There's so much to be thankful for in Sisters

It's been a year since I moved to Sisters from Bend. Reflecting on all that I have learned, I realize how grateful I feel that this small town I now call "home" offers so much. What follows is part of my experience.

The inclusiveness of the community: anyone who wants can participate in the parades, the events, in helping and volunteering. I can walk to nearly everything I need (especially now that Melvin's Market has opened).

And, speaking of places to go, I'm now on a first-name basis with most of the people at places I frequent. The library and the bookstore will get in any resources I need. What other small town do you know where the New York Times has such a huge following? Most places are dog-friendly and gladly welcome a large Newfoundland dog (or two) when I walk in. People seem genuinely friendly and helpful.

Visitors to our town are also this way (this summer, I had several people ask me if they could help me carry a box, etc., as I walked around town doing my errands).

The community garden: perhaps an unknown gem of Sisters.

For $15, I received an organic garden space, water, and all the helpful knowledge I could ask for, in addition to growing beautiful plants.

The community spirit carried over into potlucks with other gardeners.

And, no matter what mood I was in, if I would just go and be in the garden, I felt better.

All the flowers planted around the border were free for the taking: our house was beautified by them all summer.

Anyone is welcome at the garden.

If you wonder about it, you can check it out: it's on Adams Avenue (high-fenced area on the north side).

I appreciate that I wrote a letter-to-the-editor on why it's important to pick up dog poop and not only was it printed, people acted on my suggestion. Additionally, I wrote something on the city recycling center and the editor printed it as a guest editorial. I've learned that anyone can make a difference in a small town.

If you have an idea, why not share it? The Quilt Show was an idea once. Now, decades later, it brings thousands of visitors and millions of dollars to our economy. There are many wonderful ideas that people have put into action in our community and that bring good to the world. This includes the charitable movements in our town: anyone can easily participate to help and be helped.

Nature, activity, outdoors, learning and enjoyment are bountiful. I love that there is a 28-mile National Forest trail six blocks from downtown on which I can hike, run, walk my dogs, and ride a bike or horse. I learned how to back-country ski and group bike ride with people from the local ski/bike shop for free. Many of the riders/skiers are more skilled than me (and some are more fit, even though they are older), but they adjust their level to make sure I'm included.

At nearly any time of day, I can find a yoga class in town.

The library, bookstore, astronomy club, or the new Sisters Science Club offers free opportunities to learn (and in the latter case, hundreds of people show up and are interested).

There are music and art opportunities for the whole community.

Nearly twice a month there is a festival in the park and I get to see and experience things that I otherwise would not.

I can share what I know with the local schools.

Education and sharing information is a huge priority in our town.

I can stop a city council member or government employee on the street, or write them, and they take the time to communicate with me.

The air is wonderful to breathe (and I'm grateful that the forest fires held off as long as they did).

The Milky Way can be seen.

I look forward to learning even more about our town as the years go by. Thank you to everyone who continues to help make Sisters a place that is small in size, but huge in what it offers.