October 2023 Sunriver Scene

The October eclipse will be annular – meaning the sun will not be totally covered and will require wearing appropriate eclipse-rated eye protection.

Vacant seat filled on SROA board

SROA NEWS – Mark Murray has been selected to fill the remaining two-year term on the SROA Board of Directors.

Following the resignation of Larry Ishmael in August, the board was tasked with creating a list of former board members to contact about their interest in serving again. A list of more than 20 were contacted and shortened to the following seven who were interested: Gary Bigham, Frank Brocker, Paul Coughlin, Mike Gocke, Patty Klascius, Mark Murray and Bob Nelson. After discussion during September’s board meeting the list was pared down to four: Murray, Coughlin, Gocke and Nelson.

Murray has twice served on the SROA and Sunriver Service District boards: a three-year term and then filling a two-year term following the passing of another board member. He has served on the SSD’s budget committee and has been board liaison for various SROA committees.

Murray will also be appointed to the Sunriver Service District board and serve on the Finance Committee.

Be prepared for this month's annular eclipse

Sunriver community members and visitors have the opportunity to see an event that last happened in Oregon in 2012 and won’t happen again until 2077.

An annular solar eclipse will take place the morning of Saturday, Oct. 14. Sunriver is on the path of totality. An annular solar eclipse or “ring of fire” happens when the Sun, Moon and Earth align, with the Moon’s smaller size only partially covering the Sun.

In Sunriver, the partial eclipse will begin around 8:05 a.m. with the annular phase or the ring of fire happening around 9:19 a.m., lasting for less than two minutes.

The Sunriver Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to watch the annular solar eclipse, then stay in Sunriver to attend the Fall Fest at Sunriver Resort, Locals’ Weekend in The Village at Sunriver and the Sunriver Saturday Market at SHARC.

Here’s your guide to spending Oct. 13 to 14 in Sunriver.

Eclipse viewing safety

The Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory has donated safety glasses, with a slight twist.

Community members and tourists can get the glasses at the following locations by donating a nonperishable food item, which will go to Care & Share, the local food bank serving residents in Sunriver and the Three Rivers area. Look for posters indicating all the participating businesses. As of the Scene's deadline, businesses include:

• AmeriTitle

• Cascara

• First Interstate Bank

• Meredith Lodging

• SHARC

• Sunriver Books

• Sunriver Brewing Co.

• Sunriver Rock and Gem

• Sunriver Sports

• Village Bar and Grill

• Your Store

In the Sunriver Business Park:

• Houser House Creations

• Muddy Hut Pet Store

• Mike’s Tires

• Postal Connections

• Wild Poppy

It’s important to protect your eyes by wearing safety glasses. During the annular phase, the sun shines brightly enough to damage your eyes if you view it without a protective filter. Use only an approved solar filter that blocks dangerous ultraviolet and infrared radiation as well as visible light.

Viewing the eclipse in Sunriver

The Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory will have staff members at four locations to inform guests on the

This map shows the path of the annular eclipse, which will include Sunriver and other Oregon regions to the south.

BEND | 2.48 acres with luxurious features, breathtaking views, & access to natural wonders. Ideal retreat for those seeking a serene & picturesque lifestyle.

MLS# 220168374 | Beds 3 | Baths 3 | Sq. Ft 2,880

Kim Powell | Broker (541) 280-9770

kpowell@sunriverrealty.com

SUNRIVER | Perfect Sunriver Retreat! Nestled amongst the pines, this Mountain View Lodge Condo has been beautifully updated throughout. Enjoy this peaceful serene setting w/golf course views. Close to SHARC, furnished & ready to enjoy!

MLS# 220169353 | Beds 2 | Baths 2 | Sq. Ft 1,014

Gail Ballantyne | Broker (541) 480-7081

gballantyne@sunriverrealty.com

RIVER MEADOWS | This residence isn’t just a home; it’s an experience. With an abundance of natural light that dances through the spaces, it promises a lifestyle that balances modern elegance w/ the soothing embrace of nature. River Meadows Community offers pool, river access, trails, & more.

MLS# 220170355 | Beds 4 | Baths 2 | Sq. Ft 2,368

Michelle Powell | Broker (541) 771-2997

mpowell@sunriverrealty.com

BEND | Own over an acre of prime riverfront on the magnificent Big Deschutes River. Mostly single level living with 2644 sq ft - 3 bedrms/2 baths on the main level & 728 sq ft bonus room upstairs with a full bath. 3 garage bays . 20x20 trex dock!

MLS# 220169116 | Beds 3 | Baths 3 | Sq. Ft 3,372 Amy Campbell | Gloria Smith | Brokers (541) 480-8565 | (541) 771-7757 acampbell@sunriverrealty.com gsmith@sunriverrealty.com

56500-161 Sunstone Loop $3,195,000

CALDERA SPRINGS | Just completed and sold fully furnished! Enjoy this custom mountain-modern home with ample gathering spaces for the whole family. Features include distressed wood beams, custom cabinetry, solid surfaces, and high-end appliances.

MLS# 22016995 | Beds 5 | Baths 7.5 | Sq. Ft 4,529

Michael Sullivan | Judi Hein | Principal Brokers (541) 350-8616 | (541) 408-3778 mike@sunriverhomes.com judi@sunriverhomes.com

SUNRIVER | Discover the perfect retreat near Fort Rock Park with this charming 3-bedroom home with recent updates, including new fridge, cooktop and oversided washer. As you step outside, you’ll enjoy the ample open space to the back and a hot tub to unwind.

MLS# 220170551 | Beds 3 | Baths 2 | Sq. Ft 1,661

Riley Wilder Tronson | Broker

Cheryl G. Tronson | Principal Broker (541) 848-8527 | (541) 977-0262 rtronson@sunriverrealty.com ctronson@sunriverrealty.com

SUNRIVER | Stunning modern luxury remodel! Great room w/ stacked stone gas FP. Chef’s kitchen boasts unique granite counters & SS appliances. Chic dining/ bar room. Main level primary suite, updated bedrooms & bath upstairs and rare basement bonus rm w/ bath.

MLS# 220170568 | Beds 3 + Bonus | Baths 3.5 Sq. Ft 2,884

Michelle Powell | Broker (541) 771-2997 mpowell@sunriverrealty.com

SUNRIVER | A true gem worth seeing! The original owner has meticulously maintained the quality craftsmanship throughout. Step into the great room, where vaulted ceilings & a cozy gas fireplace welcome you and abuts the beautiful kitchen with granite counter tops and new appliances.

MLS# 220169915 | Beds 2 | Baths 2.5 | Sq. Ft 2,735

Kim Powell | Rob Norem | Brokers (541) 280-9770 | (541) 480-1356

kpowell@sunriverrealty.com rnorem@sunriverrealty.com

SUNRIVER | Unobstructed views of Mt. Bachelor, the Sun River, & Great Meadow, this is one of a kind. 5 bedrooms (2 suites), 3.5 baths, 4000sf. Wherever you are in this home, the outdoors is always present. This house, with its views, is the essence of Sunriver.

MLS# 220170348 | Beds 5 | Baths 4 | Sq. Ft 3,944

Marcus Schwing | Broker (541) 419-8365 mschwing@sunriverrealty.com

16876 Pony Express Way $899,000

57390-4 Summit View Drive $1,150,000

57461-9 Bachelor Lane $2,490,000

17902-10 Acer Lane $1,300,000

57265-4 Overlook Rd $565,000

57456 Quartz Mountain Lane $799,000

64643 Boones Borough Dr $1,575,000

17153 Milky Way Rd $1,797,000

Sunriver

OWNERS ASSOCIATION

SUNRIVER

SCENE

October 2023

Volume XLVI, No. 10

57455 Abbot Drive

PO Box 3278 Sunriver, OR 97707

OWNER/PUBLISHER

Sunriver Owners Association

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

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

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

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 | 541.585.2938 shaec@srowners.org

Communications Specialist

Kristine Thomas | 541.585.2939 kristinet@srowners.org

ADVERTISING | 541.593.6068 sunriverscene@srowners.org

CONTACT SROA

541.593.2411

888.284.6639 toll-free

email: infosroa@srowners.org www.sunriverowners.org

GENERAL MANAGER James Lewis jamesl@srowners.org

ASST. GENERAL MANAGER Keith Kessaris keithk@srowners.org

COMMUNICATIONS

SUNRIVER SCENE

541.585.2937

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

541.593.6645

NATURAL RESOURCES

541.593.1522

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

541.585.2903

PUBLIC WORKS

541.593.2483

RECREATION, SHARC & MEMBER SERVICES

541.585.5000

Options for 2024 maintenance fee payments

SROA NEWS – At the September meeting of the SROA Board of Directors, the board approved a 3% discount on maintenance fees when an owner prepays their annual amount in full.

Owners can choose their payment option by filling out a form on the SROA website at www.sunriverowners.org/ maintenancefeeoption. You must submit a payment choice form by Nov. 17.

PLEASE NOTE, you only need to fill out a form if you would like to change your payment choice from previous years.

1. Annual prepayment (receive 3% discount)

Prepay your 2024 maintenance fee amount in full and receive a 3% discount. This saves the expense of printing and mailing monthly invoices. You will receive your invoice in mid-December either via mail or email depending on your selected preference. Your onetime payment must be received by SROA no later than Jan. 25, 2024 to receive the discount.

PLEASE NOTE: The 3% discount applies to the regular maintenance fee only. Special assessment payments (such as SHARC) are not subject to the 3% discount.

2. Monthly ACH transfer

The second alternative is to authorize SROA to automatically withdraw monthly pay-

ments from your bank account. Check the appropriate box on the online form. You’ll receive an enrollment form from the accounting office to initiate this process.

3. Pay online (3% discount only if paid in full)

You can also pay any amount, anytime, online with a credit or debit card through your account portal on the SROA website. Once you receive the invoice, visit the website ( www.sunriverowners.org ) and choose the “Maintenance Fees” button from the center of the homepage. This will take you to the page where you can access your account (you’ll need to set up a login/password

to view your account, if you haven’t already done so). You can also make monthly payments here with your card. All online payments are subject to a 3% convenience fee.

Members who do not choose a payment option will automatically receive both the annual invoice and monthly invoices.

The SROA Board of Directors determines the amount of the 2024 maintenance fee at the November board meeting. That amount will be announced in the Scene and on the SROA website.

If you have questions, call the SROA accounting office at 541-593-2411 or email SROA

Controller Joe Healy at joeh@ srowners.org

Plant protection changes tabled

SROA NEWS – The ongoing issue to allow plant protections in Sunriver, such as wire cages, has been tabled by the SROA Board of Directors pending additional research. The Design Committee initially came up with new rules as part of the extensive revisions to the Design Manual, which prohibited the use of any wire fencing or cages. Some owners felt this is too restrictive – especially in the incidence of damage to trees caused by beaver and deer. After numerous meetings with wildlife and native plant professionals and other HOA communities, the

committee revised the new rule to allow the use of wire cages for trees only, for up to four years. The committee felt this was a long enough period to allow the tree to mature and have the ability to withstand any wildlife browsing. Following discussion at the September board meeting, some members of the board felt that the time a cage could be left was not long enough based on Sunriver’s poor soil and slow growing season. It was suggested that the overall size of the tree should be the determining factor on how long protections should

Turn to Plant, page 8

Eclipse

continued from page 1

safest way to view the annular solar eclipse as well as sharing information about the annular solar eclipse or “Ring of Fire.” Bring a blanket or chair to watch the eclipse at:

• SHARC Amphitheater

• Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory

• Sunriver Resort's Backyard

• The Village at Sunriver

Spend the day in Sunriver by attending the following events

• Sunriver Saturday Market, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14 at SHARC. Visit the market to support local businesses selling a variety of items.

• Artists’ Gallery presents Locals Weekend, Friday, Oct. 13 and Saturday, Oct. 14

• Fall Festival at Sunriver Resort, Saturday, Oct. 14 and Sunday, Oct. 15

Follow the Sunriver Area Chamber of Commerce on Facebook and Instagram for updates. Or subscribe to its event newsletter at exec@sun riverchamber.com

APPLIEDSCIENCESOMETHINGDANKTHISWAYCOMES

MOCHACOW

Sunriver is a unique place when it comes to wildlife. Eagles, owls, herons, swans, ducks, frogs, river otters, beavers, elk and deer, to name a few, are all visible within Sunriver. Even for those of us who live here year-round, the sight of our abundant wildlife is inspiring. The presence of wildlife can also bring a few challenges. I was recently told about a woman who reported an eagle swooped down and snatched her dog. At the Sunriver Nature Center, the damage created by local beavers is visible by the remaining stumps. Property owners have suffered plant damage too. One owner lost a few aspen trees on his property to a beaver (one of which fell onto his house), who he affectionately named “Kevin.” (For those of us who are Oregon State University alums, we appreciate he did not name the errant beaver “Benny.”)

Gerhard Beenen

advocating for greater control to prevent plant damage by local wildlife. It can be frustrating to spend time and money planting hundreds of flower bulbs in the fall only to have the buds nipped by local deer in early spring. Likewise, owners have invested hundreds of dollars and tens of years in trees which have been destroyed in a single night. Alternatively, plant protections can be unsightly, and all owners have an interest in the aesthetic appearance of the Sunriver community. Given these competing interests, what form of plant protection should be allowed in Sunriver?

flower buds over bitterbrush (I can hardly blame them). The alternate perspective is that those who invest in landscaping their yards with ornamental plants, flowers and trees should be able to protect them from wildlife damage. Flowers, bushes and trees bring color to what at times seems like a drab Sunriver. Which perspective is correct for Sunriver?

“The SROA Board of Directors (“the board”) shall not adopt any prohibition against plant protections that would not allow Sunriver owners to use reasonable and effective means of physical barriers to protect native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers.”

By Clark Pederson

Several owners have recently approached the board and the Design Committee wanting to know what type of plant protections are allowed an d

In my mind, there are two valid perspectives on this issue. The first is that Sunriver owners purchased their home knowing Sunriver is a community full of trees and wildlife. And, just like we accept trees can be blown over in a windstorm, sometimes even directly on our house, we also need to accept that deer prefer some

The SROA Design Committee and the SROA Board have been wrestling with this issue for the past several months. The Design Committee and board members are sympathetic to owners’ desire to protect their plant investments. At the same time, if we allow plant protection from wildlife, the limits of that protection need to be codified into a rule/regulation. The aesthetic character of Sunriver could significantly change if owners were allowed to implement the quantity and type of physical plant protection measures, they deem necessary.

The board reviewed two “competing proposals” for plant protection at its September board meeting. One proposal, submitted as an initiative by two owners, recommends:

The alternative is a proposal developed by the SROA Design Committee, developed after extensive research of the plant protection rules used by other communities, including other Central Oregon destination resorts, and recommendations from local horticultural professionals. This proposal lists specific requirements for tree protection barriers (height, material, size, quantities, etc.) and prohibits protection barriers for flowers, shrubs, grasses and other vegetation. It also limits the duration tree protection barriers can be in place to four years maximum.

The board voted at the September board meeting to table the proposal put forward by the Design Committee, pending further clarification of the protective measures allowed. The initiative proposal was also

Highlights of the SROA Board of Directors monthly meeting

The Sunriver Owners Association (SROA) Board of Directors meeting was held Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023.

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

Staff present: James Lewis, Susan Berger, Rebecca Maloney.

Owners forums (summarized)

From Sept. 15 work session

• Paul Conte noted that COVID is on the rise and recommends everyone wear a mask. He also believes the issues over allowing plant protections is purely an aesthetic one.

• Read a letter into record from Don and Tina Freel who are in support of covered tennis courts as brought up by other owners.

From Sept. 16 regular meeting

• Dennis Dishaw spoke as president of the Sunriver Police Foundation, a nonprofit organization independent from the Sunriver Service District. The formation was formed to

provide monetary support to the department – such as providing credit cards for officers to buy food, shoes or clothing to support the community and those in need.

• Randy Schneider stated he supports the foundation. He also supports the proposed changes by the Design Committee related to the plant protection issue and that it was based on good research. He also inquired as to why the recycling center has not yet been closed since there is now side-yard recycling available to owners.

• Paul Conte also commended Dishaw on the foundation and feels it is an important interaction piece with the community. He also noted that false claims were made against him in previous board meetings.

Board actions

• Approved minutes of the Aug. 3 SROA special board meeting as corrected.

• Approved minutes of the Aug. 18 SROA board work session as corrected.

• Approved minutes of the Aug. 19 SROA regular board meeting as written.

• Approved minutes of the

SROA Financial Report

Aug. 19 SROA annual meeting as corrected.

• Approved minutes of the Aug. 31 SROA special board meeting as written.

• Approved August 2023 financial statement (unaudited).

• Approved appointment of Mark Murray as SROA board member to fill vacancy effective immediately and the term expiring at close of the SROA annual meeting in August 2025.

• Approved transfer of $607,379.24 from Reserves to Operating for Public Works campus construction.

• Approved 3% discount to owners who pay their maintenance fee, in full, by January 2023. This does not include SHARC or other special purpose assessments.

• Approved Resolution 2023006 for 2023/24 authorizing designated signatories for association accounts.

Even the best laid plan can go astray. Maybe you had some wonderful picnic or river rafting plans in August, a month where fires in Central Oregon caused poor air quality in our area. The air probably caused you to cancel some swimming, river rafting, walking and cycling plans.

With SHARC pools and the Member Pool, the threshold of air quality causing closure is when particles are more than 150 parts per million. The standard is a combination of state requirements and a desire to protect our staff and patrons.

When above that level, our staff looks at weather predictions for winds and the potential lowering of particles to determine if we can open later, say 11:30 a.m., noon or even as late as 2 p.m. If we can, we do.

In August, the air quality caused us to close the SHARC and the Member Pool three full days and eight partial days.

These cancelled days not only affect patron’s swimming plans but also affect the SROA budget.

Closure means lower paid admissions by those who aren’t owners, or using owner Member Preference Program cards or the Recreational Plus Program cards assigned to rental homes whose owners subscribe to the recreation program.

• Approved unbudgeted GIS platform contract and authorized SROA board president to sign on behalf of the association with a maximum total of $92,182.40. This system will allow better sharing of information and consistency between departments as well as being cloud-based for “in the field” data collection and the ability to combine SROA’s numerous databases.

Committee/board action requests

• Approved allowing Patty Smith to remain chair on the Covenants Committee for an additional year to allow training and continuity as no one came forward to chair the committee.

• Further moved to allow three Design Committee mem-

Cash gate revenue in August was $91,000 less than July. We normally expect August to be $10,000 to $15,000 below July based on the historically lower August usage. However, our revenue was significantly less. And, we didn’t have a corresponding reduction in expenses. The lifeguards report for work but can’t work due to air quality. We keep them on the clock, paying their wages, hoping to open by late morning or early afternoon. We put them to work doing some cleaning or needed prep work, but we would rather they were serving as lifeguards for our patron’s enjoyment.

After the problems with air quality in the 2022 season, we invested in an industrial air filtration system at SHARC which helped with the interior of SHARC – allowing us to keep the exercise room and owner’s lounge open most of those low air quality days. But even the indoor pool gets closed

continued from page 4

bers: Stephen Bosson, Marybeth Collon and Paul Lindstrom to move from alternate to full-time positions. This was necessary to ensure the committee has the required number of full-time members to meet guidelines of the charter associated with meeting commitments and requirements.

Board discussion

• A proposed initiative petition submitted by owners and related to plan protections failed as presented to the board. The board noted that the proposed language was subjective and unenforceable.

• The board tabled approval of language as presented by the Design Committee regarding tree protections as it was brought up that the length of time a tree could be protected should be based on height/size of the tree, not age.

Association operations

• Administration: Worked with legal counsel regarding

owner non-payment of fees/ fines. Finalized a lot line adjustment for new Public Works building. Met with architects to discuss future office remodeling at SROA administration and SHARC. Participated in ongoing COIC steering committee meetings, now called the Newberry Partnership Strategic Action Plan. Meetings continue with TDS related to construction and migration to fiber. Conducted the first Strategic Plan 2030 Task Force meeting.

• Accounting: Worked with the SSD on their accounting and payroll transition. Worked with the on-site reserve specialist. Developed and distributed the 2024 budget packets to department heads.

• Communications : Promoted Jobe Fortner concert and Uncorked events. Collaborating with area stakeholders about the Oct. 14 annular eclipse, which will be visible from Sunriver. Continue to work on the map design for new pathway kiosks.

• Community Development : There are 293 active projects. Continue to update

the annual gate projection.

the Design Committee on procedural elements in the new Design Manual and how staff will convey those new rules to owners. There were continued discussions with the Design Committee related to plant protections.

• Natural Resources: Prepared and mailed ladder fuels reduction second violations. Prepared and mailed noxious weed violations. War on Weeds was a success thanks to more than 45 volunteers who helped pull weeds on commons. Continued 2023 LFR and tree thinning on commons.

• IT: Implemented monthly file/server restores for disaster recovery planning. Researched application for GPS directions for the new pathway kiosks. Creating digital SROA citation notification to replace paper citations. All fuel cards have been updated for new fuel system. Replaced the Davis weather station.

Anderson Pools warranty issues still in process, including items at the Member Pool. Moved all crew operations from the round house to the annex building. The round house has been demolished and removed by PW crews and have relocated several utilities for the project to save costs on the project. Katie Wright has been hired as a PW tech. The crew is still down by three, with two expected to return in October.

• Recreation/SHARC : It was a tough month with cooler temperatures and smoky days that affected operations. The ticketed concert didn’t sell out but those who attended enjoyed the event. Fall events include a new wine, food and

continued from page 4

music event. September pickleball and tennis tournaments were well attended. The outdoor pool will remain open, weather permitting, post Labor Day. Summer employee Sammie Tirrill accepted a full-time, front desk position.

The meeting adjourned at 11:43 a.m.

The next SROA board work session will take place at 9 a.m. Oct. 20 followed by the regular board meeting at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 21. To watch the meeting live via YouTube, or at a later time, visit the meeting date on SROA website calendar for the YouTube link. Meeting minutes, once approved, are available on the SROA website at www.sunriverowners.org

our Bylaws (Article III, Section 9) spell out the process for their initiative to be put to a vote of all owners.

continued from page 4

due to air quality. The building mechanical design, and garage door wall design from 10 years ago did not anticipate smoke being an issue. With the need to draw fresh air from the outside into the system we need to close when there is poor air quality.

For the calendar year, we budgeted gate admission to SHARC at $580,000.

Through the end of July, we were on budget to meet the $580,000 goal with cash gate at $380,000, $35,000 ahead of estimated year to date gate revenue. The drop in August revenue may cause us to miss

Another monetary impact is a reduction in café revenue when SHARC is closed and the amount of revenue sharing SROA receives from the vendor.

I will report how revenue turns out as we get to the end of the year. And, as we discussed in past articles, we are ahead of budget in other revenue sources and have seen savings in several areas of budgeted expenses. So, we should be in good financial shape at year end.

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

• Public Works: Met with owners at Winners Circle about possible amenities to area where tennis courts were removed several years ago. A contractor was selected for fall road projects. Annual servicing and pump tests were conducted on the fire department’s pump truck. Researching options to automate HVAC systems to filter smoke better in the indoor pool area.

voted on and received eight nay votes. There was robust discussion about both proposals, but board members felt the initiative proposal lacked specificity, making enforcement challenging. What is “reasonable” to the owner implementing plant protection is highly subjective. The owners who brought forth the initiative have the option of collecting 500 voting member signatures in support of their initiative. If they are successful,

Going forward, the proposal submitted by the Design Committee will undergo more analysis/clarification and could be brought back at our October meeting. I encourage all owners who have plant protection in place to become familiar with the proposal from the Design Committee (now posted on the SROA website). Comments for or against this proposal would be appreciated by your board.

Community input sought on the future of south Deschutes County

The Newberry Regional Partnership greatly appreciates south Deschutes County community members who participated in the 2023 Community Survey from June 6 to July 18. The goal was to receive 571 completed surveys based on a population of 12,000. The final count was 1,162, and three out of four survey participants shared they are willing to participate in follow up qualitative research.

Participants shared their greatest concerns, including uncontrolled growth; homeless population; drug use; crime; limited availability of police protection; increase in traffic; lack of affordable/available housing and some animosity between residents who do not

share similar values. The participants expressed a need for wildfire prevention, and more local restaurants and shopping.

“We are beyond grateful to everyone who took the time to answer questions and share their thoughts and ideas about the future of south Deschutes County,” said Kathy DeBone,

October is last month for LFR

WHO: SROA Public Works Department & SROA Owners only (contractors excluded)

WHAT: Roadside pickup of ladder fuel materials or debris, including:

• branches or limbs

• seedlings under 4” diameter at breast height (dbh)

• large shrubs or brush such as bitterbrush or manzanita

WHEN: Beginning the first week of each month, April through October.

WHERE: All lanes in Sunriver are checked; there is no need to call for pickup.

HOW: Neatly stack material parallel to the road, where it will be collected by Public Works crews.

WHY: To support Sunriver owners meet community Ladder Fuels Reduction standards.

For more guidance: www.sunriverowners.org/lfr

Newberry Regional Partnership co-chair. “Your feedback is vital in helping us understand what issues to focus on.”

A team of residents and organizations, the Newberry Regional Partnership has worked together since 2022 to facilitate ways to bring community members together to plan for long-range growth in south Deschutes County.

“It’s important to every member of the partnership that we listen to community members’ ideas, feedback and vision for what they want for their communities,” said Dwane Krumme, Newberry Regional Partnership chair. “We under-

stand the value of providing opportunities for community members to participate in planning their communities.”

The first step was conducting the survey. The next step is inviting community members to participate in meetings focusing on: Education; Health & Human Services; Public Safety; Economy; Natural Resources & the Environment; and Arts & Culture.

There will be six meetings on Tuesdays at the La Pine Community Activity Center and three meetings on Thursdays at SHARC in Sunriver. Everyone is welcome to attend the meetings.

La Pine meetings begin at 5 p.m. with a community meal, and discussion from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

• Public Safety, Oct. 3

• Economic Development, Oct. 10

• Health & Human Services, Oct. 17

• Arts & Culture, Oct. 24

• Environmental & Natural Resources, Nov. 7

• Education, Nov. 14

The Sunriver meetings begin at 4 p.m. with a community meal and discussion from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

• Public Safety, Oct. 12

• Arts & Culture, Nov. 2

• Education, Nov. 16

“After we complete the community meetings, we also plan to have focus groups,” DeBone shared. “Our goal is to take what we learn from community members and create a strategic action plan and possibly form a community foundation.”

Krumme added the partnership aims to have a plan that allows community members to see their ideas, vision and feedback put into action.

“We want to create a plan that everyone feels they had a part of, and that they have been heard,” Krumme said. For information or to sign up to participate in a community meeting, please email jbaumgartner@coic.org or call 541-771-2498.

Sunriver Community Christmas Sharing Program

The Sunriver Community Christmas Sharing Program provides food for a Christmas meal for deserving families and a Christmas present for children in our 97707 Zip code area (Sunriver and Three Rivers).

More than 6,300 people live in the Sunriver and Three Rivers community.

There are many deserving families in our local community who could use our help. With your donations of food, money and/or time, children's gifts and food for holiday meals will be purchased from local businesses to give to local families.

Volunteers will gather to buy, wrap, sort and distribute gifts and food to OUR neighbors. This activity replaces December's food distribution by the local Care and Share program. Be sure and look for November’s article in the Scene for how you can participate in helping our neighbors this Christmas season.

By Deni Porter

We live and work in one of the most generous communities in Central Oregon. Because not everyone in our community has a full tummy, the artists at the Artist Gallery Sunriver would like for you to mark your October calendar for a multi-day celebration of you and your generosity. We hope to see all of you at the Artist’s Gallery in The Village at Sunriver from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13 and Saturday, Oct. 14. As a special thank you to our favorite community, many artists will be offering a 10% discount on purchases all day Friday.

It takes many hands to raise 2,000+ pounds of donated food for Care and Share, the local south Deschutes food bank. Together with local Sunriver sponsors, the Artists’ Gallery accomplishes the task with fun and flair. Partner sponsors make generous contributions –First Interstate Bank, Sunriver Brewing Company, The Fold Restaurant and Hot Lava Baking – but the food contributions come from you.

Our way of thanking you for your generosity is to provide a weekend of fun, discounts, art giveaways, music, food and beverages. Enjoy music and sip wine and beer provided by the

Gallery while you watch the many artists’ demonstrations. For the sixth year in a row, we are asking you to "Fill Don’s Truck" with non-perishable food items or cash donations. Receive a raffle ticket for your donations and you will be entered into multiple drawings for art, jewelry, and fine crafts – all donated by artists at the gallery. You do not have to be present to win.

Of course, you may drop off

Artists' Gallery thanks you for being a great community Landscapes take center stage at Betty Gray Gallery

food donations any time at the gallery and receive your raffle tickets. The gallery will have pre-holiday shopping treasures to choose from. Please join your fellow Central Oregonians in celebrating friendship and generosity.

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

By Jim Fister

With October bringing a rare eclipse to Sunriver, the Betty Gray Gallery is moving to bring some local plein air art to its walls. The gallery in the Sunriver Resort Lodge has hosted a variety of local artists this year, and the final shows

reflect the scenes and the textures of Central Oregon. New to the upstairs gallery, plein air painters Kathleen Keliher and JoAnn Burgess will be showcasing their wonderful works. Keliher is the current president of the Plein Air Painters of Oregon, and uses the high desert

landscape as inspiration for her work. She focuses on capturing the energy in the scene as much as she does the objects and works on quick brush strokes and copious paint to create her work. Both painters will exhibit together, and the show starts in early October and runs through the rest of the year. Downstairs, Michelle Lindblom is featuring a new show – “Connecting Through Textures.” Lindblom has always been enamored with textures. Since moving to Central Oregon, textural elements have made their way into her

artwork more intensely, at first, more as visual textural patterns, and then using a multitude of materials she has collected. She is featuring eight monotypes using a wide variety of textural elements. Cardboard packing strips, mesh, lace and other fabrics, newspaper clippings, monotypes adhered to canvas as well as acrylic on paper adhered to canvas, creating a unique story. Come visit the Betty Gray Gallery while the air is crisp and see how the changing weather impacts your impressions of the local art.

Visions of Sugar Plums Food/ Bake Sale Extravaganza will be held 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11 at SHARC, 57250 Overlook Road in Sunriver. Sponsored by Sunriver Christian Fellowship, the event has raised more than $120,000 in the last several years. The proceeds go to local charities in south Deschutes County. Some of the local charities that have benefitted in the past include Court Appointed Special Advocates, La Pine-Sunriver Habitat for Humanity, Neighbor Impact, Care for Kids, Nancy’s House, Bethlehem Inn, Volunteers in Medicine, La Pine Clinic, Care and Share, Saving Grace, Healthy Beginnings, Grandma’s House, Mountain Star, Friends of the Children and Adaptive Sports. As you can see many organizations in south Deschutes County benefit greatly from the proceeds of the Visions of Sugar Plums

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Plant

continued from page 3

be in place. So, the rule has been tabled, for now, until additional research can be done on whether age vs. size should be the determining factor for tree protection. You can read the proposed language from the Design Committee on the SROA website at www. sunriverowners.org. Go to Departments > Community Development > Design Manual & Forms. Owner comments are welcome no later than Oct. 16 to infosroa@srowners.org for consideration at the next board meeting.

Kathleen Keliher

Sunriver You lineup of fall classes

By Helen Heeren

Please go to www.sunriver you.com to see the class descriptions, biographies of the presenters and to register. All classes require registration which closes 24 hours before the class start time.

SROA New Dog Park Forum

Thursday, Oct. 12 at 4 p.m. by Zoom.

A Parks & Recreation Task Force, comprised of owners and community stakeholders, met over the past year to review the current state of our parks, facilities and pathways and make recommendations that will guide improvements over the next 5-10 years. A dedicated dog park was high on the list of desired improvements. This is the first project proposed as a result of the recommendations in the new Parks & Recreation Master Plan. Keith Kessaris, SROA assistant general manager, will discuss the timeline and details of the new dog park and the long range plans for the area surrounding it. There will be time for questions specific to this topic at the end of the presentation.

Tech Forum: The Best Apps for Travel and How to Use Them

Wednesday, Oct. 18, 3 p.m. in person at SHARC. Presented by Sunriver resident and travel professional Terry Rife. Do you have issues with travel apps? What are the musthave apps when traveling either domestically or internationally? This class will attempt to ease

Sugar

continued from page 8

Food/Bake Sale Extravaganza. It is a great way to stock up your freezer for the holidays with all kinds of delicious desserts, appetizers and main courses. There will be every kind of baked good imaginable, including gluten free options. Also, some amazing holiday gifts for your holiday entertaining will be on sale. There will be a children’s activity table to keep the little ones entertained while adults are shopping. To see pictures of the many amazing items, visit the Visions’ Facebook page at Facebook.com/ groups/Visions of Sugar Plums or email us at vspsunriver@ gmail.com with any questions or comments. This event is the gift that keeps on giving.

any frustration in trying to download and navigate these common travel apps. This is a hands on class. Please bring your smart phone and/or other smart device (apps do not work on computers), any upcoming travel itineraries along with confirmation numbers, and your sense of humor. We will leave time for independent work as Rife assists in answering individual questions. The goal of the class is to cover a variety of travel apps, their benefits and ease of use, as well as tackle individual issues and to get those apps working for you.

Travel Forum: Morocco and More

Thursday, Oct. 19, 4-5:30 p.m. at SHARC. Presented by Lucy and Dan Hilburn, Terry Rife and Helen and Ron Heeren.

In what country can you ride a camel in the desert, hike below snow-capped peaks, and stroll on a beach in the same day? Join us for an interactive travel forum that will feature photos and travel recommendations for magical Morocco. It's a fascinating destination that combines the Sahara Desert, the High Atlas Mountains, Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines, fantastic food, and a blend of ancient cultures. The forum will also include two shorter presentations, one on how to minimize jet lag, and another to share advice

for wannabe RV travelers. Plan to stay afterward for socializing and sharing travel stories; BYOB, if desired.

The Hilburns reveled in the magic of Morocco for a month, traveling alone, with local friends, and with a small group. Rife is a travel professional who has extensive experience countering the effects of jet lag. The Heerens have been enjoying their 2021 Airstream for a few years and are ready to share what they’ve learned.

Electrify Now and Save: How to Take Advantage of State and Federal Tax Credits to Lower Your Home Energy Bills

Thursday, Nov. 2, 3 to 4 p.m. in person at SHARC. Presented by Sunriver resident Lynne Haroun.

Are you looking for ways to reduce your electricity and gas bills? Looking to replace appliances now or in the future, but don’t know what to choose or where to get help? Are you concerned about climate change and wondering what you can do to lower your carbon footprint? This class will help you answer these questions and more. Learn about tax credits and other incentives for energyefficient upgrades including insulation, windows, rooftop solar, heat pump water heaters, heat pump AC/heaters, induc-

Turn to Classes, page 14

Sunriver needs you

By Mark Fisler

The SROA Owner Enrichment Committee is in the process of creating a list of people to volunteer to support the various functions that take place in Sunriver. If the need arises, we will send a “looking for volunteers” email to fill any gaps that the organizers may have for an event. Possible volunteer opportunities include movie nights, concerts at SHARC, Uncorked wine event and so on. No commitment is necessary – if you’re willing and able and the event fits your schedule, then just say “yes.” You don’t need to be a full-time resident. It’s a great

way to meet new Sunriver friends. If you would like to be added to the volunteer list, send your name and email to ownerenrichment@srowners. org. Include a phone number, if you like.

There have been numerous questions about resuming potluck dinner night at SHARC. These events were held for several years before the “great pause.” While there is broad interest, we are lacking someone to jump start the program. If you are interested, please respond to the volunteer request above and

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joanna@bendnet.com

We have bought and sold multiple properties with Joanna and also worked with her as part of her property management role. Top notch all the way around.

Presents

“A DAY AT THE

RANGE”

HOW LONG HAS IT BEEN SINCE YOU PRACTICED?

JOIN US FOR A MORNING OF INSTRUCTION FROM SURIVER’S LT. LOPEZ AND OUR OFFICERS TO PRACICE AT THE BEND PD RANGE

MONDAY OCTOBER 16th

8:45 am Check in - coffee – pastries

9:00 Review Basics – safety, laws

9:30 Bus to Range

10:15 Sgt. John Beck – Range officer

10:45 Shooting

12:00 Bus to Sunriver

$45.00 Donation to attend

INFORMATION – TEXT (818) 612-0913

SIGN UP: ddishaw1@earthlink.net

Sponsored By: US Bank – Sunriver Resort – Hammer Down Firearms

Putting the ‘fun’ in fungi

By Kelli Neumann, SNCO Programs Manager

Plants and animals have a myriad of adaptations and processes with which to facilitate successful reproduction.

However, none of them involve hijacking a neural network and overriding the normal brain function of a host in order to propagate themselves. And this is just one example of the terrible and fascinating processes by which the Earth’s primary recyclers conduct themselves in the time-honed tradition of proliferation.

Imagine a lineage of living things who are immobile, constrained by a “rooted” existence, and yet dependent on consuming living or nonliving matter.

This is the “Fungi Kingdom,” a group of organisms ranging from single-celled creatures such as yeasts and molds to the largest known living thing, a colony of mushrooms measuring over three and a half miles across.

As human history is such an

infinitesimal measure of things, it makes little sense to measure these systems in any scope of human understanding, except to say that we are fascinated, dependent, and ultimately broken apart by these beings.

Fungi were generally thought of as some sort of odd plant for most of our past attempts to classify things. It was not until the 1970s that they were identified in popular taxonomy as wholly apart from either plant or animal life.

Like most animals, fungi acquire nutrients through digestion. This is markedly different from the strategy employed by plants who instead photosynthesize, changing light energy to chemical energy in order to fuel themselves. Fungi are also unique from those who run down, browse, or otherwise orally consume their food.

Fungi absorb simple sugars and amino acids by secreting digesting enzymes into the substrate they inhabit. They accomplish this with their hyphae. Collectively referred

to as mycelium, these root-like structures often exist in vast networks undetected by the human eye, twining complexly within the substrate the fungi are breaking down.

The unifying characteristics of these widely diverse creatures include reproduction via spores and the primary method of expansion centering on cell division occurring at hyphae tips. The method in which they decompose organic material can be classified into three basic types.

Saprophytic fungi feed on dead organic substances while parasitic fungi obtain their nourishment from living matter. The third type relies on symbiosis, an interdependence which sustains both the fungi and the organism associated with it. Often this co-dependence is so marked that neither can exist without the other.

It is estimated that 90% of all plant species rely on a mycorrhizal relationship with fungi. In this symbiosis, the fungi mycelium breaks down organic matter in the soil and thus allows the roots of the plants they inhabit better access to the

CONSIDERING SELLING YOUR HOME THIS FALL?

simple nutrients unleashed by the process of decay.

Another example of an association between fungi and plants is lichen. A composite organism created from algae or cyanobacteria and fungi, lichen can be found thriving in some of the most inhospitable habitats on the planet.

A mushroom is a reproductive structure utilized by several fungi species. These fleshy protuberances carry the spores and expand above ground from the subterrain mat of mycelium. General components are the stem, cap, and gills in varying morphologies. Many mushrooms are an excellent source of nutrients and provide unique flavor profiles. Some species have been cultivated and are readily available at your local supermarket, others offer the complex challenge of understanding their habitat and time-intensive foraging to enjoy their delicacy.

Oregon hosts a variety of terrestrial ecosystems, from damp coastal forests to dry sandy deserts. Mushroom-producing fungi are included in this biodiversity and the damp conifer

forests of the Pacific Northwest are an ideal habitat for wild edible mushrooms.

Sought-after delicacies such as morels, chanterelles and matsutakes can be bountiful – if you know where to look.

Fungi Fest in October

If you are curious about the mysterious world of fungi, the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory is teaming up with Central Oregon Mushroom Club for the 7th annual Fungi Fest and Mushroom Show on Saturday, Oct. 7.

This is a unique event in Central Oregon and features a mushroom display and identification table, so you can bring your samples to be identified by mycology experts. Browse fungi-inspired vendors and informative stations.

Lectures and demonstrations will be included in the event as well as fun family activities. Foraging field trips will be available the day before and a mushroom-inspired dinner hosted by Sunriver Resort will be available the evening after. Information can be found at https://fungifest.snco.org/

If you have been considering selling, fall is a great time to list as the weather is gorgeous, it is easier to get into vacation properties, and serious buyers are ready to purchase. The marketing strategy and negotiation skills of your agent matters more than ever and directly impacts your bottom line. I am a certified Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE) and offer innovative technology, award winning marketing, and unrivaled service to ensure your home is seen by qualified buyers—locally and worldwide! Let’s connect and position you for success!

Jenn is proud to be recognized as RealTrends top 1.5% of agents by production in the U.S. since 2020, and in the top 1% of all real estate sales in Deschutes County since 2017.

Don't miss this month's annual eclipse

By Phia Morton, Observatory Staff

On Saturday, Oct. 14, the Moon will pass in front of the Sun from our perspective here on Earth. The Moon’s orbit is elliptical, such that the distance from the Moon to the Earth varies. Unlike the eclipse in 2017, the Moon is too far from the Earth in its orbit to completely block the Sun. As a result, this is an annular eclipse, where the Sun’s corona cannot be seen and there is no moment of totality. This event is known for characteristically looking like a ring of fire look and even the name ‘annular’ derives from the Latin word for ring.

Eclipses do not occur every month because the Moon’s orbit lies at an angle relative to the plane of the solar system. This means most often during a new Moon, the Moon is either too high or too low from our perspective to block any part of the Sun.

A solar eclipse can only occur when a new Moon intersects this plane, because the Moon must be directly between the Sun and the Earth. The Moon’s exact position determines where on Earth the eclipse is visible. For this eclipse, the path of annularity (where the Moon is directly in front of the Sun) begins over the Pacific Ocean and

Civic engagement in Sunriver

By Sean Creighton, Second Tern Manager

Some 30 years ago, political scientist Robert Putnam wrote an essay on the declining social capital in the United States. Social capital refers to the ways in which people organize to foster coordination and cooperation for mutual benefits.

For example, if people attend or represent a local homeowners or parent teacher association, they come to know their

neighbors' needs and interests on a personal level, which generally transforms their attitudes, expectations, and policy prescriptions in positive ways.

Putnam argued that America once stood as a beacon for civic engagement to countries around the world. Since the 1980s, there has been precipitous declines. He measured these losses by tracking

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will make its way from Oregon to Texas and then through parts of Central and South America before eventually ending over the Atlantic Ocean.

In Sunriver, the partial eclipse begins at 8:05 a.m., with the maximum amount of coverage during the annular phase which begins at 9:19 a.m. and will last for a 1 minute and 38 seconds. For a longer duration, travel to Crater Lake where annularity will last 4 minutes and 24 seconds.

During an annular eclipse, protective glasses must be worn throughout the event to block the Sun’s light. It is never safe to take them off because the Moon will not cover the Sun completely.

It is recommended to not

reuse old eclipse glasses from 2017, in case they are unknowingly damaged.

Unused glasses from 2017 are safe. Make sure your glasses meet the ISO 12312-2 or ISO 12312-2:2015 international safety standards. You must use proper eclipse glasses to prevent permanent eye damage and never look at the Sun directly.

Following the solar eclipse

on Saturday, Oct. 14, there will be a lunar eclipse on Saturday, Oct. 28 visible from most of Europe, Asia and Africa. This occurs when the Earth’s shadow blocks the Sun’s light and the Moon will take on a reddish hue. Solar and lunar eclipses come in pairs because when the Moon intersects the ecliptic, it will do so for a long enough time to produce both.

Ponderosa seedling online sale

If you are concerned about drought and wildfires, then consider planting ponderosa pines. And planting in the fall is much better because the roots will be established and can begin growing in the early spring.

Planting ponderosa pines not only can enhance your property value, but it helps diversify and strengthen our valuable forest ecosystem. And since ponderosa pines are fire resistant and drought tolerant once they

get established. You can expect a much higher survival.

Prices for ponderosa seedlings range from $15 to $50+, depending upon size and stature. (Note: this is less than what local nurseries charge.) There will also be limited quantities of several other native species.

Detailed planting instructions with special tips to optimize success are included. Order your trees online

through www.snco.org from Oct. 13-23. Pick-up your ponderosas from Oct. 23 through the following week.

These hardy seedlings are from seeds of specially selected, local ponderosa pines, (which may not be the case, if you buy

from nurseries or stores). The seedlings were potted 1 to 3 years ago, cared for by local students, and are acclimated to our challenging environment – another bonus. The rich, compost potting soil and irrigation were donated by Sunriver Water and Environmental, LLC.

Sales revenue is used to buy more seedlings for Project Ponderosa, the local educational/ environmental program, and benefits two local participating schools as well as the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory.

participation rates in clubs, school boards, unions, owner associations, churches, fraternal organizations, and various other forms of volunteer engagement.

Putnam’s essay and subsequent book did not have a positive influence on civic engagement or the development of social capital over the last 30 years, despite gaining widespread attention from various political figures on both sides of the aisle and appearing routinely in sociology departments across the country.

Today, people are less likely than in previous generations to participate in social organizations. Nationally, we experienced a small uptick in engagement after 9/11. Unfortunately, that bump only lasted for six months, and declining trends continued shortly thereafter. Countertrends, such as the advent of social media and virtual social environments emerged to potentially offset the losses. The internet became

a useful resource that fostered the ability for social organizations to function; yet it did not produce higher participation rates in organizations broadly.

And, although there was an increase in new forms of organizations, such as women’s clubs, nonprofits, and a variety of support groups, these groups have not curtailed the overall declines across the nation.

The benefits of social capital are difficult to understate. Participation in social and civic organizations leads to stronger social trust. Such folks are better at resolving collective problems (e.g., what to do with water resources during a drought).

When we trust our neighbors who serve as civic and business leaders, we see their actions as benefiting our communities; further, their actions are more likely to be considerate of the members of our communities.

Areas with a high degree of social capital see benefits in children’s welfare and education, have safer and more productive neighborhoods, have a higher degree of economic

prosperity, have strengthened support for biomedical health, and report higher degrees of overall happiness.

This brings me to our community here in Sunriver and the surrounding Three Rivers area. This is a special place for civic organizing. For example, Kristine Thomas, with the Sunriver Area Chamber of Commerce, actively develops various socials where local groups gather to support one another. We have a variety of homeowners associations and volunteer led charitable organizations. Many local churches, clubs, and businesses provide positive aspects of social outreach. Many retired individuals spend their retirement working to make our communities better places to live.

One organization that sets the stage for volunteer efforts is the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory (SNCO). In 1984, the Sunriver Resort donated eight acres of land for the SNCO campus. The Bowermans developed annual rummage sales which were held in the Great Hall for four years to fund the SNCO efforts. In

the late 80s and early 90s, the Second Tern was created (because of the surplus of goods) and moved around a bit, finally landing at its Spring River location. Most recently SNCO has more than 100 volunteers who have donated close to 20,000 hours annually. In particular, the Second Tern Thrift Store, which is still a primarily volunteer run organization, contributed more than $500,000 to the operation of SNCO last year alone.

Through the combined efforts of community donations and invested local residents, the Second Tern has created a countertrend against the decline of social capital. The Second Tern provides a space for folks who have thrifting needs and desires to come shop in a friendly environment with familiar faces. Some volunteers have served for close to 30 years. Items that do not make it to the shelves, or do not sell, get donated to local organizations that serve some of the leastadvantaged members of our local communities. If items are not worthy of such donations, they get recycled to groups

that connect materials with developing countries around the world.

The Second Tern works because it is a fun place to spend the day. As a volunteer, you have the freedom to engage in various departments. On Friday and Saturday, when items come in for donation, volunteers evaluate and research their value and stage the items immediately on the floor for sale. It is common for goods to turn around from receiving to the front door in less than an hour. When things like bikes come in with slight malfunctions, they get fixed and put out for resale. The volunteers track their department's sales through the year and compare them to previous trends. More importantly, there is a trusted community where folks celebrate and support one another. If there is a birthday or family emergency, people respond with food, cards, parties, tools, and goods. The volunteers gather for libations next door after sales days. When folks volunteer with the Second Tern and Sunriver Nature Turn to Tern, page 13

541.593.3225 ~ 541.771.2201 ccb#63694

Buy and plant ponderosa pine seedlings to help restore our healthy forests.

meetings & gatherings

OCTOBER MEETINGS & GATHERINGS

ALL subject to change. Visit online calendars for more details

SROA Committees

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

SROA Board of Directors

Gerhard Beenen, president sroaboard@srowners.org

Covenants

Patty Smith covenants@srowners.org

Design Richard Look, chair designinfo@srowners.org

Election Patty Smith, chair election@srowners.org

Finance Clark Pederson, chair finance@srowners.org

Nominating

Holly Hendricks, chair nominating@srowners.org

Owner Enrichment

Mark Fisler, chair ownerenrichment@srowners.org

Interested in joining a committee, special project or task force?

Contact Becki Sylvester at SROA by calling 541-593-2411.

continued from page 12

Center and Observatory, they are immediately connected to the benefits of positive social capital.

For what it is worth, I believe that social capital outweighs monetary and supply contributions. While it is nice to support local nonprofits, those nonprofits exist to support our local communities. Our local communities are composed of our neighbors, visitors, and a beautiful biotic community. If you are one of the fortunate folks who has time to get more involved, please email Sean@ SNCO.org.

Visit The Second Tern at 17377 Spring River Road, just west of Harper Bridge. The Tern is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday year-round, and donations are accepted 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on open days. For volunteering, information, or questions, please call 541-593-3367 or visit www.secondtern.com

What’s Next?

It’s been said opportunity is where you find it. We are starting to see inventories build within certain market segments across Central Oregon. This is providing Buyers with more choices. These choices may equate to Buyers having more leverage in negotiations. It is still too early to tell if this is an ongoing trend or merely a pause. Sellers are still realizing some comfortable gains when priced appropriately. In our experience, the volume of people aware of and wanting to live in Central Oregon is still rising. The levels of demand aren’t quite what they were, but demand still exists. If you’ve been considering a purchase in Central Oregon, now may be the time. At the Jones Group, we watch the market closely and pivot as necessary. Experience matters. We help Buyers and Sellers answer “What’s Next?”

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

Tuesday

Mountain Meadow Quilters

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

Partners Bridge

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

Wednesday

Sunriver Rotary

7:30 a.m., Hearth Room at the Sunriver Lodge

www.sunriver-lapinerotary.org

Sunriver Republicans

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

Thursday

Duplicate Bridge

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

area church services

Holy Trinity Catholic Mass: 9:30am Thurs.;

5:30pm Sat.; 8am Sun. 18143 Cottonwood Road 541-593-5990, 541-536-3571

www.holyredeemerparish.net

Fr. Paul Antao, SDB

Community Bible Church at Sunriver 10am Sunday 57175 Theater Drive 541-593-8341

www.cbcsunriver.org

Pastor: Jeff Welch

Sunriver Christian Fellowship

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

www.sunriverchristianfellowship.org

Associate Pastor: Rob Pearson

The Door at Three Rivers 10am Sunday 86885 Enterprise Drive (Bus. Park) 541-550-3088

www.thedoor3r.org

Pastor: Brent Maxwell

Classes

continued from page 9

tion cooktops, and electric cars. Tax codes and credits can be confusing. This presentation will walk you through those details and provide resources to estimate the incentives available to you. Haroun has a master’s degree in Environmental Health Sciences and Public Health. Since retiring, she has been pursuing her interest in climate change, participating in workshops on the science and impacts of climate change and on collective and individual actions to reduce ecological and carbon footprints.

Understanding and Managing Stress

Wednesday, Nov. 8, 3-4 p.m. in person at SHARC. Presented by Roberta Stopler, LMFT. The problem of stress is a problem of perception. Gener-

ally, we misidentify stress and stressors and tend to reduce our ability to manage ourselves by engaging in negative selftalk. Stopler will explain how you can change how you feel by better understanding your thinking and offer effective mechanisms for coping with the negative impact of stress. This information is useful all of the time, but especially during the holidays. She will also talk about learning to recognize common holiday triggers (relationships, finances, physical demands) so that you can disarm them before they lead to a meltdown. Stopler has been a Sunriver resident for 13 years. She has more than 40 years of experience in private practice using cognitive behavioral therapy to help individuals, couples, and families.

Medicare 101: What You Need to Know

Wednesday, Nov. 15, 3-4:30

CUSTOM METAL WORK

p.m. in person at SHARC. Presented by Cheri Martinen, a certified insurance counselor and president of Bancorp Insurance.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed about aging into Medicare. This educational seminar is for those who are currently on Medicare or who will be turning 65 this year. The workshop will clearly explain Medicare Part A, Part B and Part D, as well as Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplemental Plans, and Part D Prescription Drug Plans. Martinen will pres-

ent an overview of the requirements and resources to know about so you leave the class feeling educated and able to make the best decision for you.

Bancorp Insurance is a thirdgeneration family-owned and operated insurance agency. The agency staff includes specialists in Medicare and health insurance lines as well as personal and commercial insurance lines.

SROA Long Range Strategic Plan Forum

Tuesday, Nov. 21, 4 p.m. via

Get spooky in Sunriver

Village pre-Halloween event

The Village at Sunriver is excited to announce an expansion of its traditional Halloween event. Join in the festivities on Saturday, Oct. 28 from 2 to 5 p.m. for trick-or-treating, costume contests, family friendly games, activities and more. Visit the Village website at www.VillageAtSunriver.com/ events for more details on all of the added fun.

Trunk-or-Treat on Halloween

Community members are invited to celebrate Halloween at the annual Trunk-or-Treat from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31 at The Door, 56885 Enterprise Dr. in the Sunriver Business Park.

Everyone is welcome to the free community event to enjoy hot dogs, apple cider, treats, and amazing Halloween decorations.

For those who would like to decorate their vehicle and join us, please contact Brent at pastorbrent@thedoor3r.org

KEN OLSON: 541-213-8861

AUTHOR EVENT

James Byrne • Oct. 21, 5pm

James Byrne (aka Dana Haynes) will be here Saturday October 21 at 5 PM for his latest novel, “Deadlock.” Registration required. Refreshments & prize drawings MYSTERY FICTION

BOOK CLUBS (in person & virtual)

Email sunriverbooks@sunriverbooks.com for details and to receive the Zoom link

Zoom.

The Long Range Strategic Plan Task Force has had three meetings to discuss long term goals for Sunriver. The task force has been looking ahead to where Sunriver should or might be in 10 years and how to get there. Keith Kessaris, SROA assistant general manager, will present what they have discussed so far. Then the forum will be open for community input via the chat feature on Zoom. Please have your big picture ideas, suggestions and questions ready for the forum to be discussed and considered in the long range plan.

Needs

continued from page 9

mention what role you would be willing to accept to get this event going again.

Finally, the Owner Enrichment Committee is looking for new members. You know us even if you don’t know us. We are a group comprised of your friends and neighbors that try to promote ideas, events, or activities to enrich the Sunriver experience. Looking for a regular volunteer opportunity, tell us your interest when applying to volunteer at the previews email.

Oct. 2, 6pm (Zoom) Oct. 9, 4:30 pm (in person) “Silent Parade” by Keigo Higashino

Brent Redenius President Office: 541-593-8360 Cell: 541-977-6274 brent@springrivertreeservice.com A Full Service Tree Co. TREE REMOVAL BRUSH REMOVAL STUMP GRINDING Sunriver Books & Music The Village at Sunriver, Building 25 541.593.2525 | www.sunriverbooks.com

Oct. 16, 6pm (Zoom) Oct. 23, 4:30 pm (in person) “Pachinko” by Min Jin Lee

President's message

September is membership renewal time for the Sunriver Women’s Club. If you missed renewing or joining, it is not too late.

The club is active all year long and joining is easy at any time. Members of all ages come from Bend, Sunriver, La Pine and beyond; some are full-time residents and others are parttime. All are welcome.

We want members to feel connected. There are a number of ways to participate, and the variety ensures a place for everyone, whether it is social events, luncheons with interesting speakers, Book Clubs, Winter Fun, a new Mountain Biking Club, Dinner Club, Happy Hours, coffee meet ups or helping on a committee. Currently, the Philanthropy Committee is evaluating grant applications for awards to nonprofits serving south Deschutes County.

There is a great mix of having fun and doing good.

Not a member? I encourage you to join and get connected!

–Debbie Baker, SRWC President

Hunger Prevention Fund Challenge

The “3 Amigas Team” accepted Sunriver Women’s Club September Matching Donor Challenge.

This group of local women set the monthly fundraising goal of $700 to help hunger prevention in south Deschutes County. Will you be the October Matching Donor for the Hunger Prevention Fund Challenge?

Each month, a different Matching Donor will set a donation challenge amount and ask the Sunriver community to match that amount to help the fund succeed.

For more information or to donate, please go to www. sunriverwomensclub.org/Hun ger-Prevention-Fund or email fundraising@sunriverwomensclub.org.

SRWC holiday party: Save the date

‘Tis the season to mingle and Jingle. The Sunriver Women’s Club will be hosting its annual holiday party on Tuesday, Dec. 5.

Monthly luncheon series

The Sunriver Women’s Club monthly luncheons are held on the third Tuesday of the month from October through May at the Grille at Crosswater.

Members will have the opportunity to discover and learn about local resources and opportunities through knowledgeable speakers who have made an impact in the community.

It is also a time for informal conversations and to get up to

date information on the club’s fun activities, philanthropic efforts and how to connect by volunteering for an event or project.

Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17 followed by lunch at noon. October’s guest speaker is personal chef Jessica Mortimer. She will share healthy meals made with seasonal ingredients. When Chef Mortimer is not hiking, mountain biking, scuba diving, or sitting on a beach, she's in

the kitchen trying a new recipe. Registration is required at www.sunriverwomensclub.org.

All invited to October social events

The Sunriver Women’s Club is a group of active, dedicated and service-oriented women who enjoy the opportunity to give back to our community, connect with new friends and form lifelong friendships. More than 340 members strong, we welcome women of all ages from all neighborhoods and communities across Central Oregon. Members are both full-time and part-time residents with diverse talents and interests. With a wide variety of social programs, group activities, community service projects and philanthropy programs, there’s something for everyone.

We invite you to join us at our October socials:

• Oct 10: Coffee break at Brewed Awakening 10-11 a.m.

• Oct 24: Happy hour at the Wallow 4-6 p.m. For more information about club events, visit www.sunriverwomensclub.org.

Ladies enjoy the festivities at the SRWC holiday party.

Denny's Stillwater Nymph Materials List

Hook: Firehole 718, Size 14

Thread: Ultra 140 Denier, brown/olive

Weight: 4-6 wraps .015 lead wire

Tail/wing case: Dark olive marabou

Rib: Medium copper wire

Body: Bruiser Blend Jr. olive brown

Tying instructions and steps are being published in video form, and can be found on the Sunriver Anglers Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SunriverAnglers/, or at the following YouTube URL: https://youtu.be/ L809ESshNdA

By Phil Fischer

For this month’s pattern, I am paying tribute to one of the legendary stillwater fly fisherman, Denny Rickards.

Well known in fly fishing circles as an innovative fly tyer and fly fisherman, Rickards makes his home in Southern Oregon, and he is well acquainted with Oregon stillwaters.

His stillwater nymph pattern was designed to fool those large, difficult trout in Upper Klamath and Agency lakes. This pattern sets the standard for imitating damsel nymphs, which are so important to the stillwater angler during early to mid-summer. Our local lakes in Central Oregon, including Crane Prairie, East Lake and Hosmer have excellent damsel hatches. So, at this time of year, I often reach for Denny’s stillwater nymph in my fly box.

The damsel hatch occurs mid-day in later June and is characterized by a splashy rise that forms as trout take damsels swimming just below the surface film. Damsels look to find sticks, tules anchor ropes, or any other object that enables

them to crawl out of the water to hatch. They often swim just below the surface for some distance looking for these items to latch onto.

It is during this surface swimming action that the damsel is the most vulnerable to trout. The damsel nymph coloration matches the color of the environment that these insects love, and ranges from tan to a deep olive. When fishing this pattern, strip the fly in in short, slow strokes, with long pauses in between. And hold on!

I recently got Denny’s Signature fly rod built by Snowbee. This rod is a 9-foot, 6 weight that possesses a strong butt section to throw larger lake patterns and to help punch casts through the wind, but a softer tip section to handle those soft takes in lakes.

It casts like a dream. I took it to Crane Prairie for an inaugural trip. And it seemed only natural to tie on one of Denny’s stillwater nymph patterns to

go with the new rod. There was a great damsel hatch that day, and nymphs were climbing up the anchor rope and hatching by the dozens. There were big swirls as trout hungrily feasted on the emerging damsel nymphs. On one of my first casts, a nice 20-inch rainbow took the stillwater nymph pattern and put the rod to the test. It passed with flying colors with a nice fish to net.

Give Denny’s Stillwater Nymph pattern a try during damsel hatches on a favorite local lake. It is an easy pattern to master at the vise. And check out Denny’s new Signature rod from Snowbee; a perfect tool for stillwater anglers.

If you have questions or would like additional information about the nymph pattern, please email me. Or, if you have suggestions on future patterns to feature in this column, I welcome your input at Philfischer@sbcglobal.net

Sunriver Anglers Club social at Sunriver Brewing

The Sunriver Anglers will gather at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4 at Sunriver Brewery’s Taproom in the Sunriver Business Park.

Everyone is welcome to enjoy an evening of beer, brats and braggadocio. Members are sure to exchange fish stories, while bragging a bit as only old hand fishing enthusiasts can.

Doug Vakoc, club treasurer, has donated the food, and

he will serve his homemade, Czech-style sauerkraut and German bratwurst sausages. Vakoc shared that Czechs know sauerkraut like no others, especially compared to the storebought stuff.

The Sunriver Brewing Company has been a great supporter of the Anglers, and the club is seeking to repay them for their

A real nymph, above, and the fly version, below

Daffodil bulb fall sale

The 2023 daffodil bulb sale is off and running with more than 2,200 bulbs already (as of Sept. 12) ordered by property owners in Sunriver. Last year, the Sunriver Owner Enrichment Committee (OEC) sponsored its first daffodil bulb sale and distributed 2,400 bulbs and will have 3,000 available this year.

Why daffodils? – because they are beautiful harbingers of spring and deer do not eat them! This year the OEC has ordered seven varieties of daffodils from the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm in Woodburn. All the varieties this year feature large blooms. View them on the Wooden Shoe website –Bridal Crown, Dutch Master (the classic daffodil), Las Vegas,

Social

continued from page 16

graciousness with our patronage. The company will open its doors to the Anglers for this private event so the club can bring the food and have a no-host bar with some special brews available. The Anglers will discuss plans for the season-ending outing to Hosmer Lake, which is a favorite for

Love Day, Pink Charm, Tahiti, and Westward. Wooden Shoe is a family-run, 40-acre Oregon flower farm which grows 80 varieties of tulips along with daffodils and perennials.

Interested owners can preorder in the range of 20 (minimum) to 100 (maximum) at $1/bulb (if you don’t want 20, you can split them with a neighbor). The bulbs are being sold at cost to the OEC. Simply send an email to SunriverDaffodils@gmail.com with the number of bulbs you want, your name and physical Sunriver address. Payment will be due by cash or check at the time of pick up. We will send final instructions in early October.

The current expectation is for

many club members.

The next Anglers function is 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 1 in the Crescent Room at SHARC in Sunriver. Club members will elect new officers and discuss plans for the annual Christmas party.

People interested in learning about the Anglers can visit www.SunriverAnglers.org or contact us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ SunriverAnglers.

owners to pick up the bulbs on Saturday, Oct. 14 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the SROA administration office parking lot. You cannot pre-select the bulbs you want since they are distributed on a first come,

first serve basis. Labeled bags are provided. You will simply show up, select your bulbs, and fill your own order allotment. A form will be provided by SROA’s Community Development office for you to sign

specifying that bulbs need to be planted on your own private property and prohibits planting on any SROA commons. Help bring more spring color to your home, street and to Sunriver in 2024.

Oil painter puts on solo show at Nancy McGrath Green Gallery in Sunriver

By Liz Haberman, Nancy McGrath Green Gallery

Sunriver artist Dave Dittman will be the featured artist in a solo exhibition in October at the Nancy McGrath Green Gallery at Sunriver Christian Fellowship, 18139 Cottonwood Road in Sunriver.

Following retirement, Dittman and his family, originally from Anchorage, Alaska, relocated to Sunriver after discovering all that the High Desert had to offer. As a child, Dittman felt that he had been born with “an art gene” and, although largely unschooled, he developed a passion for painting. He found the history of the pioneers of the Pacific Northwest most interesting. Thus, the creation of the paintings in this show.

The exhibition, featuring unique, original oil paintings is titled, “American Frontier Art – Along the Oregon Trail.” The never previously displayed educational and historic images honor the fortitude and resilience of Oregon’s pioneer forebears. Each piece features figurative, nostalgic, sepia-toned images reminiscent of vintage photos from the 1800s. Consistent with the theme, every painting tells a story. Dittman is hosting a reception to meet and greet visitors 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6. Guests can learn what motivated Dittman to create these historic paintings. Refreshments will be served. The gallery is open weekdays from 2 to 4 p.m., and on Sunday from noon to 1 p.m.

Rotary Club’s annual nonprofit grant applications due in October

By Lee Haroun

The Sunriver-La Pine Rotary Club’s fundraiser in May was more than a fun-filled event.

It also was a financial success, raising more than $50,000 to support the club’s grant program.

Grants are awarded to nonprofits and organizations that support the goals of the club’s foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation: “…make

donations to, dispense charitable contributions through, and otherwise aid and support those organizations organized exclusively for charitable, educational, literary or scientific purposes.”

The foundation further requires all club donations support youth, the aged, and the disadvantaged within the Sunriver, Three Rivers and La Pine communities.

Examples of recipients include CASA, La Pine Christian Center Food Pantry, and Three Rivers School.

If your organization meets the criteria described, you are encouraged to apply for a grant. Applications can be found at www.sunriver-lapinerotary.org.

You also can request an application or get more information by contacting Meagan Iverson at info@sunriver-lapinerotary. org.

Please submit your application as soon as possible but no later than Oct. 31. The foundation will contact you if more

information is needed. Applicants will be informed of the foundation’s decision in early December.

If your organization received grant funding from the Rotary

foundation and you have not yet provided a post-funding report, this report must accompany your application. The form is available on the club’s website.

Sunriver dog classes

Jane Devlin will be have classes this fall as follows for Sunriver owners and their dogs.

• Monday and Wednesday: STAR puppy classes

• Tuesdays: Agility

• Thursday: Trail manners, canine good citizen

Private lessons are available. All classes meet in the Sunriver Business Park. For details or more information, contact Devlin at 541-385-7691 or at wilddogsjd@gmail.com. www.SunriverEmergencyInfo.com

‘Pioneer Moment of Rest.’ Dittman’s work is on display at the Nancy McGrath Green Gallery in Sunriver.

‘Dreaming My Dream’ by David Dittman.

Stars award inaugural scholarship; rehearsals underway for next production

By Janet Grant

Sunriver Stars Community Theater announced Andrew Whitworth and Samuel Soyster are the recipients of its inaugural scholarship, Stars Scholars.

The two local high school students received their awards at the SSCT August board meeting.

“Sunriver Stars was a big start in helping me gain confidence in my acting and most importantly, my singing,” Whitworth said. “Hanging out with all the people there made me feel comfortable and safe within their community.”

The mission of Stars Scholars is to reward young students seeking to pursue theater arts who have been active with SSCT, whether in kids’ camp, acting, or working behind the scenes as stagehands and crew.

Applicants were required to list the program or school they

intended to use the scholarship toward and describe how it would advance their education in theater performance or production skills.

SSCT has always had a strong a connection to youth, having been founded with the mission of providing quality,

Public safety building update

Drive by the public safety building’s construction site, and you’ll notice a great deal of progress has been made in a few short months this summer.

Kirby Nagelhout Construction Company and its trade partners have completed site work, below ground utility installations, and poured one of the concrete slabs for the new addition, which will house the Sunriver Police Department and district administration offices.

Construction plans will go vertical with framing of the new addition, as well as for the expansion areas to the current fire station. A construction

camera is posted on a light pole behind the SROA administration building to show live images of the construction, which is accessible on the SSD website at www.sunriversd.org.

During construction, the fire and Sunriver Service District administration offices have been relocated to the Sunriver Police Department. If the of-

family-friendly entertainment and education opportunities for Sunriver and the surrounding communities.

Since 2012, SSCT has produced 36 main stage shows, five children’s drama camps and several workshops with local schools.

“The idea for a scholarship was born from our board’s discussions about the importance of our children’s drama camp and how we could take it to the next level,” said Alan Zalewski, SSCT director of development.

“We wanted to encourage students who were interested and had participated in Sunriver Stars productions and camps.”

Soyster and Whitworth, who are both home school students and close friends, each participated in the Sunriver Stars 2022 production of “Oz.”

They have served as volunteers for kids programming.

Both students used the scholarship to help with expenses from their recent trip to the National Fine Arts Festival in Columbus, Ohio, where they joined more than 65,000 junior and senior high school students for a time of learning through evaluations, workshops and interaction with other students.

Additional funds will be used toward their involvement in Ovation Performing Arts’ 2024

production of “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.”

“It was an amazing opportunity and great experience,” Whitworth said. “It means so much to me that I was chosen for this scholarship.”

In other Stars news, the cast is set, and tickets are available for the season finale – “Anne of Green Gables” – directed by Rae White and Michele Hans.

Based on the beloved 1908 novel by Lucy Maud Montgomery, the play tells the story of Anne Shirley, a feisty redhaired orphan who is sent by mistake to two middle-aged siblings.

Adapted for the stage by Michelle R. Davis, the story is set in the early 1900s spanning five years of Anne’s life, as she charms a small community on Prince Edward Island into loving her imaginative and precocious mind.

Shows will take place Nov. 9-11 at The Door Three Rivers. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.sunriverstars.org

fices are closed, be sure to pick up the red phone for assistance. The district has firefighters, EMS staff, and police officers on shift 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to serve the Sunriver community. For any questions or concerns, please email ssdadmin@ sunriversd.org.

Foundation progress on the new SSD building.

From left: Stars board president Michele Hans, scholarship recipients Andrew Whitworth and Samuel Soyster and Stars’ artistic director Victoria Kristy.

Groundbreaking celebrates La Pine Community Health Center’s new

By Andrea Hine

“Congratulations to La Pine Community Health Center on this incredible day,” said Deschutes County Commissioner Phil Chang, speaking at the groundbreaking for the new 27,000-square-foot Wellness Center. “South county is an underserved area. The demand is there to make a much larger facility and a much larger staff to keep that facility busy.”

“The Wellness Center will be so impactful for the community, which needs and deserves the services it will bring,” said CEO Erin Trapp, emphasizing that La Pine Community Health Center’s “commitment to ensuring access to health care for all, regardless of income, is the driving force behind the project.”

Trapp added while the Wellness Center project began two years ago, the vision goes much further back to Charla DeHate, previous CEO, who was among the speakers.

“This project will increase

access to necessary healthcare services for residents of south Deschutes County as well as for those in the surrounding areas of north Klamath and northwest Lake counties – a total of 25-30,000 people,” DeHate said. “So, as the community grows, La Pine Community Health Center also needs to grow.”

La Pine Community Health Center (LCHC) is a nonprofit community health center that was designated as a federally qualified health center in 2009. As such, it is eligible for federal funds and grants to offset costs of uncompensated care for an underserved population in a largely rural area, people who have low household incomes

and lack access to health care. The new three-story Wellness Center, adjacent to LCHC’s existing building on Huntington Road, will provide additional space for dental and diagnostic imaging services (such as CT scans, mammograms and ultrasound); increase capacity for behavioral and mental health services; and expand primary care services by 45 percent. The project will include daycare for employees’ children, remodeled offices, and a public-use conference room.

Cost of the Wellness Center project is estimated at $14 million – with some $6 million already received from the federal government and the state: $3 million from a Con-

gressionally Directed Spending Appropriation, and $3 million in state funding secured during the 2023 legislative session. A capital campaign is underway to raise another $5 million in support from the community.

State Rep. E. Werner Reschke, whose efforts helped secure funding, “which will benefit many people for decades to come,” agreed with other speakers at the event that “having local access to good, modern healthcare is essential to sustaining a healthy community.”

Construction of the Wellness Center is slated to begin this fall, with the new facility projected to open in late 2024 or early 2025.

MICHAEL BENNETT 541-598-7455

Cell: 541-280-0995

The Bend Park and Recreation District has moved a step forward with its design concepts to improve access at three of its riverfront parks: McKay, Miller’s Landing, and Columbia parks.

location, preferred conceptual designs were developed for each of the four river access locations.

“Where

All types and aspects of roofing, including custom Handyman Service www.oldtownroofingandconstruction.com

CLEARWATER PAINTING

At the Sept. 5 public meeting, the BPRD board of directors approved the conceptual design concepts for four access points following individual votes for each park and access point.

To better manage increased recreational river use, improve the experience for all users, and to better facilitate sustainable use of our river resource, BPRD developed the 2021 Deschutes River Access & Habitat Restoration Plan. Three individual projects from the River Plan, which encompass four river access points, have been combined into this single, larger project: the McKay, Millers Landing, and Columbia Park's River Access Project.

Based on the board's guidance in spring 2023, extensive community and stakeholder feedback, and the opportunities and constraints of each

Community input about these initial design concepts was collected via an online story map, feedback to the project manager and/or at multiple in-person outreach events and on the project webpage in early winter 2023. The input was shared with BPRD’s board of directors who directed the latest design work to help determine priorities and timelines.

“Improved access at these three parks for a site-specific combination of watercraft launching, wading, swimming, and hanging out by the river, would go a long way in addressing access to the river, which was identified as a high community need by the 2018 Comprehensive Plan,” said Ian Isaacson, BPRD project manager and landscape architect.

BPRD completed the initial phase of work, which included site surveys, data collection and development of initial concept

Turn to River, page 21

Deschutes County Commissioner Phil Chang congratulates the community during a groundbreaking ceremony for a new Wellness Center being constructed in La Pine.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CODY RHEAULT, CODY ROUX MEDIA

Visiting businesses benefits community

The Sunriver Area Chamber of Commerce invites community members and local businesses to subscribe to its weekly email newsletters, sent every Monday and Wednesday.

The Monday newsletter contains information on businesses and educational events. The Wednesday newsletter is dedicated to the events happening in Sunriver and south Deschutes County. It’s free to receive the newsletter. Send an email to exec@sunrivercham ber.com to subscribe.

Food for eclipse glasses

The Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory generously donated safety glasses to watch the annular solar eclipse on Saturday, Oct. 14.

You can get your glasses by visiting businesses in The Village at Sunriver and the

Sunriver Business Park.

Simply donate a nonperishable food item or make a donation to receive the glasses.

The food will be donated to Care & Share Community Outreach, which provides food boxes on the last Friday of the month to individuals and families in need.

Businesses, who will have a sign in their windows, include Sunriver Books, Sunriver Brewing, Happen, Artists’ Gallery, Village Bar & Grill, Cascara, Meredith Lodging and First Interstate Bank in The Village at Sunriver, and Muddy Hut Pet Store, Houser House Creations, Postal Connections and Wild Poppy in the Sunriver Business Park. Follow the chamber of its social media pages to learn more as businesses were added after the Scene’s deadline.

Glasses also will be available at the Artists’ Gallery on Friday, Oct. 13 and at viewing places.

Sunriver Solar Soiree

An annular solar eclipse is happening on Saturday, Oct. 14 and Sunriver is in the viewing path. The eclipse begins around 8 a.m., with totality around 9:14 a.m.

Viewing stations will be at the SHARC, Sunriver Resort’s Backyard, The Village at Sunriver and Sunriver Nature Center.

SUNRIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S OCTOBER EVENTS

Sunriver Solar Soiree

Friday, Oct. 13 and Saturday, Oct. 14 throughout Sunriver

Sunriver Saturday Market

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14 at SHARC

After Business Hours

5 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18 at Sunriver Brewing’s Taproom

Pumpkin Carving Contest

Oct. 17 to Oct. 27 - Vote for your favorite pumpkin at participating businesses and on Oct. 28 at The Village at Sunriver

drawings. The initial concepts were developed based on data collected at each location, the opportunities and constraints of each site, BPRD planning documents, and from recommendations by the team of external consultants.

Partial funding for phase one of the project was provided by the Oregon State Marine Board Waterway Access Grant Program, investing 10-foot

and longer nonmotorized boat permit fees paid by nonmotorized boaters for boating facility improvements.

The next phase of the project will be to finalize the designs for Miller's Landing and Columbia parks, while the design for McKay Park will be combined into the district’s Whitewater Park Maintenance Project, which is estimated to begin in 2024.

To learn more about the project, visit www.bendpark sandrec.org/project/mmc/.

Bring your blanket or chair and listen to a brief presentation by a member of the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory about how to view the eclipse, take photographs and its significance. The eclipse will be finished around 10 a.m. Make plans to attend the Fall Fest at Sunriver Resort, The Sunriver Saturday Market at SHARC, Locals’ Weekend at The Village of Sunriver and the Artists’ Gallery or explore everything Sunriver has to offer.

Pumpkin carving contest for charities

The chamber is partnering with The Village at Sunriver

and Alpine Entertainment to host a pumpkin carving contest.

Look for posters in the windows of participating businesses Oct. 17 to Oct. 27 or visit the Halloween Festival in The Village at Sunriver on Oct. 28 to vote for your favorite pumpkin.

The business with the most votes will receive $200 to donate to its favorite charity or nonprofit organization, and second place will earn $150.

If your business would like to

participate, please email exec@ sunriverchamber.com.

After Business Hours

The chamber invites members and nonmembers to attend its After Business Hours from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18 at Sunriver Brewing’s Taproom in the Sunriver Business Park. The event is free for members and their employees, and $10 for nonmembers. Beer available for purchase. Food provided. Email exec@ sunriverchamber.com to RSVP.

2024 SROA Maintenance Fee

Yes, I want to pay annually and save 3%*

o MAIL me the Annual Prepayment Invoice

o EMAIL me the Annual Prepayment Invoice

Yes, I want to make automatic monthly payments via SROA’s pre-authorized payment program**

o MAIL me the automatic monthly payment enrollment form

o EMAIL me the automatic monthly payment enrollment form

Yes, I want to make my own standard monthly payments

o EMAIL me the packet of monthly invoices

Want to CHANGE how you currently pay your maintenance fee? FOR

Name: ___________________________________

Email: ___________________________________

Sunriver Property: _________________________

(Monthly invoice packet is sent automatically via MAIL) *The

October author, Book Club events at Sunriver Books & Music

By Deon Stonehouse

A huge “thank you” to author Craig Johnson for his presentation on “The Longmire Defense.”

He visited Sunriver on Sept. 9 and gave a great presentation on his newest mystery novel in the Sheriff Longmire series.

Thank you to the members of the Mountain Meadows Quilters for spending a year creating works of art inspired by the Longmire series and displaying them at the Craig Johnson event.

Thank you for the volunteers and staff at Sunriver Books, we couldn’t do it without you.

Thank you to the great audience who came out to enjoy a night of Longmire.

Author presents ‘Deadlock

James Byrne (aka Dana Haynes) will present his latest novel, “Deadlock” at 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21 in the bookstore.

Byrne is also well known in the community for his fast-paced series featuring former Spanish assassin Kaitlin Fiero Dahir and former U.S. Marshal Michael Finnigan. Email sunriverbooks@sun

riverbooks.com to register to attend this free event. There will be refreshments and drawings for prizes. There is limited space, please email to register to attend.

In “Dead Lock,” Byrne introduces Desmond Aloysius Limerick, or Dez to his friends. Gotta like Dez, he is on the short side and broadly built, a Brit with an easy smile who is quick to make friends.

In addition to his regular job for a shadowy government agency, Dez is a talented musician who plays a mean guitar. An all-round, nice kind of guy, but it is not wise to mistake him for being soft.

The story opens with Dez sent to ply his trade on a joint operation with the CIA in the Middle East. The planning is exact, down to the second, the goal difficult but achievable as long as all goes according to plan. Robert Frost said it best. “Best laid schemes o’mice an’ men gang aft a-gley.” Meaning those best laid plans often go haywire leading to strong potential for an all holy hell breaking lose.

Thankfully they have Dez,

who for a heavyset guy moves awfully fast and precisely. When the dust settles, literally and metaphorically, Dez is asked if there is anything his grateful government can do for him. Dez would like to retire and travel. “Always wondered what the states are like. Might pop in. Look around.”

He is enjoying some California sunshine, when a call comes from Raziah Swann in Portland, Oregon.

She is a gifted vocalist and a good friend. Someone attacked her sister, Laleh, and Raziah worries the person may have another go at finishing the job. Nobody messes with one of Dez’s mates and does so safely. Dez is on the next flight to Portland, ready to take care of business, and seriously unconcerned about where the bodies might fall. Raziah’s worries are soon proven true and Dez puts his considerable skills to work keeping the two women safe from harm while getting to the bottom of why they are being targeted.

The action goes all over Oregon and the story will have you waiting for the next in the series.

I like the way Byrne uses independent women in his stories, Dez, like Michael Finnigan, likes strong women and is able to be pals with them.

Mystery Book Club

The Mystery Book Club will discuss “Silent Parade” by Keigo Higashino at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 2 via Zoom, and 4:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 9 in person at the bookstore.

“Silent Parade” is an intelligent, complicated tale that will surprise and leave you guessing until the end. This is not a fastpaced story, rather one that delves deeply into the events and how they occurred.

Detective Chief Inspector Kusanagi discusses troubling cases with his friend, Yukawa, a physics professor whom he calls Detective Galileo. Yukawa finds the puzzles they present

Reading can expand your horizons. Each October, Sunriver Books allows you to be an armchair traveler. Join us for a “October in Japan!” Step into the pages of a book and live for a little while in another landscape, another culture. Reading fosters empathy and understanding of other ways. It is fun to travel through the pages of a book and may inspire you to visit in person.

Everyone is welcome. Email sunriverbooks@sunriver books.com or call 541-593-2525 to receive the discussion notes. Sunriver Books is in The Village at Sunriver. The book club meets in person and via Zoom.

interesting. A man suspected of heinous murders, but never convicted, has died in what appears to be a natural death. Friends and relatives have alibis and there is no proof to call it murder, far to the contrary. Yet, there is something that causes him to lay the case before his friend.

Perhaps it is the two murders that the dead man was suspected of committing, one 20 years ago when Kusanagi was a young cop, and the other, the murder of Saori, the eldest daughter of the Namiki family, just three years prior. Saori was a bright young woman and her family runs a popular restaurant in Kikuno. The Namikis are well-liked in the community, and the tragedy was deeply felt.

And now the suspected killer is dead. Detective Galileo puts his incredible intellect to work on solving this new puzzle his friend Detective Kusanagi has laid before him.

Fiction Book Club

The Fiction Book Club will discuss “Pachinko” by Min Jin Lee at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 16 via Zoom, and 4:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 23 at the bookstore.

“Pachinko” is the story of displacement, familial obligations, and the high cost of honor.

Beginning in Korea in 1910 when the Japanese have taken over Korea, the story follows a family down the generations. Sunja is the beloved daughter of Hoonie and Yangjin. She catches the attention of a man who grants her his child but not his name. Fearing the dishonor that will follow, she marries a kind and gentle man, a priest traveling to Japan. The priest knows she carries another man’s child, and he keeps his vow to love the child as his own. Japan does not welcome Koreans. Because they are thought of as inferior, Koreans are relegated to undesirable parts of town and forced to endure petty regulations. This family will live in Japan through generations but never be seen as Japanese, always Korean. They will endure the hardships of World War II, strive for better lives, and feel again the debilitating cost and arrogance that can be mistaken for honor.

As the years go by, each generation will be defined as other by the Japanese, the question is how they will come to define themselves. If you liked Barbara Kingsolver’s “Poisonwood Bible,” try this amazing story of a family trying to fit into a new land and culture through adversity and triumph. “Pachinko” is now an Apple TV series.

Donate your cans and bottles for Care & Share’s food bank

Dedicated volunteers work every day of the year to empty the can and bottle bin at the Sunriver Marketplace on Cottonwood Road. The funds are used to purchase fresh food, which are added to the dry goods collected from local residents and businesses for Care & Share’s monthly distribution.

In August, 103 food boxes were distributed amounting to 33 small, 41 medium, 25 large and four extra-large boxes. Food was given to 358 people: 253 adults and 105 children.

The recycling program is run by a Sunriver Christian Fellowship Ministries team, with the amazing co-operation from the staff at the Marketplace.

There is always a need for more volunteers. Contact Mark and Cindy McConnell, mcconn@me.com if you want to help. More information is avail-

Police foundation hosting pistol safety event

The Sunriver Police Foundation is hosting “A Day at the Range.” The event is limited to 10 participants who will learn about gun safety, then practice what they learned at a firing range.

Sunriver Police Lt.

Stephen Lopez and Sgt. John Beck will provide safety instructions, then guests will be transported by bus to the range. Please call or text 818-612-0913 for the date and other details. Hammer Down Firearms will provide gift certificates, Sunriver Resort will provide transportation and U.S. Bank will cover other costs

involved with the event. Robert Foster recently joined the foundation as a board member. He is a longtime Sunriver resident and was a former board director of the Sunriver Service District. There is still one vacancy on the foundation board to fill.

Foundation president Dennis

Dishaw said the foundation has received financial support from the community, including

corporate sponsors. To date the foundation has received $2,500 from corporate sponsors with additional event sponsors. Two more firms have indicated their support. The corporate sponsors provide annual funds to cover corporate overhead expenses.

The board decided to start a Bingo fundraiser, with plans to be a summer event. The board will review the requirements and a possible location.

“We want to provide a fun event for our visitors that also will make funds available for future foundation events,” Dishaw said.

How many cans can a can counter crush, If it crushed cans an hour a day?

How many bottles can a bottle basher bash, If it bashed bottles an hour a day?

How much plastic can a smasher smash, If it smashed plastic an hour a day?

How many people picked, poked, and pushed, The items that were crushed, bashed, and smashed?

able at www.sunriverchristian fellowship.org.

Sunriver Christian Fellowship meets every Sunday at 10 a.m. and is located at 18139 Cottonwood Road in Sunriver.

Community members and tourists are encouraged to leave their cans and bottles that have a 10 cent deposit in the can and bottle bin on the eastside of the

Please

Marketplace building. Please do not leave wine bottles or other items that cannot be recycled.

A baker’s dozen put food in the oven, For those that needed the lovin’! 80,000+ times at 10 cents a crush, bash and smash, Bought food this year with $8,000+ cash!

Bin Location: East side of the Sunriver Marketplace 18160 Cottonwood Rd. Sunriver

Mark McConnell empties the bin on the east side parking area of the Marketplace north store.

The Sunriver Service District Managing Board held its regular meeting on Sept. 14, 2023. Board members present: Jim Fister, John Shoemaker, John Ralston, Gerhard Beenen, Tony De Alicante and Denney Kelley. Absent: Bill Hepburn.

SSD staff present: Police Chief Mike Womer, Fire Chief Bill Boos, Lt. Stephen Lopez, administrator Mindy Holliday.

Denney Kelley was welcomed, and he recited the oath of office as the SSD’s new board director.

Public input

• None

Consent Agenda

• Approved July 13, 2023 regular SSD board meeting minutes as written.

• Approved Aug. 17, 2023 regular SSD board meeting minutes as written

• Approved NowCFO invoice in the amount of $7,168.80.

• Approved PowerDMS, Inc. invoice in the amount of $5,150. This is for software used in police training.

• Approved Hughes Fire Equipment invoice in the amount of $7,134.83 for annual inspection and testing of the fire department’s ladder truck.

Old business

• Approved motion for chair’s

Sunriver Service District board monthly meeting summary

signature on conditional offer of employment letter to Lt. Stephen Lopez as Sunriver’s new police chief. His employment is based on passing required background, physical and psychological checks. His start date as chief will be effective Dec. 1.

• Public safety building update: Work is moving along with concrete foundations in and under slab utilities installed. A live web cam at the site can be viewed from the SSD’s website to see what’s happening.

• Approved various building funding requests for August totaling $578,601.71.

• Approved Cook Solutions Group for police/fire CCTV/ access controls contract in the amount of $48,419.52.

• Approved new Mitel Phone system contract in the amount of $14,820.99. This system will integrate between Sunriver fire/police, other public safety agencies, 911, etc.

• Approved SROA legal invoice in the amount of $17,958. This was one of the conditions agreed upon as part of the ground lease between SSD and SROA.

• Reviewed monthly letter to the Deschutes County Commissioners on the public safety building progress.

New business

• Approved July 2023 unau-

dited financials.

• Received update on progress from SROA to SSD payroll, accounting and human resources. Payroll and accounting are going well. Research is still being done on how to handle the human resources piece.

• Approved board chair or treasurer signature on an engagement letter with the annual auditors.

• Discussed nominations for SSD board positions, with the following: chair, Jim Fister; vice chair John Shoemaker; treasurer, Bill Hepburn or Gerhard Beenen and Denney Kelley to the budget committee. An official vote will take place at the October board meeting.

• Directors Fister, Shoemaker and Ralston volunteered to represent the SSD during the annual review of the Rules Agreement with SROA.

• Approved Resolution 2023005 establishing signature authority of board members for financial controls, etc.

• Annual reviews of the fire/ police chiefs and administrator have not been done. Due to

the newness of the fire chief, his review will be more of an “expectations” discussion.

• A board work session/orientation will take place sometime in November.

Chief reports Fire

–In August, there were 66 calls for the Sunriver Fire Department, which included 6 fire calls, 43 EMS calls, 17 public assists, 3 hazardous conditions and 4 motor vehicle accidents.

–Fire chief Boos has met with staff one-on-one to find out their needs, department needs and what the department is good at.

–Met with SDAO regarding human resource options and board training.

–Both fire/police chiefs spoke with the OSU College of Engineering about safety considerations in Sunriver.

–There was a cardiac arrest incident on the golf course at Crosswater with the patient surviving thanks to quick response from Sunriver fire/police and La Pine fire crews.

–Chief Boos participated in the Bensel Fire and deputy chief Rod Bjorvik responded to the Pete’s Lake fire.

–Deschutes County’s emergency services is looking at Sunriver as a possible pilot location for an annunciator siren system.

–After filling a firefighter/ paramedic vacancy in September, the fire department is fully staffed.

Police

–In August, the Sunriver Police Department received 663 calls for service, 54 of which were emergencies. Officers conducted 108 traffic stops, investigated 43 cases, 29 suspicious persons or prowlers, 17 animal issues, provided 73 community-policing responses, there were 37 parking issues and 153 security checks.

–Suspects were arrested for a string of business burglaries, including Ace Hardware in the Sunriver Business Park. The suspects were stealing mostly tools and then cached the items in a U-Haul they stole in Bend and had parked in the Village for several days.

–Officer Kornblum was promoted to corporal.

–Interviews for open positions were scheduled for mid-September.

–Last Bike Patrol was scheduled for Sept. 30.

–Lt. Lopez is working on a PSA for firearms safe storage.

–Cpl. Kornblum and officer Weaver attended a Women in Law Enforcement conference.

–Sgt. Beck received a Life Saver Award for his part in the cardiac arrest incident at Crosswater.

–Defensive tactics and drone training was conducted.

Administration

–Administrator Holliday’s focus over the past few weeks has been the payroll and accounting switchover from SROA to

Falling for fall and preparing for winter

By Jim Bennett

October is a great month in the Central Oregon’s High Desert. Fall is usually in full swing by early to mid-October with the hot days of summer in the rear view mirror, the crisp nights ahead, a little fall color in the trees and the prospects for cold, white stuff in the next few weeks.

October and into November is the best opportunity to prepare for the winter months. While you may have already started on plenty of the winter home and preparedness activities, for many people there is still plenty to do.

Before we start on the preparedness list, we wanted to just do a huge “shout out” to the community for yet another great summer! As of the writing of this in mid-September, through our partnerships, we as a community again kept Sunriver safe from devastating wildfire.

Yards were cleaned and ladder fuels that take fire from the ground and into the trees were removed, most people followed the prohibition on charcoal and wood barbecues and so many took an interest in reporting any concerns with smoke or potential fire activity.

Thank you for being our partners in keeping Sunriver an absolute high desert oasis.

Winter fire safety

Continuing with last month’s article, we begin the switch over to winter fire safety, which mostly revolves around keeping our homes safe.

If you haven’t had your chimney inspected and cleaned, now is the time. Identify a licensed, competent chimney sweep/ cleaning company and get that flue cleaned. Take a look at those tree branches hanging over or near the chimney and

get them trimmed up.

Check your fire extinguishers to be sure they are showing a full charge and are accessible on both levels of your home. If the plan is to use portable electric heaters, make sure there are no frayed cords and the device has tip-over protection.

When bringing in the firewood for the winter fires, make sure not to stack it where a loose spark from the fireplace can ignite the wood, and make sure those screens and fireplace doors are in working order to keep the sparks inside the fireplace.

Begin thinking about preparedness with food and supplies in the event we get a monster snow or ice storm, and the roads are impassable for a short time. Have those snow shovels in the ready to keep a clear access to your front door for emergency personnel and keep the area around fire hydrants clear.

We’ll cover more as we move into early winter next month, including preparing your vehicles for rigors of winter driving.

Fire prevention week

National Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 8-14, and it’s a great opportunity to have a quick refresher on safety in the home.

Take some time to talk with all family members. What’s the top priority in a fire? To get out, of course, and alert others of the danger. The acronym E.D.I.T.H is what it’s all about: Exit-Drills-In-The-Home.

Start your E.D.I.T.H planning by identifying escape routes throughout the home (two in each room). Bedrooms located on the second story? Don’t get caught with a long drop, instead equip upstairs bedrooms with foldable or rope-style ladders.

A family fun but seriously ed-

ucational activity is E.D.I.T.H., where you learn your home from “on the floor” level. If there’s a fire and you need to escape by crawling along the floor to avoid the thickest smoke, could you do it and find your way out? The doors look a little different when you can’t see them, and you are moving about on your hands and knees without the ability to see well. Try this with the family – with everyone blindfolded – and you might be surprised how the home we know, we don’t really know. Make sure to also identify a safe meeting place outside the home for all family members.

Be fire extinguisher ready ABC, not the TV network, the fire extinguisher. Do you have at least two fire extinguishers in your home and are they rated “ABC”? This means they are good for typical combustibles (paper, wood, etc.), liquids and electrical. Make sure everyone knows where they are and check to make sure they are fully charged. Talk about using them correctly using the PASS method; Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the trigger and Sweep back and forth at the fire base.

How about smoke alarms? Does every bedroom and living space have a smoke alarm? Sadly, there are stories of “no smoke alarm” or “the batteries were dead” and even sometimes “the batteries were taken out.” Every one of those incidents of injury or death may have been preventable with an operable smoke alarm. Stay safe and let’s get ready for winter.

Sunriver Police Log

Selected log entries collected by the Scene

BAC = Blood Alcohol Content

DCJ = Deschutes County Jail

DCSO = Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office

DUII = Driving Under Influence of Intoxicants

DWS = Driving While Suspended

FTA = Failure to Appear

GOA = Gone On Arrival

MIP = Minor In Possession

8-1 Responded to a hit and run in the parking lot at The Village at Sunriver. The suspect driver was located, and information was exchanged.

8-1 Took information on a bike theft.

8-1 An aggressive dog was reported and officers responded.

8-2 A credit card was turned into the police department.

8-2 Assisted a citizen locked out of a vehicle at the SROA Marina.

8-3 Retrieved a found credit card at Fort Rock Park and returned it to its owner.

8-4 Responded to a single rider bicycle crash on a Sunriver pathway.

8-4 Attended to a person bitten by a dog at The Village at Sunriver.

8-4 Responded to a hit and run in the SROA Marina parking lot.

8-6 Took possession of a firearm a renter left at a rental property.

8-7 A firearm was found at Sunriver Lodge.

8-7 Officers assisted DCSO with a dispute between several people at the Oregon Water Wonderland District Park.

8-8 Responded to a hit and run. Owner wanted it documented for insurance purposes.

8-8 Found an earring on the bike path.

8-8 Took a report of a stolen bicycle at The Village at Sunriver.

8-11 A citizen reported that in the last six weeks, two different people came to his home and claimed they rented his home on Craigslist.

8-11 Filed a report of a found wallet on the bike path near the Village.

8-12 Officers responded to a motor vehicle crash at Circle 7 and East Cascade Dr. The vehicle struck a tree in Circle 7, and the driver was arrested on allegations of DUII-reckless driving.

8-13 Took a report of a found wallet.

8-13 Took a report of a found credit card.

8-13 Two Oregon and one Minnesota driver’s licenses were found and given to the police department.

8-14 A woman’s green giant mountain bike was stolen from Tennis Village Condos.

8-14 Responded to a call of a domestic disturbance that occurred two days earlier.

8-16 Officers assisted DCSO with a mail theft in progress call. SRPD deployed a drone, but was unable to locate the suspects.

8-17 Conducted a traffic stop on Spring River Road-Solar Drive. The driver was taken into custody on two outstanding warrants.

8-17 Took a report of a lost wallet.

8-17 Responded to a hit and run in the Village.

8-18 Conducted a traffic stop and arrested the passenger on an outstand-

Sunriver Women’s Golf enjoyed summer events; season champs announced

The Sunriver Women’s Golf members will continue to play each Wednesday through Nov. 1. The club meets at the Woodlands Pro Shop, and it welcomes new members. Call Sue at 541-729-1688 or email dswassom@ gmail.com to learn more.

Photos left to right:

SWGA members Caryn Barab and Kathy Frazier won the Partnership Tournament in July.

Devri Reynolds (net champion) and Cathy Tucker (gross champion) won honors at the Championship Tournament Aug. 8 and Aug. 10.

Devri Reynolds used a 9-iron to hit her ball 115 yards into hole 17 for a hole-in-one at Woodlands. She got her ace during the Sunriver visitation, when SWGA hosted eight local golf clubs.

Police Log

continued from page 27 ing warrant.

8-18 Assisted a person who was injured in a bike crash.

8-18 Officers assisted DCSO with searching for a burglary suspect.

8-19 Took a report of a broken canopy window while the vehicle was parked on Landrise.

8-19 Responded to an injury bicycle crash on the pathway.

8-20 Officers responded to a report of a possible DUII driver leaving Sunriver. Officers located and stopped the vehicle, and the driver was arrested for allegations of DUII.

8-22 Responded to a call at The Cove for a domestic dispute, resulting in an arrest for allegations of harassment and disorderly conduct.

8-23 Responded to a commercial burglary in progress. A stolen U-Haul was located and resulted in

a multi-jurisdictional investigation where the suspects were located and arrested for numerous crimes in Central Oregon.

8-23 Took a report of a shoplifter at the Sunriver Marketplace.

8-25 Officers assisted DCSO with a report of a domestic disturbance at Subway in the Sunriver Business Park. It was determined that no crime was committed.

8-25 Responded to a bike crash and assisted with transporting the bicyclist to their rental property.

8-25 The Village at Sunriver turned in numerous found items to SRPD to attempt to return to owners.

8-26 Responded to an alarm in the

Sunriver Business Park.

8-27 Received a noise complaint involving a loud hot tub party which quieted upon request.

8-28 Assisted SRFD at a bike crash on Theater Drive. Injured rider was transported by SRFD.

8-29 A theft was reported at the Sunriver Country Store.

8-30 Officers assisted DCSO with a domestic dispute. Suspect was taken into custody at the scene.

8-30 SRPD stopped a reckless driver at South Century Drive and Vandevert Road, who was arrested on allegations of DUII.

8-30 Contacted by staff at the Village regarding a found credit card.

the SSD.

–A job posting for a parttime office assistant has been published.

–Met with fire/police chiefs and Rob Felix about the Reserve Study. Also met with the 202223 auditors.

–Met with SDAO to discuss standard practices for HR, payroll and accounting and how other public safety organizations handle these processes.

–Evaluating the SSD board for its strengths and weaknesses and will have board training.

Other business

–The next regular meeting of the Sunriver Service District Managing Board is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 19, 3 p.m.

The meeting adjourned at 4:58 p.m. Approved meeting minutes are posted, as available, to www.sunriversd.org.

Sunriver Mens Golf: Sunriver narrowly defeats Crosswater in Cup Competition

By Paul J. Grieco

The Sunriver Cup competition has been a close affair.

True to form, the 2023 event was decided by only two points.

This almost yearly contest (with COVID intervening) pits the Sunriver Mens Golf Club team against the Crosswater team in a Ryder-Cup-style format.

This season, each team fielded 12 players comprised of 10 members and two pros from each club competing on two consecutive days.

On the first day, two-man teams competed at the beautiful and demanding Crosswater Club in separate nine-hole events, each nine being worth one point: on the front nine it was a better-ball affair, counting the one lower net score per pair in match play; on the back nine, a modified Chapman alternate-shot format was played.

In this format, both players hit their drives, and each team member then hits his team member’s drive for their second shots.

Each team then decides which of their two results to select to complete the rest of the hole competing with alternate shot format. Each match was worth 1 point, with ties being worth a half-point to each team.

The Crosswater team came charging out of the gate in the first four matches leading 6 to 2 until Sunriver’s final two

teams of Dalton Chambers/ Peter Alexander, and Lyndon Blackwell/Scott Brown blanked their opponents.

The first day thus ended in a tie, 6 points to 6, setting the stage nicely for an exciting second day of 12 individual matches. The day started well for the Sunriver team at Woodlands, with its challenging

rough, fast and true greens.

In the opening two matches, Resort pros Dalton Chambers and Fraser Brown bested their Crosswater counterparts 2 to 0, and Sunriver never trailed after that. The Sunriver club prevailed 7 to 5, for a final two-day total of 13 to 11, thus having the cup return to Sunriver for the eighth time in 15 outings.

The stars for Sunriver were Dalton Chambers and Lyndon Blackwell who won all three of their possible points over two days. Ken Cleveland did well for Crosswater with 2-1/2 points scored.

Winners of two points for the Crosswater team were Vern Reynolds, Johnny Martinez and John Schlendorf.

Two-point winners for the Sunriver men were Dan Frantz, Peter Alexander, Dick Korban and Scott Brown.

Both teams enjoyed an awards barbecue at McDivot’s Cafe.

New members welcome; Resort Cup final; banquet held

New members are welcome. Sunriver residency is not a requirement. Find the SRMGC online at www.srmensgolf. com. For information, email SRMGC President Don Nolte at NolteFamily4@msn.com or me at the below email address. The awards banquet was held at the end of September at the Grille at Crosswater.

Yearly trophy winners and most improved awards will be announced in the Scene’s November issue.

The last of four rotating Resort Cup matches was held at Sunriver too late to report in this issue. Sunriver was in second place by only 7 points, hoping to win its second title.

–Paul J. Grieco is handicap chair of the Sunriver Men’s Golf Club and may be reached at pjg3sr@gmail.com

Sunriver Cup Team: Left to right (rear): Peter Alexander, Jim Montroy, Jeff Cory, Dan Frantz, Lyndon Blackwell, Greg Cotton; (front row) Dean Wright, Dick Korban, Dalton Chambers, Fraser Brown, Don Olson; (not shown) Scott Brown.

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Time to review the recycling center

In the blink of an eye

By Susan Berger, Sunriver Scene

Life is a fragile thing that we often take for granted. Many of us go about our days without a care in the world. On July 23, my day and my world – as I knew it – came to a screeching halt.

I had been working in the yard all afternoon and decided to take a break to cool off.

Hubby Torry had gone off on a motorcycle ride with our friend, Todd. The duo were planning for a ride to Moab in August and wanted to put some miles on their fairly new, dual-sport motorcycles.

Many of you who live or work in Sunriver may know Torry as he is one of SROA’s longest-running employees –having served at Public Works for 26 years. If you’ve ever seen the giant loader going Mach 1 while plowing snow with the precision of a skilled surgeon –that’s Torry!

It was about 4:20 p.m. when my cell phone rang… caller ID showed a number from Florida so I ignored it. “Damn telemarketers,” I grumbled, and let it go to voicemail. When I checked the voicemail moments later my heart stopped as I listened to the message: “Hey Susan, this is Ken. I am with your husband Torry… Torry was in a serious motorcycle accident and 911 is on the way.”

I immediately called Todd. No answer. I then called Torry’s phone and Ken answered. He was helpful in explaining that Torry was on Cascade Lakes Highway near Devil’s Lake and had hit a car. He was conscious

Do you own a

at that time but in “pretty bad shape.” I was torn – the journalist in me wanted to head to the accident – my head said go to the hospital, which I did. From the hospital I started to make a few calls to immediate family and friends. Then waited…

Ken, a person who I will likely never meet, was my angel that day. He called again just after 5 p.m. to let me know that AirLink was on its way and Torry was being airlifted to the hospital. I waited outside and watched as the helicopter touched down at 5:35 and snapped a couple photos as it was landing (sorry, that’s the journalist in me!). I could see his blond hair when they opened the helicopter door. I called out to him as he was wheeled by on the stretcher but he was unresponsive and whisked into the emergency room. His condition was critical, and they wouldn’t let me see him. In less than an hour he was undergoing emergency surgery.

Torry’s injuries included two neck fractures (non-surgical), a concussion, collapsed right lung, compound fracture of the right arm, shattered pelvis, broken sacrum, perforated small intestine and colon, rupture bladder, puncture wound in the groin, broken toe, some road rash and other abrasions. He was in surgery for almost six hours.

I could write a book on what has happened since that fateful day of the accident (too much to include here) but, as the Scene went to press, Torry is

vacation rental?

Did you know that if you have an active short-term rental, you are required to register your rental with the County, collect an 8% tax from occupants, and pay that 8% tax to Deschutes County? Owners contracting with a property management company are still required to register.

If you use a third-party booking service, such as Airbnb or VRBO, you are still required to submit reports to the County, even though they are collecting and paying the room tax for you.

Learn more by scanning the code or visiting the link below:

still in the hospital (60 days and counting). He has undergone 12 surgeries to date with more down the road, including the removal of the external fixator that’s been holding his pelvis together for nine weeks. Other medical issues as a result of his injuries include partial removal of his colon and removal of his gall bladder and appendix. The colon injuries created an open wound fistula that will require another surgery to correct it nine to 12 months down the road. While in the hospital he also developed a pulmonary embolism and a pneumothorax on the right lung. Due to the fractured pelvis/

sacrum there is nerve damage to the right leg and foot.

Torry’s road to recovery will be long. Only time, and Torry, will know how long that road may be.

We have a lot of people ask, “how can I help?” We’re not the type of people who ask for help but you don’t expect this sort of life-altering event.

Many told us we should start a GoFundMe to assist with out-of-pocket medical expenses that won’t be covered by insurance or for things Torry may need down the road. Donations of any size are greatly appreciated and can be made at https://gofund.me/432af491

By Jim Gamble

In the latest Scene there was a letter reference to the recycling center and “unsightly, noisy” conditions. This is not something that is new to those of us who have been here for a very long time. I can (well over 10 years ago) remember offering to volunteer to monitor the site with my cattle prod especially during holiday weekends!

The recycling company has improved the conditions by increasing the number of bins for cardboard. As the success of Amazon has grown so has the need for cardboard disposal.

Traveling to the land fill in Bend may not be feasible for some of our permanent senior residents especially during the winter months as well as considering where we are with gas prices.

Not that long ago we had an opportunity to do something about this continual problem by voting for a recycling center that was attractive and would have addressed many of the issues – however, it did not attain the needed votes.

With the updates now occurring to many of the public facilities here (maintenance yard, public safety building, major improvements to the wastewater treatment plant) we should consider a re-look at this issue.

LETTERS

Letters to the Editor can be up to 250 words. A longer ‘Chorus of One’ submission can be up to 400 words. Submit by email to susanb@srowners.org by the 12th of the month.

Torry and Susan Berger, above. The accident made the news, closing Cascade Lakes Highway for almost 2 hours, below.

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PAINT, STAIN & PRESSURE WASH

10% off Interior paint or stain if you mention this ad. Call Earth & Sky Construction and Paint today 541-815-7469

CABIN KEEPERS LLCGENERAL CONTRACTOR SERVICES - CCB# 196395

Now offering Fall/winter special pricing on - Full interior remodels/Interior paint, flooring and tile/Deck repair and refinishing. 25+ years experience/10+ years in Sunriver area Locally owned and operated/Licensed-BondedInsured/Great Customer Service! Call Dan for a free estimate 541-771-1490

• Security home checks

• Take care of mail and plants

• Sewing projects

Serving the Sunriver area for over 45 years. Call me, Grace Phillips. It’s a matter of trust!

541-788-0199

AUTO PHILLIPS

HOME RESTORATION & UPGRADES

Kitchen, bath and living space. Custom railings, gates and metalwork. Affordable, custom craftsmanship. Call Ken Olson Building and Design, LLC.

541-213-8861

Licensed/Insured CCB #205419

AUTO OLSON

Hi I’m Casey Barksdale, a Sunriver Resort Employee. If you are traveling south for the winter, I am your guy. I have extensive maintenance experience and reference. I am willing to pay a reasonable rent if necessary. My number is 458-2537683, thank you for your time.

SO FRESH AND SO KLEAN KLEAN CLEANING SERVICES LLC. Offering cleaning services for long-term, vacation rentals. We do everything move out and move in. Deep cleans and construction cleans! We do everything. Healthy4lifeislove4life@gmail.com

469-990-6226

NEED DECK WORK?

Deck refinishing, Deck rebuilding, Enclosures, General contracting, licensed, bonded, insured since 1992 Tubs Alive, Inc. CCB #97643, 541-593-5163

OFFICE ASSISTANT OPENING AT SPD

The Sunriver Police Department is accepting resumes for a part time Office Assistant to greet visitors, answer the phone, transcribe minutes, file, and help where needed. Pay range is $21.87 to $25.11/hour. 20-25 hours per week. Please email resume to ssdadmin@sunriversd.org. AUTO

$850,000