Letters, letters, letters

Sisters' schools are facing lean times and tough choices. The $400,000 in cuts needed to balance the district's budget for next year will hurt everyone connected with the schools.

The schools' budget committee has attempted to mitigate the pain by spreading it across the program rather than slashing too deeply in any one area.

This is fair, and, if the budget crisis lasts just this one year and doesn't get deeper, it'll probably work. Everybody grits it out for a year, and we hope for better times ahead.

But until small school districts get stable funding, we can't bet on things getting a whole lot better. That means the schools are going to have to decide what they can do - and do well - and what they can't.

There is no doubt that, for some students, the most valuable educational experiences they will have come on the playing field - or on stage, or in an elective class. Taking those opportunities away, or making them harder to reach, is an idea no one likes.

But can the schools provide those experiences to every student and offer a top-notch academic program? Are we willing to keep a complete sports program at the expense of greater class sizes? Are we willing to risk the loss of good teachers due to a sense of job insecurity and a degraded work environment?

The Sisters School District proclaims its mission to "be known as the best public school system in Oregon," with 85 percent of its students meeting state benchmark standards.

The schools must set their priorities to accomplish this mission, even if that means eliminating programs. The public schools can no longer do it all. Recognizing that may be the toughest school assignment of all.

J.C.

To the Editor:

In response to the recent "notice" many Tollgaters found on their doorsteps last week, and as a relative newcomer to the Tollgate Board, I feel compelled to write and offer my opinion on the Tollgate Board, its Chairman, and the Tollgate Business Manager.

First, I must say that I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the Tollgate Board of Directors is a motivated, concerned group of individuals. I have come to enjoy my association with these folks. Even when disagreements on a specific course of action arise, the group has treated each other with respect, listened to all opinions, and acted in a businesslike manner.

Blaine Kalar, Chairman of the Board, has come under attack by a few disgruntled homeowners, and residents parading as homeowners. These attacks are misguided and without merit. In my dealings with Blaine, he has been honest, thoughtful, and mindful of the best interests for the Tollgate homeowners. He has invested many (unpaid) hours working on Tollgate business.

Last, I want to say, keep up the good work, Betty. We are lucky to have such an efficient, friendly, and competent business manager.

If any Tollgate homeowner has questions, or concerns, about Tollgate business, the next board meeting is Monday, June 22, at 7 p.m. Please feel free to come to the meeting.

Deborah Sether

To the Editor:

I am an incoming freshman to the high school this fall. Lately, the eighth grade class has been thinking of what classes that they should and would like to take. Decisions, decisions, so many classes to choose from.

Well, mechanics was on my list! I have grown up with a lot of cars, because my father rebuilds and repairs them. I have always wanted to learn a car inside and out, but because of school and my dad working out of town I have not been able to learn from him. So, I was looking forward to learning mechanics in school.

Then the news that we are losing Mr. Soto and the mechanics class was spread by The Nugget Newspaper. This article was informative, yet depressing. Not only was I looking forward to the mechanics class, but to have Mr. Soto as a teacher again. He is a wonderful teacher and a guy that can make anyone laugh or want to learn.

Please, losing a great teacher is bad enough, please don't take away a class that we want to be a part of. It may be different that a girl like me would like to learn about cars, but I do. The mechanic class may be my chance to learn.

I think that in life we will need the skills of every day, such as our cars, much more then the every day life of singing. In the world today, a singing career is rarer than a career in automotive. I'm not trying to get rid of choir, but to make a point that if we are in school to learn the ways of life, shouldn't we know how to change a tire, change the oil, replace a spark plug, or to clean the cylinder shafts in our car? Help us please.

Capri Boswell

To the Editor:

On a recent weekend trip to the valley I stopped by Thurston High School in Springfield.

What I saw there was more moving to me than the Vietnam memorial. I viewed a city block of flowers, signs, and messages from people around the world placed on a fence surrounding a play field. One poignant sign was a wish for peace made by some middle school students. Imagine middle school kids making sings out of poster paint for murdered and injured students!

All this two hours from Sisters.

Like many, I continue to struggle to understand the whole thing. A few days later, I read two stories in the papers. The first dealt with how the community of Springfield struggles to figure out this tragedy and what they as a community can do to prevent a future occurrence. The second told how the Sisters School District is (again) forced to eliminate teaching positions and raise activity fees while they watch one of the state's most talented (and least expensive) teachers move to Bend.

Now I don't like paying taxes, I don't like government waste and I believe strongly in the free enterprise system but come on people, wake up! These are our children we are talking about. I challenge anyone to disprove that keeping a kid active in school, either in the classroom, or through activities, reduces their tendency toward anti-social behavior. We, as a society, need to start putting our kids first, not third, seventh or last.

Support the children of Sisters and of Oregon!

Scott B. Pillar

To the Editor:

As a long-time gun owner and hunter, it sickens me to think of people's blatant ignorance with placing blame on guns. The recent school shooting has once again caused the anti-gun lobby to create havoc.

These people refuse to acknowledge a few basic facts. First of all, tougher gun laws will not stop these events. Do criminals go to the gun store to buy their guns? I think not. They buy them illegally on the streets. The only people who tougher laws will hurt is the law-abiding citizen who buys their firearms legally.

Are these people foolish enough to think that without guns, people won't kill other people? No guns, they'll use knives. No knives, they'll use bats. It's time for people to wake up and see the real facts. Not what liberal extremists want them to believe. Guns don't kill people. People kill people. They are simply a tool. As with any tool, misuse will cause harm.

This fact alone should tell you that if you kill someone, you have a big mental problem that needs to be addressed. Instead, they would have you believe that "the gun made them do it, and is therefore the root of all evil."

The same goes for parents whose children are tragically killed by "accidental" shootings each year. These aren't accidental shootings, these are totally preventable shootings caused by negligent gun owners. Instead of blaming themselves for improper storage, these people again blame the gun.

It's time for adults to be adults and stop blaming guns for the things that people do, and take some responsibility for themselves.

Cordially,

Erick H. Browning

To the Editor:

People passing through our town may think of it as merely a tourist trap or "interesting spot to shop." Those of us who live here know it is far more than that. Once again, the people of Sisters have shown their true compassion and spirit.

Saraswoti has been here two weeks. Leaving her home in Nepal, flying half way around the world, living with strangers who don't speak her language and awaiting a difficult surgery which will change her life, might be considered bit intimidating. The reception she has received from everyone in Sisters has overcome most of her fears. Everywhere she goes she is greeted with hugs and welcome from folks who have been awaiting her arrival. Even those who knew nothing of her surgery are quick to welcome her and make her feel at home.

Those who knew her in Nepal say that she has blossomed under the kindness of strangers here in the U.S. The shy and self-conscious young woman, who was house bound in Kathmandu, has quickly become a bubbly, outgoing charmer.

She has been most amazed by the concern and generosity of the physicians who are volunteering their time and skills. After being poked and prodded for two days of extensive exams, her only comment was how kind and considerate these doctors were compared to ones she had dealt with in Nepal.

We may have a few family squabbles about sewers and growth issues, but the essence of this Sisters family is the caring hearts of those who live here

Thanks again to all of you who are making Saraswoti's dream a reality!

Barb Brockway

To the Editor:

As we prepare to leave the Sisters Community, there is a special group that we would like to thank: the staff at the middle/high school which includes everyone on staff - teachers, custodians, the principal, Mr. Dempsey, office personnel, coaches, and the list goes on...

These people have provided an exceptional learning climate for Amy and Jon. They have helped them when they needed a boost, mentored them when they looked for guidance, and gone the extra mile to help them out. We were hesitant about moving to Sisters due to the ages of our children starting middle school and starting high school. After speaking to Barbara Haines and learning of the wonderful personnel, building, and plan for the middle/high school our last doubt was taken away.

After Amy's 10-12 and Jon's 7-12 experience here we can certainly agree on the excellence of Sisters Middle/High School. Thank you all. You are appreciated!

Sincerely,

Ellen and Michael Justin

To the Editor:

On May 26, my wife suffered a minor stroke at home. Thanks to the rapid and efficient response by our Cloverdale Fire Department she is one her way to a complete recovery.

We are indeed fortunate to have such a knowledgeable and competent people within minutes of our call. Thank you Cloverdale Fire Department.

T.J. Longly

To the Editor:

The 1998 Sisters Rodeo Parade was a tremendous success. Thank you to all the parade participants. The day starts early for everyone, and we do appreciate the patience while you waited for the parade to get underway. You made our parade one of the largest and most interesting.

To the many volunteers: Thank you for all your hard work. Without each of your dedicated efforts, the 1998 parade wouldn't have been enjoyed by the 101 entries or the many viewers.

Mike Scherrer, Cascade Bobcat Services and your assistant - a special thank you, for being the "Pooper Scooper" and volunteering for a second time through the parade.

We hope that each and everyone of you are looking forward to the 1999, Sisters Rodeo Parade. We hope to see you there.

Frank Crail, Director

Alinda L. Dunn, Judy Kell, Kay Teufl, co-chairs