Building Blocks: strong community

There was enough good news emanating from the May 15 Community Builders meeting that two articles were required, one last week (May 22) and another this week.

• As president of Sisters Rotary, Bill Kelly announced the plans for the Fourth of July celebration, Sisters 4th Fest, scheduled for Village Green Park, 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is being sponsored by Sisters Rotary Club, Citizens4Community, St. Charles Health System, and Next Phase Realty, with support from Run Sisters Run, 4-H, Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District, VFW Post 8128, and American Legion Post 86. Volunteers are needed for all phases of the event. Visit sisters4thfest.com for a full schedule of all events and more information.

• Nicole Woodson of Circle of Friends announced they have adopted two kitties from Brightside to live in their clubhouse. They are currently hiring for a youth program lead and a coordinator for their full summer schedule of activities. July 20 at 6 p.m. will be their annual Changing Futures fundraiser at Sisters Art Works building backyard. Toast and Jam will entertain. Their auction will include a stay at a beach house and a fly fishing trip. In January 2025 they will be recruiting two-to-three new board members with business experience, or intern experience.

• Jane Paxson of C4C attended a community building conference presented by Regards to Rural called Resilience in the Community, regarding self-assessments to determine community resilience which she reported are easy to conduct.

• Bill Kelly of Living Well With Dementia, a support group for caregivers, adults supporting parents or siblings, and those living with dementia, recently received a grant from C4C. Their mission is to provide support and illumination, helping to lighten the path for those living with dementia and their care partners as they navigate the intricacies of living well with dementia. The group will be meeting the second and fourth Wednesday, June 12 and 26, 1 to 2:30 p.m., at The Lodge, 411 E. Carpenter Lane. https://livingwellwithdementiasisters.com.

• After five years as an Action Team of Age Friendly Sisters Country (AFSC), Sisters Transportation and Ride Share (STARS) has submitted their articles of incorporation to become an independent 501(c)(3). A Capstone thesis study conducted by MBA students at OHSU will be presented on Monday, June 3, 6 p.m., at the Sisters Fire Hall. The study of STARS includes a needs statement, best practices, and funding sources. STARS will receive a grant funding computer program which will be available for use by other local nonprofits. Anyone interested in the results of the study is invited to attend. For more information contact Rennie Morrell at rennie@starsride.org.

• According to Bill Kelly, president of Sisters Rotary, the club is offering a new passport program during the week prior to the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show (SOQS), June 4-12, to attract more customers to local businesses prior to the Quilt Show and to raise money for the SOQS GRO scholarship fund and for Rotary Club of Sisters Foundation for scholarships. Citizens4Community (C4C) provided funds to cover the cost of designing and printing the passports. For $100, a business or restaurant can purchase a spot on the passport. Some are offering specials or reduced prices for passport holders. There are limited spots left for businesses on the passport at this time. Each business will stamp the customer’s passport when they visit. When they have collected all the stamps, they can turn their passport in for a chance to win a quilt designed and made by Jean and Valori Wells, drawing to be held July 13. The Quilt Show is taking 1,400 passports to include in their Quilter’s Affair packets and they will also be available at local merchants and during the Sisters4thFest, at no charge.

• Central Oregon Council on Aging is seeking a Sisters representative for their board of directors. There are nine Sisters residents on the wait list to receive Meals on Wheels, which is due to budget constraints. They are hoping to expand their congregate dining program when Sisters Park and Recreation (SPRD) moves to the former elementary school building. (541) 678-5483.

• Mike Deal of Age Friendly Sisters Country (AFSC) announced plans for a November two-hour workshop titled “What Do You Do With an Idea?” which will include information on fiscal sponsorship, becoming a 501(c)(3), and grant writing. Email mike@agefriendlysisters.com.

• Eric Strobel, of Sisters EDCO (Economic Development for Central Oregon), announced a new business in Sisters called Bivvi. They specialize in designing and building mobile A-frame cabins for camping, recreating, ADUs, and office space. A sample Bivvi chalet is located in the parking lot across from Fika Coffee. Starting at $33,000. info@bivvicamp.com or bivvicamp.com. On Thursday, July 25, there will be an EDCO Sisters Pub Talk at Fir Street Park featuring the new Sisters Makers, Bivvi, and local artists. Call 541-410-8630 for information.

• As a member of the Public Works Advisory Board for the City, Bill Kelly announced that citizens should be receiving a flyer from the City announcing proposed increases in water and wastewater rates. The proposals were approved by Sisters City Council at their May 22 meeting.