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 Unpublished items are not acknowledged or returned.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:

During a special meeting, Tuesday, January 7, of the Sisters Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors, a decision was made to place just two homes on our Maple Street property at this time.

This decision was made after careful consideration of both neighborhood concerns given the city's changing density patterns, and our organization's ability, within the confines of financial constraints, to provide affordable housing to Sisters area families.

It is important to recognize that there is significant non-Habitat development activity going on in the immediate area. (See story, page 5).

Ten lots in the adjoining neighborhood have been partitioned to create lots similar in size to those at our Maple Street location. Six additional partitions are currently moving through the approval process. In short, development of the Habitat parcels represents a small proportion of the total activity in the neighborhood.

"Sisters Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical Christian nonprofit organization dedicated to the provision of decent and affordable housing to economically disadvantaged families in the Sisters area so that they can improve both their lives and the community which they share"(Habitat's mission statement).

We think our decision reflects this mission while being sensitive to both neighborhood concerns and the needs of the Habitat Homeowner families.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the nearly 300 community volunteers who work on our building sites, in the thrift store, and who serve on Habitat's numerous committees.

We also want to thank the 150 donors who have helped raise more than $23,000 during our 2002 annual fund-raising appeal.

In addition, we are grateful for the continued support of the local churches, businesses, and professionals who provide their goods and services at reduced or no cost. Habitat for Humanity is an initiative undertaken by our community as a whole: Neighbors helping neighbors to build homes and lives.

The changes occurring in our community are of concern to us all. We must continue to work together to provide housing for the less affluent among us while maintaining the character of the town we all love.

Carolyn Gabrielson for Sisters Habitat Board of Directors

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To the Editor:

Of all the letters I've written to the editor over the years, this is the most anticipated.

My family is finally in our Habitat house! After a year of many changes, we are starting anew in a brand new house with new memories to build and a positive future to look forward to.

We would like to thank all of our friends and family here in Sisters for their prayers and support.

We would especially like to thank Habitat for Humanity and its volunteers for their patience and hard work.

I, as a parent, am very grateful for the opportunity to give our children such a wonderful home to live in.

Kristol, Raina, Sean, Jordan and I would like to invite you to stop by; our home is as much the community's as it is ours. It feels good to finally say "our home."

Gratefully,

Jackie Kolb

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To the Editor:

As my sister Christie and I anxiously stepped off the plane in Redmond, my eyes turned and saw a man in a cowboy hat holding two teddy bears with a single rose attached.

Beside him was a woman running a video camera.

My heart started beating faster. You see, this man and woman were my dad and his wife, Richard and C.D. Carlson.

It's been approximately 40 years since my sister and I had seen our dad. There had been sporadic communication over the years. The last couple of years, a lot. Through letters and conversations over the phone, we got closer and decided that it was time to meet again.

My sister and I were welcomed with open and loving arms. There was an instant bond formed. I finally felt whole and complete again -- like I had finally come home.

During our stay in Sisters, we were whisked around to the various sights, restaurants and stores. I fell in love with the way of life here as well as the architecture of this small, quaint little town.

I could well imagine what it may have been like in the 1880s well before cars were even invented.

The town, as well as the people I met will forever stay in my heart and mind.

That was last July. It's now January, 2003 and here I am again. The tourists are few and far between. The people are the same -- down-to-earth and friendly. This was the perfect place to be reunited with my father. I'll always come back.

Thank you Sisters, Oregon,

Terrie Carlson Bussiere

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To the Editor:

To my friends in Sisters and the surrounding area, my sincere gratitude for your love and thoughtful cards and gifts. It warms my heart to have such gracious friends!

My love and joy be with you,

Sally J. Ray