Sisters salutes

• Judah Slavkovsky has graduated from Harvard Medical School.

Slavkovsky is the son of Theresa and Rick Slavkovsky of Sisters and grew up in the first Sisters Habitat for Humanity home in Sisters.

Judah has long recognized Habitat's role in his success.

"When I was 10 my family moved into this new house and I remember planting apple trees in the front yard with both of my sisters. We left behind a house where in the winter time ice would build up on the insides of the windows and where mold would grow on the walls," Judah said when he spoke at the memorial celebration held for Habitat founder Millard Fuller in 2009. "Having a well-built home is transformative, and for me it was enabling. When there is stability in housing there is stability in communities."

• Wendi Reed Jacques wrote:

After years of thought and months of careful planning, I moved my family to Sisters April 30, 2010.

Based on my years of visiting, I have high expectations as a new resident of your town! Since we made our move from "the Valley," these expectations have been not only met, but surpassed!

Not being the shy type, but rather the more Hey, I'm new! type, I've met some great people and visited some great Sisters businesses. Of note: Mitch and Julie at Sisters Olive and Nut Co., "The Johns" at Bronco Billy's, Robin at Sisters Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Deb Dyer at Ponderosa Properties, the legendary "Tic" Ticoulat, Sue at Paulina Springs Books, the librarian (did not catch her name) on duty at the library on Saturday, May 15, my new neighbors, Jeff Spry - old friend, and Nugget writer - and of course everyone at Sisters Coffee Co.!

Of special note though, is Don of DonTerra Artworks. I was in there on May 15 with my mom, and we got in a conversation with Don about how much I love the quails all over my yard.

I then mentioned to my mom that they had the cutest little metal quails on sticks displayed outside of the shop. We digressed into another conversation then moved further into the bowels of the shop. About 10 minutes later, Don found us and presented me with a "welcome to the community" gift: Yes, one of those "quails on a stick!" I almost cried I was so touched!

Truly, in the short amount of time I've been here, I feel truly welcome. I've never had this feeling anywhere else I've ever moved to. Thanks, Sisters...for exceeding my expectations, and further solidifying that I made the right decision!