Fouts named Citizen of the Year

Jeri Fouts was named Citizen of the Year by the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce at its annual installation dinner at Dancin' Boots Thursday, March 5.

Fouts was honored for her work in organizing the Sisters Starry Nights Concert Series, which benefits the Sisters Schools Foundation.

Ray's Food Place was named Business of the Year for its numerous contributions to the Sisters community. Ray's is a sponsor of the Sisters Starry Nights series, contributes to the schools, and hosts health and wellness clinics.

In presenting the Business of the Year Award, Loy Helmly, manager of Black Butte Ranch, noted that "Ray's is a chain store that has proven it is a neighborhood store."

Fouts told chamber members that the musicians that have played Sisters Starry Nights have been united in their praise of the community spirit shown in Sisters,a spirit she particularly values.

"I grew up in southern California, where you don't even know your neighbors," Fouts reflected. "To live in Sisters, where you know your neighbors and watch your children grow up together, that's what it's all about."

She attributed much of the success of Sisters Starry Nights to that neighborly feeling.

"To see the harmony on stage was like the harmony in Sisters," she said.

The chamber also introduced its new board of directors, advisory board and honorary members.