Letters to the Editor 05/08/2013

To the Editor:

Many generous folks in Sisters use the Oregon Cultural Trust's tax credit when they contribute to Sisters Folk Festival (SFF) programs like the Americana Project. The tax credit is now up for renewal. The possibility of Oregon Cultural Trust loosing the tax credit has dire consequences for the 1,300 arts, heritage and humanities nonprofits who benefit from its existence.

As SFF's development director, I see firsthand the correlation between the tax credit and contributions SFF receives. The tax credit shines a light on organizations like ours and is an incentive for donors to choose SFF as a beneficiary of their donation dollars. The money SFF receives funds art and music classes in all three Sisters schools, as well as other programs like the Americana Song & Arts Academy, Americana Song Academy for Youth and the Americana Arts Outreach Scholarship Fund.

SFF can't provide these programs from event ticket sales alone. Support from donations gives children access to classes that teach self-expression, hone focusing skills and offer vocational training they may use in future careers.

Oregon Cultural Trust's tax credit is an integral part of that process, we encourage you to let your local representatives and state senators know that you think the tax credit is important and should be renewed. Thanks so much for your support!

Katy Yoder

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To the Editor:

We have not met, Taylor, but I would like to offer my hearty congratulations upon your accomplishment of Eagle Scout!

I come from a family of Eagle Scouts -three generations, in fact: my grandfather, his son (my father), and my youngest brother. I know the hard work and dedication required to reach this level of scouting.

Besides my congratulations, and as a lifetime Girl Scout who has served that community for many years, I would like to offer you encouragement to continue to conduct your life in a manner worthy of praise. You have joined an elite corps of individuals and what you have learned via your Eagle Scout journey will likely continue to affect you over time.

You will always have choices, moment by moment each day of your life, and I hope you will continue to choose excellence, high character, leadership worthy of trust, and service to others along your life's path. You have much to offer! In a way, your journey has just begun.

Kimberley Fisher

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To the Editor:

Last Monday, I was enjoying an all-too-rare dinner with my wife at The Boathouse Restaurant while our kids were being watched by my parents.

When it came time to settle up, I was informed by our server we would not receive a check since our meal had already been paid for. Apparently, another patron noticed my firefighter insignia and chose to offer some gratitude by paying it forward and covering our meal. This generous outpouring of thanks was enough to bring my wife to tears.

I would like to sincerely thank whomever it was who made such a gesture. I often have people thanking me while I am on duty and in uniform, but never has such a display been made in the company of my wife. She is often the one who gives far more than me and rarely gets recognized.

I encourage everyone to take a moment and thank those around you who give of themselves to serve others. You just never know how even a small gesture can make a significant impact.

Damon Frutos

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To the Editor:

Good grief!

A recent U.S.-wide Gallup survey has shown that 90 percent of Americans wanted the gun criminal background check bill to pass the Senate and become law as soon as possible.

What happened? Well, it might have been the $8,165,480 paid by the NRA, Gun Owners of America and the National Association for Gun Rights to the 45 Senators that then killed the bill by voting no! You think?

Several, including Ron Johnson (WI, $1,178,892) and Rob Portman (OH, $1,314,279) received the equivalent of a Senator's seven years' pay for a simple "no." The others received anywhere from $2,000 to $732,755.

Fortunately, neither of our great Oregon Senators, Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, accepted any money, nor did Mark Pryor (AR) or Heidi Heitkamp (ND). Good for them. I'm sure it's a great feeling not to be bought!

So, four Senators refused the money - the rest helped themselves. I hope their voters think of this when their Senators come up for re-election!

Virginia Lindsey

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To the Editor:

We are well-acquainted with Edie Jones, candidate for the Sisters School Board. Edie is a leader, and prime advocate for early childhood education in Central Oregon. She recently retired after many years as the executive director of Together For Children, a Central Oregon agency promoting early childhood education programs to support children and their families. Edie is a facilitator and consultant for education programs. She is keenly up-to-date on educational programs, mandates, and trends in the state, federal and local levels. 

Edie knows the critical financial obligations and issues affecting educational programs. Over many years, Edie has balanced an agency budget successfully, qualified for funding to support the agency, and planned programs accordingly. Edie has published a number of articles on early childhood education, and has written a soon-to-be published book. Leaders such as Edie are defined by their convictions, and their experience. Edie continues to serve our community, promoting early childhood education programs. 

Our Sisters community would be blessed to have Edie's expertise on the Sisters School Board. We could count on Edie Jones to keep the Sisters schools and community at the forefront of children's education. We urge your support for Edie Jones for the Sisters School Board.

Sonia Lamoreaux & Douglas Knudsen

Marilyn & Neal Wineman