Getting to school the old-fashioned way

Sisters kids got to school the old-fashioned way last Wednesday - on their own two feet or on two wheels.

Sisters Community Schools Coordinator Shawn Diez, Sisters School Superintendent Jim Golden, Brian Potwin of Commute Options, Sisters Mayor Lon Kellstrom, Deputy Don Pray and about 30 parents and 50 children joined in a big before-school party in the Village Green to inaugurate the "Bike or Walk" project, part of International Bike or Walk To School Day.

The Sisters School District sent Leland Bliss to the kick-off with plenty of hot chocolate to help students and adults stay warm on the usual snappy morning for this time of year.

Golden said, "My missal for today is to encourage you to walk or bike for better health; eat healthier food, keep exercising and it will be better for you when you get older."

Mayor Kellstrom encouraged everyone to use the trails the city has available and to watch for new ones coming in June of 2012.

Deputy Don Pray talked about staying safe while interfacing with motor vehicles, and urged riders to wear a safety helmet. He feels so strongly about adults and children wearing a helmet while biking he carries several helmets in the trunk of his patrol car for those who have outgrown or misplaced their old one.

Casey Meudt, from Blazin Saddles, was kept jumping as he volunteered to check every bicycle for tire pressure, chains, adjustments and ensuring that all the rolling equipment was ship-shape.

As the morning's festivities wound down and time to be in school approached, Michele Sims, an avid bicycle-rider, led a huge convoy of happy and healthy students from the Village Green over to Sisters Middle School. After the departure of the middle school group, Diez organized the elementary school convoy with "Deputy Don" leading the pack of happy parents and excited children to the elementary school in his patrol car, emergency lights flashing, as the cavalcade crossed East Cascade with Bill Mitchell (as always) holding forth at the crossing.