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 Unpublished items are not acknowledged or returned.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:

Why do we need a $1.2 million City Hall? We don't! We do need to recoup some of the interest monies not returned from the school financial fiasco. Eliminating the cost of a new City Hall would help with lower tax burdens.

The present City Hall is good enough! It is central and convenient. With approximately 2,610 square feet, with about seven employees (including public works, planning, city manager, and support staff) it is more than adequate.

There is some need for more office work area.

Solution: modify the present large council meeting room ­ used only twice a month in the evening. Make some offices, and move the twice monthly council meetings to the new high school (or the middle school).

Let's not be numbed by the old "there is no sense fighting City Hall! -- they don't listen " syndrome. All of our voices need to be heard on this. Financial responsibility and leadership by the council is required. Call or write the Mayor at City Hall to stop the spending. Quit building monuments. Stewardship of our monies is overdue.

Dave Kell, Mel Bryan, Hal Busch, Roy Schulke

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To the Editor:

Kudos and accolades to the Sisters Americana Project for working with the Snowman Foundation in getting a piano for the Sisters School District.

Brad Tisdel accepted this gift at the Snowman's fund-raising event "Ten Grands" in Portland on April 10.

For anyone who would like more information about this organization their web site is www.snowmanfoundation.org.

Bill and Mary Zilk

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To the Editor:

Thank you for publishing the wonderful article written by Rongi Yost in the April 14 edition about the scholarship I received. Unfortunately, some important people's names were left out who helped me throughout the scholarship process in addition to those listed: Rob Phelps; Elizabeth Renner; Michelle Herron; Heather Johnson; and my mom and family.

Thank you again,

Kerani Mitchell

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To the Editor:

This letter is long overdue, but well deserved. Earlier this year, I was involved in a situation that required the immediate attention of paramedics.

All those involved know the specific details, but I want to especially thank Beth Mitchell and Jay Crawford. They were patient, caring and reassured that I was going to be okay. As they were treating me, they held my hand; their ability to comfort me in a seriously traumatizing situation meant more to me than they will know.

I would also like to thank Deputy Tim Hernandez for being so quick to assess the situation and contact all the necessary people when I couldn't. He is truly an asset to our community.

Sisters is a very unique community. There are times when we go down the street and don't want to know every face around the corner. Nevertheless I can't tell you how much safer I felt seeing familiar faces helping me when I couldn't help myself.

We all need to step back and look at the people that enter and exit our lives every day.

We need to tell ourselves that it's okay to take that extra second to smile, say "Please" and "Thank you" or even hold a door open for a stranger. Everyone needs to realize how very important every single one of us is.

Thank you again to Beth, Jay and Tim!

Kristina Martin

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To the Editor:

On behalf of the Sisters elementary students who participated in the SMART (Start Making a Reader Today) program this year, I would like to offer a sincere thank you.

To the volunteers of our community , for your faithful service, commitment and understanding. You have endured many changes this year and have accepted them without hesitation. I would love to have you all return next October!

I would also like to give special thanks to Debi Crippa for an exceptional year of coordinating the program. To the teachers who participated in the program. Kindergarten through third grade. Fifth grade teachers and their students, who substituted as "Jr. readers" in a moment's notice. Tim Comfort, Sherri Hermans, and Veronda McConville, who provided much needed support and intervention. And, Marie Phillips, the librarian who worked so hard to meet SMART's need for space, in which reading pairs needed to read.

Sisters had 34 students participate in the SMART program this year. You all have, beyond a doubt, enriched these children's lives!

Sincerely,

Yvette Chandler

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To the Editor:

(Re: "Llama herd leaves Patterson Ranch," The Nugget, March 24):

There are still llamas to be seen in Sisters!

For those who need a llama fix, Hinterland Ranch is open to the public Monday-Saturday. We are located 3-1/2 miles east of Sisters on Highway 20, just across from the Sisters Rodeo Grounds.

You are welcome to come and spend as much time as you like enjoying our herd of 200-plus llamas and the beautiful fiber products in the wool room.

Kay Patterson Sharpnack