Letters to the Editor 09/06/2006

To the Editor:

Many of the good people of Sisters are concerned about the Sisters Country Historical Society's project of saving the Maida Bailey Old Library Building. And thanks to a generous donation from Maida's friends, the Winches, we are starting restoration. We are also getting generous help for the project from contractor Doug Hull, of Hull's Construction and materials from Hoyt's Hardware & Building Supply.

But we need a lot more to finish the job.

Many people are not aware of the costs associated with restoring a building of this age. It has a good roof, but we need to replace siding, partly because of deterioration and partly because of ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements. We have to replace the window on the northwest side, with a 36-inch door to give access for disabled people.

We also must expand the bathroom space and replace all the fixtures in order for the room to be accessible to people in a wheelchair.

The estimated "retail" cost of all the renovation and ADA required changes is $67,000. We have about $25,000 in donations coming in. Our contractor and his suppliers are donating about $17,000. So we need about $25,000 in additional funds to finish the bulk of the job.

That number does not include items on our "wish list" which includes a heat-pump system to make the building more comfortable in the summer and less expensive to heat in the winter. This number also does not include chairs, tables and other items for the inside. Nor does this include any surprises, such as what came up this week.

We had expected to receive a donated 36-inch door. It turned out that door was not available so now we will have to buy a door. We will have other expenses turn up that we haven't anticipated. That is not uncommon when working with older buildings.

We are fortunate to be working with a wonderful woman, Arlene Gibson, of Foundations that Make a Difference, who is helping us with fundraising. But one never knows how much will come in through "corporate" donations.

We will put a plaque on the building with the name of everyone who sends us any funds to support this project. We need your help. This little building is a shining symbol of the wonderful folks of Sisters. It was built with donated time and materials by people who didn't have much money, during the Great Depression. Your help now came keep the building going and create a wonderful meeting place for Sisters people to enjoy history programs and other events.

If you have a few dollars to spare, please send them to Old Library Building, c/o Sisters Country Historical Society, 69120 Damsel Fly Ct., Sisters, 97759.

Jean Nave

Volunteer Executive Director, Sisters Country Historical Society

s s s

To the Editor:

Having Toni Foster as my teacher for several years as well as being a part of the Camp Sherman Hasty Team with her, I know how passionate and caring she was.

When she was around, there was no doubt that things would get done. I remember being so mad that she was making me learn EVERY country's name on EVERY continent and their placement on a blank map. Now I love being able to say that I can do that because not many other people can.

She truly touched my life in so many ways and I will miss her greatly. It saddens me to know that no one else will be able to know her the way her family, students, team members and friends have.

Rest in blessed peace Toni.

Nicole Sonnier-Ruwaldt