December 2022 Sunriver Scene

Happy Holidays!

Sunriver’s sideyard recycling to begin in January

By Susan Berger, Sunriver Scene

SROA

NEWS

– After delays with pandemic-related supply chain is sues and staffing, side-yard recycling pickup service is finally ready to roll in Sunriver starting the week of Jan. 2. This service is mandatory for all Sunriver customers with trash pickup.

Here are details to be aware of:

• Weekly recycling pickup will be the same day as your current trash pickup

• Customers need to supply their own commingle recycle can. Cans must be the following:

– 35 gallons or smaller rubber can

– No wheels

– Detachable lid

• Cascade Disposal will supply an 18 gallon bin/tote for glass collec tion. Bin distribution will begin the week of Nov. 28.

By Susan Berger, Sunriver Scene

SROA NEWS – Can’t recall if you’re paid up on your monthly SROA main tenance fee or SHARC assessment?

is different.

• A “How To” flyer will be in cluded with the glass bin as they are distributed. A recycling sticker to af fix to the lid of your commingle recycle can will also be included. If you are unsure whether an item is recy clable or not – play it safe and put it in the trash. Just because an item might display the recycling symbol does not mean it is recyclable in Deschutes County.

See page 3 for proper recycling requirements in Sunriver. This flyer is also available for download at www. sunriverowners. org/recyling

If the recycling can is found con taminated with non-recyclables you can be subject to additional trash or contamination charges. Those with vacation rental homes are strongly

Thanks to a new portal on the SROA website, owners will be able to check their own account starting sometime after the first of the year. Rather than calling or stopping by the SROA office, owners can make payments via credit card for their maintenance fee, RV stor age renewal or SHARC assessment.

The account will be tied to the owner of record on file with SROA and is the person who must create a login and password for access. An owner of record is the one who currently receives association billings, SROA ballot/voting infor mation, etc. If a spouse/partner or other owners of the property want access to this account, they will need to request the owner of record to share the same login/password with them.

There is specific data the owner of record must use to successfully access their account:

• SROA member number: This is the number found on your maintenance billing invoice, which will arrive in mid-December. Do not use the number on your Member Preference card as it

• Case sensitive name: Use the name as shown on your SROA billing. For example: If SROA’s record shows you as Robert Smith and you try to use Bob Smith, you will be denied access.

If you have correctly filled in the re quired information you will receive an email confirmation (be sure to check your spam folder if you can’t find it). Please note that it may take up to 24 hours for your account to become active.

Once live, the account portal will be found on the SROA website at www. sunriverowners.org. Click the Mainte nance Fee button from the homepage, which will take you to the page where the new portal is located. Be sure to bookmark this page to make future access easier.

SROA will send out an e-notification when the portal goes live and will post the information on the SROA website as well.

Nominating Committee seeking candidates for the SROA Board of Directors

By Tony Selle

SROA NEWS – We think you will agree, Sunriver is a wonderful place to be an owner. There is something here for everyone, things that we cherish and want to see preserved or enhanced, and maybe some things we would like to see changed or improved. Would you like to give back and help support keeping Sunriver a tremendous place to own, live and recreate?

Please consider serving this great com munity by running for the 2023 SROA Board of Directors. There will be three

vacancies to fill in the July 2023 own ers election. It is always ideal to have as many candidates as possible for all owners to vote on.

Not a full-time resident, retired or former CEO of a large corporation? Those aren’t requirements; if you are an owner you are qualified. You don’t need anything more than a strong desire to help, the willingness to put in the time to learn, and the ability to work with others who also love Sunriver.

A longtime coming, Mary McCallum Park has finally received a ‘flushing’ restroom facility. The structure was installed via a large crane on a chilly morning in mid-November. Due to winter conditions, the restroom will not be operational until sometime in the spring. This is one of several improvements that have been done or planned for this owners-only park.

MARK SMITH PHOTO

SUSAN BERGER PHOTO

SCENE

DECEMBER 2022

Volume XLV, No. 12 57455 Abbot Drive PO Box 3278 Sunriver, OR 97707

OWNER/PUBLISHER Sunriver Owners Association

The SUNRIVER SCENE is the o cial monthly publication of the Sunriver Owners Association, a not-for-pro t Oregon corporation dedicated to: “Maintaining Sunriver as a premier residential and resort community, protecting and enhancing its quality of life, natural environment and property values.”

The Scene is mailed to Sunriver property owners anywhere in the U.S. and available at locations throughout Sunriver and through a paid subscription by mail.

Publication of advertising copy or individuals’ opinions in the Scene does not constitute endorsement by the newspaper, the Sunriver Owners Association or any of its members or board of directors. Each advertiser bears responsibility for claims made on their behalf.

Scene content including stories, advertising and images are copyrighted and cannot be re-published without permission.

CONTACT THE SCENE

Editor | Communications Director Susan Berger 541.585.2937 susanb@srowners.org Communications Coordinator Erin Mohr 541.585.2939 erinm@srowners.org ADVERTISING 541.593.6068 sunriverscene@srowners.org

CONTACT SROA 541.593.2411 888.284.6639 toll-free email: infosroa@srowners.org www.sunriverowners.org

GENERAL MANAGER James Lewis jamesl@srowners.org

ASST. GENERAL MANAGER Keith Kessaris keithk@srowners.org

COMMUNICATIONS

SUNRIVER SCENE 541.585.2937

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 541.593.6645

NATURAL RESOURCES 541.593.1522

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 541.585.2903

PUBLIC WORKS 541.593.2483

RECREATION, SHARC

& MEMBER SERVICES 541.585.5000

encouraged to post a flyer to inform and educate guests on materials that are recyclable in Deschutes County. A flyer can be found at www.sunriverown ers.org/recycling

The top items that are NOT recyclable here include:

• No plastic clamshells (to-go, veggie/fruit/baked goods containers)

• No pizza boxes

• No frozen food or waxcoated boxes

• No plastic bags

• No Styrofoam, bubble wrap

As a temporary policy, SROA will allow the placement of the recycle can and glass bin outside and adjacent to the trash enclosure on pickup days only for homes that don’t have room inside the current trash enclosure. And, once emptied, the can/bin must be moved back inside the garage or home.

SROA is also working on a plan to assist owners to sim plify the design review process if they wish to increase the size of their trash enclosure to accommodate the additional recycle can/bin. Once a plan is in place owners will be noti fied via e-notification, SROA website and in a future Scene.

Interested in giving back and serving Sunriver? Please fill out an applica tion at www.sunriverown ers.org/owners/get-involved or contact a member of the nominating committee below for more information.

Nominating

Committee Members

• Holly Hendricks, chair doubleheche@gmail.com

• Steve Aloia smc1970@earthlink.net

• Michael Applegate sunrivermike@gmail.com

• Ron Angell ron.angell42@gmail.com

• Mike Gocke mike-g123@msn.com

• Carol Holzer carolholzer@aol.com

• Tony Selle avfan1960@gmail.com

• Kellie Allen kelliea@srowners.org

Sunriver... too beautiful to litter. Help us keep it clean.

~Thank You

SROA Pres Message

As an SROA Board member for the past three years, I have heard owners make statements to the ef fect: “The Board doesn’t listen to own ers.” For me, this is disheartening. I often find myself reflecting on why owners feel this way and what can the board do to address this concern.

The board as a whole and board members individually re ceive feedback from owners via multiple channels. Each month we start our work session (the Friday before the third Satur day of the month) and regular board meeting (the third Sat urday of the month) with an “Owners Forum.” This is an opportunity for any Sunriver owner to address the board directly with their concern(s). Alternatively, owners can write an email to sroaboard@srown ers.org or infosroa@srowners. org. Owners can also submit a message to the Scene to be printed either as a letter to the editor (200 words max) or “Chorus of One” (400 words max). Finally, Sunriver friends and neighbors often let their concerns known to a board member they know, directly.

Given all these avenues of input, why would own ers feel the board isn’t listening?

First, I think it is important to make a distinction between “listen ing” and “acting.”

Listening is a personal process and, without quizzing a board member on what an owner has said, it is difficult to detect if a board member is listening or not. Even when facial expres sions are visible, it is difficult to tell if someone is “listening.” At times, I will listen with my eyes closed to minimize visual distractions.

My personal belief is that when owners say “the board isn’t listening” what they re ally mean is: The board hasn’t acted in a way consistent with my request. Afterall, an owner doesn’t take the time and en ergy to address the board just to hear someone say: “We hear you.” As the saying goes: Ac tions speak louder than words. Why the SROA Board may or may not act on an owner’s re quest requires a short digression into how SROA operates and the role of the SROA Board.

SROA is run by general man ager James Lewis and his man

agement team. They make and are held accountable for day-today decisions and are charged with enacting, enforcing and following the policies and rules as determined by the Board in a fair and consistent manner.

The SROA Board, a group of nine volunteers, oversees SROA general manager Lewis (we write his performance re view and decide on any salary adjustments) but tries to stay out of making decisions about day-to-day operations. If the SROA Board doesn’t involve itself in day-to-day operations, what is its purpose?

In general, the SROA Board debates and votes on policy matters. Examples include Sunriver rules and regulations, the SROA annual budget and maintenance fee increase, the expenditure of reserve dollars, policies affecting SROA em ployees, when to pursue legal action. If you are unhappy about your annual mainte nance fee increase or your request to paint your house fire engine red is denied by the Design Committee, addressing the SROA Board to change the underlying budget or rule, is appropriate.

It’s important to note that policy decisions are not made lightly by the SROA Board.

While one owner may have a perfectly valid perspective, the SROA Board weighs the impact of their decision on all Sunriver owners. What may be good for you and a few others may have a negative impact on many other owners. Finally, any action by the SROA Board requires more than 50% of the board members present to agree; five if all nine board members are present.

To summarize, all SROA Board members appreciate it when owners take the time to express their opinion via any of the previously mentioned mechanisms. While I can’t guarantee a favorable or any decision, I can guarantee we listen. This year we are ex perimenting with an approach where any owner who addresses the board – either in person or via email – will receive a response (not a decision) from one of the SROA board mem bers, provided we have your contact information. This is our attempt to let you know that we are listening. Action may follow but as noted above; the board only acts on policy decisions after careful delibera tion on how their decision will impact all Sunriver owners.

Highlights, actions of the SROA Board of Directors monthly meeting

The Sunriver Owners As sociation (SROA) Board of Directors meeting was held Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022.

Board members present: Gerhard Beenen, Bill Burke, Keith Mobley, Scott Gillies, Clark Pederson, Tony De Ali cante, Julianna Hayes, Linda Beard and Larry Ishmael.

Staff present: James Lewis, Susan Berger, Jesus Mendoza.

Owners forums

From Nov. 18 work session

• Bob Stillson acknowledged and lauded the design and the helpful information included in the new Sunriver maps prepared and distributed by SROA.

From Nov. 19 regular meeting

• David Dittman com mented on the proposed rules changes for the storage and placement of firewood. His primary concerns were about the reduction in the amount of wood that would be allowed per property (from five to two cords) and the prohibition of stacking wood between trees in “bookend” fashion.

Board actions

• Approved minutes of the Oct. 14 SROA board work session as corrected.

• Approved minutes of the Oct. 15 SROA regular board meeting as corrected.

• Approved Oct. 31, 2022 fi nancial statement (unaudited).

• Approved the transfer of $547,363 from the Reserve Fund to Operating Fund for the payment of fall ladder fuels reduction work and fall road/ pathway projects.

• Approved adoption of the 2023 SROA Operating Fund and Capital Expenditure Bud get as presented and approved by the SROA Finance Com mittee.

• Approved the 2023 Main tenance Fee assessment of $153.74 per month – an in crease of 3.5% or $5.20 per property, per month. Further moved to approve a discount of $55.35, resulting in an annual payment of $1,789.53 to own ers who may their maintenance fees, in full, by Jan. 25, 2023.

• Approved the 2023 Skyp ark Fund assessment of $66.50

SROA Financial Report

Treasurer report: how is 2022 budget going?

By Clark Pederson

The SROA budget is like a family budget. It is a balance of revenue (income) versus expenses (outgo). The goal is to have more revenue than expenses. Our current year doesn’t end until Dec. 31 but how do we look for year end?

On the revenue side how did we do? Everything seemed to happen just right! A major source of revenue for SROA af ter our maintenance fees, which generates more than $7.6 mil lion, is our Recreation Plus Pro gram (RPP) whereby owners who rent out their homes buy yearly passes for their vaca tion renters to have access to SHARC, tennis and pickleball courts, and the boat launch. It is always a difficult job guessing the number of homes which might buy passes. As it turned out we were conservative in our projections and 80 additional homes bought passes over our projections based on 2021 sales. This resulted in $217,166 additional income over a bud get of $2,296,000. We were also conservative in estimating the amount of revenue from in dividuals paying gate admission to SHARC. In 2020 and 2021 we didn’t allow gate admissions because of COVID restrictions and lack of sufficient lifeguards. In 2022, our recreational staff, headed by Leigh Anne Dennis, did an excellent job of hiring and scheduling lifeguards to keep our facility open to allow better access by owners and their guests and allowing sales of gate admissions. Not know ing if we might have continued pandemic-related restrictions we estimated $500,000 but ex pect to exceed that by $50,000.

per month, an increase of 3.5% or $2.25 per property, per month. This fund is used for repairs and maintenance of the tarmac, which is designated as limited commons and available to Skypark property owners only.

• Approved the payment of $123,416.44 from the op erating account to retire the internal loan for construc tion of SROA administration building.

• Declined a second read ing of proposed changes to Sunriver Rules & Regulations Section 4.02 C regarding fire wood. The board directed the Covenants Committee to pos sible revised language related to comments from owners follow ing the first reading.

• Approved Resolution 2022-

009 which makes amendments to various SROA governing documents for compliance to Oregon House Bill 2534 to re move discriminatory language. A first reading was held to proposed changes to Sunriver Rules & Regulations and own ers have 60 days (until Jan. 18) to make comments related to the changes. The proposed changes will be posted to the SROA website under News & Notices.

Committee/board action requests

• Approved appointment of Debbie Baker to the Nominat ing Committee.

Other business

• The board directed the

Three additional areas where we underestimated revenue included Scene advertising which should come in $20,000 over budget due to improving economic activity and the hard work of our Communications Department – led by Susan Berger. Event space rentals at SHARC are coming in $33,000 over budget thanks to the hard work of Camille Collard in event scheduling. And last, interest income on investments in our operating budget should be $30,000 over the budgeted $9,600 due to the unanticipated increase in interest rates allowing us to earn closer to 4% on reinvesting maturing investments versus the 0.1% earned the past year or two.

We also had two unexpected

Gerhard Beenen

Covenants Committee to con sider the addition of rules to the SROA Rules and Regulations that are relocating from the existing Design Manual.

• The Board acknowledged the start of side-yard pickup recycling service on Jan. 2 by Cascade Disposal and that, un til such time as trash enclosures can be altered to accommodate an additional 32 gallon can for recycling, a single recycling can and glass bin may be placed outside, adjacent to the exist ing trash enclosure, only on the day of collection (morning to evening only).

Association operations

• Administration: Prepared draft of Design Manual up date/revision. Provided training to the Nominating Committee regarding SROA governing documents, policies and op erating procedures. Working with controller Joe Healy re garding proposed changes to maintenance fee calculations/ methodology for Sunriver Re sort and the Village. Worked with department heads on 2023 budget. Worked with staff and Admissions Mod el Workgroup on 2023 fee changes. Met with contractor regarding design for Public Works facility improvements. Consulted with attorney re garding foreclosure proceedings for fines/fees owned to SROA by an owner.

• Accounting : Presented

draft of the 2023 operating and reserve budgets to the Finance Committee. Worked with the SSD auditors on annual district audit, including in-person field work. Submitted forms for 2023 insurance renewal. Began preparation for 2023 maintenance fee invoice mail ing/email.

• Communications: Staff is working on updating various print materials for 2023, in cluding the Owner Guide/Di rectory, recreation guest passes, member brochure, Recreation Plus poster, etc. Preliminary work has started for the early 2023 ballot measure for the proposed TDS/BendBroad band basic internet bulk ser vices agreement and changes to the Consolidated Plan related to be in compliances with Or egon House Bill 2534. Posted FAQs to the SROA website related to the proposed updates to the Ladder Fuels Reduction Plan.

• Community Development: There were 113 administrative reviews for projects and there are 330 active projects/build ing permits. Permit compliance resulted in three citations and two warnings. There were 142 residential and six commercial paint survey notices sent with all but 15 rectified by the Oct. 31 deadline.

• Natural Resources: LFR and tree thinning continues to commons as contractor avail ability and weather allows. Completed annual asbestos surficial pickup on commons and conducted annual asbestos awareness training for staff.

Also conducted annual asbes tos cap inspection at SHARC. Started flagging property lines and marking trees for 2023 LFR contract.

• IT: Security penetration testing was conducted and there were no critical areas of concern. SROA staff has been tasked with completing online security training. Began instal lation of fiber to the Member Pool. Additional power is need ed to handle camera/WiFi ac cess at the playground. Worked with Cook Security Group for new emergency panic button in the fitness center. Working on new phone system that will be installed in the coming months.

• Public Works: Winterized drinking fountains and irriga tion. Removed wind screens from some tennis courts, with more to go. Fall road projects competed on time and under budget. Installed snow poles along pathways. Removed roadside plow hazards (rocks, branches, stumps, etc.). Trained new staff on equipment and snow removal. Moved de-icing chemicals to the covered cin der storage and added a spill containment system. Installed

and testing air filtration system to the fleet shop for wildfire smoke mitigation. Winter ized all outdoor aquatics and buildings. PW campus design contractor selected for phase 1.

• Recreation/SHARC: Op erations have slowed signifi cantly for the fall. Despite keeping the outdoor pools open for an additional two weeks of unseasonably warm temperatures, there wasn’t the crowds or overall usage to justify the expenses of keeping facilities open longer. Heavy wildfire smoke resulted in one full day of no aquatics and

two, partial-day closures. Four internal candidates shifted into roles to take on new positions or transitioned from part-time to full-time.

The meeting adjourned at 10:45 a.m.

The next SROA board work session will take place at 9 a.m. Dec. 16 followed by the regular board meeting at 9 a.m. Sat urday, Dec. 17. To watch the meeting live via YouTube, or at a later time, visit the meeting date on SROA website calendar for the YouTube link. Meeting minutes, once approved, are available on the SROA website.

Does SROA Have Your Email and Emergency Contact Information?

Sunriver owners with an email on file receive timely notifications, online surveys, invoices, etc. from SROA.

Having current information also helps emergency responders know who to contact should an incident occur at your home, such as a tree on your house, frozen pipes or other emergency.

If you believe we do not have your email or other contact information, please fill out the online form at: www.sunriverowners.org/updatemyinformation

NOTICE OF SROA SPECIAL ELECTION

A vote of the membership of the Sunriver Owners Association will be conducted by mail, in January 2023, for the following two (2) ballot measures:

BALLOT MEASURE 1: TDS Bulk Services Agreement

Pursuant to the Consolidated Plan of Sunriver, Section 7.02, I authorize the Sunriver Owners Association (SROA) to execute a fifteen (15) year services agreement with Telephone and Data Systems (“TDS”) (formerly BendBroad band) for the delivery of basic internet service to all Sunriver developed resi dential properties. The monthly cost will not exceed $35 per unit, per month for the first ten (10) years of the agreement term, or $48 per unit, per month for the remaining five (5) years of the agreement term.

sources of income. First, by a previous agreement, we receive payments for every lot plotted in the Caldera Springs expan sion. In 2022 we received two payments totaling $125,000. We have no control over when we will receive these payments, so they were not included in the budget. And secondly, $85,000 came from our share of income from the cafe at SHARC. When planning the budget, we didn’t have a vendor identified for opening the cafe or know what COVID restrictions there might be.

How did we do on the ex pense side? Our expenses also were under budget particularly in two areas. First in employee salaries and benefits where we underspent by $270,000. This was not expected as the em ployee positions were needed, however, in this difficult em ployment market, we had problems filling vacant posi

tions. Our existing employees stepped up to the occasion and worked extra hard although some work we wanted to get done didn’t get completed.

The second area was materi als and services. Departments heads were careful with spend ing and underspent their bud gets by $125,000.

Adding together the revenues above budget and expenses under budget we are anticipat ing a positive variance of about $825,000. This is a welcome change from 2020 and 2021 when we saw shortfalls of -$905,000 and -$332,500 re spectively. In those years many of the same revenue sources generating surpluses today were creating shortfalls.

Next month I will discuss how this surplus is being used for the owner’s benefit and how it affects the upcoming 2023 budget.

–Clark Pederson is treasurer of the SROA Board of Directors and chair of the Finance Committee. pederson@srowners.org

This agreement will obligate TDS to provide each Sunriver home with Fiber To The Home (“FTTH”) internet service (300Mbps upstream/downstream) and an in-home Wi-Fi router no later than December 31, 2026. TDS would be the sole owner of the FTTH infrastructure and financially responsible for its main tenance and customer support.

I understand that if this ballot measure is approved by at least sixty percent 60% of the votes cast by written ballot directed to all owners, the $35/month internet service fee (and, after ten (10) years, the $48/month internet service fee) will be added to my monthly SROA maintenance assessment, whether I choose to utilize such service or not, once TDS makes FTTH internet service available at my Sunriver home.

I also understand that if this ballot measure is approved, each owner may con tract directly with TDS for additional services beyond the base internet service described above for an additional charge. Such additional charges will be paid by the Sunriver owner directly to TDS. TDS will provide a credit to any owner who subscribes to a higher speed internet service, in the amount of the monthly service fee that the owner pays to SROA as part of the approved bulk agree ment.

I understand that if the ballot measure does not pass, each owner will be re quired to contract directly with TDS or another internet/telecommunications service provider available in Sunriver on an individual basis at the rates deter mined by that provider for the services selected.

I understand TDS has indicated that it will proceed to upgrade its Sunriver network to FTTH if this measure fails. Pricing is expected to be comparable to the rate paid by TDS’ Bend customers, but will be at the discretion of TDS, and subject to change over time. Additionally, the construction of the FTTH network will be completed at a date to be determined by TDS.

Owners

inclusion in the voter information pamphlet.

Ballots will be mailed no later than January 23, 2023.

Election closing date is February 21, 2023 at noon.

BALLOT MEASURE 2: Consolidated Plan Language Changes

Pursuant to the Consolidated Plan of Sunriver, Section 7.02, I authorize the Sunriver Owner Association to make the proposed amendments to the Consoli dated Plan of Sunriver are as follows, with additions indicated by underlined text and deletions by strike through text:

1. Proposed Amendment to Section 1. Section 1 of the Consolidated Plan is proposed to be amended by including a new Section 1.11, by renumbering subsequent subsections accordingly, and by amending the newly renumbered Section 1.19 (previously Section 1.18) as follows:

1.11 Household shall mean the owner or lessee of a Sunriver unit, together with any other individuals associated with the owner or lessee (including immediate family members and persons of close affinity), who permanently and lawfully reside in the unit within occupancy limits.

1.198 Resident of Sunriver shall mean any person who is a unit owner or lessee of a unit in Sunriver, together with other members of his the Household immediate family provided that a person shall be a resident only during the period when he or she is in possession of his unit.

2. Proposed Amendment to Section 2. Section 2 of the Consolidated Plan is proposed to be amended as follows:

“Sunriver” shall mean all real property presently made subject to the prior plans of Sunriver, the Consolidated Plan, or any additional areas annexed to this Plan as provided in this Section 2. “Sunriver Declaration” shall mean any instrument previously recorded subjecting an area to the Plan of Sunriver, Plan of Sunriver Phase II and any instruments which may be recorded in the future subjecting ar eas to this document. The Consolidated Plan is not intended to in any way affect any existing Sunriver Declaration, except as required by Or Laws 2021, ch 67, §§ 1-7. With respect to any provision in any Sunriver Declaration contrary to Or Laws 2021, ch 67, §§ 1-7, if any, the Consolidated Plan shall control.

3. Proposed Amendment to Section 3.12(h). Section 3.12(h) of the Consoli dated Plan is proposed to be amended as follows:

Home Occupation. Any lawful occupation carried on by a resident of a dwelling as an accessory use within the same dwelling or in an accessory building on the same property is permitted only under the following conditions: that there be no retail sales or sales accessory to a service; that there be no full-time em ployees except members of the immediate family Household, that the external appearance of the premises is not affected in a way inconsistent with its use as a residence; and that no unreasonable parking problems are caused for sur rounding residents.

4. Proposed Amendment to Section 6.01. Section 6.01 of the Con solidated Plan is proposed to be amended as follows:

All rules and regulations must be applicable apply on a non-discrimina tory basis, in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal law, including Or Laws 2021, ch 67, §§ 1-7 However, provisions uniformly applicable to a class of persons, such as children of particular ages, will not be deemed discriminatory.

Patty Smith, SROA Election Committee Chair

2023 Member Preference, Recreation Plus program purchase/renewal

SROA NEWS – New owners are encouraged to visit Member Services at SHARC to pur chase their 2023 Membership card any time after Dec. 15 to start taking full advantage of membership benefits. Eli gible owners are those who are named on the deed paperwork on file with Deschutes County. The cost for 2023 is $75 per membership.

The cost of the annual mem bership – which works out less than $6 a month over 13 months – provides a myriad of discounted access to SROA recreational offerings such as SHARC aquatics, fitness center membership, exclusive use of the Member Pool, discounts for SROA-hosted events and programs, and the Sunriver Na ture Center, discounts to some Sunriver businesses and more.

Each property, with at least one SROA member card re newal or purchase, is also eli gible to receive 20 SROA Rec reation Guest Passes. These one-time-use guest passes may be given and used by an owner’s family or friends for access to SHARC’s aquatics, tennis/

pickleball court play or to use the Member Pool or fitness center (Member Pool/fitness access requires the owner (one with an updated member ship) to remain present with their guests while they use the facilities).

New owners who have not yet obtained a card are required to visit the Member Services office as your photo must be taken for the card.

If you an owner who already has a card, know that your membership will not expire until Jan. 31, 2023. Owners are welcome to renew their mem bership online with a credit card at www.sunriverowners. org/renew

Vacation rental access

The 2023 Recreation Plus Program is also open for enroll ment or renewal starting Dec. 15. This program is for those owners with a vacation rental to provide guests access to some of SROA’s recreational ameni ties, such as SHARC’s aquatics, tennis/pickleball courts and the boat launch.

The number of cards a home

receives is based on the number of bedrooms the home has on file with Deschutes County, plus two additional cards. For example, a two bedroom home would receive six cards.

For pricing and more infor mation visit www.sunriverown ers.org/recreationplus.

For more information about Member Preference or Recre ation Plus Program, contact SROA Member Services at memberservices@srowners.org, visit SHARC or call 541-5853147. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Note that during renewal times calls may delayed. Please leave a voice mail and you will be contacted as soon as possible.

Membership card provides numerous benefits

Whether it be walking you through the steps to add a hot tub, paint your home or to help you identify noxious weeds or how to harden your home to snowplowing and maintaining SROA-owned facilities, the Sunriver Owners Association provides a wide variety of services to its owners.

This includes access to owneronly Mary McCallum Park and discounted event space rentals and reservations to Fort Rock Park, Paulina Park and RV stor age space.

Owners can rake in addi tional discounts and often free

access to a variety of programs and services with the purchase of an annual SROA Member ship card. Add it up and there is the potential for saving hun dreds – even thousands – of dollars each year.

Benefits of Membership

Here’s a rundown of current privileges and discounts that an annual membership provides (prices and offerings subject to change):

• 20 SROA Recreation Guest Passes per property (up to $600 in value)

• Unlimited access to SHARC’s fitness center ($600 annual value, based on an average $50/month gym membership)

• Access to SHARC aquatics ($15-$30 seasonal value per visit)

• Exclusive access to the members-only Member Pool (priceless)

• Disc golf play ($5 value per game)

• Summer member express admission line at SHARC

• Exclusive access to the members-only living room and patio at SHARC

• Morning coffee service in the living room at SHARC

• Discount on SHARC retail items (10% off)

• Free lap swim ($15 value per visit)

• Discounted aquatic programs ($5-$15 average savings per program)

• Discounts on select SROA-hosted events (varies, but an average $10 savings per event)

• SROA boat launch access and river shuttle service

• Access to firewood ($140 per cord average price)

• Free tennis and pickleball court use ($25 value per court use)

• Discount on tennis/pickleball lessons and clinics

• The association also collaborates with Sunriver businesses, such as the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory, to provide discounted and/or free events and programs to owners who show their valid SROA membership card. Visit the SROA website at www.sunriverowners.org/benefits to view the dis counts provided by participating businesses.

SROA Board approves 2023 maintenance fee increase

SROA NEWS – Despite the current nationwide inflation rate of more than 7.7% (as the Scene went to press), the SROA board approved a 3.5% increase to SROA’s monthly mainte nance fee. This increase adds $5.20 for a total of $153.74 per month or $1,844.88 for the year.

The board also approved a 3% discount if the annu al maintenance fee amount is paid, in full, by Jan. 25, 2023. This discounted annual amount will be $1,789.88 – a savings of $55.35.

“(Sunriver) is not immune from increases in costs. Things like natural gas is going up 30% and we have to account for that,” said James Lewis, SROA General Manager. “People also need to under-stand that we, as an entity, are responsible to provide a variety of services.”

Lewis added that SROA has always been good at maximiz ing dollars to “provide a high degree of service and accessibil ity for the needs and desires of owners.”

With no pandemic-related restrictions, this year was much more successful that the two previous years – thanks mostly to unexpected revenue in rec reation – such as higher-thanbudgeted gate revenue and revenue generated by the café at SHARC.

“We had a much more suc cessful year than expected

owner enrichment activities Sunriver You December classes

By Helen Heeren

We are all, hopefully, trying to be better stewards of the planet we live on. Our EcoFriendly Kitchen class will demonstrate how small changes can make a big difference, not just environmentally, but also to your wallet. The January SROA Town Hall will present the key points about the fiber to the home proposal and an swer your questions about this subject before the vote early next year. Doesn’t this next class sound like a great way to spend a winter afternoon? You can brush up on your Spanish while having fun playing games in a four-week Conversación y competencia – Practice your

Spanish Through Games and Conversation class. Enroll ment is limited in this class, so don’t wait to sign up if you are interested, Read below for the full class descriptions. All classes require registration through www. sunriveryou.com. Registration closes 24 hours before the class start time. Please sign up before the 24-hour deadline if you want to attend a class. In the case of Zoom classes, you will be sent the virtual attendance link 48 hours before and again as a reminder two hours before the class starts.

The Sunriver You team is looking for a person to take over the position of commu

nications director. If you are interested in working with a dedicated and efficient team to bring classes to the Sunriver community, this is an excellent and rewarding volunteer posi tion. To get more information, including a description of the position, please contact us at info@sunriveryou.com.

Tips for an Eco-Friendly Kitchen

Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 2 p.m. at SHARC. Presented by Lynne Haroun.

Did you know that about one-third of the food pro duced in the US is never eaten and that today’s food system is a major contributor to the greenhouse gases warming our climate? Whether you’re con

cerned about climate change, sustainability, or the impact of inflation on your food budget, this class is for you. Learn how making small changes in the foods we eat, the amount of food we waste, and the tools we use in our kitchen to store and prepare food can have a big impact on the environment and our wallets.

Following the presentation there will be time for “show and tell.” Bring your own ecofriendly tips and kitchen tools to share with the group. The presenter will bring eco-friend ly products that she uses in her kitchen, including a portable induction cooktop.

Sunriver resident Lynne Haroun, has a master’s degree in Environmental Health Sci ences and Public Health. Since retiring, she has been pursuing her interest in climate change, participating in workshops on the science and impacts of climate change and on collec tive and individual actions to reduce ecological and carbon footprints. She also partici pated in training workshops given by former Vice President Al Gore’s Climate Reality Proj ect. Cooking has been one of her lifelong interests, leading to her niche at the intersection of climate and kitchen.

Fee

and wanted to keep this year’s maintenance increase as low as possible,” said Lewis. The maintenance fee for Sky

SROA Town Hall on the Fiber-To- e-Home

proposal

Tuesday, Jan. 17 at 4 p.m. via Zoom

Sunriver owners will vote early next year on whether to accept a proposal for a bulk services agreement with TDS (formerly BendBroadband) for fiber-to-the-home internet service in Sunriver. You can find detailed information on the proposal in recent Sunriver Scene issues and on the SROA website at www.sunriverown ers.org/telecommunications. In addition, this town hall is another opportunity to under stand the proposal and what your “yes” or “no” vote will mean. Gerhard Beenen, the SROA Board President and the Telecommunications Task Force chair, and James Lewis, the SROA General Manager, will lead the meeting. There will be time at the end to an swer questions related to this topic.

Conversación y competencia: Practice Your Spanish rough Games & Conversation

Tuesdays, Jan 17, 24, 31 and Feb 7, 2 p.m. at the Sunriver

park residents is also increasing 3.5% to $66.50 a month.

This is an additional fund used for repairs and mainte nance of the tarmac, which is designated as limited commons and available for use by Skypark owners only.

Presented by the Owner Enrichment Committee

Make holiday shopping fun

By Deni Porter

Shopping for holiday gifts should never be a burden. It should not be searching for parking or waiting for the UPS delivery.

Shopping should be part of the joy of the season. At Artists’ Gallery in The Village at Sunriver, music is playing, people are laughing, and all the items for sale are spe cial. A shopper’s biggest worry should be deciding which one

of the numerous great items to purchase. Helpful and happy artists will assist with your deci sions, and even gift wrap your purchase. You will be humming a holiday tune on the way back to your vehicle.

And let’s not forget the gal lery’s annual holiday celebra tion. Mark your calendar for the second Saturday of the month, Dec. 10 from 4 to 6 p.m. Share some treats and drinks with the gallery’s artists.

The following is some ideas for your gift list, just add the name of your lucky recipient.

• oil paintings by Bonnie Junell

Watercolors, Young Artists grace Betty Gray Gallery

By Jim Fister

As we roll into the holidays, the Betty Gray Gallery at the Sunriver Lodge is ready to bring on cheer with the con tinuation of a wonderful show as well as a showcase of young artists across the Central Or egon region.

The lower gallery features the finalists of the 2022 Young Artists’ Challenge, which is being judged as this article goes to press. The initial judging for the challenge occurred at the Central Oregon Maker Faire, and final judging is underway with a jury panel. Finalists will be displayed at the Betty Gray Gallery starting in De

cember through the holiday season, and into January. It will complement the return ing gingerbread house exhibit that the Lodge has traditionally done, providing enjoyment for adults and kids alike.

The upper gallery continues hosting an array of watercolor paintings from a trio of ac complished artists, all members of the Watercolor Society of Oregon. Sunriver-based Helen Brown uses rice paper as a background and mixes a tech nique of wax and watercolor to add a unique texture to her works. Crosswater-based Liz Haberman uses a traditional approach for her work, taking

photographs to create realistic scenes using her professional technique. Redmond-based Rebecca Sentgeorge is the most experimental of the trio, using a variety of collage materials in addition to her technique. The three combine to provide a remarkable overview of tech nique and artistry. The show has recently been updated with some new material, so come see the changes. The show will run through the end of the year.

Artists’ Gallery Sunriver curates the Betty Gray Gal lery. The gallery is focused on engaging the community to expand the influence of art in Central Oregon.

• woven scarves and baskets by Charlene Virts

• holiday cards from water color paintings by Dianne Lay

• colorful mixed media paint ings by Judy Wilson

• stained glass holiday orna ments by Becky Henson

• red sunstone jewelry from Karla Proud

• paintings and prints by Bill Hamilton

• art glass pieces by Cheryl Chapman

• paintings and prints by Lori Orlando

• blown glass ornaments by Bruce Freund

Artists’ Gallery Sunriver is in building 19 in The Village at Sunriver and open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For information, visit www.artistsgallerysunriver. com or call 541-593-4382.

Library. Led by Jennifer Cole stock.

Dust off your Spanish skills as you chat and play games – todo en español (all in Spanish). As you work your way through a variety of different juegos y ac tividades (games and activities), you will have a chance to review and ask questions, or simply enjoy using the language in a different context than you may be used to. There will be two groups, one for rusty beginners and another for inter-mediate and advanced students. This is a four-week series. Please plan to attend each week to get the most out of the class. Jennifer Colestock is a national board certified teacher with over two decades of experience teach ing Spanish at all levels, from children through university and ongoing adult education. She currently teaches online at the middle school and high school level, and is the founder of Tres Ríos Spanish School in Sunriver. Interested partici pants are encouraged to contact the instructor regarding place ment or any other questions at profecolestock@gmail.com or 541-728-3303.

Cheryl Chapman ornaments

Art by Judy Wilson

Tracks in the snow tell nature’s stories

By Kelli Neumann, Programs Manager

In Central Oregon we are surrounded by wildlife yet have limited means of detect ing it. Walking down a forest path with our heavy footfall, meat-eating scent and usually a dog we may only catch a brief flash of wings or a high-tailed retreat. Beyond those glimpses it is difficult for us to observe all the life that is sharing our forest stroll. Unless it snows. Snow provides physical, observable evidence of the multitude of creatures weaving in and out of the landscape around us, open ing a whole new world.

Human beings rely primarily on what we see. There is con sensus that more than 50% of the human brain is dedicated in some way to interpreting visual stimuli. The consensus continues that the other half is used sparingly. Our large front-facing eyes produce bin

ocular vision, combining two images into one. Binocular vi sion allows for increased depth perception and is best suited for judging the size and distance of things. However, the cost is of a more limited peripheral or field of vision. We see a narrower slice of what is around us and we see much better than we smell or hear. Snow allows the ground to record a visual rep resentation of what has passed by or might be lurking still. Tracks are revealed for a time, sometimes long enough for us to see.

Discerning how tracks came to be is a learning process. A single track is like a single word taken out of a story. Ev ery winter social media tries to identify the track next to the human hand declaring “look at this massive track it must be a….” and everyone rushes off to Google tracks and look at silhouette drawings and

either agree or disagree. Snow may preserve presence, but it is not indelible and there is always more to a story than a single word. When looking at tracks and trying to understand the glimpse it allows, it is im portant to look at the whole picture.

A set of impressions is much more helpful, as is an under standing of the natural history of an animal.

For example, a coyote usu ally lopes in a gently snaking manner. Their track line is very often in a subtle “S” pat tern. This sets it apart from a domestic dog which ping pongs from bush to branch. A quick search of a cat track will explain that they walk with their claws retracted, so prints without claw marks may be a cat. But it can be very hard to see this in a single track because differ ent temperature gradients will melt and refreeze water crystals, distorting them slightly. Cat tracks are also more rounded than canines and they tend to step one foot right behind the other, like a tightrope walker or someone trying to illustrate they can “still walk in a straight line.”

Smaller creatures also reveal themselves after a snowfall.

Cottontail rabbits or kangaroo rat trails dart from one den or another amidst broken tree trunks or downed logs creating tiny highways of footprints. Diminutive and seldom seen animals like voles and shrews can be temporarily exposed by following their pinpoint-like impressions.

Even avian animals can be discovered as bird or bat drop pings reveal roosts and resting places. Sometimes there are wing marks where a raptor touched down for a midwinter meal.

Porcupine tracks are inter spaced with the drag marks of their fabulous outerwear while otters wear slalom trails down hills and riverbanks like mini

bobsledders. Raccoons show off their prehensile hands with long, almost human-like fin gers. Ungulates’ characteristic hooves slice deep in snow and your ability to see the whole pattern of their gait can explain more than a face to face meet ing. The type of deer or elk, young, old, male or female are all written out – for a time.

Suddenly you can “see” the homes, hiding spaces and trails of so many elusive animals that you would never otherwise known were there.

There is nothing that show cases all of the wonderful wild life stories you often miss like fresh snow. Hope you get out there, read the stories and enjoy.

SUSAN BERGER PHOTO

Raccoon tracks show a human-like handprint.

By Bob Grossfeld, Manager of Space Sciences

As 2022 comes to a close, it is still an excellent time of year to view the night sky. The observatory’s new winter hours during December give you an opportunity to view the night sky earlier in the evening. We will continue to offer two private star parties on Tuesday and Friday at 7 p.m. and 8:15 p.m., along with our limited size public programs on Wednesday and Saturday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The program starts off with a presentation in the heated Pozzi Educa tion building, then off to the observatory for viewing the night sky. Reservations are highly recommended. Daytime solar viewing will take place Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please dress warm, especially for our nighttime programs.

Jupiter and Saturn are prime targets during December and Mars is rising in the east. The red planet will be at is clos est approach to Earth, which is the best time to view and photograph Mars. During this approach, it allows us to see some of the dark details on the planet’s surface. So, it’s a great time to look at the planets.

In December we get one major and one minor meteor shower.

The Geminids is the king of the meteor showers.

It is considered by many to be the best shower in the heav ens, producing up to 120 multicolored meteors per hour at its peak. It is pro duced by debris left behind by an asteroid known as 3200 Phaethon, which was discov ered in 1982. The shower runs annually from Dec. 7-17. It peaks this year on the night of Dec. 13 and morning of Dec.

14. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Gemini but can appear anywhere in the sky. The waning gibbous moon will block out most of the fainter meteors this year. But the Geminids are so numerous and bright that this could still be a good show.

The Ursids is a minor meteor shower producing only about five to 10 meteors per hour. The meteor shower is produced by dust grains left behind by comet Tuttle, which was first

discovered in 1790. The shower runs annually from Dec. 17-25. It peaks this year on the night of Dec. 21, which is the winter solstice. The nearly new moon will leave us with dark skies and allow for a really good show. The meteors will radiate from the constellation Ursa Minor but can appear anywhere in the sky.

The astronomy store is nearly stocked for the holiday season, and we are expanding our rocketry store. Our online

store – www.astronomyshop. org – is adding all sorts of products daily. Contact us through SNCO.org for any questions or requests.

As we head to the end of an other crazy year, we have much to be thankful for.

During 2022 the observa tory has experienced so much support. The completion of the observatory expansion has changed the way we operate

our programs and now we turn our attention to getting the details of the building and exhibits done.

We enjoy hearing feedback and reading the great reviews from our guests. I am so proud of our staff and volunteers for making us so successful.

All of us at Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory wish you and your family a peaceful and happy holiday season.

Help alleviate snow berms and avoid a ‘second shovel’ chore

A winter storm has dropped several inches of snow and turned everything into a pic turesque wonderland of white. After admiring Mother Na ture’s “gift” you start to squirm as you realize you have to tackle the inevitable and not only clear your driveway but also the berm left by the snowplow. While an unfortunate conse quence of living in snow coun try, there is a relatively simple technique you or your snow removal contractor can try.

We found this tip last year from Maine’s Department of Transportation as part of their “How to Prevent the Second Shovel” campaign and felt it needs repeating. Maine receives about the same amount of snow as Sunriver, and they just might be on to something.

Here’s what you do (refer to the included graphic):

As you look out at your driveway from your house, remove the snow to create a cleaned-out pocket along the left side of your driveway. This pocket allows a place for the snow to go when the plow comes down your lane and, hopefully, lessens the amount that creates a berm at the end of your driveway. This makes sense as snow needs someplace to go and that someplace is the path of least resistance – which is generally that cleaned-out driveway.

There’s no guarantee this will work for everyone. Whether this works (or not) for your driveway will be dependent on the configuration of your lane, landscaping obstacles, the proximity of your neighbor’s property/drive and the ability to maintain a cleared pocket after each snow event.

A BeRm In YoUr DrIvEwAy!

How to prevent the “Second Shovel”

While clearing your drive way/berm, remember to be a good neighbor and ensure that any snow that you (or your contractor) remove remains on your own property. Also,

be sure to not bury the fire hydrants. For more information about snow plowing in Sunriver, visit www.sunriverowners.org/ snowplowing

SROA’s priority protocol for snowplowing

1. Fire & police emer gency access

2. Main roads, including widening

3. Secondary roads

4. Residential lanes & more than 200 culde-sacs

5. Pathways & tunnels

6. SROA-owned parking lots (Fort Rock Park, etc.)

7. RV storage yards (main aisles only, individual spaces are the respon sibility of the owner)

8. 256 fire hydrants (once snow reaches 12 inch es)

9. Skypark tarmac & taxi way

SROA Committees

Contact the chair if you have questions about a committee or the projects they are currently working on

SROA

Board of Directors

Gerhard Beenen, president sroaboard@srowners.org

Covenants

Patty Smith covenants@srowners.org

Design

Curt Wolf, chair designinfo@srowners.org

Election

Patty Smith, chair election@srowners.org

Finance

Clark Pederson, chair finance@srowners.org

Nominating Holly Hendricks, chair nominating@srowners.org

Owner Enrichment

Mark Fisler, chair ownerenrichment@srowners.org

DECEMBER MEETINGS & GATHERINGS

Group Gatherings

These groups meet regularly, same time, same place

Monday

Ladies Lunch and Bridge 11 a.m. Grille at Crosswater. Sign up: srmondaybridge@gmail.com

Alcoholics Anonymous 7 p.m. Pozzi building at the Sunriver Nature Center

Tuesday

Mountain Meadow Quilters 1 p.m. second Tuesday of the month at Community Bible Church Info: 302-378-8446

Partners Bridge

3 p.m., Crescent room at SHARC. $1, register/info: 541-556-6408

Wednesday

Sunriver Rotary

7:30 a.m., Hearth Room at the Sunriver Lodge www.sunriver-lapinerotary.org

Great Decisions

4-6 p.m. third Wednesday of the month, Crescent room at SHARC. Info: 503-292-0133

Sunriver Republicans 5:30 p.m. second Wednesday of the month. 20 Maury Mtn. Lane

Thursday

Duplicate Bridge 3 p.m., First, second, fourth & fifth Thursday, Crescent room at SHARC. $1, register/info: 541-556-6408

Contact the chair person for a particular committee or to be on a task force/special project contact Becki Sylvester at SROA by calling 541-593-2411.

AREACHURCHSERVICES

Holy Trinity Catholic Mass: 9:30am Thurs.; 5:30pm Sat.; 8am Sun. 18143 Cottonwood Road 541-593-5990, 541-536-3571 www.holyredeemerparish.net Fr. Paul Antao, SDB

Community Bible Church at Sunriver

10am Sunday 57175 Theater Drive 541-593-8341 www.cbcsunriver.org

Pastor: Jeff Welch

Sunriver Christian Fellowship

10:30am Sunday 18139 Cottonwood Road. Episcopal & Lutheran traditions. 541-593-1183

www.sunriverchristianfellowship.org

Pastor: Nancy Green

The Door at Three Rivers 10am Sundays 86885 Enterprise Drive (Bus. Park) 541-550-3088 www.thedoor3r.org

Pastor: Brent Maxwell

Interested in joining a committee or participating in a future task force or special project?

By Phil Fischer

A few weeks ago, the seasons began to signal that inevitable change as we march toward winter. Slowly early fall and warmer weather turned to a nice crisp nip in the air. This change brings about a shift in hatches on our local rivers. Gone are terrestrials, and may flies are waning. But a steady hatch to be counted upon, es pecially on warmer mid-winter days are midges. From now till springtime, midges will provide the most reliable dry fly oppor tunity on our local streams. It was this very situation that sent me back to the vise to create a new pattern that would imitate midge hatches.

I had been fishing one of our local spring creeks and ob served a bunch of fish feeding on a profuse, but exceedingly small midge. The fish were lined up, almost as if they were at the food court of a local mall.

I did not have a good imita tion in my box, so I sat down and got creative. On stream I had noticed numerous midge shucks floating by, apparently being left behind by the emerg

ing midges. I decided to try and imitate this with a trailing shuck on the imitation. I settled on some UV Krystal Flash. For the abdomen, I chose a stripped peacock barb off a tailfeather. For the thorax, I used a very sparse peacock barb wound to add profile to the thorax. I used deer hair for the lay-down wing. Lastly, I used A whiting midge grizzly saddle hackle to help with flotation. Each of these materials are rather delicate and break easily in trout teeth, so I used a bit of super glue before winding each material around the hook. This pattern is tied on a size 18 short shank barbless hook. But don’t hesitate to tie down to size 20s and even 22s.

After tying a half dozen of this new midge creation, I was anxious to give it a try. The first time out, I eased in above a pod of feeding rainbows and delicately presented this pat tern. It did not take long for the fish to pass judgment. The second cast I hooked into a nice 16” rainbow, and over the next hour and a half, I hooked and released about a dozen fish on

this pattern. I remembered the analogy of observing the trout lined up to the food court, and so, the food court midge was born.

Give the food court midge a try during the midge hatch on one of our local rivers.

If you have questions or would like additional informa tion about this pattern, please email me. Or, if you have suggestions on future patterns to feature in this column, I welcome your input. I can be reached at philfischer@sbc global.net

Court Midge materials

Hook: Firehole 609 barbless, Size 18 - 20

Thread: Veevus 14/0, black

Trailing Shuck: UV krystal flash Abdomen: polish quill, natural Thorax: Peacock Wing: natural deer hair Hackle: whiting dry fly midge saddle, grizzly Tying instructions and steps are published in video form and can be found on the Sunriver Anglers Facebook page at www.facebook. com/SunriverAnglers/ or on YouTube at https://youtu. be/53gSiehfGW8.

A time of reflection for Sunriver Anglers

By Chris Powers

December will see the Sunriver Anglers holding a casual holiday celebration at which the membership will recount activities and accom plishments throughout 2022. The year saw the club support ing area educational programs, participating in conservation activities and going on outings to favorite fishing locales. The Anglers has been active despite COVID restrictions and look forward to the growth in mem

bership and activity level we anticipate in 2023.

Several members enjoyed volunteering for the Kokanee Karnival Youth Education events at Caldera Springs and the Metolius Pond at Camp Sherman. Contact with youth from the Three Rivers School in small group settings and contribution to their river stewardship was very fulfilling for all involved. Feedback from the kids has always been posi tive and brings members back to support the Karnival year after year.

Although the Cedar Creek fire hampered mid-summer access to a number of Cascade Lakes and the upper Deschutes River, the club did manage to arrange two outings: an early June one to Paulina Lake and another one to the Williamson River in the Upper Klamath

Basin. The weather was not conducive to venturing onto the lake, but the hardy souls enjoyed the warmth of the campfires and their friend ship. Both the weather and the fishing were better on the Williamson; many felt a return visit would be in order in the near future.

The Sunriver Anglers have been active in helping to restore more normal Upper Deschutes flows: higher in the winter, lower in the summer. We had a seat at the table on the Upper Deschutes Basin Study. The study’s purpose was to provide data and modeling for the Oregon Spotted Frog Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). The HCP describes how Deschutes Basin Irrigation Districts (IDs) will support spotted frog recov-

There is a great deal to be thankful for as we gather with friends and family in December to celebrate the winter holidays and the arrival of the new year.

In 2022, the Sunriver Wom en’s Club celebrated its 50th an niversary. Club members have done amazing things to make a difference in their community, and they are committed to continuing to do so for the next 50 years. Club members are thankful for the members who came before them and for their vision to start the community grant program.

Since 1999, the Sunriver Women’s Club has given

away about $850,000 to sup port nonprofits serving south Deschutes County.

This year, long-time mem bers welcomed many new members taking pride in that the Sunriver Women’s club has something for everyone. We gather to laugh, celebrate, find enrichment, engage in physical activities and contribute to our community. We wish everyone peace, health and prosperity in 2023. It will be a great year for continued community con nection.

–Debbie Baker, SRWC president

Membership

The Sunriver Women’s Club has continued to welcome new members every month due to the marked increase in parttime and full-time residents in the Sunriver area.

Women of all ages, Zip codes, backgrounds, retired or employed are invited to join the Sunriver Women’s Club.

Whether you are looking to meet and connect with other women, enjoy outdoor winter activities or just love reading and discussing books with friends, the SRWC has some thing for everyone.

Club members also have

Power of 50 for Education Fund nears finish line

Make a difference in the lives and education of local students in south Deschutes County by donating to the Power of 50 Education Fund.

exciting opportunities to help families, children and senior citizens in south Deschutes County. Members can collect winter wear for local school children, volunteer at fundrais ing events or join the philan thropy program.

Be sure to visit the website at www.sunriverwomensclub.org for information on activities in cluding the December Happy Hour and Coffee Hour and volunteer opportunities.

Sunriver Legacy Bricks

And we also offer a miniature replica brick to keep in your home or office. Bricks will be permanently displayed as part of the walkway surround ing the amphitheater bowl at the SHARC. Place your or ders at www.fundraisingbrick. com/online-orders/sunriver/ or email us at bricks@sunriv erwomensclub.org

Holiday party

Celebrate the holiday season with SRWC at the Mistletoe & Merriment Holiday Party. Join us on Friday, Dec. 9 at SHARC for fine food, dancing and some special “merriment” as Heller High-water entertains.

a supportive environment at home and in the community.

The Power of 50 for Education Fund will provide strategic pro gramming to support student success in south Deschutes County. This funding will target areas that have a proven record of increasing student engagement in school and im proving school attendance and graduation rates.

proven

Thanks to the generosity of the local community, the Sunriver Women’s Club is close to raising $50,000 to support at risk students, but additional donations are still needed to reach the goal.

The program is designed to

train mentors to work with at-risk students. Research has shown that mentoring has a history of being highly successful in increasing stu dent’s motivation and engagement in school. The goal is to develop afterschool and sum mer programs to provide students with structured opportunities to learn, create new friendships and enhance connections that will keep students engaged in the school community.

New specific programs will provide leadership opportuni ties for older students before graduation. Activities involving parents, as well as families, will contribute to strengthening

The resources provided by the Power of 50 Education Fund provide pillars of support that support our youth in a new integrated way. The programs were designed and directed by a coalition of community stakeholders.

Together we have come this far, let’s finish strong.

The Power of 50 for Educa tion is a great way for those who make end of year donations to make an impact on the local community.

Donations can be made by sending a check to Sunriver Women’s Club, PO Box 3334, Sunriver, OR 97707 or visiting sunriverwomensclub.org and clicking on the Power of 50.

For more information, email info@sunriverwomensclub.org

Still looking for that per fect gift? Order an engraved brick now and support the SRWC Philanthropy Program at the same time. Legacy Bricks are the perfect way to honor friends, family, loved ones, spe cial events and places forever.

To learn more, and register to attend, go to sunriverwomens club.org

Holiday cheer alive at the Second Tern

By Wes Perrin

“If you are looking for some special holiday goodies this year, the Second Tern is the place to visit,” said Susan Erts gaard, store manager of the “Best Little Thrift Store.”

In addition to a big selection of apparel, gift items and toys, the Tern once again will offer ornaments, wreaths, garlands, trees, dishes, lights (and, yes, they are tested to make sure they work), even wrapping paper. “Best of all, in addition to our regular low prices, we’ll be hosting our annual, storewide 50% off sale Friday and Saturday, Dec. 16 & 17,” said Ertsgaard.

Ertsgaard pointed out that the store will be constantly restocked as the month pro gresses, thus assuring custom ers of new items when making multiple visits.

Veteran volunteer Margaret Beard will continue the tradi tion of heading up the Tern’s holiday festivities and contin ues to find new and different merchandise. One example this year is a collection of ornate “nutcracker” wood carvings with windup arms. Said to have originated in the 15th century, the brightly colored tabletop figures are still considered a good luck symbol in Germany. Their popularity soared after the Russian bal let of the same name came to

the United States. “They sell quickly,” explains Ertsgaard, “but we’re holding a few back until the Scene goes to press.”

Beard has played key roles in a variety of projects over more than 10 years of volunteer service at the Tern. Describ ing herself as “a good multitasker,” she especially enjoys the activities surrounding the holiday season. However, she does admit that once it’s over, she’s happy not to face another Christmas decoration. “Maybe I can put up with one last spe cial wreath, but that’s it.”

Second Tern is located on Spring River Road and open Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with the exception of the store will be closed Dec. 24. It will be open Dec. 30 & 31. Donations are welcomed from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All sales benefiting the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory. Information: 541-593-3367.

Meet the instructors of SHARC’s fitness, water aerobics classes

Janet Tarantino: Tarantino has been a lifelong fitness enthusiast – and has been an ACE personal trainer and fitness instructor since 2011. Tarantino’s land fitness classes have been running since 2018. Primarily working with older active adults looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle, Tarantino is certified in Silver and Fit and Silver Sneakers formats, as well as pop Pilates. Tarantino is excited to share her passion for fitness and dedication to help others reach their health and fitness goals.

Don Nolte: SHARC’s water aerobics instruc tor, Don Nolte, has been a full-time resident of Sunriver for three years. Nolte strives to have a fun, welcoming and inclusive class and has also worked to develop a curriculum that is ap proachable for beginners but allows challenges for the more advanced. Some of the different water aerobics workouts are:

• Tabata: Build cardiovascular fitness while improving muscular strength and endurance. Tabata is a high intensity interval training workout. This fast paced, high intensity workout will get your feet moving and your heart pumping.

• Low impact movement: A slower-paced workout designed to improve strength, balance, flexibility, and energy. With an empha sis on easy motion, this joint friendly exercise routine is perfect for anyone who wants to get in the water and enjoy moving.

• Deep Water: A moderately paced workout designed to use the water’s resistance to increase muscle tone, cardiovascular endurance, and range of motion. Specially designed floatation equipment supports you during class.

When Nolte is away from the pool, he is a practicing real estate agent, as well as the president of the Sunriver Mens Golf Club. Nolte is excited to continue the aquatic fitness tradition at SHARC.

Land and aquatic classes are available to SROA Member Prefer ence card holders only. For more information about class dates and times, visit www.sunriversharc.com

Dry Canyon Village

A gated, age restricted 55+ community

Dry Canyon Village is an active adult, gated, 55+ community located in Redmond, Oregon. This is a 40-acre master-planned community consisting of 169 single level homes and a clubhouse. The spacious clubhouse will feature a tness center, yoga studio, locker rooms, pickle ball, bocce ball, and an indoor saline lap pool. The clubhouse will also boast two outdoor patios, an upstairs covered patio with scenic views of the Cascades Mountains and Smith Rock State Park. With several multipurpose gathering spaces, neighbors will be able to easily meet around the re pit and socialize. The community also has walking paths, paved multi-use paths with direct access to the Dry Canyon Park. Located just minutes from Downtown Redmond are restaurants, major retail stores, small shops, hospital, golf courses, other walking trails, biking trails, and parks.

We now have limited move in ready single-family homes available for personal residents or for rental income properties in our phase 1. We are taking reservations on our 38 cottages in phase 2 and the remaining single-family homes in phases 3 & 4. These are perfect homes for your new residence or investment properties. If you are interested in learning more, please visit drycanyonvillage.com and contact us at info@drycanyonvillage.com.

STEPHEN HANS NUETZEL, ARCHITECT

Artists invited to submit for the 2023 Sunriver Art Fair

The Sunriver Art Fair is a nationally recognized, juried fine arts and crafts event which has been well attended by both Sunriver residents and Central Oregon for more than 13 years.

Artists interested in participating can apply at www.sun riverartfair.org/info-for-artists. The appli-cation deadline is March 4.

The event will be held Aug. 11-13 in The Village at Sunriver featuring unique, one-of-a-kind art, directly from the artists in a vibrant open air event.

Presented by the Sunriver Women’s Club, all net proceeds go to support nonprofit groups providing services in south Deschutes County through community grants.

For more information, visit www.sunriverartfair.org

ery in exchange for an Inci dental Take Permit that allows them to operate while harming some frogs in the process. In the short run, the IDs have agreed to increase Upper Deschutes winter flows to a 300 cubic feet per second (cfs) minimum by 2028; 500 cfs by 2042. This is a huge start towards restoring a biologically healthy, sustainable Upper Deschutes.

The winter flow increases will be provided through water conservation measures in the Irrigation Districts by using public dollars to modernize their systems in exchange for the conserved water being returned in-stream. The IDs will generate conserved water by water banking, improved on-farm efficiencies, and canal piping. This will allow the IDs to meet their legal obligations

to both their customers and the agreed HCP requirements. Some Districts’ conserved wa ter will be released in-stream to improve summer flows in the Middle Deschutes. Even more of the conserved water will be transferred during irrigation season from Central Oregon Ir rigation District to North Unit Irrigation District in exchange for releasing water stored in Wickiup to improve winter flows in the Upper Deschutes.

The Anglers will not meet in December but will gather for a social event to be announced later. The club looks to expand its membership in 2023 by emphasizing its conservation, education and stewardship activities.

People interested in joining the Anglers should visit our website, www.SunriverAnglers. org or contact us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Sunriver Anglers

Please stay off the lawn! Winter golf course etiquette

Sunriver Resort management is asking Sunriver visitors and owners to be respectful during win ter usage of the Woodlands and Meadows golf courses.

The building of snow forts, snowmen, sledding and cross country skiing in the winter months has caused significant damage to the fairways and greens the past few years. This is a regular occur rence despite the greens being clearly cordoned off with stakes and rope to keep people out.

Snow forts, igloos and snowmen have to be removed by staff to avoid damage to the course. While the snow itself acts as insulator, when that snow is compacted it turns to ice which, in

turn, doesn’t melt quickly and smothers the grass, ultimately killing it. Snowmen and fort build ing should be conducted off the course in the area between the home and the fairways. Cross country skiers are also asked to use the cart paths only – not the fairways.

There has also been a growing problem with people not cleaning up after their dogs and leaving poop bags on the paths and around the restroom buildings.

Common courtesy and respect goes a long way by simply staying off the fairways and greens and properly disposing of dog waste in a trash receptacle.

Sunriver Stars announce 2023 season, December auditions

By Janet Grant

Sunriver Stars Community Theater (SSCT) is thrilled to announce its 2023 season which will feature four shows as well as the annual STARS Kids Drama Camp. The season will kick off in March with Phil Olson’s “A Nice Family Gathering,” a story about a man who loved his wife so much, he almost told her.

“I was looking for a simple, but hilarious play that I felt would be fun to perform and produce,” said director Ron Pugh. “This one stood out after a lot of looking.”

The story takes place on Thanksgiving with the first family gathering at the Lundeen household since dad died. Dad comes back as a ghost with a mission; to tell his wife of 35 years he loved her, something he neglected to do while he was alive. The problem is, only one son can see and hear dad, and mom decided to invite a date for dinner.

Auditions will be held at 6 p.m. Dec. 8 at The Door Three Rivers for eight roles (four men and four women). There are no children parts, but various adult ages will be considered for the

The gifts of Rotary participation

By Lee Haroun

We are entering the season that for most of us includes giv ing gifts to our family, friends, and loved ones. “It is better to give than to receive” is a familiar saying and is related to Rotary International’s mottoes, “Service Above Self” and “One Profits Most Who Serves Best.”

I often think about how much our local Rotary Club does to help improve the lives of the people in developing countries, support the needs of the less fortunate in our com munity, provide scholarships to La Pine High School graduates, and more. As I prepared to write this article for December, it occurred to me that the mem

bers of our club also receive gifts as a result of our partic ipation. And these gifts make our early Wednesday meetings and ser vice activities worthwhile, every week of the year.

• Friend ship: so cializing and getting to know fel low Rotarians.

• Connection: sharing time with members who have important roles in the Sunriver and La Pine com munities working in banking, law enforcement, education,

main characters. Rehearsals will take place Tuesday through Thursday starting Jan. 3.

The season will continue in June with an old-time broad cast show, “Radio Star,” di rected by Susan Evans Inman,

health care, insurance, art and music festivals, marketing, intercultural organizations, real estate and the Chamber of Commerce.

• Knowledge: hear ing speakers each week who share infor mation about lo cal and interna tional organiza tions and issues: local agencies that support children and families in need, candidates for local offices, new businesses, technology, self-improvement, and more.

• Opportunities to serve both locally and international ly: contributing to the world wide eradication of polio, providing clean water for rural communities in developing countries, planning and sup porting the club’s annual fund raiser, contributing monetarily to Ukraine, and many more.

It is with gratitude that Rota ry members acknowledge what they receive as a result of their participation. We wish happy holidays to all.

and STARS Kid Drama Camp. In July, SSCT artistic director Victoria Kristy will present a psychological thriller, “Trap for a Lonely Man.” The season will conclude in November with an all-ages production of “Anne of Green Gables,” directed by Michele Hans.

The Stars closed its tenth anniversary season in October to three sold-out crowds for “Oz!” The beloved classic, based on the book by L. Frank Baum, delighted guests as an all-ages musical. The celebratory sea son also included “The Odd Couple (Female Version),” and

a dinner benefit show, “The Blabbermouth, the Puff Mon ster, and the Wolf; Topsy-Turvy Tales from Ukraine,” which raised $8,500 for the people of Ukraine.

SSCT would like to thank supporters and encourage any one interested in theater, wheth er on stage or behind the scenes, to get involved. As a nonprofit, the group is an all-volunteer organization, and relies on community support.

To include the Stars in your year-end giving, or for show dates and more information, please visit www.sunriverstars. org or follow SSCT on Face book.

Real ID deadline approaching

Most of us have likely heard of the term “Real ID” but you may be wondering what is it ex actly and how will it affect me?

The Real ID Act was enacted by Congress in 2005 and mod ified U.S. federal law pertaining to security, authentication and issuance procedure standards for drivers’ licenses and identity documents, as well as various immigration issues pertaining to terrorism.

Federal identification re quirements for domestic air travel will change starting May 3, 2023. This is the date the Transportation Security Ad ministration (TSA) will no longer accept a standard Ore gon driver’s license or ID card to pass through airport security checkpoints.

Notice to owners who hire snow removal contractors

If

• All removed snow must remain on your property.

• Take special care to make sure snow is not dumped near or around fire hydrants.

• Snow from your property should not be plowed or blown onto neighbors’ driveway or property.

• Snow from your property should not be plowed or blown onto commons, including islands in the cul-de-sacs.

• Your snow should not be pushed into the street for other motorists to navigate through.

• Do-it-yourselfers are also requested to keep snow on their own property

For a list of snow removal contractors who have registered with the SROA, go to www.sunriverowners.org/departments/public-works/snowplowing

www.sunriverowners.org

That being said, the TSA will continue to accept other forms of ID – such as a valid passport, passport card or military ID for both domestic and internation al travel. For a complete list of federally acceptable identifica tion, visit TSA.gov

The Sunriver Owners As sociation has received several inquiries from owners about which address they should use when applying for a Real ID driver’s license.

To prove Oregon residency and proof of your residential address, the DMV is requiring at least two printed documents with your current name and current home address (the five-digit situs address assigned by Deschutes County, not your Sunriver property number e.g. 12 Sunriver Lane).

For more information, visit www.dmv2u.oregon.gov and click on Real ID Help, which will take you through a stepby-step checklist and provides a list of the acceptable docu ments to bring to your Real ID appointment.

Homewatch for Central Oregon 541.593.8037

www.4seasonshomeservices.net

Sunriver Service District board monthly meeting summary

The Sunriver Service Dis trict Managing Board held its regular meeting on Nov. 17, 2022. Board members present: Jim Fister, Bill Hepburn, John Ralston, Robert Foster, Gerhard Beenen, Tony De Alicante and John Shoemaker.

public safety classifieds

SSD staff present: Chief Tim Moor, Lt. Stephen Lopez, ad ministrator Mindy Holliday.

Public input

-None

Consent Agenda

–Approved Oct. 13, 2022 regular SSD board meeting minutes.

–Approved SROA month ly invoice in the amount of $16,980.95.

–Approved invoice payment of $7,000 to Moss Adams LLP for audit fieldwork progress .

–Approved Zions Bank Public Safety Building loan payment in the amount of $107,483.05.

–Approved Public Safety Building loan payment of $414,000

Old business

–Public Safety Building up date: Director Ralston supplied new design schematics to the board to review and provide any feedback. Ralston also met with Circle 4 Ranch Cabins regarding the plans and their association was going to send a letter to SROA’s Design Com mittee in support of the project.

–Approved the following Public Safety Building funding request invoices:

• $9,500 to Nelson Capital for project management

• $43,017 to KMB Architec ture for engineering, schematic and design work

• $916 to Local Government Law Group for various legal reviews of contracts and other documents

• $6,150 to North 45 West for field survey work

• $5,000 to Spring River Tree Service for on-call arborist work related to the new facility

–Reviewed the monthly memo of facility progress to be sent to the Deschutes County Commissioners.

New business

–Discussed several policies related to the fire department:

SSD Financial Report

PERS Retiree Rehire program, Captain Vacation MOU and an Acting-in-Capacity incentive increase MOU. The policies will be reviewed by legal prior to inclusion with upcoming revisions to the employee hand book and/or included as part of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

–Heard a report on the quar terly meeting between the SSD board chair and SROA board president. Discussion included the severance of SROA provid ing HR and payroll services to the district at end of FY2023 and the sharing of a water ten der for SROA projects.

–Reviewed the proposed agenda items for the joint meet ing between the SSD Board and the Deschutes County Commissioners, scheduled for Dec. 16.

–Discussed the Oregon Paid Leave program, which begins

Jan. 1.

–Reviewed the SSD board’s 2023 monthly task calendar.

–Reviewed and approved the 2023 SSD board monthly meeting dates.

–Approved the October 2022 unaudited financials.

–Reviewed the October 2022 SROA Board meeting minutes.

Chief reports Fire

–In October, there were 42 calls for the Sunriver Fire De partment, which included 30 EMS calls, 2 structure fire and 3 motor vehicle crashes.

–Participated in policy re views for Work Back, Act ing-in-Capacity MOU and Temporary Captains Vacation MOU.

–Hiring update: The de partment is interviewing seven reserve candidates in early De cember.

–The regular meeting of the Central Oregon Fire Chiefs will be reviewing the Central Oregon’s wildfire plan in rela tion to SB762 and how future operations will be conducted.

–Sunriver Fire responded to an active shooter scare in La Pine. Capt. O’Keefe was recog nized for the recent grant award that provided protective tactical helmets and bulletproof vests for firefighters when responding to these types of incidents.

–Training included large space searches, hose handling and company evaluations.

–Participated in Halloween

CITIZEN PATROL

OCTOBER 2022

Total Volunteer Hours 121 Includes patrol, bike patrol,events, training, admin projects and other.

Number of Services Public Assistance 24 Public Contact 57 Map Boxes Serviced 14 House Checks 9 Bike Patrol Miles317

event in the village.

–Conducted two wildland fire home inspections.

–Deputy Chief Bjorvik par ticipated in the SROA Ladder Fuels Reduction Plan town hall.

Police

–In October, the Sunriver Police Department received 476 calls for service, with 13 located outside Sunriver. Officers inves tigated 40 cases, 28 suspicious persons or prowlers, 7 lost/ found properties, conducted 141 traffic stops, provided 76 community-policing responses, there were 14 animal and 26 parking issues and 11 citations for violation of SROA Rules & Regulations.

–Sunriver Police officers also responded to the active shooter threat in La Pine and assisted in taking witness statements.

–Officers attended various trainings, including skid car, cri sis intervention and body-worn cameras. Sunriver’s officers are now equipped and wearing body cameras. The department also received new tasers and will undergo training.

–Travis Lyman cleared back ground and is now an officer with the department. Officer

10-2 Contact made with a subject in the Sunriver Recycling Center. The subject had been previously trespassed from the Recycle Center. While attempting to escape the subject was taken to the ground and handcu ed and lodged at the DCJ.

10-6 Took a report over the phone for lost shing equipment.

10-6 Responded to a vehicle vs. elk crash near La Pine State Rec Road. None of the vehicle’s occupants were injured. The elk was in jured and was humanely dispatched. A citizen took possession of the elk carcass.

10-7 A citizen called to report a driving complaint. The driver was located, stopped and arrested for DUII.

10-8 During the “FungiFest” event at the Sunriver Nature Center, an o cer found numerous vehicles unlawfully parked and partially blocking River Road as well as parked o road in the area of Muir Lane – a violation of SROA Code 2.02. Parking citations were issued to those vehicles.

10-9 RP called to report seeing a female on her Ring camera walking around her Alta Lane property, looking in the windows and stealing a wind chime. The suspect has not been identi ed.

10-9 O cer conducted a tra c stop on a vehicle for traveling 104 mph on Highway 97. The driver was arrested for a warrant.

10-11 RP reported she lost a sandwich bag containing her prescrip tion glasses and two medication bottles somewhere along the path ways. She reported she rode the path along East and West Cascade,

Stay cozy, yet safe, over the winter holidays

By Jim Bennett

Hard to believe how fast this year has gone by. Sunriver has enjoyed another safe, dry, summer season and we look forward to the change of pace and activities that winter brings.

An immense thank you to our entire community for their efforts in keeping Sunriver safe and free from wildfire during the 2022 wildfire season. Through the incredible support of every member of our com munity, SROA, our partners in the Oregon State Marshal’s Office, Oregon Department of Forestry, U.S. Forest Service and so many others, we have kept wildfire out of our com munity for another year.

It is a great testament to how people and agencies working together can accomplish so much, especially in such a high life-safety arena as wildland fire.

Turning our focus to De

cember, there’s a lot to think of when it comes to safety and security during this month and your prevention and prepared ness is critical.

We’ve seen it, we’ve heard about it, some may also have (unfortunately) experienced it: the holiday or Christmas tree that ignites into an inferno and destroys a home. Absolutely devastating and dangerous. We want to be sure everyone in our community, from owners to guests, never experience such a catastrophe.

If you have ever wondered what a torching holiday tree looks like, take a moment to view the video produced by the National Fire Protection Associ ation (NFPA) at www.nfpa.org/ Public-Education/Fire-causesand-risks/Seasonal-fire-causes/ Winter-holidays.

The first portion of the vid eo shows a dry tree and the

second portion, a tree watered daily. The difference is signifi cant. It doesn’t mean the tree won’t burn, but the amount of time for it to fully combust is noteworthy and can be the moments needed for your awareness and escape.

Lesson learned: make a fresh cut on the tree before placing it in water and ensure it is wa tered daily.

Next up is keeping those heat sources away from the tree. Check your strands of lights and make sure they are in per fect shape with no frayed wires. Place the tree far enough away to avoid a single spark from a fireplace, an overheated space heater, a candle or anything else that could cause it to ignite.

Speaking of heating sources, there have been incidents right here in Sunriver in past years where a space heater caused a

30% o sale! Now through the holidays

fire. In one case, a space heater was placed in an attic space to keep the space from freezing and, unfortunately, it went the complete opposite direction and quickly went from cold to scorching hot (a fire). Lesson learned: the heater should be where it is visible

turned off when no one is in the room.

If you have that old space heater that’s been passed down and around through the family, or just something you haven’t been able to part with, check to make sure that it’s safe to use.

Cords and wires can become frayed from vacuums running over them, chairs and other furniture sitting on them and countless other ways that can make them unsafe. Inspect before using. Never use an ex

tension cord and be sure to fully turn off when leaving the room.

Modern space heaters have tip-over technology that turns off the heater if it falls over as well as technology to turn it off it becomes overheated. Regard less, always place the heater on a firm, level surface and away from any combustibles (drapes, blankets, furniture, etc.).

Holidays can also be a time for opportunity, and not nec

essarily in the positive sense. That opportunity can come for thieves who see presents under the tree, unoccupied homes, gifts in cars and so many more opportunities to profit unlaw fully from the holidays.

Be sure to keep all doors and windows secure at home and limit visibility through windows and views of all those presents under the tree. Be sure when shopping to place your gifts in

your locked trunk or, if your vehicle does not have a trunk, cover them up to reduce a thief being enticed to break into your vehicle

An occupied home look can also be a deterrent with a secu rity light on during the evening hours which is set to times that mirror your normal activity.

Lastly, the holiday season, winter and the cold, could make us think of fire in a posi tive way. This could be a fire in the fireplace and the pleasant aroma of burning logs or a scented candle. Fire can warm us up on a cold winter’s night and can create a cozy feel in the home. However, fire left unat tended can result in disaster. A single spark on a carpet can ignite the house or a candle that one of our four-legged friends accidentally tips over can quick ly ruin your holiday season.

Don’t leave the room with any flame going and be sure there is no way for sparks or candles to catch combustible items on fire. Make sure fire place glass or screens fully wrap the opening so as to prevent shooting sparks from leaving the fireplace.

Have a wonderful start to winter, a memorable holiday season and stay warm.

–Jim Bennett is the public in formation officer for the Sunriver Fire Department.

Several members of the Sunriver Pickleball Club recent ly traveled to Jamaica for a pick leball clinic led by Sunriver pro Lou Bayol and Brian and Pat Tracy, former SRPC members.

Clinics were held three morn ings with private lessons and open play throughout the week. A Round Robin tournament was held the final day.

The trip was organized by Carolyn Horne of Time to Trav el, based in Portland. Everyone

stayed at the Sandals South Coast resort. It was a great time, and new friendships were made with players from across the country. There was lots of fun

and laughter on the courts and beyond.

Pictured: Front row L-R: Cindy McConnell, Penny O’Connell, Cheryl Storm, Ruby Price, Me lodee Munckton & Lori Hecker. Back row, L-R: Mark McConnell, John Baker, Mike O’Connell, Cathy Detrick, Russ Detrick, Debbie Baker, Holly Kimbrel, Paul Kimbrel, Dave Davalos, Ellen Newbore, Gary Newbore, Bob Hickman, Mary Jo Appel, Mark Appel & Scott Rigby

Recycle that Christmas tree

Central Oregon Scouts BSA will be collecting and recycling Christmas trees in the Sunriver and La Pine communities on the weekends of Dec. 31, Jan. 1-2 and Jan. 7-8.

A donation of $10 is request

Guffey is at the academy in Salem and another officer can didate is under background check.

–Applied for a grant to ob tain drone equipment that can be utilized by police and fire department.

–Participated in the Faith in Blue event held in Sunriver. This is a national program that looks to bring law enforcement and the community together through faith-based engage ment.

–Officers participated in the Halloween event in the village.

–Exploring the feasibility of Coffee with a Cop monthly event.

Administration

–Submitted an application nominating volunteer members of the Public Safety Building Task Force for the SDAO Vol

unteer of the Year program and they won. The members will attend an awards banquet in February.

–Starting Jan. 1, employees and employers must contribute to the Oregon Paid Leave fund.

–Worked with the county to schedule a joint meeting with the Board of Commissioners. The meeting will be held Dec. 16, 9 a.m. at the Resort.

–The district will contract with a tech company to assist with moving the SSD to Mic rosoft 365 platform.

–Finished a best practices survey and will implement programs to mitigate risk in areas of high exposure related to general liability, auto liability and property insurance.

–Completed an annual in ventory review to provide the SSD’s liability insurance carrier accurate information for re placement coveragAe, etc.

–Worked with SDAO to create SSD Board orientation

materials to cover all relevant topics and best practices pro grams.

Other business

–The next regular meeting of the Sunriver Service District

Managing Board is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 15, 3 p.m.

The meeting adjourned at 5:39 p.m.

Approved meeting minutes are posted, as available, to www. sunriversd.org.

ed but the Scouts will gladly accept any donation over that amount. The money raised from the Scouts’ efforts will go to support the local Scout troops and packs of Central Oregon. Your donation is used to fund troop activities, com munity service projects and to replace worn out gear the Scouts use throughout the year. The mission of Scouts BSA is to “create the leaders of tomorrow by building character through outdoor challenges and edu cation.” Your donation helps make that mission a reality.

For general information on tree recycling in Central Ore gon, please visit the website at www.takeyourtree.com.

Winter weather is the No. 1 threat to the region – followed by wildfire. As some may say, “we have six months of good skiing and six months of bad skiing.”

Sunriver winters can be bru tal due to snow, icy roads and below-freezing temperatures. Freezing conditions can quick ly result in frozen pipes and breakage – causing substantial damage. If your Sunriver home is unoccupied during the winter months, it is recommended you leave the thermostat set warm enough (no lower than 55 degrees) to keep pipes from freezing. Cabinet doors can be left open to expose pipes to warmer interior air – especially

if the plumbing runs along the outside walls of the home.

Occupied or not, your out door crawl space vents should now be closed and vent plugs in place. Insulating covers should be in place over outside faucet heads.

Non-resident owners should make arrangements with a neighbor or a home service or property management compa ny to periodically check on their home throughout the winter months. The Sunriver Owners Association does not provide home checks, property manage ment or security services.

Additional winterizing infor mation can be found at www. ready.gov/winter-weather

Snow removal

Once the snow starts to fly Sunriver owners, or those who hire someone, are asked to do the following when it comes to removing snow from their driveway, walkway, deck, roof or patio:

• Make sure your snow is not dumped on or around a fire hydrant.

• Removed snow is to remain on your property... ...not plowed or blown onto commons, including islands in the cul-de-sacs ...not plowed or blown onto a neighbor’s driveway or property ...not pushed into the street Watch for plows and sanders

• Sunriver Owners Associ ation’s Public Work crews are available 24/7 in the winter months to help keep Sunriver

roads clear of snow and ice. Crews follow a priority checklist for what gets plowed first. Find more information at www.sun riverowners.org/ snowplowing

• Drivers should always main tain at least three car lengths behind any plow or sander and to allow extra time to get where you need to go during inclem ent weather.

• Drivers should never at tempt to pass a plow or sander. Snow being plowed or blown off the road can create visibility issues as well as contain rocks and other debris that can dam age a vehicle. The road behind a snowplow will be in much better condition than the road ahead.

• If weather conditions are severe enough to require the attention of a snowplow, driv ers should use extra care when trying to accelerate or pass other vehicles as conditions make it difficult to control any vehicle at higher speeds. It is illegal to pass a snowplow on the right while on a state highway.

Winter driving

• Slow down. Crashes occur because the driver is going too fast for conditions. And fourwheel drive does not mean four-wheel stop. Adjust your speed to match road conditions and leave early to provide the extra time needed to get where you are going. Better yet, if you don’t need to travel, stay off the

roads until conditions improve.

• Ice on the road prevents tires from gripping, so maintaining your lane will be difficult and stopping even harder. This includes four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicles and those with snow and/or studded tires. A vehicle’s stopping distance will be several times greater than on dry pavement.

• If your vehicle feels like it’s floating, gradually slow down. Don’t slam on the brakes. In crease the distance from vehi cles in front of you – allowing at least three times as much space as usual.

• Turn on your low-beam headlights during the daytime in the winter months to make your vehicle more visible to other drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians.

Know before you go

• Check www.TripCheck. com for road conditions, high way camera images, driving tips and tire chain requirements and information. Check local weather reports. If travel is necessary, allow more time to reach your destination. In severe weather, closures and crashes can cause delays.

• Be prepared. Have an emer gency kit, shovel, flares, jackets, gloves, boots, blankets, food, water, etc. Inspect your vehicle before you go. Make sure your wipers, lights, battery, tires and brakes are all working properly.

By Deon Stonehouse

Sunriver is beautiful during the holiday season. The Village at Sunriver and Sunriver Resort go all out to decorate in the spirit of the holidays. Traffic is much easier than in Bend where I can attest there can be an un fortunate tendency on the part of traffic to play bumper cars, which doesn’t work out so well and can add to stress. Why not avoid all the hustle and bustle of driving north when you can enjoy great food in a wide choice of restaurants, beautiful surroundings, and a variety of shops eager to help with your holiday shopping. Take it easy this year and support the local community, spend the holidays in Sunriver and shop local!

Winters are a great time to enjoy evenings reading by the fire with a cup of cocoa. Then discuss the book at Book Club with other passionate readers. Our Book Clubs continue to meet in person and via Zoom. Just email sunriverbooks@ sunriverbooks.com letting me know which discussion you

would like to attend. Everyone is welcome.

• The Mystery Book Club meets in person Monday, Dec. 5 and via Zoom Tuesday, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. to discuss “Hercule Poirot’s Christmas” by Agatha Christie.

Col. Johnson, Chief Constable of Mid dleshire is of the opinion that Christmas is a time of good cheer, a time when crimes are less like ly, at least the crime of murder. Hercule Poirot, who knows a good deal about murder, dis agrees. He is of the opinion that Christmas is a time when emo tions are running high, families who are apart much of the year assemble, old grievances come to the fore and the pressure can build to the point of murder. Their Christmas Eve discussion is interrupted by, of course, a case of murder.

Simeon Lee is a disagreeable old man, horribly wealthy, with a tendency to use his money as a cudgel to get his way, just the sort to collect enemies. He has assembled his family at

Police Log

West Core as well as circles 6, 7, 9 and 10.

10-16 Responded to a shoplifting report at West of the Moon. Although the suspects were somewhat uncooperative, it was determined their children had walked out of the store with items. When discovered by the parents, the items were returned. No charges were led, and the suspects were trespassed from the store.

10-21 O cer observed a vehicle driving without lights driving out of its lane on Meadow Road. A tra c stop was conducted, and the driver was arrested for DUII.

10-22 Conducted a tra c stop on a vehicle. The driver had criminally suspended driving privileges in Oregon and was arrested for DUII. The driver was lodged at the DCJ for DUII and criminal driving while sus pended.

10-22 Responded to a suspicious circumstance. O cer arrived and no ticed a vehicle was stealing electricity from a closed business on Beaver Drive. The suspect was contacted, cited andreleased for the crime of theft of services.

10-23 Report of a theft from the Sunriver Country Store. The unknown suspect had stolen a trailer hitch from a vehicle in the parking lot. An investigation is ongoing.

10-25 A white female adult was seen via a Ring camera walking around a property on Red Fir. No crimes were committed but the female match es the suspect from a similar incident earlier in the month.

10-25 O cer responded to a domestic dispute at a Snow Goose address. Parties separated for the night.

10-26 Conducted a tra c stop at South Century Drive and Spring River Road. Driver was issued a citation for driving while suspended. In ad dition, o cer con scated a bag containing pills likely to be Oxycodone and another small bag containing what the driver said to be heroin.

10-28 Vehicle vs. deer MVA. The driver was evaluated by La Pine Fire and cleared. O cer assisted the family and provided a courtesy transport to a hotel in Bend.

10-28 The Sunriver Fire Department responded to a report of a sick per son at a Center Drive location. The Sunriver Fire Department requested for the Sunriver Police Department to respond after learning the patient may have been driving under the in uence. The patient was subse quently arrested for DUII.

10-30 Two subjects were trespassed from the Recycling Center for at tempting to steal cans.

Gorsten Hall, each harboring a trove of secrets and desires (mostly desires for the old man’s money) and each seething with resentments. Simeon is alone in his room with the door locked, when a horrible racket occurs, the family breaks the door in finding the scene of a desperate fight and the old man, alone, dead.

Hercule Poirot is known for his ability to solve the most difficult cases, this is right up his alley! A man murdered while alone in a locked room, a manor house full of suspects, each with a secret, and a clever killer intent

on avoiding detection.

Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot stories are great fun to read.

• The Fiction Book Club meets in person Monday, Dec. 12 and via Zoom Tuesday, Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. to discuss “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig.

Nora Seed is in a bad way when the story opens. As a young girl her future was full of bright promise, by her mid thirties she is alone, working in a dead-end job and regretting the opportunities not seized, the people she let down. Things

are about to get worse. When she is let go from her job and suffers a personal loss, it is just too much, the last straw.

Nora wants to die. She doesn’t want to let anyone else down anymore, least of all herself. She takes steps to achieve that goal, but instead of finding herself dead, she arrives at The Midnight Library. In this strange place, between life and death, a library is full of books with the lives Nora could have led if she made differ ent choices. She can try them on, see if the choice she didn’t make would have been better, or worse. She can try to fix the

Get ready for an unprece dented season of literary magic celebrating two decades of Or egon’s largest community read project. Expect the unexpected as hundreds of readers gather to find out what the next chapter of A Novel Idea will be.

The Deschutes Public Li brary Foundation will unveil the 2023 A Novel Idea selection at a public celebration on Satur day, Dec. 3, at the Downtown Bend Library. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the main event taking place upstairs at 6 p.m., featuring trivia, light appetizers and no-host bar for attendees. The highly anticipated book reveal is slated for 6:30 p.m., with copies available for sale and for check-out immediately following the announcement.

“It’s an exciting time to be back in person with A Novel Idea 2023 on the horizon,” said Deschutes Public Library’s Pro grams Supervisor Liz Goodrich. “Many readers have enjoyed the selections together year-afteryear. You may not know these people personally, but you’ve read the same books and are connected through them.”

A Novel Idea began with Da vid James Duncan’s “The River Why.” From 400 participants that first year, the program has grown by leaps and bounds, with nearly 9,000 people taking part in 2022. It is the largest community read program in Oregon, bolstered by nearly a month of free programming that enhances the chosen book’s themes.

“Over the past 19 years we’ve read some amazing nov els and non-fiction titles, seen bookto-movie adapta tions dominate the big screen, and watched up-andcoming authors hit the bestsellers list right before our eyes. We can promise you this year is defi nitely going to be one for the books,” said Goodrich.

Programming for A Novel Idea kicks off April 1 with the main author event happening on Saturday, April 28. All pro grams are free of charge thanks to the support of the Deschutes Public Library Foundation. Readers can reserve a library copy immediately following the reveal on Dec. 3. Local book

stores will have copies available for purchase.

Head to the A Novel Idea website (www.deschuteslibrary. org/novelidea) for a look back at the past 19 years. For more information about this or other library programs, please visit the library website at www. deschuteslibrary.org and the Foundation website at www. dpl.foundation.org.

choices she regrets.

One of my favorite poems is Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken.” It concludes thusly: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I – I took the one less travelled by, and that has made all the difference. What if you could go back to that divergence in the road, go the other way? Nora is about to find out.

“The Midnight Library” is a perfect book for the holiday season, it is a story that leaves you feeling good, and you’ll be glad you read it.

Sunriver Books & Music is in building 25 in The Village at Sunriver. Call 541-593-2525 or visit www.sunriverbooks.com for more information.

- La Pine pickup call: 541385-3971

• Please have your tree cleaned of all decorations and place it by the street on your pickup date where it will be easily visible to the Scouts and drivers.

• A donation via Venmo can be made by visiting http://www. takeyourtree.com/ and clicking on the area you reside in. You can also write a check payable to “BSA Troop 76,” place it in a Ziplock bag and rubber band it to your tree.

• If you wish to arrange other payment options, need special assistance with your tree or have general questions; please visit, www.takeyourtree.com, or call and leave a message at the messaging phone number below

• To schedule your pickup date on Dec. 31, Jan. 1, Jan. 2, Jan. 7 or Jan. 8, call one of the following numbers:

- Sunriver pickup call: 541385-3935

This is a win/win situation for the community and for the local Scout troops. This recy cling project provides a service to the community and teaches organizational and team build ing skills to the Scouts involved at all levels of the project. A big thank you goes out to the Sunriver and La Pine communi ties who have made this event a big success in the past and have improved the lives of so many of our youth through Scouting.

A special Thank You goes out to Centratel, which has generously donated this phone messaging service for many years.

If you are unable to get your tree picked up during the Scout event they can be taken to Knott Landfill in Bend for free through Jan. 31. Trees must be free of flocking, tinsel, orna ments, lights, metal or plastic bases.

Discover the magic and beau ty of the holiday season in Sunriver, from ice skating and holiday shopping at The Village in Sunriver to seeing the incred ible holiday lights at Sunriver Resort to enjoying a meal at one of the many restaurants.

The Sunriver Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to participate in its Shop Sunriver Ornament Quest, attend its Coffee Klatch and celebrate the holiday season with music, food and fun at the Sunriver Community Potluck.

Shop Sunriver’s Ornament Quest, Dec. 1-16

The Sunriver Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to participate in its Shop Sunriv

er’s Ornament Quest, starting Thursday, Dec. 1 through Friday, Dec. 16.

Every day, the chamber will post clues on its Facebook and Instagram pages on where an ornament is “hidden.” The person who finds the ornament will receive a $20 gift card to that business.

The campaign is to encourage community members to “Shop Sunriver” for items ranging from books and dog toys to sporting equipment and home décor.

“Our local businesses are the heartbeat of our community,” said Kristine Thomas, Sunriver Chamber Executive Director. “They employ local people, donate to local nonprofits and

provide and contribute to the community in numerous ways. During the holiday season, I encourage local residents to dis cover everything they need on their holiday lists in Sunriver.”

The ornaments were hand made by chamber members Houser House Creations and Disturbed Threads. The orna ments will have the chamber logo on the back and will be hidden at businesses both in The Village at Sunriver and the Sunriver Business Park. The Shop Sunriver program is made possible through a grant from Deschutes County.

“Once you find the orna ment, present it at the cash register to receive your gift card,” Thomas said. “There will be some days where two ornaments will be hidden.”

Please email exec@sunriver chamber.com if you have any questions.

Chamber networking events

The Sunriver Area Chamber of Commerce invites commu nity and business members to attend its networking events. It’s an opportunity to learn what’s happening in Sunriver while having some fun. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to RSVP.

December networking events

• Coffee Klatch, 8 to 9 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 1 at Wild Pop py Florist, 56825 Venture Lane in the Sunriver Business Park. Stop by to share news about your business while enjoying coffee and breakfast treats.

• Holiday Community Pot luck, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednes day, Dec. 14 at SHARC. Music by The Song Collectors. Peggy Frede and Gina Rosbrook have both had a wonderful lifetime of singing, playing instruments and directing shows in schools, churches, community choirs and theater groups. As music teachers locally and in inter national schools around the world, they have performed a wide variety of musical genres. Now with guitars, ukulele, banjo and bass to accompany their harmonies they are here

to bring you the favorite singalong songs. They invite you to “sing your hearts out with them” as they perform holiday songs.

There might even be a visit from Santa Claus. Wear your favorite holiday sweater for the sweater contest.

Bring your favorite main dish, side dish, appetizer, des sert or take-out from a local restaurant. The cost is $5 per person or $20 per family. Invite your friends, neighbors and col leagues. Everyone is welcome to the event! Please RSVP to sunriverpotlucks@gmail.com by Dec. 13.

Last chance to get concert tickets

Catch the magic of the hol iday season by attending the Traditions Holiday Concert featuring rock concert violinist Aaron Meyer. Tickets are $45 per person.

There are two concerts this year at Sunriver Resort’s Home stead Room:

· 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3

· 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4

Reserve your tickets by call ing 541-593-9310 or visiting sunrivermusic.org.

of

rowdy favorite game going in the separate living room. Four bedrooms, primary on main level, 2 1/2 baths, there is space for everyone. Thoughtful updates by Sun Forest throughout the home that make coming home a delight. The two-car garage o ers a generous loft space that could easily make a fun ‘’camp out’’ room, while still providing plenty of storage. Beautifully landscaped courtyard with new paver patio, complete with SROA approved privacy screen for a hot tub. MLS#220150704

Open and bright single level home on almost an acre in Three Rivers South will have you living your best life! O ering three bedrooms, two baths, a spa-like primary bathroom, and gorgeous kitchen will satisfy even the most discerning guest. Large great room concept, with a nice separation between bedrooms. Close access to Mt. Bachelor, the Deschutes River, Sunriver, and all of the hikes and trails that make Central Oregon so special. The oversized two car garage, can hold up to 3 cars and all of your gear! Come live where you play without worrying about upkeep or projects! Seller now o ering a $10,000 credit towards closing costs, pre-paids, or to help buy down points. MLS# 220150774

Shop Sunriver ornaments will be hidden at Sunriver businesses

High Desert Mueseum’s December offerings

The High Desert Museum is located about 10 minutes north of Sunriver off Highway 97. Current hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. For more informa tion, visit www.highdesertmu seum.org or call 541-382-4754.

Events

• Thursday, Dec. 1, 4–7:30 p.m. Winter Nights: Welcome to Winter

Tonight, we stay open late for you to see the latest exhibitions and enjoy a festive night out! Rimrock Café will be open for folks to grab a treat, and the Museum store will also be open with discounts for all, a gift-wrapping station and a special tote-bag thank you for Museum members. It’s warm and wondrous inside the High Desert Museum. $10, 12 and under $6, members free. De tails at highdesertmuseum.org/ winter-nights

• Sunday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Silver Sage Trading Winter Sale Ends

Attention museum members. Ideal gifts await, and during this time members receive 20 percent off most merchandise. Those coming to exclusively shop at Silver Sage Trading may enter for free. Check in at admissions.

• Monday, Dec. 5, 7–8 p.m. Doors at 5:30 p.m. Natural History Pub: Tracking Poachers

The illegal taking of wildlife and the destruction of habitat is a problem across the American West. Despite the pervasiveness of poaching cases, only a small percentage of poachers are caught. Join Senior Trooper Josh Wolcott and Yvonne Shaw of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Stop Poach ing Campaign to learn about

the state’s growing efforts to curb poaching and prosecute offenders. The speakers will be joined by Buck, the Oregon State Police Fish and Wild life Conservation K-9. Free, registration is required. At McMenamins Old St. Francis School, Bend. Register at high desertmuseum.org/natural-his tory-pub-december

• Thursday, Dec. 8, 4–7:30 p.m. Winter Nights: Sugar Cookie Shindig

Tonight, we stay open late for you to see the latest exhibitions and enjoy a festive night out. There will be special activities for children, including a High Desert-themed storytime, snowflake making and sugar cookie decorating. Rimrock Café will be open for folks to grab a treat. The museum store, Silver Sage Trading, will also be open with discounts for all and a gift-wrapping station. $10, 12 and under $6, members free. Details at highdesertmu

seum.org/winter-nights

• Thursday, Dec. 15, 4–7:30 p.m. Winter Nights: College Night

We’re staying open late with free admission for college stu dents! Join us after hours to explore the latest exhibitions and enjoy a festive night out. Rimrock Café will be open, and beer and wine tasing will be underway. Kids activities will still be happening, and the museum store will also be open with discounts for all and a gift-wrapping station. $10, 12 and under $6, members free. Details at highdesertmuseum. org/winter-nights

• Saturday, Dec. 17. Exhi bition Opening: “Under the Snow”

In the depth of winter, a deep layer of snow quiets the High Desert’s forests. But just under the surface, a secret world has come to life. In this seasonal refuge, called the subnivium, animals create a matrix of tun

nels to survive the winter’s frigid temperatures and hide from the predators that lurk above. Using interactive graphics, visitors will meet some of the species that depend on the snow. Join the High Desert Museum to ex plore the hidden world beneath the snow!

Free with admission Learn more: highdesertmuseum.org/ under-the-snow

• Thursday, Dec. 22, 4–7:30 p.m. Winter Nights: Solstice Social

Take a break from the yearend hubbub with a special night at the Museum! Join us after hours to explore the new exhibition “Under the Snow.” A meal, snack or beverage await in the Rimrock Café, and the Museum store will also be open with discounts for all and a gift-wrapping station.

$10, 12 and under $6, mem bers free. Details at highdesert museum.org/winter-nights

• Sunday, Dec. 25. Museum closed. Happy holidays.

• Thursday, Dec. 29, 4–7:30

p.m. Winter Nights: Après Snow

Doing snow play during the day? Join us this evening at the museum. Checking out the new exhibition “Under the Snow” is the perfect way to wrap up adventures, along with a snack and beverage from the Rimrock Café. The museum store will also be open with discounts for all. Admission $10, ages 12 and under $6, members free. Details at highdesertmuseum. org/winter-nights

On-going exhibitions

• “Survival Architecture and the Art of Resilience” through Jan. 8

Explore “Survival Architec ture and the Art of Resilience,” a traveling exhibit curated by Artworks for Change. The exhibition explores adaptable and sustainable housing in the age of climate change. The design innovations featured in the exhibit – high-tech and low-

tech, extravagant and affordable – can help individuals survive during turbulent times. . Free with museum admission. Learn more: highdesertmuseum.org/ survival-architecture

• “In the Arena: Photographs from America’s Only Touring Black Rodeo” through June 25 As long as there have been cowboys, there have been Black cowboys. One of the most en during symbols of the Ameri can West, the cowboy evokes self-reliance, strength and de termination – qualities found at the Black rodeos held each year across the United States. Through the lens of San Fran cisco Bay area photographer Gabriela Hasbun, this exhibit documents the exhilarating atmosphere of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo – the only touring Black rodeo in the country –and the showstopping style and skill of the Black cow boys and cowgirls who attend the event year after year. Free with admission. Learn more: highdesertmuseum.org/in-thearena

Firewood rule change should be realistic

By Tom Kelley

I am writing to voice my op position to the proposed chang es by SROA in the amount of firewood allowed to be on private properties in Sunriver.

While I do not heat my home exclusively with wood, I do supplement my furnace with a wood fire every night in the winter. I have installed a high efficiency fireplace insert with a catalytic converter that renders the effluent from my fireplace nearly smoke free. I burn about three cords of wood in a winter. Two cords, as in your proposal, will not be enough. So, instead of burning the wood from trees cut near my house during SROA fuel reduction tree cut ting, I will need to pay more for my winter heating.

In addition, gathering wood to supply my winter needs takes advantage of tree cutting near me in the summer. If I can only

store two cords for my use, I will have to gather wood every summer instead of gathering every few years when cutting happens near me in Sunriver.

What will happen to all the rounds cut in the summer that cannot be collected by owners like me? Will it sit in random piles defeating the stated goals of this proposal?

I know many people have converted to gas fireplaces, a nonrenewable fossil fuel alter native. Discouraging the use of this renewable resource for heating seems foolish in light of our climate crisis.

Articles and messages from SROA always seem to criticize the stacking of firewood as “undesirable” and “unsightly.” That is an opinion not shared by everyone. I don’t mind them at all and consider them a feature of life in Sunriver. My stacks are neat and tidy and provide nesting sites for many squirrels all summer and winter. I really don’t see the problem. By contrast, I find some houses in Sunriver weird and ugly, but I do not assume I can require those owners to change the look of their houses to please me. I

just look past that.

As for the fire danger issue, there will always be the poten tial for wildfires to use wood as a fuel whether the stacks are five cords or two cords. The only way to mitigate the potential for fuel for fires is to cut down every tree in Sunriver and require all homes to be made of concrete. No one wants that. We need to be realistic.

Don’t x what isn’t broken

By David L. Dittman

I attended the Zoom Town Hall on Oct. 20 and was quite disappointed for several reasons.

(1) Lack of public in-put opportunities. Nearly all of the 1 1/2 hour time period allotted was spent on Board output –very few public questions were addressed.

(2) I’d be very surprised if more than a very few Sunriver owners or renters are aware of how extreme some of the pro posed LFR “updates” are.

(3) Regarding the volume or placement of firewood by Sunriver residents, the Board did not present any evidence or examples of the need for

the radical 60% restriction on the amount of firewood homeowners may possess for emergency preparedness or personal enjoyment purposes. There was no evidence that the current LFR plan in-place for over 25 years has not performed as intended, without any fires, fire damage or fire loss caused by the current rules. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”

(4) Based on what was dis cussed and avoided, and other public evidence, it appears radical Portland-style “wokeism” and “cancel culture” has emerged in Sunriver. There already is a move to cancel seasonal use of wood-burning fireplaces. And now the SROA Board is proposing a 60% reduction in the amount of firewood homeowners may possess.

I hope the SROA Board will reconsider their unnec essary, ill-conceived and ex treme restrictions on firewood. There should be at least three well-publicized genuine public hearings, followed by a public vote before such radical policy and rule changes are imple mented.

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FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS

Stop in Wild Poppy Florist for custom holiday arrangements. We also carry locally-made gifts. Delivery available to Sunriver, Three Rivers, Bend and La Pine. Call 541-593-2027 or online at www.bendoregonflorist.com Thank you for your support!

SEEKING A HOME SITTING OPPORTUNITY

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