SROA NEWS – The SROA Board of Directors have approved a first reading to proposed changes to Sunriver Rules & Regulations
Owners have until March 19 to comment on the changes prior to any approval by the board. Comments can be sent via email to infosroa@srowners.org by the deadline date. To read the proposed new language, go www. sunriverowners.org to News & Notices.
Although it would be typical to provide a track changes version of the recommended draft so the proposed amendments to the existing document would be readily discernable, the multiple drafts and substantial textual and grammatical changes would actually be confusing to review.
Section 1 of the Sunriver Rules and Regulations (SRRR) specifies the procedures for enforcing the subsequent rules contained in the remaining sections of the SRRR. The subsections contained therein include:
The review and amendment process was conducted and completed by the Covenants Committee over multiple meetings with five separate drafts of refinements that resulted in the proposal.
The overall intent of the proposed amendments (along with proposed changes to the Citation form) are for clarity to owners regarding the subsequent process when violations occur, and citations are issued. Additionally, the changes provide legal clarification to the text of the document that supports
The statewide maps of wildfire hazard zones and the wildland-urban interface are complete, and final versions are now available on the Oregon Explorer website (https://tinyurl.com/wildfiremap). Notifications are being mailed to impacted property owners.
The wildfire hazard map's purposes are to:
• Educate Oregon residents and property owners about the level of hazard where they live.
• Assist in prioritizing fire adaptation and mitigation resources for the most vulnerable locations.
• Identify where defensible space standards and home hardening codes will apply.
By Susan Berger, Sunriver Scene
In wake of the $18M new police/fire public safety building, there was a somewhat important item that fell victim to the construction and remodel project – Sunriver’s emergency siren system.
“The system going inactive was a realized factor of the rerouting of telecommunications during the project and that the SSD has been looking for alternatives for the new building since it’s design,” said Jim Fister, Sunriver Service District Managing Board chair.
The sirens were originally installed in the early years of Sunriver, long before mainstream use of today’s technology such as cell phones and email. Although the sirens have never been used in Sunriver’s 50-plus year history to “sound the alarm” some believe the system is antiquated and not the most efficient way of emergency notifications. Others feel it complements a variety of other tools in place – such as 911 and Sunriver alerts that blast directly to cell phones, text messages, landlines and emails.
Sunriver is equipped with five sirens stationed throughout the community. While the sirens themselves are owned by SROA, it would be up to Sunriver’s
The statewide wildfire hazard map designates all of Oregon’s 1.9 million property tax lots into one of three wildfire hazard zones: low, moderate or high. It also identifies whether a tax lot is within boundaries of the wildlandurban interface. Properties that are in both a high hazard zone and within the wildland-urban interface will be prioritized for future wildfire risk mitigation resources and actions.
emergency services to “push the button,” if needed.
SROA staff, Sunriver Service District managing board chair and police/fire management met to discuss the issue and ensure the lack of sirens does not pose any risk to the community.
Both the police and fire departments believe the bigger risk is with people making their own decisions during an emergency rather than following specific orders to ensure their safety.
“Utilizing the sirens would actually put everyone more at risk as there is no direction,” Sunriver Police acting captain Jason Van Meter said.
Sunriver Fire Deputy Chief Rod Bjorvik agreed, “There are better ways to move people than sirens. I don’t see a situation to use that – ever.”
The sirens were not utilized during the Level 1 and Level 2 evacuations during the September 2024 Little Lava Fire as it was felt it would be too confusing. In some emergencies, there also is the possibility that not all of Sunriver would need to be evacuated all at once – dependent on the situation. Utilizing
“It’s a hefty packet of information that property owners will receive by certified mail,” Tim Holschbach, Wildfire Hazard Map Lay Representative, said. “However, we want to ensure Oregonians get all the relevant information they need on their wildfire hazard exposure.”
Anyone that does not receive a packet but is still interested in learning about the wildfire hazard where they live can visit the Oregon Explorer website. A
To help protect these communities, future defensible space and homehardening, building codes may apply to properties with both designations. All properties with both designations are receiving a certified mail packet informing them of the designations, outlining their appeal rights and explaining the appeal process, and explaining what the designation might mean for them and their property.
SUSAN BERGER PHOTO
Sunriver has five emergency sirens sprinkled throughout the community. This one is located near SHARC off Theater Drive.
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SROA Compliance Corner: Be a considerate ‘light’ neighbor
SCENE
February 2025
Volume XLVIII, No. 2
57455 Abbot Drive PO Box 3278
Sunriver, OR 97707
OWNER/PUBLISHER
Sunriver Owners Association
The SUNRIVER SCENE is the o cial monthly publication of the Sunriver Owners Association, a not-for-pro t Oregon corporation dedicated to:
“Maintaining Sunriver as a premier residential and resort community, protecting its natural environment, vibrant quality of life, property values and overall economic vitality."
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
The days are starting to get longer; however, darkness still rules the majority of the 24hour period. Which creates a necessity for exterior lighting that is amplified by the winter weather that leaves ice and snow on paths, steps and handrails.
While additional exterior lighting can be beneficial from a safety standpoint, it can also create glare and annoyance for neighbors and passersby as well as diminish the beautiful night sky views. Luckily, a conscientious approach to exterior lighting can pay big dividends,
Map
Property Owner’s Report is available for every Oregon tax lot and includes information about hazards and resources.
The road to completed maps has been a long one. After the initial wildfire map was released and rescinded in summer of 2022, ODF and OSU spent more than two years receiving and analyzing feedback to improve the product available today, including a recent public comment period.
Draft versions of the statewide wildfire hazard and wildland-urban interface maps were available to the public for review and comment from July 18 to Aug. 18. ODF received nearly 2,000 comments from the public during the 30-day comment period.
After reviewing the comments on the draft maps, ODF identified one key theme that had not been previously addressed in prior adjustments to the map: neighbor-to-neighbor
especially this time of year. Outlined are a few tips and tricks to consider that can improve safety and also keep you in compliance with the lighting criteria located in Section 3.19 of the Design Committee Manual of Rules and Procedures.
First, consideration should be given to the types of bulbs you use. By rule, each fixture is limited to 1600 lumens. Additionally, a warmer temperature (yellow) of 2700-3000 Kelvin is required. The amount of light pollution produced by each fixture can be greatly reduced
variation in hazard zones. In response, researchers took a closer look at those variations and their causes. OSU evaluated scientific methods to reduce neighbor-to-neighbor variations in hazard zone designations that were still in accordance with legislative rules directing development of the map.
This final adjustment is in addition to other revisions that have been made to the map over the last two years in response to feedback from elected officials, county governments and the public. Other updates to the map since 2022 include:
• Adjustments for hay and pasturelands.
• Adjustments for northwest Oregon forest fuels.
• Adjustments for certain irrigated agricultural fields.
• Corrections for verified anomalies identified by county planners.
“It’s important that the map is as objective and understandable as possible,” Kyle Wil -
by simply changing out your light bulbs.
Secondly, motion sensors and timers are a great way to limit the duration of lighting and also save on your electric bill. By only using lights during times of need, you can create a win/win situation.
Additionally, lighting direction should be carefully contemplated and implemented. By shielding all exterior lighting and keeping light rays directed downward on paths, steps and doorways, you eliminate casting light in unnecessary locations and directions.
liams, deputy director of fire Operations at ODF, said. “It took additional time to ensure community protection measures like home hardening and defensible space are prioritized in communities of highest wildfire hazard. It’s been time well spent, and we’re pleased with the diligence ODF staff and OSU researchers put into addressing input from all sources.”
In addition to feedback that resulted in changes to the map, there were two main themes of public input that will not be addressed by map adjustments: insurance and existing defensible space and fire hardening improvements.
Oregon Senate Bill 82 prohibits insurers in Oregon from using this map, or any statewide map, for making decisions on whether to extend coverage or determine rates. Oregon’s Division of Financial Regulation has investigated concerns and confirmed that even prior to passage of Senate Bill 82, no
Lastly, the Nov. 15 to Jan. 15 time-period afforded for holiday lighting has now expired. As a result, all holiday lighting should be taken down and put away.
In summation, it is possible to achieve both ample exterior lighting and compliance with the lighting rules with a conscientious approach.
If you have questions about adding new exterior lighting or modifying existing, please reach out to the SROA Community Development Department at designinfo@srowners. org or calling 541-593-6645.
insurance company in Oregon has or will use these maps for insurance purposes. Additionally, some property owners shared a belief that their hazard rating should be lower due to implementation of defensible space strategies. By law, the map’s hazard assessments are based on weather, climate, topography and vegetation on a broader environmental scale than just an individual property. If a property owner has implemented appropriate defensible space already, there is likely nothing that a designation of high hazard and being within the wildland-urban interface will require of them when future code requirements are adopted.
sroa president’s message OWNERS ASSOCIATION Sunriver
The many services and facilities provided by SROA are financed through multiple diverse sources of funding. One source all owners are familiar with is the annual maintenance fee. In addition to this fee, SROA collects monies from owners and renters who pay for access to SHARC and other SROA recreational facilities (MPP and RPP cards), as well as gate admission for other visitors who are not MPP or RPP participants.
Area merchants/service providers pay to have their business/services advertised in the Scene. Owners who build or modify their home pay a development review fee to obtain design review approval and a building permit. Owners pay for use of SROA off-road parking facilities (storage yards). Event facilities at SHARC are rented out to the public and owners. SROA also collects funds from owners who are fined for not complying with SROA rules and regulations. Significant interest income is earned on our invested cash. Despite multiple sources of funding, a small team of SROA Board and Finance Committee
members have started looking for additional sources of funding.
SROA uses the monies it receives for two separate expenditure categories. Approximately 73% of the money collected each year is used to fund operations. This includes salaries for full and part-time employees, utilities, supplies, insurance and professional services. The remaining 27% is used to fund the acquisition of new capital items, either replacements for existing items or new capital items and to repair/ replace our roads and pathways. In a “good year,” not all these funds are spent resulting in an increase in our reserve fund balance. With the objective of having our reserve fund fully funded by 2042, SROA is currently on a path to achieve that objective.
With multiple sources of funding and an increasing reserve fund balance, it is reasonable to ask: Are new sources of funding needed?
The short answer is yes but a detailed explanation is needed. In times of moderate inflation,
SROA operations and replacement capital items can be funded with nominal increases in the annual maintenance fee and/or usage fees. However, the funding of new capital acquisitions challenges our ability to achieve fully funded status for our reserve fund while keeping annual maintenance fee increases at or below 6%/year (the maximum allowed without a vote of the owners).
For example, replacing existing tunnels now costs close to $600,000 each. The addition of a pathway between Circles 2 and 3 is estimated to cost about $2 million. Upgrades to Fort Rock Park are estimated to cost $1.5 million.
While it is tempting to forgo the funding of new capital items (i.e., Sunriver is great the way it is), those owners who have owned their property for more than 25 years know what happens to Sunriver if SROA does not invest in infrastructure and amenities. Back in the 1990s and early 2000s, before the establishment of reserve funding, Sunriver was in poor shape. Pathways and roads were deteriorating, parks and courts were not being updated, the old South Pool leaked and was inadequate to accommodate summer usage. The aging
North Pool was both a safety hazard and a maintenance headache.
If Sunriver is to remain a premier residential community and vacation resort, SROA must continue to invest in our infrastructure and amenities. While I hoped access to Transient Room Tax dollars collected by Deschutes County from Sunriver vacation rentals would provide additional funding (roughly $6 million is collected annually from Sunriver rental homes), our county commissioners refused our request to allocate some of those funds annually to be reinvested in Sunriver infrastructure and amenities.
Sunriver is a wonderful place to own, live, recreate and is considered the premier destination resort in the Pacific Northwest. It is our job as current stewards to keep it that way for our own benefit and the benefit of future generations of owners. While Sunriver Owners Association is envied by many other destination resort HOAs because of its low annual maintenance fee and strong financial status, we need to look beyond today and consider how to achieve our reserve funding goal and simultaneously invest in improved infrastructure and new amenities.
Highlights of the SROA Board of Directors monthly meeting
The Sunriver Owners Association (SROA) Board of Directors meeting was held Saturday, Jan. 17, 2025.
Board members present: Gerhard Beenen (via Zoom), Bill Burke, Mark Murray, Keith Mobley, Clark Pederson, Linda Beard, Randy Schneider, Roni Jacknow (via Zoom) and Brad Banta (via Zoom).
Staff present: James Lewis, Susan Berger, Richie Villagrana.
Owners forums (summarized)
From Jan. 17 work session
• Letter read into record from Dennis Wood requesting SROA contact ODOT regarding speed limit signs on Cottonwood Road to match what is posted on South Century Drive.
• Bill Weymer, citing what he has seen with the devastation of California’s wildfires, asked that SROA take proactive actions to mitigate wildfire in Sunriver by creating more defensible space with additional tree spacing and removal.
From Jan. 18 regular meeting
• No owners spoke.
Board actions
• Approved minutes of the Dec. 20 SROA board work session as corrected.
• Approved minutes of the Dec. 21 regular SROA board meeting corrected.
• Approved a first reading for proposed amendments to Sunriver Rules & Regulations Section 1, Rules, Procedure and Enforcement as recommended by the Covenants Committee. The proposed changes can be read on the SROA website under News & Notices. Owners have a 60 day comment period ending March 19. Comments can be emailed to infosroa@ srowners.org
Committee/board action requests
• Approved the following appointments to the Pathway Task Force: David Fretwell, Kris Besson, John Wiest, Jared Micklos, Julie Yount, Al Klas-
SROA Financial Report
There is no financial report as staff was still processing year-end data. December 2024 and January 2025 financial reports will be presented at the Feb. 15 board meeting.
cius, Gwen Gamble, Greg Slater, Ray or Marilyn Johnson, Lee Stevenson, Karen Agee and Bruce Schroeder. Further moved that SROA board members Clark Pederson, Linda Beard and Bill Burke be appointed as liaisons along with SROA staff James Lewis, Mark Smith and Susan Berger, along with yet to be identified representatives from Sunriver bike shops, Sunriver Resort, The Village at Sunriver, Sunriver property managers and Sunriver Fire & Police departments.
Other business
• Board director Mark Murray announced he is moving to California. He will keep his Sunriver home and continue on the SROA board via Zoom, if needed, until his term ends in August.
Association operations
• Administration: Continue to participate in several south county groups. Attend and participate in several task forces, work groups and committee meetings. Conducted annual employee evaluations. Ongoing meetings with TDS on fiber installation process. Met with Resort management to finalize the maintenance fee agreement.
• Accounting: Finalized SROA insurance package. Continue to bill homes for fiber internet service as they are hooked up. Reconciling MPP and RPP card sales.
• Communications: Created marketing materials for upcoming pickleball social in
By Clark Pederson
Last month, we discussed the 2025 operating budget. Now let’s discuss the 2025 Reserve Fund budget.
Every year as part of the budget, SROA management prepares a list of items throughout Sunriver for replacement or first-time purchase. The list is largely generated from the Reserve study which examines the useful life of Sunriver items, and when they need to be replaced. The SROA Finance Committee and board review and approve the list as part of the budgeting process.
Budgeted amounts are estimated costs. Some items will be completed at a lower cost and some at a higher cost. And some may not be completed in 2025 and end up being carried forward into 2026.
The replacement budget for 2025 totals $2,780,000. What are some of the things in store?
The three largest expenditures that are regular occurrences in the Reserve budget: asphalt/road/trail work ($880,000), tunnel replacement ($562,000; no, tunnels aren’t cheap to build) and ladder fuel reduction on commons, $485,000.
The next largest expenditure is the replacement of the pasture fencing owned by SROA. This will be a two-year project and will include the fencing seen on the meadowland approaching Mary McCallum Park. The current fence is probably 50 years old. The rusted barb wire will be changed to a safer, barbless wire. The project cost is $280,000.
Larger items for SHARC include a new rubberized flooring in the fitness room ($70,000), natatorium lights in the indoor pool ($50,000) and another $45,000 for electric wall heaters and exhaust fans.
Also planned is a new wood fence for the South Storage RV Yard ($46,000), picnic shelters for the North Tennis Courts ($45,500) and two replacement vehicles for the Public Works Department at $68,000. New capital items are planned totaling $764,500, including $483,000 for remodel of the administrative building in the first half of 2025. Space vacated by the
Gerhard Beenen
We can't alert you if we can't reach you: Sign up for Deschutes County, Sunriver emergency alerts
WHEN THE ALERTS SOUND
While emergency situations can occur anytime – the biggest threat in Sunriver is summer season wildfires such as last September’s Little Lava Fire. Now is the ideal time to ensure you are registered to receive both Sunriver and Deschutes County 911 emergency alerts. Registration to receive Deschutes County alerts is available to everyone who owns property within the county. Alerts can be sent to a landline or cellphone, via text message and email.
County alerts are not the same as Sunriver-specific emergency text alerts, which you also can register for by sending the text message SRALERTS to the number 888777. Sunriver alerts are for anyone living or visiting the community. More details can also be found at www.sunriveremergencyinfo. com.
If you have not registered for Deschutes County alerts you can do so at www.deschutes.
Treasurer
police department will enable us to provide appropriate space for SROA administrative staff. The former police department entrance will be used to access the Community Development Department with space to work with owners and contractors and provide privacy when discussing projects, corrective actions and fines.
New office space will be provided for department heads and staff currently crammed in joint offices and hallways.
Highlights
February. Migrated a new computer and decommissioned/ returned old computer for a credit. Created a webpage to keep owners informed about the SROA admin office remodel over the next few months.
• Community Development: There are approximately 270 active projects/building permits. Working to update the citation form and changes to Sunriver Rules & Regulations related to those citation changes.
• Natural Resources: Continuing LFR private property inspections. Completed 2024 Tree City USA certification. Continue to mark trees within the 2025 LFR contract areas.
• IT: Working with cyber insurance carrier for validation
org/911/page/sign-deschutesalerts. If you have previously registered, you can watch a video on how to check and/or update your information profile at https://bit.ly/2ZDzEwk. When you register, you must use your physical address for your property within Deschutes County. Do not put in a post office box or a second home in another county or state. You will not receive alerts if you are outside the county boundary as determined by emergency services.
Emergency services will send
Modifications to the bathrooms and lobby counter area will be made to meet disability compliant requirements. Costs were controlled by limiting changes to the outside of the structure – only adding one window and watching changes to existing walls.
The SHARC café will be redesigned by moving the counter away from the SHARC hallway entrance to the pool patio, enlarging the kitchen and adding permanent windsail shading versus the patio table umbrellas. Costs will be offset over time by the percentage of
of SROA security for website, servers, etc. and worked with GoDaddy to migrate to VPS to configure website security. New SHARC point-of-sale should be operational in January. Staff created an ArcGIS inventory for departments to use and validate with a focus on maps and its accuracy.
• Public Works: Restrooms at Mary McCallum Park and boat launch have been winterized and will reopen in March. The card reader at the north storage yard was damaged by a vehicle and is being repaired. Received new loader that was prepped and placed into service. Staff continue to move into the new Public Works building. Staff is also fabricating workbenches, shelves, etc. for the new space. Two new employees have completed their CDL.
• Recreation/SHARC: Busy
alerts based on where an emergency is occurring to opted-in landline and cellphone numbers within a geographic area. If the phone line is busy, the system will attempt to redial the number three times. If an answering machine or voicemail picks up, a recorded emergency message will be left. Example events that may trigger a Deschutes County Alert:
• Emergency evacuation (fire, flooding, public safety, etc.)
• Natural disaster (fire, flooding, etc.)
• Missing or endangered children or elderly person
• Severe weather
• Hazardous material incident
• Neighborhood emergency Keep in mind that while Deschutes Alerts is an excellent tool to share emergency information with community members, registration does not guarantee notification of any specific event. Visit the
sale fees paid by our café lease. Additionally, there are carry forward items from our 2024 budget that did not get completed totaling $1,200,000. The largest expense being the completion of the Public Works building ($200,000), a dump sander ($154,400) and the rebuilding of fencing and gates that need addressing within the Public Works campus at $125,000.
Other projects include gate access for tennis facility ($68,000), the pocket park in Winner’s Circle ($68,000) and equipment for SHARC’s fitness center totalling $175,000.
pool and fitness usage over the holiday break. An inspection by the fire marshal resulted in the removal of retail storage space. Planning continues for the inaugural Lob of Your Life pickleball social event in February. There will be a part-time summer/maternity leave front desk position open and open full-time aquatic supervisor position will be filled in the coming months.
The board meeting adjourned at 10:35 a.m.
The next SROA board work session will take place at 9 a.m. Feb. 14 followed by the regular board meeting at 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 15.
To watch the 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
Deschutes County website at www.deschutes.org (go to Stay Connected and click Emergency Information) as well as staying tuned to local news sources in the event of an emergency. If you need assistance registering for Deschutes Alerts, call the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office at 541-388-
Sirens
the sirens for only a portion of Sunriver could create more chaos.
With today’s availability of newer emergency notification systems available, such as long range acoustic devices, the Sunriver Service District is looking into the benefits and costs of an alternative communication system to replace the sirens.
“The state is currently working to establish siren standards for all emergency vehicles, and
Public Works also is awaiting delivery of other equipment exceeding $158,400.
The anticipated replacement reserve items, new capital items and 2024 carry forward items total are $4,729,308. This is owner funds at work to keep
6501 or Deschutes County 911 non-emergency dispatch at 541-693-6911.
FAQs and more information can be found at deschutesalerts. org For additional information specific to emergencies in Sunriver at www.sunriveremer gencyinfo.com
most public safety vehicles in the region are already equipped with sirens and loudspeakers that would likely be used in an emergency that requires them,” Fister said. “Residents and visitors should still be aware of possible sirens in an emergency and check their regular sources for additional details.”
In the meantime, everyone is encouraged to sign up for Sunriver emergency alerts and Deschutes County 911 alerts (see story page . You can find more information on emergency preparendess at www. sunriveremergencyinfo.com
Sunriver a premier residential and resort community.
–Clark Pederson is treasurer of the SROA Board of Directors and chair of the Finance Committee. pederson@srowners.org
APPLY TODAY! IMPORTANT FILING DATES
March 14, 5pm: SROA Board applications must be submitted to the Nominating Committee at the SROA o ce.
April 1, 5pm: SROA Board Candidacy by Petition form must be submitted to the SROA o ce.
Applications & more information available at www.sunriverowners.org/boardcandidates
QUESTIONS? Email the SROA Nominating Committee: nominating@srowners.org
Give back to Sunriver: Run for the SROA board
SROA NEWS – With 2025 off to a great start, now is a good time to reflect upon the giving spirit of Sunriver. During the recent holiday season, there were community efforts to provide food for the needy, support for both homeless and women’s shelters and much more. The people of Sunriver are engaged and generous. Another important way of contributing is to become involved in local governance; Sunriver needs your involvement. The Nominating Committee is seeking candidates to run for the SROA Board of Directors and encourages owners to get involved.
All Sunriver property owners,
both resident and non-resident, are eligible to serve on the Board of Directors. Positions are elected in August for three year terms.
If you want to find out more, or wish to indicate your interest, contact the Nominating Committee at nominating@ srowners.org. You also can contact any member of the Nominating Committee for additional information. Committee members and their contact information are listed at the end of this article.
There are two ways to qualify as a prospective candidate on the 2025 ballot.
1. Fill out the Board Candi-
date Application and return it to the Nominating Committee, or 2. By petition. Gather 100 signatures from Sunriver property owners, (only one signature per property).
More details on each process and the associated forms can be found on the SROA website at www.sunriverowners.org/ boardcandidates Nominating Committee members
• Debbie Baker, chair: debbie@nedbaker.com
• Mike Gocke: mike-g123@ msn.com
• Ron Angell: ron.angell42@ gmail.com
• Kelly Wilson: kjwilson1952@yahoo.com
• Laureen Anderson: laureen58@gmail.com
• Pamela Hays: pam_hays@ hayshaus.com
Interested in serving on the SROA Board of Directors?
• Tony Selle: avfan1960@ gmail.com
• Jane Shoemaker: j-jshoemaker@comcast.net
• Dennis Dishaw: ddishaw1@earthlink.net
APPLY TODAY! IMPORTANT FILING DATES
DMV launches express service kiosks in select Oregon Fred Meyer stores
Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (DMV) has launched self-service express kiosks in Fred Meyer stores in nine cities, giving customers one more way to renew vehicle registration beyond a DMV field office, mail or online at https://dmv2u.oregon.gov/ eServices/
Oregon DMV Express Kiosks are now available in Bend, Beaverton, Eugene, Happy Valley, Hillsboro, Medford, Oak Grove (unincorporated Clackamas County), Salem and Tualatin. A 10th loca -
March 14, 5pm: SROA Board applications must be submitted to the Nominating Committee at the SROA o ce.
April 1, 5pm: SROA Board Candidacy by Petition form must be submitted to the SROA o ce.
tion, Portland, is coming soon. These kiosks offer customers a convenient option for renewing their vehicle registra-
tion. Oregon DMV plans to eventually add more kiosks in grocery stores across the state to meet customer demand. Visit ODOTkiosk.oregon.gov to see an interactive map and learn more.
“We see these kiosks as a way to improve customer service, access and equity,” said DMV administrator Amy Joyce. “This program is the latest effort aimed at improving the DMV experience for our
SROA NEWS – With a new events team on board at SHARC, it’s full-steam ahead to provide owners and vacationing visitors a variety of events in the coming months.
Last year’s wildfires put a damper on several late-season events and forced the cancellation of the Uncorked wine event. There’s hope that this year will be different and Uncorked returns along with other new or repeating events such as the Lob of Your Life pickleball event, Home Expo, Turf Tunes and Sunriver Oktoberfest.
Be sure to add these events to your social calendar.
Lob of Your Life: February 14-15
This inaugural event is an indoor beginner/intermediate pickleball social held Feb. 1415. While beginner slots were sold out as the Scene went to press, there were still tickets available for intermediate-level games. Go to bendticket.com
Reading
both SROA’s and the owner’s rights and obligations under rule enforcement. The primary amendments to this Section include:
• Overall grammatical and textual changes for clarity to the reader (owners).
• Section 1.02 B. specifying options for addressing a violation/citation once the citation has been issued.
• Section 1.04 establishes the ability for SROA to enforce the rules and issue a citation, and establishing the obligations of the responsible party to address the citation (and linking the
and search for Lob of Your Life.
Home Expo: April 4
After being on hiatus since the 2020 pandemic shutdown, this event returns to SHARC on April 4 from 1 to 4 p.m.
This is the place to find the perfect service provider to take care of your home improvement needs. Vendors include contractors, painters and concrete guys to landscapers, roofers, tree removal and more.
The Home Expo is free and open to all owners and residents of the greater Sunriver/Three Rivers and La Pine areas. For more information, visit www. sunriversharc.com/homeexpo
Turf Tunes: Sundays, June 15-July 6
Bring a blanket or a low profile chair and enjoy free concerts in SHARC's outdoor grass amphitheater. Concerts are 6 to 8 p.m. every Sunday from June 15 to July 6. These family-friendly concerts are
enforcement of the citation to a specific owner/property).
• Section 1.05 E. establishes the escalating fine schedule when violations for which a citation has been issued are not remedied.
As part of their review of this section, the Covenants Committee did meet with the SROA Magistrate who has the
suitable for all ages.
Food and drinks will be available for purchase from Dump City Dumplings and Kona Ice. No pets or glass are allowed in the amphitheater.
The band lineup includes:
• June 15: Dad Bods Band is Bend’s 1980s cover band that plays the rock songs you remember from Duran Duran, INXS, Bon Jovi, Van Halen, The Killers, Black Crowes, The Cars, The Cure, Bryan Adams, Billy Idol and other favorites from past decades.
• June 22: Honey Don't delivers a blend of folk, bluegrass, swing and country influenced tunes that make you dance and sing along.
• June 29: Blackstrap Bluegrass delivers hard-driving bluegrass with catchy originals that gives nod to the roots of Americana music, cosmic twang and jamgrass.
• July 6: Company Grand offers stylish and funky fresh song writing, electrifying mu-
duty of reviewing citations that are contested and enforcing the rules and procedures for such. Changes to the Citation form, which requires approval by the SROA Board but is not subject to the first and second reading process before final approval, have been proposed by the Covenants Committee but were not presented to the board
sicianship and jaw dropping lead vocals.
Uncorked: July 18-19
Uncorked has moved from September to July 18-19. Enjoy two days of decadence, music and vendors in SHARC’s Benham Hall and outdoor amphitheater.
Sample and sip a variety of wines from Oregon's southern, Willamette and Columbia River valleys while shopping various vendors and enjoying live music.
Ticket pricing is yet to be announced and additional event and winery details will be forth-
at this time. Because the Citation form itself includes specific text pulled straight from the SRRR and may also change depending on comments received during the owner review period following the first reading, the Citation form will be presented to the board for approval at the same time as the second reading of the proposed amendments.
coming at www.sunriversharc. com/uncorked
Sunriver Oktoberfest: September 26-27
Don that lederhosen for twodays of Oktoberfest activities that will include music, dancing, food and fun in The Village at Sunriver and at SHARC. Organized by the Sunriver Area Chamber of Commerce, Sunriver Owners Association and Cascara Vacation Rentals, details are still being worked out at this time and, once available, will be posted to the chamber website at www. sunriverchamber.com.
Sunriver Public
Building
New museum exhibits include historical photographs and nature's fractals
The High Desert Museum presents two new exhibitions opening in February. Exhibits are included with regular museum admission. The High Desert Museum is located about 10 minutes north of Sunriver off Highway 97. For more information, visit www. highdesertmuseum.org or call 541-382-4754.
Frank S. Matsura: Portraits from the Borderland, opening Saturday, Feb. 1
At the dawn of the 20th century, the Indigenous peoples of North America regularly faced narratives that they would soon disappear, be it from artists, academics or politicians.
Yet, Japanese immigrant and photographer Frank Matsura (1873-1913) approached his artistry differently.
Matsura arrived in the U.S. in 1901 and made Okanogan County, a rural expanse of High Desert in northern Washington state, his home. There, he grew strong relationships with the area’s tribal communities.
The resulting body of work includes some of the most visually powerful and nuanced images of Indigenous people from the era: conceptually sophisticated and collaborative, revealing the Syilx (Okanogan) people effectively adapting to a changing time.
For more information, visit
www.highdesertmuseum.org/ matsura
Patterns at Play: Fractals in Nature, opening Saturday, Feb. 22
When you look closely, the natural world is packed full of patterns. From clouds and tree bark to shells and cacti, nature is alive with repeating shapes. Scientists call them fractals.
Patterns at Play: Fractals in Nature invites you to take a deeper dive into the Earth’s details. Inside this fun and funky exhibit, visitors will learn to build their own patterns while an interactive animation creates new fractals right before your eyes. Are you ready to be mesmerized?
Looking for the best ways to support the Sunriver deer populations? Don’t
SROA NEWS – Sunriver’s natural beauty is enjoyed by owners and visitors, but they are not the only ones enjoying it. Our local wildlife, such as deer, enjoy spending time here as well. The rivers, riparian and wetland areas, grasslands, meadows and forests serve as critical habitat to Central Oregon’s local and migrating deer populations.
Sunriver’s rich environment provides safe areas for does to give birth to their fawns in the spring, and abundant natural food sources throughout the summer when deer forage on the forest undergrowth to accumulate fat reserves. The deer typically complete their preparation for winter and migrate to lower elevations by late fall.
The presence of wildlife, such as the deer, is one of the many features that make Sunriver an attractive place to live and visit. In fact, the Consolidated Plan of Sunriver recognizes wildlife as a community treasure. The commitment to protect wildlife and their habitat is reflected in Sunriver’s rules and regulations by prohibiting the feeding of native wildlife – including deer – within Sunriver. Any property violating this rule will be
subject to a Notice of Violation and fine, and/or suspension of recreation access privileges. (Note: birdfeeders are allowed in Sunriver if installed in accordance with specific criteria. See the Design Committee Manual of Rules and Procedures for guidance).
“Unfortunately, humans can be the greatest threat to deer in Sunriver,” Patti Gentiluomo, SROA Director of Natural Resources, said. “Feeding deer puts these beautiful animals –and others in our community – at risk.”
Well-intentioned owners and visitors may feed deer without realizing the problems it can create.
Deer have complex digestive tracts, and their nutritional needs are entirely met by browsing native plant species and drinking from natural water sources, such as rivers and lakes. Feeding deer the wrong food can have both immediate and long-term consequences for the deer’s health. Foods such as grain, corn or even apples and other human food can turn the digestive gut of the deer acidic, destroying the microbes needed for normal digestion, releasing toxins that are absorbed into the deer’s
system, and which can be fatal to the animal. Feeding the deer can also create an area of heavy congregation and that type of dense grouping can lead to the spread of disease and parasites among the animals.
By disrupting normal foraging behaviors and migration patterns, and encouraging
habituation and residency, the deer become easy targets to their predators that are drawn into Sunriver. Greater presence of cougars and coyotes in residential areas inevitably leads to unwelcome human-animal encounters and outcomes.
“Being able to observe deer and enjoy their incredible
beauty, innocence, and wildness is an unforgettable experience and privilege that we can all enjoy,” Gentiluomo said. “Abiding by Sunriver rules, not feeding deer, and protecting wildlife habitat in Sunriver will ensure continued animal health and safe observation of deer by owners and visitors.”
There is plenty of native browse for deer in Sunriver. Feeding them is detrimental to their health.
owner enrichment activities
Upcoming classes hosted by Sunriver You
By Melinda Kufeld
According to Henry Ford, “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.” That’s great news for many who live in Sunriver and surrounding communities. Check out upcoming class offerings monthly in the Sunriver Scene or the Sunriver You website, www.sunriveryou. com, and knock a few years off your age.
The second class of the immensely popular Winter Warmer Soup, aka a Cozy Bowl of Goodness, is filled and registration closed. If you are interested in exploring natural remedies to discover solutions to physical or emotional needs currently being unmet, register for Essentials for Self-Care
“Mother Earth’s Medicine." Katie Keller is offering a fourth calligraphy class in March and April. Don’t delay signing up for the Beginning and Intermediate Italic Calligraphy six-week series as registration is limited to 12.
The SROA Board of Directors 2025 Work Plan, which includes several important primary focus points owners should be aware of, was shaped by the completed SROA 2030 Strategic Plan, board members
All Sunriver You classes require registration, which closes 24 hours before the class start time. Please visit sunriveryou.com to register.
and staff. Register to attend the SROA Board Forum on Feb. 11 to gain an insight to pathway and wildfire safety, communication and education, revenue source exploration, updating the SROA Rules and Regulations and IT Strategic Plan. The forum will be on Zoom to allow more community members to attend.
The Sunriver You Steering Committee is looking for an additional member. Interested in lending a hand? Reach out to the committee at info@ sunriveryou.com to learn.
The Sunriver You website includes an option to view recorded forums and select classes on YouTube. Check out what you may have missed and watch for future additions www.sunriveryou.com/videos.
Continue reading for class descriptions and presenter in-
formation. All classes require 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.
Essentials for Self-Care ‘Mother Earth’s Medicine’ Tuesday, Feb. 4, 3p.m. at SHARC.
Learn how to use nature's remedies to overcome almost any health concern you may have. Whether it be a physical
or emotional obstacle you are facing, Wendy will help you find the perfect solution. You will learn how plants, fruits and roots are used to help protect the integrity of our bodies and which ones to use for specific needs. Learn proper dosage, when to dilute or when to use neat (in its pure form) and the quality of essential oils extract that you would want to use as well as which ones to stay clear of. You will have the opportunity to try these plant remedies aromatically, topically and even internally. Bring your questions and curiosity.
Wendy Wilson from Awakened Earth Essentials has over
15 years of knowledge and expertise in the realm of natural health and wellness. She is a massage therapist, essential oil and plant medicine educator, aromatouch technique trainer, reiki practitioner, human design coach, and crystal bowl and sound healer. She is passionate about helping individuals, families and their four-legged friends learn how to take care of 90% of their healthcare needs in the comfort of their home. She gives classes and workshops both in person and online to educate and customize safe, effective and
earn about natural medicines and remedies with Wendy Wilson.
empowered natural healthcare and self-care.
Winter Warmer Soup, aka a Cozy Bowl of Goodness II
Friday, Feb. 7 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at SHARC. Limited to those who were waitlisted for the Jan. 28 class.
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 to bring a few ingredients and take home some soup at the end of class.
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.
SROA Board Forum: e
SROA Board of Directors
2025 Work Plan
Tuesday, Feb. 11, 4 p.m. via Zoom.
In October, the board met in a work session to discuss their work plan for 2025. The discussion included input from board members, staff and the recently completed SROA 2030 Strategic Plan. The Stra-
tegic Plan was instrumental in guiding the board’s work plan as it included a refined strategy and prioritized action items as compiled by a broad representation of owners and community partners. The board work plan, which was based on the three-tiered input (board, staff, Strategic Plan), helped shape the 2025 budget, which was adopted by the SROA board in November. The primary focus points include pathway and wildfire safety, communication and education, additional revenue source exploration, plus updating the SROA Rules and Regulations and IT Strategic Plan. The forum will be on Zoom to give more owners an opportunity to attend. Panelists will be SROA Board President Gerhard Beenen and SROA General Manager James Lewis.
Beginning and Intermediate Italic Calligraphy six-week series
Mondays, March 10, 17, 24 and 31, April 14 and 21 (no class April 7) at SHARC. Whether you are new to calligraphy or have had some exposure, you are welcome to join this six-class series. This is the script most people think of when you say calligraphy. It is based on the 15th century hand which was developed in Italy to make writing easier and quicker. We will study both the upper and lower cases, numerals and variations of the
earn the basics and hone your skill in a si week calligraphy series.
script. Registrants will receive a supply list before the first class. Each class will build upon the skills of the prior class, so it is important that you attend most of the classes.
Register just once, for the March 10 class, to enroll in the six-class series. Sign up early, as the class is limited to 12 students.
Katie Keller has been a calligrapher for more than 50 years and italic is her go-to hand. This is her fourth class for Sunriver You.
SROA to consider online ballot voting
SROA NEWS – The SROA Board of Directors has tasked staff to continue research on the possibility of moving the association’s annual ballot process to an online/electronic platform.
To date, SROA staff have reviewed three different voting systems. Each company provided similar services and pricing models along with some ala carte offerings, such as the availability of an owner “help desk” and mobile (text) voting.
The cost for online voting is about the same, or even less expensive, than a paper/mailed ballot process. SROA’s current cost of printing and mailing a regular ballot is approximately $7,000 every year. This does not include the additional cost of hiring an auditor to confirm the ballot count.
SROA staff would still be involved to create the ballot materials. From there, the process would be handled by the third party company for emailing the materials, vote reminder notifications, vote counting, etc.
Using a third-party authority ensures online voting is secure, guarantees election integrity, maintains voter anonymity and alleviates the potential for human error during vote counts.
Staff will bring back a final recommendation and pricing to the board for possible approval at the Feb. 15 board meeting.
By eresa Stevens, Katie Eskeldson-Kaiser and SNCO staff
Animals that reside at or near the top of the food web, such as lions, orca whales, bears and wolves, are known as apex predators of their ecosystems. These animals are generally not preyed upon by other animals and are essential for maintaining the biodiversity of their environment.
Herbivorous groups of animals, those who eat vegetation, such as deer and elk, can severely impact the available ground vegetation species. Without regular incentive to move, they can over-graze areas until the ground is bare before traveling on. Decreasing vegetation increases the likelihood of erosion with less plants to hold the soil in place, which results in more runoff in rivers and streams. Without the help of apex predators to sustain biodiversity in the ecosystem, the domino effect is inescapable.
Humans have co-existed with apex predators for many years, but not without conflict. Wolves often interfere with various agricultural practices; bears are commonly found devouring someone’s campsite food stash, and mountain lions tend to wander on popular hiking trails in canyons and deserts. In the early 1900s, wolves populated the entire United States. Officials deemed wolves a threat and began an eradication campaign which hunted down and killed all the wolves in the lower 48 states by the 1930s. Between the 1940s and 1990s, wolf sightings occurred rarely when an intrepid traveler might venture down from Canada, but they were otherwise absent from their native ranges and the domino effects of an ecosystem without its apex predator ensued.
This domino effect was studied and observed at Yellow -
stone which suffered a trophic cascade. In a trophic cascade, multiple levels in a food chain are affected by a missing top predator. This alters the flow of nutrients in an ecosystem where prey populations such as deer and elk increased as predators were removed, and plant populations suffered as a result. One seemingly small change can greatly disrupt the delicate balance between animals, plants and all other beings within an ecosystem. From this removal of wolves, scientists learned the importance of apex predators in ecosystems,
and the role they play in biodiversity. In 1995, 14 wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone, recovering populations and restoring balance in their environment.
The wolves in Yellowstone are a well-known example of trophic cascades and biodiversity, but certainly not the only wolves around. The most recent count by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife estimates 22 wolf packs in Oregon, with 15 breeding pairs, totaling 178 wolves in the state. Most of these wolves live
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife estimates 22 wolf packs in Oregon.
Lunar exploration month
By Cade Freels, SNCO Observatory Staff
The Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory will celebrate Lunar Exploration Month in February.
While our natural satellite has been an object of fascination and wonder for undoubtedly many millennia, it is only within the last few decades that we have been able to investigate the moon in much greater detail than previously imagined.
From these investigations, we have learned much about the composition, formation and activity of the moon, and we will soon expand this knowledge further with planned upcoming missions returning us to the surface of our closest cosmic neighbor.
Humanity’s first steps to leaving steps on the lunar
surface began with a series of missions that led to a successful flyby of the moon. The first flyby occurred in January 1959 when the Soviet Union’s Luna 1 spacecraft became the first human-made object to escape the pull of Earth’s gravity and journey past our moon. These were followed by Luna 2 and Luna 3, the first humanmade impact on the lunar surface, and the first mission to image the far side of our moon, respectively. From this image of the side of the moon humans had yet to see, we learned it is a much more mountainous place than the side always watching us, with much less of the dark gray maria that cover the near surface.
A few years after these uncrewed missions, life began to make the approximately
240,000 mile trek to the moon as well. However, humans were not the first terrestrial beings to do so. A pair of Russian steppe tortoises, worms, flies and plant seeds, travelled aboard the Soviet Union’s
in northeastern Oregon, and packs are typically small family groups of four to 16 wolves. Wolves were not reintroduced in Oregon. All wolves now in Oregon have migrated and walked in naturally or were born here. Wolves disperse by nature and can travel thousands of miles in search of new territory and a mate. Wolf population management involves lots of organizations and moving parts, including government and state agencies. Humans continue to play a pivotal role in co-existing with wolves by tracking wolf populations, managing populations in specific areas, monitoring interactions with livestock and more. Oregon’s Wolf Conservation and Management Plan works to ensure the conservation of gray wolves while protecting the social and economic inter-
ests of all Oregonians. Minimizing wolf-livestock conflict and reducing livestock losses to wolves is an important part of this plan.
South of Sunriver, the Upper Deschutes Pack makes its home in the foothills of the mountains in southern Deschutes and northern Klamath counties. Five wolves were documented in the Upper Deschutes Pack during the 2023 winter count, including one pup.
As young wolves disperse to find their own territory, human-wolf interactions increase. Wolves generally avoid humans unless they have become habituated to people. Humans can all do their part to keep wolves wild by keeping their distance and reporting wolf sightings to ODFW. Wolves are territorial and may think your dog is a threat, so it is important to feed pets indoors, keep dogs leashed, and being
SUNRIVER
RECYCLING
mindful of hunting with dogs in known wolf territory. Using an air horn is a great way to scare wolves away without hurting them. It is dangerous for wolves when they have lost their fear of people.
This spring, the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory is offering a deep dive into learning about apex predators for high school students. Staff members are offering an intensive workshop where students will have the opportunity to learn field tracking skills, collect and record observation data, and learn about, debate and discuss the critical role apex predators play in maintaining ecological balance and the challenges of coexisting with these predators. This three-day intensive workshop is geared towards high school students eager to learn about wildlife biology, field tracking and data collection, wildlife management and policies.
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.
Zond 5 spacecraft as it circled the Moon on Sept. 18, 1968.
Later that year, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Apollo 8 became the first humancrewed spacecraft to travel to the Moon, orbiting Earth’s companion 10 times in 20 hours.
Many goals were met from this mission, which included
SNCO to host Apex Predator Workshop for high school students
When: March 24-26
This is a Free program for high school students. No prior experience is required. For information and to apply visit www.snco.org/apex-predator-workshop/
Sponsors needed
Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory seeks 10 donors to sponsor local high school students in this exciting pilot program. Help broaden young minds and make this unique and immersive learning opportunity possible.
You can sponsor one student’s participation with a $500 donation. Your gift covers program supplies, student gear, van rental and gas to get the group out to daily field surveys (looking for tracks, scat and recording observations), honorariums for two participating wolf biologists, and SNCO staff to plan and lead the program. If you are interested in sponsoring a student, please email the Sunriver Nature Center before Feb. 28 at give@snco.org.
Got chocolate? Stop by the Artists’ Gallery for art,
By Deni Porter
You know that you love it, whether it is light, dark, gooey, crunchy and more.
Mark your social schedule to be at the Artists’ Gallery in The Village at Sunriver to savor the wonder that is chocolate from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8.
Oh, and by the way, the gallery will feature two talented artists that you will not want to miss.
Watercolor painter Diane Lay is a Sunriver local who has clearly spent enough time in her own neighborhood to capture the essence of Central Oregon. Inspiration for Lay’s paintings originates with her love of nature, but the pieces are created with her mastery of the difficult skill set required for transparent watercolor.
To raise the difficulty scale, the artist utilizes a “wet-inwet” painting technique. She will be at the gallery, and you can ask her how she creates her paintings.
One of Lay’s paintings, “Evening Majesty” depicts a beautiful golden sunset over the Cascade Mountains. It is difficult for non-watercolor painters to appreciate the skill required to make a painting like this look easy. Other paintings such as “The Adventure Begins” demonstrate the artist’s ability to completely change the temperature on a piece with the use of color.
Glass enamel artist Cheryl Chapman has an ever-growing imagination for subject matter
in her pieces. Not only do the pieces grab your attention, but they also grab your heart.
Chapman worked the last 12 years of her 30-year glass career with high-fire glass enamels. Her work requires a reverse process and takes multiple stages of painting and firing.
The final image is viewed through the glass on which it was painted. Each piece is an original drawing and unique piece of art, and it will go through as many as five kiln firings before it is completed.
Chapman’s love for animals and nature, with a twist of whimsy, inspires her work.
One piece standing on a lighted base is an adorable fox with the sweetest expression on his face. Pieces range in both size and expense from small to larger statement pieces. Come to the party, have some chocolate and wine, and ask Chapman how she does it.
The Artists’ Gallery is in building 19 in The Village at Sunriver. For information, visit www.artistsgallerysunriver.com or call 541-593-4382.
Artist demonstration features glass enamel artist
Community members are invited to learn how glass enamel artist Cheryl Chapman creates her whimsical creations from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8 at the Artists’ Gallery in The Village at Sunriver.
Chapman, who has worked with glass for more than 30
years, uses a reverse process that takes multiple stages of painting and firing.
“You are viewing the final image through the glass that it was painted on,” she said.
“Each piece is an original draw-
ing and unique piece of art and will go through as many as five kiln firings before it is finished.”
Chapman’s paintings are a reflection of her love for animals and nature, with a twist of whimsy.
“I am inspired by the local landscape, dogs and cats, but also venture into bears, foxes, hares and more,” she said.
For information about Chapman’s art, visit www.sillydogart glass.com.
Thinking about selling your home this spring? Now’s the perfect time to start prepping! From decluttering to making small updates, getting ahead of the game can make all the difference in attracting buyers and maximizing your home’s value. Curious about the current market or need tips to get started? I’m here to help every step of the way. Give me a call today, and let’s create a plan to get your home market-ready! ect
izing
Cheryl Chapman, glass enamel artist, will demonstrate her techniques on Feb. at the gallery..
Diane ay, watercolor.
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
FEBRUARY MEETINGS & GATHERINGS
ALL subject to change. Visit online calendars for more details
Group 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
of your Life Pickleball Social-------------------4pm SHARC Valentine's Dinner & Dance-------------------------5pm SR Resort
Lob of your Life Pickleball Social-------------------4pm SHARC
SROA Board
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
Thinking about selling your home in Sunriver or Bend, Oregon? Now is the time to benefit from the lower inventory and strong buyer demand, creating optimal conditions for sellers. Let’s explore the current value of your home and position it for success before inventories are expected to increase this spring. Whether you're ready to sell now or just curious about your options, we’re here to help you make the most of the Central
Community Bible Church at Sunriver 10am Sunday 57175 Theater Drive 541-593-8341
www.cbcsunriver.org
Pastor: Jeff Welch
Sunriver Christian Fellowship 10am Sunday 18139 Cottonwood Road. All faiths welcome. 541-593-1183
The Door at Three Rivers 10am Sunday 86885 Enterprise Drive (Bus. Park) 541-550-3088 www.thedoor3r.org Pastor: Brent Maxwell
Hands to Hearts program spreads love to the community
February invites us to open our hearts and embrace opportunities to spread love. It’s a time to celebrate relationships, through special moments with our partners in honor of Valentine’s Day, shared laughs with our female friends for
“Galentine’s Day,” or through meaningful connections that uplift our community.
The Sunriver Women’s Club (SRWC), spreads love to our community throughout the year in ways that make a difference. One way the SRWC members show love for the community is through the Hands to Hearts (H2H) program launched in 2022. H2H allows members to participate in various hands-on service projects.
Recent H2H projects include:
• Helped Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Central Oregon set up a fundraising gala
• Assisted with ticket sales for the Boys & Girls Club of Bend’s Winterfest fundraiser
• (Wo)manning water stations for The Giving Plate’s Salmon Run fundraiser
• Organized resources at MountainStar Family Relief Nursery’s La Pine facility
• Picked up trash along South
Century Drive to keep Sunriver beautiful and welcoming Looking ahead, H2H is working with the SRWC Philanthropy Committee to collaborate more with Community Grant recipients to identify meaningful volunteer opportunities. H2H’s future efforts will address feedback from a 2024
survey of nearly 40 volunteers to offer a variety of activities tailored to the members’ interests - including outdoor activities, youth support, community events, and behind-the-scenes work – and a need for flexible and occasional commitment levels. Thus, whether you're a full-time local or a seasonal visi-
tor, there’s a way for everyone to get involved in 2025
Spreading love throughout the community is a meaningful way to give back and an opportunity to connect with others who share a passion for making a difference. Join the Sunriver
Hands to Heart Adopt a Road participants, from left Jane Shoemaker, Debbie Baker, Margo Butsch, Carolyn Harris and Jennifer Vana.
Hands to Heart cleanup team.
testing the flight trajectory for human lunar exploration and the communication, navigation, and tracking systems that would be required as well. In addition, some of the most important and impactful photographs of all time were taken from this mission, including the first time humans photographed the entire disk of the Earth, and the Earth rising above the lunar surface in the photograph Earthrise. This mission set the stage for Apollo 11, the first time that humans landed on the moon.
This momentous event occurred on July 20, 1969, when astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first person to step foot on the moon. Approximately 600 million people shared the awe of this moment together as it was broadcast live on TV. Astronaut Buzz Aldrin soon joined Armstrong on the lunar surface, and together they collected lunar samples and conducted experiments to further explore our moon and help answer questions that previously were unanswerable.
Some of the findings made possible from the Apollo 11 mission included an analysis
of lunar rock samples that strengthened the theory that our moon was formed from ejected material mixed together from a collision of the Earth with a Mars-sized object in the early history of the solar system, as well as using the Laser Ranging Retroreflector to directly measure the speed at which our moon is drifting away from the Earth.
This speed turns out to be approximately 1.5 inches per year, roughly the same speed at which our fingernails grow. NASA’s Apollo missions continued until December 1972, the last time humans walked on the lunar surface. However, this is set to change in the coming years.
Further lunar exploration will come from NASA’s Artemis missions. Artemis II, tentatively scheduled for launch in April 2026, will send astronauts on another flyby of the moon, testing for the first time with a crew the capabilities of NASA’s Space Launch System rocket and Orion Spacecraft.
These crucial tests will set the stage for Artemis III, set to launch mid-2027, in which humans, including the first woman to step foot on the moon, will land and explore the moon’s South Pole region
Women’s Club to be part of this impactful work and help us spread love, kindness, and support throughout Central Oregon in 2025 and beyond.
President’s message
Plans are underway to create a special Art Meets Wine in The High Desert event on May 17 in Benham Hall at SHARC.
for the first time. This mission will collect and return lunar samples and conduct field geology tests to better inform our understanding of how the moon formed and evolved, how it interacts with the sun, and the feasibility of establish-
The committee is working to secure wineries, art pieces and raffle items. It is open to the public and promises to be an event not to be missed. Watch for more information and tickets go on sale soon. This event generates funds for our Community Grant program that supports south Deschutes County nonprofits.
Sunriver Women’s Club activities continue all year, with various ways to meet others. The happy hours and coffees
ing a long-term base camp on this region of the moon.
To further explore what we have learned about our moon and what we hope to discover from future missions, join us for a Twilight Talk about the moon in the Pozzi building on
are open to non-members to learn about the club. Other member events include luncheons with interesting speakers, outdoor winter activities, book clubs, movie nights and more. Engaging with each other and the community makes Sunriver a very special place. Check out the website (www. sunriverwomensclub.org) for details on current activities and events.
–Brigitte Bourret, SRWC President
the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory campus later this month. Stay tuned for more details to come about this upcoming talk and keep your eyes to the sky for the February full moon, or the Snow Moon, on Wednesday, Feb. 12.
Blond Macaw Loopwing Materials List
Hook: Daiichi 1180 size 14 or similar
Thread: Veevus 16/0
Tail: Natural ginger from a whiting rooster saddle
Body: Natural blue/yellow fibers from a macaw tail feather
Wing: Barred teal flank feat
Fly Tying Corner: Blond macaw loopwing
By Phil Fischer
All this December and January snowfall is giving me cabin fever and making me want to see spring soon to get back fishing. But for the moment, I’ll have to keep myself from going stir crazy by tying flies. For this month’s pattern, I opted to tie a pattern that leans toward the artistic side of fly tying. This is a pattern I learned many years ago from my fly tying mentor, Andre Puyans.
Puyans tied a similar pattern called a Macaw Loopwing Adams that was the logo on his fly shop for many years. I made a minor deviation from his original pattern by using
a ginger hackle instead of the more traditional Adams colors. I think you’ll like it.
The loopwing fly is a delicate pattern featuring some unique materials. The loopwing is created by making a loop from 6-8 barbs off a barred teal flank feather. It is a delicate process to tie in and then split and post the wing. But, it makes a nice wing silhouette, and it is worth the time to master this technique.
The body is tied using barbs off the tail feather from a macaw parrot. This feather has yellow hues on one side and blue on the other. Wrapping the barbs onto the body of the
BE FIRE SAFE
Hackle: Ginger whiting dry fly rooster cape
Tying Instructions:
Tying instructions and steps are being published in video form, and can be found on the Sunriver Anglers Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SunriverAnglers or on YouTube at https://youtu.be/Uif3w6g10L4
fly results in a multicolored effect. Pair that with high quality whiting hackle feathers, and you have a classic dry fly. Learn to tie this artful fly pattern and fish it with a bamboo three weight on your favorite trout stream. Whether it catches fish or not, you will have the self-satisfaction of fishing a classic dry fly pattern. If you have questions or would like additional information about the blonde macaw loopwing pattern, please email me. Or, if you have suggestions on future patterns to feature in this column, I welcome your input. I can be reached at Philfischer@sbcglobal.net.
Join the Sunriver Anglers for annual Pie and Tie night
By Rynie Miyashiro
The Sunriver Anglers invite community members to its annual Pie and Tie night from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5 at SHARC.
Pie and Tie night features a few fly tyers demonstrating some of their favorite flies in a casual setting. Most of the flies they will tie are those that they use on lakes and rivers in Central Oregon. A selection of pies will be sliced and served with coffee for any members or guests who attend the meeting.
Pie and Tie night is fun for the whole family, and it
is meant to be a social event. Guests can ask questions and garner information from the tyers and other club members. Occasionally, a fly will change hands or get put up for a raffle prize.
Club meetings are held the first Wednesday of the month at 4:30-5:30 p.m. (winter hours). Many of members adjourn to a local restaurant or brewery for a meal after the meeting. Members and the public are welcome, and admission is free. For information, visit www. sunriveranglers.org.
customers. Seven days a week, any time Fred Meyer is open, Oregonians can renew their registration and receive their tags immediately. And half of the kiosks accept cash in addition to credit and debit cards. Offering cash payments as an option helps ensure everyone has access to essential services, regardless of their banking status or their comfort using credit and debit cards online. We’re looking forward to bringing more kiosks to the state later this year.”
You can renew your vehicle registration at the kiosks in English or in Spanish and walk away with your printed vehicle registration and license plate stickers. The stickers feature your license plate number, a detail only available at kiosks. Customers are charged a vendor fee of $4.95 per transaction. Oregon DMV does not collect or benefit from the transaction fee, which goes directly to the vendor Intellectual Technology Inc. No state tax dollars were spent to provide the new technology system. Oregon DMV hopes to add more transactions in the future.
Second Tern Sporting Goods shed supports the sporting life
As far back as the late 1600s, a nursery rhyme was recorded that started with the line: Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Sailor. Many variations of the professions occurred in that rhyme over the years and in the late 1800s the more well-known line-up has been documented as: Rich Man, Poor Man, Beggarman, Thief, Doctor, Lawyer, Indian Chief. Although Second Tern volunteers would fall into few, if any, of those categories, the two regular volunteers in the Second Tern Sporting Goods shed are a doctor and a lawyer, both retired.
Forrest Carter retired in 2002 after 30 years as an OB/GYN. He completed his residency at OHSU and practiced in Klamath Falls. He bought his Sunriver house in 1992, moved here full-time eight years ago, and has been volunteering at the Second Tern for six years.
Carter considers himself a “sporty person” having run track in high school, earning a track scholarship to a junior college in Arizona, has played racquetball, hunts, and fishes. He enjoys talking with customers and sharing “big fish tales.”
Bill Sheridan is a retired corporate lawyer, was part of a large firm in Portland for 50 years, litigating cases involving environmental issues, ranches, orchards, catastrophic injuries, electric utilities and more. He served with the Army in Germany and was with the Army Reserves for 28 years, retiring with the rank of colonel. He and his wife, Nancy, who also volunteers at the Tern, have had a home in Sunriver since 1977, living here full time since 2018.
Sheridan taught skiing while in college, and enjoys hunting, golfing and flying his plane. For Sheridan, working in sporting goods in fun. He enjoys the people that come in, knowing many of them on a first name basis, likes to educate them on sports, and give them a good deal.
Sporting goods are, of course, seasonal in nature. Skis and other winter equipment are available mid-November to late April when skis, snowshoes, winter clothes, go into storage and the golf clubs, swim fins, tents and more, come out.
There are a million stories in the Sporting Goods shed but here are just a few.
• A man returns a boomerang saying: “It didn’t meet my expectations.” And his wife adds: “He broke the car window.”
• Having a conversation with a customer who has “seen Sasquatch.”
• Selling 875 golf balls, 72 dozen, to a man who has his own driving range.
• Getting a donation of an 8 x 10 Coleman tent, in its original bag, but when opened there are no poles and is ripped. Note: we pass on tents, sleeping bags and so on to various veterans’ groups but even that donation would not qualify.
• Bike racks, locked, but no keys... “I couldn’t find the keys.” Not very useful to the
Tern, either.
• A cricket set: are there any cricket groups in Bend?
• Deep water SCUBA gear: useful in Elk Lake?
• Customers that buy sets of skis, poles, boots, use them for a long weekend, and then donate them back because it is cheaper than renting.
However, for every strange or incomplete donation, there are many brand-new, never used, or almost never used items, all a great price. And when the occasional customer isn’t happy with the price and wants to haggle more, Sheridan may eventually say “remember the handling fee.”
The Second Tern is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at 17377 Spring River Rd., just west of Harper Bridge. Donations accepted 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The Second Tern benefits Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory. 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. For volunteering, more information, or questions: 541-5933367 (Tern), 541-593-4394 (nature center), or www.snco. org
Bill Sheridan
Forrest Carter
Wednesdays
Thursdays – Bingo & Build-Your-Own Pasta Dinner
Play Happy Hour Bingo from 4 - 5pm, stay for a custom pasta creation for dinner
Fridays – Live Music
Start your weekend with music and a sunset from 5:15 to 6:45pm
Connecting rst responders and Sunriver through community support
By Jill Stephens
How does the nonprofit Sunriver Police and Fire Foundation present a life-saving program for Sunriver’s first responders like its recent Family Dynamics seminar?
From generous business sponsors to dedicated board members, and to more than a dozen Bingo volunteers, Sunriver Police and Fire Foundation is able to offer important classes to the community and to our first responders because of this community support.
Hearing from foundation supporters
A foundation member recently spoke with two of its business sponsors and several volunteers to learn why supporting Sunriver Police and Fire through the foundation is important to them.
Team Birtola High Desert Realty was the foundation’s first sponsor in 2023. Many Sunriver residents will remember the late Jim Birtola for his generous community spirit.
We spoke with Lori Birtola about why her late husband believed in supporting Sunriver’s first responders.
“Jim and I moved to Sunriver in 1990 for its natural surroundings, and we’ve raised our children here,” she said. “We’ve felt so fortunate that Sunriver has its own fire department and paramedics to protect the community.”
It’s no surprise that Aaron Schofield, assistant vice president and branch manager of First Interstate Bank, was one of the early sponsors given the company’s family values and his own personal commitment to the community.
“I was impressed with the foundation’s initial program which provided debit cards for the police and firefighters
who came across people in need. I also saw that many events centered on providing useful information for our residents,” he said. “In 2023, First Interstate Bank’s foundation donated nearly $600,000 in community giving. And combined employee-matched giving came to nearly $100,000 of that.”
Schofield, who also contributes his time as treasurer for both the Sunriver Area Chamber of Commerce and La Pine Chamber of Commerce Community Foundation, said he is grateful for the protection Sunriver police officers give to his employees.
“We often see a patrol car nearby when we enter or exit the bank. It can be a concern when it is dark out and our people might feel vulnerable. Seeing the officer in the black and white is very comforting for my staff,” he shared.
The foundation board members are incredibly grateful for the many people who support its efforts through the gift of their time.
“I believe police and firefighters provide an essential service to the community. When I heard the foundation needed volunteers at the Bingo fundraisers, it sounded like a fun and worthwhile way to volunteer some summer evenings,” said Shelley Lindsey, who volunteered at all six of the Bingo nights.
Consider supporting the Sunriver Police and Fire at a board level
Sunriver Police and Fire Foundation is actively recruiting new directors for its board – people who believe in its goals of supporting first responders while increasing the connections between them and the community.
Mary Fister, foundation vice president, spoke of why she is a director.
“Sunriver is so fortunate to have police and fire/paramedic resources dedicated to Sunriver who can often respond within five minutes. Other communities don’t have this same level of support,” Fister said.
She is committed to raising funds that provide the departments with items not in the budget, such as the recent foundation seminar focused on mental health.
Board member Stacey Dewald feels a personal connection.
“One of my closest friends is a fire chief in Washington state and another friend is a lieutenant in a New Jersey police force. Knowing the struggles they go through on a personal level, with help not always available, made me want to help our own first responders,” Dewald said.
Learn more about becoming a volunteer or a board member by emailing admin@srpolicefirefoundation.org.
Do you have ideas for great safety classes, such as fighting fraud or fire safety in the home?
Send us a message at events@ srpolicefirefoundation.org.
Aaron Schofield is the assistant vice president and branch manager of First Interstate Bank, which supports the foundation.
Open house to showcase new public safety facility; SSD seeks committee volunteers
Sunriver residents and visitors are invited to celebrate the grand opening of the new public safety building on Thursday, Feb. 20.
This exciting event will kick off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m., marking the official opening of this state-ofthe-art police and fire facility.
Following the ceremony, the building will be open for guided tours until 1 p.m. and again from 3 to 5 p.m. Guests will have the opportunity to explore the modern amenities and learn how the facility will enhance safety and emergency services in the community. The open house provides a chance to meet your local police officers and firefighters, and gain insight into the critical operations that keep Sunriver safe.
“This public safety building is an asset to the community and to the area at large," Jim
Cozy up with
Make the most of winter’s long days by joining Deschutes Public Library’s Winter Reading Challenge.
The Winter Reading Challenge (through March 20) is your opportunity to explore new genres, read diverse authors, and participate in fun activities for the chance to win great prizes from the library.
Adults (ages 18+) can sign up online via www.beanstack. com to complete challenges, such as reading a memoir,
Fister, SSD managing board chair, said. “The county taxpayers and visitors to the region contributed significantly to its construction due to the support of the county and its $8 million investment in the District. The district itself also used reserves and smart investments to limit additional costs. We thank the taxpayers for their support,
page-turning
and we're thrilled that they can see how their dollars are being invested in Sunriver.”
The Public Safety Building is located at 57475 Abbot Drive in Sunriver. For information, please call 541-593-1014 or email ssdadmin@sunriversd. org. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate this important addition to the community.
Sunriver residents invited to join the Service District Budget Committee
Are you passionate about your community and eager to contribute to its future? The Sunriver Service District (SSD) is calling on residents to step forward and join the Budget Committee. This vital committee plays a key role in shaping the budgets for Sunriver’s police, fire, and district administration services.
What the role entails
As a member of the Budget Committee, you will collaborate with the Sunriver Service District Board and the Deschutes County Commissioners to review and guide the District’s budget. The commitment typically involves attending four to six meetings during the winter and spring months, ensuring Sunriver’s essential services are well-funded and efficiently managed.
Qualifications and term
The term for committee members is three years and to qualify you must be an elector within the SSD boundaries. While previous financial or public safety experience is not required, it is highly valued and can enhance your contributions to the committee’s work.
Get involved
If you’re interested in this opportunity, we encourage you to reach out for more information at 541-593-1014 or ssdadmin@ sunriversd.org.
Your voice and expertise can help ensure our community remains safe, efficient and thriving. Join the Sunriver Service District Budget Committee today.
stories: Join the Winter Reading Challenge
choosing a book with snow on the cover, or looking up an interesting fact from the
New York Times with your library card.
Get a bingo to win a free book, available at all library locations.
Participants who complete the Winter Reading Challenge will be automatically entered into the grand prize drawing, which includes gift cards to local coffee shops and book-
stores.
“It’s a great time to think about what you’re reading for the new year and discover a favorite genre,” Community Librarian Paige Bentley-Flannery said.
“Whether you enjoy the artful storytelling of a biography or relaxing with an audiobook, the Winter Reading Challenge has something for everyone.”
Share your favorite book with a friend and encourage them to sign up for the Winter Reading Challenge to track reading milestones and earn great prizes from the library.
“This is the third year we’ve
hosted the Winter Reading Challenge, and we appreciate all the ways it brings the community together,” Bentley-Flannery said.
“We enjoy partnering with local businesses to offer fabulous prizes to winners at the end of the challenge, and a free book to anyone that completes a bingo.”
She can’t wait to hear what new genres and books community members are diving into head-first. Join the conversation online and get excited for the Winter Reading Challenge using #DPLWinterRead.
Mark your calendar for Feb. 20 to celebrate the grand opening of the new police and fire facility. Everyone welcome to attend.
SROA NEWS – While things are still buried under snow and ice at the moment, some people may be dreaming of warm summer months and already planning their Sunriver vacations.
If you are looking for a fun time with the family or friends, the Sunriver Owners Association owns and manages two public parks and one owner-only park available for that family barbecue, birthday party or other celebration.
How to make a reservation
Those wishing to reserve a park can fill out an online reservation form up to a year in advance.
For more park information, including rules and regulations for each park and an online reservation form, visit www.sunriverowners.org/ parks or call 541-593-2411 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Keep in mind that reserving areas in any of the parks does not grant sole use of the park as all are open for anyone to enjoy.
We do ask that you respect the beauty of Sunriver’s parks and be sensitive to the surrounding environment.
Fort Rock Park
Available to owners and visitors, the park is available 8 a.m. to dusk.
Fort Rock Park features a covered picnic pavilion with propane barbecues, large grassy area with a baseball
and soccer field, playground area, horseshoe pits, half-basketball court, four square, sand volleyball court, tetherball and tennis/pickleball courts and restrooms.
Reservation pricing starts at $75 for Sunriver property owners, members can reserve up to a six-hour block and includes choice of two of the park’s amenities.
Additional amenities can be added at and additional cost.
General public rental pricing is also available.
Paulina Park
Available to owners and visitors, this small park complex is
located at SHARC off Circle 2 and Overlook Road. Sunriver owner reservation fee is $25.
Open dawn to dusk daily, Paulina Park has a small, covered pavilion for rent.
The park is adjacent to a grassy area with additional picnic tables, climbing wall, play slide and a bocce ball court.
Mary McCallum Park
Access to Mary McCallum is reserved for use by Sunriver property own¬ers only. It is fenced, gated and a key code or membership swipe card is required for gate entry. Owners can reserve this park for free.
The covered pavilion area has propane barbecues to whip up some burgers or dogs.
Each group picnic area includes three picnic tables.
These areas can be reserved indi¬vidually or together (except picnic area 6, which is left
available for walk-ins). There are restrooms and water.
The park also features a partially paved nature trail (for pedestrians only, no bikes), tetherball, basketball, horseshoes pit and a pétanque court.
Hosting a family gathering? A birthday party? Bridal or baby shower? Fort Rock Park is available to rent for owners and visitors. Reservations are required for any group who wishes to use the park for their gathering or event.
Tunnel replacement to begin - again
SROA NEWS – The replacement of another tunnel will soon start on Abbot Drive just south of Circle 2 and adjacent to the Wildflower Condos.
Construction initially started last fall for this tunnel, but the discovery of an unknown gas main halted the project and, with winter’s approach, was postponed to this year.
Work is expected to commence in late February, early March with a completion date of June 15.
During construction there will be no through traffic on Abbot Drive between Circle 2 and Circle 1. Detours will be in place and route traffic via Theater Drive off Circle 2. You can view the road and pathway closure map and additional details, as it becomes available, on the website at www.sunriverowners.org/tunnel
This will be fourth replacement of Sunriver’s 13 aging tunnels. The original corrugated tunnels have been in
place since the original build of Sunriver between the late 1960s through the 1980s.
The tunnels are narrow and only allowed one way traffic at a time.
The new, concrete tunnels are wider and will accommodate two-way bicycle and pedestrian traffic.
The map on the right shows the road and pathway closures during tunnel replacement construction.
Sunriver Music Festival Valentine dinner; call for poster artists; Piano Showcase
That special day is sneaking up and ticket sales will close soon, so don’t wait for the last minute.
Wondering what to do for your Valentine or with a group of friends?
Come to the Sunriver Resort Great Hall on Friday, Feb. 14 for a multi-course dinner and quality concert experience all in one.
Sunriver Music Festival's Valentine's Day Dinner &
Dance Concert, featuring the energetic Blue Skies Big Band, is your opportunity for a memorable night out in the iconic Great Hall.
Blue Skies Big Band is a premier swing dance band in the Pacific Northwest, playing many of the original arrangements of classic Swing Era tunes from such band leaders as Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and Glenn Miller.
FACILITIES & FEATURES
Fronting the 17-piece band with tight vocal harmonies are the Jewel Tones with a sound reminiscent of the great trios of the 1930s and 1940s, from the Boswell Sisters to the Andrews Sisters.
Ticket sales must close early, so reserve your seats now at www.sunrivermusic.org.
Thank you to presenting sponsor Sunriver Resort and event sponsors Hot Lava Bakery, Robert and Linda Shearman, Gene Bennington and
Pamela
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for ALL riders and passengers under 16 years (Oregon
• Ride on surfaced paths only – not on roads or common areas.
• Non-motorized bicycle & pedestrian use only.
• No skateboards, roller skates/blades or hoverboards.
• Pass on the left after giving an audible warning to those in front of you.
• Pedestrians & people walking bicycles have right of way on paths & at road crossings.
• People riding bicycles must yield to vehicles at road crossings.
Call for artists Feb. 21 is the deadline for submissions for artwork for the poster of the 48th season of Sunriver Music Festival. Visit sunrivermusic.org/festival-art for submission details and benefits.
Piano Showcase
• Walk bicycles through tunnels (unless signed otherwise).
• Ride or walk on the right-hand side of pathway.
• If stopped, do not obstruct other traffic on the pathway.
the world’s greatest stages, including Tchaikovsky Hall in Moscow on the sold-out Kings of Boogie Tour, Birdland Jazz Club in New York City, Benaroya Hall in Seattle and many more, Migliazza’s last fully solo concert in Central Oregon was 10 years ago.
• Pets must be secured in bike baskets or trailers; do not ride with leashed pets alongside.
Tickets are on sale for Piano Showcase at the Tower Theatre on March 29 featuring boogie woogie pianist extraordinaire Arthur Migliazza.
• Smoking and littering prohibited on all pathways, roads and common areas.
• Headlights & red reflectors required at dusk & after dark.
Having played on some of
Migliazza has been a performer at several of Sunriver Music Festival’s Piano Showcase events featuring multiple pianists, and his solo turn for this seventh annual is greatly anticipated.
Visit www.sunrivermusic.org for tickets.
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Beezley.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at the Sunriver Music Festival’s annual dinner and dance at Sunriver Resort’s Great Hall.
The festival’s 2024 Valentine dinner volunteer team.
SROA NEWS – SROA Public Works crews have officially moved into their new facility.
While punch list items are still being completed, crews are also constructing storage spaces and organizing equipment and tools.
All of SROA’s rolling stock of vehicles are now stored indoors, facilitating quicker use during winter snow events and not wasting extra time to dig everything out.
An open house tour was held in late January with about 60 owners attending.
SROA’s Public Works crews are available daily for the maintenance of Sunriver’s roads, pathways, parks and more.
The new Public Works facility, above, and the old ‘Round House,’ below.
The ‘chainsaw tree’ was the only thing saved and moved from the old building.
The new workshop, above, and the old workshop, below.
SROA Public Works Director Mark Smith, far right, leads owners on a tour of the staff breakroom.
In January, the Sunriver Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed Flex + Flow Fitness Studio, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate and South Bend Bistro as new members.
Flex + Flow Fitness Studio
Flex + Flow Fitness Studio owners Leah Spezza and Heather Sainsbury are excited to bring a variety of group fitness classes to the Sunriver Community.
They are planning to offer barre, Pilates, stretch, Jazzercise, strength and other classes at their business, located in the Sunriver Business Park.
Spezza and Sainsbury are passionate about fitness and saw a big need for a fitness facility in the Sunriver area that helps foster community with a variety of small group fitness classes.
“We really want to create an inclusive community where no matter where people are on their fitness journey they feel welcome to attend a class,” Spezza stated. “Fitness classes
Sunriver Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes three new members BIG
can be intimidating, but you are welcome at Flex + Flow whether it’s your first ever fitness class or you’re a regular workout goer. We want to help people establish and keep healthy routines and share that fitness can be fun.”
Spezza is a certified Jazzercise Instructor and a licensed massage therapist, with an extensive competitive swimming background that helped foster her love of group fitness/sports from a young age.
Sainsbury is an entrepreneur at heart with an extensive background in dance - both teaching and competing- which includes ballet, jazz and ballroom. She also was a trained ballroom dance instructor at Fred Astaire Dance Studio in San Diego, Calif. She will be teaching Barre fitness classes with training through IBBFA (International Ballet Barre Fitness Association). Sainsbury loves many different forms of movement, and she hopes to continue to train in Pilates in the near future.
Flex + Flow will be offering
MOUNTAIN GUTTERS, INC
a wide range of membership options from unlimited classes to punch card passes to fit into a wide variety of budgets. They will offer a Founding Member opening special membership rate to the first 30 people that join on an unlimited class membership for only $89 a month with no joining fees!
You can learn more information as Flex + Flow gets closer to opening in February 2025 on their social media @ FlexFlowSunriver on both Instagram and Facebook or their website http://flexflowfitness. square.site.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate
Michele Sciaraffo and Temple Raney are dedicated real estate professionals with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services in Sunriver. They have a deep passion for the resort community they call home. Specializing in helping clients find their perfect place in this unique lifestyle of resort and high desert living, they work together to provide local expertise with a personalized approach to make every transaction seamless. Whether buying or selling, Sciaraffo and Raney are committed to highlighting the best resort lifestyle while ensuring clients feel confident and supported every step of the way.
Their office is located in building 7 in The Village at Sunriver. Temple Raney can be reached at 503-740-0890 or traney@bhhsnw.com. Michele Sciaraffo can be reached at 503-975-7511 or msciaraffo@ bhhsnw.com.
South Bend Bistro
David Stofle and Culley Calkins are the new owners of South Bend Bistro, a fine dining restaurant in The Village
at Sunriver. They look forward to welcoming the new year with friends and family by celebrating the fresh beginning of South Bend Bistro.
Stofle has worked at South Bend Bistro for more than 10 years, and he is a level two sommelier with an incredible encyclopedic knowledge of wine, food and beverages. His friendly and knowledgeable service as well as his technical expertise has been a huge asset for South Bend Bistro for quite some time.
Calkins has worked at South Bend Bistro for five years as the general manager and has more than 30 years of food and beverage industry experience. Calkins has worked in Sunriver, and he is highly recognizable for his time spent behind the bar at Marcello’s and Sunriver Brewing Co. His expertise with
food and beverage knows no limits and his welcoming and familiar style of service is thoroughly embraced by all. After working for the last five years together, Calkins and Stofle were looking for an opportunity to have a place of their own and had asked owner Laura Bliss for the first right of refusal in case she ever wanted to sell South Bend Bistro. Bliss graciously obliged when she decided to sell the restaurant, and Calkins and Stofle were able to acquire the restaurant as the new owners on Dec. 16, 2024. Calkins and Stofle have long been the stronghold of the restaurant and are passionate about the experiences they are able to create at such a special restaurant. They have no intentions of any major changes and are instead more focused
South Bend Bistro owners David Stofle and Culley Calkins.
February Book Clubs for Sunriver Books
By Deon Stonehouse
It is cold outside, ice lurks on the ground, and nights come early.
Spring is right around the corner, but for the time being, snuggled up with an interesting story is a good place to be.
February is a great month to settle in a warm, cozy chair with a good book, then join fellow readers for a lively discussion.
This month, we have two excellently written novels to dive into for book clubs.
Register to join a discussion by emailing sunriverbooks@ sunriverbooks.com, and you will be sent the discussion notes the Sunday before book club meets on Monday.
Mystery Book Club
The Mystery Book Club will discuss “Secret History” by Donna Tartt at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3 via Zoom and 4:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 10 at the Sunriver Books in The Village at Sunriver.
Probably one of the best writers of her time, Tartt crafted a dark, disturbing tale of murder and entitlement. Set in Hampden College, a small, exclusive Vermont school, the story focuses on the classics professor and his six students.
Richard Papen, the group’s outlier, narrates their fall into violent chaos. He is a transplant from sunny California, the only scholarship student of the bunch, and desperate to hide his humble background from the rest of this rather privileged group.
Richard’s dad works in a gas station and smacks his wife around from time-to-time. It is not an illustrious family. Richard was happy to leave, has no intentions to return, and doesn’t want the rest of the classics students to learn of his
poverty, so he invents a more colorful, cheerful background for himself. He works as an assistant to Dr. Roland, an aging professor who doesn’t seem to profess much, but keeps him busy and pays a stipend that helps keep him fed and clothed.
Julian, the classics professor, generally only accepts a small number of students and is involved in every aspect of their education, shaping their minds through the teachings of ancient Greek philosophers. His students revere him.
The downfall of the group comes from adhering too closely to the lives of Greeks from centuries ago. In addition to giving the world great philosophy, they also knew how to indulge themselves.
Henry is the leader of the group, a tall imposing young man with a fondness for dressing in black. He is brilliant, Julian’s star pupil, dedicated to the language and philosophy of ancient Greece.
Henry is the only son of a wealthy father with interests around the world. Francis is a fire-haired trust fund baby with a penchant for dressing dramatically. Charles and Camilla are orphan twins being raised by their grandparents and uncle. Bunny is a large athletic young man, whose parents are middle class but not near the wealth of the other four.
He is used to unashamedly mooching off of his better heeled friends. Richard, on the other hand, would rather work and pay his own way, revealing the extent of his poverty abhorrent to him.
All goes along sort of swimmingly, until the night they take the study of ancient Greek philosophy too far. Yes, there are murders in the story. This is not a fast-paced sort of book, it is more an in-depth exploration
of evil and entitlement written by an absolutely brilliant author.
Fiction Book Club
The Fiction Book Club will discuss “James” by Percival Everett, winner of the National Book Award and short listed for the Booker Prize. The meetings are at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 17 via Zoom, and at 4:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24 at the bookstore.
“James” is a retelling of Mark Twain’s “Huckleberry Finn” from the perspective of Jim, the slave who accompanies young Huck as he flees south (the wrong direction) down the Mississippi.
Therein lies my original reluctance with Everett’s story. “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” is one of my favorite books because of Jim.
“The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” was published Dec. 10, 1884, the Civil War ended 1865.
Twain wrote a brave book, a tale set during the era of slavery, with a black man as the hero. James needed to go north. He was fleeing slavery, escape was certainly not a certainty, but heading south was the wrong direction to travel.
Instead of saving himself, he doesn’t abandon young Huck,
February’s mystery book is ‘The Secret History’ and the fiction book is ‘James.’
doesn’t leave Huck to suffer whatever fate has in store, and he sticks with the white boy. Twain wrote a story, in the era of slavery, that demolished any possible justification the south tried to sell about slavery.
Here was a black man, not given the benefit of an education, afraid for his life, yet staying with the young white boy rather than focusing on saving himself, even when the aforementioned white boy was being a brat.
That Huck comes to realize the honor and bravery of Jim made the story a classic.
Thus, starting out with Everett’s tale was challenging for me. Everett’s James is a highly educated man, a leader whose journey is richer than imagined
by Twain. However, once I got over that difference in the two stories, I was all in, for Percival Everett, like Mark Twain, is a brilliant storyteller.
James roughly follows the storyline of Twain’s “Huckleberry Finn,” but it does so from James’ perspective. Some adventures from Twain’s book are fleshed out, some new adventures are added, but I believe it is true to the spirit of Twain’s book.
It is about time James had his own story told, and in Percival Everett’s hands what a rip roaring story it is.
Sunriver Books & Music is in building 25 in The Village at Sunriver. Call 541-593-2525 or visit www.sunriverbooks. com for information.
SSD Managing Board meeting highlights
The Sunriver Service District Managing Board held its regular meeting on Jan. 16, 2025. Board members present: Jim Fister, John Shoemaker, Bill Hepburn, John Ralston, Denney Kelley and SROA ex-officio Randy Schneider.
public safety classifieds
SSD staff present: Police Chief Steve Lopez, Police Capt. Tory Kornblum, Police acting Capt. Jason Van Meter, Fire Chief Bill Boos, Deputy Fire Chief Rod Bjorvik, administrator Mindy Holliday.
Public input
-Read letters into record from the Sunriver Police Officer Association and sworn staff of the Sunriver Police Department supporting acting Capt. Jason Van Meter as the next police chief of the Sunriver Police Department.
–Acknowledged the departures of Chief Lopez and Capt. Kornblum and thanked them for their dedicated service to the Sunriver community.
–Approved SROA monthly invoice in the amount of $5,101.04
–Approved Deschutes County legal contract invoice amount of $6,000.
–Approved December public safety building funding requests in the amount of $659,946.94.
Old business
–Public safety facility update
• The SSD board thanked the Kirby Nagelhout team for their work on the new facility.
Some team members will remain on-site through January to complete punch list items and wrap everything up.
• Approved change order item No. 9 in the amount of $103,642.77.
• Approved a not-to-exceed cost of $19,000 for scheduled and final computer and A/V purchases for the new facility.
• The open house for the new fire/police facility will take place Feb. 20. There will be a ribbon cutting at 11 a.m. followed by tours from 1 to 3 p.m. and 3 to 5 p.m.
• A final report on the new facility will be present to the Deschutes County Commissioners.
• Working with the company for the completed SSD reserve study to separate the new facility into its own reserve category.
• The newly formed SSD Nominating Committee has completed a draft committee charter and SSD board application forms for review and comment by the SSD board.
New business
Deschutes County Commissioners.
–Discussed the consideration of having local art on display in public spaces within the new facility on a rotating basis. The discussion was tabled pending review by legal counsel.
–Board members were encouraged to register for the upcoming SDAO conference taking place Feb. 6-9 in Bend.
–The SSD Budget Committee is still looking to fill one position. Potential members must be electors within the district.
–Approved December 2024 unaudited financials.
–Received a report and minutes of the December SROA board meeting.
Chief reports Fire
–In December, there were 33 calls for the Sunriver Fire Department, which included 21 EMS calls, 1 hazardous conditions, 4 motor vehicle crashes and 12 public service assistance calls.
–Police chief transition: Jason Van Meter was appointed “acting captain” in the wake of the departures of Chief Lopez and Capt. Kornblum from the department. Both job openings have been posted.
–Approved board chair to sign a short-term contract to appoint Cory Darling as Sunriver’s interim police chief until the position is filled. Darling was the former Sunriver chief before retiring from the department several years ago.
–Discussed agenda items for Feb. 20 joint meeting with the
–A great deal of time has been dedicated to the crews moving back into the new fire department spaces following the remodel.
–Department union negotiations are underway.
–Engineer and academy training has been conducted.
–Looking at more stable funding sources for battling wildfires. There is a legislative bill being introduced that would prioritize some Transient Room Tax funds to public safety.
Police
–In December, the Sunriver
SSD monthly board meetings
SSD board meetings are held the third Thursday of each month at 1 p.m. The next SSD board meeting is Feb. 20 and will be held in the new public safety facility conference room.
Police Department received 534 calls for service, 56 of which were emergencies. Officers investigated 26 cases, made 10 arrests, responded to 36 suspicious persons, 9 animal issues, conducted 145 traffic stops, provided 42 community-policing responses and 70 security checks.
–Chief Lopez presented the department’s 2024 report related calls, to use of force, complaints, etc.
–The license plate reader (LPR) program has proved to be a beneficial tool not only for Sunriver but to other police departments in Central Oregon and has resulted in solving several significant cases. “This program has been well worth it,” Lopez said.
–Sunriver’s drone program has proven itself as a benefit to the community and is now considered one of the best drone programs in Central Oregon.
–Department accreditation has been submitted. A formal tour will take place once everything is in place in the new facility.
–A lateral officer candidate and executive assistant are in backgrounds.
–Training included tactical medicine and investigation.
Administration
–Much time was dedicated to moving into the new facility
at the end of December/early January. Things are still being organized and getting up and running.
–Administrator Holliday was accepted into a financial training mentorship program.
–Issued W2 forms to all staff. –Posted the open chief and captain positions with a closure date at the end of January.
–Planning underway for joint meeting on Feb. 20 with Deschutes County Commissioners.
–SSD/police/fire have all moved to the new website. Still migrating fire emails to .gov.
Other business
–The meeting adjourned at 3:02 p.m.
–SSD Managing Board is scheduled to meet at 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20.
–Approved meeting minutes are posted, as available, to www. sunriversd.org.
More winter ahead: Practice preparedness
By Jim Bennett February
usually brings us more winter weather conditions and some years these conditions can be significant. Keep your vehicle well stocked for winter driving emergencies.
There are many factors that can increase the potential for home fires during the winter months from the use of fireplaces to holiday activities, candles, portable heaters and more.
As we have covered in the last couple of months it is important to prevent fires from occurring, but if the unfortunate were to happen, are you prepared to respond?
With each yearly time change, we are reminded to check our smoke alarms, replace batteries and replace the alarm if it is nearly expired or expired. However, that is not the only time to “check” the alarms. Each month you should use the test button on the smoke alarm (and CO2 alarms) to confirm they are functioning.
Do you have a plan?
Imagine you are in a deep sleep when suddenly you are awoken by the smoke alarm sounding. What would you do? How would you react? There are countless households who have the alarms, but no plan. A few questions to consider:
Be sure to test your smoke detector frequently and replace the batteries once a year. Detectors older than 10 years old need to be replaced.
• What if that alarm went off in the middle of a cold, snowy night?
• What if you wake up to a home full of dark smoke?
• What if the power was out from the fire and there were no lights to illuminate your escape?
• What if your family is spread throughout the house on different floors – would everyone safely make it out?
Now is the perfect time to have answers to all those questions before something happens. Begin with an assessment throughout your home, involving everyone in the family. Identify two ways out of each room. If the room is on the sec-
ond floor, equip the room with a collapsable ladder for escaping out the window or deck. Make sure there is a flashlight in each room.
Identify at least two different escape routes from the house (generally one out the front and the other out the rear or side of the house). Make sure both are routes that would be easy to navigate in the house if you were unable to see due to smoke and darkness. Make sure these egress points are clear of snow or other things that could block or slow down an escape.
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Sunriver Police Log
Select log entries collected by the Sunriver 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 = Gone On Arrival
LPR = License Plate Reader
UTL
12-3 A phone was found in the snow near a Woodlands golf course fairway.
12-4 Sunriver Police made contact with a male on Whistler Lane who was DWS.
12-5 Responded to a suspicious call at the construction site of the police/ re public safety building.
12-8 Received an alert from the LPR at South Century/Abbot Drive on a stolen plate out of Connecticut. O cer located the vehicle parked near the Country Store. O cer con rmed with the driver that she had reported the plate stolen while in California. The remaining plate was removed, and she advised she will have her parents notify the DMV as she was not the vehicle’s registered owner.
12-8 A citizen caught a black and brown possible shepherd/rottweiler mix male dog running loose on River Road near the stables. The dog was taken to the shelter.
12-10 Sunriver Police assisted Redmond Police with a LPR search related to a gunshot wound case, which subsequently generated a lead.
12-10 An unknown subject entered an enclosed patio area at a Meadow House residence and stole a Thule vehicle roof top cargo box.
12-14 Police responded to a domestic dispute on Lava Top Lane. No evidence of a dispute was found. However, the caller was placed on an o cer hold due to his extreme level of intoxication and inability to care for himself.
12-20 Assisted Deschutes County Sheri ’s O ce with a death investigation on Camas Lane.
12-22 Police contacted subjects with their vehicle stuck in the snow on Solar Drive. One of the subjects had several warrants and ed from o cers. He was subsequently caught, taken into custody and lodged at the DCAJ.
12-24 O cers were dispatched to a reported weapons o ense at the Pinnacle 365 gas station/convenience store on Venture Lane in the Sunriver Business Park. The suspect was located on Huntington Road by Deschutes County Sheri ’s deputies and lodged at the DCAJ.
12-25 Assisted a visitor who was lost on foot walking in the middle of Circle 10. O cers were able to reunite the subject with relatives staying in the area.
12-28 O cer responded to a non-injury MVA on Snow Goose in Oregon Water Wonderland.
12-29 O cer took a report of a found rearm and machete from a rental property on Titleist Lane.
12-29 Conducted a tra c stop on Solar Drive. Subsequent to the stop, the driver was arrested for DUII.
Village hosts annual Keg Pull on Saturday, Feb. 1
The Sunriver Brewing Co. K9 Keg Pull is back as the premier winter event for The Village at Sunriver.
Sunriver Brewing Co. K9 Keg Pull entry fee is $25 per dog, with all proceeds from the pull benefitting the Ronald McDonald House.
All are welcome to watch and enjoy the event – with or without a dog.
Dog related vendors will be on site as will Bend VW Photo Bus for commemorative photobooth photo strips.
Each dog is placed in a category based on their weight; and pull a keg specific to their weight class (Kegs are empty of any contents).
Owners are encouraged to bring their own harnesses. If you do not have a harness, one will bedprovided for the race.
At the end of the race awards will be given to “Fast as Light-
ning Fido” in each K9 weight category. Dog owners are encouraged to participate by motivating their dog down the length of the course, a 120 foot snow runway.
Pre-registration will guarantee your dog a spot in the race. Register online at villageatsunriver.com.
• 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Sign in and on-site registration
• 11 a.m. First race
• 3 p.m. Last race (or when last dog runs)
• An awards ceremony will follow the last race. All top finishers must be present to receive their prize.
Weight categories:
• Under 10 pounds: Pull a Foster’s beer can
• 11-20 pounds: pull a growler
• 21-50 pounds: pull a pony keg
• 51-70 pounds: pull a fullsized keg
• 71-100 pounds: pull a fullsized keg
• More than 100 pounds: pull a full-sized keg Participants and spectators are encouraged to donate dog food and enter to win some great prizes. The dog food will be donated to the Humane Society of Central Oregon.
Time to party like it’s 1925
The High Desert Museum returns to the fun-filled, fast-paced world of 1920s Prohibition with its annual Prohibition Party from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7.
Sidecar Sweethearts – Cocktails & Courting in the Jazz Age will explore the shift from old-school courting to the fast-paced world of public dating.
Featuring live music, dancing, a costume contest and plenty of roaring romance, this party will not disappoint.
Get ready to rev your engines because love is in the air.
This event is 21 and older only.
Tickets are limited and are $50 per person and include two drink tickets. It is $35 for non-alcoholic drink tickets. Museum members receive a 20% discount.
For more information, visit www.highdesertmuseum.org.
Reserve your tickets for the Prohibition Party at The High Desert Museum on Feb. 7.
Upcoming chamber events and deadlines for magazine and market
Chamber events are a great way to learn about what’s happening in your community, have some fun and share news about your business.
Share your 2025 events
The Sunriver Area Chamber of Commerce invites its members to share events they are having in 2025. The event listings will be published on the chamber’s website and in the 2025/26 Sunriver magazine. Information should include the name of the event, time, date and place, cost and website or email. If you have a poster or other artwork, please include it. Please submit events to exec@ sunriverchamber.com.
Fundraiser for third annual Career Exploration lunch
The Sunriver Area Chamber of Commerce is February’s featured nonprofit organization at Century Commons Taps and Truck. The fundraiser is from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12 at Century Commons in the Sunriver Business Park. There will be fun games to play along
with information on the lunch, including how to volunteer and serve as mentors.
Century Commons will donate a percentage of its sales, with the money going to pay for the third annual Career Exploration Lunch for Three Rivers School’s middle school students.
Annual State of South Deschutes County Breakfast
The Sunriver Area Chamber of Commerce and the La Pine Chamber of Commerce invite you to attend the Annual State of South County Breakfast on Tuesday, Feb. 25 at SHARC in Sunriver.
The doors open at 7 a.m., breakfast is served 7 to 7:30 a.m. by Josie K’s Deli and presentations begin at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $35 per person. Reserve your tickets at https://lapine. org/tickets/
Please email Kristine Thomas at exec@sunriverchamber.com if you have any questions.
Sunriver Magazine
The Sunriver Magazine is
This can be done using the back of the hand and checking the door and door handle for heat.
Accounting for the family is top priority so determine where you will meet up once outside the house. Generally, you want to be far enough from the home to be safe from falling or exploding debris – such as across the street.
Practice is what makes the difference
At least a couple of times per year review the escape plan with all family members (do not forget those that may be there infrequently, such as college students) and then conduct a drill.
Have the family practice leaving their rooms and exiting the house and going to the meet up location outside.
Practice under realistic situations, such as in the dark.
As part of your drill, have family members practice checking their bedroom door before opening.
The check is simply to assess if there is fire outside the room.
truly a team effort. Here’s how you can help:
Photos: The chamber seeks photographs to include in the magazine, including for its cover.
Photos sought include people hiking, fishing, skiing, biking, kayaking, golfing and enjoying everything Sunriver has to offer. Photographers whose images are selected for the magazine will be treated to dinner at the magazine release party at the end of April.
The photographer whose photo is chosen for the magazine cover will receive an article in the magazine, Sunriver Scene, Cascade Business News and the chamber’s website and social media and a cash prize.
Please submit photos to exec@sunriverchamber.com with your name, contact information and description of the photo. All photos need to be at least 5 MB. Photos submitted for the cover contest need to be vertically oriented. The deadline to submit photos is Feb. 10.
Change: Starting in 2025, the directories within the Sunriver
Magazine and on the website will list only businesses who are current chamber members. If you are not a member and wish to learn the value of a chamber membership, please contact exec@sunriverchamber. com or plan to attend the coffee meeting at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4 at Café Sintra.
ird Annual Sunriver
Saturday Market
Plans are underway for the Sunriver Saturday Markets’ 2025 season.
The chamber is seeking vendors at three levels: Gold, Silver and Bronze. If you are interested in being a sponsor, please contact Kristine Thomas at exec@ sunriverchamber.com.
Manage My Market, www. managemymarket.com, will open on Feb. 3 to accept applications and close on Feb. 28. Chamber members receive first priority when reviewing applications.
A few changes for the 2025 season • To coordinate with other events happening in Sunriver,
the market will be changed to the last Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This also will avoid conflicts with other events happening in Sunriver and Central Oregon.
• The market dates are Saturdays, May 31; June 28; July 26, Aug. 30, and Sept. 27. The Sunriver Saturday Holiday Market is Saturday, Nov. 29. Please email exec@sunriverchamber.com if you have any questions.
Sunriver Oktoberfest
Several groups are collaborating to plan the first Sunriver Oktoberfest from Friday, Sept. 26 to Sunday, Sept. 28. The goal is to support businesses in Sunriver while hosting a fun event for all ages. Plans include activities at The Village at Sunriver, Sunriver Business Park and SHARC.
Anyone interested in planning the event can attend the meeting starting at 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3 in SROA’s conference room. Email exec@ sunriverchamber.com for information.
If it is found to be warm or hot, probably best to leave closed and exit through the identified secondary evacuation route.
Exiting the house as quickly as possible is important, but during a fire incident you may not be able to simply “run” outside.
If there is smoke in the house, consider covering your face and staying very low (crawling) along the floor to avoid as much of the harmful smoke as possible.
If the family includes members with mobility concerns, be sure to incorporate into the plan how you will help them navigate stairs and exit the structure.
Be sure to also practice this process.
Do not forget about the fourlegged members of the family and identify how you will be able to quickly get them out of the house without putting yourself at risk.
Pets may also run and hide if they feel threatened.
In addition to escaping from the house, call 9-1-1 as soon as it is safe to do so.
Do not assume that someone else has already made that emer-
gency call.
Finally, while it can be the most difficult decision to ever be made, the best advice is that once you exit the house, stay out.
If you fear that someone is still inside, then immediately let 9-1-1 or the on-scene emer-
gency services know so that they can react appropriately. Time to get the plan done and practice. Stay safe and enjoy another month of winter.
–Jim Bennett is the public information officer for the Sunriver Fire Department.
Save the date for the Sunriver-La Pine Rotary Club annual fundraiser
By Lee Haroun
The Sunriver-La Pine Rotary Club's annual fundraiser for 2025 will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, June 1 at Sunriver Resort’s Great Hall.
This year’s theme is “Passport to Italy,” and the event will include a three-course Italian dinner, live and silent auctions, hosted wine during dinner and the silent auction, games, music and more.
The event is the club’s major event to raise funds to support nonprofits and students in south Deschutes County.
Started in 2005, these fundraisers have enabled the club’s foundation to award more than $400,000 to organizations in south Deschutes County that serve children,
Passport to Italy
When: 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, June 1
Where: Sunriver Resort’s Great Hall
What: A fundrasier for the Sunriver-La Pine Rotary Club
Cost: $125 per person
Tickets: Purchase tickets at www.sunriver-lapinerotary.org, from a Rotary Club member or by stopping by First Interstate Bank in The Village at Sunriver Sponsorships are available: Visit www.sunriver-lapinerotary.org for additional information
families and seniors in need.
The foundation board consists of club members who review the applications submitted quarterly from organizations including Habitat for Humanity of La Pine-Sunriver, Care and Share, Rising Stars Preschool and the La
Pine Community Kitchen.
Requests must be made for specific needs and projects which the board reviews and then determines the amount of each donation.
In the spring each year, seniors at La Pine Senior High School are invited to apply for
If you’re thinking of remodeling and not sure where to start, now is a great time to schedule a complimentary consultation with a Neil Kelly designer. We’ll discuss your inspiration, vision, and goals for your project, answer all your questions, share ideas, and discuss schedule and budget ranges. Whether you’re in the early planning stage or ready to remodel, this is a great way to get started!
To schedule and learn
call 541.382.7580.
scholarships to attend college or a vocational school.
Applicants submit an essay explaining their education and career goals, transcripts of their grades, and letters of recommendation.
“The Sunriver-La Pine Rotary Club members greatly appreciate everyone who attends
the event and the event's sponsors,” event chair Kristine Thomas said. “Your support allows the Rotary Club to support local nonprofits in south Deschutes County. Together, we are making a difference in our community.”
For tickets, please visit www.sunriver-lapinerotary. org, purchase tickets from a Rotary Club member or stop by First Interstate Bank in The Village at Sunriver to purchase tickets.
Attend a Rotary Club meeting
If you are interested in learning more about the Rotary Club, plan on attending a meeting, starting at 7:45 a.m. Wednesdays in the Hearth Room at Sunriver Resort Lodge.
OR 97701
541.382.7580
on putting their own spin on what is already an incredibly intimate and inviting place to share delicious discoveries. They aspire to grow the business from a hidden gem in the heart of Sunriver to a more accessible and discoverable destination in Central Oregon.
The restaurant has already brought a local’s special back to the forefront of operations. There is an email list for those interested in signing up on their website southbendbistro. com that goes out to everyone detailing what the special will be. Wednesdays are typically
the day that the specials are run and locals who mention the promotional email receive 20% off the price of the special. Reservations are recommended and can be made by visiting South Bend Bistro’s website, calling 541-593-3881 or on the OpenTable app.
Become a chamber member
If you are interested in learning how a membership can help promote and support your business, email exec@ sunriverchamber.com or attend a breakfast meeting at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4 at Cafe Sintra. Starting memberships are $350 a year or $29 a month, starting from the month you sign up to the next year.
Sunriver Stars presents inaugural debut of ‘Children’s Playwright Contest’
By Megan Steffens
Sunriver Stars Community Theater will open the 2025 season with its inaugural debut of a “Children’s Playwright Contest.”
The top three winning playwrights will be showcased at 6 p.m. Friday, March 21 at The Door Three Rivers, 56885 Enterprise Drive in the Sunriver Business Park.
The contest is open to youth of Bend, Sunriver and La Pine who are 10-19 years of age. Original scripts must be submitted in script format.
Playwrights will be judged based on creativity, originality and clarity of the story.
Sunriver Stars Community Theater
Celebrating its 13th season, the Sunriver Stars Community Theater was founded in 2012 with the mission of providing quality, familyfriendly entertainment and educational opportunities for Sunriver and the surrounding communities.
Plays for the 2025 season are:
* Children’s Playwright Contest
* The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
* Gilligan’s Island: The Musical
* Under the Stars: A SSCT Fundraiser
* 7th Annual Kids Drama Camp
* Voices: A Chilling Dinner Theatre
Visit www.sunriverstars.org for dates and additional information.
Characters should be limited to 10 and should not exceed 15 minutes in length.
All genres will be accepted,
and they may be original adaptions of existing literature.
Scripts must tell a story and contain a beginning, a middle
and an ending.
Contest deadlines
Contest opens on Saturday, Feb. 1 and scripts are due by Friday, Feb. 28.
Scripts can be emailed to Megan Steffens megs0055@gmail. com (SSCT historian) and Victoria Kristy sunriverdiva@ gmail.com (SSCT founder.)
All playwright contestants will be honored at “The Shining Stars Playwright Breakfast” at Sunriver Resort Lodge on Saturday, March 15 where the three winners will be announced.
The top three will be awarded with $50 and a trophy, and have their plays showcased.
Winners may choose to direct their own plays or choose to have SSCT historian, Megan Steffens, direct their shows. Playwrights may be cast in their own plays and/or each other’s plays, as well as bring in friends to perform.
SSCT will provide set pieces, props, and costumes to align with the vision of the young playwrights.
Rehearsals for winning playwrights will be held at The Door Three Rivers March 1721, 3:30-5 p.m.
Please direct any questions to Megan Steffens megs0055@ gmail.com. Information to be found on sunriverstars.org.
ONDA Speaker Series presents virtual topics on Oregon’s High Desert
The annual Oregon Natural Desert Association’s Speaker Series inspires a deeper understanding of desert ecology and cultivates an appreciation for the land, water and wildlife of eastern Oregon.
Join ONDA virtually this year for four free, engaging events and dive into the wonders of the High Desert.
Registration is now open for all events. To view the lineup and register, visit https://onda. org/speakerseries/. Donations accepted when registering and to join or renew your ONDA membership.
Oregon’s High Desert Owls
• Tuesday, Feb. 4, 6–7 p.m. A Year in the Life: Oregon’s High Desert Owls
Discover Oregon’s High Desert owls in a captivating presentation by Paul Bannick, author and wildlife photographer.
He will take you through four seasons in their lives, revealing what these birds need to survive and thrive.
Tiny Titans
• Thursday, Feb. 20, 7–8 p.m. Tiny Titans: Insects of the High Desert
Explore the vital roles of butterflies, moths and beetles
in Oregon’s High Desert with Dr. Tara Cornelisse, invertebrate zoologist, as she shares the importance of conserving insect populations and the entire ecosystem.
Fossils and the Future
• Wednesday, March 12, 7–8 p.m. Fossils and the Future: Lessons from Oregon’s Ecological Past Journey through eastern Or-
Don’t be a STINKER use your BLINKER! Anytime you
egon’s fossilized past with Dr. Samantha Hopkins, University of Oregon professor and Earth Sciences Department head. She’ll explore ancient mammals, ecosystem changes, and what fossils reveal about our future in a changing climate.
Beneath the Surface: Desert Mussels
• Wednesday, March 19, 6–7 p.m.
Join Alexa Martinez, Malheur National Wildlife Refuge wildlife biologist, as she reveals the fascinating lives of native mussels in eastern Oregon.
United Way re ects on 2024 achievements, looking forward to 2025
United Way of Central Oregon (UWCO) is celebrating a year of significant accomplishments, including the deployment of emergency food and shelter funds to organizations across Central Oregon. These efforts, combined with strategic initiatives and partnerships, have laid a strong foundation for continued growth and impact in 2025.
In 2024, UWCO administered federal Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) and Emergency Food and Shelter Grant (EFSG) funds totaling nearly $300,000 to support critical services addressing food insecurity, housing stability and community resilience across Crook, Jefferson and Deschutes counties. Awards included:
Crook County EFSP:
• Crook County Rotary Foundation: $8,250
• Love Dustina: $2,473
• Prineville Senior Center:
United Way of Central Oregon
What: “We fight for the health, education, financial stability, and resilence of every person in Central Oregon. “ Visit: www.unitedwaycentraloregon.org
Email: Regional Executive Director Diana Fischetti Call: 541-389-6507
$27,000
• Salvation Army: $6,144
• The Giving Plate: $11,963
Jefferson County EFSP:
• Jefferson County Faith Based Network: $18,488
• Madras Community Food Pantry: $41,618
• Salvation Army: $2,276
Deschutes County EFSP:
• Bethlehem Inn: $12,500
• J Bar J Youth Services: $17,145
• NeighborImpact: $5,000
• Salvation Army: $11,379
• Saving Grace: $5,000
• Shepherd’s House Ministries: $12,500
• The Giving Plate: $7,500
• Thrive Central Oregon: $15,000
Deschutes County EFSG:
• Assistance League of Bend: $4,750
• Bend Church – United Methodist: $6,000
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend: $7,500
• Central Oregon Council on Aging: $4,000
• Central Oregon Villages: $10,395
• Diaper Bank of Central Oregon: $7,500
• Family Kitchen: $7,500
• Friends of the Children Central Oregon: $2,500
• Home More Network: $5,000
• Jericho Road: $7,500
• Nativity Lutheran Church Food Pantry: $4,000
• Society of St. Vincent De Paul Redmond: $2,500
• Society of St. Vincent De Paul La Pine: $1,755
• St. Vincent de Paul Society Bend: $7,500
Successful merger
2024 also marked the suc-
cessful merger of United Way of Central Oregon and United Way of the Columbia-Willamette, enhancing operational efficiency and expanding the organization’s reach.
This milestone, coupled with the release of United Way’s ALICE Report, a study of financial hardship highlighting the challenges faced b y Central Oregon households, underscores UWCO’s commitment to addr essing systemic barriers and promoting equity.
Diana Fischetti is the regional executive director at United Way of Central Oregon.
“As we reflect on the past year, we are incredibly proud of all we have accomplished, including the deployment of funds for critical services supporting our community members, as well as the completion of a strategic merger that has str engthened our organization,” Fischetti said.
Looking ahead, she shared United Way of Central Oregon is excited to launch its new transportation program, which promises to bring much-needed solutions to its community, and to award more federal funds across the region.
“We are poised for another year of growth and success, and thankful for the support of our community,” Fischetti said.
Plans for 2025
Building on these successes, UWCO is preparing to allocate new EFSP and EFSG
funds for Crook, Jefferson, and Deschutes Counties in 2025. These resources will continue to address food, shelter, and clothing needs throughout the region.
In 2025, UWCO will also launch Ride United, an innovative program aimed at eliminating transportation barriers for individuals in need.
By providing free, reliable transportation to critical services such as medical appointments, job interviews, food pantries, v eterans’ services, and housing resources, Ride United will strengthen community connections and foster resilience.
About United Way of Central Oregon
United Way of Central Oregon envisions a community where every person can meet their basic needs, every child thrives, every family has a stable home, and neighbors unite to recover stronger from disasters.
Through initiatives focusing on healthy communities, financial security, youth opportunities, and community resilience, UWCO is building a stronger, healthier Central Oregon.
For more information about the ALICE Report, please visit https://unitedforalice.org; for more information about UWCO, please visit https:// www.unitedwaycentraloregon. org or contact Diana Fischetti at diana@uwco.org.
SUNRIVER PATHWAY SAFETY RULES | SPEED 15MPH
Helmets required for riders and passengers under age 16 (Oregon state law)
Pedestrians and people walking bikes have right-of-way on paths and at road crossings
Only pedal assist e-bikes allowed. Throttle controlled class 2/3 ebikes, one wheels, scooters, etc. prohibited
Bikes require headlights and red re ectors from dusk to dawn
High Desert Museum awarded grants to bolster educational e orts
The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has awarded two exceedingly competitive grants to the High Desert Museum for a total of $240,337, the federal agency announced in January.
Both grants support increased storytelling and educational resources for the High Desert region, a largely rural, lesser-known expanse that stretches from the Rockies to the Cascades.
“The High Desert Museum is a cultural and historical gem in Central Oregon,” U.S. Senator Ron Wyden said. “I’m gratified this federal investment will further enhance the museum’s mission to wildly excite and responsibly teach Oregonians and visitors from around the world who are eager to learn more about the history of the High Desert and its natural wonders.”
“The High Desert Museum enriches lives in Central Oregon and beyond through incredible art and storytelling that connects us to one another and expands our understanding of the world around us,” U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley said. “I am looking forward to seeing the museum channel this federal investment into exciting projects that highlight the unique history and treasures of the High Desert through high-quality education and cultural experiences for students, families and visitors.”
“We’re grateful to the NEH and senators Wyden and Merkley for supporting these innovative projects,” High Desert Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw said. “The High Desert is home to unique landscapes, cultures and wildlife, and while it is vast, it’s stories and issues are not always widely shared.”
“The museum is the only institution in the nation dedicated to the exploration of the High Desert, and these grant awards allow the museum to dive deeper into our mission to serve as a resource about and for the region,” Whitelaw said. “We hope the projects will help promote dialogue and connection in communities.”
Cultural and Community Resilience grant
One grant, for $140,795 in the NEH category of Cultural and Community Resilience, will support a video story-gathering initiative that will bring together 30 long-form interviews from residents across the High Desert, ranging from ranchers to Tribal members. The interviews will delve into how changes in climate are impacting the region’s landscape
and ways of life, and will be paired with historical records, scientific data and more to capture knowledge of the region’s cultural heritage and economies during a time of transition.
The outcome of the two-year project will be an online resource available to all, including educators and scholars.
Digital Projects for public grant
The second grant, in the NEH category Digital Projects for the Public: Prototyping, provides $99,542 for the prototyping of a dynamic, interactive web presence immersing online visitors in the relationships between the people, wildlife and landscapes of the High Desert.
Through comprehensive storytelling and engaging digital modalities, the site will help raise awareness about this unique region and serve as an educational resource.
The development of the website would be a subsequent step after prototyping.
Recipient of NEH grants
The museum has been the proud recipient of a number of NEH grants in recent years.
In April 2024, the NEH provided $500,000 toward the museum’s revitalization of its permanent exhibition dedicated to the Indigenous cultures of the region. “By Hand Through Memory” opened in 1999, supported in part by NEH fund-
ing. Hand-in-hand with Native partners, the museum has been working on a renovation of the exhibition for the last five years.
In 2019, NEH awarded the museum $45,000 to support the planning of the renovation. The agency also awarded the museum $500,000 in 2023 to support an associated expansion of the museum, bringing the total commitment to the muse-
um’s expansion and renovation plans to $1,045,000.
History of the musuem
The museum opened in 1982. Founder Donald M. Kerr envisioned the space as an immersive experience that highlights the wonder of the High Desert. He intended for the museum and its programs to spark dia-
logue and bring people together in conversations about what they want for the region’s future. Today, the museum every year shares up to nine rotating temporary exhibitions, serves thousands of children in school field trips, and provides free and reduced-price admissions to nearly 15,000 visitors. It welcomed more than 219,000 visitors in 2024.
ALL vehicles must park in the driveway or in a designated parking area only. Parking is not allowed along roadsways or in common areas
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The High Desert Museum was awarded grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Letters to the Editor
Chorus of One: Interested in a new outdoor winter raquet sport?
By Peter and Julie Barrett
Are you a tennis or pickleball player that misses playing a winter racquet sport outdoors.
Or perhaps you lived back east like us, and miss your favorite winter sport?
Platform tennis or “paddle” is an outdoor racquet sport generally played in cold weather.
Courts are built on a raised gritty aluminum platform to keep the surface playable in all weather conditions.
The game is similar to tennis but on a one-quarter the size court (roughly the size of a pick-
leball court) and is surrounded by tightly strung wire fencing that lets one play the ball after it hits off the court and bounces off the screens.
The game is scored like tennis except with one serve and a point is lost if the ball bounces over the fence.
Like pickleball, the game is primarily a doubles sport.
The spongy ball has a felt cover where spin is generated from a gritty graphite hole-covered racket.
Platform tennis is a game of finesse, patience and strategy. It
can require speed, power, and quick thinking. It can be highly competitive or just plain social. The ability to play the ball off the screens is an equalizer that allows competitive matches between varied players’ strength and quickness.
In terms of cardio exercise, it falls between tennis and pickleball.
Platform tennis is a very social sport, known for camaraderie and sportsmanship.
Typically, an adjacent warming hut provides a great winter gathering place.
Thomas (Tom Leenknecht)
Platform tennis started in 1928 in Scarsdale, New York by tennis players searching for an outside winter racquet sport. It has grown to more than 1,000 courts with more than 35,000 players.
Hot beds of the sport are the Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Chicago metro areas, but courts can be found in Denver, Colorado and Ross, California.
Platform tennis clubs run numerous leagues and tournaments from late September through April.
The governing board is the APTA which even features a professional tour.
December 30, 1957 -November 8, 2024
Longtime Sunriver resident Thomas (Tom) Leenknecht passed away peacefully on November 8, 2024, at his home in Sunriver, Oregon. He was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend to many, and to his life partner of 16 years, Connie Adrien, who was vigilantly by his side during his passing.
Tom was born in San Jose, California, on December 30, 1957. In 1970, His family relocated to Grants Pass to live a simpler life from the big city and enjoy country living in Oregon. Tom was a standout athlete at Grants Pass High School and earned many performance awards, re ecting his dedication and skill on the eld and court.
After high school, Tom went on to play basketball and baseball at Umpqua Community College for two years before transferring to the University of Oregon where he graduated in 1981. He immediately left for Sunriver where he worked for the Sunriver Resort before starting his own successful business, 4 Seasons Recreational Out tters.
For over 20 years, Tom poured his heart into his business. A ectionately known as the “uno cial mayor” of Sunriver, Tom’s warmth, generosity, and knack for bringing people together were felt by all who knew him. He was a familiar and cherished presence in the community, whether o ering good deals or spreading goodwill.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Hank and Anne Leenknecht, as well as his younger brother, Robert Leenknecht. He is survived by his sister, Mary Jo Miller, his brothers, Michael and Patrick Leenknecht, and his close nephews, Christopher and Aaron Leenknecht.
Above all, Tom will be remembered for his kind heart, infectious enthusiasm, and the lasting impact on the community he loved. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.
See the website www.plat formtennis.org for details. The APTA is active in growing the sport and will provide new locations financial assistance.
Platform tennis is an easy sport for players of all ages and skill levels to learn and enjoy. It is an excellent sport for families.
Interested in learning more about the sport or about the possibility of helping bring the sport to Sunriver?
Please contact us: Peter and Julie Barrett at peterbarrettpe@ gmail.com.
Scene clari cation
In the November Scene, an article about TDS increasing to 1 gigabyte service mentioned that those with coaxial service will receive a free router.
Only those Sunriver owners that have been hooked up to the new TDS fiber internet service will receive a free “gig capable” router.
If you are still on coaxial service, you will continue to pay for a router through TDS until you are hooked to the Sunriver fiber internet program and receive a free router at that time.
Sunriver Scene Letters to the Editor Policy
To support a free and open exchange of information and ideas, the Sunriver Scene welcomes letters to the editor up to 200 words, and Chorus of One submissions up to 400 words. Topics must be of relevance to Sunriver. Opinions expressed are those of the writer and do not represent the Sunriver Owners Association.
CCB# 224186
TO SUBMIT:
Email: susanb@srowners. org. Submit letter in the body of the email, or attach it as a Word document.
SUBMISSION
DEADLINE:
The 12th of the month. We accept one letter per person per month.
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Serving the Sunriver area for over 45 years. Call me, Grace Phillips. It’s a matter of trust!
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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
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Many references available. Licensed/Bonded/Insured.
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Hi there! I am taking on more Houses, Rentals, and Office buildings for cleaning in the Sunriver area. I’ve been cleaning for 8 years and I gave great references. I am licensed and insured. Please call or text 458-206-8855
We will take the worry out of your life knowing your home is secure while you are away. We offer freeze checks and security checks. We can stock your fridge and cupboards before you arrive. We also take care of maintenance should the need arise and snow removal, housekeeping services are available. We have been serving Sunriver for over 30 years! With us you won't have many people traipsing through your home. We offer the extra personal experience. We can take care of all the Misc care your home needs. Licensed and bonded. (541) 728-1034
TUBS ALIVE
Hot tub, deck repair and refinishing, sales, installation, inspections and maintenance in Sunriver since1992! 541-593-5163
www.tubsalive.com
License #97643, bonded, insured.
TUBS
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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
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
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PROFESSIONAL HOT TUB CLEANING
Individual dump, scrub, fill & balance for $150. Recurring maintenance plans start at $75/month and include regularly refilling the spa. Call Better Spa Services at 541-678-1335
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