News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
Sorted by date Results 326 - 350 of 363
The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration Choir is set to depart next week on a European tour that will include multiple venues in Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic. The centerpiece of the trip will be the choir's performance at the International Handel Choral Festival in Halle, Germany. "We are so excited about the opportunity to sing a work like Handel's Messiah with singers from all over the world," said choir director Stephanie King. "The tour has been planned... Full story
Reintroduction of salmon and steelhead runs to Whychus Creek has been a long-term goal since the fish were eradicated by dam construction in the 1960s. In addition to the passage of fish around the dams, another long-known impediment is that Whychus Creek has serious seasonal waterflow and temperature problems in the reach nearest Sisters. What hasn't been well known however - until discovered by a recent Oregon State University study - is that temperatures during historic... Full story
When February 14 rolls around, most people think about Valentines. My first thought is Oregon's birthday. Oregon's sesquicentennial is almost upon us, and I don't think there's been near enough fuss. The post office issued a special stamp; The Bulletin ran an Oregon history quiz and that's been about it. I was born here and remember Oregon's centennial in 1959. It was a really big deal. Of course, that was many years ago, when people still knew how to pronounce long vowels. Which brings me to the point: After 150 years, we ou... Full story
The Sisters area is so closely tied to the surrounding forest that any changes in forest management have a potential impact on nearly everyone. And few individual positions have more influence on the management of our local forest than that of Sisters District Ranger. So, it caught people's attention when word got out that District Ranger Bill Anthony is headed for another job in the Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests. "This is just a temporary assignment," Anthony said.... Full story
After a five-week hiatus following its Christmas concert, the Sisters Community Choir is gearing up for spring and is actively seeking some new singers. "Advanced musical training is not required," said George Larson, who has served as Choir Director for the last several years. "The only real requirements are a love of singing and a willingness to make the time commitment. All are welcome." While in session, the choir practices each Monday evening, and the spring term will begin next Monday, January 26. There are no... Full story
Last week the local Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion Posts combined to host an open house for area veterans. The purpose of the meeting was to acquaint Sisters veterans with the two organizations and provide veterans with assistance and support. Nearly 50 people filled the seats at Sisters City Hall last Wednesday evening to hear VFW Post Commander Phillip Gale welcome members and visitors and explain local veterans' programs. Gale emphasized that all veterans are welcome at the organizations' meetings whether... Full story
The Forest Service is considering granting a permit for commercial wintertime wilderness tours in the Sisters area. The idea has been tossed around for a few years; but now it looks like the plan could become a reality as early as next winter. "We're just advertising for applicants at this time," said Jeff Sims, Lands Forester for the Sisters Ranger District. Sims explained that people have been inquiring about conducting winter backcountry tours in the area for quite some time, so the Forest Service decided to actively... Full story
The Deschutes Land Trust's Skyline Forest proposal has grabbed the limelight and the public's attention recently, but that is just one project on the organization's land preservation agenda. At a public meeting in Sisters last month, which was attended by approximately 120 local residents, the Trust announced it is working on a plan to protect views, wildlife habitat, and public access to the Alder Springs area near Sisters. About a dozen miles northeast of Sisters, the... Full story
Now in its 16th season, the Community Choir of Sisters is set for its annual Christmas concert, with two performances this weekend. The choir has been rehearsing since September under the direction of George Larson, the choir's director for the past eight years. Larson described the program as "an eclectic mix of classical and popular, sacred and secular music of the season." Highlights include two pieces alluding to the story of the angel Gabriel's appearance to Mary, mother... Full story
The Deschutes Land Trust continues its quiet pursuit of a land deal that would dramatically increase the organization's already substantial profile in the region. At issue is a 33,000-acre parcel of forestland, known as Skyline Forest, on the eastern slopes of the Cascades between Bend and Sisters. This past spring, the Land Trust was offered a donation of 28,000 acres of the former Bull Springs Tree Farm to manage under a community forest concept. While the idea is still very much in play, administrative complications have... Full story
In what might be billed as a "World Premiere," the Sisters High Desert Chorale will be delivering its inaugural performances this weekend in the form of a free holiday concert. The concerts will feature a holiday mixture of traditional, folk, jazz and gospel music. The Chorale was formed just this year around a core of about 20 Sisters singers. The new group is the brainchild of Irene Liden, who moved to Sisters only a few years ago. Liden has a degree in Voice/Opera Performance from the Eastman School Of Music and a Masters... Full story
Lately we've focused on lower-elevation hikes designed to be snow-free and take advantage of the fall colors. This week's hike to beautiful, deep blue Tamolitch Pool starts at only 2,200 feet. According to Forest Service information, it is open "most" of the year. It's not one of the better-known hikes in our area, but it's one of the easiest and most rewarding. It's also one of the most puzzling. From all appearances, this is where the McKenzie River begins. Yet, in our visit to Clear Lake two weeks ago, we proclaimed that... Full story
When snow begins to creep into the high country, there's no need to stop hiking. Some of the best hikes can be in the beautiful days of fall. Plus, you'll find the trails less crowded because most people wrongly conclude that the hiking season is over. That's their loss. Last week, we toured the headwaters of the McKenzie River at Clear Lake, and that will continue to be a great fall hike for a while yet. This week we'll drop another 200 feet in elevation and venture a mile... Full story
In Alaska, we call it "Termination Dust," and it works pretty much the same way here. Now that snow is dusting the higher elevations, many of our summer activities are about to be "terminated." Still, don't think that the hiking season is over. We'll just focus on lower-elevation hikes to take advantage of our beautiful fall days. Central Oregon is a wonderful place; but, when it comes to fall colors, we come up a little short. Only a half-hour away, however, are some of the... Full story
This is one of those write-ups that may get me into a little bit of trouble with people who would prefer to keep Demaris Lake off the general public's radar screen. It's a little farther afield than some of the more popular destinations; it's not on the way to anywhere else; and it's reached from one of those unpopular fee-usage areas. Quite a few factors conspire to keep Demaris Lake one of those low-profile spots. In fact, we saw only two other people in the vicinity and... Full story
The Community Choir of Sisters has begun preparing for its annual Christmas concert. Choir Director George Larson proudly points out that the organization is dedicated to providing community entertainment and a performance venue for Sisters area vocalists. The choir has been a fixture in Sisters for more than 15 years. This is Larson's eighth year as director, and he's looking forward to the new season and to recruiting new members. "All are welcome," Larson said. "Advanced musical training is not required. Some of our member... Full story
It's not particularly black, and there's not much in the way of a crater; but Black Crater provides plenty of challenge for the hiker. The four-mile trail (in each direction) is in great condition; but if this were a highway, there would be all sorts of yellow signs warning about steep grades. There are no complicated directions, no spur trails, no trail junctions. Just one direction: up. If you have a hankering for a taste of mountaineering but would rather not complicate... Full story
The Sisters Knights of Columbus Roundtable will host a community Oktoberfest event on Saturday, September 27, at The Pines Clubhouse. According to event organizer, John Ries, the annual Oktoberfest is the local Knights' principal fund-raiser for their charitable outreach. "Last year," Ries said, "the funds raised were used to help a needy family struggling to pay its bills when the husband became seriously ill. Funds were also given to the Kiwanis Food Bank, as well as smaller amounts for acute emergencies of the homeless in... Full story
When you're looking for a good solid hike but you're not up for an all out, all day adventure, the Matthieu Lakes trail is an excellent choice. This six-mile loop sits just on the Sisters side of McKenzie Pass. The Forest Service lists it as an "easy" hike, but it's really closer to "moderate." It's suitable for children, but you'll probably end up carrying toddlers. Less than a quarter mile from the trailhead, the route meets the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) at a wall of lava... Full story
Buddhism coming to Sisters? Well, not exactly. According to a local program coordinator, Janet Huerta, "Vipassana is a meditation technique that was taught by the Buddha, but we don't consider this Buddhism. It's very specifically non-sectarian and is practiced by people of all religions." Vipassana (pronounced with a short "i" as in "it," vi-PAW-suh-nuh) does involve a basic moral code. As Huerta explained, "No one who practices any religion would disagree with the code." In a nutshell, she said, the code is simply to do no... Full story
Recently, I've been writing about hiking opportunities in the Sisters area, and there's been a lot of positive feedback. I had expected some grousing about giving away secret hideaways; but, for the most part, that hasn't happened - even after what I'm told amounted to a virtual stampede to Chush Falls. I'm pleased to see more people enjoying the trails; but, with more people out there, it's important to think about the impact on nature and other people. Thus far, my hiking stories have focused on where to go, not how. This... Full story
A group from Three Sisters Fellowship invited me to tag along on their recent hike to Park Meadow, Golden Lake...and beyond. A visit to Park Meadow is a pleasant round trip of 7.6 miles. However, the ambitious hiker can easily turn it into a more difficult 14-mile trek - and you might find that the effort is worth it! Nestled on the eastern side of the Three Sisters Wilderness Area, Park Meadow is one of those lush mountain meadows that most people only see in coffee table boo... Full story
Last week we explored the upper reaches of Canyon Creek where it is born in the snows of Three Fingered Jack. This time we'll take a look at the other end of the creek, where it empties into the Metolius River south of Camp Sherman. This hike is an easy round trip of five miles and can be accessed either from Canyon Creek Campground or Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery. I prefer to start at Wizard Falls to save the mouth of Canyon Creek and some spectacular springs along the... Full story
Stunning views of the Three Fingered Jack crags and lush fields of wildflowers make Canyon Creek Meadows one of the premier hikes in the Sisters region. Access was somewhat limited this year by heavy winter snows coupled with a cool spring, but it's all clear sailing now. The meadows are not a very well-kept secret. Last Sunday, we counted 21 cars in the Jack Lake trailhead parking lot. Even so, the trail did not seem crowded. A loop trail leads to the meadows, and the Forest... Full story
Very close to Sisters, there's an interesting - and nearly all-season - trail that offers some unusual opportunities. There will be no snow banks to clamber over, but the Alder Springs hike is not for everyone. In fact, Crooked River Grassland officials have designated it as "Most Difficult." In reality, it's not all that bad. The problem, however, is that the hike into the deep canyon is all downhill. That means you'd better be in good shape if you want to get back... Full story
