Labyrinth dedicated at East Portal

The weather was chilly but feelings were warm on Saturday, December 1 as Sisters Cohort 3 of the Ford Family Foundation dedicated a labyrinth at the Forest Service East Portal.

Cohort 3 member Leanne Smith explained that walking a labyrinth represents a symbolic journey.

"This is a pilgrimage you would take toward enlightenment, toward your spirituality," she said.

The Sisters labyrinth is a medieval seven-circuit design like those found on the floors of European churches and cathedrals. Walking a labyrinth is a meditative experience that can bring a sense of peace and comfort.

"It's been shown labyrinths are very relaxing," Smith said at the dedication. "They slow the heart rate."

The Cohort 3 members were first to enter the labyrinth, followed by onlookers. The founding group placed candles on a stone at the center.

A labyrinth is not a maze; the labyrinth has no loops, dead-ends or forks.

This project has been nearly a year in the making, organized by Sisters Cohort 3 of the Ford Family Foundation. The foundation sponsors the Ford Institute Leadership Program throughout counties in rural Oregon and in Siskiyou County, California. After participating in a series of leadership training and team-building classes, each cohort determines a community project, raises funds, and completes the project, thereby putting into action skills acquired during the training phase.

Dozens of individuals and businesses contributed more than $12,000 to the Sisters Community Labyrinth. Major donors include the Ford Family Foundation, Bank of the Cascades, Campbell Foundation, GreenRidge Physical Therapy & Wellness, High Desert Aggregate, Jan and Jack McGowan, Ray's Food Place, Sisters Park & Recreation District, and the City of Sisters.

The community group Friends of the Labyrinth will continue to manage the labyrinth. Individuals may join Friends of the Labyrinth for an annual donation of $10, or $15 for families. Donations are tax-deductible. Friends of the Labyrinth will maintain the labyrinth and plan periodic labyrinth events. For more information on the Friends group, contact Sharlene Weed, 541-420-3014.