COCC closes its Sisters center

Because of budget constraints, Central Oregon Community College (COCC) closes its Sisters Center on June 12. The closure will last for the foreseeable future.

The Sisters Center is one of four regional centers being closed, with programs consolidated into the Bend and Redmond campuses for financial reasons.

"Community Education classes will still be offered in the Sisters area," said Celeste Douville, local administrator. "We just won't have the office open anymore."

Indeed, there are 39 classes already on the Sisters Preview schedule for fall, 2003. About one-quarter of these are new classes with classes ranging from "Artist Studio Tour" (October 25) to "Willow Furniture Workshop" (September 27).

Pick up preview copies at the Sisters Library.

"We're very sad to leave," said Sisters Center secretary Ronni Duff. "I'll be working in Bend but try and help as much as possible with the program and classes in Sisters."

Douville plans to move to Berkeley, California.

Sisters area students will miss both of these local fixtures.

The popular Lunch and Learn programs will be offered at the Episcopal Church meeting hall.

Computer classes in the fall, 2003, are planned for the existing COCC laboratory site in Sisters at 160 S. Oak St.

After the closing, call 383-7270 for Sisters information.