The Nugget Newspaper // Vol. XLVII No. 48 // 2024-11-27

Early snow kick-starts winter recreation

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

Snow started piling up above 4,500 feet two weeks ago, to the point where Mt. Bachelor opened to pass holders 12 days ahead of its November 29 plan. There were about 200 skiers Saturday and Sunday at Ski Hoodoo even though the resort is not yet open. With a

solid two feet of snow, skiers — primarily from the Valley — trekked the 30-40 minutes to the summit and skied down.

Around the bend at Ray Benson Sno-Park, dozens of sledders blasted off in their snowmobiles careful to avoid the many snowshoers and Nordic skiers who rushed to

See WINTER on page 26

Starting Sunday, December 1, four winter range closures take effect across the Deschutes National Forest to provide critical habitat for deer and elk.

The four annual wildlife winter range closure areas include Cabin/Silver Lake, Metolius Winter Range, Opine Travel Management Area, and Tumalo Winter Range. Motorized vehicles (including snowmobiles and electric bicycles) are prohibited in the closure areas to protect deer and elk during the winter. The winter wildlife closures will last through March 31, 2025.

Winter range is habitat deer and elk migrate to in order to find more favorable

on page 21

Addressing houselessness in Sisters

By Sue Stafford Correspondent

Following an October 6 “community conversation” about houselessness in the Sisters area, hosted by a coalition of local organizations, the City of Sisters has released a 32-page summary report on community concerns, ideas, and questions that came out of the meeting.

The event served as a platform for learning and input-gathering providing an

opportunity for participants to hear from 11 community groups who are each providing services and assistance to the unhoused in Sisters. Small groups of citizens then met to share their perspectives and ask questions. That information was recorded and served as the basis for the summary report, which is available on the City website (ci.sisters.or.us, administration, houselessness, community conversation).

With the community’s

participation and insights, the 11 partner organizations — including the Sisters Ranger District, Sisters School District, City of Sisters, SPRD, Sisters Library, Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Deschutes County Behavioral Health, Sisters Community Leadership Initiative, and Sisters Cold Weather Shelter — will

See

on page 8

Sisters’ Public Works crew was out last week getting Sisters ready for holiday celebrations.

PHOTO BY MATT VAN SLYKE

Letters to the Editor…

The Nugget welcomes contributions from its readers, which must include the writer’s name, address, and phone number. Letters to the Editor is an open forum for the community and contains unsolicited opinions not necessarily shared by the Editor. The Nugget reserves the right to edit, omit, respond, or ask for a response to letters submitted to the Editor. Letters should be no longer than 300 words. Unpublished items are not acknowledged or returned. The deadline for all letters is 10 a.m. Monday.

Letter to Harris

To the Editor:

In “An open letter to Kamala Harris” published last week in The Nugget , its author states: “The election on November 5, 2024, has demonstrated that there is a large portion of America, measured both geographically and by headcount, who do not share the opinion that the right to abortion should be federally protected throughout a pregnancy for any and all reasons.”

The election, of course, demonstrates no such thing. And the current Vice President needn’t rely on the election results as a referendum on biblical views vs. her or others’ views on abortion. They are not.

The election reflects the choice of the American people as to whom they would prefer (of the two choices offered by the major political parties) to serve as president for the next 4 years. Period!

Ross Flavel

To the Editor:

s s s

I know that The Nugget is open to a wide

range of personal views as a means to stimulate thought and discussion in our small community. However, I was stunned by “An Open Letter to Kamala Harris.” As I read the “Commentary” it struck me as a sermon masquerading as a “Commentary” based on one individual’s strongly held biblical views, especially about a woman’s right (or lack of) to choose.

If I want a sermon I can go to church. It’s not what I expect to be receiving in my local newspaper.

Dennis Tower s s s

A more perfect union

To the Editor: It has been a heck of a past two weeks. But, really, the stress is secondary to living in a time of the most disinformation I have experienced in my life. I am 68 and have been voting for 50 years. It was “interesting,” to say the least. This has been a good time to reflect on what are my core values and what will they be moving forward?

See LETTERS on page 23

Sisters Weather Forecast

The Nugget Newspaper, LLC

Website: www.nuggetnews.com

442 E. Main Ave., P.O. Box 698, Sisters, OR 97759

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

Postmaster: Send address changes to The Nugget Newspaper, P.O. Box 698, Sisters, OR 97759. Third Class Postage Paid at Sisters, Oregon.

Editor in Chief & Co-owner: Jim Cornelius

Production Manager: Leith Easterling

Creative Director: Jess Draper

Community Marketing Partner: Vicki Curlett

Classifieds & Circulation: Lisa May

Proofreader: Kema Clark

Co-owner: J. Louis Mullen

The Nugget is available to pick up free at The Nugget office and at businesses throughout Sisters and Tumalo; mail subscriptions are available in the 97759, 97756, 97730, and 97703 zip codes for $55/year; subscriptions outside these zip codes: $70/year, $45/six months (or less).

Through Wampanoag eyes

By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief

For most of us, Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends for feast and fellowship — maybe with some football thrown in. We’re all kind of vaguely aware of the historical context — Pilgrims and Indians got together to make the First Thanksgiving and all that.

Pondering the history behind Thanksgiving isn’t necessary to the holiday — but it can deepen the experience. As Native American Heritage Month winds down, it’s an opportunity to try to see the holiday through Wampanoag eyes.

The Wampanoag were the Algonquian people who lived in the area where the English Puritan settlers we know as the Pilgrims landed on the shores of what would become Massachusetts in 1620. The Wampanoag lived a good life, migrating from the backcountry to the seashore to exploit resources in season. They built stone weirs to facilitate fishing, and practiced a burning regimen to improve forest habitat for deer and to clear areas for agriculture.

But in 1620, they were recovering from an apocalypse.

A scant few years before the Pilgrims landed, this numerous and prosperous people was ravaged by a series of disease outbreaks lasting about two years. Half or more of the Wampanoag died. In some villages, mortality approached 100 percent. The village of Patuxet was abandoned. Here was the site of New Plymouth.

The diseases, which were probably a strain of plague, were likely acquired through glancing or indirect contact with European sailors, traders, and fishermen, who were poking along that coast for many decades before the Pilgrims ventured there. The Indian populations had little to no resistance to these diseases.

The Wampanoag cautiously welcomed the English settlers, and, as the legends recount, they did provide them with expertise that helped them get through their first terrible year in the New World. But the native people’s actions were not undertaken out of pure altruism. The devastated Wampanoag were under threat from the nearby Narragansett, who had, somehow, escaped the ravages of the pandemic.

The Wampanoag needed allies if they were to retain their independence. And, as hapless as the settlers were, they had firearms, and access to more, and perhaps could be a military buffer against Narragansett aggression.

So, a tentative alliance and friendship evolved.

The Pilgrims didn’t invite their new friends to the First Thanksgiving; they were party crashers. The colonists were celebrating by shooting at marks (as one does) and Wampanoag hunters heard the gunfire and went to see what was up at the Plymouth settlement. They brought several deer, making venison a centerpiece of the feast. More Wampanoag, including their leader Massasoit, came in, and, indeed, a convivial time was had by all.

For a generation, a solid friendship and mutually beneficial alliance prevailed between the settlers and the Wampanoag. But gradually, as the Puritan settlements became established, they no longer needed assistance from the Wampanoag. What they needed was more land. That put them into conflict with their allies, and newcomers did not hold their native friends in the same esteem as the first generation had.

By the 1670s, tensions were reaching an explosive point. When the Plymouth settlers attempted to proactively disarm the Wampanoag in 1675, war broke out. It would be a terrible conflict — per capita the most destructive war in American history.

In 2022, I published a podcast series on what would become known as King Philip’s War, which you can find on Spotify and most other podcasting platforms (search Frontier Partisans Podcast, King Philip’s War).

It was a tragic turn down a dark path.

As Americans celebrate Thanksgiving, mostly without thinking too much about the history behind it, many Wampanoag have, since 1970, marked the same day as the National Day of Mourning. Seen through their eyes, that’s not hard to understand.

The duality of the day is one more reminder that the American story is a complex one, with much to celebrate, and much to ponder in sober reflection on the cost that comes with stretching an imperial republic from sea to shining sea.

PHOTO BY KRIS KRISTOVICH

Sisters musicians rock fall concert

By Olivia Nieto Correspondent

Sisters High School filled the school auditorium with joyful sounds in their annual Fall Concert held Tuesday, November 19.

Showcasing band, choir, and Americana music, the concert blended the multiple SHS music departments into a singular cohesive and enjoyable performance.

“My favorite part was the vibe and the energy between instrumental and vocal programs,” SHS Band Director Kayla Golka said. “We have really awesome synthesis and community, this was the least stressful concert I have ever done because I felt truly supported by my team. I have absolutely loved seeing the fusion between band, choir, and Americana. What was once three separate programs is really starting to

feel like one.”

Golka, supported by fellow teachers Steve Livingston and Julie Cash, helped put on one of the most successful fall concerts that they have had in years.

The jazz choir performed “Cells,” and “When Somebody Loved Me.” The concert choir sang “Wanting Memories,” “Joshua Fit The Battle of Jericho,” and “No Time.”

The jazz band performed a variety of songs such as “No. 1 No Pickles,” and “Montebello Mambo Rock.”

The concert band performed an even more diverse set, from an upbeat march to a flute and violin focused piece. Ultimately both programs displayed their hard work and excitement while showcasing their wide range of songs.

The Americana Project, led by Golka, Livingston,

and Melisa Stolasz, had a handful of groups perform. These groups were each composed of a piano player, fiddle player, guitar player, and vocalist/s. The groups that performed displayed a song that they had been working on in the classroom for the past month after learning the basics of chord progressions and rhythm exercises.

“I really admire the structure of the class and being able to collaborate and play with other people,” said senior Micah Dachtler.

The concert lasted 90 minutes, and ended with rapturous applause from the local community. The upcoming Holiday Showcase takes place December 7 at 7 p.m. in the Sisters High School auditorium; no entry fee is required but a $5 donation is encouraged.

New school creates community connections

By

The new Sisters Elementary School — constructed close to Sisters middle and high schools — is helping to build connections between students.

Earlier this month Sisters High School IEE (Interdisciplinary Environmental Expedition) students worked with SES kindergarten and firtst graders on plant identification. After the teachers of these classes realized that they were covering similar content, they decided to collaborate. Junior age students at SHS led hands-on activities

with the younger students, focusing on analyzing physical parts of native plants.

“Collaboration between high school and elementary school students is super important because it helps develop crucial life skills like communication, leadership, and problem solving skills,” said SES science teacher Jocelyn Blevins. “My favorite part is students get to learn about and solve real world problems and have real world applications to scenarios where there are people of different ages and expertise who work together to solve problems.”

STARS seeks ride sponsorships

Sisters Transportation and RideShare (STARS) announced its ride sponsorship “drive” is launching on Giving Tuesday, December 3, and will run through December 31.

STARS is a volunteer ride share program that provides Sisters Country residents with free non-emergency medical rides to Sisters, Bend, and Redmond. STARS “riders” are unable to drive themselves or afford private ride services, and many say, without the nonprofit, they would need to cancel their medical visits.

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 will not have their regular meetings in November or December

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 No meeting in December

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 no- host lunch, Thursdays, noon, Takoda’s Rest aurant. All veterans welcome, 5 41-241-6 56 3.

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., Spoons Rest aurant. 541-241- 6563

SCHOOLS

Black Bu tt e School

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

According to Rennie Morrell, STARS’ Executive Director, “The demand for rides increased by 33 percent in the last year alone. This really illustrates people’s growing reliance on STARS and, by extension, our need for the community’s support.”

To help meet that need, STARS month-long ridesponsorship program will ask residents if they would like to volunteer or contribute financially. As Morrell explains, “Giving Tuesday

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.

PHOTO PROVIDED

The various Sisters High School music programs joined forces to stage a fall concert that earned rapturous applause from the audience at Sisters High School last week.

Olivia Nieto Correspondent

Bend author explores “doomsday murders”

Bend author and retired criminal attorney Lori Hellis will present her new true crime book, “Children of Darkness and Light: Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell: A Story of Murderous Faith” at Paulina Springs Books on Thursday, December 5, at 6:30 p.m. In this gripping work of true crime, Hellis takes readers inside the notorious Lori Vallow case and the devastating “doomsday murders.”

A blonde beauty queen, missing children, six suspicious deaths, and the twisted Mormon doomsday writings of her fifth husband are only the beginning of a tragic crime saga that gripped Americans, and instigated frantic searches all over the country.

It all started when Lori Vallow met Chad Daybell at a doomsday prepper event. Clinging to and manipulating one another, Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell believed the return of Jesus Christ was imminent and that God had chosen them to lead the 144,000 and usher in the new millennium. When the people closest to them began dying, it became clear they would stop at nothing to be together and fulfill their mission. When the bodies of Lori’s missing children — JJ and Tylee — were discovered in Chad’s backyard, the strange and complex story of their fundamentalist Mormon beliefs was revealed in all its true horror.

Author Lori Hellis, a retired criminal lawyer, had just moved to Arizona when news of JJ and Tylee’s disappearance broke, and there were reports about these missing children that linked them to a neighboring community. She began to follow the case closely, trying to understand this perfect storm of people and circumstances that culminated in the death of innocents. In “Children of Darkness and Light,” Hellis digs deep into the investigation, trial, and verdict to craft a haunting narrative that illuminates one of the most confounding crimes in recent memory.

Hellis is a retired attorney with a rich career in family and criminal law. She was a prosecutor and public defender beginning in 1992. Her legal expertise shines through her writings, where she unveils the complexities of true crime stories with unmatched clarity. Lori holds a BA in Journalism, a Juris Doctor, and an MFA in Creative Nonfiction, reflecting her deep understanding of law and narrative craft. Also a 20-year veteran

of the Air National Guard, Lori has always been dedicated to service advocating for children, domestic violence survivors, and veterans. Her literary debut, “The No-Nonsense Guide to Divorce,” and her forthcoming true crime book, “Children of Darkness and Light,” bridge the gap between her legal knowledge and her storytelling acumen.

Based in Bend, Ellis cherishes her time with family and pets, making quilts and indulging in podcasts with the same passion she dedicates to her professional pursuits.

Paulina Springs Books is located at 252 W. Hood Ave.

Sisters salutes...

• Staff and fellow councilors recognized Susan Cobb’s service at her last meeting as a City Councilor last week. For her part, Cobb expressed her appreciation to the public and to her colleagues:

“I thank the public who voted to put me here to serve as it has been a great honor. Thank you to those who encouraged my positions. Thank you to council members for their unfailing civility. I thank all the staff members from whom I had the fortune to receive their smiling help in so many uncounted ways. Thank you to department leads Scott, Joe, and Paul for your time to explain details I sought to understand. Most of all I am grateful to the Assistant City Manager, Kerry Prosser, and City Manager, Jordan Wheeler.”

• Michael Deal, Board President, Age Friendly Sisters Country, wrote:

On behalf of Age Friendly Sisters Country (AFSC), our deep appreciation goes to the panelists and members of the community who participated in our “What do you do with an idea?” workshop targeting newcomers to Sisters wanting to get involved, as well as long-time residents wanting to learn how to launch their ideas to help make Sisters Country more livable.

Coinciding with The Nugget’s Partners in Giving special issue, the workshop highlighted the amazing work of the 100+ local organizations who are in need of volunteers, board members, and donations. Participants were advised on where to learn more and how to get involved.

For those whose idea isn’t being addressed, three local organizations explained how they got started, initially through fiscal sponsorship, and, in two cases, by becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The challenges they faced, especially fundraising and grant writing, were candidly addressed — helping demystify the process.

A special thanks goes out to our expert panelists: Danna McNeese, Sisters Community Leadership Initiative; Mayor Michael Preedin; Bill Kelly, the Rotary Foundation; Debbi McCune, Living Well With

Dementia Sisters; Rennie Morrell and Christy Corzine, Sisters Transportation and RideShare (STARS); Erin Borla, Roundhouse Foundation; Susan Taylor, the Grant Lab; Julia Baumgartner and Nick Tierney, Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council, and Peggy Tehan, AFSC’s Treasurer.

Kellen Klein, executive director of our co-sponsor Citizens4Community did an excellent job moderating the discussion. A videotape of the wisdom shared by our panelists is available on the AFSC website https://www. agefriendlysisters.com. This workshop wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the City of Sisters and AARP/Oregon. We hope this workshop will channel support to existing organizations and stimulate new ideas that will make a positive difference for the Sisters Country community.

Lori Hellis.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Susan Cobb was recognized for her service at her last meeting as a Sisters City Councilor.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL PREEDIN

Trump taps Chavez-DeRemer for Labor Department

By Julia Shumway Oregon Capital Chronicle

Oregon Republican U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, who cultivated a closer relationship with some labor unions than most Republicans and narrowly lost her bid for a second term in Congress earlier this month, is Presidentelect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the U.S. Labor Department.

Trump on Friday praised Chavez-DeRemer, the daughter of a Teamster who sought endorsements from unions in her unsuccessful reelection campaign, for building relationships with business and labor.

“I look forward to working with her to create tremendous opportunity for American Workers, to expand Training and Apprenticeships, to grow wages and improve working conditions, to bring back our Manufacturing jobs,” Trump said in a statement. “Together, we will achieve historic cooperation between Business and Labor that will restore the American Dream for Working Families.”

Chavez-DeRemer thanked him in a social media post, writing “Working-class Americans finally have a lifeline with you in the White House. It’s time to bring our economy to new heights and secure a prosperous future for all hardworking Americans.”

She narrowly won election in 2022 in Oregon’s 5th Congressional District, which stretches from Bend across the Cascades to the suburbs

of Portland. Democratic

President Joe Biden won the district by nine points in 2020, and Democratic state Rep. Janelle Bynum — who twice beat Chavez-DeRemer in state legislative races and will be Oregon’s first Black member of Congress — defeated Chavez-DeRemer by 2.4 points this year.

Chavez-DeRemer operated as a moderate Republican during her nearly two years in federal office, frequently citing an analysis that rated her the second-most bipartisan member of Congress.

She also sought support from unions, garnering endorsements from more than 20 of them. Most of those endorsements came from small local unions, though she received the sole endorsement of Teamsters Joint Council No. 37, which represents roughly 20,000 workers in various industries across Oregon, Idaho, and southwest Washington.

National Teamsters President Sean O’Brien, who spoke at the Republican National Convention this summer, supported ChavezDeRemer for labor secretary. He posted a photo Friday evening of himself with Trump and Chavez-DeRemer, thanking Trump in the caption for “putting American workers first” by nominating Chavez-DeRemer.

“North America’s strongest union is ready to work with you every step of the way to expand good union jobs and rebuild our nation’s middle class,” he wrote.

Oregon’s largest privatesector union, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 555, gave both ChavezDeRemer and Bynum its “greenlight” stamp, indicating that both candidates’ values align with the union’s. The state’s other large unions — Service Employees International Union Local 503, with 72,000 members; the Oregon Education Association, with 41,000 members; and the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, with 300,000 Oregon members — exclusively backed Bynum.

Chavez-DeRemer rarely mentioned Trump on the campaign trail, though she publicly endorsed him ahead of the May primary in Oregon. One of her final campaign stops, an October rally with House Speaker Mike Johnson, was to an audience decked out in proTrump merchandise.

The business manager of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 701 introduced ChavezDeRemer at that event, and Johnson commented on her support for unions.

“She’s got more labor union endorsements than any Republican I’ve ever seen in my life,” Johnson said. “She understands the plight of working people.”

Since losing her election, Chavez-DeRemer has vocally praised Trump, writing on X earlier this week that he “expanded on his Working Class coalition by

speaking directly to hardworking Americans. This is a true political realignment. We must continue to be the party of the American Worker, with President Trump leading the way!”

Democrats criticized Chavez-DeRemer for endorsing Trump and voting for Johnson as speaker, as well as for inconsistent statements and actions on issues including abortion rights, protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, and the Biden administration’s infrastructure law.

Both liberals and conservatives have criticized her labor record — Democrats say she hasn’t proven that she’s a friend of the labor movement despite seeking endorsements, while conservative organizations including the Competitive Enterprise Institute faulted her for backing the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act, or PRO Act, a Democratic priority which would weaken state “right-towork” laws to allow unions to collect dues from all employees, increase penalties for employers who violate labor law, and strengthen employees’ legal rights to join a union.

Before running for Congress in 2022, ChavezDeRemer served on the Happy Valley City Council and as mayor of the 28,000-population Portland suburb. She ran unsuccessfully for the state House in 2016 and 2018, losing both times to Bynum.

Some of her colleagues

in Oregon’s congressional delegation were surprised by rumors Trump was considering Chavez-DeRemer.

U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas, a Democrat who along with Chavez-DeRemer was one of Oregon’s first Latinas in Congress, called discussion about it “interesting” during a Thursday interview.

“If the Trump administration thinks that she would be a reasonable pick for Department of Labor, I think that could be interesting,” Salinas said. “I don’t know how much background she actually has in labor and workforce issues, I think she served on the committee, but yeah, it could be interesting.”

Retiring U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer, the Democratic dean of Oregon’s congressional delegation, said he didn’t know what to make of Trump’s appointments, who he said were “manifestly polarizing and unqualified.”

“I wish Lori luck,” he told the Capital Chronicle. “I hope they treat her better than they treated the others by not doing their homework. That’s a brutal situation to be in, and I wish her well if she decides to wade into it.”

U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz praised her nomination.

“She is an excellent choice by president-elect Trump to serve as labor secretary and she will be a credit to our great state of Oregon. Congratulations again to you, Lori, soon to be ‘Madam Secretary’!!” Bentz wrote on X.

It is fashionable to suggest that violence doesn’t solve problems, although the history of the world suggests otherwise. It might be better to say that violence doesn’t always solve problems, because it was only violence that cemented the American Revolution, it was violent resistance that carved out what little indigenous Americans have left, it was violence that finally solved Hitler, and at least for a little while it allowed schoolgirls in Kabul to learn how to read without having acid thrown in their faces.

It was fleeting, to be certain, and perhaps even a fool’s errand, but there can be little doubt that it was the violence of the American military that once-upona-time made space for little Afghan girls to attend school.

Which somehow brings me to Boudica, warrior queen of the Iceni. Not well known in America, Boudica remains a national hero in England, precisely for the violence of her resistance to Roman colonizers, and notwithstanding the fact that it was finally a losing fight—a cultural apocalypse ending with the destruction of everything that Boudica — and her people — were fighting to preserve.

Which is always the principal risk of armed resistance to tyranny.

The Roman proposition — wherever they went — was simple. First, and most importantly — and what remains to this day the primary and most obvious requirement of subjugation—the tribe must disarm. Second, the tribe must give the Romans most

of whatever it produced — from grains to wool to metalwork. And third, the tribe must buy it all back from the Romans at double its value.

This was the best bargain possible for those indigenous Britons who allied to Rome, on the theory that conditions would someday improve as Roman wealth, technology, and cultural influence took root. The alternative was continuous fighting, probably starvation, and finally a grim death under the weight of the Roman war machine.

Boudica’s father, Prasutagus, had taken the first option, though enthusiasm for the bargain among the Iceni, a confederacy of smaller tribes including the Trinovantes, seems to have been thin. Prasutagus, who remained loyal to Rome, somehow survived the Roman reprisals after the earlier Iceni revolt of AD 47. His was a delicate balancing act, until he died, when the Romans marched into the remote Iceni redoubt in roughly AD 62 demanding even more, and expecting to get it from his daughter, the newly minted Queen Boudica.

But Boudica refused. For her trouble she was publicly

flogged and forced to watch her daughters violated by Roman legionnaires in a ritual of public humiliation. What followed was, perhaps, the greatest gathering of indigenous Britons in history, and a march into infamy.

Here, in much of North America, we have Mazama ash, which allows scientists to reliably date events before and after the eruption that formed Crater Lake. In many parts of England, they have something similar — the ash and scorched ruins left behind as Boudica and her army of farmers and war chariots marched on London from the north. From Colchester — where the Temple of Claudius was sacked and not a single colonizing soul was left alive — to London itself, Boudica and her outraged tribes laid waste the country, seeking to drive the Romans entirely out of their homeland.

And they nearly succeeded, erasing a Roman Legion that had marched in relief of beleaguered cities and the streams of refugees fleeing Boudicean vengeance.

It isn’t difficult to imagine the motivating animus, thanks largely to the historian Tacitus who, albeit

writing later and for a Roman audience, puts words in the mouth of Calgacus — a tribal Chieftain — succinctly summarizing the view of many contemporary Britons toward all things Rome: “They rob, kill and plunder and deceivingly call it Roman rule, and where they make a desert, they call it ‘peace.’”

In the end Boudica would lose. Lured into bad ground by the Roman General Paulinus, her army was crushed and as many as 80,000 were killed in a single disastrous attack.

Many tens of thousands of Iceni would die in the following years from famine, and retributive blows by the Legions.

And so Boudica faded into history, the precise circumstances of her death a mystery, her burial place forgotten. But by fighting she was spared, at least, the dismal fate of Vercingetorix, the Gaul, who was forced to his knees, clapped in chains, and paraded through the streets in a Roman Triumph — a scene that would have looked very much like those

horrific images of Israeli hostages paraded through the streets of Gaza.

And so what if, as the archaeologist Duncan McKay asks in his masterful book “Echolands: A Journey in Search of Boudica,” she had simply “taken her beating and accepted the rape of her daughters, handed over the tribal treasury, watched her nobles lose their estates to belligerent colonists and her farmers made into slaves, and meekly slipped away to hide in the shadows, abandoning her people to their fate—what should we think of her now? Would we admire her?”

McKay thinks the question answers itself. History seems to agree. Boudica matters not because she was a woman — gender is incidental to leadership and heroism — but because she rallied her tribes and, at least for a brief and shining moment, they fought for something worth preserving — which is always, first, last, and down through the known and recorded history of the world — the dignity of human freedom.

Outlaws prep for tough competition

By Rongi Yost Correspondent

The Outlaws basketball squad is working hard to prepare for the tough competition they’ll face in the Mountain Valley Conference this season. They return five seniors to the squad, and bring on four newcomers to round out the roster, and hope to earn a berth to the state playoffs.

Seniors Landen Scott, Kale Gardner, Garrett Sager, Oliver Bernhardt, and Levi Szesze all are back for their final year.

Scott was a first-team, all-league Mountain Valley selection last season. Last year he played in all 23 games, and averaged 14.1 points per game to lead the team. He also led the team in rebounds (4.7), and steals (1.8), and free throw attempts (91).

“Landen is a terrific scorer that is crafty with the ball,” said Coach Chad Rush. “He will be looked to, to be a consistent scoring threat for the team this season, while also working to get his teammates involved to help our offense flow and be successful.”

Gardner was a second team pick, back-to-back, as he earned that honor as a sophomore as well. He played in all 23 games and averaged 11.2 points per game, which was second on the team. He led the Outlaws in assists (3.7 per game) and two-point field goals (55.6 percent). He was also second on the team in free throws (72.5 percent) and steals (1.3 per game).

“Kale is a high-energy player that brings a lot of intensity to the floor,” said Rush. “He will be looked to for his defensive intensity and leadership on and off the floor this season.”

Sager played in 19 of the 23 games last year. He was third on the team in rebounding (3.0) per game, and was selected to the Mountain Valley Conference AllDefensive team last year.

“Garrett is a versatile defender that can guard multiple positions on the floor and that was recognized by the other league coaches,” said Rush. “He will once again be asked to be the defensive anchor for the team, while looking to be more opportunistic around the rim on offense.”

Bernhardt played in all but one game last year, and averaged 5.4 points per game and had 2.1 rebounds per game.

“Oliver provides length and athleticism to the Outlaws, which makes him very dangerous in the open floor when we are out in transition,” said Rush. “As one of the tallest players on the

team, the Outlaws will look for Oliver to help control the boards and use his athleticism in the open floor to help push tempo.”

Szesze rounds out the returning players, and last year played in all but two of the games.

“Levi worked very hard to establish himself as a defensive leader for the team last year,” said Rush. “His quickness and grit helped him be a reliable teammate on the defensive end as well as on the boards. Levi will be asked to once again be a leader on the defensive end of the floor this year, while scoring in the open floor in transition.”

Four additional players will be added to the varsity squad this year, including seniors Bodie Schar and Kolbi Cotner, and sophomores Kieran Labhart and Will McDonnell.

Schar had a terrific season with the junior varsity squad last season, and will be a good addition to the varsity squad this year.

“Bodie used his hustle and intensity to create defensive stops and scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates last year,” said Rush. “That same hustle and intensity will be what Bodie will be asked to bring to the varsity team this season. Bodie’s ability to guard multiple positions on the floor will be an asset for the Outlaws.”

Cotner is joining the Outlaws for the first time this season.

“After a spectacular season and career on the football field, Kolbi will look to bring that same athleticism and grit to the hardwood,” said Rush. “Already in practices, Kolbi has shown his ability to be a tough defender, using his quickness and strength to his advantage. Those same traits are what the Outlaws will look for Kolbi to contribute

this season.”

Sophomores Labhart and McDonnell both played big roles in the JV’s success last season.

“Kieran has great skill to go along with his size, which makes him a matchup problem for opponents,” said Rush. “Kieran has the ability to score inside and outside and he will be asked to bring that scoring to the varsity level this season. Being one of the tallest players on the team, Kieran will also be asked to be a presence on the defensive end, especially on the glass.”

“Will is a great shooter from behind the arc, but also is able to slash to the basket and finish at the rim,” said Rush. “He will be asked to provide that versatile scoring ability to the team, while becoming more confident on the defensive end of the floor.”

Rush told The Nugget that his goals for the season are to continue to build culture in the program, and see the team come together as a unit and play up to their potential.

The Outlaws kick off their preseason at home against Santiam Christian on Thursday, December 5. Tip off is set for 7 p.m.

STARS: Ride service is seeing increased demand

Continued from page 3

is a wonderful opportunity to elevate the visibility of nonprofits across the country. But, it’s really a oneday event focused on onetime financial contributions. While Giving Tuesday marks the start of our ‘drive,’ we hope to create sustainable bonds with individuals and companies who will sponsor rides on an ongoing basis or volunteer as drivers.”

Each STARS ride costs an average of $50, which covers insurance, mileage reimbursement for the driver, and fuel costs. Through this yearend “drive”, STARS’ goal is to raise $5,000 to fund 100 rides. Donors are invited to visit https://www.starsride.

org/sponsor-a-ride to designate the number of rides they would like to sponsor. Every sponsored ride is tax deductible and allows STARS to more effectively plan for and meet the community’s needs. While financial contributions are STARS’ fuel, volunteer drivers are in demand because they help make the program go. STARS driver Bob Norin says, “People are so grateful to have the rides and it gives me so much satisfaction. It’s my opportunity to give back to the community.”

To participate, drivers need to pass a background check, attend a short volunteer training, and have a car that is in good working condition. Each driver sets his or her own schedule, providing as few or as many rides as they would like. Information can be found at www.starsride.org/volunteer.

‘Rethink the drink’ this holiday season

Four state agencies are teaming up this holiday season to support the “Rethink the Drink” winter advertising campaign that encourages people in Oregon to celebrate safely by understanding the health and social harms of excessive alcohol use.

Officials at the Oregon Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission (ADPC), Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC), Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) hope the tools provided by the campaign help people reduce the pressure to drink alcohol during family gatherings or holiday parties.

“In these environments, it’s easy to drink more than you normally might,” said Tom Jeanne, M.D., M.P.H., deputy state health officer and deputy state epidemiologist at OHA. “We can all support one another to drink less, and that includes having healthy and honest conversations about our alcohol use.”

Each year, more than 2,500 people in Oregon die from alcohol-related causes, including cancers, heart disease, liver disease, violence, and vehicle crashes. Excessive alcohol use is the third leading cause of preventable death in Oregon.

“The holiday season is the perfect opportunity to show support for loved ones who are working to avoid excessive alcohol use,” said ADPC Director Annaliese Dolph. “It is a great time to encourage healthy choices. The journey to wellness requires rethinking our relationships with different substances, and it requires the love and support of our communities.”

Holiday events and binge drinking sometimes go hand in hand. That can contribute to unsafe driving and other dangerous behavior. Binge drinking impairs judgment, slows reaction times, and increases the likelihood of making fatal decisions.

“Preventing impaired driving is a shared responsibility, and each of us can do our part to make sure our celebrations don’t put others at risk,” said Ryan Stone, Impaired Driving Program manager for ODOT’s Transportation Safety Office. “By planning ahead — whether that’s designating a sober driver, arranging a rideshare, using public transportation, or supporting friends who choose to drink to get home safely—we can help keep our roads safe. Let’s make this season one of joy and safety for all.”

“Not everyone drinks alcohol and not all drinkers

want to drink only alcohol, so it’s good to have alternatives,” said Craig Prins, OLCC’s executive director. “If you’re hosting an event this holiday season, offer non-alcoholic beverage options and be sure to have food available for guests.”

In addition to offering non-alcoholic options during holiday events and encouraging people to arrange for a designated driver, rideshare, or taxi, there are other ways people can keep themselves and others from drinking too much this holiday season:

• Avoid asking people why they aren’t drinking or pressuring them to drink more.

• Drink plenty of water and eat food while drinking alcohol.

• Consider swapping every other drink with water or a non-alcoholic beverage, or watering down a drink with ice or a low-sugar mixer.

•If you’re planning to drink, set a limit for that event.

• Count drinks when at an event or out with friends. Use an app to track drink consumption.

If you or someone you care about is suffering from alcohol dependence or an alcohol use disorder, free confidential resources and support are available online.

HOUSELESS:

Report comes out of community meeting

Continued from page 1

continue to work collaboratively to address houselessness in the community.

At the November 20 Sisters City Council meeting, councilors adopted Resolution 2024-22, which authorizes temporary shelter facilities during severe cold weather conditions. This resolution allows for the suspension of applicable land use regulations and the associated review process to enable emergency cold weather shelter operations to be established for the 20242025 winter season.

Before an emergency shelter can open operators must submit to the city:

• A letter from the property owner authorizing the use of the property as a temporary overnight shelter.

• Operational permit from the fire safety manager authorizing the use of the space as a temporary overnight shelter.

• Shelter code of conduct.

• Emergency contact information for the shelter operator.

• Notify Sisters Deschutes County Sheriff on the nights the facility is open.

The emergency declaration will run from November 21, 2024, to March 15, 2025. There are specified weather conditions and temperatures which determine when a

shelter may operate. The resolution is not directed toward any specific facility or organization. The hours of operation will be from 5 p.m. to 10 a.m. the next morning, when other public facilities will be open. If the weather which required the shelter to open is still applicable between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., and other public facilities are not open, the shelter may remain open. Any facility serving as a shelter may house up to 20 people, but at no time can the number be more than that approved by the fire safety manager. This emergency declaration is a temporary solution that allows the City and its partners to help houseless neighbors during extreme winter weather.

Shelter preparing for winter

For the first time since being established in 2017, Sisters Cold Weather Shelter (SCWS) organization has a consolidated space for their office and supplies.

Wellhouse Church has rented SCWS the building they used for their food bank, with the shelter taking over operation of the food program that is open every Thursday. Last week 220 customers received 850 lbs. of Thanksgiving meals.

Shelter Executive Director Sharlene Weed said, “Our current space was the one we used a couple of years ago

as a shelter and we had no reported incidents or problems. Our core mission is to keep people safe and out of extreme weather conditions.”

The building at 442 N. Trinity Way is zoned for a community center.

“We are operating as a welcoming community space for all citizens of Sisters,” said Weed. “We can offer life-saving supplies, meaningful community connections, food, help with personal hygiene, clothing, and cold weather shelter. We currently have no agreement to serve as a shelter, but we are

preparing by recruiting and training volunteers (new and returning), going through our current supplies, setting up the clothes closet and community space, and running the Thursday market. If we have the capacity to run the cold weather shelter we’ll do it. We hope to be open when conditions warrant it.”

The board is currently assembling their packet to submit to the City as required by the Emergency Declaration. Weed said they meet the requirements, but are not yet ready to open as a cold weather shelter.

Consider tax-smart charitable gifts

As we enter the annual season of giving, you may be thinking of charities you wish to support and wondering how to gain tax benefits from your gifts.

In the past you wrote a check to a charity and then deducted the amount of the gift, within limits, from your taxes. A few years ago, as part of tax law changes, the standard deduction was raised significantly, so fewer people were able to itemize deductions. Consequently, there was less financial incentive to make charitable gifts. This didn’t stop people from making them and it’s still possible to gain some tax advantages.

A few tax-smart charitable giving strategies:

• Bunch your charitable gifts into one year. If you combine a few years’ worth of charitable gifts in a single year, you could surpass the standard deduction amount and then itemize deductions for that year. In the years following, you could revert to taking the standard deduction.

• Make qualified charitable distributions. When you turn 73 (or 75 if you were born in 1960 or later), you must start taking withdrawals from your traditional or inherited IRA. These withdrawals — technically called required minimum distributions, or RMDs — are taxable at your personal income tax rate, so, if the amounts are large enough, they could push you into a higher tax bracket or cause you to pay larger Medicare premiums.

But, if you donate these RMDs directly to a qualified charity, you can avoid the taxes. And because these donations, known as qualified charitable distributions (QCDs), will reduce the balance on your IRA, you may have lower RMDs in

the future.

Of course, if you need some or all your RMDs to help sustain yourself in retirement, the use of QCDs may not be of interest to you. Keep in mind, though, that you can start making QCDs at 70½, even before you must start taking RMDs. QCDs up to $105,000 can be taken in 2024.

• Consider a donoradvised fund. If you’re interested in a long-term charitable giving arrangement, you might want to consider establishing a donor-advised fund. You can put many types of assets into this fund, and then direct it to make grants periodically to the charities you’ve chosen. You get an immediate tax deduction for your contribution, and, if you donate appreciated assets, such as stocks, you’ll avoid the capital gains taxes you would have incurred if you simply sold the stocks and then gave the money to the charities. One note of caution — your contributions to a donor-advised fund are irrevocable, and once the assets are in the fund, you can’t use them for anything except charitable giving.

These strategies — QCDs and donor-advised funds in particular — can be complex and involve several issues of which you should be aware. So, you should consult your tax advisor before taking action. But if any of these techniques are appropriate for your situation, give them some thought — because helping a charitable group and getting tax benefits for doing so is a “win” for everyone.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by local Edward Jones Financial Advisor Karen Kassy, CRPC™ Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor.

SCHOOL: Students have an opportunity to teach younger kids

Continued from page 3

The classwork lasted two days, with juniors reserving one hour for kindergarteners and one hour for first graders each day. Every junior teamed up with a peer to lead a group of two to four SES students, taking them outside and showing them the variety of vegetation surrounding them.

“It was so fun! I wish we could do this every day!” said one eager first grader.

“I don’t really remember what I learned but it was fun,” said another kindergartener.

“I liked when my high schooler did a scavenger hunt with us, it made learning really fun,” said one elementary student.

Although learning is a part of the goal, relationshipbuilding between generations was another main objective.

As part of creating a welcoming school community,

increasing understanding and connections between different ages is valuable.

Other efforts made through SHS, including freshman biology classes teaching second graders about endangered species, and the garden club working with kindergarteners about the evolution of insect life cycles, have aided this mission.

As the year continues, both teachers and students of all ages hope these partnerships will continue, perhaps becoming an annual event.

Having all three Sisters schools in close proximity enables high school students to work with elementary school kids — benefitting both.

PHOTO BY OLIVIA NIETO

Black But te Ranch RFPD Meeting Canceled

e regularly scheduled board meeting for December is canceled. Next board meeting will be ursday, January 23. Questions? Call (541) 595-2288.

Monthly Songwriters’ Sharing Circle

Be in a creative community and be inspired while sharing songs , being a great listener, and providing feedback. Second Sunday of the month, 6 -8 p.m., in the Sisters Folk Festival “JA M Studio” upstairs (chairlif t available) in the Sisters Art Works building , 20 4 W. Adams Ave. Free. Info: 541-977-8494, jessaneene@msn.com.

A Course in Miracles Study Group

Interested in exploring the principles of love, forgiveness , and inner peace? “A Course in Miracles” study group has formed near Sisters , meeting the first Sunday of each month

Contact Steven at 541-6 68-3834 or srudnit@gmail.com

Sisters Garden Journal

Sisters Garden Club has Garden Journals that are available for $15 at Paulina Springs Book s & e Gallimaufr y here in Sisters . e multiyear journal includes pages for notes on weather, monthly garden activities , plant details , and more. Sales support the Club and other local nonprofits. Get your copy now. ey make great gif ts . Please call 971-246040 4 for questions

SISTERS LIBRARY COMING EVENTS

Shutter Holiday Card

Making Workshop

Share the holiday spirit and create an eye-catching card using a sliding shutters technique to reveal a hidden design. is craf t program is designed for adults and will be held ursday, December 5, f rom 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Tools , materials , cardstock , and decorative papers will be supplied. If you have a cutting mat, a craf t knife (X-acto blade), and/or scissors please bring them and any f avorite holidaytheme d items to decorate your card . Registration is required at https://www deschuteslibrary.org/ calendar/.

Create Your Own Cr yptid

On Tuesday, December 10, from 4 to 5 p.m., children aged 6 -11 years can use their imagination to create a mythological cr yptid! e Loch Ness Monster, Mothman, Big foot . all of these are mythological creatures known as cr yptids

Create your own during this fun afternoon get together at the library! For more information, visit https:// www.deschuteslibrar y.org/ calendar/.

Sisters Holiday Showcase

Call for Talent

e Sisters Holiday Showcase is on Friday, December 13 , at 7 p.m., in the Sisters High School auditorium. is is a call for local talent to per form, as this isn’t just a school concert. It is a showcase of acts f rom within our community. Send video submissions for consideration to steven.livingston@ssd6.org. Submission deadline is Sunday, December 1. Results will be posted no later than ursday, December 5

Camp Sherman

Holiday Bazaar

On Friday and Saturday, December 6 and 7, join in a festive community gathering at the Camp Sherman Community Hall with wreaths , craf ts , and goodies for sale. Friday hours are from 5 to 8 p.m.; S aturday hours are f rom 10 a .m. to 3 p.m. ere will be soup Friday night and hot drinks , and on Saturday there will be co ee drink s , scones, and other yummy goodies . is holiday tradition is one you won’t want to miss! For more information call 541-595-2719.

Sisters French Club

For people interested in French culture and language, Sisters French Club meets the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m . at e Barn, 171 E . Main Ave. All levels are welcome. For more information, visit Facebook @SistersFrenchClub.

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.

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 , 130 0 McKenzie Hwy. No reser vations needed. No-cost Grab-N- Go lunches take place weekly on Wed . and urs ., f rom 12:30 to 1 p.m. Call 541-797-9367.

Americ an Legion and VFW VF W Post 8138 and American Legion Post 86 meet the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m., at Spoons Restaurant, 473 E . Hood Ave. Sisters . Email SistersVeterans@gmail.com.

Anti-Tra cking Forum

Human tra cking is not just a distant issue—it’s happening right here in Central Oregon . M Perfectly believes education is one of the most powerful tools to combat this crisis . Join M Perfectly for an anti-tra cking forum presented by J Bar J ’s Anti-Tra cking Project . is important event will take place on ursday, December 12, from 10:30 a .m. to 12 noon at the Sisters Cold Weather Shelter located at 4 42 N . Trinit y Way Register now for this FREE event with limited seating at www.bit ly/m-per fectly

Sisters Museum Ranching & Farming History

A new exhibit is in the works for the Sisters Museum and we are asking for your help. Do you have some f amily ranching or farming histor y to share? We are looking for stories , documents , artifacts , photographs , and maps so we can document and share the stories of our area’s many ranche s and farms . Stop in the Museum (151 N . Spruce) Friday or Saturday, 10-4, c all 541549-14 03 , or email museum@ threesistershistoricalsociet y.

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

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.

Winter Story time Plays at Black But te School

On ursday, December 12, at 6:30 p.m., come for a cozy evening in the historic Camp Sherman Communit y Hall. Enjoy students per forming t wo short plays: “ e Mitten” and “ e Real Deal.” is event is f ree and open to the public . Call 541-5956203 for more information

Public Pickleball Courts ere are pickleball courts available 7 days a week at the middle school tennis courts, for play when school is not in session. All of the tennis cour ts 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 bring your own nets . Please put the net back when you are done. Info: Karen at 503-871-4172.

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 Count y 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. For more information, cont act: Nanc y Hall 541-9044433, nancyhall4h@gmail.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

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.

LUNA

is happy 7-month-old girl is now ready for all the love of a forever home. Luna will benefit f rom a structured environment that will allow her to learn the rules of her new home. She will thrive with training , daily walks , and play time. If you are ready to open your heart and home to this sweet girl, come on in and meet Luna today

Arends Group Phil Arends: 541-420-9997 phil.arends@cascadesir.com Thomas Arends: 541-285-1535 thomas.arends@cascadesir.com

SISTER S- ARE A C HURCH

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

7:30 a .m. Daybreak Ser vice • 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

In the

PINES

By T. Lee Brown

More muddling through mid-life & menopause

Thanks, y’all, for the feedback on my last column, a light ‘n’ snarky one about women’s mid-life changes. People seemed especially pleased that I encouraged men to read. Keep reading, folks of all genders!

I mentioned an upcoming talk at the library. I went, despite the grim weather, and enjoyed open, nonjudgmental conversation with local ladies of various ages.

At the podium stood doctors Erin LeGrand and Sarah Hellmann, both OB/ GYNs with St. Charles Medical Group. OB/GYNs are doctors specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. They’re knowledgeable about (say it out loud, c’mon, you can do it!) vaginas and vulvas, pregnancies and pelvises, menstruation and menopause.

If they’re up on the latest research, if they listen closely to women, OBs can help us navigate the wild waves of mid-life and onward, when hormones go off the rails. It ain’t just hot flashes; a whole mess of physical, emotional, mood, and sleep disruptions may result.

Hellmann and LeGrand projected slides helping participants understand perimenopause, menopause,

symptoms, and possibilities for treatment.

Perimenopause, they said, doesn’t include the years of crazy and night sweats and pain so many of us experience leading up to menopause. Nope. Officially, peri is merely the phase where the bleeding patterns and menstruation change.

Those other lead-up years don’t have a name yet.

The Menopause Society is working on the nomenclature, millennia after women started experiencing this.

Both doctors were frustrated by how slow science and medicine have been to study women at all, much less issues that solely affect women—not just how we provide babies and sex, but the totality of our bodies, life phases, and wellness.

To top it off, the most high-profile research has been proven incorrect.

Studies from 25 years ago scared women and doctors away from prescribed hormones; turns out the research was inadequate.

Hormone therapies (HRT, MRT, etc.) present low risks for the general population, according to Hellmann and LeGrand. Outcomes in some areas, however, improved with taking hormones.

Not to mention reducing the obnoxious and life-altering symptoms of what my grandmother’s generation called “The Change,” if they dared mention it at all.

How obnoxious? How life-altering? See my last column for a litany of horrific details.

This is America, where worthiness is measured in GDP. So let’s frame it in terms we can all understand:

“Based on workdays missed due to menopause symptoms,” researchers at the Mayo Clinic concluded in 2023, “we estimate an annual loss of $1.8 billion in the United States.”

Nearly two billion bucks! You could buy a yacht bigger than Jeff Bezos’ for

that! And host a menopause getaway on it, with music and excellent food and a salt pool, and invite preperimenopausal small-town newspaper columnists to come along, hint hint.

LeGrand and Hellman laid things out in a straightforward and sometimes humorous manner, extolling the virtues of weight training and vaginal estradiol cream.

A participant asked, “How do you apply it?” LeGrand matter-of-factly mimed swiping cream onto her finger, and, you know, pushing it up there.

Hosts of the podcast “Wine With Your Gyn,” these two are comfortable moving past society’s juvenile squeamishness and unwillingness to talk about these issues honestly and publicly.

Some women mistrust Big Med and Big Science,** so I asked naturopathic doctor (ND) — Tracy Erfling to weigh in. Tracy, a friend of our family, will be opening a specialty clinic in Sisters focusing on menopause and its associated transitions.

“There is much we can do to alleviate the seeming chaos our hormones are putting our body through,” Tracy told me.

At the philosophical core of naturopathic medicine, she explained, lies “wholistic care” — holistic with a W. Practitioners like Tracy are “trained to assess the whole person with all their unique strengths and challenges.”

Specialist NDs study the science, prescribe conventional hormones and compounded bio-identical hormones, but also work with botanical and nutritional therapies.

“Menopause is by definition a time of change,” Tracy said. “Naturopaths have so many tools in our toolbox to pivot as needed when changes occur.”

So hoorah! People are finally talking about this stuff. Jump in with podcasts like “Wine with your Gyn” and the hilarious, raunchy “Circling the Drain.” Join menopause groups on Reddit, LinkedIn, Facebook.

Even consider asking

women in your real life— friends, moms, sisters, probably not co-workers—about their own experiences. Some may blush. But sheesh! We need more information, more stories, and more options.

Let’s de-stigmatize women’s natural midlife changes. Let’s try out these hormones and herbs. In a medical system that long ignored us, let’s share information and demand better research and more treatments.

* For purposes of flow— pun intended, har har— in this column the word “woman” and its lightly facetious cousins “gals” and “ladies” are meant to encompass everyone who possesses or previously possessed the organs that lead to The Change, regardless of gender identity.

** Contest: which brilliant post-menopausal artist am I double-entendre’ing here? First correct answer emailed to tiffany@plazm. com wins a free coffee at one of our fine local establishments.

KARAOKE

Nugget Poetry Corner

Aged Wine & Cheese

Alissa Cowan

“Aged wine and cheese, please,” r equested the connoisseur

An exper t in matter s of taste, never causing a stir

Bor ed with Ginger Crisps, with a splash of milk beside ever y cookie

“T hey tr y to entice me, but I am no r ookie!”

Some things only get better through the cour se of age and time

“Crisp, air y citr us notes with pear and oak, fr om the Vine”

With an inter national tangy w hite Cheddar

“T he flaky shar pness couldn’ t be better!”

But, alas, ther e upon the table lay another dr eaded cookie display!

Leaning over to take a snif f of the stale cr umbles, he would sift

“Not another Ginger-SNAP!

Those silly humans thought I’d fall for that!?”

For ever y cookie in the hous e

Sits in a tr ap – for a Mouse!

“It is no wonder, I don’t like dessert, Especially w hen I know it would hur t”

“Aged wine and cheese for me!

I am an exper t on taste! A mouse, if you please.”

Have an original poem that you’d like to share?

Email submissions to jess@nuggetnews.com. Publication is subject to space av ailability and disc retion of The Nugget Newspaper. Feeling cr eative? December writing pr ompts

“All I want for (holiday of your choice) is...” • “A holiday memory that changed me...”

Autumn’s Myth

Edie Jones

The scenes of Autumn, right out your door

Color s c hanging and mushr ooms galor e.

They pop-up, over night. Tr ansfor ming, gr owing – in fr ont of your sight.

Fir st, not at all, then emer ging –obscur e and small, or huge, with elves hiding under their edge.

Stories to explain a fair y’s pledge, to bring a gold slipper or a pir ate’s hat.

Wide-eyed the c hildren involved in that chat, of fantasy of fair ytales, told long ago.

We listened once before year s had us gr ow into adults w ho must tell the tr uth.

Yet – stories cr eated, nur ture our youth, and help them imagine w hen the mushr ooms appear, life – long ago – when fairies lived here

Walking this ear th, gr anting each wish

Bringing joys hoped for.

The value of myths.

A Glance in the Window

Kendra Hamerly

You ar e not just your reflection

Mer ely the reflection of perfection in your eyes only

Porcelain finish will give way to fine line s

But today you’ re naive

And today the fine lines ar e dismissed

The wisdom we turn over to poor online dolls whose eyes only see their reflection

The wisdom is in the fine lines, in the boots who have tr aveled

They f eel ignored, fo rgotten, invisible

But bring them bac k, give them a seat, bring their stories forw ar d

Their eyes have seen the reflection of many

Their eyes have seen the suffering of all

Their Love is the connection to your history

This is the season when we remind ourselves of all we have to be thankful for: the natural beauty that surrounds us; the bonds of a strong community; friends and family who bring us joy. We are also fortunate to live in a community of creative makers, who provide food, gifts, and experiences that offer real meaning and lasting value. Meet them here…

Holidays in Sisters SHOP

LOCAL

HOLIDAY FUN HAS JUST BEGUN!

• St. Lucia Day Fun, Fri., Dec. 13

• Holiday fundraiser

• Cookie decorating kits

or

Have A Merry Christmas — without overspending

— By Kema Clark, Correspondent —

It can be stressful and difficult to think about Christmas morning being just around the corner, since there may be only one or two paychecks until the big day. There are many ways to enjoy the holidays without putting yourself in a deep hole that will take months to dig out of.

Start off by making a list of the family and friends you want to share the spirit of Christmas with. When you’re making the list, you’ll be thinking about why these people are on your list and what they mean to you — you can use those thoughts in some of the suggestions below.

• Write a note to the people you’re giving a gift to and try to say what you love or appreciate about them. The notes will make people as happy as a wrapped gift will.

bring a wrapped gift, at an agreed upon max price. Put a number on each gift, then after your meal, everyone picks a number. There will be a lot of laughter and surprises.

• Give a “coupon book” of monthly fun or service: house or auto cleaning; IOU to mow grass or help plant flowers or vegetables; play poker, Scrabble, pickle ball, or basketball together; babysit to give young parents a date night. Think of who you’re gifting and imagine what they would enjoy — add those things to the book.

• Gifts that are low cost but mean a lot can include: lunch at a local park; a short road trip to Smith Rock or the Painted Hills; their choice of a special meal (tell them you need a few days notice to get ready!).

• Create a “name draw” and set a price limit for all gifts. Draw names from a hat or use a “name draw” website. One easy site is www.DrawNames.com. Enter all the first names, then set a max price. Each person chooses “Draw Name,” and gets a name assigned. Everyone can put in their “wish list” of things they’d like to get, so whoever draws their name can pick a gift.

• If you like the fun of everyone opening multiple gifts: put a dollar limit on how much can be spent on gifts, then ask everyone to share a list of things they want or need in that price range; get a photo printed and frame it; knit, crochet, or paint something unique.

• Having a dinner at someone’s home, with everyone bringing one dish or dessert, can be the perfect celebration. Everyone can

• You don’t need expensive wrapping paper. Paper bags are excellent — you (or the kids) draw pictures on the paper or write notes. This will mean more to the person getting the gift than fancy paper they rip off. Save The Nugget and use it (the great pictures or articles will look good on top), or a kitchen towel for wrapping so they can use the towel and enjoy the gift.

• Look for places in Sisters with used items, or places with individual booths. You’ll find several books or puzzles for the price of one, a jacket or sweater for much less than one ordered online, dishes, candles, and more — all priced low and like new.

• Read every page of The Nugget. Sisters’ local businesses will be showing specials and sales, and you don’t want to miss any. Visit all local businesses, because there will be additional sales inside.

• If you happen to be one of the lucky people whose bank account runneth over, make sure everyone knows it makes your holidays happier when you can share and make their holidays happier.

Bottom line — you’ve heard it before — it’s the thought that counts. Tell people why you care about them and why you appreciate the things they do. Every person on your list will have a happy holiday if they know that someone cares about them and appreciates them. And they will carry that happiness into 2025 and beyond.

Three Sisters Lions Club

Hunting for wonderful, locally crafted gifts at the Three Sisters Lions Club’s Annual Holiday Faire has long been one of Sisters’ favorite local traditions.

This year, the Faire will be held at the former site of the Sisters Habitat Thrift Store, next to The Fly Fisher’s Place on West Main Avenue, from November 29 through December 21.

The expansive and welcoming space allows the Lions to host 38 vendors, offering a wonderful blend of the tried-and-true and the fresh-and-new. Savvy shoppers in Sisters know that the Holiday Faire offers a wonderful opportunity to buy locally crafted decorations for the holidays, and handmade gifts that will mean a lot to those on your list.

You’ll find ornaments, home crafts, jams and jellies, hand-poured candles, handmade soaps, and much, much more.

And shopping at the Faire does a lot for the local community. Proceeds support Lions Club initiatives for sight and hearing, pediatric cancer, and trade school scholarships for graduating seniors.

Christmas festivities underway at Sisters Fire District

Volunteers in the greater Sisters area are once again celebrating the holiday season with several activities during the month of December.

The main fire station holiday lights display is back this year. Shift Captain Gary Lovegren rebuilt the displays so the entire community can enjoy them again. The station lights will be turned on after the Sisters Christmas Parade on Saturday, and will be available for drive-by enjoyment throughout the month of December. The light display is accompanied by music each evening from parade day until after Christmas.

The Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire & Ambulance Association is sponsoring the annual “Spirit of Christmas Giving Tree” program to provide Christmas gifts to families in need in Sisters Country this holiday season. The Association expects to serve close to 200 children this year.

Gifts are available to children from newborn to seniors in high school of low-income families who live within the Sisters or Black Butte School Districts. Applications for the program are available to be picked up now at the following locations: Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District, Sisters Kiwanis Foodbank, Furry Friends, and the Family Access Network office in Sisters. Applications are due by Friday, December 6, at 5 p.m., in order to receive a gift. Get your applications in early, so your request can be filled.

To donate to the Spirit of Christmas Program, collect a tag with items requested by the families at one of our “Spirit of Christmas Giving Trees,” purchase a new gift listed on the tag, deliver the unwrapped gifts with the tag to the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District as soon as possible, and by no later than December 13. Spirit of Christmas trees are located at Sisters Ray’s Food Place, Sisters Bi-Mart, SistersCamp Sherman Fire Station, and Black Butte Ranch Police Department. Tags will be available to collect from all locations beginning Wednesday, November 27.

Program leader for the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District, Angela Linker, said, “While monetary donations are appreciated, the best way to help fulfill the community needs is to pick a gift tag for a child from one of the trees and purchase specific gifts requested by the families, rather than just donating a non-specific gift.”

The deadline to return your gift donation to the Fire Station is Friday, December 13, at 5 p.m. The gift requests that are not filled by the community will be filled by Fire District volunteer shoppers using donated funds, which means that no qualifying child will be left without a gift.

For folks that would like to participate in the program, but are unable to purchase a specific gift, the Association will also accept cash donations, which are tax deductible and will go toward gift buying. Cash donations can be made at the main fire station at 301 S. Elm St. in Sisters, by mail at PO Box 1509, Sisters, OR, 97759 or online at www.sistersfire.com.

Families will pick up their donated gifts via a drive-through event on Saturday, December 21, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District main station at 301 South Elm Street in Sisters.

On Christmas Day, Fire District staff and volunteers will once again prepare a traditional Christmas dinner which will be served from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Community Hall at the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District at 301 S. Elm St. in downtown Sisters. No reservation is necessary, just come join us for a beautiful meal.

The Fire District thanks partnering agencies and community organizations for their support and assistance with making this holiday season special for our Sisters Country families: Sisters Kiwanis, Furry Friends, Black Butte Ranch Police, Toys for Tots, Ray’s Food Place, and Sisters Bi-Mart.

For more information, contact the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District at 541-549-0771.

Luckey’s Woodsman

The folks at Luckey’s Woodsman love the holidays. They are committed to filling this special time with joy — and making it easy on all of us who are busy trying to

Luckey’s Woodsman invites the community to join them for a special tree-lighting at the restaurant on Saturday, November 30, at 6 p.m. at 352 E. Hood Ave. It’s a great way to kick off the season in convivial company. They’re a vendor for Christmas Tree permits, and the restaurant is festive with holiday decor.

Starting December 1, you can order up the famous Roast Beast Holiday Kit, featuring beef from the local Well Rooted Farms, smoked for eight hours, with bone-marrow au jus. Just heat it up and you have an exceptional Christmas dinner.

The goal is to take the stress out of the holidays for Sisters folks.

Luckey’s Woodsman also hosts a giving tree for donation of gifts for local seniors. It’s all part of the spirit of the season, where they just want everyone to feel loved.

Fall Is In The Air!

Commentary…. Health & wellness

One of my first jobs out of college was as a fitness coach and lifestyle expert at the Santa Barbara YMCA. My boss asked me to create a display about weight loss and mental wellness during the holidays. The two facts that stuck with me even 16 years later are:

The average American gains 0.8 to 2 pounds during the holiday season that they never get rid of, and 38 percent of people say their stress rates increase during the holidays.

I would like to tell you up front that this article is not about weight loss. I don’t think it’s fair or realistic to say “don’t eat this” or “stay away from that.” This article is to talk about all the opportunities during this season to stay mentally and physically healthy.

• Get enough sleep

It is tempting to stay up late cleaning, baking, prepping, wrapping, and decorating, but the more you can stay consistent with your typical sleep schedule, the smoother your day will feel. There are obviously things beyond our control (i.e. excited children who wake up before Santa has even arrived), but routine is important for NREM and REM sleep. To help you feel more balanced and to prevent overeating and overspending, aim to get plenty of sleep when you can. Aim to go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends or holidays. It might be tempting to sleep in, but it disrupts your circadian rhythm. The more you can stick to your sleep schedule, the better. When sleeping in an environment we are not used to, our brains are on constant alert during the night. Don’t be surprised to feel groggy when you are sleeping in a new place. If you do get a poor night’s sleep, be kind to yourself the next day. Drink more water, practice deep breathing and meditation, and spend some time outdoors in the morning sun.

Pro tip: Avoid napping, caffeine, alcohol consumption, and large meals right before bed. All these habits can contribute to a poor night’s sleep if you do them too close to bedtime.

• Set boundaries

When visiting relatives or having friends in your home, it is easy to sacrifice your needs and desires for others. Remember that you have permission to say no. Take time for yourself and try to stick to your normal

schedule as much as possible. Especially for individuals with ADHD and other mental health conditions, sticking with a routine is important. Amid traveling, invitations to social events, and people coming into and out of your home, it’s very easy to detract from your normal routine. If you feel pressured to commit to too much or obligated to attend an event that will stretch your day out, find ways where you can take time for yourself. Be intentional when you do make plans or say yes to things. Consider what is most important to you during the holiday season. So that you can have the most meaningful holiday experience, be intentional with whom you want to spend your time and how you want to feel. Stay focused on what matters most to you.

Pro tip: Even if your afternoon schedule is committed to social events, and company, stick to your normal morning routine or take a walk in the middle of the day to be in nature and reconnect to your own thoughts and needs. A study done by Harvard shows that nature can boost your mood.

• Just breathe

Deep breathing activates your body’s “rest and digest” response, which signals the brain to relax. Chemicals like noradrenaline, which affects your focus, distractibility, and sense of control, can be helped through deep nasal breath work. Controlled breathing can lower your blood pressure and heart rate. Wow. Breathing is important, right? We breathe all the time though, so why is this worth mentioning? Most people breathe with the top one third of their lungs, but they fail to utilize the bottom two thirds, which is where nitric oxide is stored. If we are breathing in through our mouths or taking short, shallow breaths, we are not getting any of the benefits listed previously. Learn how to slow down and focus on full breaths. Try box breathing, where you inhale for a count of four seconds, hold four seconds, exhale for a count of four and hold for four seconds. If you are having trouble relaxing or falling asleep, inhale for a count of four and exhale for a count of eight several times. This helps calm the mind and bring our bodies into a parasympathetic state (rest and digest).

Pro tip: Take five (deep breaths). Take

Tumalo Home and Design

In 31 years as a widely traveled interior designer, Dahli Brant has collected a treasure trove of home decor, from antiques to new lines of furniture — items that she thought would be great for clients. Now, she’s bringing all of those treasures to the public in Sisters Country at her new shop, Tumalo Home and Design.

Tumalo Home and Design is hosting an opening to introduce themselves to the community on Saturday, November 30, from noon to 5 p.m., with food and drink to celebrate the season. There will be 10 percent off on some products and candles, items that make great gifts or stocking stuffers.

A selection of custom upholstery pieces allows you to design your own sofas or chairs to make your home truly your own with unique and special home decor items.

Tumalo Home and Design will be open Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Follow them on Instagram to find out about special monthly offers.

wellness for the holidays

— By Ashlee Francis, Columnist —

five slow, deep breaths in and out through the nose. Studies have shown that this simple act can increase positivity, decrease emotional reactivity, improve brain health, and promote feelings of calmness. If you are feeling overwhelmed, trace each of your fingers as you breathe. Trace up to the tip of the finger with each inhale and down to the base of the palm with each exhale. Slow down your breathing and notice how it affects the tension in your shoulders and jaw.

• Maintain your fitness values

If you typically exercise five days a week, try to make time to continue your routine. If you are staying at a hotel, see if the facility has a gym. If you don’t have access to weights, try an online Pilates or yoga routine. If you like to run and it is too icy outside, do an indoor plyometric circuit. Be kind to yourself if you do miss a day of staying active or if you’re not able to push yourself as hard as normal. Sometimes what our nervous system needs is a day of rest or active recovery. I personally struggle with deep sleep when I miss a day of working out, so if you are the same, to stay sane and boost your mental health, get creative with your exercise.

Pro tip: Get your family and friends involved. Take your grandfather for a walk around the block. Toss a football with your nephews. Stack wood for your neighbors. Go for a hike with a couple of friends. Have a dance party in the kitchen with your spouse while you make stuffing and pie. There are so many ways to keep your fitness and still engage with the people around you.

• Hydrate

Not only do water and minerals help your joints and body feel and function better, they also help with digestion and they make you feel more satiated so you are less likely to splurge on sugary treats. When we are busy, we sometimes forget to drink water. With the cold, dry weather on top of the extra amount of caffeinated and alcoholic beverages we may partake in, dehydration can often take a toll on the body and make us feel moody

and unbalanced. Aim to drink half your body weight in ounces a day. Water helps boost energy and flushes toxins from the body.

Pro tip: Stop drinking water and other beverages an hour before bed, so you don’t have to wake up multiple times in the evening to empty your bladder.

• Make healthy choices, but don’t restrict yourself

If you want a second slice of pie, have the second slice of pie! The holidays are a time to make small allowances and treat yourself. If you are stressed about weight gain, watch your portion sizes and make healthy choices in other areas, such as taking a walk instead of watching television, or hydrating and sleeping well to boost your digestion. Too much sugar and salt can have a negative impact on your mood, motivation, sleep, and energy. Indulge, but do so in moderation and don’t allow yourself to feel guilty about it afterward.

Pro tip: Be intentional about what you choose to indulge in and be proud of yourself for making the conscious decision to do something that is bringing you joy.

As we navigate the holiday season, it’s essential to prioritize our mental and physical wellness amidst the hustle and bustle. By focusing on meeting our individual needs, we can cultivate a healthier and more fulfilling holiday experience. This time of the year is not just about the festivities, but also about nourishing ourselves and creating meaningful connections with those we love. Embrace the season with intention so you can show up more fully for the activities and people you cherish. Let this season be an opportunity for joy and well-being.

Radiant Day Spa

The folks at Radiant Day Spa love the Sisters community. To show their appreciation this holiday season, they’re offering a special package — the Good Tidings Gift Box — that makes treating yourself or a loved one to luxuriant care easy and affordable.

The Good Tidings Gift Box includes a 90-minute massage, a full-size bottle of Éminence body oil, and a full-size essential oil, all gift-wrapped and including an Éminence product catalogue. Each box is made to order (see QR code and link in ad). The package is a $255 value priced at only $200.

Radiant Day Spa uses only the finest quality products and offers an experience that is not only relaxing and recharging, but also healthful. This is especially important in winter, when the body craves relief from dehydration and dry skin the cold weather brings.

The Good Tidings Gift Box makes a wonderful Christmas gift for a loved one — or get one as a way of rewarding yourself this holiday season.

Keep deer in mind with holiday lighting

— By Bill Bartlett, Correspondent —

Google “deer caught in Christmas lights” and you will get not hundreds, but thousands of articles, photos, and social media threads discussing the phenomenon. Elk are not immune to the problem either, although deer seem to be the most vulnerable.

Given that we share Sisters Country so freely with thousands of mule deer, it has no doubt occurred here and readers will probably let us know.

It sounds humorous upon first reading and images and memes can be highly entertaining — unless you are the deer in distress.

Deer mating season in Oregon runs into December when males are in antlers. Such bucks will rub their antlers against almost anything. Bucks rub their antlers to remove the itchy velvet coating that develops over the summer. Or to mark their presence and stake a claim on an area. The scent from the glands on their foreheads attracts potential mates and discourages other male deer.

The process ordinarily only takes about 24 hours. If they rub against trees, shrubs, or fences with holiday lights, it’s possible those lights could wind up snagged in the animal’s antlers.

It’s hard to predict what deer might snag. Homeowners can reduce the risk by common sense efforts. Wildlife biologists recommend attaching lights above the reach of deer in large trees. Stringing the lights in low shrubbery or fence lines could end up endangering the animal.

Anything tangled in antlers can stress the deer, causing it to spend time and energy trying to remove the object at the expense of feeding and resting.

Generally, a deer can free itself from the light strand, but usually the animal just waits until late winter when it naturally sheds its antlers, and everything falls off.

If you encounter such a deer or elk, especially the latter, it’s probably best to ignore it. Capturing and handling the deer can be worse for the animal than leaving it alone. Trying to immobilize a deer can be so stressful the deer dies. And injury to you is possible.

Managing the problem

Wildlife managers advise against draping

lights over shrubs and bushes under five-feet high. Trees with trunk diameters of two to six inches are most likely to be rubbed by bucks and bulls, so only string lights on larger diameter trees.

Use multiple short strands of lights plugged together versus one long strand so that if animals become entangled, they will have less cord to deal with.

Avoid stringing lights “clothesline” style across open areas. Attach lights securely to tree limbs, gutters, or fence posts.

Vehicle and deer collisions increase during the holidays

Being mating season around the holidays, more deer are on the move and crossing roads in pursuit of a mate. A combination of darkness early in the evening, a higher number of deer in motion, and drivers in the holiday spirit whose festivities may have impaired their reaction time, increases the risk of collision.

Deer, nocturnal feeders, catch us off guard. It’s a dangerous event when a deer enters the roadway at night. Accidents happen frequently because drivers don’t know what to do when they see a deer on the road. Drivers are often going too fast to be able to react safely.

The first instinct drivers make is to dodge the animals. That often leads to the swerving vehicle hitting a tree, guardrail, or other obstacle.

Law enforcement and first responders have one uniformly, commonsense piece of advice: slow down.

For four decades, Mitch and Michelle Deaderick have been making Christmas

The renowned potters and sculptors will open their shop at 17192 Jordan Rd. on December 7 and 8, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., for their annual home show. The event has become a pilgrimage for people Christmas shopping for meaningful gifts that support the local arts community. Folks in Sisters will enjoy their beautiful pottery, delicious treats — and lots of holiday cheer. As Michelle says, “it’s better than going to the mall to shop.”

These Sisters makers create gifts that have real meaning — gifts that stand the test of time. Their work has been treasured for generations now. Many a person in Sisters has a favorite coffee mug that they’ve enjoyed every day for decades, one that came off the wheel right here in

The Deadericks will open their kiln during the show so that people can see how the magic is made. Their work is also available in town at Sisters Gallery & Frame Shop, 222 W. Hood Ave.

Sisters Coffee Co.

Spread the joy with Sisters Coffee this holiday season.

This year, we’re making holiday gifting easier (and tastier) with a variety of thoughtfully curated options. The Maker’s Gift Box brings a taste of Central Oregon with Holiday Cheer Blend, locally made chocolate, and tea. The Cozy Up Box offers a simple, classic pairing of Holiday Cheer Blend and an insulated travel mug. For the coffee connoisseur, the Sumatra and Villatoro Collection Boxes feature curated sets of single origins that are sure to impress.

Looking for something else? Check out the Miir insulated coffee carafe, the topo hoodie inspired by the mountain range we call home, and other classic Sisters Coffee merch. Gift cards are always a perfect choice for the coffee lovers in your life.

Shop online at sisterscoffee.com or visit the café to pick up your holiday favorites in person. Need larger quantities for corporate gifting? Email customercare@ sisterscoffee.com for discounts on orders of 50-plus bags.

And don’t forget: our Gift Subscriptions offer fresh-roasted coffee delivered with flexible plans to fit any schedule.

Three Sisters Historical Society

Take a trip back in time this holiday season with a visit to the Sisters Museum located at 151 N. Spruce St.

The Museum’s home is a historic site – it was Sisters’ original library building in 1939. It was later moved, eventually remodeled, and renamed the Old Maida Bailey Library in honor of a local pioneer and rancher dedicated to her love of books. Those strolling and shopping through town can take in the Museum’s exhibits, view unique artifacts, and see a treasure trove of historic photos from early Sisters and her pioneers. Docents are available for

There is a selection of wonderful local history books, volunteer-made ornaments, and a custom puzzle showcasing the Sisters Museum with a photo by Sisters photographer Jerry Baldock.

Three Sisters Historical Society provides oral history interviews on tape, offers a resource library, has special children’s activities, and presents a historically-oriented speaker series of Fireside events. In 2025 look for a new exhibit on Sisters Country’s historic ranches and farms.

Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show

It’s Christmas time — which means that the legendary Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show (SOQS) is only half a year away.

As we look forward to July, SOQS is gearing up for a special celebration — its 50th anniversary! This milestone highlights half a century of creativity, community, and the enduring art of quilting. SOQS has grown into a beloved institution that defines the spirit of Sisters — and this landmark event relies on community support to keep the tradition alive.

This holiday season, honor a favorite quilter with the gift of “Friend of the Show” status. This unique partnership celebrates their passion while supporting SOQS’s mission for this historic year. It’s a gift that includes:

The gift that makes everyone’s dreams come true, with no returns!

ROOTBOUND FOOD CART

Give the gift of a fresh, locally sourced, healthy meal this holiday season. Local women-owned food cart located at The Barn. 541-595-8246 | rootboundfoodcart.com

MAKIN’ IT LOCAL

Treat yourself and give the gift of art this holiday. Celebrate Oregon arts and the Love of Local at Makin’ it Local. 541-904-4722 | www.makinitlocal.com

LUCKEY’S

WOODSMAN

Give a gift card for our restaurant farm-to-table food and camper kits. $10 off when you buy $50 worth of gift cards. We cater holiday meals too! 541-904-4450 | www.luckeyswoodsman.com

LAKE

CREEK LODGE

Spread some cheer with gift cards for a relaxing stay in a cozy cabin, some delicious pastries, or some cool merchandise! 541-588-2150 | lakecreeklodge.com

SHIBUI

SPA

Give a Gift of Wellness! A Shibui Spa gift certificate is the perfect way to show your loved one just how much they mean to you. 541-549-6164 | shibuispa.com

• An exclusive invitation to the SOQS spring kick-off event.

• Early-access tickets to 50th-anniversary events and programs.

• Priority seating at select events and more.

Make this holiday season truly memorable with a gift that honors quilting’s past, celebrates its present, and supports its future — a gift that inspires year-round!

SISTERS GROOMERY

Give the gift of grooming! Treat your pet to premium care. Holiday appointments and gift certificates available. Book now! 541-639-2891 | sistersgroomery.com

TAKODA’S

RESTAURANT

Our gift cards make great stocking stuffers! We welcome you to dine in with friends or take-out for quick and delicious holiday meals at home. 541-549-8620 | www.takodassisters.com

STITCHIN’ POST

A gift card opens up a world of options! We have fabrics, yarns, art & quilting supplies, books, patterns, gifts, and more! 541-549-6061 | www.stitchinpost.com

FRIENDS & VINE WINE BAR & SHOP

Celebrate the holidays with friends and family! 30 wines by the glass, three flight levels and 350+ bottles. Gift cards and gift “stockings” available. 541-965-3284 | friendsandvine.com

Holiday Events

Thursday • November 28

Community Thanksgiving Dinner at Sisters Community Church, 1300 McKenzie Hwy., 12-4 p.m. Free Thanksgiving meal with all the fixin’s! Everyone is welcome. Information: 541-390-4597

Friday • November 29

Christmas Tree Lighting & Caroling at Black Butte Ranch Lodge entrance, 5:30 to 6 p.m. Information: BlackButteRanch.com/Holidays

Saturday • November 30

Pictures with Santa & Craft Fair at Commonplace Homeschool Co-op, 1307 W. McKinney Butte Rd. Pictures with Santa 10 a.m. to noon, craft fair and Krispy Kreme donut sale 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Information: www.commonplacesisters.com

Holiday Palooza & Parade

Christmas parade on Main Avenue at 3:30 p.m. followed by the tree lighting ceremony at Fir Street Park. Sponsored by SPRD. Info: www.sistersrecreation.com

Tree Lighting Ceremony at Luckey’s Woodsman, 6 to 8 p.m. Sing along! Pictures with Santa or Hodag and the Gang. Free hot cocoa for the kids. Tree permits available. Bring an ornament to hang on the tree or wear and an ugly sweater for 10% discount

Thursday • December 5

Shutter Holiday Card Making Workshop at Sisters Library, 110 N Cedar St., 1:30-3:30 p.m. Craft beautiful holiday cards using a sliding shutter technique to reveal a hidden design. Information & registration: dpl.libnet.info/event/12124219

December 5-15

“What the Dickens” Play presented by Silent Echo Theater Company Thursday, Friday, Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. (except 12/14) at Sisters Middle School, 15200 McKenzie Hwy. Tickets & information: www.silentechotheatercompany.com

Friday • December 6

BBS Holiday Bazaar at Camp Sherman Community Hall, 13025 Metolius River, Camp Sherman. 5-8 p.m. Beautiful, handcrafted wreaths and unique gifts await, all while supporting the Black Butte School community. Come by to shop! Information: www.bbswreaths.com

Saturday • December 7

BBS Holiday Bazaar

at Camp Sherman Community Hall, 13025 Metolius River, Camp Sherman. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Beautiful, handcrafted wreaths and unique gifts await, all while supporting the Black Butte School community. Information: www.bbswreaths.com

Metolius Preserve Tree Hunt

Join the Land Trust for family-friendly event! Cut your own free-range holiday tree, enjoy hot drinks, wreath making, and merriment! 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Information: www.deschuteslandtrust.org/ hikes-events/hikes/tree-hunt-2024

Sunday • December 8

Holiday Makers Market

at The Barn in Sisters, 171 E. Main Ave., featuring an amazing selection of local artists. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visit with Santa at Spoons, 473 E. Hood Ave., 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Information: 541-719-0572

Monday • December 9

Visit with Santa at Spoons, 473 E. Hood Ave., 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Information: 541-719-0572

Thursday • December 12

Winter Storytime, a performance by Black Butte School, 6:30 p.m. at Camp Sherman Community Hall, 13025 National Forest Development Road 1419, Camp Sherman. Students will perform two short plays:” The Mitten” and “The Real Deal.” Free and open to the public. Information: 541-595-6203

Friday • December 13

Holiday Showcase

at Sisters High School auditorium, 7 p.m.

A showcase of acts from within our community. Suggested donation of $5 to support choir and band programs. Information: steven.livingston@ssd6.org

Saturday • December 14

Sunday • December 15

Breakfast with Santa at Black Butte Ranch Lodge. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., reservations required. Information: BlackButteRanch.com/Holidays

Wednesday • December 18

Solstice Book Flood community gathering and paperback book exchange at Paulina Springs Books, 252 W. Hood Ave., 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Information: paulinaspringsbooks.com

Thursday • December 19

C4C Hosting Let’s Sing! at Sisters Senior Living, 4-4:45 p.m., 411 E. Carpenter Ln.; then at The Barn, 5:15 p.m., 171 E. Main Ave. Sip cocoa, celebrate, play games, and sing at this free family-friendly caroling party! Info: www.citizens4community.com

Holiday Watercolor People Blobs Class 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. at Sisters Library, 110 N. Cedar St. Lee Kellogg will teach you how to make people from blobs of watercolor paint. All levels of skill welcome. Turn your new skills into greeting cards! Information & registration: dpl.libnet.info/event/12267195

Saturday • December 21

Pictures with Santa at Sisters Depot, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., by donation to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. Parents can take free photos while kiddos tell Santa what they wish for. Come early to reserve your spot. Info: www.sistersdepot.com

Santa Claus is Visiting Sisters Bakery, 251 E. Cascade Ave., from 9 a.m. to noon. Photos, letter writing, and treats. Information: www.facebook.com/sistersbakeryoregon

Sunday • December 22

Breakfast with Santa at Sisters Depot. Seatings at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 12 p.m. Reservations required: www.sistersdepot.com

Tuesday • December 24

Visit with Santa at Spoons, 473 E. Hood Ave., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Information: 541-719-0572

Pet Photos with Santa at Cascade Pet, 372 W. Hood Ave. $5 donation to benefit Furry Friends of Sisters or Deschutes County Humane Society. Brought to you by Miss Sew It All and Cascade Pet. Information: facebook.com/cascadepetgrooming

Santa Claus is Visiting Sisters Bakery, 251 E. Cascade Ave., from 9 a.m. to noon. Photos, letter writing, and treats. Information: www.facebook.com/sistersbakeryoregon Winter Dance Recital: City Sidewalks presented by Sisters Dance Academy at Sisters High School auditorium, 1700 W. McKinney Butte Rd., 1 and 6:30 p.m. Tickets & information: www.danceinsisters.com

Wednesday • December 25

Community Christmas Dinner at Sisters Firehouse, 301 S. Elm St. Information: www.sistersfire.com

December 26-31

Carriage Rides

at Black Butte Ranch 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tickets required, book early at: BlackButteRanch.com/Holidays

New school is like ‘night and day’

By Matt Van Slyke Correspondent

Three months into the first school year in the new Sisters Elementary School (SES) building, its leaders are over the moon.

The old grounds, they say, were “bursting at the seams.”

Teachers and students “felt stifled.” Today, “everything is bigger and better,” said Principal Joan Warburg. “Better than expected.”

Assistant Principal of Student Success Jana Giles is very pleased with how students and teachers have been getting into their new groove.

“Teachers have been really good at trying something and then adjusting as needed — even how we walk in the hallway, and who goes up and down each staircase,” said Giles.

“Those first months, there were lots of kinks,” Warburg said.

One of them involved student drop-off and pick-up. A bus lane was designed as part of the parking lot on the northeast side; buses would come in from McKinney Butte Road and circle the lot to exit, while parents who drove students to and from school were asked to use a car lane from McKenzie Highway on the southwest side.

“We had to close off the parking lot after the first few days,” Warburg said, citing parents parking in the lot and students walking in front of and in between buses to get from the lot to school.

The move limited parking for families, but was necessary due to safety concerns, she said. The school solved the problems by swapping lanes: buses are using the former parent-car lane, where there is no parking lot or people passing through.

School leaders could easily see the problem — and solution — upon video review. A major safety upgrade over the old site: “way more cameras,” Warburg said,

CLOSURES: Habitat critical to winter survival

Continued from page 1

living conditions during the winter. Winter range is found predominantly in lower elevations of central Oregon and is extremely important to elk and mule deer survival. Winter ranges usually have minimal amounts of snow cover and provide vegetation for forage, hiding cover, and protection from the weather.

enabling staff to spot safety and security issues as they arise, and address them promptly.

Also, there used to be close to 20 different school entrances, because the back doors of all the classrooms faced outside at the former campus. Now there are only two entrances.

While safety always comes first, leaders are focusing on building out the school community.

“With the new building and many more opportunities, how do we engage our families and parents more?” Warburg asked.

One new idea is to have parents over for recess.

In Oregon, elk and mule deer migrate, often long distances, to lower elevations to escape or minimize exposure to snow cover.

Local mule deer populations have declined 56 percent between 2004 and 2021.

Human disturbance of deer and elk during the winter can cause the animals to flee which expends energy from the reserves they’re relying on to survive through winter and to successfully provide for young in the spring.

By respecting winter

Parents will take over yard duties in an effort to involve families directly with students at school. VIP Recess day is set for December 17.

Giles said groups of enthusiastic teachers and the Sisters Parent Teacher Community (SPTC) are stirring up excitement for the holidays. On December 9-11, SES fourth graders will add cheer to downtown Sisters with festive window paintings. Arts & Crafts Night is scheduled for December 12. The staff choir will perform for students on December 20.

“They’ve already started rehearsals, and let me tell you, it’s going to be so much fun,” Giles said.

range closures, the public can reduce impacts to deer and elk helping to sustain existing populations into the future. Improving habitat quality for deer can preserve the functionality of traditional migratory routes and reduce impacts with nuisance deer in town resulting in more healthy and productive deer populations.

The public can learn more about the importance of winter range by visiting Winter Range Closures on the Deschutes National Forest website.

A Events & Enter tainment

WEDNESDAY • NOVEMBER 27

Sisters Saloon Poker Night Texas Hold’em 5:30 p.m. to close upstairs. 21+. $20 (add'l $5 when bounty chip is played).

FRIDAY • NOVEMBER 29

Black Butte Ranch Christmas Tree Lighting & Caroling 5:30 p.m. at The Lodge entrance. Info: bbr-or.com/tree-lighting

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.

SATURDAY • NOVEMBER 30

Main Ave. & Fir Street Park Holiday Palooza & Parade

Annual Christmas parade on Main Avenue at 3:30 p.m. followed by the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony at Fir Street Park. Sponsored by Sisters Park & Recreation District. Info: www.sistersrecreation.com.

The Belfr y Live Music: Thunderstorm Artis 7 to 9 p.m. Thunderstorm Artis' soaring vocals meet dextrous, layered guitar and intimate storytelling in this seated concert. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Presented by The Whippoorwill Presents. Tickets and info: www.belfryevents.com.

Luckey's Woodsman Tree Lighting Ceremony 6 to 8 p.m. Sing along! Picture with Santa and Hodag and the Gang Free hot cocoa for the kids. Tree permits available Bring an ornament to hang on the tree or wear an ugly sweater and get a 10% discount.

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

Hola! Camp Sherman Live Music: Danilson Duo 5 to 8 p.m., free Info: www.facebook.com/HolaCampSherman/.

SUNDAY • DECEMBER 1

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.

MONDAY • DECEMBER 2

Paulina Springs Books Poetr y Gathering "The Pause Button," an informal monthly gathering for poets and poetry enthusiasts Bring a poem or two to share. Listen, discuss, and write. Free 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. More info at www.paulinaspringsbooks.com.

WEDNESDAY • DECEMBER 4

Sisters Saloon Poker Night Texas Hold’em 5:30 p.m. to close upstairs. 21+. $20 (add'l $5 when bounty chip is played).

THURSDAY • DECEMBER 5

Luckey's Woodsman Xmas Themed Trivia 5:30 p.m. Located at 352 E. Hood Ave. Ste. B. Paulina Springs Books Book Talk Lori Hellis presents "Children of Darkness and Light" 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. www.paulinaspringsbooks.com.

THURS–SUN • DECEMBER 5-8

Sisters Middle School Play: “What the Dickens” presented by Silent Echo Theater Company Thursday Friday, and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Rated PG-13 Tickets and information: www.silentechotheatercompany.com.

FRIDAY • DECEMBER 6

The Belfr y Live Music: Scottish Fish a Boston-based quintet performing lively and unique arrangements offering a fresh take on traditional and contemporary Scottish and Cape Breton music 7 p.m. Presented by SFF Presents. Tickets and information: https://aftontickets.com/Scottish-Fish.

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.

SATURDAY • DECEMBER 7

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

SUNDAY • DECEMBER 8

The Barn in Sisters Holiday Makers Market featuring an amazing selection of local artists 11 a.m to 4 p.m. Info: www thebarninsisters.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.

Sisters Elementary School’s Three Sisters mural captures the spirit of the place.

PHOTO BY MATT VAN SLYKE

...And it glows at night.

PHOTO BY MATT VAN SLYKE

Thinking about giving thanks

By Edie Jones Columnist

As we approach the day set aside to give thanks and show gratitude, have we given much thought to how this important skill is taught and passed on? There’s so much our kids enjoy without a second thought of how it has come to be. Even when they politely say, “thank you,” does it really register what it would be like to be without their many blessings?

When it comes to teaching skills most adults recognize the importance of role modeling to exemplify the characteristic we want to pass on.

How are we doing? On Thanksgiving Day, we will probably do a pretty good job. With extended families and friends gathering, we’ll be careful to be on our best behavior. Parents will remind kids to use their manners, to say “please” and “thank you.” Unfortunately, the reasons behind all this nice behavior can easily be forgotten.

As much as we’d like to shield our kids from the horrors experienced by many, exposing them to the knowledge that some have far less than they can create awareness of the bounty of their lives. Perhaps a day of hunger,5 when meals are sparse and less appealing, could be a concrete way to experience what it means to go without. A discussion about what it costs to feed your family three meals a day and recognition of the time and effort put into work to earn that money will give more meaning to those words, “thank you.”

Have your kids accompany you to the food bank to deliver items. Make your donations things your kids take for granted, such as

sandwich bread, peanut butter, salt and pepper, toilet paper, flour, sugar, and apples. Point out that there are families where these kinds of staples are missing. Help young ones grasp the idea that nothing is automatic. This discussion can quickly lead towards feelings of thankfulness and what it means to be grateful.

Open-ended questions such as, “How would you get to soccer if our car broke down?” or “What would you miss most if you suddenly couldn’t go to school?” can help even young kids recognize the importance of everyday things. They may need your help in understanding that what they feel is called gratitude.

An example from my family, which has nothing to do with being thankful but a whole lot to do with teaching something important, happened a few years back. We lived in Louisville, Kentucky, and because it is part of the culture of that fair city, Ted and I decided it would be fun to take our daughters to the horse races. We weren’t going to bet. We were going to have fun together while leaving their two younger brothers with a sitter. We dressed up, felt the excitement of driving to the track, walked around the paddocks, petted the horses, and heard the roar of the crowd as each race came to an end. To top it off, we decided to bet on the last race. As hoped for, our horse was in the winning circle. The girls immediately concluded that this was an easy, fun way to make money! That was not what we wanted them to take away from this fun day! Hoping to counteract this “get rich” scheme, we engaged their new math skills and quickly dispelled that notion. Adding up the

becoming a forgotten phrase, however, it is an important one...

cost of the sitter, gasoline, entrance fees, and dinner, our daughters concluded that our winnings had in no way covered the cost of our outing.

Conscious lessons such as this go a long way in getting a point across. Look for them as you work to help your kids understand exactly what the words “thank you,” really mean.

In the process, also do a mental check on what other societal norms may be slipping away, just because we older folk are forgetting to model them. One that comes to mind is the correct response when someone says, “thank you.” When you listen to news interviews you may hear something like, “thank you for being here.” Often, the reply will be, “thank you for having me.” The correct response would be to say, “You’re welcome,” followed by “thank you for having me.” “You’re Welcome” is becoming a forgotten phrase, however, it is an important one. It tells the person who said, “thank you,” that they were heard, and that their gratitude is appreciated. That one phrase can go a long way in helping your kids recognize the importance of a sincere, “Thank You.”

Thanksgiving Day is upon us. Help your kids learn its meaning by expressing heartfelt gratitude for the abundance you enjoy.

Readiness to learn depends on starting early.

Our children’s future depends on the parenting of today.

Youth can tour Washington, DC

Central Electric Cooperative (CEC) is accepting applications for its 2025 Washington, D.C., Youth Tour program. CEC will select two high school juniors to visit the nation’s capital for one week in June.

Participants will join student leaders from electric cooperatives nationwide to learn about cooperatives’ contributions to rural America, leadership, the political process, and interact with elected officials.

The trip includes seeing the nation’s capital and other sites, including the Arlington National Cemetery, the Vietnam Veterans Wall, the Washington Monument, Mount Vernon, and the Smithsonian.

High school juniors can apply at https://www.cec. coop/community/youthtour/. Applications will be accepted through Friday,

January 3, at 5 p.m., and can be mailed or dropped off at any CEC office.

To be eligible, students’ families must be CEC members. Applicants must include information about their interests and a 500- to 1,000-word essay on the following topic: “What is the greatest issue facing your community, and how can you be a part of the solution?” Applicants will be interviewed by a selection team of CEC staffers.

The Youth Tour is an allexpense paid trip for those students selected. The co-op will pay for transportation, lodging, meals, and one checked bag.

The selected students will share their trip experience with CEC’s membership at the co-op’s annual meeting in April 2026. For more information, visit www.cec.coop/ community/youth-tour/ or call 541-548-2144.

Oregon confirms first case of avian flu

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a person linked to a previously reported outbreak affecting birds at a commercial poultry operation in Clackamas County.

Health officials are not providing additional details about the individual, naming the operation, and will not be providing specific location information to protect privacy. There is no evidence of person-to-person transmission and the risk to the public is low.

“Clackamas County Public Health Division has been closely monitoring people exposed to the animal outbreak, which is how this case was identified. The individual experienced only mild illness and has fully recovered,” said Clackamas County Public Health Officer Sarah Present, M.D. The person received treatment with the antiviral medication oseltamivir, and household contacts were prescribed oseltamivir prophylaxis.

Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., health officer and state epidemiologist at Oregon Health Authority (OHA), said, “We continue to remind the public that people at increased risk of infection are those who have had close or prolonged, unprotected exposures to infected birds or other animals, or to environments contaminated by infected birds or other animals.”

OHA epidemiologists are working closely with their counterparts at local public health authorities, Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and CDC to monitor individuals exposed to animals infected with H5N1 and respond promptly if new symptoms consistent with avian influenza develop, said Sidelinger.

When an outbreak in animals occurs, ODA provides personal protective equipment and training to affected farmworkers, and public health authorities provide symptom education and monitoring.

“This has proven an extremely effective approach to avian influenza outbreaks,” Sidelinger said. “While we cannot prevent every case, we know that we are preventing many.”

Avoid contact with sick or dead birds or animals, or their droppings or litter.

LETTERS

Continued from page 2

I am a mother and a grandmother. My children and grandchildren are number one on my priorities. I will continue to love and nurture them, and for the grandchildren I will hopefully instill in them qualities of being true to self, caring for others, self sufficiency, and helping your neighbors when needed.

My husband and myself will continue to help others when needed. Taking food to sick neighbors, lending tools and helping out when we are needed. Being retired RNs, we will help, when asked, people who have questions and needs for health and illness.

We will continue to listen to others, respect their dignity, and ask the same in return. We will support education. We will encourage civilized discourse. I believe in democracy. I believe in the Bill of Rights. I believe in the Constitution. I believe in encouraging dignity in others and trying to be a good citizen. We are all created equal. We live in a nation of laws, where no one is above the law.

I hope to strengthen my community by living up to these beliefs. I will be helping my grandchildren this holiday season by encouraging them to give to others who are less fortunate. My family is blessed with health and enough wealth that we are self-sufficient. I hope that we can all look to be “the better angels of our nature.”

Always striving to form a more perfect union.

I hope we can remember love and peace.

Vikki Hickmann s s s

Christmas carols

To the Editor:

I am so thankful for our community and the many events we have during the holidays and throughout the year — parades, veterans recognition, family Halloween, races, and all the blessings that small-town living affords me.

Last year, I loved the Christmas parade and tree lighting, as I have every year. I have had the privilege of living in Sisters 10 years now.

I was saddened, however, when I asked one of the singers after the tree lighting why we had no traditional Christmas carols, and was told that they didn’t want to “offend” anyone. It is my observation that perhaps at least 50 percent of the citizens here are people of faith and/or church-goers that celebrate the Christ in Christmas. Could we include some of those songs this year? It would be very meaningful to so many!

We could do those songs at the end of the service, so those who don’t want to participate could move on to other activities in town.

Thanks for considering this important tradition and celebration.

Linda Chaney

Working toward a senior celebration

A small, mighty crew of parents is preparing an unforgettable experience for Sisters High School graduating seniors — and they are seeking community help to make it happen.

The Foundation is seeking tax-deductible contributions to ensure that graduation festivities are free and accessible to all graduating seniors. The fundraising drive is timed around “Giving Tuesday” on December 3.

The estimated cost for this year’s festivities is $25,000. Funds raised will allow the Foundation to cover a variety of expenses, including:

• A day-long field trip to Washington Family Ranch, which offers waterslides and pool fun, recreational facilities, and great spaces for safe, sober and authentic fun.

• Chaperone entry fees and professional staffing requirements, including six paid lifeguards and one

nurse/paramedic.

• Field-trip insurance, plus bus transportation and two meals.

• Goodies and gifts for our graduates on the day of the field trip

• Various other graduation week festivities, prizes, and raffle items.

The cost per student to attend the field trip is a minimum of $175.

According to the Foundation, they have already made significant deposits for these events and will continue planning for a week of activities, requiring ongoing payments and costs. Anyone wishing to contribute their tax-deductible donations can do so online at https://sh2gpf.betterworld. org/. Or, send a check to: Sisters School Foundation, PO Box 2155, Sisters, OR 97759. Include “Class of 2025” in the memo line.

100 Women support Seed to Table with contributions

By Sue Stafford Correspondent

Seed to Table received combined donations of $8,500 from 100 Women Who Care-Sisters members this month.

At their November 21 meeting, the women heard three informative and inspiring presentations before voting for their choice to receive their individual $100 donations.

Seed to Table’s founder and executive director Audrey Tehan talked about their mission to increase wellness in the Central Oregon community through providing equitable access to locally grown farm fresh produce and offering opportunities in farm-based education.

The $8,500 will be used in the farm’s Feeding Families program which in 2023 brought fresh produce to 2,216 participants each week by donating $185,776 worth of fresh vegetables (46,444 pounds), distributed in collaboration with partners at community-based access points — Family Access Network, Volunteers in Medicine, Sisters School District, Kiwanis Food Bank, Wellhouse Market, Family Kitchen, Council on Aging, NeighborImpact, Circle of Friends, Deschutes Public Library, Warm Springs Community Action Team, and High Desert Food & Farm Alliance.

The farm also offers Central Oregon residents a weekly CSA-style produce share on the farm, using

a sliding scale ‘pay what you can’ model for produce shares. They sell freshly harvested vegetables at the Sisters Farmers Market which, since 2020, has been a Seed to Table program. Food assistance currencies like SNAP/EBT and Double Up Food Bucks are accepted at the market, in the summer of 2023 accounting for food worth $3,565.

The farm offers yearround educational programs, making them the largest farm-to-school program in Central Oregon, with programming for pre-K through 12th grade and their families. The educational programming is offered at no cost or on a sliding scale to all participants. In 2023, they had 1,296 total student visits to the farm, 115 individuals participated at Summer Farm Camp, and 172 Kids Club members participated at the Sisters Farmers Market. More information is available on all their programs online at www.seedtotableoregon. org.

The other two nonprofits nominated for consideration were Sisters Trails Alliance and Sisters Science Club. The Science Club plans to create an educational nature trail at the new Sisters Elementary School. Jocelyn Blevins, STEM teacher at the elementary school, explained the Environmental Science program, which is a collaboration of all three Sisters schools, designed to get the students to spend more time outside while learning.

There will be a pollinator

garden, native plants, bird and bat houses, and opportunities to learn about insects, birds, geology, hydrology, and an array of nature-based subjects. Volunteers David Hiller and Mark Thompson are making valuable contributions of time and expertise to the program. For more information, contact Blevins at Sisters Elementary School. Sisters Trails Alliance executive director Stephanie Presley made the presentation for the Trails Alliance, which is working on increasing their educational programs including their popular Winter Speakers series, Frontiers in Science. They are also looking at expanding the Youth Ambassador program, the

Trail Host program, and their community forums.

The educational programs are in addition to and supplement the trail stewardship and maintenance programs of multi-user, non-motorized trails and their adjacent wild places. For more information, check their website,

https://sisterstrails.org. Nominees not selected are welcome to try again. The next nomination deadline is Tuesday, January 7, 2025, with the meeting scheduled for Thursday, January 23, 2025. Nominations may be made by any member of 100 Women Who Care-Sisters.

OF SISTERS

e more than just a crimson red tattoo Magnus Johnson, it’s a reminder of how when disarming improvised explosive in the Army Green Berets. A which he was awarded the Bronze Star ocus on a new mission. Magnus moved to with him Mission 22, a national nonprofit ounded in 2012. He and his team provide resources to veterans ough trauma, while raising awareness take a holistic approach to the problem hysical, and spiritual wellbeing. “In the ying, ‘By, With, and Through’,” he said of with indigenous people. “We take that same terans through their trauma towards operating in the theater of war are long , he never stopped operating with a reeing the oppressed is my new mission.”

Members of the Seed to Table board joined founder Audrey Tehan (center) and representatives of 100 Women Who Care-Sisters for the presentation of checks totaling $8,500 from 100 WWC.

PHOTO BY SUE STAFFORD

PHOTO AND STORY BY Cody Rheault

School districts face PERS payment increase

By Alex Baumhardt Oregon Capital Chronicle

Oregon school districts are projected to pay $670 million more to the state’s public employee pension program over the next two years, potentially wiping out all increases to school funding proposed by Gov. Tina Kotek.

The increased tab, more than 10 percent for some districts, follows lagging returns in investments of the Public Employees Retirement system (PERS) and could affect teaching and learning in some schools.

“Next year’s sharp jumps in PERS rates will take significant money away from classrooms without making life any better for current educators,” Emielle Nischik, executive director of the Oregon School Boards Association, said in an email. “School districts have done their best to mitigate PERS’ pain, but it is out of their control.”

The impact will vary, with most of Oregon’s 197 school districts and 17 community colleges facing an average 1.5 percent increase in their payroll going to PERS during the 2025-27 budget cycle, according to a PERS presentation last month.

But 22 districts are facing average increases of 10 percent or more in part because investment returns have been lower than expected but mainly because side investment accounts meant to help

buffer PERS increases are expiring. For 72 school districts that don’t have one of these accounts, the average contribution rate for PERS will soon amount to about 27 percent of payroll.

Overall, school districts and colleges will pay $565 million more in the next two years compared with the 2023-25 biennium, while about 77,000 vested employees, who also pay into PERS, will pay $105 million more.

The increased costs to districts will more than erase the $515 million boost proposed by Kotek for school funding for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years. She announced in July that she’d ask the state Legislature early next year to send more than half a billion dollars to the State School Fund for the next biennium to boost student outcomes, literacy rates, and more. The fund is responsible for the bulk of district funding, and payroll makes up about 85 percent of school budgets.

The latest PERS increases are the consequence of an uptick in post-pandemic hiring, public sector wages growing faster than anticipated, a pre-2003 investment formula that made employers liable for massive contributions, and several years of underperforming investments, according to Kevin Olineck, director of the system.

The latter is the largest reason for the latest increases, he

said. PERS investments were 10 percent lower in 2022 and 2023, collectively, than the four-member, governorappointed Oregon Investment Council had anticipated.

“The Oregon Investment Council is very highly invested in private equities, and they did less than what the public equity markets did,” Olineck explained. Being heavily invested in private equities has brought mostly beneficial returns for PERS in the last 10 or 15 years, he added, but not in the last few years.

Historic deficit

The increases are also driven by a historic issue with PERS policy that has employees who were hired before 2003 commanding higher contributions from employers than those who were hired after. Many PERS investors up until 2003 were able to retire with an annual payout matching their full salary or more due to a program that had employers matching employees’ annual contributions and investment returns.

The state is still struggling to come up with the money to pay for the retirement of those pre-2003 employees, considered Tier 1 and Tier 2 retirees. Employees hired since then are invested in the Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan, or OPSRP, which is intended to pay about 45 percent of an employees’ salary in retirement.

“Schools’ ever-increasing pension costs are a challenge

gifted from decisions made a long time before most current school leaders’ tenure,” Nischik of the Oregon School Board said. Nischik said the state Legislature needs to regularly allocate money to the State School Fund each biennium to meet the true cost of the PERS program on districts given that they are still paying historically high rates for employees hired before 2003. The state will be dealing with high PERS costs as a result of that until about 2043, according to Portlandbased Milliman, the state’s actuarial firm.

Side account issue

At least 22 districts facing increases will have to pay double or triple the rate they’re paying now, causing alarm for already pinched school budgets. Gladstone and North Marion school districts are two of more than 20 districts that will be heavily affected as their buffer investments expire. These side accounts typically have a lifespan of 20 or so years, and are funded by districts selling bonds and then sending the money to the state to be invested. The state can then dip into the side account to cover PERS increases for districts each year up until the account runs out.

Gladstone is among those with a sunsetting account.

“Like most school districts in Oregon, Gladstone created a side account 21 years ago to guard against the impact of rate increases. There was no

anticipation that during the final years of the account the costs would spike so wildly,” district Superintendent Jeremiah Patterson said via email.

In the North Marion School District, midway between Salem and Portland, the increase will take $1.3 more from payroll during the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years, district officials said. Crook County School District faces a hike of more than 20 percent for their Tier 1 and Tier 2 employees, and about 17 percent for the OPSRP employees, which will cost more than $3 million per year.

Patterson is still working through the numbers and trying to figure out how he’ll go from spending 3 percent of Gladstone’s payroll on his Tier 1 and Tier 2 employees and 0.11 percent of payroll on OPSRP employees, to nearly 19 percent on Tier 1 and Tier 2 employees and nearly 16 percent on OPSRP employees.

“I’m deeply concerned about the sudden and dramatic escalation of our PERS cost projections for the next biennium,” he said in an email. “It is challenging to imagine diverting critically needed funds away from student needs at a time like this.”

Republished under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 courtesy of https://oregon capitalchronicle.com.

Subscriptions, Events... Friday, December 13 at 5 p.m.

Displa y advertising... Tuesday, December 17 at Noon

Classifieds, Announcements, Letter s to the Editor, Obituaries... Friday, December 20 at 10 a.m. (January 1 issue is Year in Review – no Letters to the Editor or Obituaries)

Office phone 541-549-9 941

News & Letters to the Editor: Jim Cornelius, 541-390-6973 (cell), editor@nuggetnews.com

Advertising: Vicki Curlett, vicki@nuggetnews.com

Classifieds, Subscriptions, Announcements: Lisa May, lisa@nuggetnews.com

Events, Poetry: Jess Draper, jess@nuggetnews.com

WINTER: Sisters Country got a nice early taste of snow

get into the fun.

At Three Creeks SnoPark, there was enough snow a week ago for the same kinds of activity, but it has since receded, washed away by rain and temperatures that reached into the 50s last week and at one point Wednesday hitting 63 degrees briefly.

Early snow is critical to businesses like Eurosports in Sisters that rent skis and snowshoes and sell accessories like gloves, hats, and goggles. Brad Boyd, owner, told The Nugget that he is cautiously optimistic about what he’s seen so far.

“I skied at Bachelor a few days ago and it was some of the best skiing ever,” he said. “You can never be sure about our snow. Weather is too unpredictable. We hope for the best and roll with whatever we get.”

Last year, the season didn’t materialize until January, a loss of 30-plus days for operators like Boyd and Ski Hoodoo itself.

Bomb cyclone

Deb and Jim Barnes of Sisters were forced to overnight in Redding, California, last week as they were traveling home. Fifty miles of Interstate 5 was closed with freak snow and winds. It’s all part of a series of seasonal storms known as bomb cylcones or atmospheric rivers.

Northern California was blanketed by flood warnings, watches and advisories on Friday. Heavy snow fell in

the Washington Cascades and Northern Rockies through Saturday, and several feet of snow accumulated in higher elevations of the northern Sierra range.

Some 200,000 homes and businesses in Washington and Northern California were without power last Friday.

A bomb cyclone, also known as bombogenesis, is a fast-developing storm that occurs when atmospheric pressure drops at least 24 millibars over a 24-hour period according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

“A bomb cyclone occurs when atmospheric pressure at the center of the cyclone drops rapidly. In order to approximately qualify, the pressure needs to drop about 1 millibar, or more, every hour over a 24-hour period,”

John Moore, a public affairs specialist and meteorologist for the National Weather Service, told media. “This can happen when a cold air mass collides with a warm air mass, such as air over warm ocean waters,” the NOAA explains.

Washington and Northern California took the brunt of the cyclones. Seattle was particularly hard hit. In Oregon we appear to be in between and it’s frustrating to winter recreationalists seeing so much snow above 5,000 feet but finding it wet and somewhat sloppy.

“We need colder days,” begged families around Sisters Country as they attempted to glide in their skis or snowshoes across meadows glistening with snow. But the wet snow slowed their progress. On the other hand,

building snowmen with the heavy snow was fast and easy at the half dozen sno-parks within 30 minutes of Sisters.

Dozens of snowmen and snowwomen were erected by children squealing in delight.

The snow measurement station at Three Creeks Meadow situated at 5,690 feet clocked in at 18 inches last Thursday but dipped to 12 inches on Sunday with a snow water equivalent of 3.2 inches. A year ago on the same dates, there was no snow at all at the station. This keeps Boyd and his fellow businesses, dependent on winter enthusiasts, hopeful.

Boyd has put up a heated, seasonal yurt in the Eurosports courtyard. It can hold 16 comfortably and 20 could squeeze in. He’s added two tables in the bike shop as well, all in an effort to cater to the growing numbers of

winter visitors to Sisters. Ski Hoodoo has yet to announce an opening date. They’ve received 67 inches

of snow through Sunday, 31 inches of which remained on the ground. The forecast however shows little precipitation.

Kids by the dozens rushed to Sisters area sno-parks to build snow caves, tunnels, and snowmen.

PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT

Emily Carson from Corvallis couldn’t wait for official opening to get her Hoodoo ski fix.

PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT

Land trust recognizes emerging leaders

The Deschutes Land Trust (DLT) has announced its first cohort of Emerging Conservationists of Central Oregon (ECCO). The first ECCO cohort includes 31 individuals from throughout Central Oregon who bring a wide variety of skills, expertise, and passion for conservation to the Land Trust.

“The Land Trust is thrilled to work with this amazing group of people to generate excitement, knowledge, and interest in conservation here in Central Oregon. Together we are building the future generation of conservation leaders we need to conserve and care for the lands and waters of our region into the

future,” said Rika Ayotte, the Land Trust’s Executive Director.

The group includes three from Sisters: Amy Paul, McKenzie Boyd, and Gabrielle Monia.

ECCO is a new Land Trust program that works to engage millennials and connect earlyand mid-career professionals with opportunities for community leadership growth.

ECCO members donate 10-15 hours of their time a year and serve for one year with an option to extend their service for an additional two years. Learn more and see the complete list of individuals at deschuteslandtrust.org or call 541-330-0017.

Journalism shield law under fire

By Jacob Fischler Oregon Capital Chronicle

President-elect Donald Trump ordered congressional Republicans on Wednesday, November 20, to block a broadly popular bill to protect press freedoms, likely ending any chance of the U.S. Senate clearing the legislation.

The measure would limit federal law enforcement surveillance of journalists and the government’s ability to force disclosure of journalists’ sources, codifying regulations the Department of Justice has put in place under President Joe Biden.

The House Judiciary Committee unanimously approved it last year and it passed the House by voice vote in January.

“REPUBLICANS MUST KILL THIS BILL!” Trump wrote on his social media site, Truth Social, in all capital letters on Wednesday, linking to a PBS segment about the measure.

Substantial floor time is generally required in the Senate to bypass the process that allows a single member to hold up the chamber’s business. With Democrats prioritizing confirmation of Biden’s judicial nominees before they lose their majority in January, it is unlikely they would bring a vote on the measure without the unanimous consent of all

100 senators.

Trump’s influence within the Senate Republican Conference makes reaching unanimous consent exceedingly unlikely.

The bill’s House sponsor, California Republican Kevin Kiley, accepted the bill’s defeat in a statement Thursday.

“Based on the feedback we’ve received from Senators and President Trump, it’s clear we have work to do to achieve consensus on this issue,” he said. “I’m looking forward to working with the new Administration on a great many areas of common ground as we begin a new era of American prosperity.”

A Kiley spokesperson declined to provide further details about senators’ feedback on the measure. A spokesperson for U.S. Senate Judiciary ranking Republican Lindsey Graham of South Carolina did not respond to a message seeking comment.

In the House, 19 members from both parties, including Republicans Barry Moore of Alabama, Darrell Issa of California, Russell Fry of South Carolina, and Kelly Armstrong of North Dakota, and Democrats Jamie Raskin of Maryland, Ted Lieu of California, and Rashida Tlaib and Dan Kildee of Michigan, signed on as cosponsors.

Protection for local journalists

Jon Schleuss, the president of The NewsGuildCWA, a national journalists’ union that has supported the bill, noted in a Thursday statement it would protect news sources across the political spectrum.

“Americans would not know about the corruption of former Democratic Senator Bob Menendez or former Republican Representative George Santos without the hard work of local journalists holding power to account,” he said. “All of us depend on journalism, especially local journalism, to shine a light and protect Americans from threats, both foreign and domestic. The PRESS Act protects all voices: news sources, whistleblowers, and the journalists they talk to from media outlets across the spectrum.”

In a Thursday statement to States Newsroom, Gabe Rottman, policy director at the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, called the bill a “reasonable and common-sense measure” that enjoyed broad bipartisan support.

“Its passage would put an end to actions the Justice Department has taken under past administrations of both parties to target reporters’ confidential communications when investigating and prosecuting disclosures of government information,” he wrote.

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS

A new program of the Deschutes Land Trust engages young people with conservation.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Toothpaste issues

By John Lester Guest Columnist

In aisle 1 at Safeway there are nearly 40 different types of toothpaste and at least two life lessons to be found.

When I was in my early 20s, living in Alaska over 2,000 miles away from my parents, I called them. I was in love, again, and said to my dad, “This could be the one.”

He stated, “Don’t get caught up on toothpaste issues.”

“What are toothpaste issues?” I asked.

First, there are several ways to discharge toothpaste from the tube. Just grab and squeeze, push from the bottom, rolling as you go, or perhaps more from the top. Each way gets the toothpaste out, but some people have a real issue with how you do it.

What is the most important thing — what we do or how we do it?

I was 16 when I got my first job at McDonald’s, which has a procedure for nearly everything. Mustard always goes first, followed by ketchup, a small amount of onions, then one pickle (two if small). Does it taste different if you put ketchup first? The procedure was the procedure, each employee got certified on each task and held accountable to hold to the standard. Just like the Army saying, there are three ways to do something. The right way, the wrong way, and the Army way. It is similar to toilet paper. Over or under. Both ways work, but most folks

have a preference.

My dad asked me, “At the end of the day, does it really matter how you squeeze the tube?”

Many tasks require following a step-by-step procedure to insure proper completion. With people, not so cut and dry. There are so many variables and so few constants.

The second life lesson about toothpaste is once it is out of the tube, it is out. You cannot get it back in the tube. I was scratching my head about this advice at 24. Then my Dad told me, “It has to do with your mouth, once you say something, you can’t get it back.” You can apologize but can never undo the damage. This is so true with our everyday relationships, both personal and professional.

I am so thankful to my parents for sharing and displaying each of these life lessons. Appreciating why they did something instead of focusing on how. Not being afraid to listen with a closed mouth and open mind. Of course, listening is a two-way street and sometimes things are better not even said.

All sounds simple, but I am reminded each time I hold the toothpaste tube how much more I need to improve.

Toothpaste issues are real. Squeeze gently and thoughtfully. Don’t create a big mess that you could spend a lifetime trying to clean up.

John Lester is publisher of the Shelton-Mason County Journal, one of The Nugget’s sister newspapers.

USFS to cut brush

Roadside “brushing” operations started Friday, November 22, along Forest Service Road (FSR) 11 on the Sisters Ranger District. Depending on weather conditions, brushing operations will occur along FSR 12 and FRS 14 over the next few months.

Roadside brushing is conducted as a part of road maintenance to prevent vegetation from encroaching into the roadway and improve visibility along the travel corridor so drivers can see other vehicles, pedestrians, and wildlife. Roadside brushing decreases wildfire risk by reducing the height and density of brush along the roadway. If left untreated, tall, thick brush can pose a serious risk for wildfires that burn with high intensity and are more challenging for fighters to safely suppress.

Brushing operations will occur on both sides of the roads and will start on the lower section of FSR 11, along the east side of Black Butte. Depending on weather, operations will then move to FSR 12 just west of the Metolius River and then FSR 14 along the east side of the Metolius River.

Contractors are starting this work now to take advantage of cooler weather and increased moisture and reduce impacts during fire season and the busy recreation season. What doesn’t get completed this winter may need to be done next summer season, according to the Forest Service. No trail or road closures are anticipated. The Forest Service asks the public to avoid areas when brushing operations are occurring.

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

CLASSIFIED RATES

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

102 Commercial Rentals

Office Space for Rent at Nugget Properties, LLC.

412 E. Main Ave. Available immediately. Approx. 200 sq. ft.

Contact Jim Cornelius at 541-390-6973.

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

CASCADE HOME & PROPERTY RENTALS

Monthly Rentals throughout Sisters Country. 541-549-0792

Property management for second homes. CascadeHomeRentals.com

Move-in Special! 50% off the first full month's rent

2 BR, 2 BA 1st-floor unit in back building, #205 at Cowboy Court Apartments, 154 W Adams Ave.

$1,600/mo. W/S/Garbage Paid, dishwasher, microwave, washer & dryer, patio, garbage disposal, granite countertops, energy efficient windows, storage, plank flooring throughout, electric heat w/air conditioning, off-street parking - 1 reserved space (covered space $20/Month), some pets considered (dogs & cats OK with add'l $350 RSD per pet), owner pays landscaping, approx. 1,000 sq. ft., NO SMOKING, RSD $1,600, Lease thru November 30, 2025.

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

Gorgeous architectural home. 22 min. east of Sisters. Available Jan. 4 thru March.

Fully furnished, 3,380 sq. ft., 3 BR, 3 BA. $4,900/month, plus utilities. 541-480-4083

104 Vacation Rentals

Downtown Vacation Rentals Popular 1 and 2 Bedroom SistersVacationRentals.net Great pricing. 503-730-0150

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

201 For Sale

Hydro rowing machine

Used 5 times, like brand new. Stores upright. Buyer pick up. Retails $2,500, asking $1,100. 503-319-9338, text only.

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

Bald Eagle Music moving sale. 40 years of teaching music. Old sheet music, ukulele acoustic/electric bass, FREE parlor grand, mahogany cabinet, many other items. 100 E. Main, Suite B in The Place on the Elm side. Mon-Fri thru Nov. 30. Drop by or call 541-410-9064. 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

401 Horses

ORCHARD GRASS HAY ALFALFA TRITICALE

New crop. No rain. Barn stored. 3-tie bales. $240-$360/ton. Hwy. 126 & Cline Falls. 541-280-1895

403 Pets SISTERS WHISKERS

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

GEORGE’S SEPTIC TANK SERVICE “A Well Maintained Septic System Protects the Environment” 541-549-2871

501 Computers & Communications

3 Sisters TeleNetworks, LLC Cable jobs, security cameras, WAPs. CCB #191099 541-318-7000 • 541-306-0729

502 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

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

GORDON’S LAST TOUCH

Cleaning Specialists for CARPETS, WINDOWS & UPHOLSTERY

Member Better Business Bureau • Bonded & Insured • Serving Central Oregon Since 1980 Call 541-549-3008

504 Handyman

3 Sisters Handyman Services

20+ years experience No job too large or small. Snow removal services available. Licensed, Bonded, and Insured Call Nate 907-748-4100 CCB# 253556

600 Tree Service & Forestry

JS Mulching LLC Forestry mulching, Land clearing. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured 541-401-9589

– All You Need Maintenance –Tree removal, property thinning & clearing, forestry mastication & mulching, stump grinding. Lic/Bonded/Ins. CCB# 218169 Austin • 541-419-5122

Construction Contractors Licensing Information ~ An active license means your contractor is bonded and insured. For additional details visit www.oregon.gov/CCB

4 Brothers Tree Service

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

– FOREST MANAGEMENT –Fire Fuels Reduction - Brush Mowing, Mastication, Tree Thinning, Large & Small Scale Projects! Serving Black Butte Ranch, Camp Sherman & Sisters Area since 2003 ** Free Estimates **

Owner James Hatley & Sons 541-815-2342

4brostrees.com

Licensed, Bonded and Insured CCB-215057

LOLO TREE WORKS Tree Services: Tree Removal, Tree Pruning, Stump Grinding, Emergency Tree Services. ISA Certified Arborist

Owner / Operator: Erin Carpenter lolotreeworks.com Call / Text: 503-367-5638

Email: erin@lolotreeworks.com CCB #240912

TimberStandImprovement.net

Tree Removal & Pruning TRAQ Arborist/ CCB#190496 541-771-4825 THE NUGGET NEWSPAPER 601 Construction

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

CASCADE GARAGE DOORS

Factory Trained Technicians Since 1983 • CCB #44054 541-548-2215 • 541-382-4553

Level: Easy Answer: Page 30

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

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

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

Custom Homes

Additions - Remodels

Residential Building Projects

Becke William Pierce

CCB# 190689 • 541-647-0384

Beckewpcontracting@gmail.com

From Ground to Finish Accurate and Efficient

541-604-5169

CCB#248916

INSPIRED CUSTOM HOMES

www.teeharborconstruction.com

541-213-8736 • CCB#75388

Construction & Renovation

Custom Residential Projects

All Phases • CCB #148365 541-420-8448

Earthwood Timberframes

• Design & shop fabrication

• Recycled fir and pine beams

• Mantels and accent timbers

• Sawmill/woodshop services EWDevCoLLC@gmail.com

New construction, addition, remodel. Large and small projects. Contact for estimate. 541-325-3020 sales@gardnercontractingllc.com

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

541-390-1206

beavercreeklog@yahoo.com

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

CCB #235303 Insurance & Bond

UPLOADED EVERY TUESDAY!

The Nugget Newspaper

C L A S S I F I E D S are at www.NuggetNews.com

Pat Burke LOCALLY OWNED CRAFTSMAN BUILT

CCB: 228388 • 541-588-2062 www.sistersfencecompany.com

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

602 Plumbing & Electric

Ridgeline Electric, LLC

Serving all of Central Oregon • Residential • Commercial • Industrial • Service 541-588-3088 • CCB #234821

SWEENEY PLUMBING, INC.

“Quality and Reliability” Repairs • Remodeling • New Construction • Water Heaters 541-549-4349

Residential and Commercial

Licensed • Bonded • Insured CCB #87587

Commercial • Residential • Industrial • Remodels • Generators • Hot tubs/Saunas monteselectric@hotmail.com

CCB#200030 • 541-480-9860

– Advertise with The Nugget –541-549-9941

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

*Underground Utilities

*Grading

*Sand-Gravel-Rock

Licensed • Bonded • Insured

CCB #124327

541-549-1848

BANR Enterprises, LLC

Earthwork, Utilities, Grading, Hardscape, Rock Walls

Residential & Commercial

CCB #165122 • 541-549-6977

www.BANR.net

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!

604 Heating & Cooling

ACTION AIR

Heating & Cooling, LLC

Retrofit • New Const • Remodel Consulting, Service & Installs actionairheatingandcooling.com CCB #195556 541-549-6464

605 Painting

Interior/Exterior Painting

Deck Refinishing Jacob deSmet 503-559-9327

peakperformancepainting1@ gmail.com • CCB#243491

EMPIRE PAINTING

Interior and Exterior Painting and Staining CCB#180042

541-613-1530 • Geoff Houk

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

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

JUNE PINE PAINTING

Interior & Exterior Painting Staining & Deck Restoration

541-588-2144 • CCB# 252954

METOLIUS PAINTING LLC

Meticulous, Affordable Interior & Exterior

541-280-7040 • CCB# 238067

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

All Landscaping Services

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

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

Complete landscape construction, fencing, irrigation installation & design, pavers/outdoor kitchens, debris cleanups, fertility & water conservation management, excavation. CCB #188594 • LCB #9264 www.vohslandscaping.com 541-515-8462

STEVE'S HAULING

Yard and other debris, landscaping services, chain saw work, etc. 707-328-8370

– 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

I & I Crystal Cleaning, LLC

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

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

Lic. & Bonded • 541-549-0897

802 Help Wanted

Battalion Chief/Training Officer Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District Full-Time. Details at https://www.sistersfire.com/ employment/. Closes 12/04/2024

We are Hiring!

Join our summer camp culture at Lake Creek Lodge. We're recruiting for: Housekeeping. PT/FT. We are proud to offer flexible schedules and excellent compensation. www.lakecreeklodge.com 13375 SW Forest Service Rd. 1419, Camp Sherman

Black Butte School District is hiring a District Clerk/Business Manager and School Counselor. More info at blackbutte.k12.or. us/employment or 541-595-6203

Office & Communications Assistant: Be part of the affordable housing solution! Responsibilities include reception services, authoring newsletters, interacting with our partners and supporters, and related tasks. Schedule is M-F 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For full job description visit www.sistershabitat.org. To apply, email cover letter and resume to director@sistershabitat.org.

803 Work Wanted

POSITION WANTED for part-time Caregiver in Sisters. Client needs change, creating new openings. Please call 503-274-0214

999 Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District invites qualified voters of the fire district interested in serving on the Civil Service Commission to submit Letters of Interest and applications to the Board of Directors, Sisters-Camp Sherman RFPD, P.O. Box 1509, Sisters, Oregon 97759. Applications can be obtained via the district’s website https://www.sistersfire. com/employment/ or in person at 301 South Elm Street in Sisters, Oregon.

Civil Service for Firefighters is covered by Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 242.702-242.824. The Civil Service Commission is made up of three citizens of the district who are not members of the Board or employees of the district. They are independent individuals appointed by the Board for an uncompensated term of four (4) years.

Primary responsibilities include working cooperatively with the Board of Directors and Fire Chief to maintain a current list of all classifications and grades of Civil Service positions within the district, overseeing proper administration of all Civil Service exams, and maintaining a current database of all employees holding Civil Service positions within the district.

Commissioners also adopt and oversee the proper administration of the Rules relating to conducting Civil Service exams, appointments, promotions, demotions, transfers, reinstatements, suspensions, and discharges for Civil Service positions.

Two positions are open for appointment. The Fire District must receive letters before December 1, 2024, to be considered.

Contact Fire Chief Tony Prior at 541-549-0771 for further information.

They're at NuggetNews.com ~ Uploaded every Tuesday afternoon at no extra charge! Call 541-549-9941 Deadline for classified is Monday by noon

for puzzle on page 29

Ugly Sweater Fun Run on tap in Sisters

By Charlie Kanzig Correspondent

Runners and walkers are invited to don their ugliest sweaters and other holiday garb for the fourth annual Ugly Sweater Run/Walk. The 5 kilometer event, set for Saturday, December 7 at 10 a.m. will be staged from the Fir Street Park in downtown Sisters.

Race director Kelly Bither, founder of RunSistersRun, sponsors theme-oriented runs during the year and sees the events as an opportunity to get people together for some fun while also raising funds for local non-profits. This year’s event will support Living Well with Dementia in Sisters and the Sisters High School alpine ski team.

Last year’s event attracted

250 participants and Bither hopes to match that this year.

Participants can form teams of six or more to qualify for a discount on the registration price of $39.

The cost is $25 for 12 and under and there is also a free “Santa’s Lil Helpers” 100 yard dash just before the 5k starts for the little ones.

Bither said, “Registration includes holiday glasses to complete your outfit, jingle bells to put on your shoes, and hot chocolate, coffee, and holiday snacks to enjoy.”

Rumor has it that Santa

will be present on his red Vespa, according to Bither.

Registration must be completed online at www. runsistersrun.com which also includes complete details of the event.

The course finishes at The Barn food truck court where food will be available for purchase. Post-race festivi ties include prizes in recognition of the best, or ugliest, outfits.

“This is a great way to kick off the holiday season with family and friends,” said Bither.

Partners in Care receives top ratings

For the third year in a row, Partners In Care has been recognized with a prestigious five-star rating for Exceptional Hospice and Home Health Care Programs. The five-star ratings are from the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) Hospice Survey, plus the Home Health team achieved a five-star rating from the Home Health Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HHCAHPS) Home Health Survey from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

The ratings reflect Partners In Care’s commitment to delivering high-quality, compassionate, patient-centered hospice and home health care to individuals and their families in Central Oregon and the nonprofit’s dedication to excellence and service.

The CAHPS Hospice Survey measures family satisfaction with hospice care teams, including emotional and spiritual support, communication, respect, and overall satisfaction. Achieving a fivestar rating signifies an exceptional level of service that ranks Partners In Care in the top 13% statewide and 15% nationally. Partners In Care is one of five hospices in all of Oregon with the five-star quality rating, and the only one in Central Oregon. Of those families surveyed by Medicare, 95% would recommend Partners In Care hospice services to others seeking care, 11% higher than the

national average.

Receiving a five-star rating from HHCAHPS demonstrates a high level of home health patient satisfaction. Of patients surveyed by CMS, 88% would recommend Partners In Care home health services to others, 10% higher than the national average.

These ratings serve as a valuable resource for patients and families, helping them make informed decisions about their healthcare options.

Star ratings are posted at Medicare’s Care Compare website, which provides helpful information including cost, quality of care, volume of services, and caregiver feedback.

“We are very proud of our team and the exemplary care that our clinicians provide every day to our patients, their family members, and caregivers,” said Kristi Williams, RN, Quality Program Manager at Partners In Care. “This dual recognition for hospice and home health is a testament to the strong and patientfocused team we have here at Partners In Care. We take care of patients and families as if they were our own family members and strive for excellence, compassion, and dignity across all service lines.”

The success of the hospice and home health services at Partners In Care can be attributed to the exceptional team of healthcare professionals. From doctors and nurses to home care aides, social workers, therapists, chaplains, volunteers, and administrative

support, the Partners In Care team is driven by a genuine passion for serving their patients and their loved ones during some of life’s most challenging journeys.

Partners In Care puts a strong emphasis on building relationships and fostering open lines of communication with patients and their families. Hospice and home health clinicians understand the importance of keeping families informed, listening to concerns, and meeting patients’ individual needs. Partners In Care creates a supportive and trusting environment for everyone involved and keeps the focus of care on the patient.

As Central Oregon’s population continues to grow and age, the demand for highquality hospice and home health services in the region also increases. Dedicated to their communities in Bend, Redmond, La Pine, Sisters, Sunriver, Prineville, Tumalo, Terrebonne, Madras, Crooked River Ranch, Gilchrist, Chemult, Fort Rock, and Christmas Valley, the Partners In Care hospice and home health teams are committed to serving their patients and their families while continu ing to set the standard for exceptional care for those with chronic, serious, or ter minal illnesses. Go to www.partnersbend. org or call (541) 382-5882 to speak with a team mem ber. The nonprofit is also a five-star We Honor Veterans national hospice partner.

1. A Sisters tourist went closer to a mule deer buck to get a great selfie with him since he’s so friendly. He wasn’t.

2. A pedestrian patted a strange dog on the head to see if it was friendly. It wasn’t.

3. A driver sped up to see if she could beat the train to the crossing. She couldn’t.

4. A man peed on an electric wire to see if it was hot. It was.

5. A business owner cut their advertising to see if they could save money. They didn’t.

541-549-9941 • vicki@nuggetnews.com

Participants in last year’s Ugly Sweater Run show their holiday spirit.