Letters, letters, letters

To the Editor:

Concerning your article, "Sisters students check out early" (The Nugget, June 24): I was pleased to hear that the middle school staff has taken a position against the split schedule.

Why is it that folks leave a place, and then come to a new town, and start trying to transform it to be more like the place they left?

Perhaps it's not just that we are creatures of habit, as Ms. Fitzjarrel suggests. Perhaps we actually have more reasons than "fear of change" for preferring the old schedule.

My kids have been out of school for much of the past two weeks. There is more to learning than school. My children are in 4-H clubs. During the warm summer months, the meetings take place at members' homes, outside, and on weekday mornings. For those of you who are unfamiliar with 4-H, there is a good deal of education, including record keeping, reading, research, leadership training, as well as unique hands-on experience with knowledgeable adult instructors.

Sisters kids are limited in participation because of the schedule.

Maybe it was wonderful for the kids in other states, where weather is more agreeable. Personally, I don't want more time with kids gone during good weather and more time with kids home while the weather is wet or frigid.

My elementary-age son struggles in school. Throughout this past school year, he floundered along, gradually picking up momentum, until winter break. After nearly four weeks off, he returned to school. For the next six weeks his teacher and I teamed to get him back on track. At last he started taking off, and then, spring break. Another three weeks. Upon returning, it was the same scenario.

Of course home schooling is an option, and now that the school is offering help to home schoolers, perhaps well worth considering.

Sincerely,

Mary Dean

To the Editor:

In response to Deborah Sether's letter, appearing in the June 17 Nugget:

When people have been wronged and harassed, they have a right to voice their opinion. We still live in the USA, where freedom of speech and thought are alive and well, at least I think so. I do believe Tollgate is still a part of the USA.

All one needs is an open mind and perhaps one can take into consideration that some changes may be needed.

There have been two missives, (one a five-page thesis, one a two-page thesis), maligning our names. As was stated in the "notice" that was found on Tollgate doorsteps, no research was done prior to the printing of these two missives, just accusations that are unfounded.

In Ms. Sether's own words; "these attacks are misguided and without merit." No one has contacted us, just unduly attacked us. Something is wrong when one is not allowed to defend themselves.

Thank you for your time.

Don and Myra Esterman

To the Editor:

Congratulations to Maret Pajutee and all the sponsors and participants of the Sisters Watershed History Fest. All of the exhibits were excellent, the old photos and quotes from the old timers were especially interesting.

Events like the History Fest remind us of what's happened in the past and what we should do to preserve Sisters' future. Whether it's Squaw Creek access, building heights or walking and bike trails, our quality of life depends on preserving the incredible beauty we are so lucky to live in. That's why most of us moved here.

The history behind the Sisters area gives us direction for the future. Thanks again for a great event. If you missed the Watershed event, we hope to have some of the exhibits on display at Sisters City Hall.

Tim Clasen

To the Editor:

Thank you, Sisters, for your support of the Sisters Watershed History Fest. The event was a great success thanks to many community volunteers, businesses and partners.Over 200 people attended and learned about our past and the issues that face us in the future. We want to acknowledge a few key players: Steve Shunk and the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce; Lucy Burton and Sisters COCC; the "Hoarse Whisperers;" " Native Range;" the City of Sisters, Cindy Glick and the local Camp Fire Girls; Angeline and Northern Lights Bakery; and Sykes' Seafood.

We hope to continue learning about our past to help us move into the future.

Thank you all.

Coordinators Maret Pajutee and Katherine Cerino

To the Editor:

On March 15 we performed a concert at the Sister's High School as part of the Sisters Starry Nights fund-raising series. We received so many thank-yous and wonderful hand-crafted gifts and letters from all of you. You need to know what a great time we all had, and how much we appreciated your kindness.

Big hugs to those of you who worked so hard to make this series happen, and to all of you in the area who gave your support. It is so impressive to see a small and spirited community that stands up and says "oh yeah?" and then works together to replace those programs lost by budget cuts. An enriched school experience is of critical importance to our children.

Special kudos to Jeri Fouts for her remarkable supervision, and to Dan Fouts and Susan and Phil Arends for endless details and good cheer. Thanks to Dennis Dempsey, Steve Swisher, Mike Baynes and his talented art students. Nancy and Al Morris at the Metolius River Resort and Roger and Kathy White at the Camp Sherman Store took great care of us. Jackie Erickson (her beautiful hand-quilts), the fun quilt from the second grade class, Richard's sandwiches at The Depot Deli, Ray's Food Place and many, many more all added to the success.

Again, thanks for the fun and the memories and "Go Ducks!",

Kim Carnes & Dave Ellingson

To the Editor:

Long ago, I read a story about someone taking a stone from a beach and the beach was never again the same.Recently, a stone was taken from the town of Sisters and Sisters will never be the same.

The tourists that come to the Quilt Show won't notice that the stone is gone.

Neither will those that come every year to the rodeo.

The Goldwingers, that parade down Cascade Street, won't notice either.But the people who live in town will know that Sisters will never be the same.The people who frequent the Ski Inn and The Gallery for breakfast will notice that things aren't the same.

The local golfers will all miss his presence.Tom Rhoads will be missed.

There are not many left who remember Sisters as it once was.

A piece of the town went with him, a small stone.

I lost a friend!

Bill Purcell