Letters to the Editor

Cooley should serve his term...in jail

Wes Cooley should go to jail, not back to Congress.

Cooley is a compulsive liar who has falsified loan documents, lied under oath about his education, falsified his place of residency to run for Congress, cheated a ranch hand by paying slave wages while claiming the employee as a dependent on his taxes, dishonored veterans by claiming assignment to Korea and generally brought dishonor and shame to all of Oregon east of the Cascades.

Now it is up to law enforcement and Oregon's Secretary of State Phil Kiesling, who has done far too little for far too long about rectifying Cooley's lies to voters in his district.

Whether or not Cooley is elected to another term in Congress, as unlikely as that is, he should serve that term behind bars.--Editor

Much as I appreciated your recent articles on teen pregnancy and the difficult choices it imposes on teens and families, I need to update your assumptions on welfare reform in Oregon.

Clients in our programs at Adult and Family Services (welfare) are no longer sitting at home passively, without a plan for the future. The AFS JOBS (Job Opportunities and Basic Skills) program engages clients in activities that move them into employment.

For example, teen parents are expected to complete their high school education or obtain a GED. To receive cash benefits they must be successfully working toward completing their education. Once teen parents have obtained their diploma or GED, they then move into the portion of our JOBS program designed to move them into employment and self- sufficiency.

Statistics show that 80 percent of young women who became pregnant in high school dropped out, compared with less than 10 percent of those who remained childless. Other research indicates that their lack of basis skills and credentials impedes these young women in getting jobs.

Effective July 1 Oregon will be implementing additional Welfare Reform policy. This will include:

* Roll out statewide of the JOBS Plus program (a public/private partnership that gives clients subsidized on- the-job training);

* Mothers will be asked to look for work or be in training within three months of the birth of a child, rather than the current one year;

* Progressively more severe penalties for clients who do not cooperate with the JOBS Program.

* Teen parents on welfare will also be required to live in a supervised, safe place.

The bottom line is welfare reform in Oregon and Central Oregon has been successful. Teen parents are engaged in education and services that create healthier families. The welfare caseload in Central Oregon has been reduced by 18 percent from this same time last year (247 families). The local JOBS Program is averaging 80 clients entering employment each month.

Carol Weston, District 10 Manager

Adult and Family Services

A valuable resource will be missing at Sisters High School if the Teen Mother's program is lost. Providing vital health information to each individual, as needed, is absolutely a necessity.

Our children have to know we are supportive of their needs. We have got to care enough to keep Julie Stover's door open.

Helping with the child-care issues for the program through Julie Stover is the way I've tried to become involved. If you're threatened by this program, get involved, make a difference. Be a supportive part of these young lives. I've made an impact and small as it may be, it's a day-to-day good feeling.

Please don't give up on this program or these people because of inexperience. Please show compassion for those situations that need open arms, not closed doors. Please keep our school nurse, Julie Stover, and the programs she seeks to provide.

Cari Landis

Each year the Booster Club generously matches the funds earned by the many different groups and clubs that run the Sisters High School Concession Stand. As supervisor of the stand I would like to say thank you, thank you, thank you to the Booster Club.

Students from National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, Drama Club, Cheerleading, Dance Team, Volleyball, Band and many other groups work hard to raise money to support field trips, equipment, uniforms, and other things necessary to keep their club or activity running smoothly. The money donated by the Boosters helps the students meet their financial goals a lot quicker.

Again, thank you, especially Dennis Levine, Dave Quick, and Sylvia Valdez. These Booster officers have freely given of their time and talents to help students. We appreciate your generosity.

Sincerely,

Marion Harrison

Sisters High School

Concession Stand Supervisor

Last Saturday, June l, the Sisters sixth grade class put on a benefit for the Outdoor School. It was an evening of country western dance instruction geared for the whole family.

And there were families, as well as teens, singles and couples -- there just weren't enough.

Those of us who went had a terrific time learning from a great instructor who happens to hold several country western dance championships. He donated his time and expertise to a community cause. It's too bad that more people didn't take advantage of a fun evening and participate in supporting their community (especially those who moan and complain about school cuts, bond issues, etc.).

Thanks, Jack, for a fun evening and hopefully you won't be discouraged from helping at other benefits.

Sincerely,

Kim Renwick

During spring vacation I read an article about your high school dance team and the statewide recognition they had received.

I came to realize the tremendous amount of skill required of these young women while teaching at Oregon City High School. The hours, days, and months that went into practice was mind- boggling. They also needed to keep up with their class work and raise money for expenses.

These young people deserve your community's continuing support. Achieving third place is indeed an honor. I have sent a donation to help them fund their dance team and hope others will do so as well. Keeping our youngsters involved in wholesome activities such as this will pay off in more ways than one.

Sincerely,

Kate Ludwig

Merlo Station High School

I would like to personally thank Ray's Food Place on behalf of Sisters Elementary School. This week I received a phone call from Robin Davis informing me that they had a donation for our "Campbell's Labels For Kids" program. I had casually mentioned the program to Robin one evening and was truly surprised to hear back from him so promptly and with such enthusiasm.

Ray's Food Place donated a total of 10,100 labels to our program. That is the total of our collection over the past one-and-a-half years. This will equal at least $100 worth of equipment for our school.

Earlier in the year, when school district employees performed as the shopping cart drill team, Ray's Food Place was also very willing to help us out. We would like to thanks them for caring about our schools.

Sincerely,

Shelley Randall

Sisters Elementary School

P.S.: Keep saving those labels. Jill Misener will be in charge of the program next year.

The seniors of the class of 1996 want to say thanks to all the parents who put in time and the businesses that donated money, prizes or food to our drug-and-alcohol-free graduation party.

We had a blast. The prizes, games and decorations were amazing.

We appreciate the community's support of our school and our activities.

Tirza Jensen, Class of '96

To the Editor:

We would like to express our heartfelt thanks and deepest gratitude to all those who helped with our fund-raising efforts, whether you donated, had your car washed, bought concessions or baked goods, participated in the fun run, or bought a raffle ticket.

Because of your generosity and kind support two Black Butte school students will be able to represent Oregon in National History Day Competition in Washington, D.C., June 8-13.

What a privilege it is to live in this special place, where people care so much for kids and want to help them reach their highest goals.

Sincerely,

Peter and Mary Hedren and Jasper

Dennis and Pam Tichner and Chris

Our fourth annual "Churches for Hospice Bake Sale" was a tremendous success. It wouldn't have been possible without the participation of the following churches: Cascade Community Church, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Church of Latter Day Saints, Sisters Baptist Church, Church of Christ, Chapel In The Pines and The Assembly of God.

Of course, none of it would have been possible without Ray's Food Place giving us the space to sell our baked goods. Ray's Food Place is so supportive of so many of our community efforts. It's wonderful to know that we can unite and support such a worthy organization.

Thank you all so much and to those of you who came and bought.

The Women's Guild of Transfiguration Episcopal Church

In response to Shirley C. Rowe's letter (Nugget, May 29), I want to say thank you and God bless you for asking that "One Question" that has needed to be asked for a very long time.

Sincerely,

Sharon Honea