Letters, letters, letters

To the Editor:

I would like to begin by expressing my thanks to the parents and patrons, to the students and staff of the Sisters School District for the privilege that was I granted of serving on the school board. I have received better than I have given - and am grateful. I am honored that my name has been associated with the work of educating the children of our community.

In a larger sense, I would express how thankful we are for the good years that were given us in this community. We have experienced what it means to be a community. During Linda's battle with cancer, as an example, in so many ways and at so many times, the good people of Sisters were there to support us - to care for us, and to provide for our needs. Thank you seems too small a word in response to such kind and open generosity.

We are leaving Sisters with many precious memories. They will be the lingering gifts of your lives to ours.

May God bless you.

Affectionately,

Harold, Linda & Ellen Gott

To the Editor:

When the roof came off of our building last Tuesday (February 2), it was just a few short minutes before people began coming by or calling us with offers of assistance. To all of these good folks, we send a deep, heartfelt thanks.

A special thank you to Dick and Sharon Mooney, Al Anderson and his crew, CEC, the sheriff's department, the fire department, Pat Seile and our employees.

It's really nice to live a small town, where you can count on your friends and neighbors in a time of need.

Sincerely, Bill & Kathy Spezza, Ponderosa Heating & Cooling

To the Editor:

The family of Charles H. Trachsel wishes to thank each and every one of the members of this community who have taken time from their busy lives to be with us and help us through this time of grief. The profound loss we feel is tempered by the knowledge that our sorrow is shared with the many people that Charles touched in his many roles as friend, neighbor, firefighter, chief, board member, and community supporter.

Charles Trachsel was the embodiment of the American volunteer spirit. From the earliest times in this country, volunteers have risen to the call and met adversity and pain with action and compassion.

Charles did that and much more. He went beyond talking of this volunteer creed. He lived it day to day. Whether it was a community that needed fire protection, a water district that wanted for leadership, a county that needed a 911 system, or a pancake that needed flipping at the Buckaroo Breakfast, Charles was there in the thick of it. He brought to each and every project his driving desire to do what was right for the community, ensuring that the family, friends and neighbors he loved and respected were protected and cared for. We will all miss him.

Across this country we are seeing the demise of the sense of community. This last week has demonstrated again to our family that that sense is still alive and thriving here in Central Oregon as the loving arms of a community gathered around and comforted the grieving.

We would like to particularly thank Reverend Harold Gott, the people of the Sisters Community Church, Chief Chuck Cable and the men and women of the Cloverdale Rural Fire Protection District and the many neighbors and friends who have been so generous with their time and energy.

Tom Trachsel