Letters, letters, letters

The Nugget welcomes contributions from its readers, which must include the writer's name, address and phone number. Letters to the Editor is an open forum for the community and contains unsolicited opinions not necessarily shared by the Editor. The Nugget reserves the right to edit, omit, respond or ask for a response to letters submitted to the Editor. Letters should be no longer than 300 words. Unpublished items are not acknowledged or returned. The deadline for all letters is noon Monday.

To the Editor:

Two unrelated items in The Nugget recently caught my attention. A group, reported to be world-wide, rejects the rush of modern ways ("Auction recreates simpler lifestyle," April 24, page 1); the other, the library delays construction.

A Sisters lady, years ago, when she saw a need, something that needed to be done, did it quietly and without a thought of recognition. She realized, before there was a library, Sisters people should have a chance to read good books. She arranged to receive books from the county and hold them in Sisters. All anyone had do was ask and a book was theirs to read.

People used to help people, communities helped communities, people came together to help, not for glory, not for money, not for recognition. It was by this very process the library came into being.

What claim does the City of Sisters have over the extensive hours contributed and the $95,000 donated, or the $115,000 in grants (likely Federal) that built the building to provide for a need, the library?

What if the City of Sisters signed the original Library Services and Construction Act Grant and holds title to the property? I am sure they were urged to do so, as a way for Sisters to acquire a library. I was not there but my guess is, the title to the property was a way the guarantors felt it would remain viable since the trust would rest with a governing agency.

For those who might not know, that lady was my mother, the lady the library was dedicated to. Grace Aitken was a lady who saw the need, kept books on a shelf in the store, then served for years as Librarian in the little old building.

Sisters needs to go back, back to the days when neighbor helped neighbor. This is the Sisters I remember.

Ken Aitken

* * *

To the Editor:

I would like to offer the following for consideration in opposition of the proposed Steens/Squaw Creek exchange.

The property in Sisters/Squaw Creek is a prime piece of land that is used extensively by the public. It is easily accessible by multiple entry points on public Forest Service roads and trails. It is used by hikers, bird watchers, horseback riders, and other people seeking the solitude and beauty of our public lands.

It is one of the few pieces of multi-use public lands on Squaw Creek that is accessible by Forest Service roads and has horse and hiking trails that is close to Sisters.

While the acquisition of a piece of land in the Steens seems appropriate, does this mean that the community of Sisters is the big loser?

Why doesn't (Mr. Stroemple) exchange for another piece of land that does not directly impact our community?

If this is for the "good of the community" then where are the town meetings or hearings?

Other considerations include the high value of this prime piece of land. Certainly a developer's dream. The land borders Squaw Creek for over a mile. Tens of thousand of dollars have been spent on this piece of land by the Forest Service removing underbrush in the last two years.

The advocates talk about a trade of equal values. Where is the appraisal that can be reviewed by the public?

Mr. Stroemple's intentions, in my view, are crystal clear. He is holding the government and environmental groups hostage by being only willing to exchange his property in the Steens for his hand picked property in Sisters.

I ask you, does this sound like everyone has a price (at) which to sell out their principles? Does this sound like it is in the best interest of the public?

That question may never be answered if we hear the sound of excavators, surveyors and fence builders preparing the land for development.

Respectfully,

Wayne Jack

* * *

To the Editor:

My son Danny and I moved from the heart of Silicon Valley to Sisters slightly less than a year ago. I've chuckled many times when people have asked why I picked this area. I have no deep or meaningful answer other than my heart felt called to the beauty and peace of this area.

This past year has been a tapestry-in-progress of turmoil and blessings.

Five weeks ago, Danny was diagnosed with a relatively rare congenital disorder of the brain that will require surgery.

I have been both amazed and overwhelmed at the support that we have encountered in this tiny community. I am unable to send flowers to everyone, so this letter is a thank-you of deep appreciation and gratitude to: The teachers of Sisters High School who are supporting him to complete his freshman year; Tom Coffield and the entire freshman football team who signed a football for Dan; my very helpful and caring neighbors the many churches who are praying for Danny; Pastor Ron with his quiet kindness; Bonnie Malone who has allowed me to rant and rave and reach acceptance; and to the many "strangers" of this community who have taken Danny into their thoughts and are rooting for him.

This is a wonderful and amazing community. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Sincerely,

Dottie DeSelle

* * *

To the Editor:

I have said it before and I will say it again: "I sure hope that the people of Sisters, and more specifically the school board, recognize the treasure that we have in our high school music instructor Jody Henderson."

Congratulations to Jody and all of the Sisters High School Jazz Band and Concert Band students for their success in the recent band competitions. We are all very fortunate to have such a caring, dedicated and talented music instructor in our little town.

Colin Adams

* * *

To the Editor:

In response to "Not that deep," (The Nugget, May 8, page 2) by Eric Dolson:

As I read your (column) I paused to reflect on my own image of this earth the struggles people everywhere are having.

I look to the Bible and see the world that God created when he walked in the garden with Adam. I see that beautiful land changed because Adam and Eve believed a lie. I see man walking in fellowship with God cease, because of sin. I see centuries of war, turmoil, struggling and hopelessness.

Then I see the cross, and the love, mercy and grace of the Creator, poured out on mankind to give it hope and reconciliation.

I, who for 57 years walked in the hopeless darkness of this world, finally learned from God's word the gospel message of salvation -- that Jesus Christ, the Son of God incarnate, died on the cross for my sins and the sins of the world.

And that on the third day after his crucifixion, he was resurrected from death to the throne of God, where he sits, the hope of all mankind. I heard the gospel message, believed it, and in faith opened my heart and gave my life to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Now my focus is not here, but there, where my Lord and Savior is preparing an everlasting home.

This most wonderful gift is for everyone. all you have to do is, in faith, ask, and you also can change your focus from here to there.

In His grace,

David W. Kell