Sisters salutes

•The Sisters City Council would like to thank Laura Lehman, associate planner for the city, for her hard work in helping to accomplish the designation of Tree City USA.

"We are proud of being one of 49 Oregon communities to receive this honor, and it was through the hard work of Laura and others that this was possible," the council wrote.

•Jim & Becki Neal wrote:

"I've read many letters from people, thanking someone or groups for their kindness and generosity. I never thought in my lifetime I would be one of those writers. On Sunday, April 6, Jim and my life changed forever. Our house of 28 years burned down with all of our memories in it.

We got out with our lives, our great-niece Emily and our dog Spud. It's not the loss of the house that hurt so much; it's a lifetime of memories and collections. I've been a collector of antiques for over 40 years, as was my mother. Jim had so many hunting, air traffic control and rodeo memories. Now, we buck up and start over with the help of friends, family and neighbors.

I'll never remember all of the generous people, but just know that you have helped in so many ways.

Thank you for the clothes and Western hat for Jim; he felt naked.

Mike and Marcy Narzisi for taking the two of us in with our dog Spud.

Marcy, on the spur of the moment, invited friends and neighbors who brought food and cooking items.

I won't have to go to Fred Meyer for awhile! My family, two sisters from out-of-town, nieces and nephews, who cooked, sifted through the ashes and helped move plants.

Shireen, Piedad, Deri and Traci opened B-J & Friends and cut hair and rubbed feet for donations.

You did great girls, and thanks to the people that showed up and were so incredibly generous.

To all those incredible people who dropped off or sent checks and money, there are not words to thank you.

Just know that we appreciate the help, and it will be prudently spent on items that we lost.

We are about to move into our 27-foot travel trailer on our property and get the rebuilding process moving. Stop by to say hi. I might even have a cup of coffee or a Pepsi for you.

Thank you again for the love and support everyone has shown us. Words are very inadequate, but know that we will never forget your kindness.