Letters to the Editor 08/31/2005

To the Editor:

Thank you for your informative article in the August 17, Nugget (“Black Butte Ranch project draws opposition, page 3).

I agree with Ms. White and Ms. Salon with regards to the importance of having landscape architects involved with the plan. I feel, as well, the entry change needs to be a separate issue.

The proposed entry change (as well as the reformed plan) is an insult to the property. The current entry is breathtaking and very much a part of what makes Black Butte Ranch so special. To enter and see administrative buildings and parking lots will make the Ranch seem like any other development.

While better, more efficient administrative space may be needed, the structures need to be placed in an area where they blend rather than being the focal point. My guess is visitors would drive to the other side of the ranch, enjoy the lovely ride and feel fortunate to check in, stay and enjoy all the amenities Black Butte Ranch has to offer.

At the July meeting Loy Helmly stated there would be a space on the ballot to say why you voted no. There was no such space on the ballot I received. It is a disappointment to see this lack of follow through and it makes me question the board’s agenda.

Marian Nasgovitz

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To the Editor,

In response to Wednesday’s article in The Nugget and Fridays article in The Bulletin, I’m 13 years old and I have been skating for 1 and 1/2 years and as a skater I don’t think it was right for the Mayor to say that skaters are belligerent and pretty sure that a lot of other skaters will agree with me.

And like my friend Skye said, a lot of skaters would find that very offensive. Skateboarding is a competitive sport. I also don’t see any article about bikers or as I call them pedal pushers even though they too ride on sidewalks and also cause havoc around town. Only some skaters cause havoc or as Elliott, who owns the Ali’s Deli would say, “give owners mouth.”

And I don’t think it’s right for the Mayor to call all skaters bad people. The meaning of belligerent means aggressively hostile and given to waging war. These are harsh words to call skaters who are only trying to occupy themselves instead of trying to find trouble.

If we were to have a skate park it would benefit not only us skaters but also this town. It would keep a lot of kids out of trouble off the streets and parks and give us something to look forward to after school and let us utilize our talents as skateboarders.

It lets us forget all the peer pressures at school, peer pressure at home and peer pressure from the adults. A skate park gives all kids and adult teens a way to be good at a competitive sport and be good at what we like to do.

I would like to hear from parents who have kids that skateboard. My father helped me build my skateboard and we had fun doing it. My parents support me as far as skateboarding and I hope that other parents who have kids that skateboard give them the same support. I’d rather be doing this sport than being bored and getting into some kind of trouble.

If the Mayor were to get on a skateboard for one day I’m sure he too would realize how hard it is but at the same time find out that it’s actually a lot of fun.

Isaac Gonzalez

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To the Editor:

On behalf of Nick Santiago, we need prayer as he is in critical condition at the Sunrise Medical Center in Las Vegas due to tumors in his brain.

Nick graduated from Sisters High School in 2004; soon afterwards he joined the Air Force. May we encourage you to keep Nick in your thoughts and prayers continuously. We ask that you please pray for Nick to have a miraculous healing.

You may send cards of encouragement for Nick to the following address:

Nick Santiago, 4507 Ellsworth Ave. Unit H-7, Nellis AFB, Nevada 89191.

We wish to express our appreciation for your love and prayers. Thank you and God bless.

With love,

Michelle Huillet and family

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To the Editor:

Wow! I want to thank the Sisters-Camp Sherman rural fire protection paramedics team and others that responded to my two recent seizures. Their quick response and transport (twice) to St. Charles Hospital in Bend was outstanding.

While I don’t remember too much of the incidents, accounts from my wife described the outstanding and professional care through a most difficult time.

Also, thanks to the wonderful, caring personnel and doctors at St. Charles. We are certainly fortunate to have such dedicated people living and working in Central Oregon.

Conrad Weiler