Community reaches out to fire victim
The fire that consumed an RV and truck belonging to a Sisters man on September 1 was caused accidentally.
Clara Butler of the State Fire Marshal’s Office reported that the cause was determined to be improper disposal of burning materials.
“It appears that smoking was a factor,” she said.
The fire occurred in the forest north of Highway 20, directly across from the entrance to Tollgate.
A crowdfunding campaign has been launched to aid the fire victim, Randall Hodges, who lost his dog Tyson in the blaze.
The Support Now campaign can be accessed at https://www.supportnow.org/ randall.
The organizers of the initiative wrote:
See RANDALL on page 12
Running for Kolby...
The Outlaws ran their first cross-country race of the season in tribute to Kolby McMahon, who died in a motorcycle accident last June. See story, page 9.
Sisters shopkeepers see mixed economy
By Bill Bartlett Correspondent
While some store owners are reporting record August and year-to-date sales, others may be struggling.
“We think as many as five or six stores will not make it past January,” said Shaunette White, owner of High Desert Chocolates on West Cascade Avenue. White is also president of the newly formed Sisters Business Association which have 39 members, about half of whom are retail shopkeepers.
White thinks those in stress do not get enough local support.
By contrast, Sisters Meat and Smokehouse had “their best August ever,” according to Manager Sue Priefert who recently expanded wine offerings and saw an 800 percent increase in wine sales comparing this August to last.
Businesses are reluctant to give out their sales numbers, so getting a quantitative measurement of success is very difficult. Because Oregon has no sales tax there is no definitive way to quantify retail activity. Sales tax receipts are the gold standard in gauging results.
The closest hardline number available in Sisters measuring business activity is the 8.99 percent lodging tax collected by the City of Sisters. For the six months ended June 30, 2024, the city collected $498,693 as compared to $482,340 for the same period in 2023. On the surface that looks like a 3 percent gain but as room rates have increased by nearly 10 percent, it’s actually a decline.
In a surprise report from Travel Oregon, Central Oregon was the only one of
Sheriff’s race roiled by accusations
By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief
The intensity level of the race for Deschutes County Sheriff ratcheted up last week, as candidate Sgt. Kent Vander Kamp filed a tort claim notice — notice of a potential lawsuit — against the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office administration, alleging ongoing targeting, harassment, and election interference.
Sgt. Vander Kamp, who serves on the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team (CODE), is running against Captain William Bailey, the candidate endorsed by retiring Sheriff Shane Nelson. Bailey has served in a variety of capacities with DCSO, including acting as the interim leader of the Sisters
See SHERIFF RACE on page 19
Car flips on its side on Cascade
A driver reaching for something in his vehicle hit a parked car on Cascade Avenue, which caused his vehicle to heel over on its side, blocking the westbound lane of travel on Tuesday afternoon, September 3.
Deschutes County Sheriff’s deputies arriving at the scene found a black 2018 Honda Pilot resting on its driver’s side and facing west in the westbound lane. Cascade Avenue was shut down and traffic was rerouted around the scene.
Medics from the SistersCamp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District arrived on scene and began evaluating the occupants of the Honda, who had extricated themselves from the vehicle. Medics determined the driver and two minor passengers were uninjured and were not transported by medics.
Deputies determined the crash occurred when the driver of the Honda Pilot, Preston Langeliers, age 39,
A driver flipped his vehicle on its side on Cascade Avenue, when it collided with a parked car while the driver was reaching for something.
of Wilsonville, was driving westbound on Cascade Avenue, and he left his lane of travel while reaching for an unknown object.
Langeliers first struck the driver’s side mirror of a 2018 Subaru Forester, which was parked on the north side of Cascade Avenue.
Langeliers then continued westbound and struck the left rear corner of a parked 2023 Toyota Camry, which caused Langeliers’ vehicle to roll up onto its driver’s side. Langeliers’ vehicle came to rest in the westbound lane of
PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT
PHOTO BY JACK TURPEN
Letters to the Editor…
Roundabout Tortoise
To the Editor:
Here’s my idea for the center artwork at the new roundabout: How about a gigantic replica of a Galapagos Tortoise?
Jim Cline
s s s
Art and owls
To the Editor:
After reading the article in The Nugget regarding the Roundabout art project I would hope the artists would consider a tribute to the following: Our military veterans. Sisters’ history of their logging industry. History of
Sisters Quilt Show and Rodeo. Save a lot of money. Relocate the horse that is presently displayed on the corner of Cascade Avenue.
We don’t need “interpretive art” the likes of the god-awful examples of what Bend and Redmond presently have on display.
After reading the article in The Nugget, “Plan finalized to kill barred owls,” I have some questions/ comments.
Let’s think outside the box.
Why not let nature take its course for those who believe in evolution, the fittest will survive? How long would it take?
Why not invest in commercial ranches to breed and raise the Spotted Owl? If the
The Nugget welcomes contributions from its readers, which must include the writer’s name, address, and phone number. Letters to the Editor is an open forum for the community and contains unsolicited opinions not necessarily shared by the Editor. The Nugget reserves the right to edit, omit, respond, or ask for a response to letters submitted to the Editor. Letters should be no longer than 300 words. Unpublished items are not acknowledged or returned. The deadline for all letters is 10 a.m. Monday. See LETTERS on page 15
Sisters Weather Forecast
Reflections on a disaster
By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief
As we mark the 23rd anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States, a new congressional report on the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan strikes an especially ominous note.
The 9/11 attacks by al Qaeda had their origin in the safe-haven of a Talibancontrolled Afghanistan. Twenty-plus years on, after a vast expenditure of blood and treasure, the Taliban controls Afghanistan again, and that troubled land once again offers safe haven to fanatics who still will our destruction.
Taliban violations of Doha, and regardless of the swiftly deteriorating conditions. His actions show clearly a Commander in Chief far more concerned about perceptions than about reality on the ground. Witness his final phone call with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in July 2021, a month before his government was overthrown:
“Hey look, I want to make it clear that I am not a military man any more than you are, but I have been meeting with our Pentagon folks, and our national security people, as you have with ours and yours, and as you know and I need not tell you, the perception around the world and in parts of Afghanistan, I believe, is that things aren’t going well in terms of the fight against the Taliban…
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Postmaster: Send address changes to The Nugget Newspaper, P.O. Box 698, Sisters, OR 97759. Third Class Postage Paid at Sisters, Oregon. The Nugget is mailed to residents within the Sisters School District; subscriptions are available outside delivery
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The report, titled “Willful Blindness: An Assessment of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Chaos that Followed,” is the result of a threeyear investigation led by Representative Michael McCaul, Republican chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. It is damning, a litany of miscalculation, failed intelligence, bad judgement, and an overriding concern for perception over reality.
“But I really think, I don’t know whether you’re aware, just how much the perception around the world is that this is looking like a losing proposition, which it is not, not that it necessarily is that, but so the conclusion I’m asking you to consider is to bring together everyone from (former Vice President Abdul Rashid) Dostum, to (former President Hamid) Karzai and in between, if they stand there and say they back the strategy you put together, and put a warrior in charge, you know a military man, (Defense Minister Bismillah) Khan in charge of executing that strategy, and that will change perception, and that will change an awful lot I think.”
Don’t address the dire situation on the ground — fix the perception.
Sisters resident Rob Bell used a drone to capture the scale of the new Costco facility under construction in Bend.
Of course, in an election year, the report is being dismissed by Democrats as partisan. And it is, in the sense that it focuses on the failures of the Biden Administration in the weeks leading up to the chaotic and bloody final departure of Americans from Afghanistan in August 2021. The report elides the Trump Administration’s Doha Agreement that cut the Afghanistan national government out of the equation, and set the table for the Taliban surge that overwhelmed the country.
But the facts revealed in the report cannot really be disputed. The Biden Administration botched the withdrawal, and has never held itself accountable for it.
Biden even bizarrely claimed that no American service members died on his watch — after 13 American service members and 170 Afghans died in a suicide bombing attack during the evacuation at the Kabul airport.
I guess you can write that off to cognitive decline, but that raises other questions. After all, Joe Biden is still the Commander in Chief.
The report indicates that Biden was hell-bent on immediate complete evacuation of Afghanistan, regardless of red flags raised by military and staff, despite
Perception battles are still being waged: Don’t take accountability, blame everybody else. Claim that the chaos we saw wasn’t really chaos, that everything went fine, all things considered.
This shameful episode, which dishonors the blood, sweat, and tears so many honorable Americans spilled in good faith in Afghanistan, is made all the worse by the effort to shove it down a memory hole.
And, by the way, the U.S. has provided millions of dollars to the Taliban since the withdrawal.
If we, as a nation, close our eyes to this, we will open them again to see our adversaries and enemies emboldened by our failure.
And we can only pray that our fecklessness does not bring us another round of terror.
PHOTO BY ROB BELL
Seed to Table offers farm tours
At Seed to Table Farm September brings a cornucopia of colorful veggies grown to feed the Central Oregon Community. Anyone who’s lived in Central Oregon through all its seasons, knows the weather is unpredictable, erratic, and unrelenting. Whether it’s freezing nights, whipping winds, ravenous rodents, or scorching sun, the Seed to Table farm team finds a way to grow and feed folks their nutritious, delicious veggies, no matter what.
How this team of stoic, strong, and skilled people
succeed is inspiring to many people in the community. During September, they’re inviting folks of all ages to come out to the farm and see how it’s done. Over the past few years, founder and stalwart farmer, Audrey Tehan has led her team in expanding their fields, overcoming obstacles, and disseminating food across Central Oregon including donating 46,444 pounds in 2023.
Fall tour dates are September 12, 17, 21, and 24. To sign up for a farm tour, visit the Seed to Table webpage: Fall Farm Tours
— Seed To Table - Sisters Oregon (seedtotableoregon. org). Bringing close to 2,000 children to visit the farm and learn in a farm-based classroom takes talented teachers and dedicated staff. During the short growing season, 2,200 people receive fresh produce grown using organic practices every week. All of these endeavors follow the mission set down by Tehan when she started the programs. Seed to Table’s efforts have proven
See FARM TOURS
Sisters book festival is ready to roll
Authors, aspiring authors, and readers will gather in Sisters this weekend to celebrate the joys of storytelling in the Sisters Festival of Books.
The event is set for a three-day event Friday through Sunday, September 13–15.
The weekend kicks off with a community StorySlam event at The Belfry on Friday, September 13, featuring storytelling and story-oriented music.
Saturday will serve up a full day of author readings at Sisters Movie House, where attendees can enjoy food and drink while interacting with authors across genres ranging
from historical non-fiction to historical fiction, romance to sports writing, true crime to literary fiction.
Sunday, September 15, is devoted to a celebration of local and regional authors. Book festivals offer an opportunity for authors and readers to interact over a period of days, with greater impact for both than a traditional reading event.
“There is something special about gathering with a bunch of like-minded people and basically drinking from the fire hose,” said event organizer Lane Jacobson. “There is a buzz and an
Traveling physical therapist loves Sisters
Cathy Covell has always had the urge to travel.
Covell is a physical therapist who specializes in myofascial release. She travels the country with her horses and her dogs, filling in at clinics that need an extra pair of hands or some vacation relief. This summer, she landed for a while in Sisters, at Green Ridge Physical Therapy.
A native of Indiana, Covell first encountered
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 Weds., 1-2:3 0 p.m. T he Lodge in Sisters. 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 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., Siste rs Episcopal Church. 5 41-719 -0 031.
Sisters Cribbage C lub M eets 11 a.m. ever y Wed. at S PR D. 5 09 -9 47-574 4.
Sisters Garden C lub For monthly meetings visit: SistersGardenClub.com.
Sisters Habitat for Humanit y Board of D irectors 4th Tuesday, 4:3 0 p.m.
Location infor mation: 5 41-5 49 -1193.
Sisters Kiwani s 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 11:3 0 a.m. to 1 p.m., at The Lodge in Sisters. 5 41-6 32-3663.
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 D Of fice. 5 41-5 49 -8 815
Three Sister s Lions Club 2nd Thursday, 6:3 0 p.m., Spoons Rest aurant. 5 41-419 -1279.
VF W Po st 813 8 and A merican Legion Post 8 6 1st Wednesday of the month, 6:3 0 p.m., M ain Church Building Sisters Communit y Church 541- 549-14 62 (John).
SCHOOLS
Black Bu tt e School Board of Direc tors 2nd Tuesday, 3:45 p.m., Black But te School. 541- 59 5- 6203
Sisters while working a stint at a practice in Eugene. She headed over the mountains and set herself up at Sisters Cow Camp.
“I traveled with my horses and my dogs, and I visited Sisters and said, “I want to be in Sisters,’” she recalled.
When Green Ridge needed some coverage, she jumped at the opportunity. She has boarded her quarterhorses Vinny and Misty with Sisters equestrienne
Sisters School District Board of Directors O ne Wednesday m onthly, Sisters School District Administr ation Building. See schedule online at www ssd6.org. 5 41-5 49 -8 521 x5 002. CIT Y & PARKS
Sisters Ci ty Council 2nd & 4t h Wednesday, 6:3 0 p.m., Siste rs City Hall. 5 41-5 49 -6 022. Sisters Park & Recreation District Board of Dire ctor s 2nd & 4th Tues.
PHOTO BY HANNAH JOSEPH
See BOOK
FEST on page 14 See TRAVELING
PT on page 14
By
Jim
Cornelius Editor in Chief
Outlaws have high expectations for football season
By Rongi Yost Correspondent
The Outlaws football team returns eight starters on both sides of the ball, including seniors Hudson Beckwith, Kolbi Cotner, and Garrett Sager, and juniors Kalvin Parker, Jozua Miller, and Ethan Eby. In addition, most of the special teams players also return for another year.
Coach Gary Thorson said, “As is the case every season, staying healthy will be key for us, but this team has some fight in them and have learned how to battle through adversity. Senior leadership is critical on every team, especially at the high school level, and we have had a big chunk of that group put a lot of time into the program this summer and have led the charge thus far.”
Over half of the team are seniors, including Beckwith, Cotner, Kale Gardner, Antonio Guzman, Kale Mock, Dawson Roberson, Sager, Joe Souza, Landen Scott, Wyatt Shockley and Cade Lindsey.
Beckwith is a returning Honorable Mention running back and starting corner. Thorson says he’s a great leader both on and off the field.
Cotner is a returning second team defensive back. Thorson noted that Cotner is one of the hardest workers
and most dedicated players on the roster. He added that Cotner will see time at running back, and be a big weapon on special teams.
Sager is a team leader and team player and is projected to start at linebacker. He’s making a full-time move to offensive tackle from tight end where he played last year.
Gardner is one of the Outlaws’ best athletes. He’s a returning defensive back, and had a great year last year on special teams. He is competing for the starting position at tight end. Guzman started last year at guard, and Thorson noted that he is a fearless competitor that the players love and respect.
Mock is a gifted runner and will see time at running back. Thorson stated that he has great vision and is also a threat as a receiver out of the backfield as well. Roberson is a returning second team defensive back. Thorson noted that he is an explosive athlete who made big plays last year on special teams, and is a threat every time he gets his hands on the ball.
Scott returns as a secondteam wide receiver. He’s a fantastic route-runner and has great hands. Thorson noted he’s a multi-sport athlete who has an incredible practice work ethic, and pushes everyone on the field.
Souza was injured in
preseason last year, and missed the entire season. He has bounced back well, and is competing for time at running back and at defensive back. He’s expected to be a huge asset on special teams.
Shockley primarily played JV last year, but is competing for starting time this season on both sides of the ball on the defensive and offensive lines. Lindsey will provide depth to the Outlaw’s squad at both offensive tackle and defensive end positions.
Juniors include Ethan Eby, Jozua Miller, Kalvin Parker, Reid Woodson, Trent Gordon, and Hunter Bronson.
Eby returns as a first team linebacker and honorable mention running back. Thorson stated that he is the most physical player in the lineup, and a very hard worker both on the field and in the weight room.
Parker is a returning first team center and defensive end. Thorson noted that Kalvin has the potential to be one of the best linemen they have had in recent years at Sisters.
Miller is a very physical player on both sides of the ball. He’s projected to start on the defensive and offensive line. He also has a great practice work ethic and is a leader by example.
Woodson had a great season last year and was a first
team selection at both kicker and punter. Thorson stated that he will be a huge weapon for the Outlaws in special teams. He is also competing for the starting position at tight end and defensive back.
Bronson returns as the starting quarterback, and has a great understanding of the Outlaws’ offense and the game.
Gordon played well for the Outlaws last year at the JV level as quarterback and is competing for the varsity level quarterback this year. Thorson mentioned that Gordon is athletic and has a very strong arm. He will see time at the defensive end position.
Four sophomores round out the roster and include Spencer Davis, Tabor Garcia, Weston Davidson, and Broderick Womack.
Davis saw significant varsity playing time last year as a freshman and is projected to be a two-way starter this season. Thorson noted that
he has a great work ethic and made great gains in the offseason in the weight room.
Garcia stood out at the JV level last year and had a great offseason in terms of preparation. He will see time at linebacker, offensive line, and special teams this year at the varsity level.
Davidson missed all of last season with an off-the-field injury, but will contribute this season on the offensive and defensive lines. Thorson noted he is a gifted athlete and has good technique on the line. Womack is playing football for the first time this year, but according to Thorson, has shown promise on both sides of the ball.
Thorson made sure to mention Erick Beckwith, Dave deSmet, Jacob deSmet, Jim Gurney, Eli Gurney, Hayden Hudson, and Joe Gordon who are all assistant coaches. He stated that they are a great group of coaches and a pleasure to work with.
Artist Studio Tour 2024: Start with an intimate space
By Helen Schmidling Correspondent
The 2024 Artist Studio Tour, sponsored by the Sisters Arts Association, will take place Saturday and Sunday, September 21-22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in and around Sisters. Here is a look at what you can see in galleries in Sisters. Next week, we’ll take a look at artists’ private studios.
You may start at any of the dozen locations – but a bright and friendly place to begin is Space in Common at 351 W. Hood Ave., where you will find four artists: Raina Verhey, Taylor Manoles, Maren + Laura, and Amelia Morton, gallery owner and host.
If you haven’t been to Space in Common lately, this will be new to you. There will be live painting happening, with each of the artists taking turns. Morton will also take signups for classes to be offered in November and December.
Raina Verhey has moved to painting impressionistic landscapes inspired by her travels through the desert southwest and Oregon’s own high desert. Her new work is an emotional deep dive into the spirit of stone and sand in ancient and sacred places, and explores new texture and color, according to Morton.
“Raina paints her feelings using a sense of place, which is why, for her, traveling to each location is important,” she said. You can look for creams, beiges, tans, and pale greens set against a vivid blue sky, with shapes that are larger and closer in focus. Verhey grew up in Georgia, but fell in love with the West. She is working out of a new studio at Camp Clay in Bend.
Taylor Manoles continues to paint contemporary
Oregon landscapes, including scenes from Eastern Oregon, Madras, and Warm Springs. Born in Arizona and raised in Minnesota, Manoles has lived in many different settings. She describes her method as painting her way through her camera roll, and says some of her best references are those taken from the passenger seat of a car. Manoles has a degree in art education from Dakota State University in Fargo. After one year of teaching middle school, she decided to pursue her own work, full time. Her work is shown across the Northwest. In 2023, her piece, “Painted Hills,” won the Curator’s Choice Award at the High Desert Museum’s show, Art in the West.
Morton, who opened her gallery just a year ago in June, is creating a new series of framed watercolor moons, in a five-by-five-inch format.
“I have been painting moons for years,” she said. “It started as a warm-up exercise for other paintings, but I find that people have really connected with them. It’s a personal exercise for me, but the fact that people like them is a bonus.” She will also display a fresh series of framed portals, inspired by local landscapes and the night sky.
This will be one of the few times, outside of the holiday season, that the work of Maren + Laura will be available for sale. In addition to earrings and pendants, there will be figurines, pendants, vases, platters, and cups.
Maren + Laura Ceramics is a collaboration between childhood friends Maren Veloso and Laura Campbell. They create an ongoing collection of small-batch porcelain with one-of-a-kind cobalt painting.
From Space in Common,
it’s just a few steps to The Rickards Gallery, where Dan Rickards and Garth Williams will be in residence. Williams is known for his impressionistic oil paintings of aspens and mountains, inspired by his grandfather, and by the work of his friend and mentor, Robert Moore. Dan Rickards is most well known for his wildlife and landscape paintings in oil. For the past several months, he has been exploring new colors and formats, including portraits.
Cross the street and a few steps farther, visit Sisters Gallery and Frame to meet Jennifer Hartwig, known by those who love her work as The Scratchboard Lady. Hartwig rises as early as
4 a.m. most mornings to spend a few hours literally scratching from the dark into the light (both on the boards, and in her studio) before heading to her day job at Central Woof and Groom. She is one of the few scratchboard artists to go beyond black-and-white and include vivid colors in her work.
Next door is Toriizaka Art where three artists will display their unique talents: crystalline porcelain vessels by AJ Evansen, watercolor paintings by Don Zylius, and abstract acrylic art by Henriette Heiny.
Before departing the downtown Sisters area, be sure to visit Ken Merrill’s Canyon Creek Pottery at 310 N. Cedar St. All of his work
is hand made in the studio behind the gallery.
“Turning mud into a functional piece of art is a magical thing,” he says. This is the 20th anniversary of Canyon Creek Pottery in Sisters. “We are a little hard to find, but if you enjoy fine handmade pottery, it is a must-see and well worth the effort,” says Merrill.
Tour Guides for this event are available in Sisters galleries, at Sisters Coffee and Fika Coffee, Paulina Springs Books, and online at sistersartsassociation.org. The Artist Studio Tour is selfguided, and there is no charge. Artists retain 100 percent of sales and may even feature specials.
“Guardian Sage” by Raina Verhey.
PHOTO BY PHOTO PROVIDED
Taylor Manoles and Raina Verhey at Space in Common.
PHOTO BY HELEN SCHMIDLING
Volleyball team has rough preseason start
By Rongi Yost Correspondent
The Outlaws fell 21-25, 15-15, 25-22, and 26-28 in a tough match at Caldera on Tuesday, September 3. A day later they hosted 3A Burns and 2A Trinity Lutheran. Sisters fell in three straight sets 20-25, 11-25, and 17-25. They managed to squeak out a five game win against Trinity with scores of 25-20,17-25, 25-29, 20-25, and 15-13.
Sisters started off slow and timid in Tuesday’s game against Caldera. In the second set Caldera had a couple of good serving runs and offensively were hard to stop. In the third and fourth sets the Lady Outlaws got into more of a rhythm, and despite the loss showed some gritty defense and battled to the end.
Kathryn Scholl recorded 14 kills and four blocks, and Ali Gibney added six kills and three aces. Haven Heuberger finished with six kills and one block. Holly Davis dished out 31 assists and served up two aces. Jordyn Monaghan tallied 17 digs and three aces. Both Monaghan and Gibney had a couple of good serving runs where they scored several points in a row.
On Thursday, the Outlaws couldn’t keep pace with the Highlanders from Burns. They struggled with serve receive, committed unforced errors, and missed a lot of tipped balls. Sisters also had a hard time stopping Burns’ two big hitters. Monaghan and Davis did have a couple of nice serving runs in the match.
Scholl finished with seven kills, and Heuberger and Gibney added three kills each. Davis recorded 16 assists.
Sisters did a better job against Trinity. In the first set Scholl scored three of the first four points and the team finished the set with strong defense with multiple digs from Monaghan and a big block from Audrey Sybesma.
In both the second and fourth sets the Outlaws struggled with numerous hitting errors and gave up a couple
of big runs. In the Outlaw’s winning third set they were able to find a bit of rhythm offensively and at the service line.
Lindsay and Scholl helped close out the set with kills, and Monaghan added a nice three point service run, including an ace to close out the set.
Trinity’s win in the fourth set forced a fifth, where Sisters came out on top and earned 13 of their 15 points off kills, aces, and a block.
Davis finished the match with 43 assists and six aces. Scholl tallied 22 kills, five aces and three blocks, Heuberger recorded eight kills, and Lindsay had five kills. Sybesma finished with four kills and three blocks.
Coach Josh Kreunen told The Nugget that Davis did a great job in making good choices in running the offense, getting the ball to the hot hitters, and remaining a constant threat from the service line.
Boys soccer falls to White Buffs
By Rongi Yost Correspondent
The Outlaws soccer squad lost 0-5 at home against Madras on Thursday, September 5. The match was scheduled to be played in Madras, but due to smoky conditions was moved to Sisters. The White Buffs are a disciplined and well-coached team and the Outlaws knew they were in for a battle.
One of Sister’s tactical goals was to establish themselves in the midfield, and junior Nick Palmer is a big part of that. Coach Jeff Husmann noted that Palmer is very smart and physical and helped set the tone for their style of play. In addition, senior Danny Benson played with a high work rate throughout the game, as did Andrew Islas, who played a solid game.
The speed of Madras’ wing players gave the White Buffs an advantage, and they capitalized on the mismatches and scored two goals in the first 20 minutes of play.
Husmann told The Nugget
his guys could have easily folded, but they responded, made some adjustments, and had tighter marks on some of the White Buff’s more dangerous players.
Seniors Micah Dachtler and Cooper Merrill played tough as center defenders, and helped the Outlaws keep their focus and composure. At the half the Outlaws trailed 0-2.
Sisters has a thin bench and the White Buff’s pace wore them down. The Outlaws were able to stay close the first 15 minutes of the second half, but from there the game got away from them and Madras scored three additional goals.
The Outlaws did have a few chances to score, but the Buffs’ goalie was good and kept their slate clean.
Husmann told The Nugget that this time of year it’s all about developing individual skill and fitness, developing as a cohesive team, and trying to figure out the team’s character.
Husmann noted that his solid group of freshmen, Alex Nieto, Jasper Jensen, Odin
Rea, and JB Greenwood, really showed up for the Outlaws.
“Alex plays at striker and definitely plays bigger than his size,” said Husmann. “He is skilled and intelligent and very coachable. Jasper is establishing himself as a versatile and smart player. He had his hands full, but did a solid job as an outside defender. Odin is a fit and sharp player with good size and instincts, and JB played important minutes as an effective striker. It can be a bit daunting to be a freshman on the varsity pitch, but this coach is excited for these guys to be an important part of this team.
“There are good things ahead for this team,” added Husmann. “Our goal was to learn and gain fitness. We have a couple more weeks of non-league games and this is always part of the process. I am proud and excited for how this team is coming together.”
The Outlaws will play at home against Western Christian on Saturday, September 14.
Zorza named new girls soccer coach
By Rongi Yost Correspondent
Makena Zorza was hired three weeks ago as the girls assistant soccer coach, but after long-time coach Brian Holden resigned, she took over the head coaching position.
Zorza graduated from Hood River Valley High School (HRVHS) in 2018 and played soccer all four years, three years on their varsity squad as a forward and outside midfielder. While at Hood River the team won their conference every year.
She went on and attended the University of Idaho where she played Club Soccer. Zorza graduated in 2021, moved to Bend, and has worked for the J Bar J Youth Service the past three years.
Zorza told The Nugget she’d been wanting to get back into soccer and researched what was available in Central Oregon. She noticed the assistant coaching position for girls soccer was open, applied, was interviewed, and hired.
With Holden’s unexpected resignation, she took over as head coach.
Zorza said, “I’m excited for the opportunity to be head coach, but obviously disappointed it came with Brian’s resignation. In the three short weeks I’ve worked with him
I saw how he interacted with the team and have taken away many positive things that I think will benefit me with this team as we move forward.”
The Lady Outlaws kicked off their season with a 2-1 win at home over Madras in a non-league game on Tuesday, September 3. Their Thursday’s match at Central Linn was cancelled and will be rescheduled for later in the season.
In Tuesday’s game Madras scored 22 minutes into the contest and at the half the Outlaws found themselves down 0-1.
Sisters scored their first goal in the second half in the 59th minute. Zoee Bafford dribbled through the middle from the defensive end, and
found Maddie Kirkpatrick up top. Kirkpatrick dribbled to the corner and crossed the ball towards the back post and Melia Jenkins was there to finish. Jenkins crashed the goal and drove the ball into the upper left corner for the score.
Seven minutes later the Lady Outlaws scored again. The ball was played from the midfield to Kirkpatrick, who made a quick pass to Jenkins. Jenkins caught the keeper off her line and scored a shot to the middle of the goal.
Freshman Kennedy Davis stepped in as keeper and had some great saves for the Outlaws. Coach Zorza told The Nugget that the defense communicated well, played well together, and covered for each other. She added that Shae Wyland and Zoee Bafford had some great recovery moments.
Sisters was scheduled to play at Creswell on Monday, September 9. They will play at home against Pleasant Hill on Wednesday, September 11.
Makena Zorza has taken the reins of the girls soccer program.
PHOTO BY RONGI YOST
Kris Kristovich captured South Sister looking majestic last month.
PHOTO BY KRIS KRISTOVICH
SFF offers custom Breedlove guitar
Sisters Folk Festival is raffling off a custom guitar as part of the annual JAM (Journey/Adventure/ Music) fundraiser supporting SFF’s cultural education outreach and programming in Central Oregon. Longtime sponsor and Bend-based company Breedlove Guitars has donated a beautiful custom concertina guitar. The raffle will be conducted in conjunction with the 27th annual Sisters Folk Festival happening Friday, Sept. 27 through Sunday, September 29 in Sisters, but raffle tickets can be purchased beginning on Wednesday, September 11, at 10 a.m. at www.sistersfolkfest.org/ raffle.
Adams Ave., Ste. 101), or at the SFF JAM tent at Village Green during the festival until sold out. The winner will be drawn on Sunday, September 29, at 2:55 p.m. from the Village Green stage. The winner need not be present to win and the prizes can be shipped anywhere in the U.S. Entrants must be 18 years or older to purchase a ticket and must be located in the state of Oregon at the time of purchase, however you do not need to live in Oregon to enter. To learn more about what the raffle proceeds support, visit www. sffpresents.org/our-work.
Wellness Fair welcomes all
In celebration of Welcoming Week 2024, three local organizations are bringing back the popular Health and Wellness Fair Sunday, September 22, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. at Ponderosa Park in Bend. Mosaic Community Health, Volunteers in Medicine, and Deschutes County Health Services are co-hosting the second annual outdoor event to welcome immigrant, refugee, Latino, and other community members and provide easy access to useful information for improving health and well-being.
pregnancy-related healthcare, social services, vaccine education, and other care addressing social determinants of health. In addition, the event will provide on-site health services such as emergency dental care, blood pressure checks, and education on hypertension, diabetes, and more.
The Breedlove guitar features a slotted headstock, a Western Red Cedar top, figured Myrtlewood back and sides, natural gloss finish, and figured Koa binding with Myrtlewood purfling. Built with a sunburst maple neck, Ebony fingerboard, and Gotoh 700 Nickel tuners with Morning Glory Mosaic Pins as inlay. The spalted maple rosette has inner and outer black purfling. The instrument has an estimated value of $5,000 and comes with a deluxe hardshell case. Only 400 raffle entries will be sold at $25 each.
Tickets can be purchased online or in person at the SFF Presents office (204 W.
Three-Day Festival passes and single-day Friday and Sunday tickets to the festival are available for purchase at www. sistersfolkfest.org. The folk festival has sold out every year since 2019 and organizers recommend purchasing tickets as soon as possible; Saturday passes are already sold out and other ticket quantities are low. Follow @SistersFolkFestival on Instagram and Facebook for additional information.
“We aim to improve the health and wellness of community members who are most affected by health disparities and inequities,” said Shana Falb, community partnerships and engagement, Deschutes County Health Services.
“The event showcases vetted healthcare providers and social service organizations to improve community access and ultimately reduce those health inequities.”
The Health and Wellness Fair aims to increase awareness of where Central Oregon community members can receive medical and
“A key obstacle to improved health outcomes for Latino and other immigrant community members is access to information, including where and how to access health services and providers,” said Jason Villanueva, Mosaic Spanish Communications Coordinator. “Our goal is to bring people together and ultimately improve the health and wellness of some of our community’s most vulnerable members.”
The event will offer activities such as group classes facilitated in Spanish, free nutritious food from a local vendor, and fun health education activities for children and families. Interpretation services in multiple languages will be provided for any community member to access, and most participating vendors will have bilingual staff.
Breedlove guitar raffle will raise funds for educational outreach and programming.
PHOTO PROVIDED
Sisters runners compete at Marist
By Charlie Kanzig Correspondent
Approaching the first meet of the season as a hard practice gave the Outlaws crosscountry teams an attitude of testing fitness while getting some race experience simultaneously. The results were positive for veterans and newcomers alike.
The biggest challenge of the meet was not the course or the muggy heat, but stepping to the starting line for the first time since losing teammate Kolby McMahon, the victim of a motorcycle accident last June.
“There was a lot of emotion before, during, and after the races,” said Coach Charlie Kanzig. “I think we all knew it would be especially tough at this first meet without Kolby.”
The girls varsity team sported pink lettering on their legs that read “Run for Kolby”.
And run they did.
Freshman Brianna Fuller led the team with a 16th place finish among 71 finishers in a time of 20:39. Given it was her first ever cross-country race, she and her coaches were quite pleased with the result.
Junior Brooke Duey came through next in 21st place
in 21:33. Althea Crabtree (25:22) and Helena Welty (25:27) completed their first cross-country races and are excited to improve, according to Kanzig.
“We were missing Josie Ryan due to illness, so I decided to have all the available girls run varsity since we could enter up to 10 runners and our girls did fine despite being thrown into the varsity race,” said Kanzig.
Kiara Martin (26:20) and Annalycia Erdekian (26:40) also competed for the Outlaws.
“Everyone understood this first meet really was like a workout and the girls will certainly continue to improve from here,” said Kanzig.
The girls finished seventh among nine complete teams. West Salem and South Eugene, two of the best 6A girls teams in Oregon battled it out with West Salem claiming the team title 37-38.
On the boys side, for seniors Spencer Tisdel, George Roberts, and John Berg the outing provided a sense of what to expect in the weeks to come when races really matter. Tisdel and Roberts teamed up over the final mile of the race to finish in 17:31 and 17:32 respectively. The result was a tremendous personal best for
Roberts by nearly a minute and a half. For Tisdel the time turned out to be about what he expected to start the season.
“I thought I would be around 17:20, so it’s okay,” he said following the meet.
The rest of the varsity boys were relative newcomers to varsity action, including freshman Zachary Kemp who came through in 19:02 in his first high school 5,000 meters ever. Sophomore Ben Hayner was right behind in 19:07.
Junior Tyson Kemp, in his first full season with the team clocked 19:30 despite some stomach distress, and seniors Kellen Werts (20:38) and Finn Clark (21:01) rounded out the Outlaw finishers.
The meet was composed largely of 5A and 6A schools as West Salem edged South Eugene 61-65 for the team title. Sisters finished seventh among the 12 complete teams.
“It was a good start for the boys and we will continue building from here,” Kanzig said.
The boys team is the twotime defending district champions since moving to the 3A ranks and will compete in a different special district this season, which will be much closer to home.
“The past two years we
ran District in Pendleton and did very well, but we are relieved to only have to travel 85 miles (versus 250) to get to District in Lebanon,” said Kanzig. “We placed fifth at state last year, just four points out of a trophy and I think the boys are motivated to change that this year. Though we lost some incredibly talented
runners from last year, we are rebuilding nicely with this new crew.”
The Outlaws are scheduled to compete Wednesday, September 11, at the Oktoberfest Invitational at Silver Falls State Park and at the Wolfpack Invitational at Caldera High School in Bend on Saturday, September 14.
The Outlaws boys team placed seventh out of 12 teams in their season opener.
PHOTO BY JACK TURPEN
Go Fish Group Meeting
Go Fish Group will meet on Monday, September 16 , at 7 p.m. at Sisters Communit y Church. e program will be presented by Alysia and Elke Littleleaf of Warm Springs and will cover Fly Fishing and Advocacy E orts with Littleleaf Guides . For more info call Gar y at 541-771-2211.
Central Oregon Scam Jam
Join AARP and other organizations for a fraud prevention workshop on Friday, September 13, f rom 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Fire District Communit y Hall, 301 S . Elm St. in Sisters . Hear f rom experts how to spot scams and learn tips and tools to protect against f raud Register at https://events. aarp org/event/SistersScamJam or call 877-926-8300
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 Weekly Meal Service
Family Kitchen hosts weekly togo hot meals on Tuesdays , 4:30 to 6 p.m. Sisters Community Church, 130 0 McKenzie Hwy Visit www.FamilyKitchen .org
Free Lunches for Seniors
For those 60+, the Council on Aging of Central Oregon o ers a f un, no-cost social lunch every Tuesday, 11 a .m. to 1 p.m. at Sisters Community Church, 1300 McKenzie Hwy. No reser vations needed. No-cost Grab-N- Go lunches take place weekly on Wed . and urs ., f rom 12:30 to 1 p.m. Call 541-797-9367.
STARS Seeks Volunteers to Transpor t Patients
Help Sisters Countr y residents get to nonemergency medical appointments in Sisters , Redmond, and Bend . Attend a free t wo-hour training. Emails from STARS 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.
SISTERS LIBRARY COMING EVENTS
Civics 101: Civics is for Ever ybody
Join this civics ref resher geared to citizens of all ages on Tuesday, September 17, f rom 6 to 7:30 p.m. During this interactive session, explore the meaning and importance of civic involvement as the means to support a civil democracy. Discuss the importance of the simple act of voting , review Oregon’s governmental structure at the state and local levels , and consider types of civic involvement Registration is required at www.deschuteslibrar y.org/ calendar/adult . Questions?
Cont act laurelw @ deschuteslibrary.org
A NNOUNCEMENT S
THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS
Thursday, September 12
Navigating Dementia
Sisters Community Church
Friday, September 13
Central Oregon Scam Jam Fire District Community Hall
Monday, September 16 Go Fish Group Meeting Sisters Community Church
Tuesday, September 17 Power of Food Sovereignty Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts
e Power of Food Sovereig nt y:
On Tuesday, September 17, from 11:30 a .m. to 12:30 p.m., renowned author of e Seed Keeper, Diane Wilson (Dakota), and founder/CEO of Sakari Farms , Spring Alaska Schreiner (Upingaksraq), will discuss the transformative power of literature and food sovereig nt y work in creating positive change. is event is free and open to the public at Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture, 684 67 ree Creek s Rd . Registration is required at https:// roundhousefoundation.org/ events/. For more info call 5419 04- 070 0 or email inquiries@ roundhousefoundation.org
Sisters 4 -H Dog Group for Youth
Have fun and meet new friends while learning about care & training of dogs , including anatomy, parasites , feeding , di erent sports that dogs can do, and more. Sisters K9 Paws 4-H encourages youth to set goals and helps to develop selfconfidence and problem-solving In August group members can show their dog at the Deschutes County Fair 4-H Dog Show. is group is open to children 9-18 years of age who weigh as much as their dog. Projects are available for Cloverbud children ages 5 to 8 . Register at Deschutes Count y Extension 4-H, 541-548-6088, ext. 2. New enrollment starts Oct. 1. For more information cont act: Nanc y Hall 541-9044433, nancyhall4h@gmail.com.
Happy Trails Horse Rescue
Seek s Volunteers
Calling all horse lovers! Happy Trails Horse Rescue needs volunteers! Can you help them help horses? New Volunteer Orientation the first and third Sundays at 10 a .m. or call 541-241-0783 to schedule! Learn more at https://www happytrailshr.org.
Free Pet Food
Budget tight this month, but you still need pet food for your dog or cat? Call the Furr y Friends pet food bank at 541-797-4 023 to schedule your pickup. Pickups available ursdays , beginning at 12:30 p.m . Located at 412 E . Main Ave., Ste. 4, behind e Nug get
Navigating the Dementia Journey
Join Living Well with Dementia Sisters for two sessions designed for those seeking insight s f rom seasoned care partners . 10 Key Insight s for Navigating the Dementia Journey will be held on ursday, September 12, from 10 to 11 a .m. at Sisters Communit y Church . Dementia Demystified will be held on ursday, October 3 , f rom 10:30 to 11:30 a .m. at Sisters Library For more information and to register, call Debbi at 541-6 470052 or online at www.LWWDS com.
Public Pickleball Courts
ere are three pickleball courts available 7 days a week at the middle school tennis courts. All of the tennis courts are permanently lined for pickleball. ere are three temporar y nets up against the fence that can be moved out onto the court and used or you can bring your own nets . Please put the net back when you are done. Questions? Call Karen at 503-871-4172.
Bike Park 242
Winteriz ation
Bike Park 242 is seeking used tarps . Tarps can be any size or thickness , heavy-dut y, weatherproof, t ypically made f rom vinyl or polyethylene. Used billboard vinyl tarps f rom company banner/advertisements are ideal for draping over dirt jumps to preserve them from the freeze-thaw c ycles over the winter season. If you have any to donate please reach out to COTA volunteer Michelle at sistersrep@cotamtb.com
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
Outlaws Drop-In Tennis
Outlaw Tennis is hosting free drop-in tennis on Saturdays , September 14 through October 26 , f rom 9-11 a.m. ese are not lessons , but a fun time to play the great game of tennis. Sessions are open to the Sisters communit y, boys and girls ages 10 and up, and adults . Held at Sisters Middle School tennis cour ts . Donations are accepted, but not required. For questions please contact: Girls Head Tennis Coach Bruce Fenn at 419-8060167 or Boys Head Tennis Coach Vince Grace at 541-706 -1392.
Open Studio with PMRCA A Artists in Residenc y
Attend the seventh Open Studio of the 2024 residency season at Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture on ursday, September 19, from 4 to 6 p.m. Presenters for this event include biologist Jamie Cornelius, artist Michelle Swinehar t, multidisciplinary artist M. Michelle Illuminato and Author Diane Wilson. Presentations are in Pine Meadow Ranch’s Classroom, 68467 ree Creek s Rd. is event is f ree and open to the public . Registration is required at https:// roundhousefoundation.org/ events/. For more info call 5419 04- 070 0 or email inquiries@ roundhousefoundation.org
Living Well With Dementia Sisters Suppor t Groups
Living Well now o ers t wo support groups . A support group for the care partners and family of those diagnosed with some form of dementia meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month f rom 1-2:30 p.m. at e Lodge in Sisters , 411 E Carpenter Ln. A support group for the person diagnosed with some form of dementia in the early stages meets the same days and times , also at e Lodge Info: 541-6 47-0 052.
Sisters Habitat Volunteers Needed
Are you looking for something fun to do with your free time? Volunteer with Sisters Habit at for Humanity! Call 541-549-1193.
E WEE
SIER RA
is sweet 7-year-old Siberian husky mix will do best with a consistent routine to allow her to acclimate and learn the rules of her new home. Sierra will enjoy daily walk s and all the love her new family ha s to give. If this happy gal seems like the per fect addition to your home, come on by the HSCO and meet Sierra today!
BROKEN TOP Veterinar y Clinic 541-389-0391
SISTER S- ARE A C HURCH ES
Baha’i Faith
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 541-815-9848
11 a .m. S aturday Worship
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran 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
POLICY: Nonprofits, schools , churches , birth, engagement, wedding , and anniversar y notices may run at no charge. Business items do not run on this page. All submissions subject to editing and run as space allows . Email lisa@nug getnews .com or drop o at 4 42 E . Main Ave. Deadline is 5 p.m. on Fridays
Sisters man shares business journey in memoir
By Jim Cornelius Correspondent
October 19, 1987, was the worst day of Greg Donaldson’s professional life.
On that day, known to history as Black Monday, the stock market suddenly cratered, in a one-day plunge that pulled down the Dow Jones Industrial Average by 22.6 percent, and wiped out $1.71 trillion in wealth. Donaldson was sure that it had wiped out his small investment firm, too.
That’s not what happened. In fact, the week following Black Monday marked a sea change in Donaldson’s understanding of his work, and created a new path for him and his firm. Donaldson, who lives part-time in Sisters, recounts that journey in his memoir, “The Hidden Power of Rising Dividends.”
On the Friday after Black Monday, a client came in with two large accounts that he wanted Donaldson to manage — with a stipulation: He wanted only dividend-paying stocks.
“I was a pure growth investor at the time,” Donaldson said.
But Donaldson was in no position to quibble. He took on the accounts.
“He essentially rescued us,” Donaldson said. “He didn’t know it at the time.”
Donaldson began researching “slower-growing companies, a little more dominant in their industry. Blue Chip. And they all paid dividends.”
Upon deep study, Donaldson concluded that these companies — when dividend payouts were figured back into the equation were outperforming the S&P 500.
“That was the first whiff of a notion,” he recalled. “It was shocking to me, so my heart got a lot more interested in studying these things.”
Donaldson became so immersed in this study that he became an expert in dividend investing.
His firm was able to guide clients outside the dot-com bubble that burst going into 2000, with his investments climbing while the S&P fell.
He began to blog about the strategy, and was eventually approached by a publisher to write a book on the subject. The timeline was unrealistically tight, so Donaldson put the project aside. But the idea of writing a book stayed with him.
He started putting something together, and asked his son Nick for input. Nick told him the work was “too dry and mathematical.” He told his father that, “the story of how you came to learn it is much more interesting than what you came to learn.”
Donaldson took his son’s advice to heart, and “The Hidden Power of Rising Dividends” became in large part the story of Donaldson’s journey. The story has resonated — and so has the practical strategy. One reviewer noted:
“…Quite apart from the narrative quality of Donaldson’s writing, the investment strategies and nitty-gritty descriptions of financial markets in this book are in-depth, coherent, and eminently readable. The text offers practical, articulate explanations of the relationship between inflation and interest rates, of the varying types of bonds and the difference between investment strategies. Each of the many characters that converse with Donaldson over the course of his journey expose a different mentality and perspective on investing and, cumulatively, the book captures a huge swath of financial ideas that will allow readers to make more informed choices about how their money is handled.”
“Inspiring on many levels, ‘The Hidden Power of Rising Dividends’ is a rare find—a mesmerizing account
of one man navigating the ins and outs of investment strategies. It combines arcane financial ideas with an intimate, memoiristic narrative and literary prose. The result is a book that readers will not want to put down and might even make a few noninvestors change their mind about the market.”
Donaldson wrote his book during summers spent in Sisters, where he and his wife Joyce have a home in Pine Meadow Village. They discovered Sisters when their son Nick was playing soccer at Oregon State University. Their other son, Justin, also attended OSU doing doctoral work.
Greg recalled that he was back at work in Indiana when his wife called him from Black Butte Ranch and told him, “Greg, I think I’ve found the most beautiful place on earth.”
They bought a condo here in 2005, then the house at Pine Meadow in 2014.
Work keeps Donaldson rooted to Evansville, Indiana — for now.
“If we didn’t have responsibilities in Indiana, we’d be here six months, eight months, nine months out of the year,” he said.
Donaldson emphasizes that his memoir is fundamentally a tribute to his clients.
“It was their idea, and we just listened to them,” he said.
“This is also about how to build a business,” he said. “You’ve got to stay in the truth, and you’ve got to stay in what you know and understand.”
“The Hidden Power of Rising Dividends” is available at Paulina Springs Books in Sisters.
Greg Donaldson has crafted a memoir of a revealing journey through the world of financial investment.
PHOTO BY JIM CORNELIUS
FARM TOURS:
Children use farm as outdoor classroom
Continued from page 3
to be needed in the community in a region that includes people who are food insecure. Children who crave time in outdoor classrooms are taught practical lessons in the sciences, how mathematics can be fun and useful and how to grow, tend, and eventually eat the foods that they’ve grown. An active partner in the community, Seed to Table has become an integral part of life for many residents.
Seed to Table executive director, Holly Haddad is excited to announce that a local donor has offered to put up $20,000 in matching funds for the Fall fundraising drive. Donations, no matter how small, all contribute to the number of people who support the organization. Folks who’ve benefited from the programs, or enjoy the Sisters Farmers Market, which is managed by Seed to Table, or who just like to brag that in Sisters, there’s a farm that grows an unbelievable amount of food on a little farm that’s defied the odds, all agree Seed to Table is an organization worth the investment.
Seed to Table staff say this is the time to give to the organization. They invite folks to make a donation at the Sisters Farmers Market, on the Seed to Table website, or during a Fall Farm Tour, or if they’re attending at the September 7, Fall Harvest Dinner on the farm.
Seed to Table is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit entity, tax ID number 82-3795618, with a mission to increase health and wellness of the Central Oregon community through providing equitable access to locally grown, farm fresh produce and offering opportunities in farmbased education. For more information contact Audrey Tehan at audrey@seedtotablesisters.org or Holly Haddad at holly@seedtotablesisters.org.
RANDALL: Crowdfunding campaign is underway in Sisters
Continued from page 1
“You may know Randall as the friendly guy who pumps your gas at Chevron and always remembers your name. Randall has called the Sisters forest home for many years and is a valued member of our community.
“He is now in urgent need of support to rebuild and get back on his feet. Funds that are donated will be used to help Randall buy essential items for survival and hopefully replace his RV and/or truck down the road.”
Sisters-Area Events & Enter tainment
WEDNESDAY • SEPTEMBER 11
Sisters Saloon Poker Night Texas Hold’em 5:30 p.m. to close upstairs. 21+. $20 (add'l $5 when bounty chip is played).
The Barn Live Music: Horse Necks 6 to 8 p.m. on the outdoor stage. Info: www thebarninsisters.com.
Food Cart Garden at Eurosports Cornhole Tournament
Sign up at 5:30 Free For info call Eurosports at 541-549-2471
THURSDAY • SEPTEMBER 12
Luckey's Woodsman Megan's Terrific Trivia 5:30 p.m. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd. Located at 352 E. Hood Ave., Ste. B.
Food Cart Garden at Eurosports Trivia Night
Sign up at 5:30 Starts promptly at 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. Dog-and family-friendly Free For info call Eurosports at 541-549-2471
FRIDAY • SEPTEMBER 13
Paulina Springs Books, et al. Sisters Festival of Books
A celebration of literature and storytelling — from workshops to poetry & story slams to author events and meet & greets. Tickets and information: www.sistersfob.org.
Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights Booster Draft at 5 p.m. $15. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.
Hardtails Bar & Grill Karaoke with Gaby
8 p.m. to midnight. Information call 541-549-6114.
Eurosports Food Cart Garden Live Music: Lilli Worona & John Shipe 5-7 p.m. Free Family- & dog-friendly 541-549-2471
SATURDAY • SEPTEMBER 14
Paulina Springs Books, et. al. Sisters Festival of Books
A celebration of literature and storytelling — from workshops to poetry & story slams to author events and meet & greets. Tickets and information: www.sistersfob.org.
Sisters Depot Courtyard Live Music: Bob Baker & Mark Barringer 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets $5 at www.sistersdepot.com/our-events.
Hardtails Bar & Grill Karaoke with Gaby 8 p.m. to midnight. Information call 541-549-6114.
The Barn Live Music: Sun Threaders Duo 6 to 8 p.m. on the outdoor stage. Info: www thebarninsisters.com.
Hola! Camp Sherman Live Music: Victor Johnson 5 to 8 p.m., free Info: www.facebook.com/HolaCampSherman/.
Eurosports Food Cart Garden Car Show 5-7 p.m. Free Family- and dog-friendly Bring your cool or vintage car for the car show — or come to see them! For more info call 541-549-2471
SUNDAY • SEPTEMBER 15
Sisters Saloon Live Music: Use’ta Do 6 to 8 p.m. on the patio Free and open to all ages Fir Street Park Sisters Farmers Market 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Featuring live music, community booth, vendors, kids activities, and more. For info visit www.sistersfarmersmarket.com.
Paulina Springs Books, et. al. Sisters Festival of Books A celebration of literature and storytelling — from workshops to poetry & story slams to author events and meet & greets. Tickets and information: www.sistersfob.org.
TUESDAY • SEPTEMBER 17
Ski Inn Taphouse Hotel Live Music: Kurt Silva 6-8 p.m. Free entry Info: www.sisterstaphousehotel.com.
WEDNESDAY • SEPTEMBER 18
Sisters Saloon Poker Night Texas Hold’em 5:30 p.m. to close upstairs. 21+. $20 (add'l $5 when bounty chip is played).
The Barn Live Music: Reb and The Good News 6 to 8 p.m. on the outdoor stage. Info: www thebarninsisters.com.
Food Cart Garden at Eurosports Cornhole Tournament
Sign up at 5:30 Free For info call Eurosports at 541-549-2471
THURSDAY • SEPTEMBER 19
Luckey's Woodsman Megan's Terrific Trivia 5:30 p.m.
Prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd. Located at 352 E. Hood Ave. Ste. B. Food Cart Garden at Eurosports Trivia Night Sign up at 5:30 Starts promptly at 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. Dog-and family-friendly Free For info call Eurosports at 541-549-2471
FRIDAY • SEPTEMBER 20
Hardtails Bar & Grill Karaoke with Gaby
8 p.m. to midnight. Information call 541-549-6114.
Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights
Booster Draft at 5 p.m. $15. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.
Eurosports Food Cart Garden Live Music: Switchback 5-7 p.m. Free Family- and dog-friendly Info: 541-549-2471
SATURDAY • SEPTEMBER 21
Various Artists’ Studios Sisters Artist Studio Tour presented by Sisters Arts Association. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Maps at local galleries or online: www.sistersarts.org.
Hola! Camp Sherman Live Music: Emilee Paige 5 to 8 p.m., free Info: www.facebook.com/HolaCampSherman/. Hardtails Bar & Grill Karaoke with Gaby 8 p.m. to midnight. Information call 541-549-6114. The Barn Live Music: Brent Alan 6 to 8 p.m. on the outdoor stage. Info: www thebarninsisters.com.
Eurosports Food Cart Garden Car Show 5-7 p.m. Free Family- and dog-friendly Bring your cool or vintage car for the car show — or come to see them! For more info call 541-549-2471
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
The Belfr y Live Music: Haley Heynderickx draws from a wide array of influences and brings deft fingerpicking with lyrics that flirt with levity but hew toward introspection; with Nick Delffs, a beloved staple of PNW music since emerging with his PDX band The Shaky Hands mid-2000s. 7 to 10 p .m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Presented by The Whippoorwill Presents. Tickets, $25, at www.bendticket.com.
Various Artists’ Studios Sisters Artist Studio Tour presented by Sisters Arts Association. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Maps at local galleries or online: www.sistersarts.org.
Sisters Saloon Live Music: Kurt Silva Duo 6 to 8 p.m. on the patio Free and open to all ages
Fir Street Park Sisters Farmers Market 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Featuring live music, community booth, vendors, kids activities, and more. For info visit www.sistersfarmersmarket.com.
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 • SEPTEMBER 24
Ski Inn Taphouse Hotel Live Music: Kolby Knickerbocker 6-8 p.m. Free entry Info: www.sisterstaphousehotel.com.
WEDNESDAY • SEPTEMBER 25
Sisters Saloon Poker Night Texas Hold’em 5:30 p.m. to close upstairs. 21+. $20 (add'l $5 when bounty chip is played). The Barn Live Music: The Deliciousness 6 to 8 p.m. on the outdoor stage. Info: www thebarninsisters.com.
Food Cart Garden at Eurosports Cornhole Tournament Sign up at 5:30 Free For info call Eurosports at 541-549-2471
THURSDAY • SEPTEMBER 26
Luckey's Woodsman Megan's Terrific Trivia 5:30 p.m. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd. Located at 352 E. Hood Ave., Ste. B.
Food Cart Garden at Eurosports Trivia Night Sign up at 5:30 Starts promptly at 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. Dog-and family-friendly Free For info call Eurosports at 541-549-2471
FRIDAY • SEPTEMBER 27
Seven Downtown Venues Sisters Folk Festival
An intimate, multi-genre festival that puts 33 great artists on seven stages! Information and tickets at www.sistersfolkfest.org.
Downtown Sisters 4th Friday Artwalk 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Galleries and shops feature art and demonstrations. For additional information go to sistersarts.org.
Makin’ It Local Artist Reception: James Parsons Central Oregon adventure photographer, 4 to 7 p.m. Refreshments served. 281 W. Cascade Ave. More info: www.makinitlocal.com.
Hardtails Bar & Grill Karaoke with Gaby 8 p.m. to midnight. Information call 541-549-6114.
Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights Booster Draft at 5 p.m. $15. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.
Eurosports Food Cart Garden Live Music: Skybound Blue 4-6 p.m. Free Family- and dog-friendly For more info call 541-549-2471
SATURDAY • SEPTEMBER 28
Seven Downtown Venues Sisters Folk Festival
An intimate, multi-genre festival that puts 33 great artists on seven stages! Information and tickets at www.sistersfolkfest.org.
Hola! Camp Sherman Live Music: Danilson Duo 5 to 8 p.m., free Info: www.facebook.com/HolaCampSherman/. The Barn Live Music: Skillethead 6 to 8 p.m. on the outdoor stage. Info: www thebarninsisters.com.
Sisters Librar y Live Music: 27th Street Brass Quintet 2 p.m. Free Music in Public Places presented by Central Oregon Symphony. Info: https://dpl.libnet.info/event/11606862.
Uninvited guest rattles outdoor harvest dinner
By T. Lee Brown Correspondent
Every September, supporters of local nonprofit Seed to Table gather outdoors on its farm to eat, drink, and be visibly merry. For a few years now, the question preceding the Fall Harvest Dinner has been: Will there be smoke?
This year was a little more complicated. Guests wondered: Will there be smoke? And rain? And lighting?
About 200 attendees arrived on a hot evening to a festive scene. Long, communal tables were set with linens and sunflower bouquets. Somewhat smoky air lent the landscape an amber glow. Sisters locals socialized and greeted new people, listening to live music, sipping kombucha and wine.
The farm-curious arrived, too, from around Central Oregon. They expressed amazement at the beauty of the natural setting and the complexity of operations they’d seen on the farm tour.
“It’s so beautiful,” said a young man from Bend, visiting the farm for the first time.
As folks settled down to their meals, prepared by FEAST using organic
vegetables grown on the farm, an uninvited guest made a dramatic appearance: thunder. It rumbled from the mountains all the way past Seed to Table and out into the high desert.
People laughed—some more nervously than others—as clouds roiled and thunder murmured. A smattering of raindrops hit the tables.
“I’m so glad our misting system came on just in time to cool you all off,” joked Seed to Table’s founder and farm director Audrey Tehan, who was giving a speech from the trailer-bed stage.
When the next stretch of rain pattered down, some in the audience hooted and clapped. Shelley Anderson, a visitor from Bend, had just flown back to Central Oregon from New Mexico.
“I want rain!” she exulted, raising her arms to the skies.
“It was so dry there.”
The evening appeared to go off without a hitch: patrons seemed jovial, staff looked pleased, and the patters didn’t build into a serious rainstorm. Lightning didn’t strike, and the thunder rolled on to its next dining engagement, with or without a formal invitation.
Consider THIS
Mitchell
L. Luftig, Ph.D. Columnist
The Cohen Brothers’ movie, “The Matrix” is returning to the big screen. In the movie, humanity lives within the Matrix, where pleasant virtual reality daydreams have been substituted for reality, and self-aware machines farm the slumbering humans for energy. Neo and his compatriots manage to extricate themselves from the Matrix, fighting back against the artificial intelligence that has enslaved humanity.
Perhaps the Cohen Brothers were onto something, that each of us lives within a matrix; not one fashioned by artificial intelligence, but fabricated by our own minds.
Consider this: We do not consciously manufacture the virtual world of our dreams, but some part of our mind must be responsible, sending us dreams that help us
navigate our daily affairs — research suggests that anxiety dreams may help us rehearse more effective responses to difficult or frightening situations.
Perhaps the same part of our mind that constructs our dreams also works behindthe-scenes during our waking life, trying to influence our behavior to reduce our suffering.
Zen Buddhist Monk Thich Nhat Hanh suggested that the origin of fear is our awareness, as young children, that we are utterly dependent upon caregivers to keep us safe, meet our basic
needs, soothe our distress, and ensure that we feel loved and admired. Our complete dependence on caregivers produces a feeling of helplessness, which is the genesis of our fear.
To the extent that caregivers perform these tasks well, children develop healthy attachments that provide a solid base from which to explore their world and develop greater mastery. As childrens’ self-confidence grows, dependence on caregivers diminishes, along with their sense of helplessness.
A visitor delights in raindrops falling on Seed to Table’s fall harvest dinner.
PHOTO BY TL BROWN
TRAVELING
Therapist loves mountains and horses
Continued from page 3
Gayla Nelson.
“It’s like horse heaven right there,” Covell said.
She and her dogs Shadow and Dash abide in her horse trailer.
“I love the downsizing and simplicity,” she said.
She’s taken full advantage of all the trail riding and hiking Sisters Country has to offer.
Working as a traveling physical therapist is not a new thing for Covell. She
was a volleyball player, and she discovered myofascial release therapy after finding it highly effective in recovering from back surgery. When she got her degree, the urge to travel out of small town Indiana was strong.
“When I graduated from school back in the stone ages, I did the traveling for three years,” she said.
Eventually, she came off the road and established a fixed practice, which she operated for 15 years. Then the road started calling again.
“I always wanted to do more in the mountains,” she said.
Most of her travels of late have been in the West.
BOOK FEST: Event
kicks of on Friday, September 13
Continued from page 3
excitement around it.”
Authors are excited to come to Sisters for the event.
Jacobson is keen to make sure that those authors have a good experience in the community, which can only build the reputation of both Sisters and the festival.
“Much like the musicians who come to the folk festival, I’m confident that the word is going to spread about the Sisters Festival of Books,” he said.
Jacobson is the owner of Paulina Springs Books, but he emphasizes that the Sisters Festival of Books is “a separate entity from the bookstore.”
Sisters Festival of Books is in the process of becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. One of its missions is to develop grants to support local school libraries.
Tickets are available online and will be available at the door during the event as long as space is available in sessions. For more information, visit www.sistersfob.org.
When she landed at Green Ridge Physical Therapy, she discovered a surprising family connection through the wild mustang photographs of long-time Green Ridge office and billing manager Carol Statton.
Statton told The Nugget “It turns out my step-brother in Michigan was her volleyball coach, and she was a teammate with my sister-inlaw! That all came to light when my sister-in-law asked if she knew about the wild horses in this area, and she mentioned seeing the artwork on the walls at Green Ridge. It is, indeed, a small world sometimes!”
Covell says she thrives on solitude and simplicity, and loves living on the road. She believes it’s important to pursue the life you want — now.
“So many people put off living until a certain time,” she said. “And the truth of the matter is, there’s no guarantee.”
Where does the road take her from here?
“I’m actually heading back to Indiana after this — but it will be an exploration on the way back,” she said.
Her trek will take her through Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, and on to a stint in Minnesota before she gets back to Indiana to put some affairs in order. She expects she’ll be back in Sisters one day.
“I want to come back,” she said.
Cathy Covell travels the country with her horses and dogs, working as a physical therapist. She has recently done a couple of stints at Green Ridge Physical Therapy.
PHOTO PROVIDED
Carol Statton’s horse photographs at Green Ridge Physical therapy tipped off Cathy Covell to a “small world” family connection.
PHOTO BY JIM CORNELIUS
government has so much money to spend, let them flood our forests with them or raise sterile Barred Owls and eventually that could solve the problem. Do we eliminate every creature that naturally migrates?
Marvin Inman
s s s
Wolves in Central Oregon
To the Editor:
This is Mehmet, as being a native Turkish, I can recommend that one solution to the ranchers to protect their livestock from the wolf packs would be a special dog breed, especially bred for wolves. For centuries the shepherds used this amazing breed to protect their herds!
The breed is called Kangal; to my understanding there are breeders in the USA.
In Eastern Turkey the wolves have always been a severe problem; these phenomenal dogs have protected the livestock for centuries.
The breed’s info is available on the web.
I wish good luck to the ranchers of Central Oregon.
Mehmet Erce
s s s
Falling star?
To the Editor:
In the September 4 issue you published a very nice photo by Jarod Gatley with a caption that said there were several meteors in it. There was one track of an airplane and one of a satellite, and one of something else that was not a meteor. Nitpicking, I know, but to keep from misleading your readers, such captions should be correct or noncommittal about what is in a photo.
Jim Hammond
s s s
To the Editor:
True North
I’m a huge fan of “people”! I have faith in humans to make good decisions. However, I was baffled that Daniel Ramberg stated that he was voting for Kamala Harris because she is, 1. a woman, and 2. is beautiful. His last reasoning was around the “Promise of America.” Check.
A woman? Finally, a voting strategy as deep as a puddle. Next, should we base cabinet members based on the number of Instagram followers, or choose astronauts based on their favorite color?
Voting for someone based on their appearance? I thought we left those playground tactics behind in middle school. Nothing says “qualified to lead the free world” like having great skin and a fantastic smile while being able to walk in heels and pose for a camera.
People, we are so much better than this. Do not vote for someone because they are a man or a woman or tall or short or photogenic, or drive the same car as you, etc. Vote for them because their true self (and record) and goals align most with your personal convictions and dreams for your future.
Everyone has their true north — their non-negotiable. As a grandma and educator I will only cast my vote for a candidate, whether beautiful or not, man or woman, who defends innocent children — unable to vote themselves — to have a chance at life. I wouldn’t be a grandma or an educator if it wasn’t for their people who gave these kiddos a shot at life. My true-north.
Get yer popcorn — this will be an interesting watch this week.
Becky Aylor
s s s
County Commission
To the Editor:
Regarding proposed expansion of the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners:
The subject of appropriate representation on the commission based on increased population is a valid concern. However, I have seen the same request for
the U.S. Supreme Court. If the motive behind the increase in the size of the commission based on the results of the commissioners’ findings is what’s being proposed as good for the county, the logical way to do that is to vote in your candidates with the configuration we have now.
As a native Oregonian, I have seen the former change our state and the ones north and south of us to the extent that it consistently leans one way. But we keep voting, not mandating, hoping and praying for a different result.
Scott Davis s s s
Back to school
To the Editor,
I wish everyone a wonderful back to school for the 2024-2025 school year! This year is filled with exciting changes, in particular the opening of our new elementary school. We are so thankful to our community, who continually supports the Sisters School District in creating the very best learning environment possible for our students. The longterm goal of building a K-12 campus in Sisters has finally been achieved and the benefits are already being observed.
We would like to invite anyone who is interested, to participate in a tour of the new elementary building on Wednesday, September 25, at 6 p.m.
Amongst many topics discussed in the September school board meeting, four administrators outlined this past summer’s events, as well as upcoming school objectives. Steve Stancliff, Sisters High School principal, presented an overview of teaching strategies to help meet students where they are in their learning process. Lorna Van Geem, director of student services, shared that due to recent special education staffing turn-over, the team was reorganized, providing an opportunity to hire a new special education teacher at the high school and a behavior specialist at the elementary school. Many members of her team also attended a three-county professional training this summer. Tim Roth, Sisters
See LETTERS on page 16
TRANSCEND:
Becoming
To the extent that caregivers fail at some of these tasks, or perform them inconsistently, children develop a weaker attachment that prevents them from confidently exploring their world and developing mastery; their sense of helpless dependence persists.
The part of our mind that uses dreams to guide us through the rough spots in our life may construct stories, based upon our attachment experiences. These stories help us to avoid the pitfalls associated with weak attachments to early caregivers.
If a caregiver abused substances or was emotionally/ physically abusive, the child’s story might cue them to “walk on eggshells” around angry people, to avoid emotional explosions. If a caregiver was depressed, the story might remind the child of the importance of self-reliance. If the caregiver was self-absorbed, the story might prompt the child to act in a manner that
LETTERS
Continued from page 15
reflected positively upon the caregiver.
The mind updates our story based upon what happens when we step outside the home and attempt to make friends, join groups of peers, and later to date. Acceptance softens the edges of our story, while rejection or discrimination may lead to more cautionary tales, giving our story sharper edges.
Our family culture further shapes our stories, identifying who can be trusted, as well as those who should be feared and hated because they pose a threat to our family’s culture.
Our stories promise us a safe, reliable, and predictable world. Stepping outside the familiar structure of our story may induce anxiety. Buddhists refer to the self that clings to certainty, afraid to deviate from the strictures of their story, as the conditioned self.
If we wish to live our life as our authentic self, we must be willing to sacrifice the certainty promised by our story.
In an effort to develop present moment awareness and to cultivate insight into the human condition, we may practice mindfulness. But our mind resists our efforts to
Middle School principal, provided an overview of staff participation in AVID trainings, as well as an intensive two-week Wilderness First Responder course. Tim also expressed that the first two days of school went extremely smoothly, as not only were there less students due to fifth grade moving back to the new elementary school, but because all students were already adjusted to the middle school.
And finally, Joan Warburg, Sisters Elementary School (SES) principal, introduced Jana Jiles as the new assistant vice principal at SES. She went on to thank Todd Pilch, director of technology, and Ryan Stock, director of operations, for their incredible dedication and responsiveness during the new elementary school construction. Joan equally thanked the entire team and expressed her immense enthusiasm at the amazing turn-out for the family open-house event that took place on August 28. An estimated 750 people were in
penetrate the illusion of our story, insisting on its right to remain our guardian.
We try to anchor our attention to our breath, but the next thing we know, we are thinking of something else, which reminds us of another thing. We become bored and restless and start thinking of our to-do list. We escape into fantasy or relive memories.
With practice, we notice the moment our attention is hijacked and escort it back to our breath. We become aware of our body sensations. We observe our thoughts as though they are clouds, scuttling across the sky, neither identifying with our thoughts or allowing them to drag us back inside our story.
We may discover clues in the pattern of our thoughts as to how our story is constructed.
As we loosen our story’s hold upon us, we become free to express our authentic self, the self that is not dependent upon others for validation. Once our mind stops trying to force others into the roles dictated by our story, we can practice deep listening, fostering authentic relationships. Slowly we emerge from our story.
attendance that evening, and the feedback has been incredibly positive.
Wrapping up the meeting, the enrollment report demonstrated that we are still continuing to grow. This year’s freshman class, which was already very large, has continued to increase, with an approximate enrollment of 131 students! The overall enrollment in our district is at 1,193 students. However, this is subject to change over the first few weeks as we all get settled into this new school year.
We are also continuing discussions for workforce housing, as well as collaborating closely with SPRD and their transition to the old elementary school.
Once again, I wish to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone involved in the new elementary school project. We could not have done it without the incredible hard work and dedication of our wonderful staff, as well as the extraordinary community support! We are fortunate to live in such an outstanding town, which prioritizes the future of our kids.
Curt Scholl, Superintendent
Greg and Shannon Pozovich wrote: This letter is a thank you and a praise to the staff of Ponderosa Lodge in Sisters. Because of a recent flood in our home, we spent six weeks at the Lodge. We had not expected such a wonderful response from the entire staff.
They were so welcoming and good to us and our dog Sage. Management was warm and very accommodating. Everyone was attentive and efficient. A number of times they arranged care for Sage so we could go out to dinner. They treated Sage like royalty and had a lot of fun with her. We all had a wonderful experience.
Submissions for ‘Sisters salutes...’ can be emailed to Editor in Chief Jim Cornelius at editor@ nuggetnews.com.
WRECK: No one was hurt in street-blocking incident
Continued from page 1
Cascade Avenue. The Toyota Camry was pushed forward, where it struck a 2023 Volkswagen Taos, which was also parked on the north side of Cascade Avenue.
Cascade Avenue, also designated as Highway 20 West, was closed down for approximately one hour due to the crash.
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Oregon State Police, the Oregon Department of Transportation, and the city of Sisters Public Works department.
Obituaries
The Rev. Dr. Larry E. Harrelson, Col., Retired, 80, a resident of the Forest Grove community, passed away on Monday, August 12, 2024, at the Hawthorne House in Forest Grove.
The youngest of four children, Larry was born April 17, 1944, to Willis Murrel and Verla Jessie Harrelson in McLeansboro, Illinois, where he grew up and graduated from high school. Both parents modeled for Larry the virtues of hard work, honesty, and religious faith. His parents encouraged Larry to go as far as he could in school, although they were of modest education. His mother and father stopped formal schooling at 8th and 3rd grades, respectively (the country school was too far away for his father to attend). His parents’ influence remained with him throughout his life as family, faith, education, and service were of utmost importance to Larry.
Larry took his parents’ advice to heart and was a voracious learner, resulting in an extensive and diverse educational journey. His love of books and learning were buoyed by the local public library where he spent many hours as a youth. After high school graduation in 1962, Larry was granted an Illinois State Scholarship for college tuition and was selected by the Illinois Highway Department to attend a civil engineering technician course at the University of Illinois. From 1962-1966 Larry alternated work with the highway department and attending college courses, as funds allowed. At the height of the Vietnam war, Larry enlisted in the U.S. Army and served on active duty (19661969), working as a mental health social worker at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. During this time, he completed his bachelor’s degree in sociology at Drury College by attending evening classes.
Department at the University of Oklahoma Library. Their son John, was born soon after, in 1972.
While in Norman, at the University of Oklahoma, Larry earned a second master’s degree in speech communication. His next and final full-time library job was as director of the Crowley Ridge Regional Library in Jonesboro, Arkansas. During his library career, Larry authored articles for national and state professional libraries. Larry entered seminary in 1974, but his library work was not over. To earn money while in seminary, he taught a graduate-level library science course each semester at the University of Kentucky, and for some time after his ordination. Larry’s interest in libraries stemmed from his rapacious reading as a young person, which he was able to pursue through the small public library in his hometown. Larry greatly valued public libraries, and after transitioning to fulltime clergy he continued to find ways to contribute to the health of local libraries; he served on the boards of two public libraries in cities where he pastored.
Larry made most, if not all, of his career decisions with family connections as the primary factor. With a call to the ordained ministry, Larry turned down an opportunity to attend seminary in Austin, Texas, for fear that his children would never know his parents, since Texas was too far away for regular visits to his parents in Illinois. Larry attended the Episcopal Theological Seminary in Lexington, Kentucky, which was a few hours from his parents’ home, from 1974-1976. Both of his parents passed away in July 1975.
Woodward, Oklahoma, for Larry’s first pastoral position at St. John’s Episcopal church. Thomas remained in their hearts. Larry and Willa discovered that Thomas had been relocated to the other side of the state (300 miles away), and were finally able to adopt Thomas into the family soon after. Thomas was 9 years old, at the time. While in Woodward, Larry also conducted church services at a nearby psychiatric hospital.
The passing of Larry’s parents while he was in seminary was impactful for the future of the Harrelson family. Larry and Willa chose to move the family to north Idaho, so that their children could have a relationship with their remaining grandparents (Willa’s parents). In 1979, Larry first served a trio of churches in Wallace (“The Silver Capital of the World”), Kellogg, and Mullan, Idaho. The family spent many weekends and school breaks with Willa’s parents in Sagle, Idaho.
consequences for healing in many forms: physical, emotional, and spiritual.
“I believe this type of thinking and research is ‘doing theology.’”
Larry was called to serve as Rector of the Church of the Nativity (Episcopal) in Lewiston, Idaho, 1984-1991. He believed he was called to minister to those with the greatest need, which meant going out into the community to serve God’s people. He was not deterred from responding to this call. The church grew and Larry was active in community, ecumenical, and diocesan work. He had a significant hospital visitation ministry at St. Joseph’s Regional Hospital. Larry believed that God’s work was to be done, not for selfserving reasons, but for the glory of God. He modeled honor and honesty for his children who carry this belief and practice with them every day. Listen to the spirit, do the right thing, even if no one is watching. A licensed social worker, Larry took a four-year break from full-time pastoral ministry (1991-1995) and served as a mental health clinician with the State of Idaho mental health program in Lewiston, Idaho. During this time, he also served as a Sunday supply priest to area Episcopal Churches. All three of Larry and Willa’s children graduated from Lewiston High School.
awards are the Legion of Merit, four Meritorious Service Medals, two Army Commendation Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, three Armed Forces Reserve Medals, and two National Defense Service Medals. Whenever possible (which was often), Larry brought his family with him to various military drills and schools. This resulted in opportunities to see and explore Washington D.C., Norfolk, VA, and many military bases and the surrounding communities. Among the best memories his children have from this time are air shows, tours of naval ships, and many cross-country trips with stops to visit extended family along the way. The family was rich in experience and time together.
After his 2004 retirement, for several years Larry provided Sunday clergy supply to area Episcopal churches and served as assisting priest at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Boise, Idaho and then at the Church of the Holy Nativity in Meridian, Idaho. Larry continued writing as an avocation, with many articles published in magazines, journals, and newspapers. He was a chaplain for an American Legion Post for many years.
In 1969 Larry entered graduate school at the University of Missouri on a federal fellowship and received his master’s in library science in August of 1970. While attending the University of Missouri, he met Willa and her 10-month old daughter, Christina, through mutual friends. In January 1970 he asked Willa if he should consider Willa and Christina in his search for a job. This served as his proposal of marriage, and they tied the knot in June of 1970. He adopted Christina in 1971. From Columbia, Missouri, they moved to Norman, Oklahoma, where Larry worked as head of the Information Services
Larry was ordained an Episcopal deacon and served as an assisting priest at St. Matthew’s Episcopal in Enid, Oklahoma. He was ordained a priest in 1976 in the Diocese of Oklahoma. In 1977, while at St. Matthew’s, the family met a boy, Thomas, who was living with a foster family. Larry and Willa inquired about adopting Thomas but were told that they could not because they lived in the same county as Thomas’ biological family. Larry baptized Thomas, and Willa served as a witness (in essence, becoming his Godparents) just before Thomas was moved elsewhere within the Oklahoma foster system. Sadly, they briefly lost track of Thomas. In 1977, the Harrelson family moved to
When the mines and smelter closed in the Silver Valley, the result was massive unemployment. Larry helped found the Christian Aid Fund of Shoshone County and obtained grants to assist persons of great need during that time. The fund continued to assist Silver Valley residents for many years with valley churches jointly contributing to the fund. Part of his ministry included consistent visits to the hospital and nursing home in Silverton, ID; oftentimes one of his children would join him for these visits. While in the Silver Valley, Larry completed his Doctor of Ministry degree, which he had started in Oklahoma, receiving his degree from Phillips Theological Seminary in 1982. His dissertation, The Ministry of Healing: A Theological and Psychological Rationale with Pastoral Aids, is an example of Larry’s long-term interest and faith in Christian healing. It shows his inspiration to integrate biblical, theological, and psychological aspects to ministry, with always an eye on practical
With children grown, in 1995 Larry and Willa moved to Sisters, Oregon, where Larry was Pastor of the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration for 9 years. During that time, church attendance more than doubled. Larry continued his active role in diocesan affairs and community service. At his June 2004 retirement, the Sisters Rotary Club made him a Paul Harris Fellow, in recognition of his contributions to the community.
Larry also had a long and distinguished military career. He was an active-duty U.S. Army soldier (1966-1969).
In 1973, Larry received a direct commission as a Naval Reserve intelligence officer and served in that capacity until 1980, when he transferred to the Army Reserve as a chaplain. For the next 23 years, Larry had a significant part-time ministry as a chaplain in the Army Reserve and the Idaho Army National Guard. He retired from the Idaho Guard as a Colonel in February 2003. In the Idaho Guard, Larry served as the 116th Engineer Battalion Chaplain, the 116th Cavalry Brigade Chaplain, and lastly as the State Chaplain. Among Larry’s military
During retirement, Larry and Willa traveled in the United States and took a delightful course at St. George’s College in Jerusalem. They enjoyed visiting their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters, brothers and other family members and friends.
Larry is survived by his wife, Willa; his daughter, Christina Harrelson Rowe (Paul), of Athol, Idaho; son Thomas (Dody) Harrelson, of Pullman, Washington; son, John (Shiela Lesh) Harrelson, of Forest Grove, Oregon; his grandchildren, Jessie (Shane) Smith; Robert (Breanna) Nielson; Phillip (Nicole) Nielson; Stella Harrelson; Lucas (Amina) Harrelson; Althea Harrelson; Willa Grace Harrelson; six great-grandchildren, Cyrus Seferos; Olivia Monahan; RJ and Aubree Nielson; Jaxon and Rowan Nielson; and several nieces and nephews.
The family suggests, in lieu of flowers, that remembrances may be contributions to a charity of your choice that serves the underprivileged and/or oppressed members of your community in his memory. Food banks, homeless shelters, mental health organizations, and public libraries are some suggestions.
To sign the online guest book or to send a condolence to the family go to www. fuitenrosehoyt.com. Rev. Dr. Larry E. Harrelson, Col., Retired
contingent of deputies after the City of Sisters enhanced its law enforcement contract agreement with DCSO. He is currently Patrol Division commander.
The election will be decided on November 5.
Nelson recently named Captain Paul Garrison Undersheriff to handle election-related matters in the office. Garrison told The Nugget his efforts will be directed at keeping DCSO on mission, despite the potential turmoil represented by an election contested by two internal candidates.
The Sheriff’s Office has been hit in recent months with tort claim notices from three employees: Sgt. Jeremiah Minton, Sgt. James McLaughlin, and Deputy Matthew Palmer. The tort claims from Minton and McLaughlin accuse department leaders of discriminating against employees if they support Vander Kamp instead of Bailey. Sheriff Nelson disputes the allegations.
Vander Kamp’s tort claim notice alleges actions he believes are calculated to undermine his candidacy and suppress support, and an alleged action that could have compromised security.
According to the tort claim notice, “Bend Police Department Michael P. Landolt told Vander Kamp that Landolt heard through DCSO Captain Paul B. Garrison that Nelson did not want Vander Kamp writing the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team (CODE) press releases anymore. Vander Kamp believes this was to prevent Vander Kamp from interacting with the public in order to reduce Vander Kamp’s exposure to voters and thereby harming Vander Kamp’s campaign for Sheriff.”
Several allegations center around perceived efforts to limit employees’ free speech. Vander Kamp cites an alleged order that supervisors not read or discuss the content of the DCSO Follies Facebook page. That page, which is described as “satire,” is highly critical of the DCSO administration, including Captain Bailey.
On August 26, Sheriff Nelson approved a new policy on “Speech and Expression,” which Vander Kamp alleges “discusses limitations and restrictions on DCSO members’ speech and constitutionally protected rights.”
DCSO public information officer Sgt. Jason Wall provided The Nugget with a copy of this policy, but
noted that, “The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office advises while this policy has been published, it is under review on the basis of needed clarifications suggested by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Employee Association.”
In a separate email, Wall stated on behalf of Undersheriff Garrison that, “The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office does not agree with contents of the recent Tort Claim Notice filed on behalf of Sergeant Kent Vander Kamp and is prepared to defend its position if necessary.”
The tort claim notice also addresses an internal affairs investigation launched on the concern that Vander Kamp did not disclose a part-time, unpaid position he held in the 1990s in the city of La Mesa, California. Vander Kamp has stated that the position was a volunteer reserve police position in which he directed traffic, and wasn’t really law enforcement work.
Sheriff Nelson made a public records request of the
La Mesa Police Department, which provided a record confirming that Vander Kamp had served in a reserve capacity in 1995-97. Sheriff Nelson then filed a lawsuit against the city of La Mesa to compel release of further records that the city says it does not have.
Vander Kamp alleges that DCSO scheduled an Internal Affairs Investigation interview on the matter on a day Vander Kamp is not scheduled to work, and when he has campaign events scheduled.
One allegation raises issues of safety and security of law enforcement personnel.
According to Vander Kamp’s tort claim notice, “Between January 2024 and February 2024, on information and belief, Bailey and Bailey’s friend Derek Jones using a pseudonym ‘Carlos Esparza,’ created a fake Facebook profile and began releasing the location of the CODE team and Vander Kamp’s office. This created a dangerous situation for the
covert law enforcement operation and its staff, including Vander Kamp.”
The Nugget asked Vander Kamp if he could substantiate this claim, and he responded that “screen shots are out there,” and that there is a video of Jones being confronted over the page. The page has reportedly since been removed. Vander Kamp told The Nugget that he does not know the purpose of the alleged action.
“It made many people uncomfortable,” he said.
The Nugget reached out to Captain Bailey for comment on this allegation and he responded with a written statement:
“I do not have a Facebook profile under the name Carlos Espanza (sic), or any other fake Facebook profile. I have never disclosed, on Facebook or otherwise, the location of the CODE office, or Kent Vander Kamp’s office. While my opponent threatens to sue a
vital public safety organization for money, I am focused on improving public safety by eliminating unsanctioned homeless camping on public lands and combating the plague of illegal drugs. I believe that is what the residents of Deschutes County expect from their next Sheriff.”
Vander Kamp told The Nugget that he filed the tort claim notice to protect his rights and to quell what he characterized as “aggressive behavior” on the part of the DCSO administration.
“The clock was ticking, and the hope was, honestly, that it would change some of the aggressive behavior,” he said.
Asked if he intended to file a lawsuit before the election, the candidate said, “my goal is not to file a lawsuit.” He said that he does not want to cost taxpayers money on such a legal process.
“That’s what I’m running against,” he said.
Tumalo Falls Loop Trail TRAILGRAMS
By Bill Bartlett Columnist
Tumalo Falls Loop Trail appears on just about everybody’s top five list of trails within an hour of Sisters. If you’ve been, you’ll likely agree. If you haven’t then you should make it a priority. It truly is a gem and one of the most-photographed hikes in all of Oregon.
At seven miles, it’s not a walk in the park. Neither is it grinding despite its 1,200-foot elevation gain. The ascent is gradual and spaced over 3.5 miles. The sheer beauty of the thick forest and cascading water will ease the way.
Why go? Well for the waterfalls of course. Not just the Biggy — the 97-foot Tumalo Falls — but the other dozen plus, some equally impressive in their own right. Doubles and triples, several 50 or more feet wide. All flowing with the pristine water, part of a 20-mile tributary ending into the Deschutes. The water is the source for Bend’s drinking water.
When to go? Any time that the trail is free of snow, typically mid-April to midNovember. Do not go on the weekend – any weekend unless that is your only option. Go as early as possible in the day.
What to expect? Within the first 500 feet, assuming that you are going the usual counterclockwise direction (it’s a loop so you can choose), is the mighty Tumalo Falls, a 97-foot dramatic drop over a sheer vertical cliff face. There are two viewing platforms, one higher than the other and both offer superb, unobstructed views.
Many of the visitors that will be encountered often end their experience here and the numbers quickly thin out. Counterclockwise
gets you virtually all the falls in the first half, on the ascent. Some have marked viewpoints while the others have clear paths to natural platforms for better viewing. Exercise caution as some viewing locations can present a risk especially for children and dogs; the latter are only allowed on half the loop as the other half is on Bend’s watershed. Likewise, cyclists – yes there will be bikers grinding their way in granny gears — are not allowed on the watershed side.
You will cross a log bridge or two depending on how you do the hike. To make the full loop, you will have to ford the creek. And even at its lowest, expect to be knee deep in intensely cold water.
It’s at this point when some folk merely reverse and return the way they came. No shame.
The trail — and its options — are well marked. There is an orientation map at the kiosk where there are vault toilets and picnic tables but no running water.
Getting there
Tumalo Falls is a scenic 14.2-mile drive west of Bend using Skyliners Road (Forest Road 4601). Head west for about 11.6 miles, then, take a slight right across Tumalo Creek before turning left onto Tumalo Falls Rd (Forest Road 4603) for the final 2.6 miles. The last stretch is a bumpy gravel road, so slow down and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
What youʼll need
A $5 day-use pass available at the trailhead or in substitution your Northwest Forest Pass or Interagency Pass. Maybe bug spray, probably not. Sunscreen and water of course. Plenty of both. Suitable shoes. Street shoes or flip flops will cause you pain.
PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT
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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 line = approx. 25-30 characters. Letters, spaces, numbers and punctuation = 1 character. Any ad copy changes will be charged at the first-time insertion rate of $3.50 per line. Standard abbreviations allowed with the approval of The Nugget classified department. NOTE: Legal notices placed in the Public Notice section are charged at the display advertising rate.
DEADLINE: MONDAY, noon preceding WED. publication. PLACEMENT & PAYMENT: Office, 442 E. Main Ave. Phone, 541-549-9941 or place online at NuggetNews.com. Payment is due upon placement. VISA & MasterCard accepted. Billing available for continuously run classified ads, after prepayment of first four (4) weeks and upon approval of account application. CATEGORIES:
101 Real Estate
1,518 sq. ft. 3BR/2.5 BA
New construction in historic district. 347 W. Jefferson. 2 blocks from coffee. Many special features. $719,000. 541-420-7128
FOR SALE BY OWNER
Townhome in Timber Creek, 1,290 s.f., 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Call/text 541-390-8899
102 Commercial Rentals OFFICE/RETAIL
SPACE FOR RENT
Great location across from Ace Hardware. Several space types available. Call owner
Jim Peterson/RE Broker. 503-238-1478
STORAGE WITH BENEFITS
8 x 20 dry box
Fenced yard, RV & trailers
In-town, gated, 24-7
EWDevcoLLC@gmail.com
MINI STORAGE
Sisters Rental 331 W. Barclay Drive 541-549-9631
Sizes 5x5 to 15x30 and outdoor RV parking. 7-day access.
Computerized security gate. Moving boxes & supplies.
103 Residential Rentals
3 bedroom, 2 bath house with attached garage. Near old grade school. Refrigerator, stove/oven, washer/dryer, A/C. Fenced yard.
Small pets allowed. Owner pays all utilities including internet.
$2,500 first/last month's rent plus $300 cleaning deposit ($500 with pets). No smoking. Call 541-639-2875.
Gorgeous architectural home. 22 min. east of Sisters. Available Jan. 4 thru March.
Fully furnished, 3,380 sq. ft., 3 BR, 3 BA. $5,500/month, plus utilities. 541-480-4083
CASCADE HOME & PROPERTY RENTALS
Monthly Rentals throughout Sisters Country. 541-549-0792
Property management for second homes. CascadeHomeRentals.com
PONDEROSA PROPERTIES
–Monthly Rentals Available–Call Debbie at 541-549-2002
Full details, 24 hrs./day, go to: PonderosaProperties.com
Printed list at 178 S. Elm, Sisters Ponderosa Properties LLC
104 Vacation Rentals
~ Sisters Vacation Rentals ~
107 Rentals Wanted
65-year-old female seeking room to rent in Sisters. Can help with housekeeping. 541-306-9274
Forest Service cabin owners seeking rental housing October 2024 thru March 2025 in CS/Sisters area. Remodeling our FS cabin & need housing during construction. Can trade carpentry work for rent also. Will NOT need on weekends. Call Julie 503-312-0414 202 Firewood
• WINTER 2024 • SISTERS FOREST PRODUCTS DAVE ELPI – FIREWOOD
• SINCE 1976 • Doug Fir – Lodgepole –Hardwood – Juniper – Fir DRIVE-IN WOOD SALES
– 18155 Hwy. 126 East –SistersForestProducts.com
Order Online! 541-410-4509 541-699-7740
205 Garage & Estate Sales
Western Decor Estate Sale! In Sisters
15920 Nuthatch, Fri. & Sat., 9-4 Furniture, artisan slate table, art, Pendleton blankets, Navajo-style rugs & pillows, Pottery Barn desks, Longaberger dishes, kitchenware, cast iron, jewelry, comic books, garden pots & decor, fishing equip., tools, more! View pics @ estatesales.net
– Hosted by Happy Trails!–Multi-family Sale
Air compressor, BBQ, bike, rototiller. Some free stuff. Friday, Sept. 13 & Sat., Sept. 14, 9 am - 3 pm. 17606 Plainview Ct. Corner of Plainview Rd. & Ct. HERITAGE USA
Open daily 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. 253 E. Hood Ave., Sisters. Happy Trails Estate Sales and online auctions! Selling, Downsizing, or Deaths? Locally owned & operated by... Daiya 541-480-2806 Sharie 541-771-1150
301 Vehicles
We Buy, Sell, Consign Quality Cars, Trucks, SUVs & RVs ~ Call Jeff at 541-815-7397 Sisters Car Connection da#3919 SistersCarConnection.com
500 Services
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 GEORGE’S SEPTIC TANK SERVICE
“A Well Maintained Septic System Protects the Environment” 541-549-2871
• DERI’s HAIR SALON • Call 541-419-1279
501 Computers & Communications
3 Sisters TeleNetworks, LLC
Cable jobs, security cameras, WAPs. CCB #191099 541-318-7000 • 541-306-0729
502 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
GORDON’S LAST TOUCH Cleaning Specialists for CARPETS, WINDOWS & UPHOLSTERY
Member Better Business Bureau • Bonded & Insured • Serving Central Oregon Since 1980 Call 541-549-3008
M & J CARPET CLEANING Area rugs, upholstery, tile & dryer-vent cleaning. Established & family-owned since 1986. 541-549-9090
– Advertise with The Nugget –541-549-9941
504 Handyman
JONES UPGRADES LLC
Home Repairs & Remodeling Drywall, Decks, Pole Barns, Fences, Sheds & more. Mike Jones, 503-428-1281
Local resident • CCB #201650
600 Tree Service & Forestry
TimberStandImprovement.net Tree Removal & Pruning TRAQ Arborist/ CCB#190496 541-771-4825
4 Brothers Tree Service Sisters' Premier Tree Experts! – TREE REMOVAL & CLEANUP –Native / Non-Native Tree Assessments, Pruning, High-Risk Removals, 24 Hr. Emergency Storm Damage Cleanup, Craning & Stump Grinding, Debris Removal.
– FOREST MANAGEMENT –Fire Fuels Reduction - Brush Mowing, Mastication, Tree Thinning, Large & Small Scale Projects!
Serving Black Butte Ranch, Camp Sherman & Sisters Area since 2003 ** Free Estimates ** Owner James Hatley & Sons 541-815-2342 4brostrees.com
Licensed, Bonded and Insured CCB-215057
LOLO TREE WORKS Tree Services: Tree Removal, Tree Pruning, Stump Grinding, Emergency Tree Services. ISA Certified Arborist Owner / Operator: Erin Carpenter lolotreeworks.com Call / Text: 503-367-5638 Email: erin@lolotreeworks.com CCB #240912
601 Construction Custom Homes Additions - Remodels Residential Building Projects Becke William Pierce CCB# 190689 • 541-647-0384 Beckewpcontracting@gmail.com
SUDOKU Level: Difficult Answer: Page 22
Private Central OR vac. rentals, Property Management Services 541-977-9898
www.SistersVacation.com
Downtown Vacation Rentals Popular 1 and 2 Bedroom SistersVacationRentals.net
Great pricing. 503-730-0150
New crop. No rain. Barn stored. 3-tie bales. $240-$360/ton. Hwy. 126 & Cline Falls. 541-280-1895
I’ve got your cats covered! Sisters-Tumalo-PetSitting.com 541-306-7551
Julie Brando's Natural Dog Biscuits brandosbyjulie.etsy.com SISTERS WHISKERS Your purr-fect friend is waiting for you at our local nonprofit cat rescue! Apply to adopt at: sisterswhiskers.org HAVE A BUSINESS TO PROMOTE?
SERVICE TO PROVIDE? Advertise in The Nugget!
From Ground to Finish
Accurate and Efficient
541-604-5169
CCB#248916
SPURGE COCHRAN
BUILDER, INC.
General Contractor
Building Distinctive, Handcrafted Custom Homes, Additions, Remodels, Cabin Renovations Since ’74
A “Hands-On” Builder
Keeping Your Project on Time & On Budget • CCB #96016
To speak to Spurge personally, call 541-815-0523
Construction & Renovation
Custom Residential Projects
All Phases • CCB #148365 541-420-8448
Custom Homes • Additions
Residential Building Projects
Serving Sisters area since 1976
Strictly Quality
CCB #16891 • CCB #159020 541-280-9764
John Pierce jpierce@bendbroadband.com
New construction, addition, remodel. Large and small projects. Contact for estimate. 541-325-3020
sales@gardnercontractingllc.com
Earthwood Timberframes
• Design & shop fabrication
• Recycled fir and pine beams
• Mantels and accent timbers
• Sawmill/woodshop services
EWDevCoLLC@gmail.com
541-390-1206
beavercreeklog@yahoo.com
Log repairs, log railing, log accent, log siding, etc.
CCB #235303 Insurance & Bond
CASCADE GARAGE DOORS
Factory Trained Technicians
Since 1983 • CCB #44054 541-548-2215 • 541-382-4553
Lara’s Construction LLC. CCB#223701
Offering masonry work, fireplaces, interior & exterior stone/brick-work, build barbecues, and all types of masonry. Give us a call for a free estimate 541-350-3218
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
602 Plumbing & Electric SWEENEY PLUMBING, INC.
“Quality and Reliability” Repairs • Remodeling
• New Construction
• Water Heaters 541-549-4349
Residential and Commercial
Licensed • Bonded • Insured CCB #87587
Ridgeline Electric, LLC
Serving all of Central Oregon
• Residential • Commercial
• Industrial • Service
541-588-3088 • CCB #234821
L E A K Y P I P E S ? Find your plumber in The Nugget Newspaper's
C L A S S I F I E D S
603
Excavation & Trucking
Excavation: septic system installation and repair, utility installation, site prep, demolition, road and driveway construction and maintenance.
"We dig your project" contact 541-325-3020 sales@gardnercontractingllc.com
ROBINSON & OWEN
Heavy Construction, Inc.
All your excavation needs
*General excavation
*Site Preparation
*Sub-Divisions
*Road Building
*Sewer and Water Systems
Full Service Excavation
Free On-site Visit & Estimate
Tewaltandsonsexcavation@gmail .com
541-549-1472 • CCB #76888
Drainfield
• Minor & Major Septic Repair
• All Septic Needs/Design & Install
General Excavation
• Site Preparation
• Rock & Stump Removal
• Pond & Driveway Construction Preparation
• Building Demolition Trucking
• Deliver Top Soil, Sand, Gravel, Boulders, Water
• Dump Trucks, Transfer Trucks, Belly
• The Whole 9 Yards or 24 Whatever You Want!
BANR Enterprises, LLC
Earthwork, Utilities, Grading, Hardscape, Rock Walls
Residential & Commercial
CCB #165122 • 541-549-6977
www.BANR.net
604 Heating & Cooling
ACTION AIR
Heating & Cooling, LLC
Retrofit • New Const • Remodel Consulting, Service & Installs actionairheatingandcooling.com CCB #195556 541-549-6464
605 Painting
~ FRONTIER PAINTING ~ Quality Painting, Ext. & Int. Refurbishing Decks CCB #131560 • 541-771-5620 www.frontier-painting.com
METOLIUS PAINTING LLC Meticulous, Affordable Interior & Exterior 541-280-7040 • CCB# 238067
EMPIRE PAINTING
Interior and Exterior Painting and Staining CCB#180042 541-613-1530 • Geoff Houk
T H O S E W A L L S looking a little shabby? Find yourself a painter in The Nugget's Classifieds!
606
Landscaping & Yard Maintenance
J&E Landscaping Maintenance LLC Clean-ups, raking, hauling debris, thatching, aerating, irrigation, mowing. Edgar Cortez 541-610-8982 jandelspcing15@gmail.com
STEVE'S HAULING
Yard and other debris, landscaping services, chain saw work, etc. 707-328-8370
All Landscaping Services Mowing, Thatching, Hauling Call Abel Ortega, 541-815-6740
Flow State Property Improvements LLC Fall cleanups, pine needle removal, weed whacking, bark and gravel refreshing. Contact Steve at 541-316-9959 or email flowstatepi@gmail.com
Complete landscape construction, fencing, irrigation installation & design, pavers/outdoor kitchens, debris cleanups, fertility & water conservation management, excavation.
CCB #188594 • LCB #9264 www.vohslandscaping.com 541-515-8462
– All You Need Maintenance –Pine needle removal, hauling, mowing, moss removal, edging, raking, weeding, pruning, roofs, gutters, pressure washing. Lic/Bonded/Ins. CCB# 218169 Austin • 541-419-5122
701 Domestic Services
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
704 Events & Event Services
QUILT SHOW & SALE
Biannual ~ presented by High Desert Quilt Guild of Redmond September 21, 2024 Highland Baptist Church 3100 SW Highland, Redmond 10 a.m.–4 p.m. • Admission $3 Quilts for Sale • Raffle Quilts Silent Auction • Country Store www.highdesertquiltguild.org
802 Help Wanted Employment Opportunity Office Assistant
Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Office Assistant. Detailed announcement, job description, and application may be obtained via the District website at www.sistersfire.com or the business office at 301 South Elm Street, Sisters, OR 97759. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. on September 16, 2024. For more information contact 541-549-0771.
T H E N U G G E T
N E W S P A P E R
C L A S S I F I E D S!! They're on the Web at www.nuggetnews.com
Uploaded every Tuesday afternoon at no extra charge! Call 541-549-9941
Deadline for classified is Monday by noon
999 Public Notice PUBLICATION FOR: DESCHUTES COUNTY, OREGON IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF PIERCE JUVENILE DEPARTMENT THE STATE OF WASHINGTON TO: 1. SKYLAR MAARTEN MORRIS, father of STEVEN MORRIS; DOB; 01/23/2019; Cause No. 23-7-01167-1; A Termination Petition was filed 12/07/2023; AND TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
A Fact Finding hearing will be held on this matter on: October 1st, 2024, at 8:45 a.m. at Pierce County Family and Juvenile Court, 5501 6th Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98406. You are summoned to appear at the hearing on the date, time, and place set forth above. The court expects you to appear in person unless there are extenuating circumstances that prevent you from being able to do so. If appearing by zoom please use the below information and expect the court to inquire about the reasons for your appearance by zoom. Participate in this hearing by video at https://zoom.us/join or telephone at (253) 215-8782 using Zoom Meeting ID 983 8387 6659, Passcode 256739. YOU SHOULD BE PRESENT AT THIS HEARING. THE HEARING WILL DETERMINE IF YOUR PARENTAL RIGHTS TO YOUR CHILD ARE TERMINATED. IF YOU DO NOT APPEAR AT THE HEARING, THE COURT MAY ENTER AN ORDER IN YOUR ABSENCE TERMINATING YOUR PARENTAL RIGHTS. To request a copy of the Notice and Summons and Termination Petition, call DCYF at 1-800-423-6246. To view information about your rights in this proceeding, go to www.atg.wa.gov/TRM.aspx. DATED this 15th day of August, 2024.
By: MELINDA BRADLEY-KUMI
Deputy County Clerk
Pat Burke
LOCALLY OWNED
CRAFTSMAN BUILT
CCB: 228388 • 541-588-2062
www.sistersfencecompany.com
THE NUGGET NEWSPAPER
*Underground Utilities
*Grading
*Sand-Gravel-Rock
Licensed • Bonded • Insured CCB #124327 541-549-1848
Keeping Sisters Country Beautiful Since 2006 candcnursery@gmail.com 541-549-2345
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
for puzzle on page 21
RETAIL: Merchants have mixed view of local economy
Continued from page 1
seven reporting regions with a decline in hotel occupancy YTD. The region also showed a decline in STR (Short Term Rental) occupancy.
However, such receipts cover only the city limits and not Sisters Country including the major impact of Black Butte Ranch.
That leaves only credit card sales as reported by Visa to try and put some shape on the true state of retail in Sisters. That too is inconclusive but does show a 5.9 percent YTD decline in tourism spending in Oregon.
It seems by the reports, as few as there are, that if a Sisters business is highly dependent on tourism, then, yes, they are finding 2024 thus far to be a struggle.
According to Travel Oregon, dining and lodging make up 49.8 percent of spending by visitors. Only 10.5 percent is spent on retail shopping.
A visit to the Sisters Post Office any early morning will reveal many hundreds of boxes, a majority from Amazon, being loaded onto carriers’ trucks for home delivery.
Ten Twenty, a marketing consulting firm points out that the impact of e-commerce is a two-edged sword:
“Online shopping can affect local businesses in many ways. On the one hand, online shopping can provide local businesses access to a broader market, allowing them to sell to people who may not visit a physical store. However, on the other hand, it can also make it easier for customers to compare prices and purchase from competitors, potentially taking business away from local stores.
“In addition, if a customer can buy a product online, they will be less likely to visit a local store – negatively impacting foot traffic and sales. Ultimately, the impact of online shopping on local businesses can vary depending on several factors, including the type of business and its online presence.”
In Sisters, more and more shop owners have added an
online shopping portal for their products. Dixies, The SweetEasy Co., Bedouin, Rescued Living, Alpaca by Design, and a dozen others have robust e-commerce platforms, enabling them to fight back.
Some businesses, like White’s, have developed new markets, not relying entirely on foot traffic. White sells to businesses consuming her chocolates for corporate gifting and meetings.
However, the typical soft goods merchant in Sisters is fairly confined in alternative channels.
Recent closures or announced closures such as Mackenzie Creek Mercantile and Common Threads have nothing to do with a decline in sales, their owners say. They were decisions based on personal or family needs.
That doesn’t stop speculation though when a longstanding shop closes.
White is asking locals to “think Sisters first” before heading to Bend or Redmond to shop. Her group acknowledges that irregular hours by Sisters merchants give destination shoppers pause. Likewise, she points out, that Sisters is pretty much off
limits for date nighters “….as the town rolls up its sidewalks at 8 o’clock.”
One group of shopkeepers apparently doing well are the vintage stores. The vintage clothing market is growing rapidly, and vintage shops are benefiting from a few factors, including sustainable fashion a more sustainable alternative to fast fashion, as it reduces waste and contributes to a cir cular economy.
Vintage clothing can evoke feelings of nostal gia and sentimentality as it reminds people of a bygone era. Vintage does not mean cheap, however, and quite often, particularly in apparel, the cost may well exceed that of new. There’s a cer tain caché to wearing vintage apparel Harper’s Bazaar
Nugget Poetry Corner
Along the PCT Summer 2024
ByZach Snyder(PCTtrailnameHoboBaggins)
Moon, meander high in the sky, clear and cold
Christen the dar kening dusk with frosty fr actal, spar kle, twinkle, twilight spectacle!
Autumn is coming
Leftover leaf-litter linger s and fade s.
Footsteps faintly falling, the tir ed, timeless tr aveler tr odding
Mud, damp death and decay slowly the soil soddening
The secondhand market is projected to more than double in the U.S. by 2027, reaching $350 billion, led by Gen Z shoppers.
he dar k moon sets and Dar k is darkening
Sisters is no exception to the international trend with at least 10 stores in town offer ing a variety of vintage items. Vintage is not antique. To qualify as an antique the item must be at least 100 years old whereas vintage is usually much younger.
September is my favorite
ByKellenKlein
The days are getting shor ter, And the leaves are changing, too. The weather’ s getting colder, But not so my attitude.
See, September is my favorite, The calendar’ s cr own jewel; For September is the month When my kids go back to school
When my kids go back to school
Be on near than hands an d and deed
TRUTH be told ar e we w ho can destr oy
Both body and soul from within—
The cr eator ther eof
Your word can cr eate or destr oy
What goes out comes back again
The way to joy or remorse
Depending on how we choose
To pave the way: LIFE or strife
Sur render your mind to Spirit
Ask Spirit for w hat Spirit w ants most Life is the way to joy and happiness
As I w ait upon my Cr eator
To show me the way
To what I am seeking Joy – come what May…
Sooner or later we’ ll attr act w hat we’ ve Ear ned: wor ds ar e curr ency flowing
(God seeks those w ho wor ship Him in Spirit and Tr uth) Have
Sisters is a destination point for antique and vintage shoppers.
PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT
A salute to Jerry Baldock…
A mighty tree has fallen in the Sisters forest. Jerry Baldock, longtime Nugget freelance photographer has passed after a long and heroic battle with bone cancer.
Jerry’s last photo assignment with The Nugget was shooting the Outlaws Volleyball State Championship run. It tells you everything you need to know about the man that he rallied to make the trip to document the triumph of local high school athletes.
Jerry shot all kinds of events and activities for The Nugget — from Rodeos to Quilt Shows to news photos — but high school athletics was a special passion. Jerry had a unique knack for capturing powerful moments where Sisters’ youth were striving and excelling on the court and on the field.
Jerry believed in Sisters’ schools, he believed in The Nugget, and he believed in Sisters community. He made all of them a better place for his work and his enthusiastic presence. He is already missed, and he will always be remembered.
SUNSET PHOTO BY JERRY BALDOCK, PORTRAITS BY CODY RHEAULT, RODEO PARADE BY JAROD GATELY, LITTLE LEAGUE BY JESS DRAPER