News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
Sorted by date Results 201 - 225 of 280
As my cancer experience recedes into the past, it's easy to feel impatient and focus on what hasn't happened yet. A perfect example is adjusting to the reality that my hair is taking a painfully long time to come back. It was almost easier to cope with having no hair at all. I was going through chemotherapy, so of course, I lost my hair. But now a year later, when I look in the mirror I'm often caught off guard by what stares back at me. I call it my duck-fuzz phase, the hair... Full story
Cancer is telling us something. Each person's message is different. For some, their bodies hold a genetic predisposition to getting cancer. For others it is environmental. The question is what do we have power over and what is out of our control? I was genetically tested and know that my breast cancer was not due to genetics. That being said, cancer has been the cause of death for quite a few of my family members. My father, grandparents, cousin and uncle all died because of cancer. I reassured myself by the fact that my... Full story
The other morning I was driving into Bend to pick up some supplements from my naturopath. I left early so I wouldn't miss any more work than necessary. I was listening to a CD full of songs from my teenage years. "Dust in the Wind" was playing and I was thinking about the lyrics and how they still ring true. With cancer slowly receding in my rearview mirror, the idea that we all return to that former dust-like state really hit home. I was thinking how I'd really prefer to become dust in the wind a long time from now and that... Full story
Going through cancer treatments and recovery changed me in so many ways. I thought I understood what it would be like, but I was wrong. I had been there for family members as they underwent surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation - but being the supporter and not the patient allowed me to maintain a veil of separation. Being in the hot-seat, that's no longer an option. During each treatment phase I was forced to look at the disease straight on and accept that it was a part of my life. But with all that reality came a coping... Full story
A year ago, I experienced one of the most meaningful nights of my life. I only wish I could remember it better. But cancer will do that to you. It seems that I've been experiencing a bit of chemo and crisis amnesia that can erase memories as fast as I make them. There aren't a lot of photographs from the evening; my memory of it is more of a feeling than images. On November 17, 2013, a powerful posse of girlfriend power put together an event to raise money to help my family with cancer-treatment expenses. By that time, I'd... Full story
A vision to bring the Sisters community together to pray for each other, the community, and the country culminated Thursday morning in the first annual Sisters Community Prayer Breakfast. Led by Peter Storton and Jim Horsley, the event commemorated the National Day of Prayer held the first Thursday in May as designated by President Lincoln's proclamation of a national day of prayer in 1863. In a statement made by President Obama on May 1, the President said, "I join the citizens of our nation in giving thanks, in accordance... Full story
In middle school, Meganne Mills discovered her talent for art; now a junior at Sisters High School, she has turned her talent into a way to achieve her dreams. "Since then I've practiced and practiced and practiced," she said. "I did doodles all the time. It's a bit of a release. If I'm not making art I get depressed. At this point, I live and breathe for it." Meganne's art teacher, Bethany Gunnarson, saw Mills' talent and encouraged her to submit her work in the Scholastic... Full story
Sisters residents played host to a Hollywood actress last week and she loved every minute of it. Monika Jolly first became aware of Sisters after meeting a group of Sisters women who were attending a yoga retreat in Ojai, California. She felt an instant kinship with the Sisters women and was intrigued by their descriptions of Sisters and what makes it such a special place. "After spending time with those amazing women, I had to see this place," she said. The opportunity came... Full story
When Jennifer and TR McCrystal chose Sisters as their home, a big part of their decision was the lifestyle that only a small town can bring. They opened their restaurant, Jen's Garden, and began building a business that helped put Sisters on the map as a culinary destination in Central Oregon. Last August, TR accepted a job offer working for Deschutes Brewery in Bend. Working at Deschutes Brewery was a positive experience. But when it came down to it, TR made the decision to... Full story
Last Saturday night House on Metolius featured premier piano composer Michael Allen Harrison and the captivating vocals of Julianne Johnson. The Gorge Living Room, overlooking the Metolius River and the home of the Lundgren family's 1930s Steinway grand piano, was the perfect setting for Harrison and Johnson's well-honed blend of jazz classics, Harrison's original compositions, and a medley of old favorites. Harrison opened the evening with several of his own compositions and... Full story
Each fall, serious music students get the chance to audition for an elite group of student musicians. The competition is difficult, the standards are high and the chance of being selected is slim. Students audition by submitting a tape demonstrating their mastery of a musical instrument. Thousands of students from across Oregon apply for the coveted positions. Of those thousands only around 100 will be selected to play in Oregon's All-State Orchestra. A panel of judges from ar... Full story
Local thespians Lisa Fetrow and Angela Lund were hired by Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD) to offer theatre arts in Sisters. After the drama departments were cut from the 2012/2013 school year, the friends wanted to provide an outlet for aspiring actors of all ages to enjoy and improve their craft. Their efforts, with the support of SPRD, the Sisters School District, and funding from the Community Schools Foundation will come to fruition when "Play On!" debuts on Febr... Full story
The Sisters Park & Recreation District's Adult Americana Project class began January 24, and students are having a blast. At capacity, there are 15 students in the class held at Sisters Art Works. The music-filled classroom is full of eager, aspiring musicians who have been waiting for their chance to experience what the students at Sisters High School have been enjoying for years. In the second year for the class, instructor Brent Alan brings a sense of fun and enlightening... Full story
After living and working around the globe, Boyd Wickman chose Central Oregon as a perfect fit for retirement. Central Oregon fit the criteria for everything he loved to do in his spare time: spend time with horses, ski, play and listen to music and be in a place with room to stretch out and enjoy some solitude. He left a distinguished career in research with the U.S. Forest Service, but continued managing an experimental forest as a private contractor, coached Special... Full story
Students in Sisters Elementary School will soon be strumming on ukeleles, thanks to the Sisters Folk Festival's Americana Project and The Roundhouse Foundation. At the close of last year, the Americana Project received a grant from The Roundhouse Foundation to purchase 28 ukuleles for the Sisters Elementary School music program. "We are thrilled to provide the Sisters Elementary School students the opportunity to learn to play ukulele," said Tisdel. "It is exciting and a... Full story
In December, The Depot Café owners Pam and Chris Wavrin introduced a new menu for Thursday-night dinners. "There's a lot of great food in Sisters, but this has been something that's missing in town," said Pam as she prepped for a full dining room last Thursday. Always open to new menu ideas, the Wavrins jumped at the chance to hire Chef Pittaya Young and bring her masterful dishes for a weekly dose of Thai food. Young moved to the U.S. 28 years ago and began cooking... Full story
If you've lived in Sisters for long, it becomes clear that this little town has an uncanny ability to attract interesting, productive people. Whether it's through their volunteer work, past accomplishments or current endeavors these folks are a big part of what make Sisters special. An example is a woman who has lived in town since 2004. She came to Sisters through a serendipitous introduction and soon found she loved the town and the man too much to ever leave. Ten years... Full story
Last Wednesday evening, Camp Sherman's House on Metolius was buzzing with excitement as 100 guests anticipated the arrival of Portland composer Michael Allen Harrison. Back after a successful concert this summer, Harrison greeted a sold-out crowd ready to welcome the holiday season with Christmas classics like "Little Drummer Boy" and "Oh, Christmas Tree," as well as many of his own compositions. Melissa Novotny heard about the event and didn't want to miss it. "My neighbor to... Full story
When Rebecca French opened Bald Eagle Music Education Station (BEMES) in January of 2011 she had a clear vision in mind: Keep it affordable for those who can pay, and make it available to those who can't. Local business owners Jennifer and TR McCrystal knew that model would be hard to sustain, especially in a down economy. So they jumped in and helped. Jennifer McCrystal and French share a common bond in their love of music and a desire to make it available for everyone. "I... Full story
When asked about Sisters Park & Recreation District's (SPRD) highly popular class, "Pottery with Mike Baynes," Program Manager Kelly Sheets can hardly contain her enthusiasm. She doesn't just manage the program - she's a participant. "The class is awesome," she said while catching a quick cup of coffee at Sisters Coffee Company before class began last Tuesday, October 30. Sheets had just returned from a whirlwind trip to Southern California to greet a new baby in the... Full story
When Portland piano great and philanthropist Michael Allen Harrison drove along the Metolius River and into the secluded woods to reach House on Metolius, his mind churned with ideas for the evening's performance. "This is a coming-home kind of place," he smiled after his arrival. Inspired by the sounds of the river and views of the Cascade Range and Metolius meadow, he entered the room ready to transport the audience. Harrison welcomed everyone and thanked them for allowing... Full story
Artists from across the country participated in a timed competition to paint in a natural setting and complete a painting in four hours during the fourth annual Plein Air Paint Out along the Metolius River. The event was hosted by the National Forest Foundation and Deschutes National Forest. Some of the more prolific artists were able to produce two quality interpretations of the beauty found in the area. The event provides an opportunity to paint some of Oregon's most extraor... Full story
Nationally acclaimed fabric artists Lisa and Lori Lubbesmeyer will take part in Kathy Deggendorfer's art show, "View from the Village," which opens June 1 at Sisters Art Works. The Lubbesmeyers were excited to be included with a talented collection of women artists from across Oregon. "Kathy asked us last fall to be a part of this amazing group," said Lisa Lubbesmeyer. The sisters will have four pieces featured in the show. Known for their unique approach to painting with fabr... Full story
Jennifer & TR McCrystal have enjoyed watching their daughters and fellow students at Bald Eagle Music Education Station (BEMES) experience the joy of learning to play musical instruments. When Jennifer heard that the music studio was struggling, she wanted to figure out a way to help. "The economy is tough and there are people who would love to have their children in music classes but they are unable to afford it," said Jennifer. "The studio is an enormous asset to our little town that values art and music so much." Jennifer... Full story
Sisters middle and high school art students submitted work in the prestigious Scholastic Art & Writing Awards (SAWA) and took home a total of 31 awards. The awards offer students the opportunity to be recognized for their creative talents. Students in grades 7 through 12 can apply in 28 categories of art and writing for the chance to earn scholarships and have their works exhibited or published. There were more than 500 entries in the various categories. Regional awards... Full story
