Barbara Turner: Sisters' Snow Queen

Barbara Turner is Sisters' first Snow Queen for the Sisters Winter Wonderland celebration.

Twenty-nine years in business with Sisters Cascade of Gifts marks only one of a lifetime of accomplishments.

Turner has been one of the merchants who have been in Sisters since the early days of retail in the downtown core. She and her husband, John, purchased the store from Dale Roming. Four years later they added space and added fudge to their store's line of stylish gifts.

Turner works part of every day at her store.

"We meet people from all over the world in the store," Turner said, "including friends we haven't seen in years. We have so many repeat customers from everywhere; they become family members after a while. They even remember my name."

Turner was a charter member of Sisters Rotary Club and is a past president.

"As current Rotary president, I like to give a hero award to members who contribute a lot to others and the community," said Rotarian Kathryn Johnson. "This year, when Rotary's District Governor, John Cox, visited us, he wanted to honor a hero, and I chose Barbara.

"If I need a job done, Barbara is always there participating," Johnson said. "She is the best person at promoting the club and bringing in new members. In fact, I'm a member because of Barbara."

Rotary activities come naturally to Turner.

"As an army wife," said Turner, whose husband served in the military during World War II, "I did a lot of volunteer work."

Those early days of volunteerism have continued to be a key part of her life in Sisters. Turner was on the first board for the Sisters Jazz Festival, served several terms on the board of the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce, and this year helped organize the Magical Voices of Christmas through Rotary.

"Barbara works tirelessly for the things she is committed to," said Jean Wells-Keenan, another longtime Sisters business owner. "It is great to honor her in this way."