Sisters kicks off the holiday season
The holiday season officially kicked off in Sisters Country this past weekend with the annual town Christmas Parade and tree lighting. Although there was no snow to frame the picturesque parade through town on Saturday, November 30,
spirits were high under a bright Central Oregon blue sky.
The event is sponsored by Kizziar Properties and Sisters Woodlands, and organized by Sisters Parks & Recreation District (SPRD).
The second “Holiday Palooza” combined iconic events, including the parade (in its 47th year),
Wild stallion sculpture repairs are extensive
By Bill Bartlett Correspondent
Sisters’ signature stallion sculpture will hopefully be back where it belongs in the coming days.
The iconic metal art sculpture of a rearing wild stallion near the entrance to downtown on the corner of Cascade and Larch was damaged when a vehicle crashed into it on the night of October 30.
It was the second collision involving the beloved art. An 18-year-old driver
escaped injury when he fell asleep at the wheel early on the morning of July 7, 2017, and crashed his pickup truck into the plinth of the equestrian statue. The statue itself was spared but the vehicle had considerable front-end damage. The driver, from Missouri, was determined not to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
“What is it about the horse?” laughed Reed Sanders of Sisters. “What is
See SCULPTURE on page 26
and the annual tree lighting. Activities followed the parade this year at Fir Street Park, including ornament decoration, hot chocolate and cider, pictures with Santa Claus, and a spot to drop off a letter to the North Pole. The event culminated with a tree lighting ceremony at Fir Street Park, with a countdown and Christmas
carols echoing through the park.
“We decided to combine the events last year to transition from two minievents to one large celebration,” said SPRD executive director Jennifer Holland. “Additionally, it is more efficient with planning, staff,
Farm kids in Sisters Country clamor for ag science
By Bill Bartlett Correspondent
Owen Christianson is an eighth grader at Sisters Middle School. He’s also in business for himself. He breeds sheep — a dozen-plus — only two of which he will enter for show. The rest is agribusiness in microcosm. He comes by it naturally. Both of his parents are selfemployed entrepreneurs. They reside on an 80-acre spread spanning both sides of Highway 126 about halfway to Redmond.
Christianson wishes there was a vocational agriculture program at Sisters High School, as there is in every other school in Central Oregon. He sees himself as a full-time rancher when he’s finished with school.
In the meantime, he finds his most beneficial class to be math.
“I have to pencil out my costs and know my breakeven points,” he said. “Math is important to my budgeting, and I use it every day for feeding calculations, purchasing, and measuring my sheep’s development.”
He’s been raising sheep for three years now encouraged by a friend to give it a try. He has no regrets. Along the way he has learned to weld and fix things. It’s a big job with many hours.
He has the option of going to one of the Redmond High Schools, but his heart’s
By Ceili Gatley Correspondent
The annual Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting is the essence of small-town holiday charm. A big crowd turned out on Saturday to partake.
PHOTO BY JAROD GATLEY
PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT
The iconic Sisters stallion sculpture should be back in its spot along Cascade Avenue soon.
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.
Law enforcement and immigration
To the Editor:
I want to thank Sheriff Vander Kamp for his open and unwittingly timely response to “law enforcement and immigrants ” in the November 13 edition, stating “We won’t participate just based on state law,” he said. “We can’t.”
Now two weeks later I’ve noticed a shift
in the new administration’s game plan as to how to coerce, bargain, threaten, (pick one that fits) local law enforcement agencies into doing the scud work for Tom Homan (border Czar) and I.C.E. agents, rounding up illegals and holding them for I.C.E. to gather up for transportation to facilities, a.k.a. concentration camps, like the one being purposed in
Sisters Weather Forecast
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442 E. Main Ave., P.O. Box 698, Sisters, OR 97759 Tel: 541-549-9941 | Email: editor@nuggetnews.com
Editor in Chief & Co-owner: Jim Cornelius
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Postmaster: Send address changes to The Nugget Newspaper, P.O. Box 698, Sisters, OR 97759. Third Class Postage Paid at Sisters, Oregon. The Nugget is 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
Spectacular skyline
Kris Kristovich captured the Sisters and Broken Top at sunset last week, as the winter’s chill contributed to spectacular skies.
Got a great photo of life in Sisters
Send your high-resolution photo to
Beg your pardon?
By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief
Despite repeatedly assuring Americans that he would not pardon his son Hunter Biden, President Joe Biden issued a sweeping reprieve for the troubled Biden scion on Sunday.
President Biden granted “a full and unconditional pardon for those offenses against the United States which he has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024.”
As Politico reporter Betsy Woodruff Swan notes, a blanket pardon that broad and all-encompassing hasn’t been seen since President Gerald Ford pardoned Richard Nixon for any crime he committed or may have committed during his presidency from 1969 to 1974.
Ford asserted that this sweeping pardon was necessary to allow the nation to heal from the wounds of the Watergate scandal and move on. Some historians believe that the pardon so alienated many Americans that it cost Ford the 1976 election. President Andrew Johnson pardoned Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States of America, sparing Davis the specter of hanging for treason. Johnson’s rationale for this controversial decision was similar to Ford’s: it was necessary to bind the wounds of a nation recently reunited by force.
President Biden’s rationale for pardoning his son is more personal. He believes Hunter Biden was prosecuted unfairly because of who he is. In a statement, he wrote: “I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice… I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision.”
Whether Americans understand or accept Biden’s action is moot. The pardon power is one of the broadest and most singular powers granted to the chief executive. Article II, Section 2 of the United States Constitution reads: “…he shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.”
That’s it. No other qualifiers. The pardon power is, literally, the power of a king. It derives from English
tradition, which placed the power of mercy in the hands of the monarch. It may seem odd that a brand-new republic would enshrine monarchical power in its constitution — and, like everything else that went into that founding document, it was the subject of debate. There was actually broad consensus that there should be some power of pardon to act as a court of last resort to right miscarriages of justice. But how much power and who got to wield it was up for impassioned argument. Federalists, who favored a strong executive, supported broad presidential pardon powers, while anti-Federalists, who were suspicious of executive power, sought to constrain it, perhaps by requiring the Senate to sign off on pardons.
Virginian George Mason — the sparkplug behind the Bill of Rights — strongly opposed the President’s “power of pardoning because he may frequently pardon crimes which were advised by himself. It may happen, at some future day that he will establish a monarchy, and destroy the republic.”
He also worried that, “If he has the power of granting pardons before indictment, or conviction, may he not stop inquiry and prevent detection?”
Watergate — or Hunter Biden — would not have surprised George Mason. And he wouldn’t have been surprised by some of the sketchy pardons made before Joe Biden took his kid off the hook and emplaned for Angola.
In 1971, Richard Nixon pardoned Teamsters boss Jimmy Hoffa, who was serving a 15-year prison sentence for jury tampering and fraud. In 1975, Hoffa disappeared, presumably at the hands of less-forgiving powers. Bill Clinton pardoned “fugitive financier” Marc Rich, a move that disgusted many loyalists. At the end of his first term, President Donald Trump pardoned his son-in-law’s dad, Charles Kushner, for actions thenU.S. Attorney Chris Christie deemed “one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes” he had prosecuted. Now Kushner is the nominee to be Ambassador to France. There’s a reason that pardons tend to be issued in December, right before a president leaves office. Even kings might suffer a little twinge of embarrassment at the stink wafting from the throne.
COMMUNITY
Renowned bluegrass band to perform in Sisters
Never Come Down, an internationally touring string band, will return to The Belfry on Saturday, December 21. Local bluegrassers Skillethead will open the show.
Since winning the prestigious band competition at Colorado’s Rocky Grass festival in 2019, and Fresh Grass in 2022, the ensemble has become a tour de force in the bluegrass and Americana scene. They’ve gone on to tour with such notable bands as Old Crow Medicine Show, The Travelin’ McCourys, and The Infamous Stringdusters. In 2023, Never Come Down performed at the inaugural Big Ponderoo festival in Sisters.
While the band is populated by highly skilled bluegrass musicians, their
dedication to thoughtful songwriting and dynamic arrangements offer a different take on the genre. Driven by the strong and soulful vocal prowess of Crystal Lariza, Never Come Down offers a live experience that is moving and uplifting. They have earned the respect of many bluegrass heavyweights. Chris Pandolfi of The Infamous Stringdusters produced their most recent record. He says, “Never Come Down has as much raw musical talent as any up-and-coming band out there today. They play and sing with authority and emotion beyond their years, and they showcase those skills through timeless songs that are all their own. This is a
rare combination, and it’s fully on display on their upcoming album ‘Greener Pastures.’ Unlike a lot of string bands, the sound of their individual voices/ instruments merge seamlessly into one, and I find myself listening to the emotion, not the picking. That can take many years to figure out. Some never do. But Never Come Down has that emotive synergy as a starting place for what promises to be a meaningful musical journey ahead. It was such an honor to produce this record, and I can’t wait for the world to learn what this amazing band is all about.”
Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with a 7 p.m. showtime.
Tickets are available at www.belfryevents.com.
Local authors celebrate new Oregon-based novels
Sisters authors Kit Tosello and Melody Carlson will celebrate the release of their new novels at Paulina Springs Books, on Thursday, December 12, at 6:30 p.m. Tosello will present her debut novel, “The Color of Home,” set in a small Central Oregon mountain town inspired by Sisters. Carlson will present her latest novel, “The Christmas Tree Farm,” a holiday story set in Oregon.
“The Color of Home,” is a heartwarming tale set in a small Central Oregon mountain town much like Sisters. Bay Area interior designer to the rich and pretentious, Audrey Needham, returns to Charity Falls, Oregon, to help her great-aunt and greatuncle get settled in assisted living. Although resolved to get
back to her demanding career, the friendly community and the chance to learn the truth about a family tragedy tug at her heart — as does a handsome local do-gooder.
Kit Tosello is an awardwinning writer of small-town contemporary fiction with a big heart, as well as inspirational essays and devotionals. With her eye trained on the beauty hiding in plain sight all around us, she arranges words with tenderness, humor, and hope. When not writing, Tosello can be found in Suttle Tea, the loose-tea shop she operates in Sisters, Oregon, with her husband, exploring the great Pacific Northwest, or enjoying
On the track of a good winter read
By Kema Clark Correspondent
Finding a new book series or TV series to enjoy can be difficult. But finding a new TV series, and discovering it’s based on a book series by Jeffery Deaver, is awesome. “Tracker” is a new TV series that’s on CBS Sunday nights. The first season started in February 2024 (“Klamath Falls” was the name of the first one!) and the second season started in October. The TV series is filmed in
British Columbia, so the scenery is awesome (kind of like our scenery in Central Oregon).
Colter Shaw is the “tracker.” His job is to help private citizens and law enforcement when reward money is offered to find missing people — and in one instance, a missing dog. Deaver has eight books featuring Shaw, so that means the TV series has a lot of episodes to go.
So far, there are four short
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
Sisters School District Board of Directors O ne Wednesday m onthly, Sisters School District Administr ation Building. See schedule online at www ssd6.org. 5 41-5 49 -8 521 x5 002. CIT Y & PARKS
Sisters Ci ty Council 2nd & 4t h Wednesday, 6:3 0 p.m., Siste rs City Hall. 5 41-5 49 -6 022. Sisters Park & Recreation District Board of Dire ctor
PHOTO BY JAY STRAUSSER VISUALS
Never Come Down has built a stellar reputation in Sisters with their dynamic music.
Stars over Sisters
West & Elizabeth Beaver Columnists
After bundling up against the cold, one of the best times to stargaze is on frosty December evenings when the sky is clear, and the stars are bright. Cassiopeia is a prominent wintertime constellation that is easy to recognize because five of its primary stars are arranged in the shape of a “W.” Using Ursa Major (the Big Dipper) to locate the North Star (Polaris), extend an imaginary line from the dipper through Polaris to an area of about 30 degrees on the other side of the sky. Cassiopeia will lie nearly overhead at approximately 8 p.m. local time during December. Viewed from our latitude here in Central Oregon this is a circumpolar constellation, meaning that it never sets below the horizon.
Shining at a magnitude of 2.2, Schedar is Cassiopeia’s brightest star. It is a red giant star that is four times more massive, 90 times larger, and about 734 times brighter than our sun, and lies at a distance of 228 light-years. Cassiopeia, as well as several neighboring constellations, are featured prominently in one of the most famous accounts in all of sky lore. Cassiopeia was the vain queen of Aethiopia who boasted that she and her daughter Andromeda were more beautiful than the Nereids, or sea nymphs. This angered Poseidon, who sent a sea monster (Cetus) to
wreak havoc on the kingdom of Aethiopia. To stop the sea monster from destroying their kingdom, King Cepheus and Cassiopeia were required to chain their daughter, Andromeda, to a rock as a sacrifice to Cetus. Just as Andromeda was about to be devoured by the sea creature, the hero Perseus noticed her predicament as he was flying above on his winged horse Pegasus. Perseus quickly swooped down and turned the monster to stone by showing it the severed head of Medusa (who he had just killed). Soon after the rescue, the two were married.
Because a branch of the winter Milky Way runs through Cassiopeia, many exceptional deep sky objects are found here. Two of these are open star clusters M52 and M103, both bright and favorite targets of amateur astronomers. M52 is about 35 million years old and contains about 193 stellar members, while M103 has 172 stars that are 25 million years old. Another beautiful open cluster is NGC 7789, which contains at least 1,000 stars that are well over a billion years old. It is also known as Caroline’s Rose because it was discovered by Caroline Herschel in 1783.
Less than one degree to the southwest of M52 is the visually striking object NGC 7635, more commonly referred to as the Bubble Nebula. Classified as an emission nebula, this celestial bubble was created
by the strong stellar wind of a nearby hot, massive star. Moving at supersonic speeds, these highly charged particles are slamming into surrounding interstellar material, thus shaping the bubble.
The Geminid meteor shower peaks between the evening of December 13 and the morning of the 14th, when up to 120 shooting stars per hour may fly through the sky. Unfortunately, light from a nearly full moon will make many of them hard to see.
All five of the visible planets can be seen this month. When it gets dark, brilliant Venus appears low in the southwest, which will set a short time after sunset. As the month begins, Saturn, in Aquarius, will stand 40 degrees above the southern horizon by nightfall, then set before midnight. But it’s dazzling Jupiter (in Taurus) that will rule the evening skies, appearing at dusk and remaining visible all night!
Rising at 8:30 p.m. local time, Mars (in Cancer) will brighten rapidly this month before transitioning to an evening object in January.
After about December 10, Mercury, the solar system’s smallest planet, becomes well positioned to be observed, rising an hour and a half before the sun on the last day of the month.
Dark sky tip of the month: While Christmas lights may help put you
in a festive holiday mood, remember that they are still lights. Make sure they are unlit during normal resting hours and during the day. Recommended hour to turn your lights out is around 10 p.m. If that isn’t possible, please switch them off when you go to sleep.
Georgia
The Bubble Nebula is an emission nebula that was created by intense radiation from a hot nearby hot star.
Lady Outlaws plan to play fast style of hoops
By Rongi Yost Correspondent
The Lady Outlaws return eight players to the varsity basketball squad, including Shae Wyland, Audrey Corcoran, Jorja Christianson, Paityn Cotner, Norah Thorsett, Emma Sahlberg, Holly Madron, and Althea Crabtree. Two new players, freshmen Maddie Durham and Verbena Brent, will round out the roster.
Wyland, a senior, was a first-team, all-league selection last year. She returns for her final season.
“Shae is an outstanding all-around athlete,” said Coach Paul Patton. “She’s tall and fast and her role on the team is to lead the fast break and work around the basket for inside shots and offensive rebounds. She is our top inside defender and a prolific shot blocker. She has a great attitude, is always positive, and is a hard worker.”
Sophomore Corcoran was a second-team, all-league pick last year as a freshman.
“Audrey is a great athlete, and a very fast and skilled basketball player,” said Patton. “She is our point guard and is good at driving the ball to the basket. She is also one of our better threepoint shooters. She gets a lot of offensive rebounds by just going after the ball. With a year of experience under her belt she should be even better this season at initiating our offensive system and being a disruptive force on defense.”
Christianson was the
Outlaws first player off the bench last year, and will step into a starting role this year.
“Jorja is our most vocal team leader,” said Patton. “She will fill the role of a three-point shooting threat, but she also has a solid allaround game. She’s a joyous person who has an infectious positive impact on the team culture.”
Of Cotner Patton said, “Paityn is a perimeter player, and one of our best on-ball defenders. She’s a good athlete and a rapidly improving basketball player. She’s a tough competitor and a hard worker.”
Thorsett, a junior, was the junior point guard last year and a backup on varsity.
“Norah will continue to be the varsity back-up point guard, but will also see time at the shooting guard spot,” said Patton. “She has a nice three-point shot, can penetrate and create as well, and has a good competitive spirit.”
Sahlberg (senior) previously played as a post, but this year will be asked to move to a perimeter spot to fill a team need.
“Emma gives us a determined defender off the bench,” said Patton. “For such a sweet girl off the court, she is a feisty competitor on the court. She’s a great leader by example in how hard she works in practice.”
Madron, a senior, plays as a wing for the Outlaws. Patton noted that Holly has a great mind for the game, runs the court hard, and defends well.
Crabtree (sophomore) played JV most of last year, but did swing up to varsity late in the season and into playoffs.
“Althea will back up Shae as our running post player,” said Patton. “She’s tall and athletic, and has a great positive attitude with a colorful outgoing personality.”
New to varsity this year are freshmen Maddie Durham and Verbena Brent.
“Maddie will play what we call the Dragon, which is our perimeter big position who touches the ball a lot,” said Patton. “Maddie has a true love for the game and has put a lot of time into playing basketball. She will be one of those rare impact players at the varsity level as a ninth grader. She is able to score inside and out and is solid on the defensive end of the court as well.
“Verbena is another incoming impact player,” said Patton. “She is a hooper to her core, and will play wing for us. She’s a crafty scoring threat and a hard nosed defender. Her love for the game and joy in playing has an infectious impact on the whole team.”
Sophomore Shanitah Few and freshman Stella Moen are in Patton’s sights to be players who will come up from JV later in the season and help out at the varsity level.
Few is a very good athlete, plays extremely hard, and will start on JV. She should swing up at some point, but according to Patton will benefit from being one
of the the leaders on the JV squad.
Moen is a shooting guard, and also a hard worker. Patton told The Nugget that Stella is an eager learner of the game, and should see some varsity minutes later in the season after gaining some experience at the JV level.
Patton told The Nugget that the Lady Outlaws are coming off one of the most successful seasons in program history as they made it to the second round of the state playoffs last year.
“We have three graduating seniors starting positions to fill,” said Patton. “We have a good mix of upper and underclassmen, with four seniors, a junior, three sophomores, and two freshmen. So we are relatively young, but a talented group who should be able to come together with some practice and compete on a level par with last year’s team.”
“Key to our success will be our commitment to playing a fast-paced style of basketball that is aggressive on the offensive end of the court and disruptive defensively,” added Patton. “We are running this system of play for
I’m optimistic about the upcoming season, but we will have to endure some inevitable struggles along the way and keep our spirits and belief in one another.
— Coach Paul Patton
the third year now and that familiarity by the returning players should help us to execute it effectively.”
Patton noted that both assistant coaches are also back. Haylie Hudson, a Sisters graduate and former Lady Outlaw, and Ashley Reiser, who played at the collegiate level, will also be a benefit to the team as they are familiar with Patton’s style of play.
“This is the first time in my six years with the program that we’ve returned the same coaching staff,” said Patton. “I’m optimistic about the upcoming season, but we will have to endure some inevitable struggles along the way and keep our spirits and belief in one another. This is a great group of girls and I believe they are up for the challenge.”
Building Blocks — working for the good of Sisters
By Sue Stafford Correspondent
Eryn Ross of Sisters Depot welcomed 21 Community Builders to her restaurant for their November meeting.
Ross purchased Sisters Depot in 2020, opening for business in December of that year. She admitted the first two years were “really hard” coming on the heels of COVID. But she has built a menu she is passionate about, honoring her dad by preparing some of his recipes. She has learned to run all aspects of the business and has come to realize that events are an integral part of her business success.
Ross has made several improvements to the space, with a full bar and small stage upstairs in Frankie’s where they do shows, private events, cooking classes, and meetings. Anyone looking for space for a gathering can reach Ross at 541-904-4660. Improvements were also made to the outdoor stage.
By next summer, she would like to extend a second-floor rear deck off Frankie’s over a portion of the patio for more covered seating down below, and then ultimately have the deck offer more seating on it, too, for events like Sisters Folk Festival (SFF).
Several community leaders at the meeting shared their own recent experiences with Sisters Depot. STARS had their volunteer appreciation event there in October and “Eryn was great to work with as a host.” And now
Well With Dementia Sisters hired Sisters Depot to cater an event and it “came off without a hitch.”
Ross shared several ideas and requests with the gathering. She used to run the Sherwood Wine Festival in the valley and would like to do something similar in Sisters. She is also considering using their ticket/order system to offer free prizes for patrons like SFF tickets and wondered if folks would like that. She also wants to offer specialty dinners to introduce the most loyal customers to new menu items every quarter.
Several challenges for the restaurant include seasonality and unpredictability of business. Sisters locals have asked about discounts but, after all their expenses, it’s just impossible to offer that consistently.
Ross, who is also the treasurer of Sisters Business Association (SBA), said “SBA has been a great way to network with business owners in the community.”
Citizens4Community (C4C) — Kellen Klein
Following the “Are the Kids Alright?” forum, a youth wellbeing packet and forum recording are available on the C4C website. Central Oregon Gives website is now open for donations to Sisters nonprofits C4C, STARS, and YouthBuild on www. centraloregongives.com. Over $1 million dollars have been raised the past two years. Since launching in 2018, nearly $4 million have been raised, directly benefiting over 100 local nonprofits. The top performing
nonprofits will earn extra cash at the end of the campaign if they are the top fundraiser overall, the top fundraiser in their category, or receive the most donations of $25 or less.
Land of 1,000 Picnics still has money available for neighborhood gatherings. The Holiday Singalong is happening again this year on Thursday, December 19. Singers will start at Sisters Senior Living and then move onto The Barn. Everyone is welcome to join in. The C4C board leadership is in transition with President Sarah McDougall joining Sisters City Council in January. They are looking for several new board members. Contact executive director Kellen Klein with questions.
Better Together Central Oregon — Jessica Sánchez-Millar
Better Together Central Oregon is a nonprofit under the umbrella of High Desert Education Service District that supports youth and families in every school district in Central Oregon. SánchezMillar leads youth and family partnerships and supports location-based Latino and Youth Family Councils. On a monthly basis, they create space for marginalized and underserved families to build community and share their needs and desires for the community. Better Together helps support the peoples’ initiatives, turning needs and ideas into programs.
January. One of the biggest challenges has been finding a monthly space to meet. They have an average of 6 to 12 parents who meet for 2 to 2.5 hours. If you know of any spaces that are available, especially during the winter, please let Sánchez-Millar know at 541-693-5678.
Circle of Friends — Nicole Woodson
A mentoring organization in town for at-risk youth, Circle currently has 48 kids they’re serving, plus another 20+ for group mentoring during the school day. They hosted Friendsgiving at the clubhouse prior to Thanksgiving. They anticipated having 50–60 kids plus their mentors. Sisters Smokehouse provided the meat, mentors provided side dishes, and the kids prepared the desserts. Their need is always for mentors. They’re hoping to get another eight mentors before the end of the school year. They only ask for an hour a week with a minimum one-year commitment. A mentor works with a child for an average of 6-plus years. At their Halloween scavenger hunt, they had 75 people, making up 22 teams, and everyone had a great time.
Roundhouse Foundation — Dawn Cooper
Family Access Network (FAN) — Jaclyn Kordell
Kordell has three roles within the Sisters School District. She serves as a FAN advocate, supporting families to access financial assistance, clothing, medical benefits, housing, and navigating various support services. FAN is housed in the school district administration office and Kordell can be reached at jaclyn.kordell@ssd6.org. As a Latino Family Liaison, she helps support students learning English and their families. She is the McKinneyVento Homeless Assistance Act liaison, helping support houseless students in Sisters School District.
Kordell had several requests; asking people to refer families to FAN who might not be aware of available benefits and support services; more student/family— led opportunities, especially from the Latino community, so she might put out requests to the group in the future in that regard.
Age Friendly Sisters Country (AFSC) — Judy Smith
Here in Sisters, the Latino Family Council started in 2020 (right before COVID). They paused the last 5 months but are restarting in
They are currently wrapping up their grant season. They received 190 applications and were able to support about 77%. The new grant cycle will open in January. Klein gave a shoutout to Roundhouse for supporting the 2025 Sisters Civic Leadership Academy.
AFSC is a fiscal sponsor nonprofit that lends their 501(c)(3) status to residents who have good ideas to improve livability in Sisters. They recently “graduated” the STARS program to become an independent 501(c)(3). Their “Romeo’s Joy” program recently concluded because its leader is joining City Council. They are constantly “on the prowl” for new community ideas.
They’re also anticipating some changes in their own Board of Directors and would like to speak to anyone interested in the administrative and secretary roles.
Sisters Transportation And Ride Share (STARS) — Christy Corzine STARS recently became their own independent nonprofit. Their requests for rides have increased 40% in the last year, so they’re really in need of more support and volunteers.
They’ll be launching a “sponsor a ride” campaign to help create financial support for their services to supplement their grants support.
School of Ranch — Mark Gross
School of Ranch hires skilled community members to teach newcomers and locals “how to live here” through skill building. A new program called School of Ranch “Extend” matches seniors with skills
and knowledge who want to teach what they know to volunteers in exchange for their help with chores.
They now have four high school interns who do all their marketing, forms, website maintenance, and other tasks. They are looking for six more interns. The work requires no set commitment, they work when they can, and are paid $15-20/hour for doing specific tasks.
In conjunction with Deschutes County Library and Oregon Humanities, School of Ranch is running a four-part series on civic issues. Gross offers free Facebook ads for other organizations on his website. Reach out to him at mark@ schoolofranch.org about free ad space. Gross said they have so many workshops that they’re running out of spaces. They need facilities that could host between eight and 30 people per meeting.
Seed to Table — Hannah Joseph Veggie pickups are done for the year. Joseph offered a huge thank you to everyone who has supported them in different ways this year. They will be hiring soon for an Associate Director position which will focus on operations, management, and communications. Cody Reault made a professional promo video for Seed to Table.
Council on Aging (COA) — Jane Ann Pighin
The Sisters Meals on Wheels program has no waitlist now. COA had a table at the Living Well With Dementia Sisters event. They will host the February
19, 2025, Community Builders meeting at Sisters Community Church, where the Senior Lunches are served.
Heart of Oregon / YouthBuild — Madi Cunningham
The YouthBuild program supports youth ages 16-24 who are disengaged from education. They can earn their GED/diploma while learning construction skills by participating in a preapprenticeship construction program. They are currently working on Sisters Habitat projects. The next cohort applications are due January 17, 2025. Applications are available on their website heartoforegon.org. They also have a similar program in conjunction with SPRD to learn how to provide childcare.
After receiving a grant to restart their mentor/volunteer program, Cunningham is looking for volunteers to do one-on-one mentoring, but also provide support in the classrooms and one day a month on community service days. If you wish to volunteer or have a project for their community service days, reach out to Cunningham at 541-633-7834.
Cunningham, an instructor in youth mental health first aid, wants to bring that training to Sisters Country. She can provide certification for adults who want to get guidance on how to respond to youth mental health crises. Heart of Oregon also has an employer advisory council — businesses and nonprofits who want to help hire youth after they’ve completed the
Heart of Oregon GED program. Learn more at heartoforegon.org.
Three Sisters Historical Society (TSHS) — Ronni Duff/Diane Prescott
The Historical Society will be open through the holidays but closed for the month of January to install a new exhibit focused on the history of local farms and ranches. If you have related contacts or materials, please refer them to the museum. They are looking for new board members who can bring special skills, especially social media experience. They are always open to welcoming more volunteers. A recording of the Wilson Wewa Fireside talk focused on Indigenous oral history of the region is now available on their TSHS YouTube page. At the March 2025 Fireside Evening, Dr. Larry Peterson will discuss Western artist Charles Russell.
Living Well With Dementia Sisters (LWWDS) — Bill Kelly
LWWDS had a Care and Connect Resource Fair on November 14 with 20 local organizations offering support to those experiencing cognitive decline and their care partners. Over 50 people showed up for the event. C4C will be incorporating all the participating organizations into their database and resource guide. LWWDS will have an event on Thursday, January 9, 2025 — “Stay Safe — Protecting Yourself from Scams and Fraud.”
Rotary Club of Sisters — Bill Kelly
Members recently completed a bed build in Bend with the Sleep in Heavenly Peace program, making beds for kids who don’t have them. They had 80–90 volunteers who made 100 beds in 2.5 hours. Their mega-raffle is coming up in January; last year they had about $10,000 in prizes.
City of Sisters — Bill Kelly
The City had a volunteer appreciation lunch recently for volunteer board/commission members.
The Grant Lab — Susan Taylor
The Grant Lab is a local consulting firm supporting fundraising/grant-writing needs for local and national nonprofits, educational institutions, and other organizations. Susan Taylor recently helped coordinate two cohorts from the American Leadership Forum of Oregon coming to Sisters Country over a past weekend. She was just appointed to the Oregon Service Commission, which will help make policy for AmeriCorps programs around the state. Taylor would like to bring more AmeriCorps members to rural Oregon.
Rural Development Initiatives (RDI) — Hannah Lewis
RDI works primarily with rural communities across the Pacific Northwest. They focus on empowering community leaders to solve their own problems, build leadership skills, support collaboration, and business trainings. “Wealth building and skill building” is their focus.
State has outstanding bills from fire season
By Alex Baumhardt Oregon Capital Chronicle
The 2024 fire season cost Oregon emergency response agencies nearly $350 million, and the state leaders are struggling to find a way to cover outstanding bills.
Gov. Tina Kotek announced Tuesday, November 26, following reporting from Oregon Public Broadcasting that she’ll call a special session of the Legislature on December 12 to appropriate at least $218 million from the state’s general fund to cover remaining fire costs. Lawmakers will already be at the Capitol for committee hearings during that time. More than half of the $350 million in outstanding debts will eventually be covered by disaster relief funds from the federal government, according to a news release from Kotek’s office, but the state wants to pay those owed as soon as possible.
Rep. Pam Marsh, D-Ashland, explained that it’s about ensuring state agencies don’t burn bridges with private contractors who stepped in to help with fire prevention or response work this year.
“We contracted with people, and we are obligated to pay them, and we will want many of those people to bring their machines, their aircraft, their bodies back next fire season,” Marsh said.
Nearly 2 million acres burned this summer and fall — more than three times the 10-year average — mostly in eastern Oregon grass and shrub, with about 25 percent of it in forestland, according
Oregon seeing record pertussis case load
Oregon is expected to surpass its record of 910 pertussis cases by the end of 2024, prompting health officials to sharpen their warnings about the disease’s serious risks— especially for young babies — and their emphasis on the importance of vaccination.
As of November 13, Oregon has seen a total of 827 cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, in 23 counties during 2024, according to Oregon Health Authority (OHA) data. At least one person, an older adult, has died.
In 2012, 910 pertussis cases were reported, the highest annual count since 1953.
“I’m worried, given the time of year, because people are attending indoor holiday gatherings, and those gatherings often include newborns who are too young to be vaccinated,” said Paul Cieslak, M.D., medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at OHA’s Public Health Division.
Lane County has the highest number of pertussis cases this year with 249. The other counties with the highest case counts are Multnomah with 180, Clackamas with 109, Washington with 67 and Deschutes with 59. The median age of cases is 11, with the range between 5 weeks and 89 years.
Babies too young to be fully vaccinated suffer the most from pertussis, with the highest reported incidence rate and highest likelihood of hospitalization and death. This is because babies don’t start building protection against infection until they are vaccinated at 2 months old. With the exception of 2024, Oregon pertussis deaths have been limited to infants—five have occurred since 2003.
Public health experts urge pregnant people to get the Tdap vaccine — which protects a person against
tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis — at 27–36 weeks’ gestation. The mothers will make antibodies and pass them to their babies across the placenta, which lowers the risk of pertussis in babies younger than two months by 78 to 91 percent.
Vaccination against pertussis is routinely recommended for infants, children, adolescents, and adults. Children should receive the DTaP vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis at 2, 4, 6, and 15 to 18 months, and again at age 4 to kindergarten age. All persons 10 and older, including those 65 and older, who have not had the single-dose Tdap vaccine should get it now.
Data from January through November 13 show 406 (49 percent) of this year’s cases had zero doses of documented pertussis vaccines, and only 361 (44 percent) were up to date on vaccines. Among the 75 infant cases, only 11 mothers were documented to have received the recommended dose of Tdap during pregnancy.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic—when restrictions that included masking requirements and school closures were in effect—annual case tallies routinely reached triple digits, but dropped to three in 2021. But this year’s to-date 827 cases, which represents a nearly 2,500 percent increase from the 32 cases reported by the same period in 2023, has surprised state and local public health officials.
“It’s concerning,” said Lisandra Guzman, M.D., Lane County’s deputy public health officer and a preventive medicine physician. “Pertussis is very contagious, and that’s one of the reasons it’s so hard to control.”
Another reason, Guzman explained, is that early in an infection, pertussis can be confused with respiratory viral infections. “What you
think may be a simple cold can turn out to be pertussis, because that’s how it begins — with a mild upper respiratory infection. After a couple weeks, the whooping cough begins.”
Jennifer Gibbons, N.D., a naturopathic physician in Portland, says 80% of her family medicine practice is pediatrics, and she can cite many examples of a pertussis infection’s devastating effects on children. She recalls seeing a 5-monthold baby whose mother explained the child would have difficulty breathing and cough until she vomited, then seem fine minutes later.
“I’m talking to her, and she has this perfectly healthy-looking 5-monthold baby, who then all of a sudden starts coughing, and her face turns dark red, and she’s gasping for breath while she’s trying to cough up all the secretions,” Gibbons remembers. “With pertussis, they get into these spasms of coughing that they
can’t stop, and they’re often bringing up large amounts of mucus. It’s very scary.”
Cieslak, Guzman, and Gibbons agree that getting children vaccinated with all doses of DTaP, and adults — particularly pregnant people — vaccinated with Tdap is the best way to protect young children, older adults, and their families and friends during the holidays, and beyond.
“I’ve had multiple families say, ‘If I had known how bad this was going to be, I would have vaccinated.’ I use that to tell other families,” Gibbons says. She also reminds families that “kids tolerate this vaccine very well. I find it to be a really useful, safe, and effective vaccine.”
When an infant or pregnant person is in the household of someone with pertussis, all household members should receive a course of antibiotics effective against Bordetella pertussis — typically, a five-day course of azithromycin.
Museum receives hefty grant
BEND
— The High Desert Museum will receive $500,000 from the National Endowment for the Humanities from its exceedingly competitive Public Humanities Projects category.
The funding will support the Museum’s revitalization of its permanent exhibition dedicated to the Indigenous cultures of the region. “By Hand Through Memory” opened in 1999, supported in part by NEH funding. Hand in hand with Native partners, the Museum has been working on a new version of the exhibition for several years.
This award is the second grant for the project: In 2019, NEH awarded the Museum $45,000 to support the planning of the renovation. The agency also awarded the Museum $500,000 in 2023 to support an associated expansion of the Museum, bringing the total commitment to the Museum’s future to $1,045,000.
“For more than four decades, the High Desert Museum has set the gold standard for showing and telling both Oregonians and visitors our state’s history,” U.S. Senator Ron Wyden said. “Indigenous history is essential to that mission, and I’m gratified this Central Oregon treasure has secured such a significant federal investment to enable it to update and expand the permanent exhibition devoted to Native perspectives and experiences.”
“We’re immensely grateful to NEH and Senators Wyden and Merkley for this transformational investment,” said High Desert Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “The revitalized exhibition will
be centered in Native voices and knowledge, sharing the rich stories of Indigenous communities throughout the Plateau region. The NEH funding is vital for realizing our vision.”
The Museum is presently working on exhibition design with Ralph Appelbaum Associates, a firm that has handled museum projects ranging from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History in Washington, D.C. to the First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City, an effort sharing the stories of the 39 Tribes in Oklahoma that opened in 2021.
The exhibition renovation is part of the long-term vision for the future of the Museum, which includes more capacity for educational programming, immersive experiences to bring visitors into the forest canopy, a permanent art exhibition space, and a gathering space for Museum events. The Sisters-based Roundhouse Foundation helped launch work on this vision with a $6 million gift in 2021.
The Museum opened in
1982. Founder Donald M. Kerr envisioned the space as an immersive experience that highlights the wonder of the High Desert, often saying that its mission is to “wildly excite and responsibly teach.” He also intended for the Museum and its programs to spark dialogue and bring people together in conversations about what they want for the region’s future.
Today, the Museum shares up to nine rotating temporary exhibitions, serves more than 8,600 participants with school field trips, and provides free and reduced-price admissions to more than 25,000 visitors. It welcomed more than 216,000 visitors in 2023.
The National Endowment for the Humanities is an independent federal agency that supports cultural institutions in their efforts to facilitate research and original scholarship, provides opportunities for lifelong learning, preserves and provides access to cultural and educational resources, and strengthens the institutional base of the humanities throughout the nation.
New recycling rules approved
By Alex Baumhardt Oregon Capital Chronicle
Starting this summer, Oregonians across the state will begin to receive a standardized list of what can and cannot be recycled statewide, and owners and managers of apartment complexes and multi-unit housing will need to prepare to provide recycling for residents.
These are among new rules around recycling finalized Friday by Oregon’s Environmental Quality Commission following four years of negotiation and planning. The Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act will go into effect July 1, 2025, making it easier for Oregonians to recycle. It will establish new packaging fees for companies selling products in Oregon, based on the weight and recyclability of the material.
Hard-to-recycle materials, such as plastics, will command higher fees from companies than products that are easily recycled, ideally incentivizing producers to
choose lighter, more sustainable materials. This follows regulations in Oregon in recent years that require manufacturers to pick up some of the end-of-life costs of paint, mattresses, and electronics, or to invest in programs to recycle such products.
“Part of the goal is to move companies into more recyclable materials. There is a cost to packaging that needs to be internalized,” said Sen. Michael Dembrow, who championed the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act in the legislature in 2021.
The rules also give authority to collect and invest some new packaging fees to the Circular Action Alliance, or CCA, a nonprofit based in Washington D.C. Local governments and the alliance will be in charge of re-investing fees in projects that improve Oregon’s recycling infrastructure. The alliance was formed in 2022 by 20 multinational corporations in the food, beverage, retail, and consumer goods industries.
UGB Open House
e Cit y of Sisters will host an open house on its Urban Growth Boundar y (UGB)
Expansion process on Monday, December 9, f rom 6 to 8 p.m. at the new Sisters Elementar y School. Cit y sta is inviting the public to come learn more about the future of the communit y and make their voices heard
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
Cont act Steven at 541-6 68-3834 or srudnit@gmail.com
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.
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/.
A NNOUNCEMENT S
THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS
Fri. & Sat., December 6 & 7
Camp Sherman Holiday Bazaar
Camp Sherman Community Hall
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.
Announce Your Celebr ations!
Sisters community birth, engagement, wedding , anniversar y notices may run at no charge Email nug get@ nug getnews .com Deadline is 5 p.m . on Fridays
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.
Living Well With Dementia
Sisters Suppor t Groups
Living Well now o ers t wo support groups . A support group for the care partners and family of those diagnosed with some form of dementia meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month f rom 1-2:30 p.m. at Sisters Senior Living , 411 E Carpenter Ln. A support group for the person diagnosed with some form of dementia in the early stages meets the same days and times , also at e Lodge Info: 541-6 47-0 052.
Sisters Habitat
Volunteers Needed
Are you looking for something fun to do with your free time? Volunteer with Sisters Habit at for Humanity! Call 541-549-1193.
Sisters High Deser t Chorale and Bell Choir Concert
e Sisters High Deser t Chorale and Bell Choir will present their 2024 Winter Concer t on Friday, December 13 , at 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 15, at 2:30 p.m . Both per formances will be held at Sisters Community Church, 130 0 McKenzie Hw y. e concer t is f ree and refreshments will be provided.
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
Sisters 4 -H Dog Group for Youth
Have fun and meet new friends while learning about care & training of dogs , including anatomy, parasites , feeding , di erent sports that dogs can do, and more. Sisters K9 Paws 4-H encourages youth to set goals and helps to develop selfconfidence and problem-solving In August group members can show their dog at the Deschutes County Fair 4-H Dog Show. is group is open to children 9-18 years of age who weigh as much as their dog. Projects are available for Cloverbud children ages 5 to 8 . Register at Deschutes Count y Extension 4-H, 541-548-6088, ext. 2. 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
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.
EPHUS & SA SSY
is bonded duo (4.5 years old) are opposites that attract . Ephus is curious and outgoing , while Sassy is shy and sweet. Together, they’re looking for a loving home to call their own
Francois’ Workshop 541-549-0605 541-815-0624
SISTER S- ARE A C HURCH ES
Baha’i Faith
For information, devotions, study groups , etc., contac t Shauna Rocha 541-6 47-9826 • www.bahai.org www.bahai.us • www.bahaiteachings .org
Calvar y Church
484 W. Washington St. , Ste. C & D • 541-588-6288
10 a .m. Sunday Worship • www.ccsisters.org
Chapel in the Pines Camp Sherman • 541-815-9153
10 a .m. Sunday Worship
e Church of Jesus Christ of L at ter-Day Saint s 452 Trinit y Way • Branch President, 5 41-977-5559; 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
POLICY: Nonprofits, schools , churches , birth, engagement, wedding , and anniversar y notices may run at no charge. Business items do not run on this page. All submissions subject to editing and run as space allows . Email lisa@nug getnews .com or drop o at 4 42 E . Main Ave. Deadline is 5 p.m. on Fridays
skipping, or supporting one another through them.
• Assign roles thoughtfully: A loved one’s absence often leaves gaps in holiday responsibilities. Be mindful when reassigning tasks. Some may find comfort in stepping into a role, while others may not feel ready. Never assume or pressure someone to take on a task; instead, offer options and respect boundaries.
Steve Stratos Columnist
Festive, cheerful, joyous, and celebratory — these are the emotions we often associate with the holiday season. Yet for those grieving the loss of a loved one, this time of year can evoke vastly different feelings. Words like dread, fear, anxiety, and loneliness emerged during a recent seminar here is Sisters that focused on helping people cope with grief during the holidays.
Although grief is felt every day of the year, the empty chair at holiday gatherings can amplify the sense of loss, especially for those facing their first holiday season without a loved one. Some may find comfort in maintaining cherished traditions as a way to honor the person they’ve lost, while others may prefer to create new customs that reflect their changing circumstances. There is no “right” answer— what matters is acknowledging that this holiday season will feel different.
Whether you are grieving or supporting someone who is, making a plan for holiday gatherings can help ease the anxiety and create a more meaningful experience. Open communication, honesty about your needs, and a willingness to adapt are key.
Here are some helpful ideas to guide your planning:
• Include everyone in the planning process: In many families, multiple people may be grieving the same loss, yet each person’s journey is unique. Involving everyone in the conversation allows for shared decisionmaking and ensures that all voices are heard.
• Discuss traditions: Decide together which traditions to keep and which to adjust. Will you gather at the same location or change the time and setting? Identify traditions that may be particularly challenging — like giftgiving, decorating, or attending a religious service — and discuss how to approach them, whether by modifying,
• Honor your loved one: Avoiding or ignoring your loved one’s absence can add to the weight of grief. Instead, find ways to honor their memory. Look at photos, share stories, light a candle in their name, or set a place for them at the table. These gestures provide a meaningful way to keep their presence alive while acknowledging the reality of loss.
If you are grieving, it’s essential to prioritize your own well-being during this emotionally demanding time. Reflect on what will be most helpful for you when you face the difficult times that you know will come:
• Who can you lean on during tough moments? Is there a family member or a friend that understands you more than anyone else does?
• Are there activities or quiet moments that bring you comfort?
• Do you find solace in prayer or time with God, sharing your pain and seeking His peace?
Take time to identify ways to care for yourself, whether through the support of loved ones, moments of solitude, or meaningful rituals that bring healing.
However you choose to navigate this holiday season, remember that there is no “right way” to grieve. While a part of your heart will feel the absence of your loved one, you may also find joy in remembering holidays shared together. Lean on those who care about you, and let their love and support carry you through.
For those seeking hope and comfort during the Christmas season, consider attending the Blue Christmas service at Sisters Community Church on Saturday, December 21, at 3 p.m. This contemplative service offers a quiet space to acknowledge the heaviness of grief while hearing a message of encouragement and hope.
Editor’s note: Steve Stratos is a pastor at Sisters Community Church.
Soccer players earn all-state recognition
By Rongi Yost Correspondent
Seniors Shae Wyland and Ella Davis were named to allstate teams this year. The duo led the squad to a 8-4 league record and 9-5 overall. They also helped their team secure a bye in the first round of state playoffs. The Outlaws ultimately fell to Banks 1-0 in the second round.
Wyland was named Second Team All-State Defender. She logged three assists over the season. Shae was a first team all-league player, and was voted one of the top three players in the entire league.
“Shae was a key piece to the success of the Lady Outlaws,” said Coach Makena Zorza. “She stepped up as a captain this year and was a great leader both on and off the field. Shae’s athleticism and skill level was often unmatched by opposing teams in both offensive and defensive positions. Her ability to visualize the field
and know exactly where to be in her positioning made her extremely coachable and dangerous in any position she was asked to play. Her continued hard work through the season, despite various highs and lows, makes her very deserving of all state honors.”
Davis earned Honorable Mention All-State Forward, finishing the year with 27 goals and three assists. She was also a first team allleague selection, and was the top scorer in the league.
“Ella was an incredible threat in the forward position,” said Zorza. “She consistently demonstrated composure with the ball which allowed her to repeatedly score goals and create opportunities for her teammates. She was occasionally asked to step into the center midfield position and did so with ease and comfortability. Her versatility and continued efforts outside of practice made her a vital piece to the Lady Outlaws starting line up.”
The Santiam Wagon Road Scam — The Land Grant
By Randal O’Toole Correspondent
Most residents of Sisters Country have heard of the Santiam Wagon Road and many have hiked or driven on parts of the road. What many may not know is that the Santiam Road is only part of a much longer road, known as the Willamette Valley and Cascade Mountain Wagon Road, which was supposed to stretch from Albany to Idaho.
In reality, this road was mainly a way to scam the federal government out of more than 860,000 acres of land. This scam greatly enriched a few people, yet it isn’t even clear that the road was ever built.
The Santiam Wagon Road was a well-intentioned effort to give Willamette Valley farmers and ranchers access to potential farm and grasslands in Central Oregon. In 1866, Linn County landowners spent $15,000 (about $300,000 in today’s money) building a road from Lebanon to Camp Polk (Sisters) and then charged tolls to use it.
It wasn’t a great road, being as little as 6 to 7 feet wide, as steep as 8 percent in places, with turnouts for passing wagons located as much as a halfmile apart. Though the road crossed the South Santiam River nine times, there were no bridges until 1887.
Despite these deficiencies, the road proved popular, with hundreds of wagons a day using it on some summer days. Tolls of $2 to $6 per wagon and 10¢ to 37.5¢ per head of livestock easily paid for the road and eventually led to improvements.
However, the people who built the road then got greedy. In 1864, Oregon Senator Benjamin Harding persuaded Congress to pass a law granting three square miles of land for every mile of a wagon road that was to be built from Eugene to Idaho. This was known as the Oregon Central Military Road.
Congress had previously given out two small land grants for wagon roads in Indiana and Ohio in the 1820s, but for the next four decades most land grants were for canals or railroads. Then, in 1863, it gave out land grants for wagon roads in Michigan and Wisconsin, supposedly to assist with the Civil War even though the war never came that far north.
The Michigan and Wisconsin grants may have inspired Oregon’s Congressional delegation to make similar grants here. Within a few years, Congress had issued five wagon road land grants in Oregon, including Eugene-Idaho, AlbanyIdaho, The Dalles-Idaho, Corvallis-Yaquina, and
Roseburg-Coos Bay.
Although part of the Coos Bay Wagon Road was taken back by Congress due to the failure of the grantees to comply with the terms of the grant, Oregon wagon road builders ultimately received more than 75 percent of the federal acres granted for wagon roads. While Eugene was a close second, the largest land grant went to the Willamette Valley company.
Oregon Senator James Nesmith introduced a bill to offer a land grant for a wagon road from Albany to the Idaho border. Congress passed this without any debate on July 5, 1866. The builders of the Santiam Wagon Road then took several steps to maximize the number of acres they would receive.
First, they lied on government documents about when the Santiam road was completed to make it appear that the road had been built in response to the land grant law and not prior to the law’s passage. Second, when the law was passed, a road had already been built by someone else between Albany and Lebanon, but the Santiam group took credit for it to get an extra 30,000 acres of land.
Third, they basically faked construction of the road from
the Deschutes River to the Snake River. They built no bridges. They cleared little or no timber. In one place where they said they had graded the road on a hillside, all they did was install a 10-inchwide trench to hold the upper wheels of a wagon. In most places they did little more than drive a wagon over the route. In one 80-mile section, they may not even have done that.
Finally, they made the route extra circuitous in order to qualify for more acres of land. For example, east of Burns the road they mapped made a giant S curve that added 32 miles to the route length. Today, a highway from Vale to Burns bypasses this S curve despite going over no steeper grades. The S curve gave the wagon road company an extra 60,000 acres.
Purchasers and recipients of federal land grants couldn’t actually receive the land until it had been surveyed using the system of townships and sections. The Willamette Valley wagon road grant specified that the road company would get odd-numbered sections along the road.
The route they mapped passed dozens of farms built on federal land by families who planned to claim the land under the Homestead
Act. Once the land was surveyed, many of these families were stunned to learn that the wagon road company claimed any of the lands they had improved that were in oddnumbered sections. The company offered to sell the land to the would-be homesteaders for more than five times what they would have had to pay under the Homestead Act.
The homesteaders complained to the Secretary of the Interior that the Willamette Valley road was a fraud because no road had been built or, if it had been, it didn’t comply with the requirements of Oregon law. Among other things, the state law authorizing wagon roads called for a 16-foot-wide road and bridges across all streams. In response, the Secretary asked one of his agents to review the road.
The agent, W.F. Prosser, reported that he could find no trace of the road much beyond the South Fork of the Malheur and even where he could find a road, nothing east of Cache Creek in the Cascade Mountains complied with the terms of the grant.
Another USDI employee, J.B. McNamee, called it “the most unblushing frauds upon the government.”
After several years of dithering, in 1889 the department
took all three eastern Oregon wagon road companies to court, claiming they had failed to build the roads. However, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the road companies. The law didn’t require them to build the roads, the court said, but only to have the governor certify that they had built the roads. Oregon governors had so certified, so they qualified for the land, roads or not.
Why would the governors certify if no road had been built? The governors appointed agents to review the roads but required the wagon road companies to pay the agents. The homesteaders who objected to the land grants charged that the agents were paid in both cash and liquor to get them to approve certification.
Ultimately, the Willamette Valley company received 861,512 acres of land. What happened to that land will be covered in part 2 of this threepart series.
Much of the information in this article is from History of the Willamette Valley and Cascade Mountain Wagon Road, by Cleon L. Clark. The book was published by the Deschutes County Historical Society and is available at the Bend Library.
Holidays in Sisters
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…
SHOP LOCAL
HOLIDAY GIFTS
Holiday traditions abound in Sisters Country
— By Bill Bartlett, Correspondent —
Sociologists say that traditions are important to good mental and emotional health, especially related to holidays, birthdays and anniversaries. The Nugget asked around to get a flavor of those rituals important to various readers. Here’s what some had to say.
Brown at its finest. And every year we bring that tree home, savor the scent it brings to our house, put the white lights on and sit back and look at the tree. And we say that there could never be a more perfect tree. Until the next year.”
About one in three had the same sentiment as Bree Miller: “My favorite Christmas tradition is baking! From traditional sugar cookies to my mom’s families’ Sandbakkels. Now, with my own children it is something they also look forward to which is the best part of traditions.”
Susan Van Atta in Tollgate agrees: “I do a three-day cookie-baking extravaganza… kind of a bake ‘til you drop situation. Sometimes I can find people to join in, which makes it so much fun. Other times, I’m on my own. The good part is that at the end, I have plenty of homemade gifts to give to neighbors and friends.”
Several others shared Ian Reid’s sentiments: “Our family tradition, as surprising as it might not sound, is cutting a Christmas tree on the national forests. It started way back in college, changing from large group gatherings with friends to smaller, more intimate outings with just our core family and a thermos of hot chocolate.
“Throughout the years, we’ve had white firs, grand firs, silver firs, Douglas firs, Engelmann spruce, incense cedar, and yes, even a lodgepole pine once — Charlie
Ruth Mallen in Cascade Estates told us about her gratitude jar: “I put a large vase out, or basket, and have everyone write down what they are grateful for and put it in the vase or basket. Depending on timing, we either read them out loud after dinner or at the end of the visit.”
“Celebrate Saint Nicholas’ birthday on December 7.” That’s a tradition for Zena Kuzma. “He was a real person, a bishop, and the patron saint of sailors...also women with no dowry headed for perhaps work of ill repute.”
Many readers reported that their favorite traditions include grandchildren, like Diane Tolzman in Cloverdale: “I take my grandkids to the local Giving Tree and we each select a person to buy gifts for. We go shopping together and then go to dinner. Always includes a conversation about what we are thankful for and the opportunity we have to help someone else. We go together and deliver the gifts to the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Station.”
Many others revealed that their long-held traditions center around trees, lights, candles, hot chocolate, or rummaging for decorations and wearing outlandish hats and sweaters.
Flying Horse Gallery
Sisters’ newest art gallery, Flying Horse Gallery, at 161 S. Elm St., will be featuring a unique group show for the holiday season.
The exhibit titled “Small Works of Whimsy” will run through December, highlighting original works by more than 20 contemporary and fantasy artists from across the USA, Europe, and Asia.
Perfect for gift-giving, the works in the show are a maximum of 8-by-8-inches in size, with average prices ranging from $75 to $400.
The gallery also features original paintings and giclee prints from Brad Earl — known for nostalgic paintings ranging from typewriters, cameras, and sentimental favorite local icons, like Sisters’ own Sno Cap — and the mystical fantasy art of Sloane Earl.
In addition to the original artwork, prints, cards, and stickers are available; they make great stocking stuffers, and are all perfect options for gifting one-of-a-kind original work while supporting artists.
The “Small Works of Whimsy” exhibit will close December 29. For more information and news on upcoming events, visit www.flyinghorsegallery.com.
Christmastime peace
— By Jean Russell Nave, Columnist —
Our new Scottie pack, including Piper from the former pack, are the most peaceful group of Scotties we have ever had. Perhaps it is Piper’s influence, or maybe it’s because I’m filled with more peace than I ever have had before as a Scottie mom and the dogs can sense that peace. Whatever the cause, these three Scotties never fight or snap at each other.
The two pups snarl and growl during play, but they never get mad at each other. It is a joy to live with that love!
The Christmas season has traditionally been a time of peace. There are different theories regarding the date of Jesus’ birth. Sometime in the early fourth century the Church fixed the date as December 25.
For centuries, people have declared Christmas as a day of peace, regardless of the ferocity of fighting during war times. Now is the time to bring peace into our lives and homes.
Many people and organizations campaign for peace, yet there will never be peace until we each find peace in our hearts. Without that, some will be jealous or afraid of others and ultimately foment war.
There is a great old story about a town that wanted to hold a celebration, to thank its mayor for his service. Everyone agreed to donate wine for the festival. One individual decided that he would water his wine, because once all of the wine was pooled in the great barrel, his watered wine would not make any difference.
that as a parent your child cannot be trusted to do the right thing. Fear that your spouse does not love you enough to change. Fear that your friend is only thinking of themself.
Each of those conditions is based on a lack of love because divine love is also trust. Behind a lack of trust is fear and fear is the opposite of love.
These are also the problems we have with other nations and the reason for wars. War is selfishness based.
Before the festival, the full barrel was evaluated, and it was discovered that it was mostly water! Nearly everyone had thought that he could get away with a selfish move. It is selfishness that holds us back. That monster is the greatest challenge we all face. If we look around, there are many times when greed and selfishness are behind anger, fear, and war.
The saying that, “if it’s going to be, it’s up to me,” fits here. How can I expect you to be kind and thoughtful, if I am filled with fear and hate? How can we ever have a nation or world at peace if people are greedy, afraid, and filled with jealousy and hate?
How do we find unconditional Love?
Love is a feeling that cannot be legislated. Laws about proper conduct can guide people, but they do not change the heart.
This brings us back to the need for each one of us to develop a feeling of love for all our fellow humans. Jesus instructed us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. He meant that all people are our neighbors. Not just those in our close circle of friends. There will never be peace if we only like those who are like us.
So how can I find the peace within necessary to access an inner peace great enough that could help others find their peace within? My spiritual teachers, using the teachings of Jesus, have led me to start with a simple affirmation: I am one with God Almighty, I am one with all life and all people.
After the affirmation, I take time to quietly think about each segment of that affirmation. I think about God. God is not a white bearded man sitting on a throne somewhere in the clouds. God is everywhere, in all things, and the only power in the universe. God is the energy that makes the electron spin within every atom, and my body and all the air I breathe, the food I eat, and the water I drink is made up of those atoms. Now I can see that God is in everything. God is a benevolent, intelligent energy, and God is in everyone.
My heart has to be changed by me and a heart that does not acknowledge a higher power in the universe, has a hard time being filled with peace. I have known declared atheists who are kind and thoughtful people, but they too are filled with greed, selfishness, and fear. They lack the grounding given by understanding that this world is not an accident of nature. That all people are filled with a divine spirit which is goodness and love, but most people have not taken the time to reach past their material lives filled with greed and fear, and touch that amazing spirit of goodness and peace at their core.
Think about your family or closest friends. You think you love them, and you may believe that your love is truly unconditional. Do you ever argue? If you do, explore the cause of the argument. Is it fear? Fear
Next, I think about life and what that means. Life is the spark that animates a cluster of atoms. Without that spark all atomic clusters are lifeless. What gives each cluster that spark? An energy we cannot see or touch, but we can understand its effect. That energy is what we call God. So life is the result of a powerful, intelligent energy, which means that all life is filled with God.
Finally, what are people? People are all “children of God.” We are each made from and filled with that amazing energy which we call God. Our problems come from thinking in a shallow way. Thinking only about stuff that will make us “happy.” But that happiness is very shallow and transient.
The only happiness and inner peace occurs when we begin to see that we are really part of a great whole which is made by one leader, God. Our leader only wants everything and everyone to prosper. Our prosperity comes through peace, through seeing the good in everything and everyone. By knowing there is enough of everything we need if we are not greedy and selfish.
Peace is mine, when I rise above my material self and become one with God, life, and all people. Let us realize that peace and then share it with others.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27
Choral music to brighten
— By Bill Bartlett, Correspondent
Always a favorite with Sisters Country holiday merrymakers, Sisters High Desert Chorale and Bell Choir will present their winter concert this month. The first of two will be performed Friday, December 13, at 7 p.m. The second will sound off at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 15. Both concerts take place at Sisters Community Church located at 1300 McKenzie Highway in Sisters, where there is plenty of free parking.
The concerts themselves are free, but patrons are asked to make a small donation to cover the refreshments, including baked goodies, served at intermission.
The concerts are under the direction of Irene Liden with Becky Smith accompanist, and Lola Knox director of the Twelve Tones Bell Choir.
Liden told The Nugget, “The program will consist of various styles and languages representing a variety of cultures and countries.”
She went on to say, “Music is a universal language that reaches beyond borders. No matter where you’re from, music is something which can unite and bring peace to us all.”
The 40-plus strong group, originally formed as Sisters Community Choir in
Hazelnut Hill
Stuff stockings and stock your kitchen with scrumptious candies and toffees, tasty chocolate-covered hazelnuts, and ingredients for holiday meals, including pancake and waffle mix, hazelnut butter, hazelnut meal, and diced, natural, and in-shell hazelnuts.
Hazelnut Hill, near Eugene, crafts artisanal hazelnut specialty products that are the perfect complement to your holiday dining and snacking. It’s truly a farmto-table operation; each order is roasted on demand, and candy is handmade in a commercial-grade kitchen. Rachel Henderson tests and develops all their recipes.
The tree-to-table approach provides Hazelnut Hill customers with high-quality, delicious, nut-based products with a full chain of control that assures source and sustainability.
It’s a gift you can feel good about sharing with your loved ones and holiday guests: “I think it’s important to know where our food comes from, who’s growing it, and how it grows,” Rachel says.
By enjoying Hazelnut Hill’s products, you are supporting a family farm operation with wholesome and sustainable practices. Get your orders in early to ensure on-time delivery for your festivities!
Spoons
During the busy holiday season, it’s nice to have a place to go that offers a cozy atmosphere — a place to fortify yourself for all that holiday activity. Spoons has become Sisters’ go-to breakfast place for just that reason — but Spoons offers more than just a hearty meal to start your day. Come in for lunch and enjoy a burger or sandwich — and enjoy one of their $10 weekday specials.
Spoons understands how crazy this time of year can be. You don’t have time to cook, but your family still wants a tasty dinner. Spoons has the solution: Make your evening meal easy — and delicious. Order Spoons’ broasted chicken on your way home from work and pick it up by 5 p.m. (Call by 3 p.m. at 541-719-0572.)
and pick it up by 5 p.m. (Call by 3 p.m. at pies
The holidays demand delicious baked goods. Madi Cake, located inside Spoons, has your holiday pies and cakes for you. Order your holiday treats today. Ask about gluten-free options. To order, call 541-848-2589.
To order, call 541-848-2589.
brighten the season
Correspondent —
2007, was rebranded in 2014 by founding director Irene Liden whose career included 40 years teaching music theory, music ensembles, classes and private voice; and as a professional opera singer in Santa Fe, New Mexico,
performing with the Shreveport Opera Company in Louisiana, and Chautauqua Opera Company in New York.
Kristen Hansen will perform as a clarinet soloist.
Liden promises a fun range of works, some to which the audience will be asked to join in.
“There will be a Jewish piece, Hine Ma Tov, usually played at Jewish weddings and festivals.
The refrain in this Hebrew song is the equivalent to our “Fa, la, la’s” in ‘Deck the Halls,’ giving great spirit and joy,” she said with glee.
Fri., Dec. 13 • 7 p.m. Sun., Dec. 15 • 2:30 p.m.
Sisters Community Church 1300 McKenzie Highway
Alpaca By Design
As the chill of winter seeps into Sisters Country, it’s time to experience the warmth, comfort, and beauty of alpaca wool.
Alpaca By Design offers a tremendous range of hats, gloves, sweaters, scarves, throws, capes, and more — all made from the wool of these sweet creatures, raised in Oregon. Alpaca wool is something special: it’s lightweight, soft, hypoallergenic, eco-friendly, stain and odor resistant, super comfortable to wear — and it is beautiful.
hypoallergenic, socks
You can put check marks all down your Christmas list with a visit here — and give gifts that will bring joy and comfort for years to come. If there is a hunter or hiker on your list, you must stuff their stocking with the Adventurer Sock — simply the best for outdoor adventures. They’re comfortable, hypoallergenic, and antimicrobial. Their therapeutic socks are like wearing a foot massage.
Load up on unique and practical gifts — or gear up for your own Central Oregon adventures — with a visit to Alpaca By Design.
Si ers Cascade
Walking into Sisters Cascade at this time of year is like stepping over the threshold into a boutique at the North Pole. No place looks and feels more like Christmas.
There are hundreds of Christmas ornaments, stockings, holiday décor, floral, kitchenware, and local-made candles, soaps, and jewelry. They have “Oregon” and “Sisters” souvenirs and ornaments, affordable stocking stuffers, and beautiful hostess gifts.
There is so much to see and explore that you may never want to leave — except that you’ll need to get home with a Santa’s sack full of gifts and home decor.
Customer Appreciation Day is set for Saturday, December 7, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. with storewide discounts, wine, and Italian food catered by R Spot from 4:30 to 8 p.m.
Sisters Cascade has been in the heart of downtown Sisters for more than four decades and always welcomes you to stop by to explore to your heart’s content. They can help you find something very special for yourself or someone you love.
Are you seeking to find a small and welcoming f aith community?
Please join us for our traditional Christ-centered worship service at service 10 a.m. each Sunday. to
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church 386 N. Fir St., Sisters • 541-549-5831 www.shepherdofthehillslutheranchurch.com
PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT
A complex & joyful season
— By Audry Van Houweling, PMHNP-BC, Columnist —
’Tis the season... the season for holiday wins and pitfalls, connection and loneliness, gratitude and grief, peace and overwhelm. The holidays are a time when we are often met with paradox. The feelings evoked can be vast and varied, sometimes seeming in opposition to one another.
\When we ring in the cheer expecting a Hallmark movie special, we risk being disappointed. Amid the hopeful joy, expect it all to feel a bit messy and let’s do our best to disregard the filtered and curated images on our socials show casing an expectation of perpetual holiday bliss.
As I prepare to gather with family and friends this holiday season, there is a mix of anticipated joy and unease. The trepidation on the heels of the election is hard to ignore in a world that seems to be exploiting and profiting off division. Folks (including ourselves) are feeling a bit prickly and yet, can we find a way to break bread, pass the gravy, and indulge in pie and tryptophan alongside each other regardless?
Check expectations...
this is a luxury, but for most of us, such topics could get ugly. Focus on conversing about hobbies, shared memories, travel plans, career wins, and a few compliments never hurt.
A gracious exit...
Boundaries are important. In the case that things do get ugly or uncomfortable, a gracious exit may be necessary. Perhaps this is a short break. When the options are minimal, a trip to the bathroom or a stroll outside might do the trick. I have historically leaned on the “important” phone call I need to make in such cases. For really tense moments, a polite “thank you so much for hosting” prior to exiting the building (albeit prematurely) may be the ticket.
I recently found myself watching the Martha Stewart documentary on Netflix. Momentarily inspired, I took a dive into the world of festive homespun centerpieces and elevated fall decor that Martha says, is a “good thing.” Then I got restless and somewhat bored, decided to go on a hike. What turns out to be good for Martha may not quite float my boat. Beauty and hospitality are not to be devalued, but perfection is overrated. Let go of rigid expectations, embrace simplicity, and don’t be afraid to take a few shortcuts.
Safe topics of conversation...
With post-election feelings still fresh, it can be difficult to avoid opinions. For some of us with families of comparable views,
A bit of preparation...
I am always a bit of a better person after a good treadmill session or jaunt in the woods. My family gatherings are always lively and inevitably always a bit complicated. Take time for an extra dose of selfcare prior to sitting down at the holiday table. Get grounded, have an intention, and envision the best-case scenario as much if not more than the worst-case scenario.
It all comes down to gratitude... It is easy to get lost in the details. Amid the recipes, decor, and invites, let’s not forget to take moments for gratitude that can transcend conflict and misadventures. Take time for a gratitude inventory especially when holiday pitfalls seem to stack up. Gratitude can be a welcome antidote for overwhelm.
Wishing everyone a beautifully complex holiday season. Cheers to paradox and a few twists and turns. Remember to grasp tightly the moments of joy and remember to share the cheer with your neighbors.
Happy Holidays!
Stitchin’ Po
Stitchin’ Post is one of Sisters’ legendary shops — a craft center that has inspired generations of fabric and fiber artists.
The shop really shines at this time of year. The back wall is an Employee Boutique, featuring the work — which this year includes a stunning array of finished quilts for sale — of the many folks who work at Stitchin’ Post. These folks are artists themselves, so the boutique is a delight for shoppers.
“That’s really special because there’s all kinds of cool things in the Employee Boutique,” says owner Valori Wells.
Dive into Stitchin’ Post’s series of wonderful demo videos on YouTube on a variety of subjects, including quick holiday projects. Learn a craft, then purchase the parts and kits to make it. There are unique gift items, including blockprinted kitchen gifts, and all kinds of gifts for quilters and knitters. A gift certificate allows your artist to explore on their own.
And gift certificates can also be used toward fees for classes. Classes are currently underway, with new ones to come in January, as Stitchin’ Post carries on its longstanding mission to educate artists at every phase of their journey.
Makin’ it Local
Just as the name implies, Makin’ it Local offers artwork and gifts that represent the best of our state and community.
Pottery, jewelry, glasswork, fine art prints, woodwork, ceramics, Raku, and all kinds of specialty products — at Makin’ it Local, you can find gifts that truly speak to the Oregon experience, with a special emphasis on Central Oregon and Sisters.
The gift that makes everyone’s dreams come true, with no returns!
“That’s important to our residences and visitors,” noted gallery owner Myrna Dow, “that they experience the local culture. They know they’re supporting a local artist when they come in here.”
And there is no place that has a more vibrant arts community. Through more than 25 years of living in Central Oregon, Todd and Myrna Dow of Makin’ it Local have stumbled upon many incredibly talented local artists — and they love sharing their work with both the local community and the people who visit our town.
There is no more wonderful gift for those on your list (or yourself) than handcrafted works of art. And Makin’ it Local offers a treasure trove to explore.
Fika Si ers Coffeehouse
The very meaning of Fika is to take a moment to enjoy life with family and friends — and a cup of coffee and something yummy. There’s no time that calls for that spirit more than the holidays.
Fika Sisters Coffeehouse is decorated for the season, and the seasonal treats abound: Eggnog lattes, peppermint mocha, peppermint cold foam on top of a cold brew… it’s all there and waiting for your delight. Order up a Swedish tradition with a gingerbread Dala horse — or get a kit to make your own.
FRIENDS & VINE WINE BAR & SHOP
Celebrate the holidays with friends and family! 30 wines by the glass, three ight levels and 350+ bo les. Gi cards and gi “stockings” available. 541-965-3284 | friendsandvine.com
ROOTBOUND FOOD CART
Give the gi of a fresh, locally sourced, healthy meal this holiday season. Local women-owned food cart located at e Barn. 541-595-8246 | rootboundfoodcart.com
cold or get a kit to make your own.
Fika will celebrate in traditional Swedish fashion on Friday, December 13, with a St. Lucia’s Day pastry special. Order delicious Fika baked goods and quiche for take-home for holiday treats and dining.
Fika is sponsoring a month-long fundraiser for Bethlehem Inn. Buy puzzle pieces for $5 each and the puzzle will come together at the end of December, with proceeds going to the shelter.
Decompress from the holiday hurly-burly. Take time to Fika.
The SweetEasy Co.
Christmas and chocolate go together like Santa and reindeer — and The SweetEasy Co. is a great place to find delicious treats for the holiday season.
They have a whole lot of new chocolate items — and this is where you will find the legendary fudge originally created by their sister-store, Sisters Cascade, which is just across the courtyard. If there’s someone with a sweet tooth on your list — or you need a party gift that will really make an impression — there is nothing better than that fudge. People travel over the hill and through the woods to get it.
Delicious ice cream isn’t just a treat for the warm months — it’s just as delightful in the heart of winter. And if you need to warm up, order up a hot espresso drink from their full bar.
The SweetEasy Co. is part of Sisters Cascade ‘s Customer Appreciation Day on Saturday, December 7. You’ll want to stop by the sweets bar and get your fill of the delights of the season.
sweets bar and get your fill of the delights of the season.
MAKIN’ IT LOCAL
Treat yourself and give the gi 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 gi card for our restaurant farm-to-table food and camper kits. $10 o when you buy $50 worth of gi cards. We cater holiday meals too! 541-904-4450 | www.luckeyswoodsman.com
LAKE CREEK LODGE
Spread some cheer with gi 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 Gi of Wellness! A Shibui Spa gi certi cate is the perfect way to show your loved one just how much they mean to you. 541-549-6164 | shibuispa.com
SISTERS GROOMERY
Give the gi of grooming! Treat your pet to premium care. Holiday appointments and gi certi cates available. Book now! 541-639-2891 | sistersgroomery.com
TAKODA’S RESTAURANT
Our gi cards make great stocking stu ers! 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 gi card opens up a world of options! We have fabrics, yarns, art & quilting supplies, books, pa erns, gi s, and more! 541-549-6061 | www.stitchinpost.com
Thursday • December 5
Shutter Holiday Card Making Workshop at Sisters Library, 110 N. Cedar St., 1:30–3:30 p.m. Cra 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 eater Company ursday, 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.org
Friday • December 6
BBS Holiday Bazaar
at Camp Sherman Community Hall, 13025 Metolius River, Camp Sherman. 5–8 p.m. Beautiful, handcra ed wreaths and unique gi s await, all while supporting the Black Butte School community. Come by to shop! Information: www.bbswreaths.com
Pet Photos with Santa at Cascade Pet, 372 W. Hood Ave. $5 donation to bene t Furry Friends of Sisters or Deschutes County Humane Society. Brought to you by Miss Sew It All and Cascade Pet. Information: facebook.com/cascadepetgrooming
Saturday • December 7
BBS Holiday Bazaar at Camp Sherman Community Hall, 13025 Metolius River, Camp Sherman. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Beautiful, handcra ed wreaths and unique gi s 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.–2 p.m.
Information: www.deschuteslandtrust.org/ hikes-events/hikes/tree-hunt-2024
Sunday • December 8
Holiday Makers Market
at e 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.–1 p.m. Information: 541-719-0572
Monday • December 9
Thursday • December 12
Winter Storytime, a performance by Black Butte School, 6:30 p.m. at Camp Sherman Community Hall, 13025 Metolius River, Camp Sherman. Students will perform two short plays: “ e Mitten” and “ e 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
Winter Concert
presented by Sisters High Desert Chorale and Bell Choir. 7 p.m. at Sisters Community Church, 1300 McKenzie Highway. Concert is free, but patrons are asked to make a small donation to cover the cost of refreshments.
Saturday • December 14
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
Sunday • December 15
Breakfast with Santa at Black Butte Ranch Lodge. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., reservations required. Information: BlackButteRanch.com/Holidays
Winter Concert
presented by Sisters High Desert Chorale and Bell Choir. 2:30 p.m. at Sisters Community Church, 1300 McKenzie Highway. Concert is free, but patrons are asked to make a small donation to cover the cost of refreshments.
Wednesday • December 18
Solstice Book Flood community gathering and paperback book exchange at Paulina Springs Books, 252 W. Hood Ave., 6–7:30 p.m. Information: paulinaspringsbooks.com
Visit with Santa at Spoons, 473 E. Hood Ave., 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Information: 541-719-0572
Holiday Events
Thursday • December 19
C4C Hosting Let’s Sing! at Sisters Senior Living, 4–4:45 p.m., 411 E. Carpenter Ln.; then at e 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
Wednesday • December 25
Community Christmas Dinner at Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Station, 301 S. Elm St. Information: www.sisters re.com
December 26-31
Carriage Rides at Black Butte Ranch 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Tickets required, book early at: BlackButteRanch.com/Holidays
Tuesday • December 31
New Year’s Eve Dance Party featuring Company Grand with Kota Dosa at e Belfry, 302 E. Main Ave., 8 p.m. Tickets & information: www.belfryevents.com
Winter in Paris with Haute Melange at Ski Inn Taphouse, 310 E. Cascade Ave., 6–8:30 p.m. Tickets at the door. www.sisterstaphousehotel.com
FIRE BILLS:
Extreme season put up crippling expenses
to the Wildland Mapping Institute. More than one-third of all acres burned have been on private land, and about 62 percent was on federal land. At least 42 homes and 132 other structures were burned.
President-elect Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to withhold federal wildfire reimbursements to California as a form of political gamesmanship. Asked whether Kotek is seeking more money to prepare for potential federal withholding, Anca Matica, a Kotek spokesperson, said it’s not part of the current issue being solved by the special session.
“The state needs to pay its bills as expeditiously as possible,” Matica said in an email.
Kotek declared a state of emergency in response to wildfire threats and invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act a record 17 times. This mobilized structural firefighting resources coordinated by the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s office to local communities. The state fire marshal is on the hook for more than $34.5 million of the money owed by the state, and about 65 percent of that is owed to firefighting personnel. The federal government is expected to reimburse about $17.25 million of the $34.5 million, according to the state fire marshal’s office.
Incoming House Republican leader Christine Drazan of Canby expressed frustration in a news release that Kotek did not talk with
her or her peers before announcing the special session, but she said Republicans are willing to work cooperatively to solve the funding issues. Drazan lost the 2022 gubernatorial race to Kotek, and the two frequently butted heads in the House when Kotek served as speaker and Drazan as minority leader.
“Evidently, the Governor will be communicating via press release rather than a phone call. That is her prerogative,” Drazan said. “Despite this bizarre approach to leadership, Republicans welcome the opportunity to solve this problem by ensuring the people who work to protect Oregon communities during wildfire season are paid for their service.”
The Department of Administrative Services, responsible for tracking spending, did not respond to a request for a list of outstanding
payments from the wildfire season by Tuesday afternoon. Fire agencies already got $47.5 million from the Legislature’s Emergency Board in September to cover some outstanding costs, and the Oregon State Treasury rejected the Department of Forestry’s request for a $60 million loan last month, according to reporting from Willamette Week.
Wildfire protection and response costs in Oregon are generally split between private and public forest and range landowners and Oregonians via the state’s general fund. Costs for 2024 were projected to be about $136 million.
“Fighting wildfires of the magnitude we saw this season required a tremendous level of resources that even wildfire experts couldn’t foresee,” said House Speaker Julie Fahey, D-Eugene, in a statement.
SISTERS-ARE A Events & Enter tainment
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.
WEDNESDAY • DECEMBER 11
The Belfr y Live Music: Dean Johnson with Ian George 7 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m. Presented by The Whippoorwill Presents. Tickets and info: www.bendticket.com.
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 12
Paulina Springs Books Book Talk Sisters author Kit Tosello ("The Color of Home") in conversation with another Sisters author, Melody Carlson ("The Christmas Tree Farm") 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. www.paulinaspringsbooks.com.
THURS–SUN • DECEMBER 12-15
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. (except 12/14). Rated PG-13 Tickets and information: www.silentechotheatercompany.com.
FRIDAY • DECEMBER 13
Sisters High School Holiday Showcase 7 p.m. A showcase of acts from within our community. Suggested donation of $5 to support choir and band programs. Info: steven.livingston@ssd6.org
Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights Booster Draft at 5 p.m. $15. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.
Hardtails Bar & Grill Karaoke with Gaby 8 p.m. to midnight. Information call 541-549-6114.
SATURDAY • DECEMBER 14
Hardtails Bar & Grill Karaoke with Gaby 8 p.m. to midnight. Information call 541-549-6114.
SUNDAY • DECEMBER 15
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.
WEDNESDAY • DECEMBER 18
Sisters Saloon Poker Night Texas Hold’em 5:30 p.m. to close upstairs. 21+. $20 (add'l $5 when bounty chip is played).
Mother Nature sculpts in frost.
PHOTO BY KRIS KRISTOVICH
PARADE:
Event draws locals and visitors to downtown
Continued from page 1
and volunteer time, reducing the cost of executing the event. We have received a lot of positive praise for the decision from event-goers and agency partners.”
Holland notes, “This year, we had a new partnership with Sisters Makers. They graciously opened their doors to house our craft project and pictures with Santa. This was a huge success, and we are very grateful for their support,” said Holland. “The Majority of our staff team is there to ensure that the event goes smoothly (approximately seven staff). However, we still rely on volunteers to help during the event. Rotary Club of Sisters provided six volunteers to hand out hot chocolate and cider.”
In addition, the City of Sisters provides staff to shut down the roads and ensure everything is operational at the park. Most importantly, they ensure the tree will light without problems.
Many families echoed the same sentiment: It’s tradition to come to the tree lighting and parade, and it’s nice to have it combined as one event.
Shirley McBride, in an unmissable reindeer outfit, is one of the icons of the Christmas parade.
“It’s my 30th Christmas parade in Sisters, and I love it, and I love to see all of the kids’ faces when they see the reindeer walking by,” said McBride.
The sentiment of tradition
was a theme throughout this year’s parade, and attendees and participants craved that sense of small-town tradition. Members of the Three Sisters Historical Society, Gayle Todd and Pat Leiser, walked in the parade in period dress, and when asked what they love about being in the parade, Todd stated, “It’s tradition; you gotta do it.”
The parade started with the Sisters Veterans, as does every parade. It’s one of the veterans’ favorite events each year, they say. The Pacific Northwest Newfoundland Club was a favorite this year, with big fluffy Newfies coming up to patrons for a sniff. Dogs and horses were everywhere — a big part of the parade in Sisters each year.
The Sisters Camp Sherman Fire District and Cloverdale Fire District were a big hit again this year, driving the big engines; kiddos were enamored to see them go by. Santa Claus even got a ride in the fire engine, ending the parade and kicking off the holidays in Sisters Country.
A warmer day turned into a chillier evening, but that didn’t stop patrons from sticking around for the park activities, visiting Santa, and waiting for the countdown to light up the town tree.
“My favorite part is to see everyone with smiles on their faces,” said Holland. “There is something magical about this time of year. Coming together as a community and celebrating Sisters and our small-town traditions is special. Sisters Park & Recreation District is honored to be entrusted with this event and looks forward to next year.”
Sisters veterans kicked off the annual holiday parade.
PHOTO BY JAROD GATLEY
Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer made an appearance.
PHOTO BY JAROD GATLEY
Sisters’ community Christmas Tree is now all lit up for the holiday season.
PHOTO BY JAROD GATLEY
Legendary Corgis are a traditional feature of the parade.
PHOTO BY JAROD GATLEY
Budget has more for housing, homelessness and schools
By Julia Shumway Oregon Capital Chronicle
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek wants the state to spend more than $2 billion on homelessness and housing and send a record $11.4 billion to public schools as part of a budget focused on maintaining existing programs with little cash to spare for new initiatives.
Her total spending plan, including federal funding that the state doesn’t have much control over, is $137.7 billion for the two-year period from July 2025 to June 2027. Her proposed general fund and lottery funds budget, where Kotek and lawmakers have more discretion, is $39.3 billion.
That’s a sharp increase from the $33.5 billion general fund and lottery funds budget lawmakers approved in 2023, but it doesn’t reflect much new spending. Instead, the state is grappling with the same budgetary pressures as many Oregonians: Revenue is higher, but so are costs.
“People understand this from their own household budgets,” Kotek said at a press conference in Astoria last week. “While our economy is strong and wages are up, and people, if you just look at the numbers, are making more, their expenses are up. And in the case of the state, our expenses for health and human services have really grown, so the expenditure line is outpacing the money coming in the door.”
Her recommended budget doesn’t include layoffs or cuts to services, and it also has few new programs. Kotek’s office provided embargoed copies of her budget document and prepared remarks on the condition that reporters not share the information or seek comment from other sources until after she publicly releases her budget proposal midday Monday.
When state agencies crafted their budget requests, Kotek limited them to a 1 percent increase over 2025-27 levels. She also asked them to prepare lists of where they could cut by 10 percent by focusing on core services and making sure to maximize federal funding.
“It was a hard exercise for some,” Kotek’s prepared remarks say. “But I believed that Oregonians, in this moment, would be better served by committing time and energy to practical considerations rather than wellmeaning hypothetical wish lists. Developing my budget was an effort grounded in the reality of our state and our resources.”
Housing and homelessness Oregon’s twin housing
and homelessness crises have long been top of mind for Kotek, who declared a homelessness emergency on her first full day in office. Early executive orders, and an infusion of hundreds of millions from the Legislature during the past two years, are on track to lead to about 3,300 families moving into permanent homes, 4,800 shelter beds across the state, and 24,000 Oregonians receiving support needed to remain housed by July, her office estimated.
But more than 20,000 Oregonians were homeless on a single night in 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s latest point in time count, and most of those people still sleep outside or in cars.
Kotek will make the case that her budget requests will reduce the state’s homelessness crisis, while not solving it.
“By the end of the current biennium next July, the actions related to the homelessness emergency I declared are projected to rehouse and shelter thousands of Oregonians, while preventing thousands more from becoming homeless in the first place,” her prepared remarks say. “If we continue at this pace, the equivalent of nearly one in three Oregonians experiencing homelessness on my first day in office will be rehoused by the end of my first term.”
Kotek is seeking $217.9 million to maintain Oregon’s existing shelters and $188.2 million to rehouse currently homeless people. She’ll also ask lawmakers to approve $173.2 million for eviction prevention services to keep people from becoming homeless in the first place and $105.2 million for long-term rental assistance for individuals and families who need more than short-term emergency help.
Her longer-term goal of building 36,000 homes per year to get Oregon out of a housing shortage that drives up rents and home prices remains. Kotek’s asking lawmakers to approve $880 million in state bonds for more affordable homes, with most of that sum for rental homes, as well as $100 million for infrastructure needs related to homebuilding. Lawmakers last year allocated close to that amount for water, wastewater, and other upgrades needed before developers could build homes in cities across the state.
Education and children
Kotek is seeking $11.4 billion for the State School Fund, an increase over the current $10.2 billion. That comes as a result of changes
in how she wants to calculate school funding and as skyrocketing pension costs threaten school budgets.
She’ll also ask lawmakers to approve $127 million for early literacy programs, with grants to school districts, community organizations, tribal nations and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which sends free books to families for children up to 5. Another $78.5 million would go toward ongoing spending on summer learning programs, which have struggled to find consistent funding in Salem.
Her proposed budget reflects a spring settlement in a class-action lawsuit over Oregon’s child welfare system. Kotek will recommend $23.6 million in new funding for Oregon’s child welfare system to implement the settlement agreement, including $10 million to end the practice of placing children in temporary lodging in hotels and $4 million to help youth aging out of foster care.
She’ll also seek $25 million for youth behavioral health, including $6 million for mental health services and substance use disorder screening in schools and $17 million for residential and community-based services for young people struggling with addiction or behavioral health.
Behavioral health
Keeping behavioral health workers and training and hiring more are top priorities in Kotek’s budget, which includes a proposed $130 million for provider rate increases aimed at retaining Oregon’s Medicaid workforce and increasing inpatient psychiatric rates.
“Just like we cannot solve homelessness without building housing, we cannot close our gaps in services without more places to get treatment and more people to provide that treatment,” her prepared remarks say.
Her budget calls for using tens of millions in remaining American Rescue Plan funds to train behavioral health workers and build 336 more treatment beds, adding to a goal of 465 new beds statewide by 2026. Kotek will also seek $40 million for counties to continue deflection programs that allow people charged with drug possession to receive treatment instead of jail time.
Responding to Trump
While president-elect Donald Trump isn’t mentioned by name in budget documents, his election, and fears that he’ll slash federal spending and programs developed by the Biden administration, triggered millions in proposed new spending for reproductive health, climate
change, and federal lawsuits.
That includes an extra $2 million for attorneys in the state Justice Department to defend state laws, including access to reproductive health care, Oregon’s environmental standards, protections for immigrants, and trade agreements. Kotek also calls for another $2 million for Oregon’s Bias Response Hotline, run through the Justice Department.
Her recommended budget also includes $7 million to help immigrants living in the state navigate the immigration system and find legal representation as Trump vows to deport hundreds of thousands of immigrants and potentially threaten sanctuary cities. Oregon for decades has been a sanctuary state by law, with state and local governments barred from assisting the federal government from enforcing immigration law.
Kotek also wants to add $2.5 million for grants to
expand reproductive health services, including programs that help patients find services, and state funding for providers to upgrade facilities in response to an increase in patients seeking abortions. Clinician-provided abortions in Oregon — which does more to protect access to abortion than all other states besides Vermont — are up 40 percent since 2020, according to the Guttmacher Institute, which tracks reproductive health policy.
Another $2.5 million in Kotek’s recommended budget would be reserved to protect Oregon from disruption in care if federal reproductive health funding declines under the next administration. The state already added to its stockpile of the abortion drug mifepristone.
Republished under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0., courtesy, https://oregoncapital chronicle.com.
Maggie Bull, 96, made a quilt from Crown Royal bags as a commissioned piece.
PHOTO BY JIM CORNELIUS
in Sisters. At Redmond he’d be part of the Redmond Chapter of FFA (Future Farmers of America) and fall under the umbrella of Career and Technical Education (CTE) that “embraces education, passion, and curiosity to fuel the future for Oregon students. CTE programs use 21st century technology to support students in acquiring technical skills, professional practices, and academic knowledge critical for career success in high-wage, in-demand careers.”
Not too far away, between Sisters and Tumalo, the Brent children are also in the breeding and show business. Adelaide, eight, shows chickens and raises goats, and when we met her she was tending to three chicks hatched on Thanksgiving with two more eggs still in the incubator.
Until she’s nine, she’s ineligible to join her brother and sister as a full-fledged member of Cloverdale Livestock Club, the 4H chapter in Sisters Country. As such, she’s a “Cloverbud,” but no less enthusiastic or
hardworking than the older kids.
Brother Dixon, 13, has a large show-goat breeding program that he built from scratch two years ago. He, along with older sister Verbana, just acquired a 1986 Ford pickup that they’re learning to restore. He already can drive, as many farm and ranch kids learn early.
Verbana, 15, shows sheep but is also raising pigs to breed.
All three attend Sisters schools.
It was eight degrees last Wednesday morning and all three Brent kids were out checking their livestock, which also includes turkeys and Scottish Highland cattle. They knew livestock coats and feathers would protect them from the cold, but their water would be frozen. And they’d still need to be fed.
It’s all in a day’s work for the trio. They needed no coaxing from their parents to get them out of a warm bed.
Like Owen, Verbana and Dixon, talked about the importance of math and some of the classes they could possibly take in Sisters that would increase their knowledge of soils, meteorology, food science, and construction.
Sisters High School, too,
has a CTE program. The District encourages students to explore all the CTE programs of study. If a student develops an interest in a particular area, they are encouraged to complete the program by taking three credits in the field, which can be a combination of in-person classes, courses offered by local colleges or universities, and internship/work experiences.
But according to the 30-plus kids in the Cloverdale Livestock Club who attend schools in Sisters, the CTE program sorely needs agribusiness courses, and an expansion of courses to include welding and similar skills needed in the building trades, such as plumbing and electric.
Pam Mitchell, one of the longtime leaders of the Club met with District Superintendent Curt Scholl recently to discuss what it would take to get agrisciences and/or business under the CTE umbrella.
Mitchell sees the need and demand firsthand.
“It was a very productive meeting,” she said. “Not unexpectedly, the issue of funding was brought up as an obstacle, but in general, the District agrees that there is a need and benefit to such courses.
“There is widespread
community support for vocational agriculture,” Mitchell said. “We have many businesses who can lend expertise to such an effort.”
In next week’s Nugget
we look at how CTE is funded, and ways in which Mitchell and parents like the Brents and Christiansons can make their case to the School Board.
The Brent family are ardent participants in agriculture in Sisters Country.
PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT
Owen Christianson loves the hard work on a ranch.
PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT
Owen Christianson works on fencing.
PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT
SCULPTURE: Horse is undergoing repairs after accident
Continued from page 1
it about the drivers?” joked his buddy, Leo Branson. They are among a high number of Sisters Country folk worried about the damaged art.
“Yeah, it’s worse than we first thought,” said Public Works Director Paul Bertagna. “All three anchor points had damage — the rear legs and tail.” The lifesize work, owned by the city and stationed on city property, was immediately strapped and cordoned off to prevent further damage or injury to passerbys until it could be safely rigged and moved.
Bertagna said the repair cost estimates keep going up, and he does not yet have the final tab. He is hoping that the bronze horse will be back at its location in the next few days. Repairs are being performed at Ponderosa Forge in Sisters. They are waiting for material to arrive to complete the restoration.
The statue, a source of thousands of photos taken by visitors and locals (like
?
the one shown on page 1), was a gift to the city in 2009 in honor of the Oregon Sesquicentennial. The work was valued at $250,000 at the time.
The revered statue is the work of world-renowned artist and sculptor Lorenzo Ghiglieri (1931-2020) whose creations grace some of the most prestigious museums and art collections around the world, including the White House, the Vatican, the Kremlin, and the Royal Palace in Madrid, among others. His sculptures and paintings have been presented to dignitaries like Ronald Reagan, Al Gore, Mikhail Gorbachev, Pope Paul II, Queen Elizabeth, and Luciano Pavarotti.
“It’s not as heavy as people think,” said Bertagna.
Local artists guess the weight at between 300 and 400 pounds. The statue stands nearly nine feet in height.
“I miss the old boy,” said Louise Thomas of Sisters, who walks her dog past the statue every day. “It’s a very important part of the city. I just love it in the summertime when so many young children ‘pet’ the horse and have their picture taken with him.”
AUTHORS: Writers will share their stories at book store
Continued from page 3
the “great indoors” — bookstores and libraries — usually with a matcha latte in hand.
In “The Christmas Tree Farm,” Madison McDowell returns from several years teaching overseas. She has high hopes of picking up where she left off at her family’s Christmas tree farm in Oregon. But between damage from a recent wildfire, and the neglect due to her
sister Addie’s unwillingness to invest, the farm is in sad shape. And Addie is intent on selling the property. With the odds stacked against her, Madison decides to double down on her dreams. It will take a ton of hard work — and some help from an unlikely ally — to save the farm she so dearly loves. But it may take a miracle to restore her relationship with her sister.
Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books (with sales around 7.5 million) for teens, women, and children. That’s a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a “storyteller.” Her novels range from serious issues like schizophrenia (“Finding Alice”) to lighter topics (like “The Happy Camper,” also a film), but much of the inspiration behind her fiction comes right out of real life. Her young adult novels (“Diary of a Teenage Girl,” “TrueColors,” etc.) appeal to teens around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She’s won a number of national awards (including Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, the Rita, and the Gold Medallion) and some of her books have been made into TV movies.
Paulina Springs Books is located at 252 W. Hood Ave.
WHERE IN THE WORLD IS The Nugget
Kris Kristovich in Montana, on Gravelly Range Road — working to keep his Nugget open with winds blowing at 20 miles per hour with dinner at Toto’s Cucina Italiana!
Kit Tosello.
PHOTO PROVIDED
Melody Carlson.
PHOTO PROVIDED
stories and four novels published. The series is made up of: four short stories — “Captivated,” “The Second Hostage,” “Forgotten,” and “The Deadline Clock;” and four novels — “The Never Game,” “The Goodbye Man,” “The Final Twist,” and “Hunting Time.” The fifth novel coming next year is “South of Nowhere.”
You don’t have to read (or watch) the series in order, since each book or TV episode is based on a different case. A few of the characters are regulars, but new people appear in every book and TV show, which keeps it interesting. The regulars help him in many ways, especially with finding rewards posted, solving any legal problems, and finding critical information through multiple computer systems.
“The Deadline Clock” is a good one to start with. Shaw arrives in Westbay, Maine, because one of his team members saw a notice offering a reward for help in finding Ellie Kohl, a kidnap victim. The problem is that the help needed is urgent, because Ellie is the second victim in the town,
and a deadline for the ransom to be paid is only a few hours away. The first victim’s family was able to come up with the ransom money only a few minutes before the victim would have been killed. The Kohls are not wealthy, so trying to find some way to get the money makes things even worse.
“The Never Game” is excellent, also. Shaw is on the hunt for Sophie Mulliner, a 19-year-old student who disappeared after an argument with her father. Some people think she left voluntarily, but her father believes there is no way she would leave her dog behind if she was leaving for good. After Shaw sees security video from the last place she stopped to get a bite to eat, he agrees with her dad that she didn’t choose to leave. Included in this novel are several side stories on other cases, so it stays interesting throughout.
Following Shaw’s path to rescuing victims is intriguing. He was raised in a “survivalist family” so his knowledge of tracking is excellent, but the way he puts seemingly unimportant clues together to find and rescue innocent people is great. If the TV series stays as popular as it seems to be now, Deaver will be writing a lot more novels and short stories.
Continued from page 2
Texas on 1,400-plus acres near the border.
It’s my understanding that law enforcement agencies within communities that willingly participate in these round ups and temporarily hold illegals will be rewarded, while communities that refuse to cooperate will be held accountable in some nefarious and negative fashion. It sounds to me as though there will be no middle ground according to Homan. Google it!
I personally will not be pointing the finger or turning in my neighbor to representatives of I.C.E, but who’s to say that the person two doors down from me won’t? I look to Germany during the rounding up of Jews just as an example and that disturbs me to my core!
Maybe the town I live in can get ahead of this storm barreling down on us by having a long, hard public discussion on how we are going to handle and prepare for it, not if, but when it arrives at our front door. Over and over again I’ve read, heard, been told how Sisters is a community that comes together during hard times. Those times are here, in my opinion, and we can’t ignore that. Playing catch-up is a losing strategy.
I’ll end this with another comment from Sheriff Vander Kamp from the same article on November 13. He interprets his election as a mandate for change. Quote: “We have to build trust,” he said.
W.L. Duggan
s s s
Many thanks
To
the Editor:
During this season of gratitude and giving, the Seed to Table board and staff extend their thanks for the generous gift, opportunity, and support from the Sisters 100+Women Who Care in November. Funds raised will go to
many good uses as Seed to Table prepares its soil for planting, educational programming, and Sisters Farmers Market. Like so many nonprofits, 2024 has been challenging to raise funds with so many worthy causes requiring resources and funding. 100+ Women Who Care has come on strong as a new chapter in Sisters.
The Seed to Table team feels lucky to be chosen to receive funds. Early next year, because of funding like this, Seed to Table Founder and Executive Director, Audrey Tehan, and the fabulous farm team will be starting seeds that will be planted on the farm to provide healthy, locally grown food to families who might not be able to afford quality veggies. Our Education Director, Hannah Joseph, is planning curriculum for farm-based learning for over 1,000 Sisters School District students and many other Central Oregon children. Willa Bauman, our manager for the Sisters Farmers Market, is excited about next year’s market and will be signing up small batch makers and growers for the 2025 season. With support from organizations like 100+ Women Who Care, the future of Seed to Table is bright and full of hope for a wonderful new year.
Many thanks!
Katy Yoder & the Seed to Table Team s s s
Obnoxious
To the Editor:
I found the remarks made by Lisa May on November 20 as a guest columnist to be obnoxious. While she is welcome to believe in her faith, I think it is unacceptable to read about her dogma in The Nugget The Nugget is for news and information that serves our shared space.
Sunday school is the place for speak or write about one’s biblical convictions, not the community newspaper.
William Davis
Sisters Country birds
Northern Goshawks are found throughout the mountains and forests of North America and Eurasia. In North America they range from western central Alaska and the Yukon territories in the north to the mountains of northwestern and western Mexico. They are typically not found in the southeastern United States.
Northern Goshawks can be found in coniferous and deciduous forests. During their nesting period, they prefer mature forests consisting of a combination of old, tall trees with intermediate canopy coverage and small open areas within the forest for foraging. During the cold winter months they migrate to warmer areas, usually at lower elevations.
The largest of the accipiters, females can weigh up to 1,000 grams (2.2 pounds).
on the back and top of the head; the underside is white streaked with brown. They also have a white eye stripe, although it is not as prominent as in the adults, and a yellow iris. The full adult plumage is not reached until the third year, although second-year birds will have some adult plumage. As in all the accipiters, the female is larger than the male.
Goshawks feed on a wide variety of prey, including rabbits and hares, squirrels, grouse, pigeons, and small birds and mammals.
Prey is obtained by a quick approach from cover. There have been few reports of goshawks eating carrion.
The largest of the accipiters, females can weigh up to 1,000 grams (2.2 pounds).
Adult goshawks are told by their slate gray/blue back, dark cap, and striking white eye line. The underside is white streaked with black and gray. The red eye color in adults is one of their most striking characteristics. Immatures are brown
Two to five eggs are laid in a well-built stick nest located high in a conifer or hardwood tree. The nest is often built in the crotch of the tree. Goshawks are known for their ferocious defense of the nest against humans, often flying at people who approach. They lay two to four bluish eggs, which incubate for 28-32 days and then fledge after 35 days.
Groups of hawks are called a “boil,” a “kettle,” or a “cast” of hawks. To view more images of goshawks, visit https://abird singsbecauseithasasong. com/recent-journeys/.
By Douglas Beall Correspondent
Northern Goshawk.
PHOTO BY DOUGLAS BEALL
This Week’s Crossword Sponsors
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.
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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.
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.
OFFICE/RETAIL
SPACE FOR RENT
Great location across from Ace Hardware.
Several space types available. Call owner Jim Peterson/RE Broker. 503-238-1478
103 Residential Rentals
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
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.
104 Vacation Rentals
~ Sisters Vacation Rentals ~ Private Central OR vac. rentals, Property Management Services 541-977-9898
www.SistersVacation.com
Downtown Vacation Rentals
Popular 1 and 2 Bedroom SistersVacationRentals.net Great pricing. 503-730-0150 T H E N U G G E T N E W S P A P E R Your Local News Source! www.nuggetnews.com
Breaking News / Feature Photos Extras / Letters
201 For Sale
Hydrow rowing machine
Used 5 times, like brand new. Stores upright. Buyer pick up. Retails $2,500, marked down to $900. 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
Happy Trails Estate Sales and online auctions!
Selling, Downsizing, or Deaths? Locally owned & operated by... Daiya 541-480-2806 Sharie 541-771-1150
206 Lost & Found
Have you seen this quilt?
This quilt is missing and the maker would like to have it back. Significant personal value. If you have any information on its whereabouts, call or text to: 971-263-4158.
LOST AN ITEM? FOUND SOMETHING VALUABLE?
Advertise in The Nugget's Lost & Found classifieds
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
500 Services
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
GEORGE’S SEPTIC TANK SERVICE “A Well Maintained Septic System Protects the Environment” 541-549-2871
• DERI’s HAIR SALON • Call 541-419-1279
501 Computers & Communications
3 Sisters TeleNetworks, LLC Cable jobs, security cameras, WAPs. CCB #191099 541-318-7000 • 541-306-0729
502 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning GORDON’S LAST TOUCH
Cleaning Specialists for CARPETS, WINDOWS & UPHOLSTERY
Member Better Business Bureau
• Bonded & Insured • Serving Central Oregon Since 1980 Call 541-549-3008
M & J CARPET CLEANING
Area rugs, upholstery, tile & dryer-vent cleaning. Established & family-owned since 1986. 541-549-9090
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
Construction Contractors
Licensing Information ~ An active license means your contractor is bonded and insured. For additional details visit www.oregon.gov/CCB
600 Tree Service & Forestry
– All You Need Maintenance –Tree removal, property thinning & clearing, forestry mastication & mulching, stump grinding. Lic/Bonded/Ins. CCB# 218169 Austin • 541-419-5122
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
JS Mulching LLC Forestry mulching, Land clearing. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured 541-401-9589 www.NuggetNews.com Y O U R S O U R C E for news up-to-date! 601 Construction CASCADE GARAGE DOORS Factory Trained Technicians Since 1983 • CCB #44054 541-548-2215 • 541-382-4553
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
SPURGE COCHRAN
BUILDER, INC.
General Contractor
Building Distinctive, Handcrafted Custom Homes, Additions, Remodels, Cabin Renovations Since ’74
A “Hands-On” Builder
Keeping Your Project on Time & On Budget • CCB #96016
To speak to Spurge personally, call 541-815-0523
Lara’s Construction LLC. CCB#223701
Offering masonry work, fireplaces, interior & exterior stone/brick-work, build barbecues, and all types of masonry. Give us a call for a free estimate 541-350-3218
Uncompromising quality. Local and personal. You can trust me. All projects: From new construction to those little projects you don't seem to get to. My team of local subcontractors and I will get it done right, fair, and pain-free so you can make your spouse happy. Call Jared 503-949-9719
602 Plumbing & Electric
Commercial • Residential • Industrial • Remodels • Generators • Hot tubs/Saunas monteselectric@hotmail.com CCB#200030 • 541-480-9860
SWEENEY PLUMBING, INC.
“Quality and Reliability” Repairs • Remodeling • New Construction • Water Heaters 541-549-4349
Residential and Commercial Licensed • Bonded • Insured CCB #87587
Ridgeline Electric, LLC
Serving all of Central Oregon
• Residential • Commercial
• Industrial • Service 541-588-3088 • CCB #234821
T H E N U G G E T
442 E. Main Avenue
POB 698, Sisters, OR 97759 541-549-9941
603 Excavation & Trucking
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
• CCB #76888
541-549-1472
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!
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
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
Interior/Exterior Painting Deck Refinishing Jacob deSmet 503-559-9327
peakperformancepainting1@ gmail.com • CCB#243491
606 Landscaping & Yard Maintenance
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 Landscaping Services Mowing, Thatching, Hauling Call Abel Ortega, 541-815-6740
– All You Need Maintenance –Pine needle removal, hauling, mowing, moss removal, edging, raking, weeding, pruning, roofs, gutters, pressure washing. Lic/Bonded/Ins. CCB# 218169 Austin • 541-419-5122
701 Domestic Services
BLAKE & SON – Commercial, Home & Rentals Cleaning WINDOW CLEANING! Lic. & Bonded • 541-549-0897
I & I Crystal Cleaning, LLC Specializing in Commercial, Residential & Vacation Rentals. Licensed, Bonded & Insured. 541-977-1051
704 Events & Event Services
#195556
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
SERVICE TO PROVIDE? BUSINESS TO PROMOTE? VEHICLE FOR SALE? HOUSE TO RENT? LOOKING FOR LAND? GARAGE TOO FULL? NEED SOME HELP? Advertise in The Nugget Newspaper's CLASSIFIEDS. For no additional cost your classified goes ONLINE! Go to www.NuggetNews.com DEADLINE: Every Monday by noon. Call 541-549-9941
for puzzle on page 29
CENTRAL OREGON'S LARGEST GUN & KNIFE SHOW! December 14 and 15. Saturday, 9-5 • Sunday, 9-3 Deschutes County Expo Center ADMISSION: General $10; Military/Vets $8; 2-day pass $16; Children under 12 are free. For info call 503-363-9564
WesKnodelGunShows.com
802 Help Wanted
~ Quality Painting, Ext. & Int. Refurbishing Decks
CCB #131560 • 541-771-5620 www.frontier-painting.com
BEAD STRINGER WANTED Pearl & Stone bead knotting. Flexible part-time piece-work, at home or in The Jewel’s workshop. Can train French wire and hole drilling. Drop resume at Jewel or phone Jan, 541-977-1514
Fun & Games
H
SNOW WORDFIND
B
T
Y O T R L V U O R L Z J B V
S W D W E E B M M F T Z L B
G A J S B M D A U U H J G S
Q T T W I N T E R C E O K M
R E W O L B W O N S C X M A
G I S T B P S W W J S A Z U
B F Q T H K V A F U Y P E O
O Z T S U M H M R O T S B C
Find words forward, backward, horizontally, or diagonally.
SNOW BLIZZARD STORM ACCUMULATION INCHES FEET RULER SLED SHOVEL GLOVES SNOWBLOWER FREEZING JANUARY WINTER
SUDOKU EASY PEASY!
Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down, and each small nine-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.
MA TH SQU ARE
Use the numbers 1 through 16 to complete the equations. Each number is only used once. Each row is a math equation. Each column is a math equation. Remember that multiplication and division are performed before addition and subtraction.
Find
10 differences
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 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
