Family returns to The Pines -- as owners

Gary Pepperling and his family are moving -- and coming home again. The Pepperlings will be the first family to move into the new gated community in Sisters known as The Pines.

They were evicted from the site off Highway 242 a year and a half ago and had to vacate the premises when the former logging camp housing was burned down to make way for the new community.

Gary grew up living in The Pines, when his parents lived there in the mid 1960s. He returned to live in the former logging camp after he was married and had children of his own. He and his wife Cathy especially enjoyed the sense of community that the old neighborhood provided.

When development came, the Pepperlings were evicted, along with everyone else who lived there. Cathy recalls how she felt.

"It was a panic, especially wanting to stay in the Sisters school district," she said.

"We wanted to stay in Sisters, but it's hard to find affordable housing here," Gary said.

So they took what they could get -- a two bedroom single-wide trailer.

Their three children; Anna (12), Nick (11), and Aubrey 7) will be glad for the brand new, spacious living quarters. They hope to into move to their new house sometime between June 15 and June 30. It's not a moment too soon, as the landlord of their current residence has recently sold the property from under them.

"The hardest part has been the waiting," said Gary, "but everyone involved with this has been great. It's been extra work, but it's been a pleasure."

Gary, who works with at-risk youth, noted "our (payment) will increase quite a bit, but we can swing it."

Cathy said the best part of the project was "picking out my own colors. It's a woman thing. It's also nice to provide a little more space for the kids."

For Gary the greatest satisfaction comes from "knowing that we're not going to have to move again. Knowing it's yours."