SROA NEWS – During the Nov. 16 SROA Board of Directors meeting, the board approved increasing the monthly maintenance fee 3.75% to $165.49 per month to fund the 2025 budget.
In September, the board had approved a 3% discount for owners who choose to prepay their annual maintenance fee amount – in full – by Jan. 25 (the discounted annual amount is $1,926.30). Owners will receive their maintenance fee invoice in the mail or by email in late December/early January. This discount does not apply to any remaining SHARC assessment.
A 3.75% increase also was approved for the Skypark Fund assessment to $71.58 a month. The Skypark Fund is used for maintenance and repairs of the tarmac, which is designated “limited commons” and available for use by Skypark owners only.
The board is allowed to implement up to a 6% increase annually without a vote of the owners and thanked staff for careful budgeting with what they need and the goal to keep maintenance fees below 4% – despite the continuing increases in utilities and other fixed costs – which SROA doesn’t have any control over.
Here’s a list of what maintenance fees cover:
• Accounting: Tracks and monitors the association’s annual budget including accounts payable, receivables, investments, replacement reserve, contingency and payroll.
• Administration: General manager and staff work with the board and committees to provide services to owners, handle day-to-day operations and legal matters, insurance and human resources.
• Communications: Sunriver Scene newspaper, websites and eblasts, social
Mt. Bachelor is for sale. What does it mean for Bend?
The fate of the resort that drove Bend's renaissance is uncertain. But are the two fates still entwined, or is Bend now bigger than the mountain?
Editor’s note: The following story is reprinted with permission by the Source Weekly. The story originally ran in the Source in mid-November, so some dates referenced in the story have already passed. With Sunriver’s proximity to Mt. Bachelor, and its importance to winter tourism, the Scene felt this story was worth sharing with readers.
By Jennifer Baires, Source Weekly
In just a few short days, Mt. Bachelor will have its earliest opening since 1998. The ski resort’s public relations team an nounced the weeks-aheadof-schedule opening on Monday to much fanfare, inviting passholders to
the mountain this weekend, Nov. 15 through the 17, for fresh lines. It’s the treat locals have been asking for since snow from early season storms started piling up, and a sure way for the
Frank Brocker is the chief instigator and guiding light of the L.T. Rangers. He was responsible for organizing a somewhat motley group of volunteers who agreed with him that “Sunriver is too beautiful to litter.”
He recently retired from the position of commander and chief of this unique Sunriver organization.
Frank and his wife, Barbara, had been part-time Sunriver residents since 1975. Upon moving here full time in 1995, he felt something needed to be done about the trash in the common areas that was detracting from the beauty of the Sunriver community, and he decided to form a group of like-minded residents.
The L.T. Rangers (L.T. stands for litter and trash) began as a dedicated group of 15 litter pickers who met in The Village at Sunriver parking lot every third Monday of the month and policed The Village and surrounding areas for
refuse on a monthly basis from May through October.
In the beginning, this was a pretty big job and required several thankless hours of picking up candy wrappers, cigarette butts, cardboard, ghost poo (aka foam packing peanuts) and much more. Gradually, thanks to the Rangers’ diligence, the job became more
manageable.
Brocker felt such a dirty job needed to be rewarded with something fun. He and Barbara began to host lunches at their home following the morning pick up. Soon other members began to offer their homes for the lunches with help
to Trash King, page 3
Frank Brocker, left, turns his reign of the LT Rangers over to Dan Hilburn, right.
SCENE
December 2024
Volume XLVII, No. 12
57455 Abbot Drive PO Box 3278
Sunriver, OR 97707
OWNER/PUBLISHER
Sunriver Owners Association
The SUNRIVER SCENE is the official monthly publication of the Sunriver Owners Association, a not-for-profit 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.
All 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 Specialist
Shae Callewaert | 541.593.6068 shaec@srowners.org
Communications Specialist Kristine Thomas | 541.585.2939 kristinet@srowners.org
SROA Compliance Corner: Avoid bark chip in landscaping
By SROA Community Development Staff
One of the big tasks on most fall “to do” lists is to clean up the yard. This sizable task typically includes mowing, trimming, raking and much more. At times, it can be tempting to give into the thought of just wiping everything out and throwing down a big spread of bark chips and/or gravel.
Those of you who have read over the landscaping design
criteria located in Section 3.18 of the Design Committee Manual of Rules and Procedures, you already know that such an approach is prohibited: “Composted wood chips or native pine bark nuggets may be used in landscapes but not in a widespread or continuous manner. River rock, gravel or other native rock/stone may be used if integrated into the site’s topography and limited in nature.”
For those of you seeking relief from the constant maintenance battle out in the yard, there is good news as Section 3.18 of the manual encourages low maintenance, existing native conditions and xeriscape landscaping elements.
So, whether you are looking to scale back or expand your landscaping, please give Section 3.18 a quick read and contact the SROA Community Development Department to submit
all the proper forms prior to making any changes.
The Design Manual is available on the SROA website at www.sunriverowners.org under the Documents & Forms drop down in the main menu bar or at the SROA administrative office at 57455 Abbot Drive. The office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Copies are also available in the foyer, open 24/7.
from their co-hosts.
Through word of mouth, membership in the volunteer organization has increased to around 50 participants as did the scope of their efforts. The Rangers began to range from the village north up Beaver Drive toward SHARC, south to the Sunriver entry and west to the Sunriver Business Park. Then they began to cover other major and even minor roads, golfing areas, the stables river path and the marina. Several Rangers adopted Circles 1
through Circle 11. A few years ago, they began to pick up Cottonwood Road from the railway bridge to Highway 97 on a year-round basis. Yes, even in the winter when snow covers the worst of the debris.
Many Rangers pick up trash throughout Sunriver on a daily or weekly basis. Some of them are street walkers. No, not “that” kind of street walker, but the kind who picks up trash along the side of the roads.
A year or two after the organization began, someone suggested having a spring kick off dinner potluck. This was such a success that it was followed in the fall by an awards banquet.
The tables would be decorated with trash related centerpieces. Dessert would be followed by the reception of rewards to individual members. The rewards consisted of “found items” such as a pair of lace panties, a rusty tool or a toy. There would be the special awards to the “Rookie of the Year,” the coveted “Golden Butt Award” and the “Hubcap Award” for the most valuable player, assembled by Frank and Barbara and their glue gun. One Ranger composed the anthem sung to the tune of the “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
Through the years, what seemed to happen was a wider
Sunriver mentality that “litter was not acceptable.” Many non-L.T. Rangers pick up litter on their daily walks. Some of the members have not even been owners but include a real estate agent, a banker and a couple police officers. Now in his 90s, Brocker decided it is time to retire from L.T. Ranger leadership. He has turned the reins over to Ranger Dan Hilburn, but he wants everyone to know that he is indebted to all of the folks who have not been too proud to pick up litter over the years and keep Sunriver beautiful. Frank, Sunriver is indebted to you.
media, owner guide/directory, ballot packages, Sunriver maps, all association printed materials and SHARC/events marketing.
• Community Development: Architectural review and compliance of all private and commercial properties.
• Information Technology:
Manages servers, computers, emails, network, gate and security systems, phone, audio/ visual and other technologyrelated systems.
• Public Works: Maintain 66 miles of roads, 34 miles of pathways, street signs and other signage, pathway kiosks, trash pickup, parks, boat launch, pools, tennis/pickleball and other recreational amenities, common areas and ladder fuels pickup. Also maintains SROA’s stable of rolling stock
(snowplows, graders, service vehicles, etc.).
• Recreation: Administrative operations.
• Reserves: $30 of each month's maintenance fee is funneled directly into the reserve fund. This fund is used for major repairs and replacement of capital assets with a three- to 30-year lifespan and minimum value of $3,000.
SROA has about 50 year-round fulltime employees and an additional 100 seasonal employees during the summer months. These employees are responsible for day-to-day operations of our association as well as maintaining our assets such as roads, pathways, parks, recreational facilities, vehicles, buildings, and common land.
Gerhard Beenen
They also are responsible for implementing and executing policies laid out in the SROA Consolidated Plan, Bylaws, Sunriver Rules and Regulations and Design Manual.
From driving snowplows in the winter to supervising lifeguards at our pools, they play an important role in maintaining and improving Sunriver.
All SROA employees work under the authority of the general manager, who reports directly to the SROA Board of Directors.
James Lewis has served as general manager for the SROA since early 2020. He was hired
with a five-year contract, which expires on Feb. 4, 2025. It is up to the SROA Board of Directors to either negotiate a new contract with Lewis or look for a replacement.
At the October board meeting, the board authorized three directors (president Beenen, treasurer Pederson and director Banta) to initiate negotiations with Lewis for a new contract. Upon completion of the negotiations, the full SROA Board of Directors will vote on the new contract. If a majority of the board members present at that meeting approve, Lewis will be retained under the conditions of the new contract.
Selection of SROA’s general manager is the board’s most important responsibility.
The board, made up of volunteer owners, meets monthly and sets overall policies, goals and objectives for the general manager.
The general manager is re-
sponsible for implementation of those policies and achieving the goals and objectives set forth. In addition, the general manager is the key contact and liaison between other partner organizations such as Sunriver Resort, The Village at Sunriver and Sunriver Police and Fire, as well as local and regional government organizations such as Deschutes County and Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council. Managerially, SROA’s general manager plays a critical role in setting the tone, work ethic and priorities for all SROA employees.
Lewis joined SROA at the beginning of the COVID epidemic. As general manager, it was his responsibility to lead the SROA team through COVID, maintaining employee health while keeping roads plowed, recreational facilities available, common areas maintained, and communications active while keeping SROA financially solvent.
Beyond COVID, Lewis has driven the development of a new Design Manual, Road and Pathway Master plan, Parks Master plan, IT Strategic plan,
Rules Awareness & Compliance Task Force and Sunriver Strategic plan. Lewis has successfully completed every goal assigned by the board and has proactively taken on additional tasks as he has seen needed.
With a long history of working for and with several governmental organizations within Deschutes County, Lewis had a long-standing relationship with many SROA partners. I have sat in meetings with community partners who have openly complimented Lewis, stating it is a pleasure to work with him. Furthermore, Lewis has received high ratings from all board members and his direct reports over the past five years.
In short, there is sufficient evidence justifying our plan to negotiate a new contract with Lewis. However, as with all negotiations, the outcome is not guaranteed. And while the board may believe a new contract is in the community’s interest, it is always good to hear directly from community members. You can do this by speaking confidentially with any board member or by sending an email directly to me (beenen@srowners.org).
Highlights of the SROA Board of Directors monthly meeting
The Sunriver Owners Association (SROA) Board of Directors regular meeting was held Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. Board members present: Gerhard Beenen, Bill Burke, Keith Mobley, Clark Pederson, Mark Murray, Linda Beard, Randy Schneider and Brad Banta. Absent: Roni Jacknow Staff present: James Lewis, Susan Berger, Richie Villagrana.
Owners forums (summarized)
From Nov. 15 work session
• Signa Gibson spoke about her issues reaching someone at TDS who knew the process for making an appointment to activate the fiber internet service to her home.
From Nov. 16 regular meeting
• No owners spoke.
Board actions
• Approved minutes of the Oct. 4, 2024 SROA board goal setting work session.
• Approved minutes of the Oct. 18, 2024 SROA board work session.
• Approved minutes of the Oct. 19, 2024 regular SROA board meeting.
• Approved October 2024 unaudited financials.
• Approved revisions to the Nominating Committee Charter. As a result of recent changes to the Management Agreement between Deschutes County and the Sunriver Service District, the services of the SROA Nominating Committee are
SROA Financial Report
no longer needed to recruit new SSD managing board members.
• Approved 2025 maintenance fees of $165.40 per month (an increase of 3.75% or $5.98 per month). As a reminder, the board also approved (in September) a 3% discount if an owner chooses to pre-pay the annual maintenance fee amount, in full, by Jan. 25.
• Adopted the 2025 SROA
operating budget as presents.
• Approved the 2025 Skypark assessment amount of $71.58 per month, an increase of 3.75% or $2.59 per month per property.
Committee/board action requests
• Approved appointments of Scott Brucker and Sherri Serfling as alternate members
The 2025 owner maintenance fee increase of 3.75% was set at the November SROA Board of Directors meeting. And a balanced budget was approved of $14.37 million.
SROA’s department heads, general manager James Lewis, assistant general manager Keith Kessaris, controller Joe Healy and the SROA Finance Committee have been working since September to assemble the budget. The SROA board received progress updates over the past months and received, discussed and approved the budget for the coming year.
The 3.75% increase equates to an additional $5.98 per month for a montly total of $165.49 per month or $1,985.88 for the year. Owners who choose to pay the annual lump sum before Jan. 25 receive a 3% discount at $1,926.30. SROA maintenance fees are the same for every home, townhouse or undeveloped lot.
The increase is the same as the 2024 increase and is below the ten average increase of 4.03% which includes two 6% increases during the COVID years of 2021 and 2022. The increase is comparable to the 10 lowest rate years out of 12, excluding the COVID years, of 3.78%.
The following is the history of maintenance fee increases since 2014:
SROA NEWS – The board of directors of the Sunriver Owners Association welcomes and encourages members of the association to attend monthly board work sessions and regular meetings to observe the board conducting the association’s business.
Regular board meetings are held the third Saturday of the
month. The meeting is preceded on Friday by a 9 a.m. work session in which the board reviews and discusses action items for Saturday’s meeting along with other topics relative to owners and the Sunriver community, as a whole.
In addition to observing the board’s business meeting, members are welcome to share
comments and concerns with the board during the Owners Forum at the 9 a.m. start of each meeting. With more than 4,100 Sunriver properties within the association, the board relies on communications from owners to let them know about concerns they may have and, in particular, to let the board
know steps they might take to improve the community within the best interest of all members.
Board meeting attendance and etiquette
• Owners are welcome to attend the meetings but do not participate in the business
2022 – 6.0% • 2023 – 3.5%
2024 – 3.75% • 2025 – 3.75%
Maintenance fees and a Member Preference Program card priced at $85 per year (a $10 increase from 2024), give owners access to the many amenities Sunriver offers including our 34 miles of pathways, parks, pools and waterslides, boat ramp, fitness center, living room, tennis and pickleball courts, and design standards to maintain the quality of Sunriver homes and yards.
Owner maintenance fees supply 59% of SROA operating income, $8.484 million. Program revenue is $5.56 million (39%), of which $4.35 million (30.3%) of total revenue, is recreational programs
of the Design Committee.
Other business
• The board voted to not approve a request to create another SROA sanctioned bridge club group and provide SHARC space for game play dates.
• Discussed the traffic circle proposed at the intersection of South Century Drive and Spring River Road and use of SROA property for the circle. While the board is supportive of the circle, they are not in support of its encroachment onto SROA property and the proximity of the proposed circle to homes in that area.
Association operations
• Administration: Coordinated with Sunriver’s police chief and administrative manager regarding the 2025 Bike Patrol and Rules Enforcement contracts. Met with department directors on the results of the wage and compensation analysis and implementation. Met with Sunriver Resort staff
Treasurer
continued from page 4
including Member Preference Program and Recreation Plus Program for rental property access to many Sunriver amenities.
Other program revenues
Board
continued from page 4
discussions or actions taken by the board. Any participation by owners during the board’s discussion and deliberation occurs solely at the request of the board president.
• Please do not interrupt the board discussions or deliberations. Please do not talk while speakers are making presentations to the board.
• Please note that all meetings are recorded and videotaped. The recordings can be quite sensitive and can often pick up whisperings in the audience.
• Cell phones should be silenced while attending a meeting.
If you wish to speak before the board
• Owners who wish to speak during the owners forum must fill out an owner comment card prior to the start of the meeting.
• Owners may speak on any issue within the board’s author-
on multiple enforcement issues related to ladder fuels and noxious weeds. Participated in forum hosted by Sunriver You to discuss the recently accepted SROA 2030 Strategic Plan. Held a meeting with property managers to discuss SROA offerings and 2025 Recreation Plus Program.
• Accounting: Presented draft operating and reserve budgets to the Finance Committee. Transitioned reserve funds from First Interstate Wealth to Morgan Stanley. Worked with IT and Recreation on migration of point-ofsale to Jonas. Continue billing process for bulk fiber home accounts.
• Communications: Created new emergency webpage containing information about preparedness and how to stay informed. Finalized and sent the 2025 owner guide/directory to print. Created recycling center closure signage and “No Harassment” of wildlife signs. Created/ordered 60,000 SROA recreation guess passes for 2025. Updated website with new mission statement and created prints to hang at SROA, SHARC and Public
include Scene advertising ($260,000), community development application fees ($280,000), and RV storage yard rental income ($130,000) along with other miscellaneous program income.
Miscellaneous income accounts for the last 2% of the budget, $0.33 million. This
ity, whether or not the issue is on that day’s agenda or not.
• When speaking, please keep comments succinct and no more than three minutes in length.
• If you have a longer topic to discuss, the board welcomes additional information and comments in writing – either accompanying your comments or as a later follow-up.
• The board’s role during forum is to listen to what members have to say and take those comments into consideration.
• The board will not engage in immediate policymaking or problem solving. The board will not make any decisions on a topic until due diligence has been conducted and which also may involve staff or other outside parties. Thus, during the forum, the board may not provide a substantive response to owners’ comments or questions or any guarantee to take action at that time.
• Following the forum, board members (or staff) will be assigned to follow-up and re-
Works. Updated website with 2025 fees for services, where applicable.
• Community Development: There are 260 active projects/building permits. 10 citations were issued for paint violations from 2023. The 2024 fall paint survey will take place this fall. Proposed changes to the SROA citation form were presented and discussed by the Covenants Committee. Participated in Magistrate hearings on violations and citations.
• Natural Resources: Identified and flagged property lines within the 2025 ladder fuels reduction areas. 2024 LFR and tree thinning continues on commons. Completed annual asbestos surficial pickup on commons. Performed site visits regarding tree removal requests on private properties.
• IT: Jack Colpitt was hired as the department’s GIS/database administrator. Updated the weather station/snow stick to a more stable, YouTube viewing platform. Met with Tetra Tech to discuss GIS mapping via an iPad. New audio/visual system to be installed at SHARC in mid-November.
• Public Works: Most sport
includes interest income, TDS/ bulk fiber fees, late fees and fines for ladder fuel and design manual violations.
Sunriver’s annual maintenance fees compare favorably against fees at surrounding Central Oregon resorts. Owners in Caldera Springs pay $4,200 per year, Crosswater
spond to owners who spoke at the forum.
• The board is committed to civility in conducting the association’s business. Please be respectful of everyone in attendance. Please do not shout, make personal attacks, or use threatening or harassing language or behavior.
SROA holiday closures
SROA offices will be closed:
• December 24 & 25
• January 1
SROA’s staff wishes everyone a joyous & healthy holiday season!
courts screens/nets have been removed for winter with six pickleball and one tennis court still available until the snow flies. All fall road rebuilds were completed and within budget. Reconfigured the sander truck for winter operations. All pools are now winterized. Two open positions were filled, and the crew is fully staffed at this time, even though it takes two to three years to be up-to-speed, once hired. Recycling closure completed and gates installed. Refreshing road markings such as crosswalks.
• Recreation/SHARC : SHARC saw 6,126 visits in October (vs. 5,948 in 2023 and 5,590 in 2022). Lap and recreation swim will be available daily through Memorial weekend. Retail orders for 2025 have been placed. A Benham
$5,724 (not including the Club House membership) and Black Butte $6,216 which includes garbage pickup and water.
Tough decisions were made to both ensure a balance budget and to keep the maintenance fee increase to under 4.0%.
There is a need or desire for a number of new capital proj-
Other ways to engage with your board
• Send an email to sroaboard@srowners.org or infosroa@srowners.org Emails are welcome any time. There is also a fillable contact form on the SROA website at www.sunriverowners.org. Go to “I Want To” and “Contact the Board.”
Hall open house was held to promote the refurbished space (new floor, paint). The SROA member holiday party scheduled for 4 to 6 p.m. on Dec. 30. A full-time aquatics supervisor position remains open and will be filled in 2025.
The meeting adjourned at 10:31 a.m.
To watch the recorded meeting via YouTube, visit the meeting date on SROA website calendar for the YouTube link. Meeting minutes, once approved, are available on the SROA website at www. sunriverowners.org
The next SROA board work session will take place at 9 a.m. Dec. 20 followed by the regular board meeting at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 21. The meeting can be watched live on YouTube.
ects from installing a pathway between Circles 2 and 3, a pathway in the Meadows Road area, improvements to Fort Rock Park, adding amenities to Cottonwood Park and a SHARC living room expansion to add meeting room options,
Please note that some questions or concerns may be responded to by staff, if applicable.
• Attend SROA’s annual member meeting held the third Saturday in August in Benham Hall at SHARC. This meeting provides an overview of projects and finances by your association during the past year.
SUNRIVER RECYCLING CENTER IS PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Materials left will be considered littering under ORS 164.805 and subject to jail & fine.
If you see this happening, call the non-emergency police dispatch at 541-693-6911.
Village, Resort and other Sunriver businesses kindly ask that owners and visitors not use their’ trash dumpsters –some of which are monitored by video cameras.
BUT WHERE DO I TAKE MY RECYCLABLES?
For Sunriver owners who do not use side-yard service, or those who live in the greater Three Rivers areas, can use the following locations:
SOUTHWEST TRANSFER STATION: 54580 Highway 97, La Pine KNOTT LANDFILL: 61050 SE 27th Street, Bend
Sunriver owners interested in trash/recycling service, call Cascade Disposal at 541-382-6660.
Snowplowing of Sunriver’s roads; winter trash/recycling
SROA NEWS – The Sunriver Owners Association Public Works Department has a fleet of snow removal vehicles for keeping Sunriver's roads and pathways clear of snow and ice.
Crews generally start plowing once three inches have accumulated on the main roads. During heavy or continued snowfall, crews will work aroundthe-clock in 12 hour shifts to maintain roads and pathways.
Owners are responsible for their own driveways as well as any berm. Snow should always be blown/
shoveled back onto your own property, not into your neighbor’s yard or the street.
For more information, visit www.sunriverowners. org/snowplowing
SROA's plow crews follow a priority protocol for plowing – with public safety first:
• fire and police emergency access
• main roads, including widening
• secondary roads
• residential lanes and more than 200 cul-de-sacs
Turn to Plow, page 7
Central Oregon Scouts BSA members will collect and recycle Christmas trees in the Sunriver and La Pine communities on Sunday, Dec. 28 and Jan. 5.
A donation of $10 is requested, but the Scouts gladly accept larger donations.
The money raised from the tree recycling efforts will support the local Scout troops and packs of Central Oregon to fund troop activities, commu-
nity service projects, and to replace worn out gear the Scouts use. The mission of Scouts BSA is to “create the leaders of tomorrow by building character through outdoor challenges and education.”
For general information on tree recycling, please visit the website at www. takeyourtree.com. You also can schedule a tree pickup date in
Sunriver by calling 541-385-3935.
Before recycling your tree, clean off all decorations and place it by the street on your scheduled pickup date where it will be easily visible to the Scouts and drivers.
A donation via Venmo can be made by visiting www. takeyourtree.com and clicking
on the area you reside in. You also can write a check payable to “BSA Troop 76,” place it in a sealed plastic bag and rubber band it to your tree.
This is a win/win situation for the community and for the local Scout troops. This recycling project provides a service to the community and teaches organizational and team building skills to the Scouts involved at all levels of the project. A big thank you goes out to the
Sunriver and La Pine communities who have made this event a success in the past and have improved the lives of so many of our youth through Scouting. If you are unable to get your tree picked up during the Scout event, it can be taken to Knott Landfill in Bend or the La Pine Transfer Station for free through January. Trees must be free of flocking, tinsel, ornaments, lights and metal or plastic bases.
Stand up for Sunriver: Run for the SROA Board of Directors' next election
SROA NEWS – Sunriver is a wonderful place to live or visit. A principal reason Sunriver has been able to maintain its level of excellence is the commitment and involvement of property owners in local governance. The many perspectives brought to the local governing board by its members are integral to keeping our community a great place. There will be
three vacant positions in 2025.
Running and serving on the SROA board is a great way to lend your skills and abilities to maintain and improve our community. Sunriver needs you!
All Sunriver property owners, both resident and non-resident, are eligible to serve on the SROA Board of Directors. Positions are elected in August
for 3-year terms.
There are two ways to qualify as a candidate and have your name placed on the ballot.
1. Qualify by petition. Gather 100 signatures from Sunriver property owners, (only one signature per property), or 2. Simply fill out the Board Candidate Application and return it to the Nominating Committee.
Additional details on each process and the associated forms can be found on the SROA website at www. sunriverowners.org/owners/ get-involved If you want to find out more, or wish to indicate your interest, contact the Nominating Committee at nominating@ srowners.org. You can also contact any member of the
Nominating Committee for additional information.
SROA's Nominating Committee members are:
• Debbie Baker, chair: debbie@nedbaker.com
• Mike Goeke: mike-g123@ msn.com
• Ron Angell: ron.angell42@ gmail.com
• Kelly Wilson: kjwilson1952@yahoo.com
• Laureen Anderson: laureen58@gmail.com
• Tony Selle: avfan1960@ gmail.com
• Pamela Hays: pam_hays@ hayshaus.com
• Jane Shoemaker: j-jshoemaker@comcast.net
• Dennis Dishaw: ddishaw1@ earthlink.net
Crews generally start plowing once three inches have accumulated and may work around the clock in 12 hour shifts, if necessary.
Treasurer
continued from page 5
an expanded exercise room, and additional office space. They all cost money, some considerable amounts, and none are included in the current budget. Owner input will be needed to determine whether these are desired, and how we are going to pay for them. Watch in the coming year for task forces, community forums and possible surveys to seek out your thoughts for the future of Sunriver.
–Clark Pederson is treasurer of the SROA Board of Directors and chair of the Finance Committee. pederson@srowners.org
Plow
• pathways and tunnels
• SROA-owned parking lots
• RV storage yard (main aisles only)
• 256 fire hydrants (if 12” or more have accumulated)
• Skypark and taxiway
Trash, recycling access
Owners also need to maintain a clear path to trash/recycling receptacles.
• Keep the outside and inside of trash enclosures clear of snow and ice including the area used to keep enclosure doors open.
• Keep the tops of trash containers clear of snow and ice.
• Please provide a clear path for drivers to move cans to the street safely.
• Please have cans ready the night before or by 6 a.m. on pickup days.
• Keep in mind that loose trash may freeze and will need to be bagged to ensure can is fully emptied.
• Be sure to also advise your maintenance crew, property management or anyone who handles the oversight of your property's services during the winter.
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Larry & Angel Haynie
resort’s management to garner their goodwill. It’s a type of goodwill that’s been hard to come by for POWDR Corp., a privately held company that bought the mountain in 2001, ending a proud history of local ownership -- a tradition that a group of locals are working to revive now that POWDR is selling Mt. Bachelor LLC.
Raising the capital to purchase the resort in just a few months is an endeavor worthy of mountain-sized analogies. Mt. Bachelor is the seventhlargest ski resort in North America, boasting over 4,300 acres of lift-accessible land. It’s the biggest of Oregon’s 11 ski areas. In Bend, it is the second largest private employer, with
over 1,117 employees in 2024. And, according to expert estimates, it averages over $70 million in annual economic output.
This past summer, after POWDR announced it wanted to shed Mt. Bachelor from its holdings, locals Chris Porter and Dan Cochrane got together to strategize about buying the resort. Both men are longtime residents and Bachelor enthusiasts. Word spread through town and supporters came out en masse with offers to help.
“The response was really overwhelming,” Porter told the Source Weekly, reflecting back on the number of people who reached out to join the effort after the pair did an interview for local news. “I really feel like we captured lightning in a bottle.”
The ad-hoc group quickly
took shape, becoming Mt. Bachelor Community Inc. Within a few weeks they launched a website, announced a kickoff fundraising event and developed guiding ideologies. They aim to raise the money through local investors and companies to buy Bachelor, thus returning it to local control, and would run it as a certified B corporation, focused on environmental stewardship and inclusivity. It is a daunting undertaking – securing funding for what some estimate will be a $200 million sale – and yet, it echoes the resort’s beginnings when Bill Healy in the 1950s gathered community support and money for his grand idea: A mountain resort to bring in tourists and save a mountain town.
But Bend of the mid-1900s is not the Bend of today. In the
last three-quarters of a century, Bend, and its surrounding cities, have grown into a destination in their own right. Most of the visitors to Mt. Bachelor today are locals, not tourists. Despite its significant draw, an increasing portion of the region’s wintertime tourists are not finding their way to Bachelor’s powder-cloaked slopes. Only an estimated 31% of visitors in winter 2021-2022 went downhill skiing, down from 49% in the previous two years, according to travel site Visit Bend’s data. Dining out, shopping, scenic drives and brewery visits – in that order -- were the bigger draw for guests. It would seem that the fate of Bend and Bachelor are now distinct.
From Bachelor Butte to Mt. Bachelor
Before there was Mt. Bachelor there was Bachelor Butte – a name that played off the landscape; Bachelor because of the peak’s separation from the Three Sisters to the north and Butte because of its distinct shape. The volcano’s name was changed in 1958 as a public relations move for the nascent ski resort.
In the decades before Mt. Bachelor opened for downhill skiing, the logging industry was the main driver of the economy. It brought in immigrants from far-flung countries, many from Scandinavia, according to historian Glenn Voelz’s book, “Mt. Bachelor: A History.”
These newcomers to Central Oregon brought with them a love of winter sports and were the region’s early ski pioneers, Voelz wrote. As timber pro-
duction slowed, so did economic growth in the region, and leaders knew a transition was needed if the area was to survive.
“The economic transformation of Bend was so tied to this transition from logging into a recreation and leisure and tourism-based economy,” Voelz said in an interview with the Source Weekly. “And Mt. Bachelor really drove that process in the 1950s and 1960s. And of course, it becomes more diversified over time, but what really started the process was the creation of Mt. Bachelor in 1958. I really think the prospects for communities like Sunriver and Bend were very much tied to the success of Mt. Bachelor during that era.”
A critical decision for the health of nearby communities, according to Voelz’s research, was the leadership’s choice not to pursue slope-side lodging and amenities on the mountain, after a short-lived attempt in the late 1960s revealed numerous management challenges.
“There were a lot of reasons why that decision was made to close the slopes’ overnight lodging,” Voelz said. “But part of it was the desire to have the resort lift up the surrounding areas and bring Bend and Sunriver along. Had Bill Healy decided to pursue the expansion of on slope-side amenities, slope-side lodging and things of that nature, then he would have been putting the mountain in direct competition with Bend and Sunriver.”
For decades, under the watchful eye of Mt. Bachelor Inc.’s board of directors, the
mountain’s profile and by extension Bend and its surrounding communities’ profiles, grew. Each added lift and summit extension drew thousands more visitors from out of town to ski its slopes. Growth was steady despite hurdles from nature and the larger economy over the years. With Healy’s guidance the resort also grew toward year-round operations but continued to forego pushing for the development of overnight accommodations.
“When skiers think of Mount Bachelor, they think of downtown Bend,” Peggy Lucas wrote, quoting Healy in her seminal book, “Mt. Bachelor, Bill Healy’s Dream: History and Development of Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort.”
The choice to promote Bend and Sunriver as the mountain’s lodging and entertainment area meant that over time, Bachelor fell behind Healy’s dream of a world-class destination. While other resorts diversified their income streams with après ski options, shopping and lodging, for Bachelor the only way to turn a profit remained through ticket sales. At the turn of the century that meant trouble for Mt. Bachelor Inc.
POWDR Corp. takes over
In 2000, Mt. Bachelor Inc. was struggling. It posted a net income loss of over $200,000, according to its 1999-2000 annual report, and was saddled with a $5 million loan for capital projects.
“We opened the 99/00 season during Thanksgiving under limited operations, as mountain snowfall was unfortunately late in coming,” Randall Papé, president of Mt. Bachelor Inc. wrote to shareholders in the report. “Combine this with less than normal snowfall during Christmas holidays and the trepidation surrounding Y2Ktravel, and you have the makings for lower skier visits of 480,010 or a reduction of 14.9% from the 1998/99 ski season.”
By May of 2001, after a months-long grapple with Papé Group of Eugene for control, POWDR Corp. purchased nearly 70% of shares of Mt. Bachelor Inc. for around $28 million, effectively taking over the resort. John Cumming, the young president and chief executive officer of POWDR at the time, said that he planned to invest in more snow-making equipment to fill in for the sometimes-sporadic snowfall, work toward developing nighttime skiing operations and offer more discount packages to lure visitors, according to an article
in The Bulletin that June.
Under the new ownership, skier visits remained relatively stable for the first five years. Thanks in part to a more expensive season pass, cutting programs like free skiing for local sixth graders and shortening the spring skiing season, the company reported a, “significant increase in adjusted gross revenue,” according to Voelz.
By 2008, any honeymoon phase that existed between locals and the new owners was long over. In a Source Weekly article from that time, staff wrote about management shakeups at the resort and a 7% decrease in visitors during what should have been a celebratory year as the mountain marked its 50-year anniversary.
“… last season the bitching went from nit-picking static to
response, POWDR held an open forum to listen to locals’ concerns but insisted that the mountain was not for sale.
fever pitched shouting as winter began with hiked lift ticket prices and ended with reports of potentially dangerous chair lift maintenance practices and an earlier than usual closing date,” the Source Weekly reported in October 2008. “With broad-based efforts to clean up everything from its industrywide reputation to its bathrooms, Bachelor seems overtly concerned with rebuilding its place in the community during its 50th season in operation,” the article read.
Four years later, a local contingent, fed up with what they saw as mismanagement of the mountain, launched a “Community Buy-Out of Mt. Bachelor” Facebook group that grew to over 1,500 members. Their pitch was to buy the mountain and make it a nonprofit. In
In 2021, the corporation and local shredders hit another bump in their relationship, with the introduction of a fast-pass ticket system where for $49+ visitors could “upgrade” their experience and bypass lines at specified chairlifts. An online petition in opposition to the pass garnered over 10,000 signatures. U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore) even weighed in on the move, arguing that the system would exacerbate equity issues felt by those in the community who already struggle to afford pricey lift tickets on top of renting or purchasing ski gear and clothing.
For its part, the company maintained that the pass, Fast Tracks, was available in limited quantities and would not affect general access to the resort. As an add-on product, Fast Tracks serves as another way for Mt. Bachelor to capitalize on its main revenue source: snow.
In its over 20 years of ownership, there were wins as well. A letter Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler sent to Gov. Tina Kotek in October asking for Kotek’s support of the local movement to buy Mt. Bachelor enumerated what she characterized as
Turn to Bachelor, page 11
Adventure Lives Here
owner enrichment activities
Sunriver You presents December, January lineup of classes
Happy holidays from Sunriver You. Due to the holiday season, classes will resume in January.
After December’s hustle and bustle, learn to cultivate mindfulness and inner tranquility by registering for Silent Meditation Gathering and Teaching. Enroll early as the class is limited to 25 participants.
Longing to get away? Sign up to attend the first travel forum of the new year, Group Travel: Which Travel Company Is the Best Fit for You? Register for the second annual Dog Owners’ Forum to learn how you can enhance your furry family member’s health and quality of life.
What can warm one’s body and soul better on a winter day than a bowl of soup? Learn how to up your soup game by attending Winter Warmer Soup, aka a Cozy Bowl of Goodness, class, which is limited to 10 participants.
The Sunriver You website has been updated to include the option to view recorded forums and select classes on YouTube. Check out what you may have missed at www.sunriveryou. com/videos and watch for future additions.
Continue reading for class descriptions and presenter information. All classes require
All Sunriver You classes require registration, which closes 24 hours before the class start time. Please visit sunriveryou.com to register.
registration through www. sunriveryou.com. NOTE: Registration closes 24 hours prior to the class start time except for SROA forums, for which registration doesn’t close until well after the forum has begun.
Silent Meditation Gathering and Teaching, six-week series
Fridays, Jan. 10 to Feb. 14, 10-11:30 a.m. at SHARC
All are welcome and all silent meditation practices are welcome. For those new to silent meditation, the centering practice will be taught at the first session. Sessions will include a 20-minute silent sit. Teaching and introduction to companion practices will be offered in addition to the silent sit. Chairs will be provided, although participants are welcome to bring a cushion. Participants do not need to attend all sessions. If there is interest in an ongo-
ing in-person silent meditation group, options will be explored as the class ends. Register just once, for the Jan. 10 class, to enroll in the six-week series. Note: the first session on Jan 10 will be extended to 12 p.m. Each session is limited to 25 participants.
Bette Butler has been commissioned by Contemplative Outreach, Ltd. as a presenter of the Centering practice and the Welcoming practice. A silent meditation practitioner for more than six years, Butler leads a Centering practice group on Zoom and is co-coordinator of Contemplative Outreach of Central Oregon, which offers periodic contemplative events around Central Oregon. Butler has been a resident of Sunriver for almost 25 years. If you have questions or want more information, contact Butler at butlerbdewitt@gmail.com.
Group Travel: Which Travel Company Is the Best Fit for You?
Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 4 p.m. at SHARC Travel brochures and catalogs can be overwhelming – there are so many options! If for a particular occasion or destination you’d prefer to travel with a group, how do you choose between many group trav -
el companies? Come to this travel forum, where a panel of Sunriver area neighbors who are experienced participants will give you the inside scoop on what it’s like to travel with each of a half dozen group travel companies. There will be a BYOB social time following the presentations, when you can mingle with other attendees, ask questions, and share travel tips.
Presenters and travel companies will be Paul Brennan (Road Scholar), June Sweeney (Viking River Cruises), Cheryl Vieira (Overseas Adventure Travel), Dan Hilburn (National Geographic), Liz LeCuyer and Gary Custozzo (Rick Steves), and Lucy Hilburn (Partners of the Americas).
Dog Forum: Canine health update and healthy relationships within the family
Friday, Jan. 17 at 3:30-5:30 p.m. at SHARC
The forum is for Sunriver dog owners to learn more about canine health. Speakers are experts in their subspecialized fields with a history of wonderful contributions to the welfare of our pets in the Sunriver and Bend communities. There will be opportunities for questions. Topics: what constitutes an emergency; the sick pet, urgent or emergent care; surgical and
immunologic approaches to cancer in dogs; and your pet and your family.
Bridget O’Connor, DVM, MBA, CVA, Veterinary Referral Center of Central Oregon; Jim Perry, DVM, PHD, DACVIM-O, DACVS, Veterinary Referral Center of Central Oregon; and Michelle Stern, certified professional dog trainer, dog behavior consultant and licensed family dog mediator.
Winter Warmer Soup, aka a Cozy Bowl of Goodness
Wednesday, Jan. 28 at 2 p.m. at a private residence in Sunriver
This hands-on class will focus on the art of making soup. Participants will explore various factors that can elevate a good soup to greatness. Attendees will explore tips and tricks to enhance flavor and texture in soup preparation. Plan on bringing a few ingredients and taking home some soup at the end of class. Further information, to include the Sunriver location, will be provided once participants register for the class. The class is limited to 10 participants.
Gwen Gamble is a home cook who has a hands-on and approachable teaching style. She will prioritize sharing tips and tricks that will enhance the flavors of the soups you may already love to make.
“innovation and responsiveness” by the company to the community’s needs. The list included the construction of a wood energy biomass facility to replace propane use, yearround expanded child care programs with reduced rates for resort employees and the partnership with Campfire Hotel in Bend as housing for seasonal employees.
A murky future
Over the years, the idea of a ski village has been floated but definitive plans never emerged. The logistics of building a ski village are many – chief among them is the fact that the mountain belongs to the U.S. Forest Service and any development or changes in operation must go through a rigorous review and approval process. Arguably, it is possible, considering that of the 480 ski areas operating in the U.S., 40% are in national forests, according to the USDA. However, and perhaps equally as important, the will to build out isn’t there. In fact, Mt. Bachelor touts its lack of development as a reason it’s set apart from other ski areas. On this point, locals and Mt. Bachelor are aligned.
“Mt. Bachelor is a true destination despite the fact that – uniquely among America's major ski areas – it has no slopeside lodging, no fancy base villages, no condo developments or any other sign of the high-priced foofaraw so common at major ski areas nowadays. We don't have it, we probably never will, and we're actually pretty darned proud of that – because we've got something much better,” the mountain’s community section of the website reads. “It starts with an amazing mountain that's surrounded by some of the most spectacular National Forest in the country. Mt. Bachelor skiers enjoy a feeling of wilderness and solitude that just isn’t found anywhere else.”
Like Central Oregon, generally, the access to nature is fiercely protected. And with a vibrant community just a short drive down from its powdery vertical, Mt. Bachelor’s lack of development may not be a problem. But, more and more visitors are coming to Bend and skipping the skiing. That trend can’t be good for profits on the mountain.
Being a privately held company, POWDR Corp. keeps its financials close. However, in August it announced that it was selling Mt. Bachelor and three other ski resorts it owns. It’s a strategic move to manage the company portfolio, ac-
cording to Stacey Hutchinson, vice president of communications and government affairs at POWDR.
On Oct. 12, less than two months after POWDR’s announcement, hundreds of people gathered at Drake Park in Bend for Mount Bachelor Community Inc.’s kickoff event. A GoFundMe launched a few weeks prior hit its $40K fundraising goal to support legal and logistical services within two weeks. Food trucks lined the event space, music beat through the crowd and event goers gathered in groups, chatting and reminiscing about days spent on the mountain.
At one of a handful of booths along the perimeter, Charlie Rowles and his wife Kathy Ingraham Rowles displayed memorabilia garnered from decades spent visiting Mt. Bachelor. Charlie said he has been skiing at Bachelor since 1961.
Kathy worked as a “Bachelor Girl,” assisting with operations. With the mountain’s outline just visible in the distance, Chris Porter and other leaders of MBCI gave interviews to TV news crews and networked with guests. Bend’s mayor, Kebler, gave a speech in support of the movement and a few days later sent the letter on behalf of the city to Kotek asking for her support.
“Growing up here, I learned to ski through Mt. Bachelor’s Mighty Mites program, enjoyed snow sports with my family, and now take my daughter up the mountain to experience our amazing outdoor spaces,” Kebler wrote. “Similar experiences are common for residents of Bend, and for many, connection to the mountain – whether it be hiking, biking, snow sports or zipline rides – is integral to Central Oregon living. Mt. Bachelor is critical to the past, current, and future success and vibrancy of our city.”
The reverence for Bachelor that Kebler expressed in her letter was palpable among those gathered at Drake Park. Visits to Mt. Bachelor are mostly from local powder chasers, with about 65% of season pass holders being Central Oregonians, according to estimates from Porter. Those numbers are corroborated by Visit Bend and Visit Central Oregon data. That local support is what Porter is counting on to see MBCI’s effort to buy the mountain and turn the resort into a certified B Corp over the finish line. The team, he said, is working at “breakneck speed” in a layered approach to securing financing – starting first with credited investors and then opening it up for community investors.
“The incentive to become an owner is to have more accessibility, and that includes having a dividend to apply after investing,” Porter said. “We hear over and over again to make it more accessible,” he added, saying access is a driving force of the movement. “I think the local skiing communities are ready to have a solution to regain control of their own backyard, their own ski hills.”
Whether that will mean slope-side development and amenities in the future is still undecided and would be driven by local support, Porter said. There is the possibility from a Forest Service perspective to develop more, he said, and doing so could alleviate the pressure on the price of lift tickets and season passes. But the first step is actually purchasing the mountain.
On Friday, Porter, along with other Bachelor pass holders, will be on the lifts for the resort’s earliest opening in 26 years. From there he’ll head to meetings with Summit Bank to talk financing.
“We are quickly gaining mo-
out in size and scale. Owning a nationally ranked, Top 10 resort in size with an enviably long snow season is a “a potentially portfolio-defining chest-thumper" according to industry-news site the Storm Skiing Journal, which first broke news of the sale. It makes sense one of the handful of corporations that dominates the industry, perhaps Alterra Mountain Company, which partners with Mt. Bachelor to offer Ikon pass holders access to the mountain would go for it. Or, maybe MBCI will raise the necessary funds on a tight-timeline to pay the estimated $200 million asking price.
mentum and should be having our letter of interest in with proof of funds to JP Morgan as soon as possible,” he said, “and hopefully submitting a bid by the end of the year. If Vail or Alterra were going to buy this, it already would have been announced.”
Of the resorts POWDR listed for sale, Bachelor stands
Also unknown is how those eventual new owners will tackle the tension of development, profitability and access at Mt. Bachelor to preserve the resort that helped build Bend. –Jennifer Baires is a features and investigative reporter for the Source Weekly. Her work is supported by the Lay It Out Foundation, a nonprofit with a mission of promoting deep reporting and investigative journalism in Central Oregon. Learn more by visiting layitoutfoundation.org
PHOTOS BY SHAE CALLEWAERT, SUNRIVER SCENE
By Kelli Neumann, SNCO Community Education & Conservation Manager
As snow begins to fall, a staple garment of the Pacific Northwest takes over our wardrobes: the “puffy” jacket.
This seemingly simple coat, filled with clusters of small, white down feathers encased in polyester baffles, is highly effective at conserving body heat. When temperatures dip below 60°F, the human body can lose about 65% of its heat and exposure to wind adds an extra 10-15% loss.
A typical down-filled jacket can keep us up to 45°F warmer, allowing us to brave the winter chill and witness the inspiration for this design in action, as birds utilize their own down to stay warm.
The evolution of endothermy – the ability of animals to maintain a warm body despite external conditions – showcases nature’s resilience.
This adaptation has allowed species to persist through ice ages and thrive in diverse
climates. Feathers, modified scales, likely offered an evolutionary advantage by conserving heat, benefiting animals that generate their own warmth. Today, birds maintain an average body temperature of around 105°F, allowing them to inhabit extreme environments, from high altitudes to regions with prolonged freezing temperatures, like Sunriver.
Birds are naturally equipped with their own version of the puffy jacket.
Geese, for example, have around 25,000 down feathers, with each ounce of down containing two million filaments that interlock and trap insulating air. Over this down layer, contour feathers provide waterproofing, keeping the down dry and fluffy. Birds also regulate heat through behavior. Bare patches of skin act like radiators, controlling heat exchange by adjusting blood flow.
To conserve warmth, birds reduce blood flow and tuck exposed areas, such as their beaks or one leg, into their feathers.
Many birds also enter a state called torpor in cooler weather, where their body temperature and metabolism decrease significantly, sometimes to half of normal levels.
Concerns about declining bird populations have persisted for more than a century. In 1900, ornithologist Frank M. Chapman began a new tradition: a Christmas Day bird count to survey, rather than hunt, birds. This tradition continues annually from Dec. 14 through Jan. 5, as tens of thousands of volunteers across the country participate in a nationwide bird census. This data
provides a long-term view of bird population health, helping guide conservation strategies.
Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory proudly participates in this citizen science initiative, mobilizing volunteers to survey a 15-mile circle of diverse habitats, including forests, rivers and meadows. Birders of all experience levels join to document species and numbers, and in 2023, the Sunriver Christmas Bird Count recorded 3,115 birds across 64 species.
Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory is also a uniquely
inclusive birding location, with paved and plowed paths that allow birders of all abilities to access diverse habitats. Observing birds offers us valuable lessons and inspiration for our own lives. To learn more about the Christmas Bird Count and how you can support stable bird populations, as well as Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory hours and programs, visit our website at www.snco.org.
Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory is located at 57245 River Road, off Circle 3, enroute to the marina.
Dark eyed juncos are common winter visitors throughout Central Oregon.
PHOTO COURTESY SEVILLA RHOADS.
Diamonds in the sky: Three different types of star collections decorate our universe
By Erika Cook, SNCO Staff
This month, we are privileged to see the Pleiades, an open star cluster that will shine prominently in the night for the next few months. Even without dark skies, this cluster is visible to the naked eye, bringing an exceptional beauty to our winter skies.
But as you observe this small patch of stars you may find yourself asking, what exactly are star clusters?
Star clusters are groups of stars held together by gravity. They are formed in immense regions of gas and dust known as molecular clouds.
Gravity holds the stars together, joining them to form a cluster. Depending on the physical characteristics of these clouds, star clusters can fall into three categories: open star clusters, globular star clusters and stellar associations.
Open star clusters, such as the Pleiades, are small groups
of stars that are loosely bound by a shared gravitational pull. These clusters don’t have a specific shape, which means each one creates a unique pattern of stars. For example, the Pleiades feature a small dipper, the Owl Cluster resembles an owl, and the Hyades form the letter ‘V’ in the constellation Taurus.
Open star clusters are relatively small, with some only a few dozen light-years across and ranging between tens of stars to several thousand. The stars are young; most are less than a billion years old. Because the gravity holding the cluster together is weak, the dispersed stars can be tugged away by other celestial objects, scattering them and eventually dissolving the cluster.
Scientists predict our Sun may have formed in an open star cluster before the gravity dispersed it, leaving us to roam alone.
Globular star clusters are
millions of stars tightly bound by a strong gravitational pull.
Creating a circular shape, these dense clusters are significantly bigger than open star clusters, with some stretching 450 million light-years across.
These clusters are home to some of the oldest stars in our galaxy, forming around the same time as the Milky Way more than 13 billion years ago. With the unaided eye, they
appear as a small smudge in the sky. With a telescope, this small smudge will transform into a beautiful mosaic of stars where each tiny dot represents an ancient star. Because of the intense gravity holding these stars together, these stable clusters will not dissolve and will continue to orbit the galaxy.
Stellar associations are the most dispersed type of star cluster, and scientists believe all stars are born into one
before drifting apart. They are massive, measuring ~700 lightyears across but contain only a small number of stars – some have as few as 10, others range up to a few thousand. Stars in stellar associations were formed in the same stellar nursery and reside in similar areas in the galaxy but are no longer bound by a shared gravitational pull. They are grouped together based on the type of stars located within. Join us this fall and winter for a nighttime program to view some of these marvelous star clusters through the greatest number of telescopes publicly available anywhere in the country. Book your reservations at snco.org. Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory is located at 57245 River Road, off Circle 3, on the way to the airport and marina. Check www.snco.org for current hours and programs.
Happy Holidays from Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory
By Shannon Ries, SNCO
Executive Director
Happy Holidays from all of us at Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory (SNCO). Our team sends warm wishes to you and your family for a joyful winter season. As the new executive director, I wanted to reach out to express my gratitude for the Sunriver community’s past support and to invite you to renew your commitment at this pivotal point in SNCO’s journey.
SNCO has enjoyed a remarkable 56-year history serving this community. In recent years, however, we have faced some challenges. First the pandemic interrupted our capital campaign, and a period of challenging decision-making followed.
With new leadership, comes new energy. I am committed to bringing a spirit of renewal and growth to SNCO.
Just five months ago, I joined SNCO during an intense period of reflection and rebuilding. Every organization experiences cycles of growth, dormancy, and renewal – like the forest, where the decay of aspen leaves fuels new life each spring, or the caterpillar that dissolves before transforming into a butterfly.
I understand that times of transition can feel difficult, but please take heart knowing our team is energized about the positive changes ahead. We hope you will be too! We pledge to communicate transparently and frequently along the way. We are dedicated to restoring
this special place until it is thriving once again – serving our community, future generations, and the diverse life that lives alongside us on this beautiful land.
I ask you to stick with us through this rebuilding phase.
During this arduous time of transformation, we must fully resource the work that’s happening and our programs that are flourishing. Education is truly at the heart of SNCO and our K-12 Program is outstanding. Your contributions are helping us create unique, hands-on natural science experiences for Central Oregon children, immersing them in the wonders of space and
Shopping for holiday gifts should not be a burden. It should not be searching for parking or waiting for a delivery to land on your doorstep. 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 unique. A shopper’s biggest worry is deciding which one of the many items to purchase. Helpful and happy artists will assist with decisions and even gift wrap your purchase. You will be humming a holiday tune on the way back to your vehicle.
And don’t forget the gallery’s annual holiday celebration. Mark your calendar to celebrate Second Saturday at the Artists’ Gallery from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, and share holiday treats and drinks with the artists while shopping to fill that holiday gift list.
Be sure to check out the
many giftable selections by the gallery’s talented artists. You might find something for yourself, including:
• a dimensional painting of a Christmas angel by Sylvia Avenius-Ford
• a sparkling red Oregon sunstone snowflake necklace by Karla Proud
• hand-painted heirloom ornaments by Bonnie Junell
• delicate winter paintings by Marjorie Cossairt
• a small ceramic forest by Diane Miyauchi
• three dimensional glass stars to catch the light by Becky Henson
• seasonal fringed earrings by Emily McFadden
• a frosty blue watercolor painting by Dianne Lay
• endearing glass enameled ornaments by Cheryl Chapman
• inspirational photography gift bundles by Barb Gonzalez
• beautiful paintings of all sizes by Dottie Moniz
• photos of local scenery and
•
• painted glass mosaic orna-
SNCO
continued from page 13
nature in ways that classrooms cannot.
Around two dozen local schools are designated “Title I” meaning many of their students live in poverty. Our donors truly enrich children’s lives –you make field trips happen when they otherwise wouldn’t. This teacher explained it best when she wrote to us request-
ments by Jesica Carleton
The Artists’ Gallery Sunriver is open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is located in building 19 in
ing scholarship funds: “We are very limited on funding and we don’t have a PTA. Field trips are a luxury. Families are low income so we cannot ask parents for field trip money, and they can’t afford to take their children to places like the Nature Center. Without a scholarship, my students may never get this kind of experience.”
By giving kids this chance, by inspiring curiosity and respect for the environment, together
The Village at Sunriver (next door to the Mexican restaurant). For information, visit www.ArtistsGallerySunriver. com or call 541-593-4382.
we are cultivating a new generation of thoughtful stewards of the natural world. This is needed now more than ever.
Please join us in fostering growth – in local children, native species, and at SNCO – with a holiday gift today. Donate at www.snco.org/give or you can mail a check to Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory P.O. Box 3533 Sunriver, OR 97707.
Diane Miyauchi
Sylvia Avenius-Ford
Becky Henson
Barb Gonzalez
Sonya Runar
animals by Caroyn Waissman
art photography by Sonya Runar
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
Tony De Alicante covenants@srowners.org
Design
Charlie Meyer, chair designinfo@srowners.org
Election Chair open election@srowners.org
Finance
Clark Pederson, chair finance@srowners.org
Nominating
Debbie Baker, chair nominating@srowners.org
Owner Enrichment
Mark Fisler, chair ownerenrichment@srowners.org
DECEMBER MEETINGS & GATHERINGS
These groups meet regularly, same time, same place
Monday
Ladies Lunch and Bridge 11:30 a.m. Village Bar & Grill Sign up: 593-5906 or 536-1533
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
7:45 a.m., Hearth Room at the Sunriver Lodge www.sunriver-lapinerotary.org
Sunriver Republicans
5:30 p.m. second Wednesday of the month. 20 Maury Mtn. Lane
Meet the hardworking seasonal team of the Second Tern Thrift Store
And just like that, it’s December and time to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.
Sunriver is a delightful place to experience the end-of-year holidays. The weather in Central Oregon is appropriately cool and crisp, with a high potential for snow. And how do savvy Sunriver folks get ready for the “most wonderful time of the year?”
With a stop – or several stops – at the Second Tern Thrift Store.
The seasonal team at Second Tern has been preparing for the holiday season all year long. The team receives, processes, cleans, prices and stores holiday items from January to December.
Second Tern has a shipping container designated solely for seasonal items, including decor for other holidays, such
as Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Fourth of July, Veteran’s Day, fall and Thanksgiving, too.
Margaret Beard, the seasonal team leader, has been volunteering for the Sunriver Nature Center since 1970 and at the Second Tern since 1996. Like many volunteers, Beard has worked in almost every department at one time or another. She continues to volunteer in several departments but focuses on the seasonal area. Thanks to Beard’s organizational skills, seasonal donations are stored in an orderly fashion.
She works with Christmas donations year-round and enjoys discovering the various and unique items. Tern volunteers are fortunate to have Beard as a resource for questions about silver, fine china, and all things vintage in the Christmas realm. Her favorite memory was a recent donation of a nativity scene that filled a six-foot table.
The newest member of the seasonal team is Charlene Fauria, who has been visiting the Tern from out of state for more than 30 years. She promised herself she would volunteer after her family permanently moved to Sunriver. She chose the seasonal team because she has a passion for holiday items.
“Working in seasonal and holiday is not difficult because I love it so much,” Fauria said.
Fauria also enjoys having the flexibility to work in other departments in addition to her seasonal tasks.
Ann Croy lives in Idaho for most of the year. She started working at the Tern last year and loves the family atmosphere. She volunteered to work in the seasonal department when she saw the need to organize and create displays, skills Croy excels in.
She spends the majority of her time placing items in an eye-catching manner. Customers often share heartwarming stories with her about finding ornaments or Christmas displays that are exact replicas of pieces from their childhoods.
assembled and priced, ready for the second weekend of November. Eleven Christmas trees were sold on Nov. 8-9, but another tree was dropped off that Saturday. As a reminder, please donate only complete trees with either working lights or no lights at all.
When asked why people stock up for the holidays at Second Tern weeks in advance, some shoppers say it’s because the prices are unbeatable.
She loves receiving compliments about her work and looks forward to a time when she can truly say the storage bins are empty, with everything out for sale – hopefully by early December.
Mary Dunden-Smith has worked all summer to maintain order and organization in the department. Over the years, Mary has worked in many different departments, including serving as the Tern Store manager before returning to volunteer status.
“The most interesting and fun thing about volunteering in the seasonal department is the variety of items we receive from vintage to modern to handmade,” she said. “Some donations are collections from multiple generations. I love vintage and antique items of any sort, so I really enjoy the interesting, weird, and beautiful donations, as well as the handmade items.”
Another vital part of the Christmas season at the Tern is the forest of donated artificial Christmas trees. Since last January, 28 trees were donated to the Tern. All trees, that weren’t missing parts, were
Others say the selection is vast and unique. Another mentioned that shopping early simply reduces holiday stress.
As the Second Tern shopper moves from the trees outside, to the festive foyer where most items reside, and finally to the indoor displays, it’s hard not to feel that the holiday season is near.
It’s time for your home and family to experience the Sunriver holidays – come shop at the Second Tern.
The holidays are just around the corner.
Second Tern is located at 17377 Spring River Road, just west of Harper Bridge, and is open Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. year round and accepts donations 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on open days.
The Second Tern benefits Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory, located at 57245 River Road, off Circle 3, on the way to the airport and marina. Check www.snco.org for current hours and programs. For volunteering, more information, or questions, contact 541-593-3367 (Second Tern), 541-593-4394 (Nature Center & Observatory), or visit www. snco.org.
Left to right: Ann Croy, Margaret Beard, Mary Dunden-Smith, Charlene Fauria.
sunriver women’s club
There is much to be thankful for as the year comes to a close.
The Sunriver Women’s Club (SRWC) supports its members through social activities and at the same time consistently gives back to the community. Since 1999, SRWC has given south Deschutes County nonprofits more than $1 million. Continue reading to learn more about the impact of these grants.
Not a Sunriver Women’s Club member? I encourage you to reach out for information. Coffee breaks and happy hours are open to non-members. It’s a great way to see what we are about.
Visit www.sunriverwomens club.org or email me at presi dent@sunriverwomensclub. org.
This holiday season, I wish everyone peace, health and prosperity.
–Brigitte Bourret, SRWC President
Local nonprofits receive $46,000 in grants
Successful SRWC fundraising benefited the local community in October with grants totaling $46,000 awarded to 10 south Deschutes County programs closely aligned with the club’s philanthropy priorities and addressing national trends of houselessness and food insecurity that also affect the local community.
Based on the grant applications received, it is evident that
food insecurity continues to be a serious problem. The club awarded $20,000 to improve food security through the work of four local nonprofits.
Sunriver Care and Share outreach provides monthly food boxes. La Pine Community Kitchen serves free hot meals Monday through Friday as well as free clothing and hygiene supplies. The Giving Plate provides students food for the weekend by discreetly placing it in their backpacks. And the High Desert Food and Farm Alliance coordinates with Meal on Wheels to bring interested recipients a Fresh Harvest Kit, which is a ready-to-make meal that feeds four with a recipe, pantry staples and fresh local produce.
All people should have a safe place to call home. With an award of $10,000 to St. Vincent de Paul of La Pine (SVDP), assistance for the cold months of winter will be provided in two ways. For those experiencing houselessness, propane is critical for both heat and cooking. SVDP estimates that more than 700 unhoused people in the La Pine area will be in serious need of propane. In conjunction with Midstate Electric, SVDP will also provide $100 in utility assistance this winter, mostly to the elderly and families with young children. This grant will assist only about half of those in need.
Power of Giving campaign benifits local students
The Sunriver Women’s Club (SRWC) will launch its Power of Giving fundraising effort on GivingTuesday, Dec. 3.
The goal is to raise $50,000 for the South County Collaborative (SCC) to improve school success, engagement and graduation rates for students in south Deschutes County. Past SRWC president Debbie Baker has pledged to match the first $5,000 raised.
“This Power of Giving cam-
paign will build on the great work started in 2023 with The Power of 50 for Education which raised more than $55,000. The South County Collaborative used SRWC’s seed money to leverage additional resources and engaged more partners to deliver services to students in south county. This is our community. How can we see the struggles these
According to the KIDS Center, the number of children in need of intervention and treatment for child abuse has been increasing, partly due to population growth. The SRWC awarded $9,000 to the KIDS Center who accepts referrals from law enforcement and Child Protective Services and provides several steps of evaluation and therapy for south Deschutes County children and to the MountainStar Family Relief Center in La Pine, which works to prevent child abuse by intervening with and assisting struggling families who have babies and young
children.
To focus on providing enrichment activities for kids, the SRWC awarded $7,000 to two established nonprofits that serve youth.
Since 2005, the Southern Deschutes Volleyball Association has offered a club volleyball experience for 48-55 girls 10-17 years old from La Pine and Three Rivers schools each year. The Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory plans to expand STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and natural science programs to 500 students annually which is a 25% in-
crease. In both cases, they are making these experiences affordable for more students in south Deschutes County. SRWC accepts grant applications twice a year. The next period is in mid-February. Direct donations to the community grant program contribute to the awards.
Thank you to all members and sponsors who donate their time, energy and expertise to fundraising and to those who directly donate to make the community grants possible.
To make a donation, visit https://sunriverwomensclub. org.
Sawyer Pheasant Tail Materials List
Hook: Firehole 718, size 10
Hook: Firehole Outdoors 627 barbless competition hook (short shank, 2X gape), sizes 14-18, or similar Abdomen, thorax and rib: Red ultra wire in small Abdomen, thorax and wing pads: Natural ring neck pheasant
Tying instructions and steps are published in video form, and can be found on the Sunriver Anglers web page at www. sunriveranglers.org/fly-tying-corner, on Facebook at www. facebook.com/SunriverAnglers/, or on YouTube at https:// youtu.be/ab5yoHFZ7Mw
Fly Tying Corner: Sawyer pheasant tail nymph
By Phil Fischer
This month's Sunriver Anglers Fly Tying Corner features a Sawyer pheasant tail nymph.
This is a pattern originated by Frank Sawyer in the early 1900s; it has been around a long time. It is a simple, yet effective fly pattern. It is unique in that the only materials used area a hook, copper wire and ring neck pheasant tail. The fly does not use thread to bind it together. The fly imitates any number of different mayfly nymphs that are common in Central Oregon’s streams and rivers.
I have used this fly effectively in a broad spectrum of rivers from Central Oregon to Montana and as far away as Argentina. It is usually one of the first patterns I pull out of my fly box when approaching a new river, as it is an excellent imitation for small mayfly nymphs.
The pattern featured in this month’s column is tied to specifically imitate a pale morning dun nymph. But I can adapt the size and color to imitate many different mayfly nymphs. Use a greenish pheasant tail,
bronze wire and tie on a size 18, and you have an excellent imitation for callibaetis or blue wing olives. Tie a little larger using pheasant tail and copper wire, and you have a mahogany dun nymph. This is my go to pattern in many situations, and it is responsible for more fish to net than any other pattern I've fished. Give it a try. I think you'll like it.
I have tied the fly slightly differently than the original Sawyer nymph tied by Frank Sawyer. The main difference is in the tie-off point. The original pattern tied off the fly at the back of the thorax, whereas in my version it is tied off at the head. But I think you'll see
how quick and easy the pattern is to tie. I've added UV resin to the wing case to make the fly more durable; something that wasn’t available in Frank Sawyer’s time.
Learn to tie this fly pattern and fish it in rivers including the Crooked, Fall River, Upper Deschutes and the main stem Deschutes.
If you have questions or would like additional information about the Sawyer pheasant tail, please don’t hesitate to email me. Or, if you have suggestions on future patterns to feature in this column, I welcome your input. I can be reached at my email address, philfischer@sbcglobal.net.
25 years
By Rynie Miyashiro
Sunriver Anglers and their guests are encouraged to sign up early for this year’s holiday event to be held at the newly remodeled Lake House at Caldera Springs on Monday, Dec. 9.
A prix fixe dinner will include your choice of entrée, salad and dessert. There is a bar in the restaurant. The event will include a silent auction, raffle prizes, and Jerry’s famous 50/50 raffle. One of the auction prizes will be a half-day guided trip donated by The
Hook Fly Shop in The Village at Sunriver. Please go to www. SunriverAnglers.org to sign up and choose your entrée.
Since 1977, the Sunriver Anglers have been promoting fishing and conservation in and around Central Oregon.
The mission of the club is:
• To promote the enjoyment and understanding of the sport of fishing through instruction, outings, events and service.
• To encourage, advocate and support conservation and protection of watersheds, fish
habitat, and wild fish populations.
• To provide educational opportunities to learn about fish, fish habitat and the environment in which they live.
• To learn basic fishing skills, principles of stewardship, ethical conduct and safety around the water.
Next month, the club will kick off the new year with an event at the Century Commons Tap & Trucks in the Sunriver Business Park. Stay tuned for additional information.
kids experience and not be part of the solution? Join me and give generously,” Baker said.
Why is this important?
SCC’s multi-pronged strategy includes programs and activities like mentorship, mental health assistance, a schoolbased social worker supporting children with traumatic experiences, family engagement and after- or out-of-school opportunities.
Internships, career counseling and expansion of Career Technical Education programs to prepare students to graduate and continue in the job market are also supported. Opportunities for children and youth outside of the classroom in south Deschutes County are vastly inferior compared to their peers in Bend.
This matters because consistent participation in after-school and out-of-school programs is linked to lower dropout rates and closes the achievement gaps for lowincome students. The SCC focus is finding long-term, sustainable solutions.
Since forming in mid-2023, the SCC has successfully organized as a 501(c)3 nonprofit and was awarded an Integrated Community Partnership Grant from the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) in partnership with Better Together. The ODE offered the possibility of a continuation grant if the SCC was successful in raising additional funds. The Power of Giving funds will help that effort.
Sunriver Women’s Club members and the greater Sunriver community are asked to be part of the solution and donate on GivingTuesday and throughout the campaign until the goal of $50,000 is reached. Go to sunriverwomensclub. org/ for information and to make a donation.
sunriver's new lakeside dining destination
Open Wednesday-Saturday | 5pm-8:30pm
Discover the Lake House at Caldera Springs. Open to the public, guests are invited to dine with the whole family against the backdrop of beautiful Mt. Bachelor. Warm up by the fireplace in the bar or roast s’mores under the starlit sky — here, every meal and moment become a story.
To
The Bison Burger
Sunriver Mens Golf: Ends the season and an era, start of Sunriver Golf Club
By Paul Grieco
Going into the final weeks of the 2024 season, it was not clear who would emerge as this year’s leading money winner after more than 30 weeks of official play.
It got exciting as the three leaders jockeyed right up until the very end, with Mike Stamler coming out on top comfortably with a couple of nice finishes to round out an exceptionally good season. Finishing in second place was Jeff Corey and close behind in third was 2024 overall club champion Lyndon Blackwell.
Rounding out the top 15 were Jeff Johnson, Robert Kufeld, Don Gillett, Kevin Baker, Joe Destefano, Paul Gardner, Scott Rigby, Geoff Wood, Scott Brown, Don Larson, Tom Woodruff and Brandon Ladd.
The 2024 leading club money winner, Mike Stamler.
The statistically minded may wonder how players’ handicaps figured into the winner’s circle: the top 15 included six single-digit indices, five in the 1020 index range and four in the above 20 range. In the top five, there were two in the low range, one in the mid-range and two in the upper range. Overall, the distribution showed that our handicapping system worked
Holidays a time for fellowship
“All Are Welcome!” at Sunriver Christian Fellowship (SCF) as they celebrate the 2024 Christmas season.
In addition to the regular Sunday Advent Services at 10 a.m. on Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 22, SCF is offering a Christmas concert, a family Christmas Eve program and a traditional Christmas Eve service.
The “Catch the Spirit” Christmas concert will be presented at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8.
This family concert will feature the Bells of Sunriver, the SCF vocal choir, sing-alongs and a surprise or two to help you get into the spirit of the season. All are welcome to this free event, no tickets required! Come and “Catch the Spirit” of Christmas!
“Timber!” is the SCF’s annual family Christmas Eve program and will be presented at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24.
In prior years, the program was themed around the early history of Sunriver beginning with Fur Trappers, the Oregon Trail, and then Homesteading. This year, church members will explore the logging and timber history of Sunriver and tell the Christmas Story as well. There is always a gift for the kids, and adults love the program as well.
The traditional Christmas Eve service will take place at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 24. Special music and traditional carols will support the message from new pastor, Rev. Kally Elliott. All are welcome to the communion table as church members celebrate.
Sunriver Christian Fellowship is a multi-denominational congregation that welcomes all. The Fellowship is at 18139 Cottonwood Road on the north end of Sunriver. Information and links to recordings can be found at www.sunriverchristianfellowship. org or call 541-593-1183 for more information.
“Golf is a game in which you claim the privileges of age and retain the playthings of childhood.”
––Dr. Samuel Johnson, British Playwright and Poet, 1709-1784
well by keeping a fair mix in the rankings.
Of the 71 members who participated this season, about a third played more than 20 official competitions each, while the middle third played an average of nearly 10 times.
Ladd had a remarkable finish considering he played in only seven official events and won more skins money in the last week than any other week I can remember in my 15 years with the club. He did it by virtue of collecting four birdies, including three of the four par 3s on the Meadows course. Nicely done, one and all.
Out with the old, in with the new 2025 will mark the beginning of new competitions as the Sunriver Mens Golf Club, having just celebrated its 50th anniversary, is no more.
The new Sunriver Golf Club, run by Sunriver Resort golf management, ushers in a new era while retaining some of the flavor of the old.
This flavor is being maintained by a cooperative arrangement between the Resort and a small ad hoc committee of former SRMGC board members (the Wednesday advisory group, aka the WAGS) who will continue to plan weekly play, determining the game format, compiling weekly signups open to all members of the Sunriver Golf Club and creating pairings. The Resort golf staff will print scorecards, prepare cart signs, collect any funds, enter and post scores, post results and allocate winnings for pick-up each week.
Three previous events important to the SRMGC will remain in place: the Club Championship, the Member-Guest Tournament and the Memorial Tournament, although under the aegis of the Resort. Another accommodation made by the Resort will allow the Resort Cup to continue in its present format, a welcome decision much appreciated by the SRMGC. Tom Woodruff will continue as our Resort Cup liaison, a job which
he has done exceptionally well for two decades.
Opening day next year is scheduled for the first week of April at the Meadows.
My final golf article
After 14 years of writing monthly Sunriver Mens Golf Club articles, I’ve decided that it is time to put the proverbial pen back into the inkwell. Given that my main mission was to report the status of the Sunriver Mens Golf Club proceedings and report on its competitive events, that mission is now moot with the demise of the club.
I was fortunate to work with two great editors at the Scene. First, Brooke Snavely, who encouraged me to write more than just statistics and to occasionally include my thoughts and impressions on Sunriver golf and golf in general; and Susan Berger, who has made some excellent edits of my columns and often allowed extra time for me to stretch deadlines. It’s been a great round, and I appreciate all the support and comments from fellow members I have received over all these years.
–Paul Grieco may be reached at pjg3sr@gmail.com
Rotary members helping the Sunriver community
By Lee Haroun
On a Saturday morning in October, nine hearty Rotarians took on a different kind of project: road clean-up on Highway 97. Bundled up with hats and gloves, they arrived at the entrance to Sunriver to meet up with the event organizer Aaron Schofield, past Rotary president and branch manager of First Interstate Bank in Sunriver.
Members picked up their safety vests, plastic bags and grabber sticks and headed north on the highway.
The group had a variety of reasons for spending their Saturday morning walking along a major highway and picking up garbage.
Laurie Henberg and Rob Foster explained that they ap-
preciate and are proud of the beauty of Central Oregon and want to help keep it clean. Foster said that he wants to be proud of the area when the many visitors come and added that people should take care to secure items in their vehicles when heading for Knott Landfill.
Rebecca Chambers, Rotary president-elect, shared that Rotary gives her an opportunity to give back to the community.
Kristine Thomas, executive director of the Sunriver Chamber of Commerce said, it’s always fun to work with fellow Rotarians while helping the community at the same time.
Other projects are keeping club members busy this time of year. The needs in Sunriver and La Pine communities are
ever increasing and members have stepped up to fulfill Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self.” On Nov. 20, the club’s foundation board reviewed 22 applications for grants submitted by local nonprofits seeking help to support their programs.
These grants are possible due to the fundraising efforts of members. The club’s largest fundraiser will take place on June 1, 2025 at Sunriver Resort’s Great Hall in Sunriver. Members of the community are encouraged to participate by planning to attend this fun Italian-themed event and by donating silent auction items.
Funds also are being raised thanks to the generosity of the owners of Village Bar & Grill. Bingo nights are held at the restaurant on Tuesday evenings
and all proceeds support Rotary. It’s a lot of fun and there are prizes for winners. Plan to come to support a good cause and a local business. The next bingo date is Tuesday, Dec. 10, starting at 6:30 p.m. It’s best to arrive early to get a seat.
Two weeks ago, Shirley Olson, club member and a BendLa Pine School Board director, delivered sets of seven books to first-grade teachers at Three Rivers, La Pine Elementary, and Rosland Elementary Schools as part of the Gift of Literacy program. Laurie Henberg, coordinator of the program for Rotary, explained that over the next few months, the teachers will read these books to their classes. In the spring, each student will choose
their favorite book, and the club will order copies to give to the children to keep. For some, this is the only book that they own, and their responses are often heartwarming.
In December, club members will deliver poinsettias to Little Deschutes Lodge, senior apartments in La Pine. Set up in the community room, all residents can come and choose a plant. It is something many look forward to receiving each year. Rotary provides many opportunities for service, fellowship and fun. They meet every Wednesday for breakfast at the Sunriver Resort and all are invited to come and learn more about the club. You also can visit the website at www. sunriver-lapinerotary.org.
Locavore’s annual gift faire
Central Oregon Locavore is excited to announce its eagerly anticipated 16th Annual Holiday Gift Faire! This yearly holiday market will take place on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Universalist Unitarian Fellowship church in Bend.
And this year they are offer-
ing something special, early access to a VIP shopping hour from 9 to 10 a.m. sponsored by Bohemian Roastery and Sparrow Bakery. The early bird gets the worm (or, in this case, the best selection of local gifts). Additional
Rotary members picked up trash along Highway 97 east of Sunriver between Cottnowood Road and South Century Drive.
Shop locally this holiday season
By Deon Stonehouse Happy holidays.
Shopping locally is fun because local businesses are staffed by people who live in the community and want your holiday shopping to be as pleasant and stress free as possible. Why fight the crowds and busy streets when you can stroll through The Village at Sunriver, visiting a variety of shops each carrying interesting possibilities for gifts.
A new year is right around the corner. I confess I will be glad to be done with 2024. My hope for 2025 is that it is better than expected, that we are all kind to one another, and that we take time each day to seek joy.
Holidays can be stressful. There are crowds, icy roads, traffic congestion and so much to do. Give yourself a break. Relax and read an interesting Book Club selection then spend a pleasant evening discussing it with other readers. Our Book Clubs meet on Monday via Zoom at 6 p.m. and in person at 4:30. Email sunriverbooks@sunriverbooks. com to register to attend a discussion.
Mystery Book Club
Fans of author Richard Osman’s “Thursday Murder Club” series will want to gather to discuss his fourth book, “Last Devil to Die” at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2 via Zoom or 4:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9 in
person at the bookstore, located in The Village at Sunriver.
Netflix will present the movie of “Thursday Murder Club” with a star-studded cast in 2025.
“Last Devil to Die” has the Thursday Murder Club investigating a murder with a personal connection.
Kuldesh Sharma was Stephen’s friend. Sharma was a kind, learned man who ran a shop dealing in antiquities. Not that long ago, Sharma was helpful to the group in solving a mystery. He was a widower living a quiet life, harming no one. He didn’t seem the sort to be found on a lonely road, murdered in his car in a manner that has all the markings of a professional hit. Why would Sharma, an antiques shopkeeper, be a target for assassination?
Elizabeth, joined by Ron, Ibrahim and Joyce, are determined to find the killer of her husband’s friend. They will need to take a deep dive into the world of antiques, forgeries and theft to find a motive for murder.
Ibrahim is dispatched to interview crime kingpin, Connie, (who is in prison) to find out if she has any useful information; she is still upset about their role in her incarceration and has vowed to kill Ron. However Connie likes to keep up with the goings-on in local criminal enterprises and is a useful source of information.
Every mystery involving the
Thursday Murder Club is a blast.
Fiction Book Club
The Fiction Book Club will discuss “What you are looking for is in the library” by Michiko Aoyama at 4:30 p.m. in-person Monday, Dec. 16 at the bookstore, and 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 17 via Zoom.
“What you are looking for is in the library” is a celebration of the power of books. I believe every librarian and bookseller tries to put in a reader’s hand
just the right book, a book the reader will enjoy and find delight in reading. But the librarian in this story has a higher power, she puts books in the hands of readers that will change their lives.
The story is about a library in a community center with an unusual librarian and connected by the various people who come to her for one sort of book only to find the book they really need.
A young saleswoman in a department store learns to take
satisfaction in a job well done. A woman mourns losing the position she loved when she has a child. She learns there are other doors to open and ways to be happy.
A man working solely to make money to achieve his dream of opening a shop, finds that maybe things don’t have to happen the way he planned. A retiree discovers that all of his friends were really work colleagues, his wife is still working, and he feels adrift, but maybe there is another way to be useful. An artist is encouraged to give it one more try.
All these people come to the librarian Sayuri Komachi looking for one sort of book, and find instead the book they really need.
This is a charming and delightful read for people who love books.
Sunriver Books & Music is in building 25 in The Village at Sunriver. Call 541-593-2525 or visit www.sunriverbooks. com for information.
By SROA Natural Resources Staff
SROA NEWS – Preserving the natural environment and maintaining a sense of shared space and community are two values that have guided the development of Sunriver since its inception in 1968. As a result, owners and visitors enjoy expansive and seemingly uninterrupted access to Sunriver’s landscapes and each other.
As in all planned communities, boundaries have been established in Sunriver to determine ownership and use of land and space. These boundaries are critical for a successful and functional association of owners, town or other municipal district.
For example, Sunriver’s boundaries indicate what roads and pathways get plowed and by whom, where people can safely walk or ride a bike, if
additional parking spaces can be installed for commercial or private use, how far a deck can be expanded, the location a contractor is authorized to work, and who is responsible for the removal of a tree that was blown over in a windstorm, among other things. All important stuff!
The open nature of Sunriver’s landscapes allow the boundaries in our community to “fade into the background” or outwardly disappear altogether. Often owners may not know or may have forgotten where their private property boundaries are located. Here are some tips for locating your property boundaries:
• Consult county tax lot maps: The Deschutes County Assessor’s Office maintains records and maps that allow for the appraisal and assessment of all taxable property within its jurisdiction. Visit Deschutes DIAL at https://dial.deschutes. org/ to obtain a tax lot map showing dimensions of your property, and surrounding properties. (There’s also a lot of other great information on the site such as sales history, development summaries, local service providers and more.)
• Find your property pins: Property pins are usually 18+ inch long pieces of iron rebar that are placed vertically in the ground by licensed surveyors to identify the corners and/or
radial points of a parcel of land. The rebar pin may have a colored plastic cap on the top of it. The top of the pin should be at ground level but often can get pushed underground over time. If this happens you can locate pins by digging or using a metal detector in the area where you think they are located.
• Utilize SROA resources: Submit a “Records Release Authorization” form found on the SROA website to request a copy of archived building or site plans for your property that are maintained by the SROA Community Development staff. (Note: per Section 1.03.d.5 of the Design Committee Manual of Rules and Procedures, it is the owner’s responsibility to ensure the accuracy of the plans and information submitted and/or obtained from SROA.)
• Work with a professional: Contact a licensed surveyor for assistance with locating your lot’s boundaries.
Property pins are generally a piece of rebar in the ground.
Property pins may be just below the surface and require a metal detector to locate it.
Sunriver Area Chamber of Commerce hosts third annual Ornament Quest
Sunriver Chamber welcomes new member: Cherish Yourself Wellness
Cherish Yourself Wellness is honored to celebrate its first year of providing complete body-mind-spirit connection in Sunriver. When these aspects become one, you'll feel more grounded in self and move in harmony with life.
Owner Cherish Maushak uses advanced massage therapy techniques to release tension and pain from the muscle tissues, calming the nervous system and inducing deep relaxation. Cherish Your Wellness also offers weekly small group yoga classes that combine breath with gentle movement in a comfortable, inviting space conveniently in the Sunriver Business Park.
As a show of gratitude, Cherish is giving a free yoga class with each massage treatment received between Nov. 18 to Dec 15. Classes must be used
Faire
continued from page 24
benefits include closer parking, light crowds and free coffee and pastries. Tickets for the VIP hour are $25 per person with a limit of 100. For information, visit https://centraloregonlocavore.org/holiday-gift-faire/ Surprise your loved ones this holiday season with a stunning array of handmade, locally crafted gifts from the finest makers of Central Oregon. From local honey, infused vinegars, hot sauces and sweet treats to herbal soaps, woodworks, handcrafted jewelry, inspiring artwork and so much more, browsing the many merry tables of these artists, farmers, and crafters is half the joy of this top notch gift faire. El San-
by Jan. 15. If you book a massage on Black Friday or Saturday, Nov. 30, you will receive a 20 percent off treatment. For more information, visit cherishyourself.life to book your wellness experience.
Third
annual
Sunriver Ornament Quest
The Sunriver Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting its third annual Ornament Quest from Saturday, Nov. 30 to Sunday, Dec. 8.
Each day, ornaments will be hidden at chamber members’ businesses in the Sunriver Business Park, The Village at Sunriver and La Pine. The clues to discover where to find the ornaents will be posted at noon on the chamber’s Instagram and Facebook pages, and website at www.sunriverchamber.com.
Whoever finds the ornament will get to keep it and will receive a $25 gift card from the
cho food cart also will be onsite to fuel the merry shoppers. Know that your dollars are supporting a vibrant local arts scene. Spending your money on local products is a rewarding way to diversify the economy and keep dollars circulating locally to ensure these talented creators can continue to dazzle us with their crafts for years to come. This event is for the community and made possible by the community with the support of dozens of local businesses and selfless volunteers.
business. To keep things fun and in the spirit of the holidays, please follow the rule of only one ornament per household please. The ornaments were crafted by Houser House Creations in Sunriver and Meandering Maker in La Pine.
Winners are encouraged to share a photo of themselves on social media and tag the chamber and the participating business.
Thank you to the sponsors of the Sunriver Saturday Holiday Market
The Sunriver Area Chamber
All faire proceeds benefit Central Oregon Locavore Non-Profit Local Food Resiliency Fund and are tax deductible to the extent of the law. Locavore is a 501c3 nonprofit indoor farmers’ market featuring local produce, meats, dairy, grains, honey, bread, eggs, skincare, crafts and more. It features both organic-certified and organically grown, non-certified items, offers the largest selection of locally raised grass fed, antibiotic and added-hormone free meats in Oregon and accepts SNAP/EBT, Oregon Farm Direct vouchers and Double Up Food Bucks. Items are sourced from the nearest sustainable and environmentally minded source. It manages educational programs inspiring further community involvement in local food.
of Commerce greatly appreciates the following businesses for sponsoring the Sunriver Saturday Holiday Market on Saturday, Nov. 30:
• Gold sponsors: Sunriver Resort and Visit Central Oregon
• Silver sponsors: Muddy Hut Pet Store and Sunriver Veterinary Clinic
• Bronze sponsors: Century Commons Taps & Trucks and Postal Connections in Sunriver
The market featured more than 45 vendors selling food, beverages, arts and crafts and more.
Plans are in the works for the third annual Sunriver Saturday Market to be held from June to October in 2025.
If you are interested in learning about sponsorship opportunities or participating in the market, please email sunriversaturdaymarket.com.
Chamber members receive first preference when applying to the market.
Sunriver Magazine
Work will begin on the Sunriver Magazine in January.
It truly takes a team effort to produce this annual magazine. Changes: Starting in 2025, the directories within Sunriver Magazine and on the chamber’s website will only list businesses who are current chamber members. If you are not a member and want to learn the value of a chamber membership, please contact exec@sunriverchamber. com.
Photos: Once again, the chamber is seeking photographs to include in the magazine, including for its cover. Photographers with images selected for the magazine will be treated to a meal during a release party in April.
The winning photo selected for the magazine’s cover receives an article in the magazine, Sunriver Scene, Cascade Business News and the chamber’s website and newsletter.
Please submit photos to exec@sunriverchamber.com with your name, contact information and description of the photo.
Photos for the cover need to be at least 5 MB in size and vertically oriented.
Winter pile burning season underway
Firefighters across the Deschutes National Forest plan to begin pile burning as conditions are favorable. Firefighters select pile burning units for ignition based on moisture levels, forecasted weather, and conditions predicted to move smoke away from communities where possible. Firefighters primarily plan to start with higher elevation piles moving to lower elevations as additional precipitation occurs. Ignitions will last through early 2025.
The Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District plans to implement pile burning on up to about 5,000 acres in various locations, including west of Bend, east of Edison Butte, west of Sunriver, along the Cascade Lakes High-
way, north of Tumalo Creek and southeast of La Pine.
The Crescent Ranger District plans to conduct pile burning on up to about 2,500 acres.
Pile burning is slated for various locations, including along Forest Service Road 60 north of Windigo Pass, in the vicinity of Bunny Butte, east of Highway 97 and south of Little Walker Mountain, south of Crescent and east of Davis Mountain.
The Sisters Ranger District plans to implement pile burning on up to about 500 acres in a variety of locations, including south of Sisters near Forest Service Road 16, the Green Ridge area northeast of Sisters, and areas around the Metolius Basin.
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conditions are favorable.
Piles may smolder, burn and produce smoke for several days after ignition. Once ignited, firefighters monitor piles until they are declared out. Please do not report ignitions.
While smoke may linger in the area, removing these large accumulations of woody debris during the winter months minimizes fire danger. The piles are concentrations of leftover materials associated with vegetation management activities being done to help maintain and restore forest and ecosystem health while reducing hazardous fuels loading.
What does this mean for you?
• Smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight and in the early morning hours.
• All residents are encouraged to close doors and windows at
night to avoid smoke impacts.
• If available, use a portable air cleaner. Air cleaners work best running with doors and windows closed.
• If you have a central air system, use it to filter air. Use high-efficiency filters if possible.
• When driving in smoky areas, drivers should slow down, turn on headlights and turn air to recirculating.
• If you have heart or lung disease, asthma, or other chronic conditions, pay attention to how you feel and if symptoms of heart or lung disease worsen, consider contacting your health care professional.
Go to centraloregonfire.org to learn more about smoke safety and prescribed burning in Central Oregon and visit
When Smoke is in the Air for more smoke preparedness resources.
For more information visit centraloregonfire.org/ or fs.usda.gov/deschutes and follow us on “X” (aka Twitter) @Cen tralORFire. Text COFIRE to 888-777 to receive prescribed fire text alerts.
This work is occurring within the Central Oregon Landscape, one of 21 focal landscapes identified within the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy. The implementation of this work supports the Deschutes National Forest’s commitment to addressing the Wildfire Crisis Strategy which aims to reduce severity of wildfires, protect communities, and improve the health and resiliency of fire-dependent forests.
‘Tis the season: Celebrating Sunriver’s conifers
By SROA Natural Resources Department Staff
SROA NEWS – December in Sunriver sees the return of falling snow and long nights.
For many, one of the most well-known symbols of this month is a Christmas tree, which is traditionally a type of conifer tree.
Conifer trees are a key feature of Sunriver’s landscapes. How much do you know about the conifers commonly found in our community?
What is a conifer?
“Conifer” is the common name for the Coniferae division of gymnosperms known as Pinophyta. There are more than 600 species of conifer, making it one of the most numerous and diverse types of tree in the world. While found on all continents except Antarctica, conifers are concentrated in the more temperate climates of the Northern Hemisphere.
Conifers are trees that bear their seeds in cones. The vast majority of conifers have needle-like or scale-like leaves, and most conifer species keep their needles all year (keep reading to learn about a notable exception) and are often referred to as “evergreen” trees. Common
conifer species include pine, spruce, fir, larch, cedar, sequoia, juniper and arborvitae.
The foundation of many forests, conifer trees sequester carbon and provide habitat and food for animals and other organisms. They provide humans with shade and windbreak, lumber and firewood, and even (pine) nuts and (juniper) berries. Conifer trees also offer some of the most distinctive, calming fragrances in a forest!
Conifer commonly seen in Sunriver: Native & landscape
Sunriver’s position between the Cascade Mountain range to the west and the High Desert to the east results in an ecosystem that reflects multiple forest types.
“Native” trees are those found naturally in Central
Oregon at the time of European settlement.
They have grown in this region for thousands of years and are adapted to the regional climate and soil.
“Landscape” trees are those that have been introduced as part of a designed space altered by humans.
Sunriver’s native conifers –ponderosa & lodgepole
Historically, the forestland in Sunriver was dominated by mature stands of ponderosa pine. Intensive logging in the 1920s, and fire suppression policies during the last century, allowed lodgepole pine to proliferate in Sunriver.
Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) trees can be identified by their long needles found in
Turn to Conifers, page 33
Scotch pine is an example of conifers growing in Sunriver.
public safety
The holidays and winter are the perfect mix
By Jim Bennett
December is always a great time of year to be in Sunriver, not that the other 11 months aren’t great as well. However, the time of family, holidays, hopefully some white and cold stuff on the ground and outdoor winter activities remind us of what an incredibly special please we live, visit and vacation in.
At the fire department, we are proud of and appreciate the dedicated service each and every member puts into their work every day. Whether it be providing emergency lifesaving medical care, extinguishing a structure fire or extricating someone from their vehicle on the highway, there are daily examples of great work.
It is all possible because of our great firefighter staff that our community has supported us with hiring and maintaining. We are extremely happy to introduce you to our three newest firefighter-paramedics. While they have been on the crew for a while, learning and adjusting to their positions with Sunriver Fire Department, they have completed probationary status, and they are officially in their new roles.
This is our “official” welcome and pinning of badges to firefighter-paramedics Patrick Summerfield, Evan Allen and Kevin Ferns. Thank you for the time you’ve invested in your training and certifications. We are looking forward to many years of outstanding service to the department and community.
As our population increases for the snow and ski season, the volume of emergency calls
also increases, and our new firefighter-paramedics will be busy. However, our goal is prevention and safety so that there are less emergencies. There are several things we can all do with the change of the season and the beginning of the holidays, to be prevention focused.
Winter road safety
Each year, Sunriver Fire and Police departments respond to numerous traffic accidents within the community as well as frequent serious accidents on Highway 97. There are many factors that go into these accidents and injuries, but many of them are avoidable.
Speed and following distance (the distance between the front
of your vehicle and the back of the one in front of you) are many times the primary factors in the collisions. The roads can be slick and icy, with periods of “black ice” that can make a roadway appear dry and ice free, but actually is covered in a slick, icy and nearly invisible layer. Expect these conditions during the winter anytime the temperature is freezing. Keep a greater following distance and reduce your forward momentum by keeping speeds in check.
If you do get into an accident, attempt to safely pull off of the roadway and put on your vehicle hazard lights. While you may need to get out of the vehicle, keep in mind that what you just slid on, other vehicles
SSD Board Meeting
Due to the SSD’s monthly board meeting taking place after the Scene goes to print, there are no highlights of the November meeting. SSD board meetings are held the third Thursday of each month at 1 p.m. Meetings are currently held in the SROA administration board room. The next SSD board meeting is Dec. 19.
may do the same, so depending on the circumstances it may be best to remain in your vehicle with your seatbelt on and notify emergency services for assistance.
You also may be stuck for an extended period in your vehicle waiting for the arrival of emergency personal, so be sure to have emergency supplies in your vehicle. This should include a charged cellphone (or battery backup/charging cord), blankets, first aid kit, flashlight, tool kit, water and snacks, small shovel or other traction devices if your vehicle is stuck, and flares or other hazard markers to alert other drivers.
Home holiday safety checks
Back home and safe, think about holiday safety. Each year, there are numerous home fires throughout the country caused by candles, fireplaces, electrical malfunctions, and dry Christmas/holiday trees that ignite.
With every day that passes that tree gets dryer and dryer, but you can slow the progression by keeping the stand full of water and moderating house temperature. No flame should be near a tree and keep in mind that all it takes is an ember or
spark to come out of a nearby fireplace, so be sure to place the tree far from the fireplace and use fireplace doors and screens. Check your tree lights. A frayed wire or broken bulb could be the beginning of the end with a spark on a dry needle. Look at each segment of the light wires and test them before putting them on the tree. While they are beautiful, unattended candles can be a serious fire hazard. As the wax melts, the flame gets closer and closer to the bottom and it can eventually burn through on to the surface, which depending on the material, may combust. Use your fireplace responsibly
Sunriver firefighter-paramedics Patrick Summerfield, Evan Allen and Kevin Ferns have completed their probationary status.
Sunriver Police Log
Selected log entries collected by the Scene
BAC = Blood Alcohol Content
DCJ = Deschutes County Jail
DCSO = Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office
DUII = Driving Under Influence of Intoxicants
DWS = Driving While Suspended FTA = Failure to Appear GOA =
=
SPD = Sunriver Police Department
SFST = Standardized Field Sobriety Test
UTL = Unable To Locate
10-2 Sunriver Police Department located a male subject in the hot tub at The Quarry in Caldera Springs. Subsequently, the male subject was trespassed from all Caldera Springs properties.
10-2 Sunriver Police Department trespassed an ex-employee and their mother from West of the Moon.
10-5 Officers responded to a non-injury motor vehicle accident at the Summit Xpress on Spring River Road. Officers assisted the driver and the store clerk to exchange insurance information for the damaged property.
10-6 Sunriver Police responded to a motor vehicle rollover crash involving a golf cart at South Century Drive and Spring River Road. Of the four occupants, one was taken to the hospital.
10-6 Officers assisted DCSO in locating a reckless driver who was involved in a hit and run collision. The vehicle was located on South Century Drive and stopped on Big River Drive. The driver was arrested for DUII.
10-7 A wallet was found at The Village at Sunriver near Brewed Awakenings and brought to the police department. The owner contacted the police a short time after the wallet was turned in. The property was released to the owner.
10-14 Officers assisted Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office with a burglary investigation on Indio Road.
10-15 RP left a laptop in a conference room at the Great Hall. Convention staff located the computer, and it was returned to owner.
10-19 Sunriver Police contacted a suspicious vehicle in Caldera Springs. The driver was taken into custody for DUII.
10-20 Sunriver Police conducted a person stop with a suspicious vehicle on Covina Road outside Sunriver. Subsequent to the investigation, the driver was taken into custody for DUII
10-20 Sunriver Police took a report of a runaway juvenile from Fox Lane.
10-21 Officer assisted with a lock out in the Sunriver Resort parking lot.
10-23 A Ford ignition key was located on the walking path near the SHARC on Beaver Drive. The key has a dark blue leather tag with a name on it.
10-24 RP turned in a bag of found clothes and Potassium Perchlorate.
10-26 Responded to a domestic dispute on Muir Lane.
10-27-24 Officers responded to a hit and run crash at circle “B” located at Abbot and Beaver drive. No suspect information at the time of incident.
10-28 Police located two intoxicated juveniles that were trespassing near StoneRidge Townhomes. Subsequent to the investigation, both juveniles were released to parents. The property owner didn’t want to press charges.
10-30 Conducted a motor vehicle assist near the intersection of South Century Drive and Spring River Road. The driver was investigated for DUII and was subsequently arrested.
Public safety building construction update
As we roll into the final months of construction, Kirby Nagelhout Construction Co., and its trade partners, are making the final push to complete the new Sunriver Service District public safety building. In the apparatus bay, roll up doors have been installed, and mechanical, electrical and plumbing top-outs have been completed. The fire station exterior painting has been completed, and equipment has been installed in the kitchens, flooring has been laid, and the ADA chair lift is mounted.
Throughout the remainder of December, finishing touches will be completed throughout the building. Furniture will arrive and be installed, painting and flooring will be completed, and ongoing projects will be wrapped up with the anticipation of moving in toward the end of December.
The anticipated dates for the Sunriver Police and Fire administrative offices to move into the new building will be late December and early January. Phone lines will continue to stay open regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. by calling 541-593-1014.
However, during the move, the administrative office will be open by appointment only
by emailing ssdadmin@sunriv ersd.org. Updates and the move schedule will be posted as details
become available on www.sun riversd.org, and on the fire and police social media accounts.
and do not burn holiday gift wrappings. Besides saturating the neighborhood with the smell of burning trash, the paper can ignite explosively, quickly sending flames and burning material up the chimney. Have a safe and wonderful holiday season by taking a few necessary steps to prepare yourself and prevent disasters.
Covered parking area for police and fire vehicles.
What a typical day holds for Sunriver’s emergency personnel
By Jill Stephens
For Sunriver police officers and firefighter/paramedics, any given day could range from routine calls and training to responding to a major emergency. During the last six months, Sunriver police officers have handled calls including heart attacks, domestic violence, armed and barricaded subjects, and evacuations.
Sunriver Police Chief Stephen Lopez provided examples of the broad range of activities his officers handle.
Self-initiated / calls for service / patrol level investigations:
• DUII / warrants / traffic enforcement
• Burglary / alarms / theft
• Domestic violence
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Community enforcement / events / safety classes
Mental health / medical:
• Suicide
• Heart attacks
• Death investigations
• Critical incidents / major risk response:
• Armed / barricaded subject
• Vehicular / foot pursuits
• Evacuations
• Major person crimes (felony-level)
Sunriver police and fire personnel are almost always first on the scene of an incident or natural disaster. The work they do on a day-to-day basis is inherently dangerous due to the physical nature of the activities and exposure to environmental hazards.
The intense emotional stress that all first responders face can lead to adverse mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, sleep disturbance, and suicidal behaviors. Although first responders are trained to deal with difficult situations, sublimating the resulting stress or pushing down the emotions only hides the toll on themselves and their families.
The Sunriver Police and Fire Foundation has created a oneday program on Saturday, Dec. 14 specifically designed to address these and other critical issues for Sunriver’s police and fire personnel, and their spouses or life partners. Experts will provide specific advice on challenging topics including how to manage suicidal thoughts, high
divorce risk, hidden stress on children, and practical financial concerns.
The chiefs are appreciative of this program.
“The mental wellness of our first responders is of the utmost importance to the departments and the community that supports them,” Lopez said. “The topics covered by this seminar will help give our teams and their families tools for improving their mental health.”
Other events
Lopez led the foundation’s “Day at the Range” in October, with additional instruction from Sgt. Beck and Officer Guffey. Held at the Redmond Rod and Gun Club, training emphasized safety protocols and provided personalized guidance
Enjoy the High Desert Museum’s ‘Winter Nights’ in December
Days are shorter, and the air is colder… winter is here!
Experience the warmth of the High Desert Museum every Thursday in December during Winter Nights – a special time of extended evening hours, engaging exhibitions, discounted rates and festive activities for all.
This year’s Winter Nights features:
• Dec. 5: Welcome to Winter : Ease into the first Winter Nights event of the season dressed in your ugliest sweater or wackiest hat! Visitors can learn how to print their own wrapping paper and enjoy a festive photo booth. Local food and beverage vendors will provide tasty samples, and dinner or a treat will be available in the Rimrock Café. Silver Sage Trading will feature holiday deals and complimentary gift wrapping. And everyone’s fa-
vorites – cookie decorating and storytelling – will happen all evening long.
• Dec. 12: Feels Like Flannel: Flannel is the fabric of the season. Don your grungiest flannel as you scout out our new Blood, Sweat & Flannel exhibition after hours. Create your own flannel art. Regional food and beverage samplings, cookie decorating and storytelling will delight adults and children alike. Silver Sage Trading–with holiday deals and gift wrapping–and the Rimrock Café will also be open throughout
and insights on how to improve accuracy. Sunriver Resort generously provided its van and a driver in support of the community safety activity.
Mark your calendars
The grand opening of Sunriver’s Public Safety building will be held on Thursday, Jan. 16. The combined facility will allow the fire and police departments to operate more efficiently by sharing resources such as administration/reception areas, a fitness room and training/ conference rooms. There will be guided tours showcasing each area, including housing for the on-shift fire personnel among other improved features.
If you would like to keep informed about upcoming foundation events and classes, please email Events@SRPolice FireFoundation.org
the evening.
• Dec. 19: Paws and Paint: Attention animal lovers. High-
tail it to the museum after dark for a look at our new exhibition Neighbors: Wildlife Paintings by Hilary Baker. Visit with Hilary (in-person) to learn more about her art. Plus express yourself with watercolor painting, decorate cookies, sample food and beverages and more. Animal-themed outfits are highly encouraged.
• Dec. 28: By the Fireside: This is your ticket to get the entire family out of the house in their pajamas. Take family pajama portraits in our photo booth, enjoy story time with your kiddos, design your own lighted lantern, decorate holiday cookies, savor food and beverage tastings from regional craft vendors and more.
Visitors who arrive earlier in the day may stay for Winter Nights without paying additional admission. More information and tickets are available at highdesertmuseum.org/win ter-nights.
Flannel exhibit
bundles of three. Brown-black bark in younger trees turns a yellowish-brown or cinnamon color as trees mature. The thick bark forms flat scaly plates that can resemble puzzle pieces. Ponderosa pine trees are longlived and can grow up to 150’ tall. They are highly adapted to Central Oregon’s environment: mature trees are drought tolerant, insect and disease resistant, and can withstand frequent low-intensity surface fires.
An important secondary species in Sunriver, the lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) is named for the gentle twist in its paired needles. The shorter-lived, “thin-skinned” (bark), and shallow-rooted lodgepole pine can grow in dense stands and can be susceptible to insects, disease, and suboptimal structural development, and is less resistant to fire.
Sometimes lodgepole pine is referred to as jack pine, perhaps a misnomer coined by Northwest settlers familiar with a similarly-looking species of pine – the “real” jack pine –that is native to the Great Lakes region of the United States and Canada.
Landscape conifers hail from near and far
Located at the edges of the subalpine fir forest habitat to the west and the western juniper forest habitat to the northeast, Sunriver does not present
ideal growing conditions for the conifer trees (ponderosa and lodgepole pines excluded) found in these two ecosystems. With rare exception, the other conifers in Sunriver that also appear in neighboring ecosystems have been intentionally planted or introduced. There are also some conifer trees that are native to far further locales, such as Europe and Asia, that appear as landscape elements in Sunriver.
Austrian and Scotch pines were introduced to North American generations ago. Both have needles in bundles of two but can be identified by their distinctive bark: Austrian pine bark is grayish-brown with large, irregular plates, while Scotch pine bark is flaking, orange-reddish brown color in the upper part of the tree and reddish brown near the base. These pines can struggle in Central Oregon’s sandy soil and dry climate.
True fir trees (in the genus Abies) and Douglas firs (in the genus Pseudotsuga) are conifers commonly found in western Oregon and along the Cascade range. The branches of the symmetrical-shaped true fir grow in a whorl around the tree each year, making it easy to figure out the age of the tree. Fir needles attach individually to the branches, are soft, flat (two-sided) and cannot be rolled between one’s fingers.
Another popular landscape conifer in Sunriver is the full-bodied spruce which, like firs, has needles that attach indi-
vidually to the branches. However, spruce needles are stiff and sharply pointed and have a distinctive square (four-sided) shape, making them easy to roll between the fingers. Color variation is common in spruce, from silvery blues to earthy greens.
Naturally growing Western larch trees may be found in abundance near Camp Sherman or in the Ochoco National Forest, but it is easy to understand why owners wish
to include this handsome tree in their landscapes. The Western larch is a rare deciduous conifer, meaning it loses its leaves – or needles – each fall. The soft and short needles of the long-living Western larch are arranged on twigs in a series of little tufts that are bright green in the spring and brilliant gold in the autumn.
Hemlock thrive at high altitudes in the Cascade Mountains where cool temperatures, moist conditions, and rich organic
soil can be found, but the tree is almost entirely absent on the east side of the range. They can be identified by their short, flat needles with “racing stripes” on the underside that singly connect to the branch via a stem. Remember, “if it has a stem, it’s a hem!”
There are other conifer trees that have been planted in Sunriver: a handful of cedar trees have beat the odds to survive outside of their typical zone. Planted juniper and arborvitae trees and shrubs are prohibited in Sunriver because they can easily ignite, burn intensely and spread fire, but some have not yet been removed.
Conifer trees are valuable assets to the Sunriver community. To ensure the continued health, beauty and safety of both our natural forestland and our designed spaces, owners are encouraged to consult the Sunriver Ladder Fuels Reduction Plan and the Design Committee Manual of Rules and Procedures for guidance on the management of existing conifer trees or the introduction or removal of conifer trees on their properties. This document can be found on the SROA website – www.sunriverowners.org.
Anyone caught leaving recyclables or trash will be considered illegal littering/dumping and subject to citation & fines. If you see anyone, call the non-emergency dispatch at 541-693-6911.
The Village, Resort and other Sunriver businesses also ask that owners and visitors to not use their businesses’ trash dumpsters –some of which are monitored by video cameras.
For Sunriver owners who do not use side-yard service, or live outside Sunriver, can use the following locations:
8am-4pm Mon-Sat
Spruce trees have stiff, sharp needles and vary in color from blue to green.
A Novel Idea: Unravel the mystery
Get ready for an evening filled with suspense and surprises.
On Saturday, Dec. 7, the Downtown Bend Library comes alive, transporting readers into the pages of the 2025 A Novel Idea selection.
Join fellow booklovers as librarians reveal the captivating story that will inspire readers across the community.
A selection for young readers also will be announced.
The anticipation is palpable as readers gather to be the first to know this year’s featured books.
Doors open at 6 p.m., and the unveiling takes place upstairs at 6:30 p.m., featuring literary trivia, small bites by Bleu Bite Catering, no-host
2025
A Novel Idea
When: Doors open at 6 p.m., unveiling of the book happens at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7
Where: Downtown Bend Library, 601 NW Wall St.
What : Enjoy food and beverages while being surrounded by other booklovers eager to be the first to know the 2025 book for A Novel Idea. Everyone is welcome.
bar by Sips Cocktails, and a special message from the chosen authors.
Deschutes Public Library events supervisor Liz Goodrich shared this year’s novel pulls readers in from the first sentence.
“It’s the first time we’ve taken
on a story quite like this and it promises an unforgettable journey, filled with twists and turns, for our readers,” Goodrich said.
In 2002, A Novel Idea began with David James Duncan’s “The River Why.”
From 400 participants that first year, the program has
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grown exponentially, with more than 10,100 people taking part in 2024.
It is the largest community read program in Oregon, bolstered by a month of thought-provoking and relevant programming.
The Novel Idea program wraps up with a free and accessible visit from the author.
“This year’s selection quickly became a standout favorite among our advisory team,” Goodrich said. “Nominated by one of our newest committee members, this book keeps readers guessing until the very last page.”
Programming for A Novel Idea kicks off in April and concludes with a visit from the authors.
The youth author event will take place at the Downtown
Bend Library on Saturday, April 26, and the main adult author event will take place on Saturday, May 3 at Summit High School.
All programs, including the author visits, are free of charge.
Readers can check out a library copy of the selected books immediately following the reveal on Dec. 7.
Herringbone Books will be selling copies at the event, and local bookstores will have copies available for purchase.
Head to the A Novel Idea website (www.deschuteslibrary. org/novelidea) for a look back at the novel chosen over the past 21 years.
For information about the library programs, please visit the library’s website at www. deschuteslibrary.org.
Did you know that if you have an active short-term rental, you are required to register your rental with the County, collect an 8% tax from occupants, and pay that 8% tax to Deschutes County? Owners contracting with a property management company are still required to register.
If you use a third-party booking service, such as Airbnb or VRBO, you are still required to submit reports to the County, even though they are collecting and paying the room tax for you. Learn
or
Celebrate the holidays with art at the Betty Gray Gallery at Sunriver Resort
By Jim Fister
Where did the year go? We are ready to close out 2024 in Sunriver with winter festivities, and an influx of our part-time residents.
With the ski slopes open and kids ready to break from school, it’s time to welcome residents and visitors alike to enjoy our great community.
The Betty Gray Gallery of Art in the Sunriver Resort’s Lodge is opening its most popular annual show with a December reception.
The upstairs gallery features three photographers who call Central Oregon home.
Michelle Adams is a landscape photographer who grew
up in Connecticut shooting photos as a hobby. She adapted to digital imaging to enhance her presentation of what she sees in the world. Her landscapes and night scenes show the variety of views that Central Oregon offers.
Dan Price took up photography while recovering from a serious illness. He uses the camera to present what he sees, finding something in normal scenes, highlighting the wonder of the world.
The show features some work from local photographer Barb Gonzalez, who captures microcosms of the area with vibrant colors. The show will be on display through January.
The Central Oregon Youth Art Challenge is an annual contest offered to all schools in the tri-county area, with more than 40 entries this year. This juried competition featured the theme, “My Favorite Things.”
The artists submitted art and an artist’s statement, which was judged by a professional panel for theme, quality and the ability to communicate to the viewer. The finalists will be on display through the rest of the year and into January.
To celebrate the two shows, the gallery will have a reception Friday, Dec. 6 with light refreshments. Please mark your calendars to celebrate the season and meet the artists.
Sunriver Stars end their season; donations
By Janet Grant Sunriver Stars Community
Theater closed its 12th season last month to a near sold out crowd for “Huckleberry Finn,” a musical version of Mark Twain’s classic story.
The season began in March when Broadway actor Patrick Osteen presented a free clinic at SHARC, “So You Want to be an Actor,” followed by his one-man show, “An Iliad” at Sunriver Brewing Tap Room.
In April, Julliard-trained international opera singer Nancy Emrick was the star of, “An Evening With La Diva,” at a private home fundraiser for the SSCT building fund.
In May, the wildly successful, “Golden Girls: A Parody,” delighted guests in a live-studio audience inspired format based on the hit TV show.
The summer brought a partnership that took the Stars to Bend for Arthur Miller’s “Death
of a Salesman.”
‘Smoke on the Water by Michelle Adams.
The gallery hopese that you continue to enjoy the season and look forward to providing art appreciation opportuni -
ties to enhance your time in Sunriver this December. The gallery is open during business hours at Sunriver Resort.
sought for 2025 and beyond
In addition to stage productions, SSCT hosted its annual Kids Drama Camp, open and free to all kindergarten through eighth grade students, as well as a teen program where participants collaborated to write and perform their own play.
The 2025 season is in the works and will include unique productions including “Gilligan’s Island” and a western mystery, “The Man Who Shot
Liberty Valance,” as well as a teen playwright contest and kids’ drama camp.
As a nonprofit with much to plan for in the off season, Sunriver Stars appreciates being considered in year-end charitable giving.
Its long-term goal is to obtain its own theater, but in the meantime, venues must be rented, scripts and costume purchased, and various costs covered which accrue in creat-
ing quality entertainment for the community.
As a 501(c)(3) organization, donations to the Stars are tax deductible.
In addition, as the new season gets closer, numerous opportunities are available for anyone with a love for theater, on stage or behind the scenes.
For information or to contribute, visit sunriverstars.org. Follow SSCT on social media at facebook.com/sunriverstar
Sunriver firefighters to participate in fundraiser at Century Commons
Sunriver’s firefighters are putting together an event for an incredible cause.
On Wednesday, Dec. 11 from 5 to 8 p.m., Century Commons Taps & Trucks in the Sunriver Business Park will host a special fundraiser in support of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) through the Seattle Firefighter Stairclimb event.
The Seattle Firefighter Stairclimb, taking place on March 9, is a grueling but rewarding challenge where firefighters from across the nation climb 69 floors in full gear to raise funds and awareness for blood cancer research and patient services.
This year, Sunriver’s firefighters will once again answer the call, continuing their legacy of commitment to this important cause. Over the past several years, the department
Fightfighter Fundraiser
5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11 at Century Commons Taps & Trucks
has raised more than $100,000 for the LLS through their participation in this event.
This year, they hope to break new records with the help of Sunriver’s supportive community.
The upcoming fundraiser at Century Commons promises to be a fun-filled event for everyone, featuring:
• Firefighters in gear using a stairmaster to simulate the stairclimb.
• Family-friendly activities and silent auction with exciting items and experiences.
• Delicious food and beverages provided by local food vendors
All proceeds will go directly to supporting the Sunriver and La Pine Firefighters’ efforts and the LLS mission to end blood cancers.
“We’re honored to participate in the stairclimb each year and are deeply grateful for the support of our community,” said JJ Johnston, one of the Sunriver participants. “Every dollar raised helps bring us closer to a world without blood cancers.”
Mark your calendars, invite your friends and neighbors, and join us in making a difference.
Together, we can climb to new heights and help extinguish blood cancer for good.
For more information about the fundraiser or to make a donation, visit https://events. lls.org/pages/wa/firefighter stairclimb25/SunriverFire Department
Hosted by &
Left to right: Sunriver Fire Department crew Nic Newcomb, Charles Leifer, JJ Johnston and Steve Schafer will participate in the stairclimb fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
It’s time to purchase or renew SROA annual membership, recreation passes
SROA NEWS – Starting mid-December, new owners are encouraged to visit Member Services at SHARC to purchase their membership card and start taking full advantage of membership benefits.
Owners who already have a card are welcome to renew their membership online with a credit card at www.sunriver owners.org/renew or stop by the Membership Services office.
The cost for 2025 is $85 per membership to eligible owners who are named on the deed paperwork on file with Deschutes County.
The cost of the annual membership – which is just over $6.50 a month over 13 months – provides a myriad of discounted access to SROA recreational offerings such tennis/ pickleball court reservations, SHARC aquatics, member lap swim times, fitness center membership, exclusive use of the Member Pool, boat launch and river shuttle, discounts for SROA-hosted events and programs, free Sunriver Nature Center programs, discounts at some Sunriver businesses and more.
Visit www.sunriverowners. org/benefits for information.
Each property, with at least one SROA member card renewal or purchase, is also eligible to receive 20 SROA Recreation Guest Passes.
These one-time-use 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 an owner with an updated membership) to remain present with their guests while they use the facilities.
New owners who have not yet obtained a membership card are required to visit the Member Services office as your photo must be taken for the card.
Vacation rental access
The 2025 Recreation Plus Program also is open for enrollment or renewal starting mid-December. This program is for owners with a vacation rental to provide their guests access to some of SROA’s recreational amenities, 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 information, visit www.sunriverowners.org/
Annual membership card provides numerous benefits to owners
Whether it be walking you through the steps to add a hot tub, paint your home, help you identify noxious weeds or how to fire 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 owner-only Mary McCallum Park and discounted event space rentals and reservations to Fort Rock Park, Paulina Park and RV storage space.
Owners can also rake in additional discounts and often free access to a variety of programs and services with the purchase of an annual SROA Membership card. Add it all up and there is the potential for saving hundreds – even thousands – of dollars each year.
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 $800 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 ($150 per cord average price)
recreationplus.
For information about Member Preference or Recreation Plus Program, contact SROA Member Services at member services@srowners.org, visit SHARC or call 541-585-3147.
Owners who purchase at least one membership card receive 20 guest passes to share with family and friends for a variety of recreation activities, including access to SHARC’s aquatics.
• Free tennis and pickleball court use ($40 value per court use)
• Discount on tennis/pickleball lessons and clinics (10% off)
• The association 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 Member Preference card.
• Some restaurants offer a “local” discount, just ask or show your Member Preference card.
Office hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Due to workloads, calls may be delayed during renewal time. Leave a message with your name and Sunriver property and you will be contacted as soon as possible.
A Year of Shared Success
As we reflect on an extraordinary year at Caldera Springs, we extend our deepest gratitude to the dedicated Sunriver and Bend brokers who have been instrumental in shaping our community’s success. Together, we’ve reached significant milestones, including the complete sell-out of the Wildlife Forest Preserve homesites. By sharing the Caldera Springs vision, you’ve helped us welcome wonderful new families and create the thriving community we’re proud of today.
With the new year upon us, we’re excited to strengthen these relationships and continue building Caldera Springs as the Pacific Northwest’s premier residential resort community.
KRISTEN BUTZ
Caldera Springs Real Estate Team at Sunriver Realty
ANDREW DRYDEN Sunriver Realty
CAROL TOBEY
Harcourts the Garner Group Real Estate
JENN SCHAAKE
Cascade Hasson, Sotheby’s International Realty
DJ QUINNEY Duke Warner Realty
LINDA DORR
Caldera Springs Real Estate Team at Sunriver Realty
BENJAMIN CLAPA Mal & Seitz Real Estate
BRYCE & NOLA - HORTON JONES
Cascade Hasson, Sotheby’s International Realty
MICHAEL SULLIVAN
Cascade Hasson, Sotheby’s International Realty
MICHELLE POWELL
Cascade Hasson, Sotheby’s International Realty
LINDSAY KUZARA
Caldera Springs Real Estate Team at Sunriver Realty
CHERYL & MICHAEL HUGHES Sunriver Realty
JUDI HEIN
Cascade Hasson, Sotheby’s International Realty
NINA MARTINOV
Keller Williams Realty Professionals
KENNETH ROBERTS Stellar Realty Northwest
Led by our Caldera Springs Real Estate team, with the support of the above individuals, Caldera Springs has sold 179 homesites, new construction homes, and Forestbrook Vacation Homes totaling $114,792,350 since our expansion in 2022.
To Schedule a Tour call 541.593.3000 or visit CalderaSprings.com
LOLO TREE WORKS
Tree Services: Tree Removal, Tree Pruning, Stump Grinding, Fire Fuel Reduction, & Emergency Tree Services. ISA-Certified Arborist
K2 Business Services, LLC has been cleaning inside Sunriver and the outlying areas since 1989. We specialize in cleaning of residential private homes for year-round residents and in privately owned family vacation homes that are used by family and extended family. Licensed and insured. Email KKBendOregon@yahoo.com or text/call Kathy at 541-419-9248
SNOW REMOVAL
Driveway snow plowing and snow blowing. No contracts; on call work only. General contracting, licensed, bonded, insured since 1992.
CCB# 97643, Tubs Alive, Inc.
541-593-5163
WAREHOUSE RENTALS
SUNRIVER BUSINESS PARK
788 sq. ft. to 1,140 sq. ft.
$.86/square foot rent
$.26/square foot NNN Some spaces include a loft and water. Mark Halvorsen
Village Properties at Sunriver 541-420-2282
ARE YOU HAVING INTERNET PROBLEMS?
Need help with TVs, Audio, Internet and Smart Devices? Loud & Clear
A/V Systems has 20+ years of experience. 541-241-6262
CCB#231436
DEPENDABLE 5 STAR
QUALITY VACATION
RENTAL CLEANING
Specializing in owner-operated vacation rentals. I will be your eyes and ears for everything your rental needs. Convenient monthly invoicing. I have excellent references, long-time employees, quality products too. www.vacationrentalcleans.com
Donna James 541-410-1770 Girl Friday Cleaning
JILL OF ALL TRADES
HOUSE CLEANING
We clean private and rental homes. Also vacation and RVs in Sunriver and La Pine area. We’re celebrating our 39th year! Better business accredited and insured. 541-815-1701
NEED DECK WORK?
Deck refinishing, Deck rebuilding, Enclosures, General contracting, licensed, bonded, insured since 1992 Tubs Alive, Inc. CCB #97643, 541-593-5163
PAINT, STAIN & PRESSURE WASH
10% off Interior paint or stain if you mention this ad. Call Earth & Sky Construction and Paint today 541-815-7469
SR BLIND LADY
Bend Window Works/Bend Blinds has a special just for Sunriver area homeowners for new or replacement window treatments! Free laser measure, free take down/disposal of old blinds, free installation! And remember, fresh new blinds help rental homes rent faster! BendWindowWorks.com
541-593-8372
CLASSIFIED AD RATES
$18/month for 25 words
.50 cents/word after 25
Deadline: 12th of the month Email text to: sunriverscene@srowners.org
NEED A RELIABLE
PERSON FOR:
• Security home checks
• Take care of mail and plants
• Sewing projects
Serving the Sunriver area for over 45 years. Call me, Grace Phillips. It’s a matter of trust!
541-788-0199
HOME RESTORATION & UPGRADES
Kitchen, bath and living space.
Custom railings, gates and metalwork. Affordable, custom craftsmanship. Call Ken Olson Building and Design, LLC. Licensed/Insured CCB #205419 541-213-8861
BRIDGEPORT CONSTRUCTION
Honest, reliable small remodeling contractor. 40 years experience. Call Will at 503-309-0790
Many references available. Licensed/Bonded/Insured. ccb#76152
HOUSEKEEPING
Alison’s Resort Housekeeping is now accepting new clients. Specializing in VRBO, Air B&B, and family vacation rentals. Over 10-years experience, references. Call for free quote 541-213-5288
REMODEL & ADDITIONS
Decks, windows, tile, miscellaneous carpentry and roof repair. Ryan Carroll 541-420-0675 ryancarrollconstruction.com
Hot tub, deck repair and refinishing, sales, installation, inspections and maintenance in Sunriver since1992! 541-593-5163
www.tubsalive.com
License #97643, bonded, insured. AUTO TUBS
PROJECT ORGANIZATION
In business in SR since 1989, offering professional organizing for pantries, closets, garages and more. Licensed and insured. $45/hr with a 4 hour minimum. Call Kathy at 541-419-9248
HIGH QUALITY CLEANING SERVICES
New client slots recently came available. Residential and Commercial. Bonded and Insured. Call for a free onsite estimate. M. K. Haines Services 541-977-3051
Your next chapter. Your next home. Your next escape. We always imagine ourselves in that next place, that next stage of our lives. When you sell or buy, the right representation makes all the difference. We are the industry’s best agents who curate with incomparable attention. We get to know you. We get to know what that next is for you. We are grateful for the opportunity to earn your business. #1 in Sunriver #1 in Bend #1 in Sisters #1 in Central Oregon #1 in Lake Oswego & West Linn #1 in the State of Oregon
Data Source: COMLS First 3 quarters of 2024 - Sunriver sales vol.
