Letters to the Editor 07/30/2008

To the Editor:

In the July 16 issue, The Nugget ran a wonderful cover story about this year's Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show, and we appreciate it!  Unfortunately the front page photo that was selected to represent the event was of a transient vendor who was not part of the show. 

This particular vendor had every opportunity to be an official participant but withdrew her entries (and her offer to volunteer her time) because she didn't like our limit of five sale quilt entries per person.  

Its particularly disturbing when "one of our own" chooses to circumvent the show and set up a private quilt show of her own, right in the middle of ours.

We have spent 33 years developing a reputation that draws thousands of people here on show day.  We spend the money to market the show and the commission we make on quilts sales is one of the very few ways we have to pay for the show. It's a shame to see vendors like this one capitalize on our reputation and investment without giving back.

Ann Richardson

Executive Director, Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show

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To the Editor:

I was a vendor this past year and I was welcomed by 99.9 percent of the kind folks in Sisters.

You must remember that the vendors bring their pocketbooks to Sisters as well. A fee was paid for the opportunity to be a vendor, paid for fair and square by all of the vendors.

The vendors add a fair-like atmosphere to this wonderful event. You may not know, but the restrictions of the quilt show have already limited many exhibitors from showing - those are the quilt show rules.

We chose to be independent vendors because we had "too many" quilts, some of our quilts were "too small" or "too large" as well.

The playing field for the exhibitors and the quilt brokers are also unfair: a quilt broker can display and sell any size quilt he chooses and any number of quilts he chooses.

We are limited on all counts.

When the Sisters Quilt Show starts to treat everyone fairly and equitably, that will be a positive step for sure.

It was interesting to note that the Stitchin' Post had their own vendor inside their store selling bracelet charms as evidenced by the article in the paper last week.

There are usually two sides to a discussion; thank you for hearing mine.

Wanda Barkhurst

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To the Editor:

Every year there are complaints in the aftermath of the Quilt Show.

I give credit to the person that started this event. But... It wouldn't be such a success if it weren't for the businesses that make up this town, including the exhibitors that set up for the day. Many of those exhibitors are local residents. People come to the Quilt Show for the whole picture, not only the quilts.

I would like to thank all the volunteers for their effort Quilt Show day. I recently read the piece to the editor, on giving to the town and all the volunteers that do so. I'm curious, since there are numerous volunteers involved in the Quilt Show year after year and the owner of the Stitchin' Post puts on the Quilt Show, what does the Stitchin' Post profit that day year after year? Not including all the dollars contributed by local businesses.

Wouldn't it be nice if everyone could get along and let this event be the festival it's become? Often while the women are enjoying the quilts the men are kept occupied with the exhibits. Obviously, the tourists aren't complaining.

The Stitchin' Post does not own this town, even though year after year they tend to think otherwise.

Many businesses suffered from the road closure due to poor business planning. Usually before ODOT considers an event road closure someone has to file a request. I wonder who filed or approached ODOT.

We are a tourist town, which some residents can't accept. There was an article in The Nugget suggesting the closure be used as an example for a bypass. Picture a walkway through the center of town with a mortuary.

All those in favor of a bypass can move to Redmond. If everyone closed shop, not allowing quilts on their store fronts, the event would become history.

Richard Esterman

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To the Editor:

My name is Alexander Cyrus. I have just completed the fifth grade.

This is my second year in 4-H. I have five sheep I'm showing. It's a handful to keep track of how much they are eating and drinking.

My market lamb was born in February. My market lamb's name is "Buddy."

Now about the important stuff: I walk my lamb daily. I've been graining my lamb a lot. My goals are to get way better at showing and walking my lamb by fair (July 30-August 2) and I would like to get into the grand championship with my lamb.

I would like to invite you to come to the buyers' barbecue and the auction on August 2. The buyers' barbecue starts at noon and the auction starts at 4 p.m.

Thank you for all of your support.

Alexander Cyrus

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To the Editor:

Today's paper (The Nugget, June 23, page 18) had an article entitled "Lane County ends test of biodiesel buses."

Lane County Transit District did a year-long study with 10 city buses using the new biofuel. They decided to discontinue use of the biofuel because of these reasons: the biofuel was more expensive (5-10 cents more per gallon) than the regular diesel fuel; the fuel proved to be less efficient by 2 percent (which means you don't go as far on a gallon); and fuel filters had to be replaced because the biofuel clogs the filters.

All of these things lead to more dollars out of my pocket, and yet our Oregon legislators have voted that the biofuel is the only fuel that can be sold in Oregon. Thank you very much!

Another thing to consider is this: corn is what they use in the making of this biofuel and corn is also what they feed to cattle and pigs. So the price of meats will go up. Besides supply and demand of the corn... We used to be able to buy five ears for $1. Today's advertised "good price" is 50 cents an ear.

They say that the biofuel is better for air quality, but if we have to use more fuel to go the same distance, how have we benefitted?

To me, it sounds like a bad idea that's gonna cost you and me much more at the pump, oh boy! And oh, yeah, go stock up on those fuel filters - you're gonna need them.

Please write to Salem and tell them how you feel.

Paula Lovegren

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To the Editor:

I just wanted to thank the community of Sisters for supporting the Sisters Farmers Market. There has been an average of 17 booths ranging from produce, baked goods, natural soaps, recycled candles, to jewelry.  I have been keeping the number of booths on a smaller scale due to the fluctuations in the economy. 

A smaller market has been successful and supports not only the smaller community but the number of vendors. 

Thank you so much to all the loyal supporters of the market that come every week. And if you haven't made it down yet...I would love to meet you!

Sarah Yancey

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To the Editor:

Did you know?

During the summer, our great city workers that mow the lawns in our parks do not bag the cut grass. They let it shred and it spreads back down over the ground to disintegrate and help feed the lawn. Why do we care?

This also shreds the animal droppings, food, and cigarette butts left on the grass by careless owners and spreads it back down over the grass where it is no longer as visible. Since many children and adults like to play and sit on the lawns, it's important that the owners pick up after themselves and their animals.

By the way, a local store sells green pooch pickup bags that are made of cornstarch so the bags also are biodegradable and we all get a double benefit.

Thank you,

Virginia Lindsey