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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 Unpublished items are not acknowledged or returned.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.
No growth option
To the Editor:
I attended the UGB open house and I was disappointed that the city is not pursuing, or even considering, a no-growth option by challenging the state’s mandate that we
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destroy the nature of Sisters with continuous expansion and density.
Why can’t the city “lawyer up” and fight the state’s requirement?
Susanna DeFazio
Sisters Weather Forecast
Thursday
Greater Idaho running out of options
By Randy Stapilus Guest Columnist
The Greater Idaho movement, which seeks to redraw Oregon’s border and have most of central and eastern Oregon counties join its eastern neighbor, has displayed a knack for getting attention. But its run may be nearing an end because it is hitting a wall in moving toward its goal.
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Sunday December 27 Showers
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Co-owner: J. Louis Mullen
The Nugget is available to pick up free at The Nugget office and at businesses throughout Sisters and Tumalo; mail subscriptions are available in the 97759, 97756, 97730, and 97703 zip codes for $55/year; subscriptions outside these zip codes: $70/year, $45/six months (or less).
Shopping for family…
As part of a 10-year annual Christmas tradition Circle of Friends mentor take their mentees shopping at the Habitat for Humanity Thrift Store to purchase presents for their families. ZoselHarper Realtors started the tradition of providing $20 gift cards at the suggestion of Jeanette Pilak to Carol Zosel one morning as they were side-by-side on their treadmills. When Carol’s husband Chuck Harper joined the Habitat board, Habitat decided to match the gifts so each child now has $40 to spend at the Thrift Store. After shopping is complete, everyone returns to the Circle of Friends clubhouse to wrap their presents.
On December 4, the Citizens for Greater Idaho group sent a letter to President-elect Donald Trump asking for his help in shifting the counties to Idaho. Pointing out that people in eastern Oregon largely supported Trump in the November election while the state overall remained Democratic, the group said, “We yearn to join the family of small-government and citizen-directed systems that Idahoans enjoy, but we need help from your administration to make this happen.”
Apparently, Trump has not responded. He could speak out on the issue, but a President has little ability to change state boundaries. Article IV, Section 3, Clause 1 of the Constitution says no changes involving “parts of states” can happen “without the consent of the legislatures of the states concerned as well as of the Congress.”
The Greater Idaho movement could petition Congress for action, though there seems to be little interest there. Early in 2023 the group did see a whisper of movement on that front, with the Idaho House of Representatives passing House Joint Memorial 1, which “resolves that the Idaho Legislature stands ready to begin discussions with the Oregon Legislature regarding the potential to relocate the Oregon/Idaho state boundary.”
But the statement was nonbinding, and it didn’t pass by a large margin. It died in a Senate committee, and the idea was not revived in the 2024 legislative session.
One of the legislators who supported the memorial said during the debate he didn’t think it would ever happen. Though the Greater Idaho movement is good public relations for Idaho, state officials don’t appear to have much interest in
moving forward with it. Their action is still more than what Oregon lawmakers have done, and there are no signs of any movement on that front in Salem. Gov. Tina Kotek has not addressed the issue either even though backers called for talks on the issue this spring. Then on July 11, the Greater Idaho leaders sent her a letter, asking to meet. Their website says no response has been forthcoming.
The group has had some success with voters. From November 2020 to this May, 13 Oregon counties voted in favor of talks on the Greater Idaho idea: Jefferson, Union, Baker, Grant, Lake, Malheur, Sherman, Harney, Klamath, Morrow, Wheeler, Wallowa, and Crook. One of those, Wallowa, voted against in 2020 but reversed that stand this year by a margin of seven votes.
That marked a slight reversal of the general trend of support, however. The most electoral enthusiasm for an Idaho move was in 2021 and 2022, when measures calling for talks on the issue won about 60 percent support. Votes in Wallowa and Crook counties that have been held since then have been much closer.
The movement may have gone as far as it can. Voters in Josephine and Douglas counties rejected Greater Idaho, and meetings on the idea in counties where measures passed have been sparsely attended.
The movement is based in La Pine, which is in Deschutes County. The county has not voted on the idea, and it would likely fail there: Deschutes County tilts Democratic. A vote has not been held in Jackson County, either.
The Greater Idaho movement has few options left, but it still can be considered a success. It has brought fresh attention to the concerns of the eastern part of the state, and it probably has had an effect on legislation and even Kotek’s travels, though she’s not met with the group itself.
The likelihood of Trump getting involved is close to nil, but the movement has had an impact.
Republished under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 courtesy https:// oregoncapital chronicle.com.
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Honoring veterans with wreaths
Sisters remembers a quiet contributor
By Sue Stafford Correspondent
A very special Sisters resident left us on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, while at Partners in Care Hospice House, following an unexpected diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia one week earlier.
time and talent and always willing to lend a hand.
After a career in California in technology, John went back to school at California State Fresno to get his K-12 teaching credential. In August 2003, he began his five years as a teacher and coach at Central Union Elementary in Lemoore, CA. After moving to Sisters, John chose to teach in therapeutic boarding schools and residential treatment centers with at-risk teens.
The impact John had during his life is evident in comments from his daughter and Sisters friends. Everyone
Members of Sisters Veterans including American Legion Post 86, Band of Brothers - Sisters Chapter, and VFW Post 8138, along with members from the Camp Polk Pioneer Cemetery Preservation Committee, met on Friday, December 13, to decorate the gravesites of the 70 veterans buried at Camp Polk.
women sacrifice their time and safety every single day of the year, to preserve our freedoms. In many American homes, every day there is an empty seat for one who is serving or one who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and never came home.
John Griffith, known to many of us from his inexhaustible volunteer work throughout the region, as well as his stint as a freelance writer for The Nugget, was a man of intellect and heart. He was a great conversationalist with knowledge of and interest in a myriad of topics. He was generous with his
Vander Kamp steps into role as sheriff
and
Wreaths Across America has the simple mission of: Remember. Honor. Teach. The goal is to place a veteran’s wreath on every veteran grave marker. Wreaths Across America is committed to teaching all generations about the value of their freedoms, and the importance of honoring those who sacrificed so much to protect those freedoms.
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
While Americans have Veterans Day in the fall and Memorial Day in the spring, servicemen and
That is why the Wreaths Across America mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach lasts all year long, far beyond the single day in December when we coordinate wreath-laying ceremonies. All throughout the year, Wreaths Across America works in a number of ways to show veterans and their families that America will never forget.
On Wednesday, December 18, the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners approved the appointment of Kent Vander Kamp as Deschutes County Sheriff for the period of January 1, 2025, until his term of office begins on January 6, 2025. The appointment is required by state law because Sheriff Shane Nelson retires on December 31, leaving the position vacant until Vander Kamp can be officially sworn in on Monday, January 6.
Vander Kamp won election to the office November 5.
SISTERS AREA MEETING CALENDAR
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.
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.
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 41-9 03 -405 0.
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
“I am deeply honored to accept the appointment by the Board of Commissioners to serve as Deschutes County Sheriff during this transitional period,” Vander Kamp said in a statement. “I look forward to officially stepping into this role and continuing to build on the trust and collaboration our community deserves.”
The incoming sheriff announced his selections for the Deschutes County Sheriff’s
Sisters School District Board of Directors O ne Wednesday m onthly, Sisters School District Administr ation Building. See schedule online at www ssd6.org. 5 41-5 49 -8 521 x5 002.
CIT Y & PARKS
Sisters Ci ty Council 2nd & 4t h Wednesday, 6:3 0 p.m., Siste rs City Hall. 5 41-5 49 -6 022.
Sisters Park & Recreation District Board of Dire ctor s 2nd & 4th
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Sisters veterans laid wreaths on veterans’ graves at Camp Polk Cemetery as part of the national Wreaths Across America program.
See GRIFFITH on page 11
See SHERIFF on page 22
Book Covers
By Kema Clark
“Christmas in Winter Hill”
A few weeks ago I read an article in The Nugget about Sisters author Melody Carlson. Since she’s written over 250 books, and I’m a former bookstore owner, you’d think I’d have read all of her books — but I haven’t.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve made up for lost time. I just finished number nine! A few of them were “short stories” or “novellas” but great to read in one day. Many of them are set in the northwest — Oregon, Washington, Idaho — and that makes them even better.
The one I just finished is “Christmas in Winter Hill.” The setting is a small town in Washington State, but could just as easily be anywhere in the northwest. Krista Galloway and her eight-year-old daughter, Emily, are moving from Phoenix to Winter Hill (Home of Christmasville). Krista is starting a new job as city manager, has very little savings, and no support from her ex.
When they arrive in town, anticipating a small house the city manager assistant had found, they discover they only have a tiny apartment reserved for them.
They had both hoped for a backyard and a little space. Emily has never had a backyard to play in and neither has Krista. Krista was abandoned as an infant and raised by foster families her entire life. She was constantly moved from place to place and, with her birthday being Christmas Eve, she found no joy in Christmas because her foster families usually forgot her birthday, or forgot even a tiny gift on Christmas morning.
The city manager’s son Conner, along with his 14-year-old daughter Anna, is there to help them unload the trailer after the long drive. The apartment is cold and not welcoming, but Krista and Emily will soon find that most of the people in town are warm and friendly, so that’s the most important thing to them.
As Krista starts her new job and discovers fraud and theft in the city books, she has to deal with a long-term city employee that no local resident wants to believe could be a crook, plus deal with the “Christmas House” that Emily wants to be their first house, and deal with a growing closeness to Conner and Anna.
The stress and worry of all the responsibilities — her daughter, her job, and her living arrangements — nearly convinces Krista she was right to dread Christmas her entire life. But she will soon find out why Winter Hill is called “Home of Christmasville.”
Carlson’s books that I’ve read so far are realistic and don’t dwell on one particular “theme.” There’s a little romance, religion, and mystery, but not too much of any of them. Her books are about life and focusing on the “good” in the characters’ lives. Good lessons for all of us.
City plans infrastructure 2025 work
By Bill Bartlett Correspondent
The City of Sisters has an ambitious menu of projects for 2025 with a price tag of around $8 million. The largest, at $2.2 million, is known as the Westside Pump Station and Force Main Improvements Project which will take until spring of 2026 to complete.
While this project will be largely invisible to the public once finished, it will cause some traffic disruption on Pine Street and Jefferson Avenue during construction.
The majority of spending surrounds sewer and water infrastructure.
“None of this is very glamorous,” said Bill Kelly, Chair of the Public Works Advisory Committee. “It’s the nuts and bolts and stuff that everybody takes for granted — running water and flushing toilets.”
This project, like some others, is predicated on growth in Sisters.
“Some of the existing systems are approaching capacity and require upgrades,” Public Works Director, Paul Bertagna, told The Nugget.
The East Portal Mobility
hub, a $920,000 project of which $880,000 is grant funded, has gone into hiatus for the winter and will resume in the spring.
The most visible project is the permanent art for the Locust Street roundabout (see story, page 8). That’s $175,000 but the surrounding landscaping is budgeted at $225,000. That work cannot come soon enough citizens routinely say.
Likewise, there has been expectation that improvements to the Barclay Drive bypass would have already been started or completed to coincide with the roundabout’s opening last October. It’s a funding issue, Bertagna says, but the first phase between Locust and Larch with its $1 million price tag should be completed by summer 2025.
There are also the ongoing projects most noticeably street maintenance. $200,000 will be spent for pavement overlays with work starting in spring after the snow and thaw.
Longer term projects, with some planning work starting in 2025, include the expansion of the reservoir and improving the Lazy Z Ranch wastewater treatment scheme. The vision calls for an eventual 16-acre wetland, a forested area with ponds and streams, a viewpoint, and two to three miles of trails. That carries a price tag of almost $5 million. A 45-acre wetlands version is projected to cost $6.5 million.
Obtaining an accurate number of Sisters’ population is elusive. The U.S. Census Bureau states it as 2,979 as of 2023 (released May 2024). The City says the number is 3,823. Portland State University claims the number in 2022 was 3,437 and projected to grow to 7,911 by 2047. By any account, Sisters seems destined for steady increases, and Bertagna and his team are planning on a high level of growth and corresponding improvements or expansions to infrastructure.
SAA’s after-holiday Artwalk
By Helen Schmidling Correspondent
Sisters Arts Association invites you to keep celebrating the holidays by joining the Fourth Friday Artwalk this week, through the downtown galleries. Share in our good cheer, light refreshment, and enjoy the local arts scene with family and friends. If you haven’t done a Fourth Friday Artwalk because of your busy schedule, this may be your best opportunity.
Space In Common owner Amelia Morton is releasing a small collection of mixed media pieces in honor of the winter solstice and the lengthening of the days. Each artwork holds a night sky painted in watercolor surrounded by a portal or explosion of light made by carving through layers of oil pastel. The pieces represent the beauty of darkness, the way we must balance rest with work, and are connected to a larger body of work coming in 2025 titled “Window to the Sky.” Space In Common also continues to show the work of Sisters artist Randy Redfield through the end of December.
Makin’ it Local celebrates the year end and new beginnings with a group showcase of new work by Kathy Deggendorfer, Megan Marie Myers, Lindsay Gilmore, Rachel Dantona, James Parsons, Quail Lane Press, Green Bird Press, Mitch Jewelry, Julie Hamilton, Susan Luckey Higdon, Kara Frampton, Cheryl Chapman, Kari Phillips, Terri Axness, and Sheila Dunn. Hors d’oeuvres, Oregon Sokol Blosser sparkling wine, Deschutes Brewery IPA, and Makin’ it Local’s “famous” gingersnaps will be served.
Toriizaka Art offers up end-of-year cheer. “We have enjoyed our second year in Sisters and we look forward to thanking all of our patrons and friends on this Fourth Friday. We hope to feature our latest pride and joy, our grandson Calvin, who will be visiting from the east coast! Five Toriizaka artists have been selected for a featured show at The Coos Art Museum in their January to April exhibition. Please visit the museum to see selected works by AJ Evansen, Bui Thanh Tam, Chas Martin, Lim Khim Katy, and Nguyen Dinh Vu. Information about the show will appear on
their website soon. A sincere thanks to Helen Schmidling of Sisters Gallery and Frame who graciously opens the gallery when we are not there. Please feel free to call, text or email us at Toriizaka Art for an appointment during the winter months, but if you happen to come by and we are not around, Helen is happy to unlock our space and handle on-site inquiries and sales.”
Sisters Gallery & Frame is staging an Equine Roundup this month, featuring the work of Kimry Jelen (acrylics and prints), Caroline Stratton Crow (watercolor), Lynn Brush (oil on linen), Kim Black (gourd wall art), Melissa Cole (mixed media), and Ann Grossnickle (pottery). “It’s just a friendly ‘neighborhood’ gathering, so stop by.”
Stitchin’ Post’s Fiber Art Gallery’s new exhibit opens during Artwalk from 4 to 6 p.m. Stop by to see block printed art works and vintage quilts by Valori Wells.
Wildflower Studio, Campbell Gallery, and Hood Avenue Art will not be open for the Artwalk this month.
This is your last chance for the year to take the Artwalk and sign up for $50 gift certificates awarded by Sisters Arts
Association, thanks to a generous donation from Cascade Sotheby’s International in Sisters.
Flying Horse Gallery at 161 S. Elm St., features original paintings and giclee prints from resident artists Brad Earl and Sloane Earl, along with selected work from spotlight artists. Brad is known for nostalgic paintings ranging from typewriters, cameras, and local favorite spots like Sno Cap. Sloane’s paintings bring you to imaginative, mystical worlds of fantasy.
Starting midJanuary, the gallery will be exclusively showcasing the original art, and creative process, behind the new Game of Thrones book covers designed by local artists.
The Rickards Gallery looks back at some of Dan Rickards’ most iconic paintings. This collection will focus on Dan’s use of the elements of fire and ice. For a bit of extra heat, Wild Roots Distillery will offer tastings of spirits and wines.
Gallery maps are available in every gallery location, and online at sistersartsassociation.org. We look forward to visiting with you in 2025 when the Artwalks resume in March.
“Champaign Flight” from a group show at Makin’ it Local.
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“Heat of the Night“ by Dan Rickards at The Rickards Gallery.
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“Space Window” by Amelia Morton at Space in Common.
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“Pasqual’s Cafe” by Brad Earl at Flying Horse Gallery.
PHOTO PROVIDED
A visit with legendary photographer Ansel Adams
Byron H. Dudley Correspondent
My visit with Ansel Adams — a legend among landscape photographers — began with a walk up a rising, curving, sandy driveway to his wooded half-hidden home that overlooks the Pacific Ocean at Carmel Highlands. A brick walk led to his front door where a small metal sign announced, VISITS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Hesitant to ring the doorbell but reluctant to leave, I decided to ring and seek an appointment.
Mrs. Adams opened the door, introduced herself, and greeted me with a smile. She was a small, white-haired, blue-eyed woman of warm words. I introduced myself as an admirer of Ansel Adams photography and as a young landscape photographer from the Midwest. She invited me into their home and explained Ansel was on the phone as she pointed toward the highbeamed studio beyond. She said he could meet with me this morning before going into town about noon on business. I thanked her and waited for Ansel in the entryway. His loud animated voice filled the studio as he continued and then completed his conversation.
Ansel strode through the studio and toward the front door with heavy steps that echoed from the bare, dark, wooden floor. He was not a tall man but rather rotund with a large round head, full beard, and a broad smile. Rotund and robust were my first impressions of him. His sharp, clear, hazel-brown eyes were separated by a sharp, misshapen, slightly off-center nose, the nose he broke during the San Francisco earthquake in 1906 at age four. He wore a gray flannel shirt, a plain blue tie with a simple silver clasp, dark gray pants, and Wellington boots. He greeted me and we shook hands as he welcomed me into his home.
We briefly exchanged introductions, as if he needed to be introduced, before the huge reproduction of
this famous photograph, “Monolith: The Face of Half Dome,” the classic portrait of Yosemite’s famous granite cliff, an image he had made nearly fifty years earlier. Behind him, lining the slateblue walls of his vaulted studio were other famous prints of Yosemite Valley. His fine photographs illustrated both his unique vision as a photographer and his deep reverence for the land he loved. The bright ambient light from the west-facing windows gave a sense of eloquence to both the man and his work.
We moved from the studio to a comfortable, lumpy coach in the adjoining room to talk together. We sat before a large rough, river-stone fireplace blackened by years of use. To the left of the fireplace was a series of thick planks that served as bookshelves. They were lined with art and photography books. The large Sierra Club Exhibit Format Series of environmental books stood out from among the others, a dozen tall volumes, their white dust jackets darkened and somewhat torn from frequent handling by many readers over the years.
In this setting, we talked of his work: of teaching, of photography, of printing, and of the Sierra Club. He expressed concern for the problems of our cities and the plight of our planet Earth. He was a personable man with interesting and interested eyes. More youthful in energy than most men half his age, he spoke with intensity and a passion
for photography. We discussed photography as an art form for the humanizations of others, an art form for the development of more sensitive people who may become more responsive to and more caring for the environment and for each other.
Ansel Adams said he was not optimistic about the possibility of people responding to their human needs for sanctuaries and the natural needs for such places.
He spoke of the lack of natural preservation and natural recreation area in so many of our cities. He reflected upon a recent trip to the Midwest and his impressions, his concerns with the many woeful abuses of the environment: water pollution, air pollution, noise pollution, urban blight. Man, he said, has made his home the city unfit to live in and does not know what to do now.
We paused and looked out his “window to the world,” as he called it, a large plate-glass wall that faced the rugged Carmel Coast and the Pacific Ocean. He said this place, his home in the woods, this retreat by the sea, was indeed most rewarding. It was inspiring, nurturing his creativity as a photographer. He cautioned that the sheer size of the dramatic California Coast from Carmel to Big Sur seemed to remove the individual from close personal, meaningful contact. Its magnificence made it difficult to see the small details within the larger picture. People, he continued, have a way of forgetting to
look where they are walking. They forget to see the things that are close at hand and under foot: pine needles, small stones, little leaves, simple streams, the basic elements of the environment, the elements of intimate landscapes.
We talked of other photographers, Edward Weston and his son Cole, his neighbors in Carmel Highlands, and their work in black and white and color. I mentioned the fine color landscape photographs of Eliot Porter, his friend, whose images of New England woodlands are stunning environmental statements. We talked of his work and future projects, of plans for Volume II of “The Eloquent Light,” his continuing biography by Nancy and Beaumont Newhall. We talked of photography, of teaching, of writing, of learning. He indicated he has given up his music for his commitment to the work of the Sierra Club. Regrettably, he simply does not have time for all of his many interests.
His hands, which he used frequently to rub his seemingly tired eyes, were short, stubble-haired, and veined. His blunt fingers, so very skilled in working with a camera or playing a concert piano, seemed weathered and worn.
Time became the dominant element of our talk: time
for action, time remaining for preserving the environment, time for writing, time for teaching, time for talking, time to meet the many demands of the day. And all too soon it was nearly noon and we were out of time. I thanked him for the time we had shared, the time he had given me. He smiled, shook my hand, and asked me to come again. Before I left, he asked me to sign the petition against offshore oil drilling by Union Oil on the California coast. While I did so he went to his desk for a moment. As I turned to thank him again, he handed me a gift.
It was a portfolio of black and white prints from his recent exhibit in San Francisco.
I thanked him for the gifts of our conversation and his photographs and we said goodbye.
As I walked down his sandy driveway, I looked west through the grove of wind-blown old cypress trees to the Carmel Coast and the distant fine line between the sea and the sky. Great gray green waves were slowly rolling in, advancing and then breaking upon the jagged rocks. In the cool gray mist of mid-day, I could hear the soothing sound of the surf below the Carmel Highlands home of Ansel Adams.
Amphitheater opens vendor applications
The Hayden Homes Amphitheater is now accepting applications from local food vendors for the upcoming 2025 summer concert season expected to run from mid-May through October. The application period closes February 12, 2025, or earlier if the amphitheater reaches application capacity. Early application submissions are strongly encouraged.
“Our amphitheater is more than a venue; it’s a destination for music lovers and foodies alike,” said Jessie St George, executive chef and assistant food and beverage manager. “We are looking for local vendors who can help us create a memorable experience with great food and outstanding service while staying committed to sustainability — a value we care deeply about.”
Specifically, the venue is looking for food concepts that can handle high-volume service and deliver top-notch quality.
“We are proud to be able to showcase Central
Oregon’s vibrant food truck culture each year at the amphitheater,” St George added. “Featuring local food vendors is one of the many things that makes Hayden Homes Amphitheater a unique and wonderful live music venue.”
The 2025 concert season already has 11 shows on the calendar, including performances by Sting, Leon Bridges, RÜFÜS DU SOL, and Matt Rife.
Capacity for the amphitheater is 8,000 people. Food carts are contracted to operate at every concert. Most carts stay in the amphitheater for the duration of the summer. Hours of service typically run from 4 to 10:15 p.m. on concert days, with some shows starting earlier.
Sustainability is required. All vendors must use biodegradable dishes, cutlery, and napkins. No single-use plastics are allowed.
Interested vendors can find the application and more information at BendConcerts. com.
Church and state
By David Duehren Guest Columnist
I was away for the Thanksgiving holiday, so it was this weekend that I got caught up with reading back issues of The Nugget I couldn’t help but compare the open and broadminded editorial by Julia Fugate (November 20) and the illiberal sentiment of William David (December 4) referring to a piece by Lisa May.
The First Amendment to the Constitution protects free speech in this country. Regardless of what you may think of Lisa’s beliefs, she has every right to have them published in a town newspaper like this. It would put Jim Cornelius in a horrible position to try to decide who to cancel. And it would be un-American.
As for Lisa May, she refers to the Bible as one monolithic thing whereas it’s clearly up to interpretation as there are at least two major religions and a plethora of Christian denominations that all have different interpretations about some
OUTDOOR-INSPIRED CUISINE, MUSIC & SPECIAL EVENTS 541-904-4450 luckeyswoodsman.com
352 E. Hood Ave., Unit B, Sisters
or all of what’s in the Bible.
The Jews, Catholics, and Protestants each have their own version. And I know people “of the Bible” who are on both sides of many political issues including the one she writes about.
So exactly how Lisa May thinks the Bible supports her position, she could have said more.
Both secular law and the Bible have prescriptions against murder. What the politics of abortion is about is what we as a society should consider murder.
When the civil war was fought, both sides claimed God was on their side (See Joan Baez “With God on Our Side.”) I just hope this issue won’t lead to violence.
Finally, I want to return to separation of church and state and what a remarkable innovation it was in the late 1700s. It’s an idea that is worth protecting regardless of your point of view.
You may be interested in a PBS documentary I recently watched called “God in America,” a joint product of Frontline and American Experience.
According to that documentary, Thomas Jefferson got involved to protect the Baptists who were being imprisoned by the statesponsored Anglican Church. Catholic immigrants, led by New York Archbishop John Hughes, challenged Protestant domination of public schools and protested the daily classroom practice of reading from the King James Bible. This issue has come up again and again throughout this country’s history. And it’s being tested again in Oklahoma.
We only have to look around the world to see what happens when such protection isn’t in place. I was in a part of India in February, where the Hindu nationalists threaten to jail Catholics and other Christian denominations if they try to convert anyone. Would you like to live under the rule of the Taliban or the regime in Iran? I doubt it. Religion can have powerful influence to do both bad and good, hopefully a country where we keep it out of government is the best way to tame it to some extent.
Hayden Homes Amphitheater is taking applications for food vendors for concert season.
PHOTO BY DANIEL STARK
City still seeks art submissions
By Bill Bartlett Correspondent
Selection of art for Sisters’ new roundabout has hit a speed bump.
Assistant City Manager Kerry Prosser told The Nugget , “The initial call for artist proposals for the roundabout art did not result in a clear group of finalists, as the submitted proposals varied widely in scope and quality.
“To ensure that the project received a broader range of high-quality submissions, and that the selection criteria were met, the city republished a second Call for Artists in early November.”
The City of Sisters is leading the initiative to commission large-scale, permanent artwork for the Highway 20/ Locust Street roundabout. The artwork will serve as a visual gateway to the city and surrounding area, reflecting the heritage and culture of the community. The roundabout will showcase artwork inspired by the region’s Western heritage; a theme selected through community input.
The City is seeking proposals through CaFÉ (Call for Entry), with submissions accepted until January 7, 2025. Submissions may be made at https://artist. callforentry.org/festivals_ unique_info.php?ID=14466.
Submitters are instructed that the installation will serve as a warm and inviting welcome for visitors arriving in Sisters and exploring its region. It will provide a first impression that reflects the community’s spirit and hospitality. As a focal point for residents and tourists alike, this installation should celebrate the rich history, vibrant culture, and foster a sense of connection among all who visit.
Key elements to guide submissions are:
• Sisters is a gateway for adventure and exploration for visitors and residents.
• Reinforce the strength and individuality of the people of this western community.
• Community traditions of storytelling, visual arts, and music; influence of logging, ranching and agriculture.
• The traditions of indigenous peoples in the region.
• Emphasis on family, self-reliance, and community bonds.
• The role that geography plays in our region.
In the first phase, a selection committee will choose up to four finalists based on the criteria outlined above. Their designs will be presented for community feedback in the spring of 2025. The committee may conduct interviews with potential finalists for further clarification, as necessary.
In phase two, finalists will create a physical 3D model based on their site-specific concept.
Each finalist will present their model and accompanying narrative to the committee, either in person or via Zoom. A physical model must be delivered to the city for final review before the scheduled presentation.
A stipend of $1,750 will be provided to the finalists at the time of presentation to assist with developing the model, presenting the project to the committee, and any travel-related expenses to Sisters. Finalists are strongly encouraged to conduct a site visit.
Finalists are required to include a written narrative with their model, detailing the proposed materials, dimensions, the specific location within the
roundabout center island, how the proposal meets the outlined general requirements and specific parameters, and a schedule for the commencement and completion of the artwork’s delivery and installation.
Additionally, artists are expected to provide a budget not to exceed $175,000 that outlines anticipated fees, foundation engineering, materials, travel, and other costs. Artists will need to be present on-site to oversee the installation of their artwork.
Submissions will also undergo review by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to assess their suitability for use on the state highway system and ensure structural integrity.
Installation is projected for Fall 2025.
Each model will be displayed for public viewing and input. Sisters City Council will make the final decision on the artist(s) and artwork design concept.
The total project budget for the commission is $175,000.
Notification of Finalists will take place in January. Model design, fabrication time, and site visit will occur in February. Artist presentation of models and narrative is expected in early March.
A two- to three-week public input period will happen in late March with Council selection in April.
Installation is expected to be completed next autumn.
Guided hikes are a new year’s tradition
Whether you prefer a sunset hike along the coast or a paved wooded trail inside city limits, First Day Hikes has a hike for you on New Year’s Day, Wednesday, January 1.
Rangers and volunteers will lead 37 guided First Day Hikes at 30 parks around the state with distances ranging from a quarter-mile stroll to a five-mile trek. Hikes are free, and the $5 day-use parking fee is waived on that day at the state parks that charge for parking.
America’s State Parks sponsors the First Day Hikes program nationwide to encourage everyone to start the year outside and connect with nature. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) has participated since 2012.
“First Day Hikes has become a fun tradition for both visitors and staff on New Year’s Day. Rangers and volunteers get a chance
to share park history, geology, wildlife and plants, and visitors get to experience an adventure with friends and family to start the new year,” said Lisa Sumption, director of ORPD.
Visit the Oregon First Day Hikes web page to see the list of parks hosting hikes. Additional hike information such as hike times, meet-up locations, and trail terrain are available via the park links on the web page. A few hikes require registration including Champoeg, Detroit Lake, Emigrant Springs, and Central Oregon’s Smith Rock.
Remember to plan for winter weather, dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and carry binoculars for viewing wildlife.
Share photos of First Day Hikes on Instagram by using the hashtag #ORfirstdayhikes or tagging “Oregon State Parks” on
Above average early-season snowpack brings thrills
By Bill Bartlett Correspondent
The Upper Deschutes Basin on which Ski Hoodoo and Sisters Country SnoParks sit is delighting winter recreationalists with a 161 percent average snowpack as of Friday morning, December 20. At the Three Creeks Meadow station it’s a healthy 122 percent, a scenario repeated throughout nearly all of Oregon.
Early storms have piled up snow at ski resorts. Ski Hoodoo, which did not open until January 9 last season, is running full-bore. Open since November 29, the popular resort has booked 103 inches since the start of the October 1 snow year, and on Friday was at a 45-inch base.
Nearby Mt. Bachelor, much higher in elevation, is enthralling patrons with a 69-inch base. They have already received 153 inches for the season, seven of which came in a three-day period last week.
Destination skiers to Mt. Hood are seeing a 132 percent pack.
The John Day basin is at a sterling 211 percent count and the Malheur Basin is posting 239 percent of average. The Klamath Basin is recording 210 percent, very good news for its farmers and ranchers who have struggled with drought for much of the last five years.
In Sisters Country, early snowpack like this bodes well for the vital water
needed for the summer.
The critical measurement of snow water equivalent is impressive. Friday, at the 5,690 ft. Three Creeks Meadow station, it stood at 5.6 inches, five times for the same date last year when it was a measly 1.1 inches.
The water has reduced Deschutes County from a D2 (severe) drought status to D1 (moderate) with expectations that the drought could disappear altogether with more rainy days like the ones we’ve seen during this La Nina cycle.
“Snowpack is still looking very good across Oregon for this time of year,”
Larry O’Neill, an assistant professor at Oregon State University’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science told media.
O’Neill said Pacific Ocean temperatures are currently lower than normal, which could be what is driving the wet and cool winter in the Pacific Northwest. A weak La Niña has a 59 percent probability of forming within the next two months.
“It is essentially a coin flip,” he said. “La Niñas favor slightly wetter and
cooler weather, and a slightly larger than normal mountain snowpack,” he added.
Social media is abuzz with live reports from skiers, snow boarders, fat tire cyclists, and snowshoers posting from Sisters Country. Conditions aren’t perfect. Many, while happy about the depth of snow, are
bemoaning how wet it is.
Bern Hastings and his partner, Marsha Regan, were all smiles Thursday as they played at Hoodoo with a group of friends from Eugene.
“Yeah, it’s a little wet, a bit sticky, but last year we were only dreaming of skiing,” Hastings said.
Dawn Gleason and a group of six from Springfield were gliding on their Nordic skis at the Ray Benson SnoPark, all toasting the season’s good start and looking forward to an afternoon in Sisters for some last-minute shopping.
“That assumes we get out of the pub,” Gleason said.
Skiers at Hoodoo are welcoming early and substantial snowfall.
PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT
Protec ting Yourself f rom Scam and Fraud
On ursday, January 9, f rom 10 a.m. to noon, Living Well with Dementia Sisters will present a seminar on learning how to outsmart scammers and stay safe online. is event will be held at the Sisters-Camp Sherman Communit y Hall, 301 S . Elm St. Attendance is free. Reserve your spot by emailing an R SVP to Bill@LW WDS.com.
Hunter Education Class
Starts Februar y 11, 2025 . Register online at odf w.com . For info call Rick Cole 541-420 -6934.
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
Public Pickleball Courts
ere are pickleball courts available 7 days a week at the middle school tennis courts, for play when school is not in session. All of the tennis cour ts are permanently lined for pickleball. ere are three temporar y nets up against the fence that can be moved out onto the court and used, or bring your own nets . Please put the net back when you are done. Info: Karen at 503-871-4172.
SISTERS LIBRARY COMING EVENTS
Winter Break Dungeons & Dragons One -Shot
Need a little excitement over winter break? Join this one-shot D&D experience with other teens! Friday, Januar y 3 , f rom 1 to 4 p.m., at Sisters Librar y Community Room. A one-shot is an entire campaign during one session. Pre-made level 3 characters will be provided, but bring one with you if you’d like! All experience levels are welcome. Just bring your creativity, imagination, and f antasy skills (and some dice if you have them)! is program is intended for middle- and high-schoolaged teens . Subject material will be geared toward this age group. Registration is required at https://www deschuteslibrary.org/ calendar/.
Family Story Time
Interactive story time with books , songs , and rhymes for children ages 0-5 years ese stories and songs are designed to support early literacy skill development, social-emotional awareness , and f amily engagement. is 30 -minute program is on Wednesdays , January 8 , 15, 22, and 29, at 10:30 a .m. in the Community Room at Sisters Library. Go to https:// www.deschuteslibrar y.org/ kids/programs for more info.
Sisters Garden Club Meeting
Sisters Garden Club invites the public to their monthly meeting on Saturday, January 11, at 10 a .m., w ith doors opening at 9:30. P resentation will be by A shley Joyce, owner and veg gie enthusiast at Bend Urban Gardens . She will present solutions to the most common challenges we face in growing food in our high deser t yards . e meeting is at Sisters Communit y Church , 130 0 W McKenzie Hwy. C all 971-246040 4 for more information
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 dispatcher s allow you to accept dates and times that work for your schedule, and a mileage reimbursement is included. Learn more at www starsride.org and volunteer to keep Sisters healthy one ride at a time.
Sisters Garden Journal
Sisters Garden Club has Garden Journals that are availabl e for $15 at Paulina Springs Book s & e Gallimauf r y here in Sisters e multiyear journal includes pages for notes on weather monthly garden activities , plant details , and more. Sale s supp or t the Garden Club and other lo cal nonprofits . Get your copy now ey make great gif ts Plea se call 971-24 6-040 4 to ask questions and find more information
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.
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 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.
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
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.
Announce Your Celebrations!
Sisters community notices may run at no charge. Email lisa@ nug getnews .com
Sept . 2, 1931 – Nov. 30 , 2024 Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 2 p.m Sisters Community Church 130 0 W. McKenzie Hwy
Bi rt h Ann ou nc em en t Galen Reuel Sparks Reuel
Jonathan and Andrea Sparks joyf ully announce the arrival of their son, Galen Reuel Sparks Born on Sunday, December 15, at 4 o’clock in the afternoon, weighing 8 lbs. and 12 oz . and 20 inches long. He was eagerly welcomed home by big sister Florence (age 3).
Free Pet Food Budget tight this month, but you still need pet food for your dog or cat? Call the Furr y Friends pet food bank at 541-797-4 023 to schedule your pickup. Pickups available ursdays , beginning at 12:30 p.m. Located at 412 E . Main Ave., Ste. 4, behind e Nug get
y of
Dasher, a 2-year-old German Shepherd mix , is an energetic and f riendly companion. He’s great with people and dogs, eager to learn, and motivated by treats . If you’re looking for a playful partner for your active lifestyle, Dasher is ready to join your adventures.
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
POLICY:
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
at 4 42 E . Main Ave. Deadline is 5 p.m. on Fridays
agreed how much he is missed.
Debbie Griffith, daughter
“My dad always inspired me to be curious, to seek understanding, and to not sweat the small stuff. He was an incredible example of hard work and dedication, values that he lived by every single day. Above all, he loved his family deeply and adored his granddaughter, Kaitlyn. His presence in our lives was a gift, and the memories we shared will remain with us forever.
“My dad had a passion for the outdoors and found great joy in living in Sisters. He embraced the beauty of nature and loved sharing his adventures with us. Through his pictures and stories, he brought the wonder of his hiking experiences to life. When we visited, he would take us on short hikes, creating cherished moments that we will always treasure. His love for the outdoors was not just a personal passion but something he generously shared with those around him.
“He was also deeply committed to his community and gave his time as a volunteer on various committees and at local festivals. My dad took pride in contributing to causes that mattered to him, and his efforts left a meaningful impact.
“One of his proudest achievements was his work
raising funds for Partners in Care Hospice. He spoke often of the importance of their mission and was dedicated to supporting their efforts. Our family is eternally grateful for the care and compassion that Partners in Care provided to him and to all of us during a challenging time. Their kindness and support made an immeasurable difference in our lives.
“My dad’s legacy is one of love, curiosity, and service. He taught us to appreciate life’s simple joys, to care for one another, and to always strive to make a positive impact. While he may no longer be with us, his spirit lives on in the lessons he taught us and the love he shared. We will carry his memory in our hearts always.”
Bill Willitts, friend and fellow volunteer
“John was my sidekick in our many community service adventures and misadventures.
“When we began Pursue Your Passion (teaching entrepreneurship to our high school students) John was all in. Together, with the assistance of a great team, we delivered business planning and inspiration to some amazing young minds. The program ran for three years. The student friendships are running forever.
“Next, John and I, along with other team members, endeavored to raise money for the new Partners In Care Hospice 12-unit facility. At first John declined but a day later he called to confirm he was in. Our goal was to raise $100,000. Our Nugget advertising showed a hiker climbing a tall peak to the goal.
When our generous community assisted us in exceeding our goal, we didn’t know what to do with our hiker, so we just kept climbing.
“John and I shared a primary goal. To alleviate root causes of poverty and to create safe housing for all members of our community. To that end we met with and supported a gubernatorial candidate who had amazing credentials but was disqualified based on a residency issue. Our draft plan never saw the light of day.
“Over the past few years, John and I enjoyed regular coffee conversations. Nothing was off limits. His honesty, integrity, and deep commitment to our community were always present.
“We shared a 20-year friendship. I loved John.”
Jim Cornelius, editor and friend
“John was a deeply thoughtful man. He did good work for The Nugget as a City reporter and covering the Sisters School District. He always saw the broader context of issues that those entities faced, and the deeper stories behind people’s actions. While I appreciated John as a freelancer, what I enjoyed most was our conversations about Cormac McCarthy’s books and about music. We had simpatico tastes and interests in those things, and really digging in and sharing perspectives, songs, and stories was a delight. He was a friend and I miss him.”
Toni Landis, fellow volunteer
“My friendship with John developed over several years starting with a chance
conversation at a Heart of Oregon/Habitat build meeting. He was mentoring Heart of Oregon youth I believe. I was working with the Habitat Builders program and had an intense desire to meld Heart of Oregon kids with Habitat volunteers and homeowners. Toward the end of the gathering he walked up to me and handed me a professionallooking blue folder outlining
his mentorship program.
“I think you need to read this. It is the direction you might want to go. Let’s talk.” Well, it did, we did, and we grew from there.
“Our paths crossed as volunteers as we moved in the same directions. His leadership and vision working with early Age Friendly
FRIDAY • DECEMBER 27
Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights Booster Draft at 5 p.m. $15. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.
SUNDAY • DECEMBER 29
Paulina Springs Books Sunday Scrabble 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Come to play Scrabble, socialize, and drink coffee. Open to all. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.
TUESDAY • DECEMBER 31
The Belfry Live Music: New Year's Eve featuring Company Grand with Kota Dosa 8 p.m. Dance party! Tickets & info: belfryevents.com.
Ski Inn Taphouse Live Music: Winter in Paris with Haute Melange 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets $15 at the door, 310 E. Cascade Ave. Info: www.sisterstaphousehotel.com.
WEDNESDAY • JANUARY 1
Sisters Saloon Poker Night Texas Hold’em 5:30 p.m. to close upstairs. 21+. $20 (add'l $5 when bounty chip is played).
FRIDAY • JANUARY 3
Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights Booster Draft at 5 p.m. $15. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.
SUNDAY • JANUARY 5
Paulina Springs Books Sunday Scrabble 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Come to play Scrabble, socialize, and drink coffee. Open to all. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.
See GRIFFITH on page 23
John Griffith with his granddaughter Kaitlyn at her college graduation.
PHOTO
Submit ideas for Pole Pedal Paddle design
The Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation (MBSEF) and SELCO Community Credit Union (CCU) began accepting submissions on Monday for the annual SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle Design Contest. The community contest precedes one of the largest multi-sport events in the Northwest, the SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle, which will return for its 47th running on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Registration for race participants begins on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.
In what’s become a Central Oregon tradition, each year MBSEF and SELCO CCU invite artists of all ages to submit logo designs for the Pole Pedal Paddle Race. The winning design will be chosen by a combination of MBSEF staff, SELCO representatives, and public voters, and will be judged on factors like popularity, uniqueness, and suitability for print.
The winner will receive $500 in prize money, a commemorative mug, and a variety of official SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle logo wear featuring the selected design. Winning artwork will appear on posters, apparel, prizes, and other promotional and event-related materials.
“Our community has always been at the heart of the Pole Pedal Paddle, which is why we ask local artists to showcase their talent and help shape the unique identity of each year’s event,” said Amy Tarnow, executive director of MBSEF. “The Design Contest is one of our favorite traditions because it highlights the connection between Central Oregonians and this long-standing event. Year after year, designers of all ages amaze us with their creativity and talent.”
The submission window
for designs will close on Sunday, January 12, 2025, after which, eight finalists will be selected by a committee of MBSEF staff and Central Oregon SELCO representatives. Those finalists’ designs will be displayed online at selco.org/vote for public viewing and voting. The public voting window will be from Tuesday, Jan. 21, to Sunday, Jan. 26, and everyone is encouraged to vote.
The winning entry will be announced on Tuesday, January 28, on SELCO’s social media accounts.
To be considered for the contest, entries must:
• Be memorable, visible, eye-catching, and the original work of the submitting artist
• Incorporate the race name “SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle,” as well as the date of this year’s event
• Be digital, or if created by hand, be easily transferred to a digital format. (To be easily transferred, a handdrawn design must have bold, solid lines and shapes, with clearly defined positive and negative spaces)
• Be well-suited for the front of a T-shirt (12 by 14 inches)
• Use no more than six colors
• Be complete and ready for print
• Creatively represent each leg or sport of the race.
• Represent the unique location or environment of the race.
Designs must be submitted to events@mbsef.org as a high-resolution digital file — 300 dpi — preferably in AI or EPS format. TIF and PDF files will also be accepted. Once submitted, all entries become the property of MBSEF.
Visit pppbend.com, email events@mbsef.org, or call 541-388-0002 for more information.
Outlaws post big win over Lancers
By Rongi Yost Correspondent
The Outlaws posted a 68-32 victory at home over the visiting South Umpqua Lancers on Thursday, December 19.
Sisters’ early defensive pressure held the Lancers scoreless for the first four minutes of the opening quarter. Kieren Labhart got the Outlaws on the scoreboard with a contested jumper at the rim, and a couple of possessions later he connected on a three-pointer from the top of the key on a pass from Kale Gardner. Gardner led the scoring effort with seven points and at the close of the period the Outlaws held a 14-5 lead.
The Outlaws held the Lancers scoreless to start the second period, while they put up eight points during that stretch. Bodie Schar got the Outlaws scoring going on a transition lay-up on a pass from half-court by Gardner. With 5:45 left, Landen Scott got a steal and passed the ball ahead to Labhart for a two-handed slam dunk that got both the team and the crowd on their feet. Scott put up 10 points in the quarter and at the half Sisters had extended their lead to 32-13.
It was more of the same in the third, with the Outlaws scoring the first six points. Coach Chad Rush told The Nugget that with the decent lead they switched to their 2-3 zone defense so they could get some live game work in against an opposing team.
Sisters continued with intensity and pressure and forced seven turnovers in the third quarter. The Outlaws had a balanced attack, and five different players scored. Oliver Bernhardt and Gardner both put up six points in the period. At the end of three the Outlaws were up 54-22.
The final quarter marked the first time the Lancers would score before the Outlaws in a quarter, but the short 0-2 run didn’t last. On the next possession Labhart answered right back on a nice back door lay-up feed from Gardner. Bernhardt and Will McDonnell both connected on three-pointers in the quarter to widen the gap even further. The clock ticked down and Sisters recorded the win.
Scott led the Outlaws with 18 points, Gardner scored 13, and Bernhardt tallied 11. McDonnell and Labhart contributed nine points each, and Garrett Sager added six.
Rush said, “This was a very good defensive effort for the Outlaws. To hold an opponent to single digit points for three quarters is a sign of dictating pace and style of play. One of our goals was to push tempo by pushing the ball in transition on missed and made baskets. We did a great job of that and I think that showed in some of the short shots the
To hold an opponent to single digit points for three quarters is a sign of dictating pace and style of play.
— Coach Chad Rush on Outlaws’ defense
Lancers would shoot in the second half.
“I was pleased with the continued defensive improvements the team is making as this will be a key component to our success as we enter league play in January,” added Rush. The Outlaws were scheduled to play at Henley on Monday, December 23. They will play at home against North Marion on Saturday, December 28. The following week the Outlaws will host their annual Sisters Holiday Tournament which will be held Thursday through Saturday, January 2-4.
Oregon to get federal funds for monarch habitat
By Alex Baumhardt Oregon Capital Chronicle
Millions of western monarch butterflies once visited Oregon and other Western states each spring to drink flower nectar, pollinate plants, and lay their eggs after wintering in forests in coastal California.
But today just a couple hundred thousand make the journey.
To help curb their decline, a federal wildlife nonprofit has granted nearly $760,000 to improve the monarchs’ habitat. The money is part of $5.2 million in grants nationwide from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, a nonprofit created by Congress in 1984 to direct federal and private dollars to urgent conservation work.
The western monarch population has declined more than 95 percent since the 1980s, according to research from the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, a Portland-based nonprofit and one of the recipients of the Oregon grant. There were more than 10 million in the 1980s. In the winter of 2023, about 233,000 were counted.
In response, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed Tuesday to list the western monarch butterfly as threatened under the federal Endangered Species List. If finalized, the listing would protect the butterfly from harm and launch a comprehensive recovery plan to restore their habitat.
“The fact that a butterfly
as widespread and beloved as the monarch is now the face of the extinction crisis is a tri-national distress signal warning us to take better care of the environment that we all share,” Tierra Curry, a senior scientist at the Center for Biological Diversity, said in a release. “What’s bad for monarchs is bad for humans, so we have to stop pretending that our health is somehow separate from that of the wildlife our activities are decimating.”
That sentiment was echoed last month by Oregon’s U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, who helped secure the federal funding as chair of the Senate interior and environmental appropriations subcommittee.
“If we allow the iconic western monarch butterfly to go extinct, we will not only lose this beautiful species, but a critical pollinator forever,” Merkley said in a statement.
The Xerces Society will get $300,000 to continue offering free kits that contain native milkweed and pollinator friendly wildflowers and shrubs to Oregon farmers and community groups in the Willamette Valley and Klamath-Siskiyou regions of the state, as well as eastern Washington and California. The idea is to increase the habitat available to pollinator species such as the western monarch.
The money is expected to pay for handing out kits to at least 200 people, host more than a dozen events, and improve at least 500 acres of pollinator habitat, according
to a news release from the offices of Merkley and Oregon’s other Democratic senator, Ron Wyden.
The rest of the grant, nearly $460,000, will go to the San Francisco-based nonprofit Pollinator Partnership to support planning and conservation on about 600 acres of private farm, ranch, timber, and “working lands” in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. The group will help landowners create conservation plans and will host events to raise awareness about threats to the species and how landowners can help.
“Monarch butterflies are crucial pollinators on the West Coast, where much of America’s food is grown,” Wyden said in the release. “This investment will support a vital component of our food ecosystem while also helping to preserve a species that symbolizes the rebirth and resiliency Oregonians are known for.”
Both Wyden and Merkley sponsored the 2023 Monarch Action, Recovery, and Conservation of Habitat Act, or Monarch Act, which allocated $12.5 million over five years to western monarch habitat improvements. In 2022, Merkley hosted the first Monarch Butterfly Summit with the U.S. Department of the Interior and helped establish a Pollinator Conservation Center at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Republished under Creative Commons license
CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.
Sisters students and others have worked to create monarch habitat.
Loneliness bigger than screen time in sleep impact
By Steve Lundeberg Oregon State University
Being lonely is a bigger hurdle to a good night’s sleep for college students than too much time at a computer or other electronic screen, a new study by Oregon State University suggests.
The research led by scientists in the OSU College of Liberal Arts is important because both insomnia and loneliness are serious public health concerns and are at epidemic levels among young adults in higher education, the researchers note.
Jessee Dietch, John Sy, and collaborators at Harvard Medical School and Chaminade University studied more than 1,000 undergraduate students and found that when an individual’s total daily screen time reached the 8- to 10-plushour range, there was an increased likelihood of insomnia.
They also found 35 percent of the subjects had high levels of loneliness and that lonely students were more likely to have trouble sleeping than less-lonely students irrespective of screen time. That 35 percent reported clinically significant symptoms at almost twice the rate of the other 65 percent.
“For the students in our study, screen time was definitely associated with insomnia symptoms,” said Sy, a graduate student in OSU’s School of Psychological Science. “But loneliness was a better predictor of insomnia.”
Loneliness is a pervasive condition that significantly hinders wellness, the researchers say, causing suffering in a range of forms, including impaired sleep because of its association with greater sensitivity to stress and to rumination over stressful events.
The U.S. surgeon general’s office points out that even before COVID-19, about half of American adults reported measurable levels of loneliness, and that lacking connection is on par with smoking for raising the risk of premature death. In addition, people who often
541-250-1046 • 611 E. Cascade Ave. (At the new SPRD Community Center) OPEN
feel lonely are more than twice as likely to develop depression than those who rarely or never feel lonely.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-quarter of college students experience insomnia.
“Insomnia is detrimental to the health of college students,” said Dietch, assistant professor of psychological science and a licensed clinical psychologist who is board certified in behavioral sleep medicine. “It has been consistently associated with increased stress, anxiety and mood disturbance, as well as decreased academic performance.”
Dietch added that a global review of college students found that 18.5 percent had insomnia compared to 7.4 percent of non-students in the same age group. Students involved in intimate
JANUARY 11, 2025 10 A.M. TO NOON At former Sisters Elementary School Child
relationships – close friendships as well as romantic partnerships – are less likely to report being lonely than those who are not, she said.
“There is a prevailing notion that screen time increases the likelihood of insomnia symptoms, and we did see that,” Sy said. “We
recommend that college students use electronic devices for a maximum of 8 to 10 hours a day to reduce their insomnia risk. And we also encourage university administrators and counselors to prioritize loneliness before screen time when addressing insomnia.”
6 at
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
Screen stime has been blamed for sleep problems — but loneliness can be a bigger culprit.
PHOTO PROVIDED
Protecting Owyhee Canyonlands
By Adam Bronstein Columnist
Instead of implementing meaningful protections for the Oregon side of the Owyhee Canyonlands, politicians have missed the opportunity to take effective action to protect this stunning area in southeast Oregon.
Two bills introduced into Congress to protect the area, known as Oregon’s Grand Canyon, are shaped more by efforts to appease the livestock industry than by a commitment to conservation. They fall short of what’s needed to protect the area. But President Joe Biden could consider protecting the area by giving it a national monument designation, something that Gov. Tina Kotek recently asked for again.
The “Malheur CEO Act,” or “Malheur Community Empowerment for the Owyhee Act,” which was first introduced by Oregon’s U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley in 2019, aims to designate over 1.1 million acres in the Owyhee Canyonlands in southeast Oregon as federal wilderness, appease public lands ranching interests, and expand recreation opportunities. But it is hung up in Congress despite Wyden’s recent last-ditch efforts to get it over the finish line before the end of Biden’s term.
Sensing a political
opening, U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz, who represents eastern Oregon in Congress, introduced the “Oregon Owyhee Wilderness and Community Protection Act” last month, with the primary objective of putting ranching above other interests on Owyhee public lands. His bill, along with a slew of other livestock-related legislation, got a hearing in the House Committee on Natural Resources in mid-November.
Conservationists have raised the alarm about Bentz’s bill, which proposes fewer wilderness acres in the Owyhee Canyonlands, entrenches and prioritizes livestock grazing over conservation, and waters down ecological objectives. It is a livestock industry giveaway in one of the most spectacular and wild landscapes left unprotected in the western U.S. Bentz’s bill also does not have tribal support.
Bentz’s legislation allows for “flexible” grazing practices and would let ranchers drive motor vehicles into wilderness areas, lands traditionally off-limits to motorized use to protect wilderness values. It is always highly suspect when an extractive industry like ranching supports wilderness designations. This land protection measure is supposed to restrict and limit extraction, not enable it. Furthermore, its cooperative monitoring and project funding provisions would give
ranchers excessive influence in land management as well as monetary handouts, decidedly shifting the focus from conservation to grazing interests.
The bottom line is both Bentz’s and the Senate bills are heavily weighted toward industry and do not serve the interests of the American people, who value public lands for hunting and fishing opportunities, wildlife, and wildness.
Wyden could do the right thing and consider throwing his support behind the designation of an Owyhee Canyonlands National Monument, letting Biden know such a move would align with the values of the American people. The sena tor has worked for years to protect the Owyhee Canyonlands and it would be a shame to let this oppor tunity slip through the cracks.
Adam Bronstein is the Oregon director for Western Watersheds Project, a non profit conservation group dedicated to protecting and restoring wildlife and watersheds throughout the American West. He resides in Central Oregon.
Republished under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 courtesy https://oregoncapitalchroni cle.com.
The Deschutes National Forest, Discover Your Forest, and Mt. Bachelor invite locals to “discover your national forest” while participating in your favorite winter activity. Join Snowshoe with a Ranger and Roving Ski Ranger at Mt. Bachelor West Village this winter.
Snowshoe with a Ranger interpretive program will take you on a one-mile snowshoe hike through the beautiful alpine pine forest along Egan
1 p.m., lasting one hour to 1-1/2 hours. Children ages eight and up are welcome. No pets. No experience is required; snowshoes are provided. Dress for cold winter weather: waterproof jacket, pants, snow boots, winter hat, and gloves. Prior registration is highly recommended. Please register at: Interpretive Programs Signup – Discover Your Forest. Discover Your Forest programs are free of cost, and
Lady Outlaws win two on home court
By Rongi Yost Correspondent
The Outlaws narrowly edged out the Culver Bulldogs 41-39 at home on Tuesday, December 17, and two days later destroyed the visiting South Umpqua Lancers in a final score of 69-20.
On Tuesday against the Bulldogs, the Lady Outlaws were down 15 points at the half. They rallied and came from behind to notch the victory in the final minutes of play.
Coach Paul Patton said, “We started the game with our second-string line up. Culver is a 2A school that’s been struggling to get wins and I thought it’d be a good chance for our backups to test themselves early in the game, rather than later when the outcome had already been determined.”
Players did a fairly good job defensively, holding Culver to seven points in the first quarter, but struggled to score against the Bulldogs’ zone defense. Maddie Durham scored Sisters lone bucket in the quarter. It was much of the same in the second period and the Outlaws were down 5-20 at the half.
Patton said, “Before the game we talked about turning the ball over to our starters in the second half it we needed to, and we did.”
The Lady Outlaws came out determined to dig out of the hole and cut the lead to three to close out the third quarter. Audrey Corcoran scored seven, Shae Wyland six, and Durham hit two long balls. Culver managed to hold onto a slim 27-30 lead as their best player, Dania Correa, hit five of her eight attempts at the foul line, a field goal, and a three-pointer.
Both Corcoran and Durham got into foul trouble in the second half, which stalled the Outlaws’ momentum a bit. The game stayed tight through the final period. With two minutes left on the clock the Outlaws were down by three. The clock clicked down to just over a minute and Corcoran tipped away a
steal and threw the ball ahead to Paityn Cotner, who converted a lay-in and got fouled. Cotner stepped to the foul line and sank the free-throw to tie the game 39-39.
On the next possession, Verbena Brent jumped into the passing lane, stole the ball at mid-court, and broke away for a lay-in to give the Outlaws the two-point lead. Neither team scored again and the Outlaws recorded a hard fought come-from-behind victory.
Corcoran scored nine, Wyland and Durham eight each, Brent six, Jorja Christianson four, and Cotner three.
Two days later the Outlaws jumped out to an 8-0 lead against the Lancers and closed out the quarter on top 17-2. Corcoran scored nine, and Christianson hit a nice long ball to help boost the Outlaws to the big advantage.
The Outlaws started the second period with six straight points; Cotner on a lay-up, Durham with a long jumper, and Cotner with a “euro-step” direction change to give the Outlaws a 23-2 lead. The scoring spree continued, highlighted by two threes from Durham, who had 10 in the quarter, eight points from Brent, and a long ball from Christianson. Sisters stymied the Lancers offense, and at the half held a commanding 45-8 lead.
Sisters continued to increase their lead, went ahead by 30 in the fourth, and the running clock started. The second string and some of the JV finished out the remainder of the game, and the Outlaws recorded the 49-point win.
The Outlaws scored at will throughout the contest. They made good passes inside for easy buckets, scored numer
Lesowske retiring from school district
By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief
What started out as a convenient job turned into a 35-year career for Mary Lesowske.
The lead secretary at Sisters Middle School is retiring this month after serving students and staff at two Sisters schools in a role that created many fond memories.
“I loved it,” she said. “I love everybody here.”
Her colleagues feel the same about her.
“She is an amazing human, and we will miss her dedication and expertise,” said Molly Pearring, who works with Lesowske at the middle school.
Lesowske’s long tenure with Sisters School District began simple enough.
Carol Williams at Sisters Elementary School approached her to work in the office.
“That’s how it started,” Lesowske recalled. “Because I wanted to work the same hours my kids were in school.”
Lesowske worked at Sisters Elementary School for 10 years before moving to the middle school, where her work involves posting grades for students, including providing the honor roll to The Nugget, enrolling new students, providing records when students transfer away,
and more.
She has often been the first interface parents and students have in working with the school.
Lesowske has experienced a lot of growth and change in Sisters schools. The middle school kids seem different to her than they were decades ago.
“They seem to grow up faster — too quickly,” she reflected. “Computers have changed a lot — just changed society in general. Nothing’s bad; just different.”
Decades of interaction with hundreds of students has been gratifying.
Lesowske notes that it is rewarding when a former student comes back and expresses appreciation for how she connected with them.
“Certain students, you
remember them forever,” Lesowske said.
For many years, Lesowske was an avid runner.
“Running was a big thing for a long time,” she said. “I loved that.”
She has no specific plans for retirement, other than spending time with grandchildren.
“I don’t know; I’ll figure it out,” she said.
Something that takes no figuring out is her feelings about her long career.
“You want to like what you do, right? That’s why we do it,” she said.
For her, it all comes down to relationships.
“Everybody’s a family,” she said. “Everybody helps each other.”
And, she reflected, “It was a great school system for my kids.”
WHERE IN THE WORLD IS
The Nugget
Bob Norin, an amateur radio operator, on Wallis Island in the French overseas collectivity of Wallis and Futuna, in the South Pacific, about 500 miles northeast of Fiji. He and a friend received licenses from the government of Wallis and Futuna to operate their radios there, and made over 15,000 contacts on shortwave radio bands with other “hams” in 137 countries around the world!
Mary Lesowske has been a part of student and staff lives in Sisters schools for more than three decades. She retires this month.
PHOTO BY JIM CORNELIUS
Of aAGEcertain
Sue Stafford Columnist
’Tis the season
It’s that time of year again – shopping, parties, decking the halls, gathering with friends and families, exchanging presents, and singing carols.
If all is copacetic in life, the Christmas/Hanukkah/ Kwanzaa season can create wonderful memories to last a lifetime. If you are alone, ill, fallen on hard times, or grieving, all the festive airs can seem like a cruel hoax, magnifying the difficult circumstances.
If I’ve learned nothing else about holidays, it is to acknowledge what is, celebrate what I can, be grateful for what I do have, and reach out to someone whose
situation is as or more difficult than mine. By sharing with others, whether it be a meal, a gift, or my time, I help myself while helping someone else. My heart is warmed and healed by giving, sharing, and caring beyond myself.
If you are alone this year, invite another alone person to join you for a meal, a concert, a movie, or a winter walk. Join in the free Sisters Community Dinner on Christmas Day at the Sisters Fire Hall from 1 to 3 p.m., no reservation needed. Attend a Christmas Eve or Christmas Day church service, even if you don’t have a church you usually attend. Help serve dinner at a homeless shelter.
Whatever you are feeling, it’s okay – happy, sad, abandoned, forgotten, sick, bereaved, or numb. Give yourself the gift of acceptance, with no unrealistic expectations or demands. Cry if the tears come. Stay well rested, eat nutritious food when possible, get out in nature, and fill your lungs with Sisters crisp winter air. Remind yourself that you are worthy and deserving of love – so love yourself well. May the spirit of the season touch you and fill you with peace.
Benefits of solitude depend on intensity
By Steve Lundeberg Oregon State University
CORVALLIS – Hiking by yourself deep in a forest and similar episodes of intense solitude are not as likely to restore energy and enhance social connectedness as less complete forms of solitude, such as reading in a café or listening to Spotify while commuting, research by Oregon State University suggests.
The findings are important because of solitude’s role in building connectedness, a key factor in a person’s overall health picture. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, strong social ties are linked with a longer lifespan, better mental health and a lower risk of serious illness, including heart disease, stroke and dementia.
Morgan Quinn Ross, assistant professor of communication in the OSU College of Liberal Arts, and Scott Campbell of the Ohio State University surveyed nearly 900 adults in the United States and found that activities that provide less complete forms of solitude, like playing a game on your phone or going to a movie by yourself, offer some
advantages over a solitary drive in the desert or writing in a secluded cabin.
“We learned that less complete solitude is more likely to restore energy and maintain a feeling of connection with others,” Ross said.
“In a world where social interaction is almost always just a click away, we need to understand how to balance social interaction with different types of solitude.”
s and Campbell examined conditions under which an individual’s solitude might be “shaded” by people and/or technology; accessibility to others and engagement with media can shade the solitude experience.
“Our study suggests that solitude is in fact not the flipside of social interaction,” Ross said. “Whereas more intense social interaction yields connection but depletes energy, more intense solitude depletes both energy and connection. Solitude does not seem to function simply as a way to regain energy used in social interaction.”
The scientists also learned that solitude was less detrimental to well-being for individuals who thought it helped them restore energy and maintain connection.
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102 Commercial Rentals
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
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
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103 Residential Rentals
CASCADE HOME & PROPERTY RENTALS
Monthly Rentals throughout Sisters Country. 541-549-0792
Property management for second homes. CascadeHomeRentals.com
PONDEROSA PROPERTIES
–Monthly Rentals Available–Call Debbie at 541-549-2002
Full details, 24 hrs./day, go to: PonderosaProperties.com
Printed list at 178 S. Elm, Sisters Ponderosa Properties LLC
104 Vacation Rentals
Downtown Vacation Rentals Popular 1 and 2 Bedroom SistersVacationRentals.net Great pricing. 503-730-0150 ~ Sisters Vacation Rentals ~ Private Central OR vac. rentals, Property Management Services 541-977-9898 www.SistersVacation.com
201 For Sale
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
Estate Sales and online auctions! Selling, Downsizing, or Deaths? Locally owned & operated by... Daiya 541-480-2806 Sharie 541-771-1150
We Buy, Sell, Consign Quality Cars, Trucks, SUVs & RVs ~ Call Jeff
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
sistershandyman@gmail.com CCB# 253556
600 Tree Service & Forestry
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
126 & Cline Falls. 541-280-1895
403 Pets
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies ready for their forever homes January 10, 2025. Check out my website at www.CavaliersAtElkRun.com. Call 541-413-0912 for more info.
500
DERI’s HAIR SALON
Call 541-419-1279
Engine REPAIR Lawn Mowers, Chainsaws & Trimmers Sisters Rental 331 W. Barclay Drive 541-549-9631
Authorized service center for Stihl, Honda, Ariens/Gravely, Cub Cadet, Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, Kawasaki Engines GEORGE’S SEPTIC TANK SERVICE
“A Well Maintained Septic System Protects the Environment” 541-549-2871
Junk removal, new home, garage & storage clean-out, construction, yard debris. You Call – We Haul! 541-719-8475 501 Computers & Communications 3 Sisters TeleNetworks, LLC Extend internet to shop, security cameras, Starlink. CCB #191099 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
– 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!
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– FOREST MANAGEMENT –Fire Fuels Reduction - Brush Mowing, Mastication, Tree Thinning, Large & Small Scale Projects!
Serving Black Butte Ranch, Camp Sherman & Sisters Area since 2003 ** Free Estimates ** Owner James Hatley & Sons 541-815-2342 4brostrees.com
Licensed, Bonded and Insured CCB-215057
LOLO TREE WORKS Tree Services: Tree Removal, Tree Pruning, Stump Grinding, Emergency Tree Services. ISA Certified Arborist Owner / Operator: Erin Carpenter lolotreeworks.com Call / Text: 503-367-5638 Email: erin@lolotreeworks.com CCB #240912
601 Construction INSPIRED CUSTOM HOMES
www.teeharborconstruction.com 541-213-8736 • CCB#75388
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New construction, addition, remodel. Large and small projects. Contact for estimate. Excavation: septic system, site prep, demolition, road and driveway construction. 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
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Answer: Page 30
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Lara’s Construction LLC.
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EMPIRE PAINTING
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SHERIFF: Vander Kamp was elected to office
November 5
Continued from page 3
Office command staff:
• Undersheriff Aaron Wells
• Patrol Captain Mike Sundberg
PINE PAINTING Interior & Exterior Painting Staining & Deck Restoration 541-588-2144 • CCB# 252954
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SWEENEY
PLUMBING, INC.
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• Detective Captain Ty Rupert
• Corrections Captain Mike Shults
606 Landscaping & Yard Maintenance
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• New Construction
• Water Heaters 541-549-4349
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Licensed • Bonded • Insured
CCB #87587
606 Landscaping & Yard Maintenance
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603 Excavation & Trucking
Keeping Sisters Country Beautiful Since 2006 candcnursery@gmail.com 541-549-2345
ROBINSON & OWEN
Heavy Construction, Inc.
All your excavation needs
*General excavation
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Keeping Sisters Country Beautiful Since 2006 candcnursery@gmail.com 541-549-2345
“These individuals bring a wealth of experience and a shared commitment to excellence. I am confident their leadership will inspire and support us all as we work toward our shared goals.” said Sheriff-elect Vander Kamp.
Captain Bailey ran against Vander Kamp in the November 5 election.
*Sewer and Water Systems
*Underground Utilities
*Grading
*Sand-Gravel-Rock
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The Sheriff oversees the 3,055 square mile county and manages more than 260 employees. The office
operates with a $67 million dollar budget that includes patrol, corrections, court security, search and rescue, administrative services, special services, SWAT, and automotive maintenance. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office provides patrol services throughout the county and the incorporated cities of Sisters and La Pine.
CCB #188594 • LCB #9264 www.vohslandscaping.com 541-515-8462
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I & I Crystal Cleaning, LLC
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
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Specializing in Commercial, Residential & Vacation Rentals. Licensed, Bonded & Insured. 541-977-1051
541-549-1472 • CCB #76888 Drainfield
I & I Crystal Cleaning, LLC
Specializing in Commercial, Residential & Vacation Rentals. Licensed, Bonded & Insured. 541-977-1051
• Minor & Major Septic Repair
BLAKE & SON – Commercial, Home & Rentals Cleaning WINDOW CLEANING!
• All Septic Needs/Design & Install
Lic. & Bonded • 541-549-0897
802 Help Wanted
General Excavation
BEAD STRINGER WANTED
• Site Preparation
• Rock & Stump Removal
BLAKE & SON – Commercial, Home & Rentals Cleaning WINDOW CLEANING! Lic. & Bonded • 541-549-0897
• Pond & Driveway Construction Preparation
Experienced in pearl and stone bead knotting on silk. Flexible part-time piecework
• Building Demolition Trucking
At home or at The Jewel. Phone Jan, 541-977-1514
803 Work Wanted
• Deliver Top Soil, Sand, Gravel, Boulders, Water
• Dump Trucks, Transfer Trucks, Belly
• The Whole 9 Yards or 24 Whatever You Want!
POSITION WANTED for part-time Caregiver in Sisters. Client needs change, creating new openings. Please call 503-274-0214
802 Help Wanted BEAD STRINGER WANTED Experienced in pearl and stone bead knotting on silk. Flexible part-time piecework At home or at The Jewel. Phone Jan, 541-977-1514
803 Work Wanted
POSITION WANTED for part-time Caregiver in Sisters. Client needs change, creating new openings. Please call 503-274-0214
Sheriff Kent Vander Kamp.
PHOTO PROVIDED
GRIFFITH: Friends remember Sisters man with great fondness
Continued from page 11
Sisters Country (AFSC) was extremely influential in its growth and success of its first Action Team, STARS (Sisters Transportation and Ride Share).
“John worked behind the scenes writing for The Nugget, volunteering and crafting a volunteer data base for Sisters, guiding AFSC as president, plus a myriad of other activities as a Sisters resident. He was a facilitator but always with a clear purpose in mind - help people be more of who they are. What a loss.”
Sue Stafford, friend and fellow freelancer
“I first met John when I was the Volunteer Coordinator for the Sisters Folk Festival, and he was a ready and willing volunteer. When he was no longer going to cover the City for The Nugget, he suggested to editor Jim Cornelius that he put me in that spot, and I covered it for seven years. We enjoyed a fun and warm friendship. In the interest of space, I will simply echo all the other comments.”
Kay Grady, former Sisters School District board member and friend
“John was the perfect conduit between the Sisters School District and the public while I served on the School Board. His inquisitive nature made him a natural journalist, yet one who always wrote the truth, asked difficult questions, and followed up on his stories for updates. He was a champion
of our students and educators. Running into him around town was always a treat. I will miss those serendipitous moments. He was one of a kind to me.”
Jim Golden, former SSD superintendent
“I met with John many times during my five years as superintendent in Sisters. Honesty, decency, and a sense of interest in our community to help make it a better place, is what I remember about my many times talking to John!”
Rob Corrigan, fellow teacher, volunteer, and friend
“I met John shortly after he moved to Sisters. As I recall, John was in “networking mode” (was he always in networking mode?), and we got together for coffee and swapped war stories. John had worked at SpectraPhysics earlier in his career, so we swapped war stories about people we both knew from laser development work, and more generally stories about life in the world of Silicon Valley technology, a world quite different from Sisters!
John and I reconnected when he stopped by my classroom at Sisters High School one afternoon to interview me on behalf of The Nugget. I had just started a second career in teaching, something else John had beat me to, him having been a classroom teacher for five years after leaving the world of technology.
Since then, John and I crossed paths many times, mostly in the context of volunteer projects. Whether one-on-one, among a group of friends, or in a more formal committee meeting or
anywhere else, I have never heard John express a negative thought about anyone. I think of John as a perceptive, intelligent, warm, and caring person, considerate toward others on a scale both personal and communitywide. More than anything, I will remember John as a person who was deeply kind, in the broadest sense of that word.
All of us in Sisters will need to step up in generosity of spirit and volunteerism to make up for John’s absence.”
Mac Hay, former Sisters resident “When I was involved with economic development and EDCO in Sisters, John was very helpful recruiting and working with me for potential new businesses for Sisters. I am sorry to hear of his passing. I really liked him.”
Katy Yoder, former Sisters Folk Festival staff
“When I was working for Sisters Folk Festival, John was a constant presence as a do-anything volunteer. He was up on ladders, fetching things we’d forgotten, and chatting it up with concertgoers.
During one of our conversations, John and I realized we shared a past from the Bay Area. His father was involved with the Pleasanton horseracing track, while I grew up on a horse farm in Walnut Creek, just a few miles away. We laughed when we discovered our shared adoration for a horse vet, Bill Nissen, who was both a skilled doctor and a hilarious jokester. Instead of showing up for a horse call in the standard jeans and button-down cotton cowboy shirt, Dr. Nissen wore a myriad of T-shirts with jokes and goofy images.
John and I reminisced about the Northern California
we loved and the cast of characters in the horse world. Talking to someone who remembered California in the 1960s and ’70s took me back and allowed me to recall the many reasons it was a great place to grow up.”
Ann Richardson, staff and head of numerous organizations
“I will always think of John as a gentle soul, caring and compassionate, but with an energy and smile that was infectious. I had the pleasure of volunteering with him (or him for me) on many occasions and he was always totally in, heart and soul, to whatever he committed to. John was one of those quietly engaged, involved, and supportive people who sometimes go unnoticed in our community but do so much. Although our paths haven’t crossed much at all lately, I will still miss him. A tremendous guy.”
Nugget Poetry Corner
GET LOW
ByJennyDenzer
Come and see w hat T he Lor d has done
The Light of the world for us He’s become
Noel God with us through Jesus His Son
Deliver ed to us to be the deliver ed ones
Lift up our eyes, our hear ts to rejoice
Let us sing pr aise to Him in unified voice
As we r aise our hands with joyful noise
His life for our s thr ough His selfless c hoice
Let us dance, let us sing
To the One Almighty King
To Him alone ourselves we bring
Who made a way for us by His of fering
Our hope is her e, the Messiah has come
Our gift fr om the Father His Holy Son
Our Savior, Deliver er the Pr omised One
Until His last day His final wor k done!
Hastening shepher ds sear ched for him not slowly
Looking for a babe in a manger ever so boldly
Being bor n to us among the most lowly
To whom they knelt and cried Holy, Holy!
As the shepher ds cir cled the babe ar ound
Standing in silence anxious thoughts abound
Sharing wor ds fr om the angels they did expound
Then humbly falling in worship upon Holy gr ound
The King of Kings and Lord of Lords
Came not with a cr own or fier y swor d
To demand our devotion in one acco rd
But to lay down His life for our s ever mor e
Who gave His life for us all str ug gling below
That all the world for all of time would know
Jesus le ft His throne on High just for us to show
A life of love and sacrifice is done by getting low
Lor d Jesus May I daily seek to humbly get lo w
On bended knee may I let my hear t completely go
To the One whose blood for us in agony did flow
To Him my endless love, my life, my pr aise I owe.
Year Of The Rooster (Snake 2024)
ByJackie Page ~ 2017
When suddenly you know…
You know it is time;
Fundamental r ealization, to begin
A ne w and pr ecarious year ; Str eams of rushing clear waters
To cr oss, and to follow;
Paying careful mind to roc ks and vines,
That lay in the pathway…
Ar e nothing but touc hstones to anchor my attentio n
To the pathw ay;
And the danger s, the subtle quiet danger s.
A smile, a cold br eeze on my face.
What is It, In you that cr eates that limitation?
Mor ning Winter Sun
ByScottStoery
John Griffith was involved in a wide range of volunteer activities in Sisters Country.
PHOTO PROVIDED
