Letters to the Editor 03/09/2016

To the Editor:

Here's a shout-out to Nugget contributors Sue Stafford and Diane Goble for beginning a frank discussion on truly affordable low-cost housing, in particular as it concerns elderly women living alone in Sisters and in the world. Many of my women friends know other women who also face this sobering future of not having enough income to pay for our residence, and being forced out to go "somewhere." We have been in a silent sense of helplessness, so I am grateful for this open sharing.

There needs to be something between working ourselves to death and an eventual poverty-based reliance on State and federal programs; something between working during retirement and outright destitution in a federally funded assisted-living facility, subsidized by our inadequate Social Security. Diane Goble speaks my language. I share all the same concerns. I find housing prices to be quality-of-life-threatening and potentially able to ruin an otherwise good life.

I am older, retired, living on a very fixed income ($300 left over after I pay my rent). I am poor now, but I wasn't always. I had over $100,000 in mutual funds in the '90s and lost it. I never recovered. I inherited money, bought a home, and then lost everything else I had, trying to save my home during the 2008 mortgage crisis.

Ethical, honest and trying to honor my debt, I lost my savings, my IRA, some possessions, and was down to my last $1,000 - headed for the same fate as "The Lady in the Van" (current movie). I can still work, but I am very concerned about what happens when I can no longer do odd jobs, can't pay my bills or my rent. But am not too sick or ready to die.

"The Van" might be in my - or our - future unless truly affordable/low-cost housing becomes an option for us elderly women and men. Personally, I dream of a low-rent ($400/space is not low-rent) mobile home park for us, each in our own little RV and space, where we can live in freedom and dignity, until it is time to go. It's either something like that or someone's driveway.

Eileen Grellert

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To the Editor:

I hope many of you were able to go to the meetings that introduced Sisters to Speak Your Peace. The energy in the room grew as attendees talked with the group presenting it and among themselves. Yet at the same time there remained a strong sense of frustration. The people wanted to support their community but were afraid to put their ideas into words for fear of being ridiculed.

The Speak Your Peace presenters gave examples of towns similar to Sisters going through growing pains and having a few vocal people put the brakes on community involvement. SYP gave 9 concepts that everyone can use to speak and listen with respect. As people started to understand the empowerment this form of dialogue could give them, they saw that if we all try to stay respectful we will be able to find a common ground and be able to move forward.

It is so encouraging to see not only individuals, but entire organizations wanting to endorse these positive ideals. Let's join together to listen and really pay respectful attention, without gossiping, while being inclusive and agreeable. Let's take responsibility to use constructive criticism and apologize if we stray from that. Let's end it now and continue to work together.

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To the Editor:

I enjoyed reading about the revitalization of Family Art Night at Sisters Elementary School.

Its origins began as an outgrowth of the SES Arts Literacy Program I led back in 2006. The inspiration for such an event came about from my own childhood experience at a holiday craft fair. Even though I was only six years old at the time, I have never forgotten that evening. Giving children what can be a first-time experience in hands-on creativity is not simply fun but can strike a deep personal chord in a child's own inventive spirit. It is also an opportunity for community sharing, giving and assisting of others.

The first Family Art Night had about 50 attendees. By the fourth year over 200 people showed up even though there was a large snowstorm going on outside. I recall one parent saying to me, "this is the best thing that happens at this school."

It took a large team effort to make such an evening happen. Congratulations to those who have brought Family Arts Night back. Your time and efforts are much appreciated.

Paul Bennett