Group of friends boosts local businesses

For six friends in Sisters Country, the local economy isn't work - it's pleasure.

On the first Thursday of each month, the "Sisters Chicks" - Judy Dillewaard; Dana Cunningham; Sandy McBride; Jane Matyniak; Sydney Harrison; and Judy Vnenchak - get together for lunch at a locally owned and operated restaurant. They dine and chat and enjoy each other's company.

Last week, they gathered at The Open Door. In January it was The Depot Café.

"We're just very informal," said Dillewaard.

After lunch, they sally forth onto the streets of Sisters to shop at least three local businesses. It's a social outing with a very definite purpose - to support the local economy.

"This is something we decided to do at our Christmas get-together, to support our local merchants through the winter," said Dillewaard.

"We bought our gifts locally, too," noted Matyniak.

The women hope their program catches on. It's a very pleasant way to spend time with friends while strengthening the community they love.

Dillewaard said, "Anybody in Sisters can form their own group and do what we do."