Letters, letters, letters

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To the Editor:

I think it's time that Sisters expand the western theme to include the industrial park, at least in a modified form.

Until recently all buildings in the industrial park were either compliant with the western theme, or were one-story buildings that weren't visible to the area around the industrial park.

But the recent Weitech expansion building is two stories, and so far at least seems to be totally out of line with the local aesthetic. It isn't finished yet, so I may be proved wrong in the end. I hope so.

This building is in a very visually prominent location. Presently everyone driving on Camp Polk Road past the airport sees this concrete industrial-look building, and it looks completely out of place to me. I hate to be critical, but I can't see how that building is going to fit in.

I've long agreed that the 'old west' theme (of whatever vintage) was an inspiration and key to making Sisters a successful small town. I wasn't here in the middle '70s, but I understand that there were a lot of boarded-up businesses.

It is pleasing to me to be in a town that has an aesthetic to it and I believe more cities should use themes.

Of course, Sisters has been less than 100 percent successful in this. I'd like to go farther - I think it's possible to make Sisters a destination location. I'd like to see a 20-year plan to make part of the town a no-automobiles area, so our visitors can have an experience unsullied by racing across Cascade.

If this was done right, the increase in business from people coming here on purpose would exceed any losses from folks who don't drive through the middle of town and stop on a whim.

Gary E. Bickford

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To the Editor:

I am writing in response to the large wooden "Scenic Byway" sign that was pictured on the front page of The Nugget (March 31) with a new Swiss cheese look to it (bullet holes).

I was mortified to know that another $5,000 is to be spent to replace the sign. Aren't there already numerous signs posted stating that it is indeed the scenic byway route? $5000 ?? That is like three month's salary to a lot of people.

It would appear to me that whoever decided on that type of sign has a distorted, twisted view on how to wisely spend taxpayers' dollars. Apparently the sign belongs to the U.S. Government... what a surprise.

I betcha I could make a lovely sign that would be just as easily vandalized for half that. I could make six of them and take the other 11 months of the year to do other things besides "work."

And furthermore, it took from 9 a.m March 1 until 11 a.m. on March 17 for the Sisters Ranger District law enforcement officer to even notice. It would appear to me that that type of sign isn't being noticed any more than the metal ones on a stick, the cost-effective, eye-catcher ones that they are.

Perhaps a smaller more challenging sign for the gunman would be appropriate... not that I condone vandalism, but I think you get my point.

Sincerely,

Rebecca Boehm

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To the Editor:

I feel that I must respond to a quote by me that The Nugget included in an article about Senator Ron Wyden ("Wyden fields questions at Sisters forum," April 7, p. 3).

It almost made it sound as if I was not polite enough to hear Ron's side of the story as to why he would not ask for Bill Clinton's resignation.

To set the record straight, I did make Ron aware of how I had absolutely no respect for him because he did not have the integrity to find fault with Bill Clinton. I left the room after my speech in respect for others in the audience, as I felt it inappropriate to get into a verbal sparring match with Ron.

People who know Lynn Johnston know I am unafraid of verbally sparring with Ron. If I had Bill Bennett's gift of communicating, I would have, in short order, made Ron look like the buffoon and wimp that he is, but I will leave that to others better suited to that gift.

I didn't need to listen to his response, because his silence for months on Bill's indiscretions spoke volumes. I don't think Ron is white trash like Bill, just a wimp. By him not finding fault with Bill he did hurt me (because of what my country means to me) but he hurt our nation more.

We now have new rules for future presidents, for perjury, obstruction of justice and cheating on one's wife while in office. One-hundred-seventy newspapers throughout our great land called for Bill's resignation, but Ron just didn't have the courage. So glad I wasn't in the trenches in Vietnam with Ron.

Lynn Johnston

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To the Editor:

I recently responded, as an EMT with the Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District to a medical emergency in a local establishment.

After a short time of treating our patient, I realized that it was in fact someone that I knew well. She was my third grade teacher and bible study teacher, known by me as Mrs. Thorn.

Despite our efforts as EMTs, God decided that it was her time to move on to his kingdom.

Mrs. Thorn had a huge impact on the lives of students that had the fortunate opportunity to follow her guidance. Mrs. Thorn was a vital asset to this community, and her presence will dearly be missed.

Mrs. Thorn, may you rest in peace, and I look forward to meeting you again in eternity.

Jeremy Ast

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To the Editor:

I recently went to our high school and saw the latest piece of artwork from Leah Jensen. I urge anyone interested to go see it. Her composition hangs on the wall of the east entrance. It's a very moving collection form an incredible artist. She will no doubt be one of the leading artists of her generation.

While you're there, look at all the other art that graces the halls. Sisters High School is full of budding artists, musicians, writers and actors. We're fortunate to have a great art teacher like Mike Baynes at the high school. His knowledge and encouragement is what the young people need. My high school pottery teacher became one of the biggest influence in my life.

The arts have always been a yardstick for which the advancement of civilizations has been measured. Yet society often scoffs at the hopes and dreams of young, creative people. They're encouraged to abandon such dreams and "get a real job." This negativity often brings shame on the young, creative mind. But the shame should lie on the society that ignores and discourages the artist of the future.

Mitch Deaderick

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To the Editor:

We recently received a letter from one of our Starry Nights performers that described how much they enjoyed their experience in Sisters and Camp Sherman because the community made them feel so welcome.

It went on to say that the many personal letters they had received from the elementary students upon their arrival were very, very good for the soul.

Another artist, Greg Barnhill, has been involved in the series since 1997 and performed in this year's March show. He was back on stage in April with Michael McDonald, Matraca Berg, Jeff Hanna and Kim Carnes - because he booked his own flights and returned on his own.

He has come to feel so connected to this community that he wanted to celebrate Easter in what has become a home away from home for him.

We want to thank the individuals and sponsors who have supported Starry Nights and embraced our artists with such warmth and generosity. Your commitment to this event and school district means that we have raised close to $45,000 this year, bringing our Starry Nights total to over $100,000 for the Sisters Schools Foundation.

Finally, we salute the members of the Starry Nights Planning Committee - a volunteer group of parents, teachers, school district staff members, students, business leaders and neighbors who make this event possible. Their caring spirits and dedication are an extraordinary gift to our community and our children.

Sincerely,

Susan Arends and Jeri Fouts

Starry Nights co-chairs

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To the Editor:

We want to thank the smoke jumpers and US Forest service crews who are cleaning the forest along Highway 20 from Sisters to Black Butte.

Not only does it decrease the fire danger, it just looks beautiful! Thanks for all your hard work and callused hands.

Richard and Linda Patterson

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To the Editor:

I would like to extend my thanks to Gary Pepperling and his crew of students from the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council program. Over our spring break, they worked on our kindergarten playground fence.

They did a super job! Our students will enjoy this playground a lot. The fence was well constructed and will add to the safety and beauty of our school.

Thanks again to these high schoolers and Mr. Pepperling.

Tim Comfort, Principal

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To the Editor:

April is National Alcohol Awareness Month, sponsored by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. The Oregon Liquor Control Commission joins with NCADD to focus attention on underage drinking and binge drinking in Oregon and across the nation

How often have you heard this: "Why the concern? What's the problem? Kids will be kids. They're gonna try alcohol. I did, and I turned out okay."

If your kids are drinking, they're probably drinking to get drunk. According to a 1998 survey of 50,000 students by University of Michigan scientists, one-third of high school seniors reported being drunk at least once during a 30-day period.

Why be concerned? Alcohol-related traffic crashes are the second leading cause of teen deaths. Alcohol can also be linked to teen deaths by drowning, accidents, suicides or homicides.

We need the help of all adults - parents, teachers, coaches, health professionals, clergy - to inform young people about the dangers of underage and binge drinking. Most young people don't know that you can overdose on alcohol just as easily as you can on other drugs.

We ask adults to underscore the value of abstinence for kids. Many kids have not learned techniques or answers to withstand the pressure of friends to drink alcohol.

We urge adults to explain to young people of legal age how to use alcohol moderately as a complement to a meal and at social gatherings or celebrations. Many don't know that a 12-ounce can of beer has the same amount of alcohol as a shot of whiskey or a five-ounce glass of wine.

Our goal is to help create a healthy alcohol-free adolescence for every child in Oregon. If we pay attention now, we may not have to pay later for enormous and staggering social, economic and health costs caused by the early use of alcohol.

Steve Brinkhoff, OLCC Regional Manager, Bend

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