Letters, letters, letters

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To the Editor:

I am writing this as I sit here in shock and utter disbelief.

On my way to work this morning I saw a "For Sale" sign on the Village Green. How can this be? (See story, page 1). I stopped by the Realtor and it was explained to me that a portion of the park was privately owned.

I must confess that I am on of the long-time residents of Sisters (18-1/2 years) and am saddened by some of the changes taking place, but the thought of perhaps a building ruining the beauty of our wonderful little park where so many people enjoy events saddens me to the core.

Can't the city purchase the lot to preserve the Village Green? Couldn't the owners donate the property? Can't we find a way to save one of our scenic spots of beauty? They are fast becoming but a memory.

Please help save the Village Green.

Frustrated,

Sylvia Cara

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To the Editor:

I have lived in the Sisters area since 1980. I've witnessed many changes that growth and development have made. These changes have had an impact on not only the people who live here, but the wildlife and the forest health.

The Suttle Lake area has been a popular place to visit for locals as well as vacationers. But, as with any heavily used forested area, the impact of human destruction becomes increasingly greater the more it is developed, exploited and used.

The Forest Service should be protecting the fragile environment of the Suttle Lake area from any further development and overuse on the premise that it is a government agency supposedly in place to protect and oversee the forest health.

Assuming that studies have been done to see which level of resort development would be the most profitable to the developer, priority should be given to the studies that would indicate the environmental impact of continued commercial development of the area.

It is obvious that any results of further study would conclude that more commercial development would be detrimental to the environment and the wildlife habitat.

The natural beauty and appeal of the Suttle Lake environment is what draws the visitors and vacationers. Why scar the land with more development? Why cut the trees to make room for parking lots and commercial accommodations? As the "public" grows in population, the forests recede.

This is not what the public wants for Suttle Lake; it is what the developer wants. Destruction of the natural forest, to enable a few individuals to profit, is not in the public interest.

Note: the e-mail address of Jeff Sims at the Sisters Ranger District was incorrect in Bill Boyer's Letter to the Editor in the July 28 issue. The correct address is: jcsims/[email protected]

Respectfully submitted,

Jennifer Gothberg

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To the Editor:

With another county fair past, it is time to take a deep breath and reflect on the year.

I hope you all had an opportunity to experience the new fairgrounds. Although we will miss the hometown feel of the old grounds, it was nice to have the extra room.

But the most important reason for this letter is to tell the community what a wonderful group of kids I have had the privilege to work with in the Cloverdale Livestock 4-H Club.

With 16 club members, ranging in age from fourth grade to 12th grade, it is always encouraging to watch these individuals pull together to accomplish a common goal.

Reading the front page of the paper, it is easy to lament the future of our youth, but after spending a week at the fair with these kids, I can assure you that the future is in excellent hands.

Joe, Grant, Stacy, Kelly, Chris, Josh, Tory, Jessie, Alexis, Krista, Haley, Travis, David, Maleah, Beth and Caleb - thank you for a great year. Thanks to all of the parents who helped make my job easier.

A very special thank-you to those local businesses who took the time to come to the 4-H livestock auction to support the 4-H program.

These kids really are worth it!

Pamela Cyrus-Mitchell

Cloverdale Livestock 4-H Club Leader

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To the Editor:

With only a few weeks left before heading out into the Big Sky Country of Montana, I can't help but think about my past four years as an Outlaw.

It went by so quickly and I feel like there are so many people that I need to say thanks to. Not just my family and friends, but also those of you in the community that have encouraged me or congratulated me. It meant a lot.

As a high school athlete, my coaches probably had the greatest influence on me. Brad: Thanks for all the great volleyball memories. Mr. Johnson: I would never be running in college if it weren't for you.

Also, thanks to my parents for your unconditional love and support.

And, lastly, thanks to the Lord up above who has shown me that all things are possible through Christ who strengthens me (Phil.4:13).

Cortney Ellis

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To the Editor:

What a speech Aubrey Denzer, valedictorian, Sisters High School, 1999!

It takes a bit of an "Outlaw" to speak the words of absolute truth, hope and love to your friends, teachers and classmates as you did at your senior graduation.

If parents and schools keep producing kids like you, incidents like Columbine would be unheard of.

Thank you for moving our hearts with your courage and boldness and thank you for being a positive role model for our little people to follow.

The world is yours to have. You have done your homework and done it well. Continue to make a difference as you go off to college.

"He who is within you is greater than he who is in the world."

It takes more than a village to raise a child - it takes good parenting. Thanks mom and dad whoever you are.

Most of all, remember who loves ya baby!

Jan Houk

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To the Editor:

While shopping in Sisters recently, I left my credit card wallet at a local pay phone.

Never expecting to see it again, I was amazed and delighted when my daughter called from Portland informing me that there was a message from the Sheriff's Office in Sisters saying a local resident had found and turned in my wallet.

Deputy Michael Biondi offered to return it to me personally where we were staying near Camp Sherman, which he did.

So, to the thoughtful lady who took the time to turn in the wallet and to Deputy Michael Biondi for "services rendered above and beyond the call of duty" - my profuse and sincerest thanks.

Sally Foller,

Portland

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