Letters to the Editor 12/17/2014

Last updated Dec 16, 2014 12:0pm0

To the Editor:

The combination of the power to fill vacancies and, in the case of the Sisters City Council, to appoint the mayor as well, can result in an opportunity for abuse which some say the Council is about to take advantage of.

The election of Councilor Chris Frye to the post of mayor would be a major affront to the electorate of Sisters. Having been appointed to the Council only recently, Frye has never been subjected to public scrutiny. We only know him to be a businessman with limited Council experience and someone for whom not a single vote has been cast.

The recent City Council election resulted in the rejection of the outgoing mayor's policies and the selection of viable candidates for his position. Nancy Connolly brings a fresh public-sector perspective to the Council. David Asson won handily, has considerable depth of experience on the Council, and has had the courage to speak out about the shortcomings of the recent ill-conceived projects proposed by the Council. He is the more obvious choice for mayor.

The electorate continues to object to the lack of involvement in city decision-making yet the Council seems determined to turn a deaf ear to citizen concerns and is headed for a further repudiation of public sentiment.

Roger Detweiler

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To the Editor:

Sisters has a long tradition of supporting organizations that enrich our community. Whether it's the folk festival, quilt show, or the Land Trust we are thankful that these groups continually add music, art and nature to our lives and enhance the vitality of our community.

Today I urge you to support one of those community institutions as they embark on an important campaign to change the face of Sisters Country. For nearly 20 years, the Deschutes Land Trust has worked to protect Sisters' most cherished places. My husband, Clyde, and I (and the corgis) live right between their Camp Polk Meadow and Whychus Canyon Preserves, overlooking Whychus Creek. We've watched the Land Trust diligently raise the funds necessary to protect these lands and then dedicate themselves to restoring health to streams, forests, and meadows.

That's why we support the Land Trust's Campaign for Whychus Creek - to ensure the protection of 12 miles of the creek and thousands of acres of land. The Land Trust is well on their way, with eight miles and 2,200 acres already protected. We will be helping them with the final four because we believe nature enriches our lives and makes Sisters a better place.

I hope you'll consider doing the same.

Ann Richardson

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To the Editor:

We speak for the creek.

Whychus Creek, our creek ... bubbling, rushing, pooling, tumbling, lazing, meandering. We have the many moods of this water in our neighborhoods, along our trails, in the city park, and further afield on protected lands of the Deschutes Land Trust preserves.

To date, the Deschutes Land Trust has protected eight miles of Whychus Creek as it flows through the 2,200 acres of Camp Polk Meadow, the Whychus Canyon Preserve, and Rimrock Ranch on its way to join the Deschutes.

The gift that the Land Trust has given us all is the preservation of the land surrounding the creek and the opportunity to wander its length on guided tours (Camp Polk Meadow and Rimrock Ranch) or independent hikes (Whychus Canyon Preserve). If you haven't discovered the creek, do. It is magical. We invite you to join us or other Land Trust naturalists on a guided walk through these lands.

The Deschutes Land Trust has embarked on an ambitious plan to acquire, restore, and provide stewardship for additional land, meadows and canyons along the creek. In the next several years the Land Trust hopes all of us will join them in investing in the future of the creek. We each have the opportunity to contribute to this important conservation effort by making our donations to the Campaign for Whychus Creek.

Most funding will come from grants; the goal for private funding is $3.5 million. We in the community will be able to enjoy these expanded holdings and our local wildlife and fish will thrive.

We are excited to "speak for the creek" and to pledge our support and our dollars for its future. Please join us in this effort!

Carol Wall and Pat Kearney

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To the Editor:

The Third Annual Shop Till You Drop Holiday Fundraising Sale, orchestrated by members of an online group called "Sisters SWAP," raised $2,700 for the Spirit of Christmas Food Share and Gifts program, co-sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Sisters and Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District.

These funds will make a merrier Christmas for many local families who will receive food gift cards, gifts and pet food. Furry Friends Food Drive for Pets will receive $200.

This event was made possible by donations from our generous community and participation by a host of volunteers. A huge shout-out goes to the men and women of our local fire station who helped out so graciously in so many ways.

The children of Circle of Friends (COF) were delighted to "shop" at no charge, with their mentors and the COF director, for the families they love. The Outlaw JV volleyball coach and several players assisted the kids with shopping and gift-wrapping - and treated the kids to cookies and milk!

Members of the Family Access Network appreciated the time that was set aside for them to shop without cost for themselves and their families.

Sisters SWAP ensured that all unsold donations stayed local. Furniture, clothing and household goods were donated to the Habitat ReStore and Thrift Store. Books went to Friends of the Sisters Library for their used book sales.

This event was an awesome example of what it means to live in Sisters. Thanks to everyone - volunteers, donors, swappers and shoppers. So many people pitched in ... it truly took a village. It's clear that people in our community care about each other. I'm lucky to be part of such a loving and supportive community.

Wishing everyone the blessings of the season,

Jeanie Ogden

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To the Editor:

After watching the Sisters High School Holiday Showcase, on the night of Friday, December 12, I returned to my car and found my card wallet on the door handle.

I would like to thank the honest person or persons who found it. I feel very fortunate and thankful that my license and credit cards were returned.

We really do live in a wonderful community where people look out for one another. This is what Christmas is about: being kind, caring and thoughtful.

Thank you again, and Merry Christmas to the Sisters Community!

Nicki Jones

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To the Editor:

What a fabulous Holiday Showcase.

We have many amazing things here in Sisters, but this ranked right at the top! The coordination of the event and the variety of talent was amazing!!

Thank you to everyone involved in putting it together and executing such a wonderful evening.

Looking forward to seeing how you can top that next year.

Tammi Nieri

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