News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
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We’ve all heard that “you don’t know what you have until you lose it,” which I know from experience to be true. But in recent years I’ve personally discovered another truth. You don’t know what you have until you really, really need it. We’ve lived in Sisters for almost 30 years now, but when we first came, I remember how “old-timers” (Sisters residents who’d lived here their whole lives) would offer sage advice (or maybe it was warnings). I frequently heard two things: 1. Most newcomers won’t remain here more than a coup... Full story
Living in a place like Sisters, we can all appreciate how visitors are drawn to its natural beauty, recreational activities, and small town charm. And there’s no arguing that tourists provide a healthy livelihood for many local businesses. But some are using that very rationale to defend an increase of STRs (short-term-residences, aka vacation rentals) in Sisters. But do we fully comprehend the price our town could pay if that happens? I visited Jackson Hole a couple decades ago. Another beautiful “small” town that got disco... Full story
Pro-Palestinian demonstrations in various U.S. cities recently got my attention. Curious as to what the protestors were actually supporting, I read from various news sources. To my surprise some of the “journalistic” accounts made little if any mention of Hamas’ brutal October 7 attack on Israelis living in Gaza. The journalists, like the protestors, seemed more focused on Israel’s retaliation following the horrendous attack. After more research, reading and watching video, I discovered how many protestors support a very de... Full story
In a generation where “celebrating diversity” is the mantra of the day, have you noticed how strikingly similar life has become in our country? Perhaps not quite so much in Sisters, where individuality seems to thrive — thank God! But if you travel the U.S., you may have observed huge neighborhoods filling expansive suburban developments—each house the same as the next. Of course, it’s cheaper and faster to build doppelganger houses, but how does a homeowner distinguish their home from their neighbor’s? After a long day, d... Full story
Last winter the news of a plan to “supersize” the Space Age gas station got the attention of many Sisters residents. Most agreed it was a poorly conceived plan. Not only would it be an eyesore upon entering town and worsen our ongoing traffic problem, a lot of folks regretted the loss of our charming plant nursery and produce stand. Both would be ousted in the process of constructing a truck-stop-like gas station. Despite local concern, most people believed it would be a losing battle to speak out. Our small town was already... Full story
I’ve lived in Sisters 28 years and love this sweet town for the same qualities we all appreciate—gorgeous mountains, majestic trees, recreation opportunities, celebrations of art and music. We purposely moved here to embrace a smaller community, to participate in activities and join a few organizations. We are involved and caring neighbors, both next door and at large. But lately it seems, after joining a group (CATS) to question some disturbing city issues (overdevelopment...mega gas stations) I’m suddenly chara... Full story
OK, I realize it’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day this month, and I’m not making light of his “I Have a Dream” speech. In fact, I’m a great admirer. But I had a dream—the kind of dream you have while sleeping. In this admittedly strange dream, I was reluctantly observing a political convention when suddenly the man with the microphone called me up to make a speech. Totally shocked and unprepared — I had no speech! But they forced me to the podium, and to my surprise I made a full-blown dramatic speech with hand gestur... Full story
No matter how the midterm election turns out, some folks are going to be mad. And sometimes when people get vexed, they lash out. I just hope that won’t happen in Sisters. I’d like to think that whether or not we agree on all things political (and who does?) we could still get along. Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could live up to the name of our town? After all, Sisters is named after the pristine white-capped mountains we all admire and enjoy, and their names are Faith, Hope, and Charity. These are attributes the whole world... Full story
I plan to attend the meeting on houselessness next Thursday, and am curious as to what possible solutions will be presented. As a pragmatic person, I hope it’s not only an awareness meeting with lots of talk-talk-talk. I think most of us are aware there is a problem that is not improving. Like many of you (and thank you, Bill Bartlett), I’ve been giving this difficult situation some serious thought. Especially with winter coming. I recently watched a YouTube video about the Opportunity Village in Eugene. Eugene happens to hav... Full story
I recently tuned on the news to witness a historic moment — Prince Charles transitioning to King Charles. I listened to his speech then watched him greet and interact with his public. A moving gesture, but I couldn’t help but notice how many people were intently focused on their phones, anxiously photographing or videoing His Majesty. Instead of actually seeing their new King walking amongst them, they were glued to their phones. I vaguely wondered why they hadn’t just stayed home and recorded this historic moment on... Full story
Our new home was recently visited by teeny tiny ants. A neglected mound of construction dirt outside our kitchen became the ants’ new happy habitat, with an invisible trail that led them straight inside. While I enjoy most of our neighborhood critters, ants that forage for toaster crumbs on my countertops rank very low on my list. In my efforts to evacuate the pesky interlopers without nasty toxins, I stumbled across something those little buggers really hate. Dawn liquid dish soap. Pour a bit on a paper towel, give them a w... Full story
COVID has messed with my mind. Oh, I didn’t actually contract COVID and I know very few people who did, but more than a year of COVID restrictions has definitely changed how I think and act. And I know I’m not alone. I’ve jokingly told friends we need a COVID recovery plan. And now that we’re moving into a less restrictive season, but still suffering uncertainties and inhibitions, I think it’s no joke. Especially when we want to be free from any lingering shadows of the intrusive pandemic that shut us down. Easier said than... Full story
I think I was in fifth grade when I first heard the phrase: “America is a melting pot.” Being young and somewhat literal, I imagined all these diverse people from varying cultures and ethnicities swirling around in a huge caldron, simmering into a homogenous human stew. As an adult I’m not so sure I care for that metaphor. Sure, I appreciate the image of a united nation, but the idea of everyone boiling down to a conformity of sameness is unnerving. What does that mean for freedom of speech, freedom of thought, and perso... Full story
