Letters to the Editor 08/02/2017

To the Editor:

In response to your July 26, article, "Mayor under scrutiny over rant": It's concerning that Sisters Mayor Chuck Ryan reached his "boiling point" over a petite, 50-something woman who happened to be walking past his home as she was reviewing her daily mail.

Then to continue his bullying behavior he threatens another female resident who contacted him in an attempt to better understand his behavior.

Although Ryan acknowledges his behavior was unacceptable, do his actions reflect the desirable character we should expect and demand from our

mayor?

Kathy Liverman

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To the Editor:

To live a long life is to be slowly born. With age we come to a place where we can see the beauty in almost everything. That said some days are better than others.

I was cruising along in my '63 VW, sunroof back, windows open, crossing the Whychus Creek bridge, headed into town. Suddenly the purring of my air-cooled engine was interrupted by a sputter, then another sputter, and then the dreaded silence of a mechanical failure.

It was mid-afternoon as I coasted along Highway 20, took a slow right turn onto Locust and rolled to a stop in the elementary school right-turn lane. My slowly born-fully awake self let out a four-letter word borrowed directly from my early teens. I had things to do and places to be, stuck wasn't part of the plan. Or was it?

Slow to recover, I used my cell phone to contact our son Greg. He would be with me in a few minutes to provide a tow to the friendly team at Van Handel Automotive.

Then the six-minute miracle occurred. First friend Kirk Albertson drove by and asked if he could assist, "thank you, help is on the way." Then friend Paul Bertagna, "thank you," then friend John Tehan, again "thank you." Then friends Tracy and Jennifer (they purchased our Airstream three years ago) stopped. After hugs and my now-ceremonial "thank-you," I shared with them that what began as a challenge had turned into a gift.

Back in my car a young man stopped and called out "need help?" then less than a minute later another young man pulled over 100 yards ahead of me. We walked toward each other with big smiles. I confirmed he was the sixth person that offered help and how grateful I was for him and our amazing

community.

The next morning I picked up my car fitted with its new condenser. It should be noted that Tom and Brian at Van Handel wouldn't accept payment.

Having just completed a book on Albert Schweitzer I offer his beautiful words,"the purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others."

Bill and Zoe Willitts

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To the Editor:

"An Ode to Doc Holliday"

A vale of sadness has fallen over our little neighborhood this week as we say goodbye to a true frontiersman, a loyal friend, a wise and sage individual... this little dog, Doc Holliday.

He greeted each new day at certain neighbors' houses as he took his morning constitutional through the neighborhood. More often than not, Doc could be seen carrying a ball or pinecone in his mouth on his way to whatever destination took his fancy...in the hopes that some, ANYONE, would throw it for him until he got tired, 'cause he never did!

Doc always wore a smile and he never knew a stranger. He had a very loving and wonderful life with his family who will miss him forever.

So long, Doc Holliday...I will miss you...you are the real deal!

Stephanie Matzen