News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
Members of the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce gathered last Thursday night at FivePine Lodge & Conference Center to salute individuals and organizations that enhance the quality of life in Sisters.
Outgoing Chamber President Victoria Graves kicked off the proceedings with her presentation of the President's Award to Sisters photographer Jerry Baldock, praising him for his constant presence at Sisters events, capturing "amazing flashes of everyday life."
Sisters Trails Alliance (STA) received the Pioneering Spirit Award for its efforts in creating and enhancing trails across Sisters Country - work that touches locals and visitors alike, from hikers to equestrians and cyclists.
Sisters Rotary was awarded Non-Profit of the Year honors for its multifaceted work in enhancing Sisters' livability - from sponsoring swim lessons and a book program for elementary school children to sponsoring the Rotary Invitational Track Meet at Sisters High School. The award was acknowledgement that the Rotary Club lives up to its motto of "Service Before Self."
Jeri Buckmann served up the Volunteer of the Year Award to a man who has served the community for four decades.
Glenn Miller, president of the Sisters Rodeo Association, has been volunteering with that organization for half of its 79-year lifespan and has presided over significant initiatives that have kept the Rodeo at the forefront of the sport.
"It takes a leader to direct all the pieces of the Biggest Little Show in the World," Buckmann noted.
Chris Wilder presented Daly Haasch with the Customer Service Award for her business, Sisters Ace Hardware.
"This means so much to me," Haasch said, describing taking over the store after her divorce.
"I was a girl who now had a hardware store and a lot of work ahead of her," she said.
She's made a go of it for the past three years and employs 13 people.
Rosie Horton was honored as Citizen of the Year. Horton, who owns Common Threads in Sisters, has been a Chamber board member, was a long-time Quilt Show board member, a Starry Nights sponsor and has taught and coached swimming for youth in Sisters for many years.
The Hen's Tooth was honored as Business of the Year after four decades in retail in Sisters. Debbie Westerndorf founded the store in 1978 after recognizing that she had a passion for retail. There wasn't a lot in Sisters at that time, but The Hen's Tooth became a cornerstone of the retail community in downtown Sisters, offering an array of gifts and outstanding customer service.
Debbie's passion was handed down to the second generation with her daughter Heather Olson. The Hen's Tooth has become a destination shopping experience for several generations of Sisters visitors and shoppers.
Jim Cornelius is editor in chief of The Nugget and author of “Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans.” A history buff, he explores frontier history across three centuries and several continents on his podcast, The Frontier Partisans. For more information visit www.frontierpartisans.com.
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