highly unlikely to approach a camp, it is best not to have unsealed meat and dead animals around you, especially

at night. Just like you already should be doing to prevent an encounter with the bears of our local forests, consider taking reasonable precautions, like securing food in containers and storing both the food and garbage away from your tent and out of reach. Make sure you properly close any trash cans.

• Just like human parents will protect their kids when threatened, wolves do not like people being around their pups. Wolves give birth to their pups in mid-April and raise their young during the summer. If you encounter a wolf pup or a den, you should pay attention to your surroundings and carefully leave the area using the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) guidelines below.

• Stay together and keep kids within sight of adults. Be extra careful if you are out at night, dawn, or dusk. Try not to go out alone; there are risks to being alone in the forest besides wolves.

If you follow all the instructions carefully (especially about paying attention to the wind direction), bear mace may be appropriate to carry.

If you see fresh signs of wolves, like their scat or prints, or what may be a freshly killed animal with evidence of wolves, move away from the area and then

report the signs to the ODFW at https://www.dfw.state.or.us/ Wolves/wolf_reporting_form. asp. ODFW’s website has information about how to identify a wolf or wolf sign. They also have a fun quiz to take, which helps distinguish between wolves and coyotes. It helps if you take a photo of the wolf sign (but avoid handling dead animals or scat) with something for size comparison, like a dollar bill, or use your phone’s measurement feature (Apple has a free measure app in utilities). You can upload two photos with your report to ODFW. It also helps if you note your location using GPS coordinates, a navigation app, or the compass app on most phones, or

noting any major roads, trails, or landmarks. Reports to ODFW help the wolf biologists track wolf activity.

If you do encounter a wolf, here are ODFW’s tips on what to do:

Make sure the wolf knows that you are there and that you are human. The wolf may not have smelled or seen you if the wind is carrying your scent away from the wolf or if you have been sitting or standing motionless. Simply moving, raising your arms, and talking will alert the wolf and usually cause it to move away quickly.

In the very unlikely event that a wolf threatens you, here

Sisters Country birds

By Douglas Beall Correspondent

As the smallest bird in North America, and the smallest long distance migrating bird in the world, the Calliope Hummingbird’s [Selasphorus calliope] migration of 5,000 miles from southern Mexico to western mountainous regions is prodigious and inspiring.

When heading north the Calliope flies along the Pacific coast and returns south along the Rocky Mountains for a round trip total of 10,000 miles. This tiny hummer weighs in at 0.1 ounce which is similar to a ping-pong ball. Named after the Greek muse Calliope and Stellula which means little star.

The Calliope female builds the nest at altitudes of 4,000 to 11,000 feet in conifers and incubates the two to three white eggs for 15 to 16 days, and feeds the chicks for another 20 days before they leave the nest. Insects and flower nectar feed the Calliope’s energy needs as they maintain wing beat speeds of 50-200 beats per second and a heart rate that can reach 1,280 beats per minute. The males perform mating dives reaching 100 feet as they try to impress the females.

A group of hummingbirds are known as “tune,” a “hover,” “glittering,” or a “bouquet.” To view more images of the Calliope Hummer, visit http://abird singsbecauseithasasong. com/recent-journeys/.

Sisters snowmobiler is a champion

By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief

Marcus Boyd is a prodigious talent on a snowmobile — and he proved it last month in Wyoming. Boyd won the juniors World Championship Hill Climb at Jackson Hole March 21-24, and he won by four seconds, a very big margin in such races.

The run is like an Olympic downhill in reverse, with the snowmobile climbing a steep slope.

“It feels like it’s straight up and down,” Boyd said.

Boyd didn’t know he’d won, let alone by a wide margin, until he started heading back down the hill. In fact, he was pretty sure he hadn’t, because he had a glitch at the start.

“I had no momentum going through the timing light,” he said.

Frustrated, he opened up the throttle and let the machine loose.

“I just pretty much left it wide open the whole time,” he said.

That’s the key to victory in snowmobile climbs. The rider who can take corners at speed, the one who leaves

that throttle wide open the longest, is going to be the one on top of the leader board. And that was Boyd.

The victory was satisfying to the 19-year-old, but its real impact is what it means going forward.

“It opens the door a lot for potential new sponsors,” he said.

Boyd is currently sponsored by Ski Doo and Pro Caliber, and local sponsors Landmark Fine Goods and Sisters Moto. He travels to events across the West with his parents.

“I wouldn’t be where I am without them, so I always want them there,” he said.

He’s finishing out the amateur class this spring.

“That puts me going semipro next year,” he said, noting that he’s trying to turn pro as soon as possible.

He knows that he will have to level up because he will face “a lot faster guys. I’m going to have to work on my conditioning and skill level… smooth is fast.”

Boyd trains in Sisters, laying out courses for himself at Three Creek or Ray Benson sno-parks. He says it’s a great feeling to be on the podium, especially at the top, but “I’ll definitely say that the adrenaline rush is what keeps it going.”

The well-traveled Calliope Hummingbird.

PHOTO BY DOUGLAS BEALL

Sisters snowmobiler Marcus Boyd won the juniors world championship hill climb in Jackson, Wyoming in March.

The

Equestrian team rides high in Sisters

Sisters High School Equestrian Team took home several top awards for the 2023-2024 season of Central District OHSET (Oregon High School Equestrian Teams). They won first overall in the categories of Freestyle Fours Drill Team and Team Versatility, and earned the high point award in the Small Team division.

The team includes Clover Keyes (freshman), Ava Siler (senior), Annelise Jones (sophomore), Eloise Hecker

(sophomore), Lucy Siler (senior), Justice Underwood (senior), and Genevieve MacIntosh (groom). Head coach, Theresa Siler, was elated to see all of their hard work pay off.

For individual events, the Siler sisters were a force to be reckoned with this season. Lucy Siler won second overall for Trail Equitation and Ava Siler won third overall for Keyhole. In Hunt Seat Equitation, Lucy Siler won second overall while Ava Siler won third overall.

The pair also earned a spot to compete at State based on the top 10 percent rule in Team Sorting.

Sisters Equestrian Team will compete at the State OHSET meet May 9-12 at the Deschutes County Fair and Expo Center. Lucy and Ava Siler will be competing in several individual events. In addition, the Outlaws Team will be competing in the following team events: Canadian Flags, Drill Team, and Team Versatility.

Obituary

Evonne C. Lockman

January 17, 1940-April 11, 2024

Evonne C. Lockman passed peacefully in Sisters on April 11, 2024.

She was born January 17, 1940 in a ranch house in Kintyre, North Dakota to Jacob and Freida Moch and was the oldest of 15 children. She attended Presentation College in Aberdeen, South Dakota, majoring in secretarial science.

In 1965, she moved with her family to Oregon where she met Kenneth Lockman of Pleasant Hill. They married on July 3, 1965. Evonne enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom and volunteered in church and school activities. Later she returned to her secretarial career.

Evonne is survived by her children: Jeffrey and Doris Lockman of Redmond, Joseph Lockman of Aloha, Julie and Paul Patton of Sisters, and Lisa and Cody Davis of Seattle. She was a proud grandparent of six grandchildren: Butch Hartman, Samuel Patton, Gabriel Patton, Kenneth Patton, Josie Patton, and Cullen Davis.

She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, gardening, writing letters, vacationing, and was a devout Catholic praying for all who suffered. She loved beautiful things — flowers, paintings, a tidy house, an orderly garden — and was always willing to help those around her.

She was preceded in death by Kenneth C. Lockman, husband of 55 years, and will be interred alongside him in St. Winefride’s Garden at St. Edward Catholic Church in Sisters on May 3 at 11 a.m. Those wishing to honor Evonne can make a donation to St. Winefride’s Garden care of ‘St. Edward the Martyr’ in memory of her prayerful devotion and love of gardening.

Outlaws Equestrian Team has turned in strong performances in competition this spring.

Lady Outlaws singles tennis players dominate

By Rongi Yost Correspondent

The Lady Outlaws started their week with a 5-3 win over the Lady Buffs at Madras on Tuesday, April 9, and two days later Sisters finished in a 4-4 tie at home against Crook County.

In Tuesday’s match against Madras the Lady Outlaws singles continued to dominate play, sweeping Madras in all four spots, with No. 1 singles player, senior Juhree Kizziar, leading the way. Kizziar’s pace and consistency were too much for Mia Mitchell to handle, and Kizziar easily won the match with scores of 6-0, 6-1.

Katie Ryan (No. 2) overpowered Yashira Chavero with her consistency and power and posted a 6-0, 6-1 win. Shae Wyland (No. 3) played a close first set against Arely Alonso and posted a narrow 7-5 win. Gusty winds made the second set difficult but Wyland handled the wind better and prevailed 6-3, for the victory.

Rylie Bick (No. 4) played strong and fast in her 6-0, 6-2 win over Nancy Quinta. Coach Bruce Fenn told The Nugget that Bick’s serve has improved and she’s gained more confidence with her backhand with every match.

Sisters No. 1 doubles team, Sophie Rush and Leah O’Hern, continued winning in a close third set 10-point tiebreakers. They started strong

and posted a 6-4 win in the first set over Romero and Sedano. In the second set they were up 4-3 and then lost in a seven-point tiebreaker, 4-7. Because they split sets, they played a 10-point tiebreaker to finish the match. The dynamic Sisters duo won the tiebreaker 10-4.

Charlotte Seymour and Ava Riehle (No. 2 doubles) played together for the first time, and did well. In the final 10 point tiebreaker they were behind 0-3 and just could never catch up and lost 7-10.

On Thursday, the Outlaws competed in another hardfought conference match at home against Crook County under windy conditions that made it difficult for both teams. Sisters once again swept the singles matches and Crook County won all the doubles.

Kizziar (No.1) made a fast start in the first set and blanked Sami Ramos 6-0. Ramos was more consistent in the second set and won 2-6. Kizziar stayed focused and crushed the 10-point tiebreaker 10-5.

“The key today was using the wind as a helper and not fighting against it,” said Fenn. “Windy conditions are equalizers in match play because it’s easy to be frustrated because what works in normal conditions does not work in terrible conditions. Winning a match like this will help Juhree when she faces similar conditions that do not favor superior shot making.”

Ryan (No. 2) played smart tennis and used the wind as a friend in her 6-0, 6-1 win over Callie Winebarger. She hit consistent ground strokes, moved the ball around, and, according to Fenn, kept Winebarger gasping for air.

“Katie goes to the net with confidence and hits volleys for winners,” said Fenn. “This skill is becoming a positive improvement for Katie.”

Wyland, at No. 3, also played smart and used the wind to her advantage in her 6-2, 6-1 victory over Kristianna Boyum.

“Shae has improved her left-handed serve that spins into right-handed backhands,” said Fenn.

Bick (No. 4) played very consistent and defeated Kim Cordero Cruz 6-3, 6-0. She allowed the wind to twist and turn the ball, which caused Cordero to make errors.

Fenn said, “Sisters is fortunate to have four singles players who are determined to keep the ball in play and let the opponent make mistakes. Weather is challenging, but each experience prepares the team for when they’ll face this again. They will be ready.”

The No. 2 doubles pair, Seymore and Riehle, took

their match to a tiebreak. They lost the first set, but came back to win the second set 6-3. Unfortunately, they fell 3-10 in the tiebreaker. Fenn told The Nugget that the duo is contagious and if they can focus sooner and stay in the momentum they will win some matches.

On Friday and Saturday the Lady Outlaws played in a 22-team tournament, the Bend Oregon Invitational, at Caldera High School.

Rain caused several interruptions in Friday’s match. Both Kizziar and Ryan (No. 1 and No. 2 singles, respectively) blanked their opponents, and earned quick, easy wins.

Wyland only allowed her opponent to win two games. Wyland played very consistent and her looping, deep forehand to the backhand side caused her opponent to commit many errors.

In doubles play, O’Hern and Rush (No. 1 doubles) posted a win.

“They changed their strategy by hitting lobs over the heads of the net girl on the return of serve and then moved closer to the net for put-away volleys, which helped them win the set,”

said Fenn. Seymore and Riehle (No.2 doubles), the No. 3 duo of Stahn and Carter, and the No. 4 pair, Sullivan and Panozzo, also recorded wins.

Sisters wrapped up tournament play on Saturday. Because of the potential rain, eight-game pro sets were played so the match would end sooner.

The Lady Outlaws continued their dominance in singles play and Kizziar, Ryan, and Wyland didn’t let their opponents win a single game.

Fenn said, “The experience at this tournament was very challenging. The girls learned what it’s like to roll water off a tennis court in preparation for a tennis match so it will dry out. They learned that sometimes waiting around for rain to stop is more challenging than the match itself. These simple truths will help them in the future.”

“Our focus is to prepare our team for the District Championships in May,” added Fenn. “Each new team we play teaches the players how to win and get better.”

The Lady Outlaws will compete at a tournament in Roseburg on Friday, April 19.

ARTifacts 2024

ARTifacts 2024, an Interactive Art Experience, will be held on Friday, April 26, f rom 6 to 8 p.m. in the Sisters High School Commons. Entr y cost is $7 per person or $25 for the family. is high school art showcase will feature live music, upcycled t-shirts , handson art f un, a silent auction, and a showing of work from the Class of ’24 artists . Call 541-549-4045 for more information.

Silent Echo eater Company

Auditions for Silent Echo eater Company ’s Now You’re Talking One-Acts will take place April 28 and 29 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Sisters Communit y Church. Actors 14 years old and older are encouraged to audition. No preparation is required. Sides will be provided the night of auditions . Per formances will take place June 20-23 For more information email silentechotheatercompany@ gmail.com or call Marla at 310710-2874

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.

Sisters High School Storage Building Construction

SHS Construction Class is interested in building a storage building for someone in the communit y during spring term. Cont act Tony Cosby for more information, 541-410 -1018.

Free Weekly Meal Service

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

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 LIBRARY COMING EVENTS

Know Gardens: Garden Fair at Sisters Firehouse

On Sunday, April 28 , f rom 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sisters Firehouse Community Hall attend a f ree event to learn from local experts how to help pollinators , compost, roll up seed bombs , grow vegetables in our climate, create paints f rom your garden, and more! Learn from: Artist Lee Kellogg , Deschutes Public Library Communit y Librarians, Deschutes L and Trust, OSU Master Gardeners, Pollinator Pathway Bend, Seed t o Table, Sisters Garden Club, and e Environmental Center. Find out more at www.deschuteslibrar y.org/ calendar/adult

THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

Thursday, April 25

Sisters Beekeepers Meet

The Barn in Sisters

Friday, April 26

SES Kindergarten Roundup

Sisters Elementary School Gym

Friday, April 26

ARTifacts 2024

Sisters High School

Saturday, April 27

SHS Celebrity Bagging

Ray’s Food Place

Sunday & Monday, April 28-29

Silent Echo Theater Auditions

Sisters Community Church

SE S Kindergar ten Roundup

Sisters Elementar y School (SES) will hold their annual Kindergarten Roundup preregistration on Friday, April 26 , in the school gymnasium Student s will participate in a teacher-led activit y while parent s are involved in a parent orientation. Sign up by contacting the elementary school at 541-549-8981. 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 SES o ce between 9 a .m. and 2 p.m. 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.

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 , 130 0

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.

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.

Sisters Habitat Volunteers Needed

Are you looking for something fun to do with your free time?

Volunteer with Sisters Habit at for Humanit y! C all 541-549-1193 to get connected

SHS Bands Celebrity Bagging at Ray’s

Sisters High School Bands

Celebrit y Bag ging Event at Ray ’s on Saturday, April 27, f rom 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Music matters: All donations will support SHS band activities and instruments! Come shop at Ray ’ s and have your groceries bag ged by a high school band student! Info: kayla golka@ssd6 .org

Sisters Beekeepers Mee t

Calling all Sisters Country beekeepers and those intrigued by beekeeping . Gather to swap tales , share tips , troubleshoot woes , and toast successes ursday, April 25, at 5 p.m. at e Barn in Sisters . Call Tracy at 970 -481-4 477 for more information or see you there!

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

Transitioning L andscapes: Ecological Change in the Harney Basin

Discover the intricate dynamics of environmental transitions and migrations amidst the challenges of climate change in the captivating Harney Basin

Join a thought-provoking lecture featuring distinguished speakers

Teresa ‘Bird’ Wicks and Brenda Smith, as they o er unique perspectives on this pressing issue. ursday, May 2, f rom 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture, 68467 ree Creek Rd . in Sisters . For more info call 5419 04- 070 0 or email inquiries@ roundhousefoundation.org

Living Well With Dementia

Sisters Care Par tner Group

Caring for someone who has been diagnosed with any form of dementia can be di cult. Join this facilitator-led group meeting on the 2nd and 4th ursday of the month f rom 1:30-3 p.m. at Sisters Communit y Church in Classroom 4. 130 0 McKenzie Hw y. Info: 541-6 47-0 052.

SHS Car nival

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.

PET OF TH E WEEK

Humane Societ y of Central Oregon

541-382-3537

Baha’i Faith

Sisters High School is raising money for the Leadership Class through a fun, f amily-friendly carnival in the Sisters High School commons on ursday, May 2, f rom 5:30 to 8 p.m. e will be food, games , prizes, and more! e Leadership Class does many things for the high school, such as organizing dance like Homecoming and Prom, as well as student engagement through assemblies , movie nights , and so much more. e cost is $6 per person or $20 per family (no matter how big or small) and all ages are welcome!

Alzheimer’s Association Conference

A mini McGinty Conference, covering the latest in Alzheimer ’s and Dementia Research, will be held on Monday, May 13, f rom 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sisters Community Church . is opportunity is f ree and for anyone interested in learning about dementia. Lunch is provided. Register at 800 -272-3900.

Central Oregon Federated Republican Meeting

COFRW (Central Oregon Federated Republican Women) meets the first ursday of every month f rom 10:30 a.m. (registration) to 1 p.m. at Brand 33 at Aspen Lakes Golf Club in Sisters. Come learn f rom quality speakers, and hear and question local and state candidates. Meetings include lunch for $27 RSVP required to attend. Learn more about upcoming meetings and speakers , and RSVP at www.COFRW.net

ROBSON

is lively, enthusiastic 1-yearold terrier mix is in search of an experienced and active family! Robson was returned af ter being adopted because his energy level was too high for his previous family. A fenced-in yard would help him thrive in his new home. Robson is proudly housetrained and crate-trained.

— SPONSORED BY —

541-549-6961

SISTER S- ARE A C HURCH ES

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 of Jesus Christ of L at ter-Day Saint s

452 Trinit y Way • Branch President, 5 41-420 -5670; 10 a .m. Sunday Sac rament Meeting

e Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration 121 N Brook s Camp Rd. • 541-549-7087 www.transfiguration-sisters.org

8:30 a .m. Ecumenical Sunday Worship

10 :15 a .m. Episcopal Sunday Worship

e Resting Place

meeting at Sisters Communit y Church, 130 0 W. McKenzie Hwy www.restingplace.us • hello@restingplace.us

5 p.m. Sunday Worship

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

Author shares historical fiction

Author Karen Spears

Zacharias will present her new book, “No Perfect Mothers,” at Paulina Springs Books on Thursday, April 25, at 6:30 p.m. “No Perfect Mothers” explores characters, historical and imagined, who over the late 1800s to the 1920s were parties to the infamous Buck v. Bell U.S. Supreme Court case of 1927.

There is much about her hometown that Carrie Buck loves: Venable Elementary where she first learned to read; Starr Hill because that’s where Miss Mora lives; Chancellor’s Drugstore where she sometimes gets a free cola; and Anderson’s Bookstore where a girl can look through all the books she likes.

While Charlottesville, Virginia in the 1920s is a charming place to grow up, there’s one thing Carrie doesn’t like about her hometown — her home.

Abandoned by her father and taken from her mother, Carrie is put up for fostering as a toddler. A silent child, her foster parents regard her as slow. She feels no obligation

to correct them. At age ten, Carrie is forced to leave school to work as a domestic. Carrie’s lone ally, Miss Mora, a Scottish immigrant, is hindered by racial barriers from being the helper Carrie so desperately needs. But when Carrie turns up pregnant at seventeen, it is Miss Mora, Charlottesville’s most competent midwife, who she turns to.

Fearing their nephew’s assault of Carrie will be discovered, Carrie’s foster parents fraudulently commit her to the Virginia Colony for Epileptics and Feebleminded. They claim custody of her infant daughter. Dr. Priddy, the colony’s superintendent, deceptively labels Carrie an imbecile, unfit to bear children. In pursuit of a legal argument granting states the right to forcibly sterilize individuals, he exploits her. In “No Perfect Mothers,” Carrie is given back what was denied her by the Court and by society some 100 years ago — her own voice and personhood. Karen Spears Zacharias is an American writer and a former

journalist. She holds a MA in Appalachian studies from Shepherd University, West Virginia, and a MA in creative media practice from the University of West Scotland, UK. Her debut novel “Mother of Rain” received the Weatherford Award for Best in Appalachian fiction from the Loyal Jones Appalachian Center at Berea College, Kentucky. Zacharias was named Appalachian Heritage Writer in 2018 by Shepherd University. Her work has been featured on National Public Radio, CNN, The New York Times, Washington Post , and in numerous anthologies. She lives at the foot of the Cascade mountains in Deschutes County, Oregon, where she serves as president of the League of Women Voters. She is a member of Phi Beta Delta and Phi Kappa Phi. A Gold Star Daughter, she is devoted to sharing the stories of forgotten women.

Paulina Springs Books is located at 252 W. Hood Ave. The event is free. For more information call 541-549-0866.

ARTifacts opens up creativity to community

The 25th annual ARTifacts Art Experience will be held in the Sisters High School commons Friday, April 26, from 6 to 8 p.m. The event is designed for all ages, with much to see, hear, and do — all centered around student art.

The event is a showcase of students’ efforts in various art disciplines. Students will host observational art booths and hands-on art stations for community members to try. Potter’s wheels, face painting, and sculpting stations are a few fun activities available for participants.

Sisters High School

Visual Arts Teacher Bethany

Gunnarson has made it a goal to honor senior art students, with each having their own display to share with family, friends, and the community.

Performing arts students will provide music during the evening including sets by the jazz band, jazz choir, and Americana Project students.

In addition to giving art students an opportunity to showcase the fruits of their artistic endeavors with the community, ARTifacts seeks to raise money for the visual arts programs and the Sisters High School Art Scholarship.

In addition to the entry fee, there will be a silent auction, and visitors can peruse a variety of student-created pottery pieces, stickers, and T-shirts that will be for sale — cash or check are the preferred form of payment.

Entry fee for ARTifacts 2024 an Interactive Art Experience is $7 per person or $25 for a family.

If you would like to donate items to the silent auction, provide funds for the SHS visual arts fund, or volunteer, email Gunnarson at bethany.gunnarson@ssd6. org.

THURSDAY • APRIL 25

Paulina Springs Books Book Talk Karen Spears

Zacharias presents "No Perfect Mothers." More information at www.paulinaspringsbooks.com.

Frankie’s Upstairs Live Music: The Quons Trio 7 to 9 p.m. 250 W. Cascade Ave. Tickets $20 at sistersdepot.com/our-events.

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

FRIDAY • APRIL 26

Sisters High School Commons ARTifacts 2024

SHS Art Department fundraiser featuring interactive exhibits and silent auction. Live music by SHS Jazz and Americana programs. $7 per person or $25 for family Info: bethany.gunnarson@ssd6.org

Black Butte Ranch Lodge Live Music: Tom & Rosi Bergeron with Duo Violão Plus One Enjoy an evening of Jazz Brazilian music 7–9 p.m. Tickets $30 More information and purchase link at www.blackbutteranch.com/events.

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

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 27

Sisters Depot Live Music: Bob & Mark 7 to 10 p .m. Fiddler Bob Baker and Mark Barringer on guitar Tickets $5 at sistersdepot.com/our-events.

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

SUNDAY • APRIL 28

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 30

Ski Inn Taphouse Hotel Live Music: The Dust Devils 6-8 p.m. Free entry Info: www.sisterstaphousehotel.com.

WEDNESDAY • MAY 1

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.

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.

THURSDAY • MAY 2

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

Frankie’s Upstairs Live Music: Scott Crabtree, Jonas Tarlen, Aidan Moye 7 to 9 p.m. A fundraiser for Citizens4Community. Location is upstairs at Sisters Depot, 250 W. Cascade Ave. Tickets $10 at sistersdepot.com/our-events.

FRIDAY • MAY 3

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

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 • MAY 4

The Belfr y Live Music: Thunderstorm Artis "Don't Let Me Let You Go Tour" with special guests 7 to 10 p .m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Presented by The Whippoorwill Presents. Tickets, $30, at www.bendticket.com. Sisters Depot Live Music: Electric Groove Quartet 7 to 10 p .m. Tom Freedman Jazz Band featuring Bob Baker and Dave Wentworth. Tickets $20 at sistersdepot.com/our-events.

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

SUNDAY • MAY 5

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.

THURSDAY • MAY 9 Suttle Lodge Fireside Concert Series: Jacob Westfall 6 to 8 p.m. Doors at 5:30 Tickets, $10, at www.bendticket.com.

FRIDAY • MAY 10

Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights 5 to 8 p.m. Booster Draft at 5 p.m. $15

Girls win Mazama Invitational

By Charlie Kanzig Correspondent

A change in the meet schedule turned out to be a chance for the Outlaws girls track team to show their true potential as Sisters tied for the team title among 25 schools at the Mazama Invitational on Saturday, April 20.

The Outlaws racked up 125 points to tie with Spanish Springs (Nevada) for the title behind a balanced performance in which the team scored in fourteen of the 17 events.

Individual winners for the Outlaws included Mae Roth in the pole vault (nine feet), Gracie Vohs in the high jump (5 feet 2 inches), Ella Bartlett in the 3000 (11:28.83), Lilly Sundstrom in the 300-meter hurdles (49.12), and Audrey Corcoran in the 100 (12.64) and the 200 (26.35).

It was the first time all season that the Outlaws have been near full-strength as injuries and conflicts with club volleyball have interfered in previous weeks.

“The girls are starting to look like a team that can repeat as District champions,” said assistant coach Dennis Dempsey. “At present a number of the girls are ranked in the top ten among all 3A competitors.”

For the boys team, podium

The girls are starting to look like a team that can repeat as District champions.

— Dennis Dempsey

In addition to her win in the high jump, Gracie Vohs placed second in the 400 (1:01.51) and fourth in the 200 (27.36). Other top performers included freshman Althea Crabtree who placed third in the high jump (5 feet), sixth in the pole vault (8 feet 6 inches), sixth in the 100 hurdles (17.71), and seventh in the 300 hurdles (50.85) — all personal bests. Brook Duey ran a personal best in the 400 (1:02.52) and joined Vohs, Josie Ryan, and Sundstrom for a third-place finish in the 4 x 400-meter relay (4:21.33).

finishes were harder to come by.

John Berg ran a personal best in the 400 (53.32) for fourth place and followed up with another best in the 200 (23.88) where he finished fifth. Spencer Tisdel cleared 11 feet to finish second in the pole vault. The team of Spencer Davis, Charlie Moen, Broderick Womack, and Berg placed sixth in the 4 x 400-meter relay (3:45.10).

Results were better for the boys at the four-way meet at Ridgeview on Wednesday, April 17, as a number of athletes established lifetime and season bests.

Moen tossed the javelin 136 feet 11.75 inches, Tisdel cleared 11 feet 2 inches in the pole vault, George Roberts clocked 2:15.96 in the 800, and Davis broke 12 seconds in the 100 for the first time (11.96).

The highlight for girls at the meet came when Roth soared 10 feet in the pole vault.

The Outlaws will stay closer to home this week with a three-way meet at Crook County in Prineville on Wednesday, April 24.

Sisters Middle School Honor Roll

FIFTH GRADE: 4.0

Bilderback, Weston; Crabtree, Zinnia; Davis, Riley; Freeman, Madison; Griffin, Ellis; Hansen, Avery; Hernandez, Payton; Horton, Luella; Miller, Ezekiel; Padilla, Phoenix; Poulos, Brecken; Scott, Louella; Seaney, Reese; Velikonia, Evangeline; Watley, Damon.

3.5 and above

Morrow, Xavier; Bulloch, William; Dickman, Gavin; Durham, Noelle; Johnson, Hudson; Kemp, Blake; Knutzen, Emerson; Nielsen, Finley; Pasley, Parker; Planty, Bodhi; Johnson, Collier; McShane, Declan; McShane, Finnley; Dobbs, Landon; Eigner, Caleb; Hay, Dawson; Moffat, Bailey; Ohlenkamp, Clark; Smith, Olin; Taylor, Jameson; White, Layla; Griffin, Taylor; Weaver, Winter; Georger, Luke; Kirkpatrick, Camden; Macintosh, Catherine; Martin, Camden; Orange, Avery; Rea, Wilson; Rude, Hudson; Weston, Savannah; Morzov, Kaia; Stevenson, Jaxon.

SIXTH GRADE: 4.0

Anderson, Jordan; Beaver, Catherine; Cheney, Lena; Corcoran, Charlie; Folin, Amelia; Geraths, Paisley; Hagen, Quinn; Hamerly, Vivienne; Henry, Rylah; Jensen, Dublin; Kidd, Mya; Kuitert, Brayden; Kuitert, Macy; Liddell, Campbell;

Nibur, Augustus; Parzybok, Arlo; Perry, Mallory; Thomas, Aspen; Vedder, Pyper; Walker, Stephen; Welbourn, Sydney; Wilkie, Echo; Wolfe, Ava.

3.5 and above

Anderson, Paige; Beswick, Claire; Borla, Nealie; Card, Tabor; Casey, Lillian; Garcia, Ellery; Green, Savannah; Hansen, Penelope; MacDonald, Evan; Skeels, Brennin; Sullivan, Ashly; Yoakum, Kiera; Barbeau, Kammy; Bulloch, Belle; Cochran, Brogan; Greninger, Maxson; Jordan, Crosby; Miller, Kaylee; Riemer, Rilyn; Temple, Pete; Beswick, Indiana; Beswick, Mackenzie; Connelly, Lane; Ellington, Delfina; Frank, Owen; Hudson, Sydney; McCord, Aulora

Monroe, Cayden; O’Neill, Emmry; Reyes, Malachi; Smithers, Layne; Newton, Kiera.

SEVENTH GRADE: 4.0

Bilderback, Clara; Brang, Cameron; Cogdill, Katharine; Cron, Lydia; Dean, Caroline; Dennison, Cole; Durham, Marshall; Erdekian, Ajax; Faldmo, Kinley; Fernandez, Manny; Hansen, Kathryn; Humpert, Audrey; Jaschke, Josie; Johnson, Brennan; Keeton, Kyanne; Kemp, Julianne; Liddell, Paige

MacDonald, Lida; Moffat, Brennan; Molesworth,

Annabelle; Morris, Kole; Osborne, Maggie; Reid, Opal; Scott, James; Singleton, Will; Smith, Roselynn; Taylor, Ashylinn; Vitelle, Alex; White, Jasmine.

3.5 and above

Barlow, Jade; Hubbell, Georgia; Kirkpatrick, Landon; Labhart, Maren; Lee, Clover; Mock, Kate

Nordell, Ryah; Dunlap, Hudson; Pronold, Boone; Rhyne, Isla; Roberts, Tucker; Womack, Reese; Backorius, Kaia; Behnke, Max; Davis, Jace; Dunivin, Jaylynn; Taylor, Aubrey; Doyle, Laef.

EIGHTH GRADE: 4.0

Anderson, Carter; Beaver, Elizabeth; Brent, Verbena; Cheney, Jack; Durham, Madison; Green, Silas; Guiney, Janelle; Hagen, Reed; Hansen, Brooklynne; Jensen, Jasper; Kirkpatrick, Madison; Kirkpatrick, Makayla; Magner, Lola; Montanez, Felix; Smith, Wynona

Talus, Henri; Vanhandel, Mason; Varner, Madison; Walker, Ella; Welty, Helena.

3.5 and above

Davis, Kennedy; Fredland, Molly; Freeland, Avery; Gibney, Tanner; King, Siena; Moen, Stella; Newton, Olivia; Roberts, Mary; Benton, Phineas; Clark, Sofia; Ladd, Meron; Alvarez, Amber; Beswick, Charlotte; Cohen, William; Kennedy, Teague; Martin, Bella; Stelle, Ryan.

Jennifer Holland, Executive Director of SPRD, explains future site improvements to community members at an open house last week. The event drew more that 75 people, and unveiled concepts for a future park and use of the old elementary school which will be a new community recreation center. PHOTO

WOLVES: Humanwolf encounters are extremely rare

Continued from page 6

is what to do:

• Stay calm

• Raise your voice and speak firmly

• Back away slowly while facing the animal. Do not turn and run

• Leave the wolf a way to escape

• Pick up small children without bending down

• Use air horns or other noisemakers

• Use bear spray or firearms if necessary (fire a shot into the ground safely).

In the very unlikely event that you are attacked by a wolf, fight back. Try to remain standing and use rocks, sticks, tools, camping gear, and your hands to fend off the attack.

On ODFW’s website, there is a helpful video giving more details on wolf encounters: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=r76GJDP0uWQ.

There are special and important considerations for those of you who take your dogs out with you. Wolves might see your dog as a territory threat, so here are ODFW’s tips for dog owners:

• Keep dogs within view.

• Place a bell or a beeping collar on wider ranging dogs.

• Talk loudly to the dog or other people with you or use whistles.

• Control the dog so that it stays close to you and wolves associate it with a human.

Place the dog on a leash if you have reason to believe wolves are active in the area you are recreating.

Although the chances of having a negative encounter with a wolf are just barely above zero, it’s good to be prepared.

The reporter’s family spends a lot of time in more remote areas of known wolf activity, so they take precautions, including staying close together, always having a charged cell phone, carrying safety whistles within easy reach, and adults carrying bear mace and a sturdy hiking pole. They also ensure they are aware of their surroundings by looking for signs of a predator in the area.

Recreating in wolf country can be fun and awesome; seeing a wolf can be a oncein-a-lifetime experience. So, although there are precautions to take, an encounter will likely be a positive experience. The reporter’s family has spent many hours in areas where wolves are and has yet to see one. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t, and it’s good to be prepared.

Ander Rhoads is a Bend-La Pine Schools seventh-grade student. He wishes to thank the biologists who generously took the time to help him with this article.

Planners mull development code changes

By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief

The discussion of development code changes that would allow for a boutique RV Park at the former site of the Conklin Guest House on the corner of Barclay Drive and Camp Polk Road/Locust Street will carry into next month.

The Sisters Planning Commission continued their April 18 public hearing on the matter to May 16.

The changes, which would allow an RV park as a use in the Sun Ranch Tourist Commercial zone, would have to be in place before a formal plan for the site can be filed. The property developers propose a “boutique, higher-end RV Park that caters to the growing sector of the tourism industry that travels in RVs” to be sited on the property.

The code changes are suggested by the applicant.

The commissioners deferred full deliberations to the later meeting.

Commissioner Tom Ries expressed reservations about including “RV Park” in the tourist commercial zone, noting that it is a fundamental change. He also noted that the proposed changes strike much of the original language of the code, and he would like more explanation of the rationale behind that.

“We should have some language in here that limits the stay, because we don’t want it to become a mobile home park,” Commissioner Art Blumenkron said.

He also said that there should be language that requires action to minimize impacts on the surrounding neighborhood.

Public comment will remain open through the May 16 continued hearing. Several citizens testified at the hearing.

Regarding the code, Charlie Stephens, who said he was representing a small group of citizens in attendance, testified against mak ing changes.

“The current code, from

a community perspective, is quite good,” he said. “It’s quite adequate.”

He said the applicant “(has) removed the rationale for almost every other use from the code… we would suggest that an RV park is a rather inappropriate use for this particular piece of ground, especially in a city that’s evolving and is looking at expanding its urban growth boundary and if you look at the property around there, there will be neighborhoods within walking distance of that site.”

A resident of nearby Grand Peaks testified that an RV park is not compatible with residential neighborhoods.

Another citizen noted that the proposed development does not provide housing or employment opportunities for Sisters.

The applicant’s representative, Jon Skidmore, noted that, “This property is commercially zoned. It was

was brought into the City specifically for commercial purposes and it will be developed as such.”

Julie York, a resident of Grand Peaks, expressed concern about traffic.

“This isn’t normal vehicle traffic,” she said. “These are huge vehicles.”

As far as the formal planning process goes, specific development issues such as traffic impact are outside the scope of the code changes the planning commission is currently addressing. 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 and the specific proposed uses of the property would be up for discussion and debate.

Commission chair Jeff Seymour noted that the lines were getting blurred between the development code changes — the focus of

DUNN: Ernest and Alinda Dunn are 2024 Grand Marshals

Continued from page 1

the clubhouse, a role they embraced wholeheartedly. Fond memories of organizing parades with upwards of 110 entries attest to their passion for community engagement and friendly competition.

While neither competed in rodeo events during their youth, their love for the sport burgeoned from countless hours spent watching rodeos in Salem. This admiration only deepened over the years, fueling their dedication to the Sisters Rodeo Association.

Named Grand Marshals, Ernest and Alinda humbly accept the honor, acknowledging the multitude of deserving individuals within the community. To them, it symbolizes not only recognition but also a reaffirmation of their commitment to serving the association they hold dear.

As they reflect on their journey with the Sisters Rodeo Association, Ernest and Alinda’s story characterizes the enduring spirit of volunteerism, community, and unwavering dedication that forms the very foundation of this beloved institution.

What has kept them devoted to the association for over three decades is the sense of camaraderie and familial bond they cherish dearly. Work parties morphed into enjoyable social gatherings, united by the common goal of preparing for the rodeo. Witnessing the association evolve over the years fills them with pride, though they remain steadfast in their desire for it to retain its grassroots essence amidst a rapidly changing landscape.

BREABACH: SFF Presents found band in Scotland

Continued from page 3

march together with guitarist Ewan Robertson and their daughter.

A family from Redmond sits near the pipers. Daughter Annaliese Greenwood, age “10 almost 11,” appreciates the music.

“I like it,” she explains, “because I like bagpipe music.” She clarifies that she has never heard bagpipe music before. “It makes me feel happy.”

Her 8-year-old brother August weighs in: “I liked the bagpipes and the flutes best,” he says.

Their dad, Wilhelm Greenwood, says, “I like listening to music from around the world. It’s special to listen to a band from Scotland.”

He’s pleased to experience Breabach on a special night out for his wife’s birthday.

“The music makes you want to put on your tap shoes and do a little dance,” he says.

Outside during the “interval,” as the Scots call it, a Leo moon rises in the twilight. Spring has come to Sisters Country. The snow in town has melted. The sun has set; its tangerine glow still illuminates the town and the contours of Black Crater in the distance.

Heading back inside, audience members chat in the entryway. A portrait of beloved local Jack Nagel, who passed a few months back, sits on a table, lit by a

single candle.

The show begins again. Brad Tisdel of show presenter SFF Presents — the Artist Formerly Known as Sisters Folk Festival — acts as emcee, noting that as part of their appearance in Sisters, Breabach will connect with youth in Melissa Stolasz’s Outlaws Strings group at Sisters Middle School.

Rhythmic thumping, dancing, and five-part harmonies round out the second set. A couple sits in back, savoring the performance. Sisters residents Jason Todd and his wife have been to Scotland, “like a lot of people who are here.”

He describes the band as “great. I love the dueling bagpipes. That’s something I haven’t seen before.”

The couple occasionally attends events at The Belfry or festivals.

“We’re kind of homebodies, but this brings people out, brings people together,” he says. “It’s an amazing venue.”

The show’s sound is largely clear and well balanced, the audience pronounced in their appreciation: clapping, hollering. With a seated audience there is little in the way of dancing; people seem energized nonetheless. The lighting

occasionally distracts from the performance. Mostly, though, the show feels, looks, and sounds excellent.

After the encore, members of Breabach sign CDs. Conal McDonagh, who plays pipes and whistle, says, “It was lovely to be here. We had a great drive down here today from Seattle, and like, just looking at the scenery was brilliant. Yeah. Almost reminded us of home, but more volcanoes I suppose.”

Adds James Lindsay, who plays double bass, “We’ve had such a great time here playing at The Belfry, for a great crowd. What a great community spirit you’ve got here in Sisters.”

As they prepare to head out, the band say they hope to play Sisters again. SFF workers fold up chairs. Bar staff clear out glasses and cans.

Audience members walk out into a cold, clear night sparkling with stars. Some carry tired children; others walk slowly on quiet streets, admiring the dark sky. Some will be back for the Big Ponderoo or Sisters Folk Festival. Some may find their feet tapping in weeks to come, carrying the sound of Breabach beyond The Belfry, into the woods, kitchens, and trails of Sisters Country.

Up

She wiggles and squir ms ever y two minutes flat

Just enough to keep me awake — with her knee on my bac k

We tried potty, we got water, and just one drink more

Tucking her and bear in her Special Bed on the floor

Sleepily I c limb bac k in my bed, snuggled up tight

When I hear, “Mommy, I am hungry,” befor e the mor ning light

Bac k from the kitchen with our snack of or ange and cheese

Sitting in the dar k together, sharing happily

“Can I have another one?” she w hisper s with eac h slice

Patting ar ound to feel my hand, gr abbing the or ange quite pr ecise

Chomping and chewing, pitc h blac k on Special Bed

Tucked in for dr eaming, snuggled with bear head to head

Pr aying for ever yone to have a good night sleep

Inc luding bear, to make sur e he will sleep sweet

Good night, I love you, kiss, hug and then

“Mama, will you snuggle me again?”

Now we ar e in the living r oom in mommy’s gr eat big c hair

Feet kicked up, blanket on to p, toes peeking out, w hile out the window we stare

Blac k, gr ay, blue — the sun is waking up, the day is ne w

Sleepy eyes, it’s mor ning time. Twenty questions, now fe w

Daddy off to work, and we sleepy heads

Bac k to the r oom, to Mommy’s bed

Dedicated to Claireage2-1/2

“Ilovedournighttimepicnicfrom 3am-7am”

Sisters Rodeo has kicked off its season.

PHOTO PROVIDED

GRANTS:

C4C Momentum Grants totalled $7,000

Continued from page 3

$7,000 for projects that make Sisters Country more prosperous, livable, resilient, and connected. They received 24 applications — a nearly three-fold increase from 2023. This made for a difficult process for the Selection Committee, which included two C4C board members and three VIT representatives.

The Committee selected the following 2024 grant recipients:

• Central Oregon Trail Alliance, for the purchase of a gazebo that will provide shade cover at Bike Park 242 (next to SPRD’s Coffield Center).

• Furry Friends Foundation, to stock their free pet food bank, keeping the pets of lower-income community members in homes and out of shelters and rescues.

• Lazy Z Ranch, to teach students about pollinator habitat restoration and soil health monitoring through a collaborative program with the Sisters High School Greenhouse Class.

• Living Well With Dementia Sisters, to produce local events focused on providing support, education, and resources for community members with dementia and their care partners.

• Romeo’s Joy, for a new project combating social isolation and mental decline by providing local at-risk seniors with free animatronic “companion animals.”

• Rotary Club of Sisters, to launch a “Merchant Passport Program” during the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show, boosting community engagement and foot traffic for downtown merchants.

• Seed to Table, to develop a new program at Sisters Farmers Market, offering community-oriented activities in the Sisters Makers building next to Fir Street Park.

• Sisters School District Special Education Department, for their summer work program teaching

job skills to secondary school students. Look for their ice cream cart in local parks this summer.

• Sisters Middle School Sunshine Club, for an after school program that fosters intergenerational connectivity by bringing students to The Lodge in Sisters for regular activities, crafts, and celebrations.

• Sisters Festival of Books, for the relaunch of a three-day festival celebrating the literary culture of Central Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.

To see such a robust, wide-ranging set of ideas was incredibly inspiring, and an indicator of just how much potential for positive impact our community holds.

— Kellen Klein

“We were overwhelmed by the interest in our Momentum Grants program this year, and by the caliber of the applications,” said Kellen Klein, C4C’s Executive Director. “To see such a robust, wide-ranging set of ideas was incredibly inspiring, and an indicator of just how much potential for positive impact our community holds.

“At the same time, it highlights the ongoing difficulty that both new and well-established groups have securing funding for important local work. We encourage the charitably-inclined within our community to double down on their efforts to give, buy, invest, and volunteer locally.”

Rodeo season kicks off in Sisters

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

The mood Saturday night was festive when a few hundred party-goers joined in the annual Sisters Rodeo Kickoff Party held under a tent on the patio of Sisters Saloon. Many were huddled near the portable heaters as temperatures dipped quickly with the setting sun.

Dry Canyon Stampede band played in the background while cowboys and cowgirls of all stripes donned Western wear, enjoyed libations, and caught up on plans for the 84th rodeo scheduled for June 5-9 at the rodeo grounds east of town.

The queen, Destiny Wecks, was there. Wecks was born and raised in the Western way of life on a horse ranch in Joseph, Oregon. She is a graduate from Enterprise High School and is currently furthering her education, pursuing an Associates Degree in Agriculture Business, at Treasure Valley Community College.

Like many a little girl’s dream, Wecks’ became reality when she held her first rodeo queen title at the age of six as Miss Rodeo Oregon Sweetheart and has not looked back. In 2015 she held the title of Jr Miss Rodeo Oregon, served as 2020-2021 Chief Joseph Days Rodeo Queen, as well as Oregon High School Rodeo 1st Attendant in 20202021, and most recently held the title of the 2022 Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon.

When not in the show ring, she is in the rodeo arena. Wecks won the Junior Rodeo Senior Girls All Around title in 2020 by

competing in goats, barrels, poles, break-away roping, and her favorite event, steer riding.

The evening began with Sisters Rodeo Board President Scott Talerico welcoming the crowd. He then introduced each board member who identified their respective jobs in putting on the rodeo affectionately called the “Biggest Little Show In The World.”

Also introduced were 2024 Grand Marshals, Ernest and Alinda Dunn. The Dunns are said to epitomize the essence of community spirit and dedication, as evidenced by their remarkable journey intertwined with the Sisters Rodeo Association. (See related story, page 1). Fond memories of organizing parades with upwards of 110 entries attest to their passion for community engagement

and friendly competition.

While neither competed in rodeo events during their youth, their love for the sport burgeoned from countless hours spent watching rodeos in Salem. This admiration deepened over the years, fueling their dedication to the Sisters Rodeo Association.

Cole Perkins and his date, Leeann Riley, both from Prineville, summed up the evening.

“You just can’t get enough rodeo,” Perkins said. “We did the Redmond (High Desert) Stampede a couple of weeks ago and it was a whopper, but the Sisters Rodeo… that just feels more of what rodeo means for small town folk.”

“We love the feel in Sisters,” Riley added. “We’re basically strangers here and yet everybody treats us like family. Rodeo is really just one big family I guess.”

Queen Destiny Wecks, center, welcomed friends and community members to the annual Sisters Rodeo Kickoff Party.

PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT

Sisters was their last stop.

“We pretty much thought that Sisters was going to be it because of the flight program here,” said Amy Bionda, Timber’s mom. “It surpasses our wildest dreams. The school is absolutely amazing. All the opportunities are unbelievable.”

Timber enrolled as a junior in Sisters High School and joined its aviation program. It has a “ground school” — a state-certified Career and Technical Education Program that leads students to an industryrecognized credential, such as a pilot license.

“Weather, cross-country flight planning, federal aviation regulations — everything the FAA wants students to know in order to pass the flying test,” said Sheryl Yeager, a certified flight instructor who runs the SHS aviation program.

It was nothing Timber couldn’t handle.

“He’s the most self-motivated kid I’ve ever taught,” Yeager said. “His maturity, no-nonsense focus on the important things, and level of perfectionism… I’ve never seen anything like it,” Yeager said.

The program is intense.

“The written exam took

six months of hard study, and you have to pass to continue your training, then pass your final checkride,” Timber said.

Timber aced his exam.

“He had the highest score of any kid,” Yeager recalled.

He also started an RC plane club, joined the IEE program, and played varsity tennis. The SHS flight school, Outlaw Aviation, folded within weeks of Timber’s arrival. But when one cockpit door closes, another one opens.

“I met Timber a little over a year ago,” said Joel Haynes, treasurer of Bend Chapter 1345 of the Experimental Aircraft Association. “He impressed me as a driven young man who knew what he wanted to do and was focusing on that. After I got to know him a little bit, I talked with Amy and I suggested that maybe Timber could go flying with me in my airplane, which is an experimental, home-built aircraft. Once we had the opportunity, he spent about an hour in the air and was beside himself with enthusiasm. He was pretty much a natural in the air.”

Becoming a pilot takes time and money: at least 40 hours of flying at a flight school. Most candidates complete 50 hours. At $200 per hour, that’s $10,000. Timber was also applying to colleges at the time. A four-year university degree requires a five-figure

investment — per year.

EAA Chapter 1345 wrote letters of recommendation for Timber’s college applications and encouraged him to pursue their Ray’s Aviation Scholarship, which provides up to $11,000 to help young flyers cover flight training expenses.

“Learning to fly is not easy. It takes a major commitment, and the washout rate is pretty significant. We weed out those we don’t think have the wherewithal, regarding ambition and abilities,” Haynes said. “When we awarded the scholarship to Timber last year, it was a unanimous decision.”

Timewise, flight opportunities don’t open until spring and can close before fall.

“In Central Oregon, if you don’t complete your training by October, the weather can get really nasty really quickly,” said EAA Chapter Secretary Jeff Stolasz, who coordinates the Ray’s Scholarship.

With flight school Bend Aircraft, Timber logged around 40 hours in 2023 and another 50 hours this year before taking his oral test and final checkride:

“Two hours of ground questions, where you’re answering live,” said Timber. “You prepare a flight plan with a map, say where you’re going to fly, look at the weather, and the altitude you’re going to fly, and everything related to your flight plan and being a

pilot. You prepare for, ‘Why did you choose this path? If you have an emergency here, what do you do?’ If you pass that, you can start the flying part, which is also two hours. You have to pass every procedure — slow flight, stiff turns, staying within an airspeed margin, and doing the correct maneuvers and procedures.”

All Amy could do was watch.

“He says that when he’s under pressure, he works even better, and that reassures me,” she said. “So, if something were to go wrong with the engine, he’s even more efficient.”

Timber said he gained confidence throughout his checkride, which lowered his stress level.

“At my last landing, we touched the ground, and the

instructor said, ‘So what’s it feel like to be a pilot now?’ At that point, I knew I passed everything,” Timber said. “It was a big relief — just so much work, so much dedication, a year-and-a-half of fully intense training.”

Timber plans to fly his mother and brother over the Three Sisters to see the mountains from the air, then take off for college. He’s been accepted into the aeronautical program at Purdue, where he will major in aerospace engineering.

“My dream will be to design and build airplanes for a living and fly them for fun,” Timber said.

Next year, he hopes to find a group of students with which he can buy, build, and fly their own plane,

Timber Bionda in the air.

PILOT: Earning license took time, effort and dedication

Continued from page 16

then pursue an internship with an aerospace company in Colorado. First, Timber wants to thank the EAA by helping with its Young Eagles program, where pilots give kids free plane rides.

“Several times a year, we give rides to young, enthusiastic people. Some just enjoy the ride, some will become pilots, and many become applicants for our Ray’s Scholarship program,” said EAA Chapter President Chris Wallace.

The next Young Eagles event will take place June 1 at the Bend Airport.

“There’s a pretty significant interest when we advertise for our Young Eagles event. There’s typically no space if you show up the day of, without a slot,” Stolasz explained.

Interested 8- to 16-yearolds can look to sign up at https://chapters.eaa.org/ eaa1345 or the High Desert Flyers EAA Chapter 1345 Facebook page, https:// www.facebook.com/ HighDesertFlyers.

Looking back, proud mom Amy is all smiles.

“I never would have dreamed that we’d be here, having integrated into the American system as he has,” she said. “One thing after another that just blows my mind.”

Timber says earning his college acceptance and his wings were totally worth the dedication, time, and resources.

“I’m 17. I’m a pilot now. I can take my friends up,” he said. “I definitely want to take quite a few people who helped me during my high school journey, as a way to thank them — take a joyride.”

Then Timber will attempt to earn one more transportation certification: his driv

Continued from page 2

there and a request for those partaking in cannabis products in public spaces. Dogs can get stoned so please be more thoughtful with your stash. My wife and I have been running, biking, skiing, and hiking with our pup off-leash (yes, I hear you “put your dog on a leash!”) in Central Oregon’s national forests and public lands without incident for nine-plus years.

However, twice now in the last two months, in completely different locales around Sisters, our pup has found and ingested some cannabis products. We know this because she tested positive for THC at the veterinarian. While rarely fatal, too high a dose can cause severe toxicity and complications. In our case, we were lucky; she was just good and stoned. It can, however, be unnerving to see your pup struggling to stand up and flinch away from you when you try to comfort them.

I encourage dog owners to know the signs and symptoms of THC toxicity (https://www.petmd.com/dog/poisoning/ cannabis-toxicity-in-dogs) and I ask that cannabis users think twice before tossing the end of that blunt or the crumbs from that last edible out of your car or backpack onto the trail, parking lot, or floor of the cross-country ski shelter.

I’m all for legalization and recreational use — just not by my dog.

Thanks! And here’s to happy trails and wagging tails.

Walter Major

s s s

Supporting McLeod-Skinner

To the Editor:

I have worked for Jamie McLeod-Skinner when she was interim City Manager for the City of Talent. During that time, she led the wildfire recovery for the City after the devastating Almeda Fire in 2020 that destroyed a third of the city.

She was an effective and supportive leader, focused on serving the community during a time of crisis. Staff found Jamie to be a positive force that was driven to do our best for the community. The City of Talent staff also wanted her to stay on and gave her an award when she returned home to central Oregon.

While I worked with Jamie, I have no idea who wrote the negative letter, and wish there was a way to fact check claims made in that letter. These negative attacks are what people hate about politics. I hope that OR-5 voters elect Jamie

McLeod-Skinner as she will be a great representative for Oregonians in Congress. As someone who worked for her, I can tell you that we need effective and compassionate leadership during these difficult times and Jamie is just that person.

Kristen Maze

To the Editor:

s s s

Chang dodges on forests

In an article dated January 13, 2024, DailyMail.com stated “Chinese billionaire Chen Tianqiao’s $85 Million purchase of Oregon timberland is missing from government records, alarming lawmakers: Is now second-largest foreign owner of U.S. land.”

That land is 198,000 acres of timberland in TUMALO. He “has held executive roles in organizations affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and is allegedly an admirer of Chairman Mao, according to Chinese media reports.”

This went undetected until Tianqiao was selling some of the property. I have a problem with a billionaire with close ties to the Chinese Communist Party buying up Tumalo land — or any huge amounts of land — anywhere in the U.S., and you should, too.

But apparently Phil Chang doesn’t. When asked about the deal by the Bend Bulletin his response was: “I think it’s more like investment right now — investing in resiliency and in future stand conditions more favorable to saw log production.” Phil Chang is a Deschutes County Commissioner whose background is in natural resource management. What?

Where is the outrage, Mr. Chang? Where is the transparency? Why wasn’t it public record? His artful dodging of the real issues, these questions, shows that Phil Chang doesn’t care that Mr. Tianqiao bought the property in the first place, and it was never recorded.

In Chang’s commentary in The Nugget dated April 3, 2024, entitled “Accessible and affordable insurance” (which is neither affordable nor accessible any longer) he mentioned that he assisted the state in preparing the state-wide wildfirehazard maps. I would say we can’t afford your “help” any more. You claim that these maps were “mistakenly blamed” for higher insurance rates. Yes, insurance companies have their own actuaries, but putting most of Sisters Country at “high risk” certainly didn’t help. Our homes have for the most part been fire-proofed for years, but that was not taken into account on the maps you helped create. Also, isn’t Senate

Boys tennis ties in match against Madras

By Rongi Yost Correspondent

The boys tennis squad started their week with a 4-4 tie at Madras against the White Buffs on Tuesday, April 9. Two days later they fell 2-6 at Prineville.

In Tuesday’s match against the White Buffs, the Outlaws swept in all four singles spots and the White Buffs won every match in doubles play.

Dominic Pulver (No. 1 singles) pulverized Fernando Saldana with a very strong powerful first serve, and easily recorded the 6-1, 6-2 win. Dom also had a strong backhand that was a great weapon. He strategically placed his shots deep to the baseline and kept Saldana from coming to the net, and then took care of business when the opportunity of a short ball presented itself.

Coach Vince Grace said, “Dom is playing some of his best tennis, with consistent play from the backcourt. The way he is playing right now, he is the tip of the spear for our team, and will continue to dominate.”

Jude Parzybok made short work of Keith Charley III with a very strong first serve in his 6-1, 6-3 victory. He used a powerful jump serve and often landed a powerful kick serve hard to the middle of the service box.

“Jude played with precision and placed his shots strategically cross court, then mixed it up and hit it down the line, which kept his opponent guessing,” said Grace. “He is a smart player, who doesn’t just settle in the backcourt and hit comfortable ground strokes while waiting for his opponent to make a mistake. He approached the net where he faced challenging balls at his feet, hard fast balls moving at his body, or shots he really had to stretch for.”

Jack Murray (No. 3 singles) had a solid win due to his consistent serve and return, and defeated Theo Miller 6-1, 7-5.

“Jack is one of our core players and fun to watch,” said Grace. “Jack enjoys putting in time before and after practice, puts in work on his own, and today it paid off. He’s our most improved player.”

Will McConnell (freshman) just joined the team two weeks ago, and came to the squad with tennis experience. He faced Dereck Salgado at No. 4 singles and came out on top 6-3, 7-5.

“Will hit many overheads, as his opponent kept

trying to lob it in the wind over his head,” said Grace. “Will is working on his split step, moving his feet forward, pausing his feet briefly to successfully react at what his opponent is hitting at him, whether it’s a lob, a volley in the air, or a ground stroke deep. He’s a very capable athlete and he will be a contender going forward for Outlaw tennis.”

The Outlaws struggled in doubles play against older, more experienced players.

Grace said, “Our doubles teams are working on positioning themselves as teams of twos. Communication, moving like a magnet towards the ball at the net to block a quick shot, or moving back to support your partner takes skill and practice, which we are working on as a team.”

At Prineville on Thursday, Pulver (No. 1 singles) and Will McDonnell (No. 4 singles) were Sisters winners for the day.

Pulver beat Victor Covarrubias 6-3, 7-5.

Grace said, “There was no stopping the powerful forehand laid down by powerhouse Pulver. No radar gun was available, but his shots deep and down the lines laid down some rubber.”

McDonnell defeated Malachi Walker with grit and determination. He was down 0-4 in the first set and came back to win 6-4. He lost the second set 4-6, but buckled down and came from behind in the tiebreaker and beat Walker, a much more experienced player, 11-9.

“Will got to shots you just can’t coach, and picked up multiple shots at his feet, and then lobbed the ball over his opponents head to the back of the court for a winner,” said Grace. “This was the most exciting match of the day, and multiple cheers were heard from spectators as the dual went back and forth. A well earned win!”

Grace added, “Tennis is a game of mental strength and focus, a game of endurance, and a game of strategy as you anticipate your opponent’s moves, which requires agility. The best part is we are learning as a team. Whether we’re playing singles or doubles, we are striving for self-improvement. We are enjoying the journey and experiencing the joy of tennis.”

Next up for the Outlaws is the Caldera Tournament which will be held Friday, April 19, at Caldera High School, 60925 SE 15th St., Bend.

Outlaws sweep La Pine, face Elmira

By Matt Van Slyke Correspondent

Outlaws varsity baseball, winners of seven straight, now look to keep their bats alive versus Elmira.

Sisters sent La Pine home empty handed last week. The series began April 16 in La Pine, where the Outlaws defeated the Hawks 6-4. Shifting to Sisters, the Outlaws won back-to-back games 7-5 and 11-1 on Friday, capping off a threegame set of Ws against their regional rival.

“The biggest thing, I think, from Friday, was we scored every single inning. It makes it tough on a team when you’re scoring every inning in the second game,” said head coach Matt Hilgers. “We knew going into the second game, if we could put up some runs early, we were going to put ourselves in a really good situation. We put up three runs in the first inning and just kept it going. Scoring every single inning for 12 innings was really big for us.”

Junior Diego Silva bunted home the tying run in the first of the two Friday games, then came around to score the goahead run. Minutes later, on defense, he took over the mound.

“He came in with bases loaded and won out to close that first game, which was huge for us and shut them

Healthcare screenings in Sisters

Residents living in and around the Sisters area can learn about their risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, and other chronic, serious conditions with affordable screenings by Life Line Screening. SistersCamp Sherman Fire Station community hall will host this community event on May 9. The site is located at 301 S. Elm St. in Sisters.

Screenings can check for: level of plaque buildup in your arteries, related to risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke and overall vascular health; HDL and LDL cholesterol levels; diabetes risk; kidney and thyroid function; and more. Screenings are affordable and convenient. Special package pricing starts at $159, but consultants will work with you to create a package that is right for you based on your age and risk factors. Pre-registration is required, call 1-877-237-1287 or visit www.lifelinescreening.com.

down, momentum-wise,” Hilgers said.

Pitcher Brody Fischer, a senior, earned the win: four earned runs over seven innings with nine strikeouts and two walks.

The No. 9 hitter, Hudson Beckwith, a junior, had three hits in three at-bats in Game 1 on Friday.

In Game 2, sophomore Trent Gordon allowed five hits and one run over five innings, striking out seven and walking two.

Junior Kayl Mock went 3-for-6 on Friday with four RBIs, including two doubles and a home run.

“Our hitting and our approach was way, way better this past week. And then pitching — pitching has helped us all year. I think we’ve had eight or nine games this year that have been four runs or less. Pitching has kept us in a lot of games,” Hilgers added.

Later this week, the Outlaws travel to Elmira on Friday for a doubleheader.

“We’re just hoping to continue what we got started here and keep it rolling,” Hilgers said. “We’ve got to be ready to go with them. With baseball, if you’re off your game, anybody can get you.”

Sisters High School junior Kayl Mock hit a home run and two doubles Friday, April 19, against La Pine.

PHOTO BY MATT VAN SLYKE

EXPLORING CAREERS IN HEALTHCARE ON

There are few cer tainties in life, bu t one is that, at some point , we will all interac t with the medical world.

“Being able to navigate the medical world is a skill that takes some teaching and some content knowledge,” says S am Pasley, who teaches health sciences at Sisters High School (SHS).

Her student s get that knowledge — and quite a bit more — in an integrated program called the Health Sciences Program of S tudy

“Basically, the goal is to expose kids to medical thinking and medical careers,” Pasley said.

Student s learn emergency capabilities, including becoming cer tified in CPR .

“If they ’re just walking away with that at the end of the day, i t’s a win,” Pasley said.

Many students delve deeper, exploring medical careers that can shape their lives. The program’s S t . Charles Rotations — restored now after being der ailed by COVID — allow student s to shadow a variet y of healthcare professionals in the ac tual setting of their work .

“They get a huge range of perspec tives in the hospital,” Pasley said.

Sometimes the student s are inspired to follow a path that they discover there, sometimes they f ind that what had seemed like a job they might want really isn’ t for them. Either way, the experience has value.

The job shadowing exposes them to lab work , radiology, same -day surger y, emergency medicine and the intensive care unit , physical therapy, a family clinic, and pharmacy. They see serious medicine being prac ticed in real time

Student s discover that there is a dizz ying array of possibilities in the healthcare f ield, besides the more visible professions such as becoming a doc tor or a nurse. The SHS program o ers them “exposure to the ac tual careers that are available,” Pasley said.

a “job,” with task s to complete and colleagues to work with. Pasley is there for support , bu t the student s have to take the initiative.

“I help them get unstuck f rom problems, bu t I don’ t teach them how to do i t,” she said.

Pasley is “an athletic trainer by trade,” bu t she’s teaching full time at SHS in a program that she regards as unique in the real-world oppor tunities it provides to student s in Sister s.

Student s don’ t necessarily have to pursue medical school to work in healthcare. Pasley note s that Central Oregon Communit y College has many associate degrees

Some of the classes at SHS are student- directed and resemble

Popular seasonal businesses to reopen

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

Richard’s Produce, more popularly known as Sisters Farmstand, and C&C Nursery are reopening after reaching an agreement with the current owners of Space Age Fuel on West Cascade Avenue and the prospective purchaser. Space Age was engaged in a lengthy and contentious planning application as it sought to modernize the aging store and increase the number of fuel pumps.

The application was denied by the City after citizens strongly objected to the expansion. Following denial of the request, Space Age Fuels, based in Portland, listed the business for sale at $4.95 million including the real estate on which the station and store sit and the unused land behind it to West Hood Avenue where C&C and Richard’s set up their seasonal shops.

The listing claims fuel sales of 111,000 gallons per month and convenience store sales of $96,000 per month.

Neither the prospective buyer nor the seller or seller’s agent wished to discuss the deal as it was still being negotiated. Several in contact with both say the transaction seems to be headed to conclusion.

Moreover it appears that the potential new owners are interested in not only keeping the current arrangement with the seasonal tenants but

possibly increasing their presence as part of an upgrade to the premises.

Earlier this year, The Nugget observed test core drilling on the gas station property, likely part of the due diligence to ascertain if the underground fuel storage tanks were intact.

Sale completed on large parcel next to Sno Cap

The property, on West Cascade Avenue adjacent to Sno Cap Drive In and running east to Oak Street, had been on the market for 1,083 days. The .24-acre lot sold for $1.25 million according to public records. The purchasers, based in Portland, are also the owners of Cascade Spirits and Wild Roots.

The former runs a tasting room and bottle shop at 261 W. Cascade Ave., across the street and a block east of the acquired lot. The latter operates a vodka and gin distilling and packaging facility located at Sun Ranch Drive and Camp Polk Road.

The fast growing company houses two tasting rooms in Portland, one at the high traffic, upscale Washington Square Mall next to Nordstrom, and the other at Northeast Grand and East Burnside. The tasting rooms can be rented for private gatherings after normal business hours.

At press time, The Nugget had not been able to interview CEO Chris Joseph. This is a developing story.

LETTERS

Continued from page 17

Bill 1511 the one that’s going to again raise our already high taxes to fight wildfires? Our taxes already go for paying for fire fighting. The answer is not to throw more of our hardearned money at something we are already paying for.

Mr. Chang is just another politician side-stepping the questions when we need answers. I think we can do better. Any of the other three candidates would be better, but Rob Imhoff has excellent common sense, a great background to fill the commissioner’s seat and he gets my vote.

Jayne Simmons

To the Editor:

Is anyone else outraged that Costco has blown up 60 acres of land to replace their east side (Bend) mega store with an even bigger one on our north side when the original store was more than adequate?

Are all the people moving here obsessed with consumerism or do you actually appreciate and value our naturalness and beauty?

I for one will be boycotting this store. The traffic will be insane.

Jeanne Brooks

s s s

A local Forest Service crew was out doing some cross-cut saw qualifications and trail maintenance on the Chush Falls trail on Wednesday, April 17.

FORUM: Audience will have opportunity for questions

Continued from page 1

Search for Local Housing Affordability.”

It’s a question without clear-cut answers, as Eckert well knows. He and the developers of Sisters Woodlands hoped to create housing suitable for working people in Sisters — and they still hope to do so. The idea was to create homes that a teacher or a firefighter might be able to afford.

“We were in the fours ($400,000) and the fives ($500,000), which still isn’t ‘workforce’ (housing),” Eckert said.

But costs shot up as the project got underway and pushed the price point for their single-family homes higher than even that threshold of affordability. Land costs, higher interest rates, and the cost of construction militates against affordability. Eckert noted that infrastructure costs increased 35 percent over what had been planned for Phase 1, and will hit a 50 percent increase in Phase 2.

A single ubiquitous part is a good illustration of the spike in costs.

“It’s a sweep for an electrical connection,” Eckert said. “It’s a piece of plastic pipe.”

It’s “underground everywhere” — and the cost per part went from $8 to $45.

Eckert notes that Central Electric Co-op fees were double what he had budgeted, driven by scarcity and cost of components.

The designer has taken some heat as costs soared beyond what he had originally portrayed. He still hopes to create some housing that regular folks in Sisters can afford.

“We’re not done yet,” he said. “We’re rolling, but we’re not done yet.”

Sisters Woodlands is partnering with Sisters Habitat for Humanity to designate lots for the organization’s housing. Ten cottage lots will be integrated throughout the development as part of their final master plan approved by the City last year.

Eckert is optimistic that smaller lot sizes now allowed under City code will enable greater affordability in townhomes and condos.

“That decreases the amount of cost that’s dumped into the land by 30 percent,” he said. He’s trying to get down to

Entry level is a co-op or multi-family home. It gets you into the American real estate game.

— Kevin Eckert

a price point of $350,000 for some of the housing, like condos along Highway 20.

“That’s your entry level home,” he said.

On a broader level, Eckert says that his “magic wand” is multi-family housing.

“Entry level is a co-op or multi-family home” he said. “It gets you into the American real estate game.”

Eckert is pleased to see efforts to address the need for middle-range “workforce” housing.

“I’m pretty inspired to see our local Habitat getting after their mission,” he said. “We’re open to partnering with any and all of those groups to meet that middle housing. I still see Woodlands as a mixed community. I really do... We’re not going to solve the housing situation. My goal is to make a ... dent in it, to have an impact.”

Eckert will join: Clayton Crowhurst, housing developer, Northwest Housing Alternatives; Emme Shoup, associate planner, City of Sisters; Jennifer Letz, Sisters City Councilor; and Peter Hoover, executive director, Sisters Habitat for Humanity on the panel.

The forum will address:

• The roots of Sisters current housing problem

• The state of housing affordability and availability in Sisters Country, and what’s at stake

• Which housing initiatives and policies are working, which aren’t, and what’s on the horizon

• What else is needed — from policy makers, developers, and other stakeholders

• Resources available for those seeking housing in Sisters Country.

Following the initial panel discussion, moderator Kellen Klein, executive director of C4C, will open the floor to audience questions and a broader dialogue.

Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Department Community Hall is located at 301 S. Elm St. For more information on the forum format and accessibility visit https://citizens4community.com/events/ spring-forum-24.

CORRECTION

The cost of the new Sisters Ranger District headquarters was misstated in the story “USFS showcases new headquarters” on page 1 of the April 17 edition of The Nugget . The building contracts for $9.6 million and with a warehouse and associated site improvements, total cost is expected to come in under $15 million. Also, the correct amount of concrete poured is 230 cubic yards.

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

CLASSIFIED RATES

COST: $3.50 per line for first insertion, $2.50 per line for each additional insertion to 9th week, $1.50 per line 10th week and beyond (identical ad/consecutive weeks). Also included in The Nugget online classifieds at no additional charge. There is a minimum $5 charge for any classified. First line = approx. 20-25 characters, each additional

Oak and plum firewood logs approximately 2.5 cords per load. Delivered, $500 per load. Custom rough-sawn saw-milling available. Live edge, coffee tables, custom dimensions. Please call or text 936-600-2132.

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205 Garage & Estate Sales

GARAGE SALE

Fri-Sat, April 26-27. 9 to 4. 14695 Bluegrass Loop, Crossroads

Happy Trails Estate Sales and online auctions!

Selling, Downsizing, or Deaths?

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

HERITAGE USA

Open daily 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. 253 E. Hood Ave., Sisters.

301 Vehicles

2016 Harley-Davidson Road

Glide Ultra. Low miles. $14,500. Jeff 720-933-2638.

We Buy, Sell, Consign Quality

Cars, Trucks, SUVs & RVs ~ Call Jeff at 541-815-7397

Sisters Car Connection da#3919 SistersCarConnection.com

302 Recreational Vehicles

–RV for SALE–

Jayco 2021

Jay Flight SLX 8 (212QBW)

Baja + Rocky Mtn Edition

All Season Solar Power Pkg. $20,500. Justin 458-600-6833

401 Horses

ORCHARD GRASS HAY

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

T H E N U G G E T

N E W S P A P E R

S i s t e r s | O r e g o n www.NuggetNews.com

403 Pets

www.SistersVacation.com

Reloading

500 Services

GEORGE’S SEPTIC

TANK SERVICE

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

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

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 VIEW OUR Current Classifieds every Tuesday afternoon! Go to NuggetNews.com

•

Doug Fir

Lodgepole –Hardwood – Juniper – Fir

DRIVE-IN WOOD SALES

– 18155 Hwy. 126 East –SistersForestProducts.com

Online! 541-410-4509

Free to good home. 2-year-old male Labradoodle. Neutered, chipped, shots current. 678-446-7960

Brando's Natural Dog Biscuits brandosbyjulie.etsy.com

I’ve got your cats covered! Sisters-Tumalo-PetSitting.com 541-306-7551 • Julie

Guacamole is a sweet mother cat that is just under 2 years old. She is done raising her kittens and is now ready to be the center of attention. Apply to adopt her at: sisterswhiskers.org

601 Construction

HIGH DESERT WOOD CARE

Power wash/clean

• Complete sanding

• Stain & finish

• Log home chinking

• 10% military discount

• Specializing in log home and deck refinishing

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$100 off decks

• $500 off log homes until April 30

Earthwood Timberframes

• Design & shop fabrication

• Recycled fir and pine beams

• Mantels and accent timbers

• Sawmill/woodshop services EWDevCoLLC@gmail.com

Uncompromising quality. Local and personal. You can trust me.

All projects: From new construction to those little projects you don't seem to get to. My team of local subcontractors and I will get it done right, fair, and pain-free so you can make your spouse happy. Call Jared 503-949-9719

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

602 Plumbing & Electric SWEENEY PLUMBING, INC. “Quality and Reliability”

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604 Heating & Cooling ACTION AIR

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605 Painting

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606 Landscaping & Yard Maintenance

All Landscaping Services

Mowing, Thatching, Hauling Call Abel Ortega, 541-815-6740

Alpine Landscape Maintenance

An All-Electric Landscape Company.

Text/Call Paul 541.485.2837 alpine.landscapes@icloud.com

Keeping Sisters Country Beautiful Since 2006 candcnursery@gmail.com 541-549-2345

J&E Landscaping Maintenance

LLC Clean-ups, raking, hauling debris, thatching, aerating, irrigation, mowing. Edgar Cortez 541-610-8982 jandelspcing15@gmail.com

SUDOKU SOLUTION for puzzle on page 22

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

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

701 Domestic Services

House Cleaning

Sisters & Black Butte

Free Consult 503-750-3033

BLAKE & SON – Commercial, Home & Rentals Cleaning

WINDOW CLEANING!

Lic. & Bonded • 541-549-0897

I & I Crystal Cleaning, LLC

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

802 Help Wanted

Part-Time Sales Associate

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

Questions? Contact diane.j@stitchinpost.com

Metolius Meadows in Camp Sherman is seeking a reliable self-motivated individual to assist in the care and maintenance of our common area grounds and facilities. A good candidate will have some mechanical knowledge, and carpentry skills. Be a self-starter and willing to work in a variety of daily duties. We offer a competitive starting wage with opportunities to develop a professional skill set. Contact our office at 541-595-2101.

We are Hiring!

Join our summer camp culture at Lake Creek Lodge. We're recruiting for: Housekeeping PT/FT and Maintenance F/T. We are proud to offer flexible schedules and excellent compensation.

www.lakecreeklodge.com

13375 SW Forest Service Rd. 1419 Camp Sherman

803 Work Wanted

POSITION WANTED; for Companion Caregiver. Looking for part-time; must be close to Sisters downtown. References upon request. Please call 503-274-0214

902 Personals

Attention Jay Hunter Jones:

Please call Jennifer Andrews at 310-704-6855

999 Public Notice

NOTICE OF BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING

The Budget Committee for Cloverdale Rural Fire Protection District, Deschutes County, State of Oregon, will meet in public session to discuss the budget for fiscal year July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. The budget meeting will be held at Fire Station No. 2, 67433 Cloverdale Road, Sisters, Oregon 97759, May 15, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to receive the budget message and proposed budget document for the district. A copy of the proposed budget document may be inspected or obtained on or after May 15, 2024, at 67433 Cloverdale Road Fire Station between the hours of 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. This is a public meeting where deliberations take place. Budget Committee will hear and discuss proposed programs for the next fiscal year.

N E W S P A P E R 5 4 1 - 5 4 9 - 9 9 4 1

www.NuggetNews.com

Honoring Jerry Baldock...

CASCADE GARAGE DOORS Factory Trained Technicians

Since 1983 • CCB #44054

• Dump Trucks, Transfer Trucks, Belly

• The Whole 9 Yards or 24

Whatever You Want!

Locals got together on short notice to parade cars by Jerry Baldock’s house. Jaynie and Grace Carter decked out their vehicle and made signs for Jerry, who was a longtime freelance photographer for The Nugget and a strong supporter of the Outlaws. Deri Frazee organized the event.

PHOTO BY KELLI CARTER