Storytellers define the 'Sisters Way'

Accordingly to Ruth Williamson of NXT Consulting, who co-facilitated the Sisters Country Horizon Visioning Project, there is a "felt experience" here in Sisters - the "Sisters Way."

Williamson identified the Sisters Way as the small-town friendliness manifested in our welcoming ways and spirit of volunteerism. It shows in our tremendous pride of place. It is the enigma that draws people in and yet leaves them unable to describe it.

The Sisters Way was brought to life for attendees at the Sisters Country Vision Summit (see story page XX) last Thursday with four stories shared by long-time Sisters residents, each exemplifying an aspect of what the Sisters Way means.

Life-long Sisters rancher Keith Cyrus shared his memories of how the Little Cloverdale School became part of the Sisters School District, bringing with it the surrounding farm and ranch lands that increased the Sisters district tax base. To this day, Cyrus is proud of the Sisters School District and the continued support the community shows for its schools.

The Cyruses have made numerous contributions to Sisters including the development of Aspen Lakes east of town. Keith and Connie and their children and extended family represent the strong roots from which Sisters has grown.

Family Access Network representative Dawn Cooper is the face of help for Sisters students and their families who require some assistance to access basic needs. Cooper explained the weekend Backpack Program, just one of a number of programs available for children whose families are struggling.

Sixty-four students are given backpacks each Friday with food for the weekend. Members of the community donate money and bags of groceries to the program. Cooper said those donations, and the many others she receives, are "a testament to the spirit of generosity" that is prevalent in

Sisters.

Cooper indicated that the Sisters FAN is the only one in Central Oregon that is able to assist members of the entire community, "womb to tomb," due to the generosity and support of Sisters residents, businesses, and service organizations.

Bill Willitts, developer of the FivePine campus, shared his fond memories of late Realtor Bill Reed, "the de facto mayor of Sisters" who convinced Willitts to get involved in the community effort to build four new classrooms at Sisters Elementary School in the late 1990s.

"The community coalesced around the project," Willits recalled, and with no state money and using donated labor and materials, the classrooms became a reality.

"That was the single best project of my life," said Willitts.

"You and I are the fabric of this community," he told the audience. "Sisters is a spectacular outpost - 20 miles from everywhere else. We share something special. We work collectively."

"When there is an authentic need in this community," he concluded, "somehow it is generally met."

Emily Rickards, who grew up and attended school in Sisters, returned home after college to become the manager of her family's Open Door Restaurant at Clearwater Gallery. She represents the spirit of the next generation in Sisters.

At the restaurant, Rickards said, "Every night gets to be a celebration of our community." Her intention for Open Door is that it be "more than just a service provider." She views it as an "avenue for hospitality and care," where people can build relationships. Her goal is to "work hard and happily."

"I feel grateful for everyone in this community," Rickards shared.