Letters, letters, letters

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To the Editor:

What a cowardly, meanspirited attack you leveled on Jan van den Berg. If you have a problem with the fact that Mr. van den Berg has a demanding profession and cannot attend all of the school board meetings, why didn't you have the courage and good manners to call him and discuss it with him man to man before publicly attacking him in your newspaper? What a jerk you are!

I know Jan, he's a kind and generous man. I know he donates many hours and many dollars to this community and cares very deeply about the future of our children.

It appears that you're more interested in blasting him for doing a good job of supporting his family than acknowledging that he does a good job of supporting this community as well.

Theresa Smiley

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To the Editor:

I am writing about the article, or should I say opinion, about my Dad on the school board.

Exactly what do you know about my Dad's business in Portugal? What business is it of yours to criticize my Dad because he had to go to Portugal?

Plus, for your information, I'm not being biased.

Actually, my Dad was working hard and did not have a "crisis" as you assumed. Look, my Dad may not always be able to be there but he does care!

So how dare you, sir, say in a newspaper read by over 800 people that my Dad disregarded the education of the children of Sisters of which I am one!

I regret my Dad was not there to vote, but the reason he wasn't there is because he was earning money to take care of and help a higher priority than the board. His family!

Sincerely,

Mathieu van den Berg, age 10

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To the Editor:

The contemporary writer Thomas Moore says to surround yourself with good books. You don't have to read them, he says, but you gain something just by having them near you.

Sometimes just the feel of a book can be transporting. Once, in the rare book room of the Multnomah County library in Portland, I asked to see a 12th Century illuminated manuscript.

A book was brought out to me that looked like an old, big chunk of roast beef Given the opportunity to leaf through its pages was like taking a ride in a time machine. I was fascinated by the tiny script, the lack of punctuation marks, the handpainted illustrations and the weight and feel of the paper.

I could almost sense the presence of the scribe breathing over the surface of these pages as he carefully wrote each word. Although I couldn't read any of these words, it was still a profound experience.

Our little library in Sisters is a real gem. I'm often quite surprised at just what I can find here.

I've always considered the library to be one of the best uses of our tax dollar. Now those services are in jeopardy with the possibility of large budget cuts due to the passage of Measure 47.

If you feel that libraries have made a difference in your life, please fill out a form to that effect that can be found at the front desk. In addition, sign your name to the list of those concerned about these budget cuts. This is a time when all our voices need to be heard.

Let's give this story a happy ending!

Paul Bennett

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To the Editor:

For the past two summers, local residents have thoroughly enjoyed the "sheep herding" dog trials at the entry to Black Butte Ranch. BBR families spent many hours on the one weekend of the year to see the spectacle - it was like turning back the clock.

The event organizers loved the facility and the chance to entertain so many of us. Now BBR has said "no more!"

Something about the RVs not being the right color, and the few barricade ribbons and barricades not being of the right hue. I understand the ranch wranglers had no problem with the event.

The sport is growing in America. The joy of seeing these intelligent, eager, and hard-working dogs do their stuff is fun for all ages.

The event has been moved to a site east of Sisters without some amenities the visitors need. These visitors fly and/or drive from all over North America. They bring dollars, and interest to our economy - the least of which is an interest in real estate.

Come on BBR management - please tell us why you turned thumbs down on such a very popular local event.

Mel Bryan

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To the Editor,

With the opening of baseball season this coming Saturday, the Sister's Little League Board of Directors would like to thank all the parents, and volunteers, who donated their time to ensure a successful season for the young ballplayers of Sisters.

Also, we would like to thank Bill Reed for supplying 30 yards of gravel and JH Excavation for hauling; Chuck Hoyt for donating the lumber to construct picnic tables, Michael Burke Landscaping for the use of a Bobcat tractor and crew; Tony Meyer of XPress Printing who has fulfilled all the league's printing needs; Jeff Wester for once again repairing the metal backstops; Bill & Kathy Spezza and Michael & DeeVee Burke for supplying all the food for the Pancake Breakfast; and to the Sisters Baptist Church for their tremendous support these past eight years, along with the use of their property and resources.

Thank you,

Sisters Little League

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To the Editor:

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Paulina Springs, Desert Wings, The Jewel and Sisters Cascade of Gifts for contributing to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society 1997 Walk & Role fund-raiser.

It was heart-warming for me to be a part of this event.

Sincerely,

Julianne Fouts

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