The Nugget
and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
Greenhouse will reveal ‘the magic of growth’
By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief
There were cheers, songs and heartfelt speeches preceding the big moment on Tuesday afternoon, November 4, when Sisters Elementary School students cut the ribbon dedicating their new greenhouse.
The construction of the 30-by-20-foot greenhouse turned into a monumental project.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) teacher Jocelyn Blevins coordinated the project. In prepared remarks, she noted that, “This greenhouse was supposed to be prefabricated — ready to bolt together like a big Lego set. But that idea quickly changed once the volunteer engineers realized there weren’t any holes in the steel. What should have been a quick build turned into a masterclass in patience, engineering, and creative problem-solving.”
The result is an impressive structure that will serve generations of students.
“I think we could get five feet of snow this winter and be fine with this thing,”
Superintendent Curt Scholl told the assemblage of students and community members. “It’s built.”
A cadre of volunteers took on the unexpectedly
City hearing set on wildfire code
The City of Sisters City Council will hold a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 19, to receive testimony and consider the adoption of Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC) Section R327 — Wildfire Hazard Mitigation.
If adopted, the standards would apply to new dwellings and their accessory structures within the city limits, enhancing local wildfire resiliency through building hardening measures. The City Council identified wildfire mitigation and community resiliency as a key goal for the 2025–26 fiscal year, including the adoption of building hardening standards through the Sisters Municipal Code. These standards are
designed to make new homes more resistant to wildfire damage by using ignition-resistant materials and construction techniques that reduce the spread of fire. Together with defensible space practices, these improvements reduce the likelihood that nearby wildfires will ignite structures and help protect both life and property. This action is part of an ongoing commitment by the City to mitigate the impacts of wildfire and build a more resilient community.
Community members are encouraged to attend and provide public testimony regarding the proposed adoption of ORSC Section R327 — Wildfire Hazard Mitigation. Meeting information is available at www. ci.sisters.or.us/meetings.
complex project, some lending equipment that made the work possible. Kris Calvin of Earthwood Homes lent a boom to mount the steel structure onto the concrete pad and Jeff Taylor of Les Schwab Taylor Tire Center drove a scissor lift out
Highway 242 to the school — at 5 mph — to use in getting the roof into place.
A tremendous amount of hard work went into putting the greenhouse together, with the volunteers led by David
on page 16
City makes decision on UGB
By Susan Cobb Correspondent
Sisters City Council voted 3-2 to approve Concept Aa for expansion of the urban growth boundary (UGB) on Wednesday, November 5. Another year of work remains before the possibility of annexing properties is opened.
The UGB Steering Committee (UGB-SC) had worked for 18 months to recommend to Council a preferred expansion alternative on July 29. The City Planning Commission assessed UGB-SCs Concept Aa and on August 21 supported UGB-SCs recommendation.
Concept Aa defines a UGB expansion area map northeast of the City (see map page 11). Concept Aa does not include 58 acres northeast of Sisters High
See UGB on page 11
HYROX takes over Sisters gym
By Ceili Gatley Correspondent
HYROX, an up-and-coming craze in the fitness world, took over Sisters last weekend for the first HYROX simulation event hosted by Level 5 gym in Sisters. Ryan Hudson, owner and operator of Level 5, organized the event after renovating part of the gym to accommodate a HYROX-style event. Following the lead of Code 541 CrossFit in Bend, which hosted a HYROX simulation last month, Hudson is excited to offer HYROX at the gym in Sisters.
The CrossFit craze began around 20 years ago, and numerous spin-offs have emerged and faded over the years. HYROX, an intensive indoor fitness event, has gained significant traction, and is now a globally recognized brand in the fitness industry. When you Google
“It’s nice to add to our
See HYROX on page 9
it, you get a definition: “HYROX, a fitness competition that combines running and functional exercises, originated in Germany in 2017. Christian Toetzke and Moritz Fürste, an Olympic field hockey champion, founded it.” Hudson has seen the explosion of the event on social media and amongst CrossFit athletes.
Sisters athletes took on a HYROX-style event in Sisters last weekend. The fitness competition has become wildly popular.
PHOTO BY JAROD GATLEY
The entire Sisters Elementary School turned out to cut the ribbon on the new greenhouse that will be the centerpiece of science education.
PHOTO BY CODY RHEAULT
OPINION
Letters to the Editor…
The Nugget welcomes contributions from its readers, which must include the writer’s name, address, and phone number. Letters to the Editor is an open forum for the community and contains unsolicited opinions not necessarily shared by the Editor. The Nugget reserves the right to edit, omit, respond, or ask for a response to letters submitted to the Editor. Letters should be no longer than 300 words. Unpublished items are not acknowledged or returned. The deadline for all letters is 10 a.m. Monday.
Food Bank
To the Editor:
The Sisters Kiwanis Food Bank would like to thank the community for their amazing support of the Food Bank. Business donors, private donors and our fantastic volunteers make it all happen. As I write this, SNAP benefits are funding for November. Hopefully December will be business as usual. In the last two weeks, we have received hundreds of pounds of food and thousands of dollars in donations.
With the delay of SNAP benefits, Sisters area food banks quickly went from a “fill in” food resource to a primary source to keep food on the table. Whenever our town faces challenges, Sisters steps up. Every. Single. Time. It just happened to be hunger this time. Thanks Sisters!
Jeff
Taylor
Sisters Kiwanis
Food Bank s s s
No overwhelming victory
To the Editor:
In the Letters to the Editor section of the October 29 issue of The Nugget Mr. Mackey speaks of the “overwhelming victory” of Mr. Trump in the last presidential election. While Mr. Trump was victorious according to our rules of the game, it is well to remember that most people voted for someone other than Mr. Trump. Mr. Trump got 49.80 percent of the vote, Ms. Harris 48.32 percent, and 1.88 percent went to all other candidates.
A victory, yes, but it seems an “overwhelming victory” should at least require a majority.
Perhaps Mr. Mackey was thinking of the Electoral College result wherein Mr. Trump got 58 percent and Ms. Harris 42 percent —a substantial difference that might reasonably be considered overwhelming. But the Electoral
College distorts the “will of the people” by effectively moving votes from the loser to the winner in most states which greatly exaggerates the winner’s support. This practice is well understood, if not universally supported. But moving votes, illegally, from one candidate to another during the voting process would be called voter fraud.
Bob
Thomas
s s s
Partisan rebutal
I have always felt that the second page opinion column in The Nugget is the most valuable piece of real estate in the paper. It is where I expect to see something insightful from Jim Cornelius, or a well-thought-out piece about some timely happening in our city. What I do not want to see is a 700-word partisan rebuttal to a Letter to the Editor, with easily disputable points that neither advance the conversation, nor settle it. Alas, that is what we are subjected to with Mark Parchman’s screed.
First, and let’s just be honest here. If all we did was switch names and Kamala Harris had won the 2024 Electoral College votes and popular vote, as well as every swing state, the Democrats would be proclaiming that President Harris had earned a mandate from the voters. It would have been declared an “overwhelming victory,” songs would be sung, and the chisels would be at the ready to start carving on Mt. Rushmore.
Second, it does not matter how many people chose not to vote, whether it was the 90 million that were eligible or the 20 million that were registered but did not vote, and there is zero evidence that these people did not vote because they disagreed with the policies of Harris or Trump — as Parchman assumes. Here is another statistic, 54
See LETTERS on page 7
Sisters Weather Forecast
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Neighborliness matters
By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief
The most striking moment in last Sunday’s Citizens4Community (C4C) forum debriefing the lessons of the Flat Fire came when Morgan Schmidt of the Red Cross of Central Oregon told the audience, “I’ll be honest with you: You didn’t need us that much.”
That statement is an extraordinary reflection on Sisters’ community resilience, on our willingness to step up and help each other when the chips are down. See a need, fill a need.
It seems to me that what the panelists described in their lessons learned from the Flat Fire is that neighborliness matters. Neighborliness is one of the key measures I have always used for quality of life in Sisters. It can be found in folks stopping to chat at the post office or on the street, in people turning out for art, music, and athletic events, in people chipping in to help someone in need.
Neighborliness was critical to the way Sisters weathered the Flat Fire — not just in the response to the emergency, but in the way the community prepared for a threat that we now understand is part of living in this place. Neighbors pulled together to create Firewise communities, like Whychus Canyon Estates, which might well have suffered catastrophic losses if residents hadn’t worked together on creating defensible space and resilient structures that gave firefighters a fighting chance to save their homes.
Being neighborly means taking personal responsibility, stepping up, as Sisters Fire Chief Tony Prior emphasized: “Take the initiative to do your part.”
But it takes more than individual effort on our own properties.
David Hiller, who lives in the Cloverdale Fire District, noted how important it is not only to do the work on your own property, but to reach out to neighbors to help them do defensible space work, too. Because it takes a full neighborhood effort to be really secure. Self-interest and the greater good are in harmony when it comes to wildfire protection.
“You have the responsibility to protect your house
by helping them [your neighbors],” Hiller said. “It’s critical not just to do your property, but to help your neighbors do theirs.”
That outreach doesn’t work if the approach is lecturing or condemnation; you can’t hector somebody into doing what’s right; you’re only going to provoke pushback. And maybe there are reasons your neighbor has a hard time doing defensible space work.
Reaching out with help and resources — in a neighborly way — is what works.
Ben Duda, emergency manager with Deschutes County, noted that “lead(ing) with a helping hand has got a lot more traction in this area.”
Examples of neighborliness abounded throughout the Flat Fire emergency. People took in evacuees and gave them a place to stay. They took in their animals, and they helped them find resources that might help them get through a rough time. The community stepped up financially and otherwise to aid people who lost their homes in the fire — providing aid and comfort to people they didn’t even know.
If there is one threat to the neighborliness that I believe defines Sisters more than any other characteristic, it’s growth. It’s not that we don’t welcome newcomers — that wouldn’t be neighborly. We love to share the beauty and bounty of the community we have all had a hand in building. But sheer scale makes it difficult to maintain community bonds. The more of us there are here, the harder it is to maintain the kind of community intimacy that forges real connections.
Sisters is fixing to grow substantially. It will take mindful work to maintain community cohesion in the face of change. C4C is to be commended for its work in building and maintaining community connections. And the citizens of Sisters Country are to be commended for continuing to prioritize those connections, for turning out to support each other, in good times and bad. Because neighborliness matters.
(Editor’s note: C4C has created a new fire resource hub, which can be accessed at https://citizens4 community.com/fire.)
Where art and science meet
By Katy Yoder
Sisters local Ana Varas is an arts administrator with over a decade of arts-related experience in the academic, nonprofit, and private sectors. Before accepting a remote position with the arts and science residency nonprofit, PLAYA in Summer Lake, she was the arts program manager at Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts and Agriculture.
Varas has a PhD in Art History and Theory from the University of Essex, UK. Her research focused on community-driven art practices addressing sociopolitical and ecological issues. Her research found that cross-disciplinary
collaborations can offer solutions to complex global challenges. Those findings shaped a career focused on promoting the intersection of art and science.
Varas studied art history in Mexico City before moving to the UK for further studies. Halfway through her PhD her husband, James, who’s a scientist, was offered a job in Corvallis with Oregon State University. When she was hired by the Roundhouse Foundation four years ago, the couple moved to Sisters. With two children born in Central Oregon, they’re committed to remaining in Sisters where they’ve found a solid foundation of friends.
“I specialized my thesis,
in art initiatives like art residencies created by artists. The whole idea of those initiatives focuses on the connection to the community. Moving to Sisters and working for Pine Meadow Ranch was the perfect job for me, because it really put what I learned in theory into action. Because James and I are international people, Sisters has given us a sense of community. We don’t have family here. When we consider moving, we’re reminded that we’ve really created a very supportive community here,” said Varas.
Becoming the Executive Director at PLAYA was a natural fit for Varas. When
High Desert Heroines — Daisy Belle Allen
By
The photograph from 1900 shows a woman with large dark eyes and a direct gaze. Look carefully and you’ll see that her white boater hat is decorated with a swooning dead bird, once the height of fashion, possibly a Caspian tern. She is tucked chin deep in a puff of fur. Stylish Daisy Belle Davidson Allen was known as a generous hostess, and alongside her husband, businessman Hardy Kadle Allen, she was part of a pioneer power couple in early Sisters.
Hardy was a successful entrepreneur starting with
a cattle ranch on the Lower Metolius River in 1897, a hotel in Sisters in 1905, a blacksmith shop with dance hall above in the 1920s, and later an automobile garage. He adapted to the evolving transportation technology of the times, going from blacksmith work to auto repair to building a modern service station. His wife Daisy was by his side as he evolved his business with the times.
Daisy was born near The Dalles on November 1, 1875, met Hardy Allen there, and married him in 1900. He was 26 and she was 25. They had one son they named Harold in 1901 and moved
Sisters author shares tales of mortal peril
Michael Cooper was compulsively drawn to perilous places. It nearly got him killed over a half-dozen times. He recounts his many tales of near-mortal peril in a new memoir “Miscalculated Risks: Attacked, Crippled, Paralyzed, Drowning, Unconscious and Freezing in The Wild (Just Not All at Once).”
Cooper, who has lived and worked in Sisters for the past 28 years, told The Nugget, “My wife and nephew, primarily, had been after me for years to write these stories down.”
SISTERS AREA MEETING CALENDAR
BOARDS, GROUPS, CLUBS
Al -Anon
Mon., noon, Shepherd of t he Hills Lutheran Church. 5 41-610 -7383.
Alcoholics A nonymou s
Monday, 5 p.m., Shepherd of t he Hills
Lutheran Church • Tuesday, noon, Big Book study, Shepherd of t he Hills Lutheran Church • Wednesday, 7 a.m.,G entlemen’s meeting, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church • Thursday, noon, Sober Sisters Women’s meeting, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church
Thursday, 7 p.m., Episc opal Church of the Transf iguration • Fr iday, noon, Step & Tradition meeting, Shepherd of t he Hills Lutheran Church. 5 41-5 48 -0 440. Saturday, 8 a.m., Episc opal Church of the Transf iguration • Sunday, 7 p.m Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration Central Oregon F ly Tye rs G uild
For Saturday meeting dates and location, email: steelef ly@msn.c om Central Oregon Trail A lliance (COTA) Sisters Chapter meets monthly for a meeting, group bike ride, or event. Contact sistersrep@cotamtb.com for info.
Ci tizens4Communit y C ommunity
Builders meeting, 3rd Wednesday of ever y mont h, 10 to 11:30 a.m. V isit citizens 4c ommunity.c om for loc ation.
Council on Aging of Cent ral O rego n Senior Lunch In- person community dining, Tues. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Grab -and -go lunch Tues., Wed., Thurs 12:3 0 to 1 p.m. Sisters C ommunity Church. 5 41-4 8 0-18 43 East of the Cascades Quilt Guild 4th Wed. (September- June), Stitchin’ Post . A ll are welcome. 5 41-5 49 -6 061.
G o Fish Fishing G roup 3rd Monday 7 p.m., Siste rs C ommunity Church. 541-771-2211
Hear twarmers (f leec e blanketmaker s) 2nd Tuesday, 1 p.m., Siste rs Communit y Church. M ater ials provided. 541- 408 -8 505.
Hero Q uilters of Sisters Thursday, 1 to 4 p.m. 5 41-6 68 -1755
Living Well W ith Dementia Sisters
Care Par tner Suppor t Group. 2nd & 4th Weds., 1-2:30 p.m. Siste rs Park & Recreation District Communi ty Center. 541- 588 -0547.
Mili tary Parent s of S isters Meetings are held quarter ly; please c all 5 41-388 -9 013.
Oregon Band of Brothers Sisters Chapter meets Wednesda ys, 11:30 a.m., Takoda’s Restaurant. 5 41-5 49 -6 469.
Sisters Aglow Lighthouse 4th Saturday, 10 a.m., meeting by Zoom. 503- 93 0- 6158
Sisters Area Photography Club 2nd Wednesday, 3:3 0 p.m., at Sisters Communit y Church. 5 41-5 49 -6157.
Sisters Area Woodworke rs First Tuesday, 7 to 9 p.m. 5 41-231-18 97
Sisters Bridge Club Thursdays, 12:30 p.m. at Sisters C ommunity Church. Email sister sbridge2021@gmail.com.
Sisters Caregi ver Sup por t G roup 2nd & 4th Weds., 1-2:30 p.m. Siste rs Library Communit y Room. 5 41-588 -0547. (M eets with Living Well With Dementia Sisters)
Sisters Cribbage C lub Wednesdays, 11 a.m. at The Lodge, 411 E. Car penter Lane. 5 09 -9 47-574 4.
Sisters Garden C lub For monthly meetings visit: SistersGardenClub.com.
Sisters Habitat for Humanit y Board of D irectors 4th Tuesday, 4:3 0 p.m.
Location infor mation: 5 41-5 49 -1193.
Sisters Kiwani s 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 11:3 0 a.m. to 1 p.m., at S PR D in Sisters 541- 632- 3663
Sisters Parent Teacher Communit y 2nd Tuesday, 6 p.m. at Sisters Elementary School Commons. 917-219-8298
Sisters Rotary 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, Noon to 1 p.m., at SPR D. 541-76 0- 5645
Sisters Veterans no- host lunch, Thursdays, noon, Takoda’s Rest aurant. All veterans welcome, 5 41-241-6 56 3.
Sisters Trails A lliance Board
Meetings take plac e ever y other month, 5 p.m. In- person or zoom. Contact: info@sisterstrails.org
Three Sister s Irrigation Distric t Board of Direc tors M eets 2nd Tuesday, 10 a.m., TSI D Of fice 541- 903- 4050
Three Sister s Lions Club 2nd Thursday, 6:3 0 p.m., Spoons Rest aurant. 5 41-419 -1279. VF W Po st 8138 and A merican Legion Post 8 6 1st Wednesday of the month, 6:3 0 p.m., Pine Meadow V illage Clubhouse, 596 W. Jef ferson Ave. 541-241- 6563
He resisted for a long time, but he’s hit a point in his life where he felt like he really did need to get the stories down. He looks back on some of his escapades with wonder.
“As I’ve gotten older and my athletic ability has declined, the stories have become more fantastic,” he said, “even though they’re true in every sense. Now I look back on it and think, what the hell was I thinking?”
SCHOOLS
Black Bu tt e School Board of Dire ctor s 3rd Tuesday, 9 a.m., Black But te School. 541- 59 5- 6203
Sisters School District Board of Directors O ne Wednesday m onthly, Sisters School District Administr ation Building. See schedule at www.ssd 6. org. 5 41-5 49 -8 521 x5 002. CIT Y & PARKS
Sisters Ci ty Council 2nd & 4t h Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Sisters Cit y Hall 541- 549- 6022
Sisters Park & Recreation District Board of Dire ctor s 2nd & 4th Tues., 4 p.m., C of f ield Center. 5 41-5 49 -2091.
Sisters Pl anning Commission 3rd Thursday, 5:3 0 p.m., Siste rs City Hall. 5 41-5 49 -6 022.
FIRE & POLICE
Black Bu tt e Ranch Polic e Dept. Board of Dire ctor s M eets monthly 541- 59 5-2191 for time & date
Black Bu tt e Ranch R FPD Board of Directors 4th Thurs., 9 a.m., BB R Fire Station. 5 41-595 -2 28 8
PHOTO PROVIDED
The grounds at PLAYA.
See HEROINES on page 8
Correspondent
Maret Pajutee Correspondent
Sisters residents share and connect over food
By T. Lee Brown Correspondent
From potlucks to holiday suppers, ’tis the season for sharing food. It brings people together and brightens the day.
Sharing food can also ease food insecurity during these uncertain times — and not just during big holidays.
Sisters residents who receive food benefits such as SNAP, a program recently destabilized by funding issues, note the importance of sharing food with neighbors and friends.
In times of overwhelm and stress, single mom Heather Stohl recommends focusing on what is small and immediate. “Maybe that’s inviting your neighbor over for soup,” she explained.
A community member brought Stohl’s family a meal shortly after the recent SNAP disruption was announced and Stohl posted about it online.
“She was so kind,” Stohl said.
Local resident Nika West experiences disability. She signed up for a seven-month produce share with Seed to Table, using SNAP and the farm’s sliding-scale, paywhat-you-can model.
Her hope, she told the organization, was simply to have “wholesome, nutritious vegetables to supplement a very poor diet and hopefully improve my health.”
She was delighted to find a source of community connection as well, receiving “an abundance of produce...
enough to share with others, spreading the blessing.” Neighbors enjoyed her cooking and her company.
These days, due to fear of foodborne illnesses, potential lawsuits, and state regulations, homemade foods can’t be shared through most official gatherings or even birthday parties in a child’s classroom at school.
Some groups and churches still sponsor good old-fashioned potlucks. For those not affiliated with such groups, casual private gatherings are a way to fill the void — not just for food, but for socializing, sharing traditional foods, and telling the stories that go with them.
With the holiday season upon us and the Sisters community stepping up to help with the food crisis, cooked meals and free or donationbased gatherings are noticeable around town.
Note, however, that for many people experiencing food insecurity, time is a major obstacle to participating in any on-site, scheduled activity for sitting down to a meal with the larger community. Others struggle with mobility issues and health problems that make participating difficult.
Keeping up awareness and generosity regarding food insecurity in Sisters past the holidays, throughout winter and onward through the months, may be a challenge.
Consider creating a gathering in your neighborhood, or organize drop-offs for neighbors who might appreciate
a homemade casserole. Or just send a text or knock on a door: “We’re making a big batch of chili and rice tonight. Would you like some? We can drop it off later.”
Safe cooking and food storage are essential during a time of potlucks and buffets. To avoid illness and allergy problems, see related article on page 5 for tips.
Donating to the organizations that help feed folks year-round is another way to help right now (and may be useful for end-of-year tax purposes). Volunteering with organizations’ hot meals or food pantry programs is another option.
Sisters-based organizations Kiwanis Food Bank, Seed to Table, and CORE Pantry, operated by Sisters Cold Weather Shelter, are a good place to start. More resources can be found at Citizens for Community’s food insecurity resource, online at tinyurl.com/ SNAPinSisters. Through official channels or self-initiated activities, the people of Sisters Country can provide connection and nutrition throughout the year.
Making a special meal and setting a lovely table brings pleasure to cooks and hosts, along with those who savor the food. While sharing meals is a classic holiday tradition, it can bring folks together throughout the year.
Safe, allergy-friendly potlucks and holiday gatherings
By T. Lee Brown Correspondent
Whether you’re cooking up a big family meal, putting on an office party, or bringing a dish to a potluck, it’s good to keep food safe. During the holidays, cases of foodborne illness go up. The following guidelines can help.
Beyond the holidays, sharing food brings joy, socializing, and sustenance throughout the year. When cooks keep common allergies and food sensitivities in mind, the joy spreads even farther.
Clean
Make sure your kitchen, utensils, dishes, and hands are very clean before diving into your favorite recipe; consider bleaching your cutting boards. Wash hands, knives, and cutting boards throughout the process and after touching individual food types, particularly if meat, fish, or eggs are involved.
Cold
Keep cold food cold. Ask your hosts ahead of time if there will be a refrigerator with space for your dish, or bring ice and a cooler. There’s a reason seafood appetizers are served on ice at restaurants!
Hot
Keep hot food hot. Slow cookers such as Crock-Pots and Instant Pots can help.
Throughout the event
Note how long foods are left out, such as at a buffet table. For most foods, that will be around four hours, including prep time. The “danger zone” is when food is above 40º and below 135º
Fahrenheit; that’s when bacteria grow fastest. Food thermometers are usually available at Bi-Mart and other retailers.
Go easy on tricky foods
Consider eliminating dishes that involve meat or eggs served raw, rare, or cooked at low temperatures. If you do use these ingredients, make a label so that people with sensitive digestive systems or lowered immune function can avoid these dishes.
Consider allergies
Assemble salads and other foods with food allergies and preferences in mind. From hay fever to gluten intolerance, allergies and sensitivities of all kinds have skyrocketed in recent years. When feasible, offer dressings, sauces, optional ingredients and toppings on the side in separate bowls instead of mixed in.
Label your shared foods, whether homemade or being served outside of their packaging.
• An easy way to do this is fold a piece of paper or card so that it stands up. On one side, write down the information. You’ll notice that labels in grocery stores have a line of text at the bottom listing common allergenic foods. Same idea here.
• Make your label interesting. What’s this dish called? Add your name so people can ask you about your dish. If there’s room, you could add a hint of the story behind the food you cooked.
Example: “Christmas Eve Lasagna made by Kate with my Italian great-grandma’s
Letting guests add toppings, sauces, and sides to their plates, rather than mixing potentially allergenic foods into a salad or hot dish, can brighten a potluck.
recipe. Contains dairy, gluten, eggs, and meat.”
Common food allergies, preferences, and intolerances:
• Gluten, present in wheat, barley, and other grains
• Nuts, peanuts
• Meat
• Sesame seeds
• Eggs
• Shellfish
• Dairy, which includes products made from animal milks, such as cheese and sour cream. Eggs are not included here.
• A label can spell out a large dietary concern without
having to list every item.
Examples: vegan (meaning no meat, eggs, dairy, gelatin, or other animal products), paleo (free of grains, dairy, and sugar), local, organic,
Books Games Events
Fun for everyone!
raw or rare foods. Learn more about safely sharing home-cooked food tinyurl.com/safe-potluck and happy holidays to you and yours!
OPEN 9:30 AM –7 PM Mon-Sat, 9:30 AM –5 PM sun
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12 • 5:30PM
Gently Used Puzzle Swap! Tir ed of wor king the same old puzzle year after year? T his is your c hance to swap out your gently used puzzles for new-to-you puzzles!
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13 • 6:30PM
STEPHANIE REENTS pr esents We Loved to Run, a novel about a women’s cr oss countr y team and how far gir ls will push themselves to control their bodies, friendships, and futur es.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17 • 5:30PM Fiction Book Club discussing The Horse by WILLIE VLAUTIN
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20 • 6:30PM
LOUISA MORGAN pr esents The Faerie Morgana The stor y of Morgan Le Fay, one of the most enigmatic and powerful women in Ar thurian legend
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24 • 5:30PM
BETWEEN REALMS: A SCI-FI FANTASY BOOK CLUB: discussing Red Rising
MONDAY, DECEMBER 1 • 5:30PM
THE PAUSE BUTTON: A Monthly Poetry Gathering ar ound the table to take a moment to pause for poetr y exploration. Bring a poem or two to shar e. Listen, discuss, and do a little writing No experience necessar y. (First Mondayof everymonth.)
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4 • 6:30PM KATHY WATSON pr esents Orphans of the Living a stor y following the Stovall family’s ear ly 20th-centur y quest for home and redemption as they confr ont r acism, pover ty, and inequality acr oss the American South and West. y)
AM!
Hood
Competition and the power of friendship
Author Stephanie Reents will present her novel “We Loved To Run” at Paulina Springs Books on Thursday, November 13, at 6:30 p.m.
“We Loved To Run” is a fearless debut novel about a women’s cross country team and how far girls will push themselves to control their bodies, friendships, and futures.
At Frost, a small liberal arts college in Massachusetts, the runners on the women’s cross country team have their sights set on the 1992 New England Division Three Championships and will push themselves through every punishing workout and skipped meal to achieve their goal. But Kristin, the team’s star, is hiding a secret about what happened over the summer, and her unpredictable behavior jeopardizes the girls’ chance to win. Team Captain Danielle is convinced she can restore Kristin’s confidence, even if it means burying her own past. As the final meet approaches, Kristin, Danielle, and the rest of the girls must transcend their individual circumstances and run the race as a team.
Told from the perspective of the six fastest team members, “We Loved to Run” deftly illuminates the impossible standards young
women set for themselves in spite of their own powerlessness. With startling honesty and boundless empathy, Stephanie Reents reveals how girls — even those in competition — find ways to love and defend one another.
Bestselling author Julia Phillips says, “‘We Loved to Run’ is a stunner of a novel. This book is muscles in motion and hearts spilled out. It’s a tribute to what the body can do, what it suffers, and how it survives.”
Stephanie Reents is the author of “The Kissing List,” a collection of stories that was an Editors’ Choice in The New York Times Book Review, and “I Meant to Kill Ye,” a bibliomemoir chronicling her journey into the strange void at the heart of Cormac McCarthy’s “Blood Meridian.” She has twice received an O. Henry Prize for her short fiction. Reents received a BA from Amherst College, where she ran on the cross country team all four years; a BA from the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar; and an MFA from the University of Arizona. She was a Stegner Fellow at Stanford University.
Paulina Springs Books is located at 252 W. Hood Ave.
Home sales plunge in October
By Bill Bartlett Correspondent
Only 18 single-family homes sold last month in Sisters Country compared to 31 during October of 2024. This followed the pattern in September when 29 homes closed versus 23 in the prior year. Sisters appears to be following the national trend where uncertainty in the jobs market and stubbornly high interest rates are keeping buyers on the sidelines.
The federal government shutdown has further roiled real estate markets.
Cash buyers continue to dominate purchases in Sisters. And while units sold declined 58 percent, the cost of sold homes continued an upward path and October, for the first time, saw the median price reach an even $900,000, up from 2024’s $725,001. The average of all homes sold this October hit nearly one million dollars at $979,703, as compared to $793,366 a year ago.
The median price is a more accurate gauge of the market.
In each October period, seven of the sales exceeded $1 million, equaling 23% of 2024 sales but 39% of 2025 October postings. Sisters is increasingly out of reach for most home buyers.
Housing affordability is a major problem for Oregon
homebuyers. Governor Tina Kotek was elected in November of 2022, and her major campaign theme was increasing Oregon’s housing stock. She set a goal of 36,000 new housing units for each year of her term.
In 2023 the state booked only 17,697 housing starts. That fell in 2024 to 14,270, and projections are for a further drop this year to under 12,000, a third of her goal.
Kotek was in Sisters last week to spotlight housing access. Sisters has made some headway in workforce housing, and Sisters Habitat For Humanity has an impressive track record of providing affordable housing in Sisters being at or near the top of units constructed per capita.
Oregon’s population growth has slowed in recent years, but the state’s demographic makeup is creating new housing pressures. Lower birth rates and longer lifespans mean Oregon is rapidly aging. Within a few years, there will likely be more Oregonians over age 65 than under 18, a historic first, according to research by Sarah Kirsch, Mark McMullen, and Thomas Young.
An aging population tends to form smaller households — for example, empty nesters or singles — which increases housing demand
even without fast population growth. At the same time, the large Millennial generation is now in its prime homebuying and family formation years, boosting household formation, the researchers say. Between 2019 and 2022, Oregon added roughly 77,000 net new households, despite little population change. That’s because more young adults struck out on their own, while older adults continued aging in place. As a result, demand for housing is rising — not just from population growth, but from how people are choosing (or needing) to live, they conclude.
There are 190 properties listed for sale in Sisters Country according to Realtor. com which equals a nearly seven-month supply. That insinuates that there is no shortage of homes in Sisters, but the median listing price is $899,000, nearly double of what might be considered affordable. Real estate powerhouse Zillow estimates the median listing price even higher at $967,067.
It took 89 days on average to sell a home in Sisters in October. That’s an improvement for 117 days in October of 2024. Six months ago however, the days-on-market average was 37 days.
A dozen homes in Sisters have been on the market for at least 275 days.
In this lecture, research scientist Dr. Jerry Freilich will focus on bees as a microcosm of the larger world of biodiversity that sustains us. The talk is
Stephanie Reents will talk about her novel “We Loved To Run.”
Outlaws soccer squad eliminated by Valley Catholic
By Rongi Yost Correspondent
The Lady Outlaws fell to Valley Catholic, the No. 1-ranked team in the state, on Tuesday, November 4, in the second round of the state playoffs. From the opening whistle both teams battled through heavy rain, and before long everyone on the pitch was soaked. Despite the conditions, the Outlaws kept smiles on their faces.
Sisters held strong for the first 23 minutes, but by halftime they trailed 0-5. Coach Ken Polachek said, “Due to the weather and the extremely fast-paced turf, the ball became hard to handle on our feet and hands, which allowed it to slip past our defense seemingly at will.”
The Outlaws hoped to regroup after the break, but the Valiants continued to control possession, and Sisters was only able to generate a few small chances at getting on the board. With 18 minutes remaining, Valley Catholic scored again to put the nail in the coffin and secure the 8-0 shutout.
“Unfortunately, that game never got off to a good start, and it is hard to claw your way back into a game against an opponent that is playing very calm and col lected in very adverse condi tions,” Polachek said.
In spite of the loss, Polachek stressed the team’s growth and determination moving forward.
“We will continue to train for a great first touch and mental toughness to battle the likes of Valley Catholic,” said Polachek. “We wish them the best of luck for the remainder of the playoffs because it’s always easier on your psyche to lose to the state champs in playoffs than the runner-up!”
LETTERS
Continued from page 2
percent of American adults (age 16-74 years) read at a sixth grade or lower level, so it would be just as likely that many of these voters have no idea what the policies of either candidate were, and simply chose not to vote, or could not be bothered. Welcome to America.
Finally, the most dishonest thing in the piece is to smugly proclaim that “Antifa” stands for “Anti-Fascist,” dictum, non factum: the label is asserted but not proven. Using the same logic, MAGA stands for “Make America Great Again” and the conservative group “Proud Boys” is literally boys who are proud, and yet progressives online are regularly wishing jail or death upon anyone who aligns with either movement. All conservatives would like is for people who regularly violate the law, as Antifa does on a nightly basis, be held to the existing legal standards.
We are long past the time for a unified country when 92 percent of Republicans state they are proud to be an American, and only 36 percent of Democrats agree (Gallup poll, June, 2025). I have no interest in finding a middle ground to abortion on demand, or surgically castrating our children suffering from gender dysphoria. Politics has now turned into pure power plays by both parties, and it will eventually lead to our demise one way or the other.
Steve Woodside
s s s
What is affordable housing
To the Editor:
Many articles in the paper and letters to the editor have referenced providing “ affordable housing” to Sisters residents. Ranging from The Woodlands, McKenzie Meadows Village, to Habitat homes and existing apartment complexes, each identifies what percentage or what number of homes will be “affordable.”
I think the term has become illusive, seductive and redefined depending on each person’s goal/agenda. I invite us as a community to come to some general agreement on what that term means in our town. Who are we targeting to serve?
Habitat for Humanity says affordable housing is for those making up to 80 percent of the area medium income. However,
most subsidized housing caps at 60 percent, and even further, a substantial percentage of new development is geared towards those making below 30 percent. There is a new definition of the “ missing middle” at between 80 percent and 120 percent. With all of these different designations, it’s hard to distinguish between what is truly “ affordable.” Maybe it’s up to us to better define what affordable housing truly means.
If our goal is really to get people who need housing into homes, we need to be sure what we are building offers them that opportunity.
Linda Wolff
Editor’s note: See “Defining what is affordable,” The Nugget, June 4, 2025: www.nuggetnews.com/story/2025/06/04/ news/defining-what-is-affordable/37795.html.
s s s
Body shaming
To the Editor:
I’m disappointed The Nugget allowed body shaming in Mr. Mackey’s October 29 letter to the editor.
Thank goodness free speech allows us all to share our opinions, but “an overly obese grade school teacher” is an intentionally unkind physical description irrelevant to opinions about political protests. Would you allow “hawk-nosed man,” or “wrinkly old woman,” or “acne-scarred teenager?”
Negative physical descriptions of people we disagree with are not part of civil discourse. They are mean. Name calling is behavior parents teach their children not to do, as it’s a form of bullying to target a person’s appearance. Please raise your standards and don’t allow it in The Nugget either.
Susan Thomas
To the Editor:
Polachek reflected on the Outlaws season and is already excited for next fall.
“Overall the season has been a lot of fun and learning from both the girls and myself,” said Polachek. “We have progressed efficiently throughout the season for an impressive cohesiveness. I can’t wait to meet the incoming freshmen and am really excited to get right back to work with the team as a whole so that we can be impressively ready for the start of next season.”
s s s
Wildlife passage
I recently became aware of the project for constructing four wildlife pathways along Highway 20 from Suttle Lake to Sisters. I am thrilled to know that this project is in the making. I stay in Camp Sherman regularly and seldom drive into Sisters after dark because of the risk of hitting deer, elk, or other
— Lara Stuecklen
City to celebrate mobility hub
The City of Sisters is inviting the community to a ribbon cutting celebration for the new Sisters Gateway Park and Mobility Hub on Monday, November 17, at 10 a.m. The event will take place at the new park, located at 460 Highway 20 (the “triangle” where Highway 20 and Highway 242 meet).
According to the City, Sisters Gateway Park and Mobility Hub represents a major step forward in the City’s commitment to sustainable transportation, outdoor recreation, and community gathering spaces. The project integrates regional transportation options and amenities such as bathrooms, RV dump, and fill stations as well as a community labyrinth and planned dog park all designed to welcome residents and visitors alike.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will feature remarks from Mayor Jennifer Letz, City Manager Jordan Wheeler, and project partners, followed by a tour of the new facilities.
“The Sisters Gateway Park and Mobility Hub is more than just a transportation center,” said Mayor Letz. “It’s a welcoming entry point to our community and a model for how small cities can build for the future; connecting people, recreation, and sustainable mobility.”
For information on Sisters Gateway Park and Mobility Hub visit www.ci.sisters. or.us/publicworks/page/ gateway-park-mobility-hub.
HEROINES: Daisy Belle Allen walked quietly in history
Continued from page 3
to Sisters in 1902. Like so many women of the past, Daisy walks quietly through history. There is little written about her except to note her hospitality and passion for gardening. The 1921 County Directory lists her as a dressmaker.
Family stories recall that Daisy would stand on the porch of their now landmark house every day at noon and ring a cowbell to announce lunchtime, always having extra on hand to feed whatever customer or friend her husband Hardy brought home from work at his blacksmith shop and garage, a major social hub for sharing information and gossip.
The Allens were known for their hospitality and role in local activities.
On December 22, 1910, a Redmond Spokesman article called Hardy Allen “the amusement caterer of Sisters” because he (they) knew how to throw a party. Advertised was a Grand Ball on the top floor of the blacksmith shop/garage with a two-day turkey and chicken shooting match on the side.
A letter from a greatgrandson tells more stories of the couple. Strangely, a sheepherder, with “eyes for Daisy” told them their son
Harold and his best friend Hugh didn’t look like a “Harold” and a “Hugh.” He proposed their names should be “Pete” and “Ted” and so they were known by those names for the rest of their lives. Like many pioneer families, they depended on a large vegetable garden and Daisy tended it in the mornings. But always stylish, she would never go out in her work clothes.
The house where Daisy rang the cowbell was built in 1908 and still stands today as the oldest structure in Sisters. It was saved from demolition and moved by Sisters Attorney Jim Massey and Community Planner Leslee Bangs who bought the house for one dollar in 1990. A careful restoration followed.
Daisy had three younger sisters: Ellen, Caroline, and Tillie. Ellen and Caroline married and moved north to Washington. Tillie, who was just seven years old when Daisy left home, moved close to her oldest sister in 1914 and taught school in Sisters for 38 years. Tillie married George Wilson, and will always be remembered as co-author of the classic Sisters history reference “That was Yesterday.”
The fire of 1924 destroyed the garage and damaged half of town. But the Allens were resilient and a Bend Bulletin article from September 1935 announced the opening of Hardy
Allen’s new modern Sisters Garage and a dance “to last all night.”
Hardy sold the garage in 1941, and they moved to Washington so he could work in the shipyards during the war. They eventually returned to Sisters and their house, where Hardy passed away in 1954 at the age of 80.
Daisy’s stylish ways continued into old age as she was known to dress in seamed hose and a nice dress and shoes to walk several blocks to the store. She
would always have Dad’s Root Beer to serve her great-grandchildren at the kitchen table. She handed out sticky popcorn balls to the kids on Halloween, guaranteed to turn your hands and mouth green or orange and she would come find you to deliver one if you didn’t come to get yours.
More than a hundred years before the Sisters Quilt Show, Daisy Belle was a gifted quilter and made
See HEROINES on page 9
Daisy Belle Davidson Allen 1900.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THREE SISTERS
HEROINES: House can be found at Larch and Main Avenue
Continued from page 8
a beautiful silk embroidered crazy quilt robe for her granddaughter Daisy Jo. Allen family members donated precious memorabilia to the Three Sisters Historical Society including wedding portraits, a flowery wedding certificate, and an ornate wooden clock. The family still has Daisy’s cowbell.
Like most women in early western towns Daisy
kept busy with her domestic responsibilities of childcare, gardening, housekeeping, cooking, and helping her blacksmith/car mechanic husband smoothly orchestrate social activities. Her labor for the family was crucial to their success. Her standing in the community and interest in fashion no doubt aided her dress-making business and gave the ladies of Sisters a stylish boost.
We can only imagine how her support helped her husband recover from fire disasters and evolve quickly with the times from rancher to blacksmith to auto mechanic
and be “the amusement caterer of Sisters.” Daisy continued to live in their house until she had a heart attack one Wednesday afternoon in September of 1959 and she passed away at the age of 83. She and Hardy rest together at the Redmond Memorial Cemetery. On a quiet foggy day, listen for the peal of a ghostly cowbell at noon, meaning “lunch is ready, come home, and bring a friend.”
HYROX: Athletic event has caught fire globally
Continued from page 1
fitness community as a new and exciting, growing option,” said Hudson.
HYROX is a unique set of races. The same race exists globally, meaning you are doing the same exercises every time you compete in a HYROX, no matter where or when.
Athletes call it the World Series of fitness racing, as it is a timed event, and it is scored based on the technique of the exercises, distance, and time in which the athlete is able to complete the circuit.
Participants run 1,000 meters (approximately 0.6 miles), followed by one functional work station, repeated eight times. After the first run, athletes start with 1,000 meters on the SkiErg machine, and then a 50-meter sled push, and 50-meter sled pull, 80 meters of burpee broad jumps, 1,000 meters of rowing, 200 meters of a farmers carry, 100 meters of sandbag lunges, and then 100 wall balls. The weights on the sled, kettlebells for the farmer’s carry, sandbags,
and medicine balls all differ between males and females.
This fixed set of exercises is what every HYROX race and simulation event features.
Last Saturday, November 8, six teams participated in the non-official event. There was one group of four women, a “relay” team that included Cathleen Calkins, Jennifer Rabing, Vicki Moschetti, and Liz Lopez. The rest of the group was broken up into partner workouts, including: Markus King and Ernest Larrabee, Amanda Reno and Ashuly Bowen, Hannah McBride and Rahcelle Otasu, Jose Salazar and Marcus Farris, and Leah Meier and Lisbeth Ramos. Each team split up the movements throughout the duration of the race, where both members would usually do the run around the block outside and then come in to do an exercise.
The event included six judges to monitor each team, ensuring they performed each exercise correctly and completed the full repetition before moving forward. The judges would also help remind athletes of their distance on the mats, such as with the sled push and the
Hardy, Harold, and Daisy Allen in front of their house — early 1900s.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THREE SISTERS
COMM UN IT Y AN NOUNCE ME NTS
SIST ER S COMM UN IT Y FOOD RE SOURCE S
Free Lu nches for Seniors For t hose 6 0+, t he Cou nc il
on A ging of C entra l O regon
o er s a f un, no-cost soc ia l
lu nc h e ver y Tuesd ay, 11
a.m . to 1 p.m . at Sisters
Com mu nit y C hu rc h, 130 0
W. McK en zie Hwy. No
reserv at ion s needed . No-cost
Grab-N -G o lunche s t ake place
week ly on Wed ne sd ay a nd u rsday, f rom 12:3 0 to 1 p. m . Cal l 5 41-797-9367.
Week ly Food Pa nt ry
COR E M arket , loc ated at 22 2 N. Trinit y Way i n Sisters
Ma rket h ou r s a re Mondays , 1 to 2 p.m . I nfo: 5 41-5882332
Fu nd ra iser Holiday Bazaar
“Help Hope Spa rk le Hol id ay
Bazaar” November 13–16 , at Sisters F ire Department
Com mu nit y R oom, 3 01 W
El m . E njoy c ra s , games , photo booth, music , a nd bake sa le. Don at ion s a nd par t of proceed s go to helphopel ive.
org/ca mpaign/2 52 59 to help wit h Trac y Lyn n Hendr ic kson’s medica l bil ls . Contac t Wendy at 541-389- 6859 for more i nfo or to be a vendor.
SIST ER S LI B RY EV EN TS
College & Ca reer
Read iness: Digita l Appl icat ion Plat form s
Wednesday, November 12, 6–7 p.m . Sisters L ibra r y -
Com mu nit y R oom . E xplore digita l col lege platfor m s a nd si mplif y you r application process.
Thrive Cent ra l Oregon
Drop -I n Consultations Fr id ay, November 14, 10 a .m . to 1 p.m . Sisters
Librar y - Stud y R oom.
Drop -i n soc ia l ser vice s as sist ance t hat con nect s you wit h resou rces
From Cu riosit y to Cont ribution: A
Commun it y Scienc e Intro
Fr id ay, November 14, 2 to 3 p.m . Sisters L ibra r y -
Com mu nit y R oom Not a n ex pert? “Know ” problem!
You c a n stil l mea ni ng fully cont ribute to s cience
Dove St ri ng Quar tet Satu rd ay, November 15 , 2 to 3 p.m. , Sisters L ibra ry
Com mu nit y R oom . E njoy
a n hou r of music cou rtes y of Centra l O regon Symphony.
Fa mily Stor y Ti me
Wednesday, November 19, 10:3 0 –11 a .m . Sisters
Librar y - Com mu nity
Room . I nter ac tive s tory
time w it h books , son gs , a nd rhymes! 0 -5 y rs
Free Week ly Meal Serv ice
Famil y K itchen hos t s a weekly to -go hot mea l on Tuesd ay s, 4:30 to 5:3 0 p.m. , at Sisters
Com mu nit y C hu rc h, 130 0 W
Mc Kenzie Hwy. I nfo: www
Fami lyKitc hen.org.
Free Pet Food
Need pet food for you r dog or cat? Cal l t he Furr y Friends pet food ban k at 5 41-797-4 02 3 to schedu le you r pic kup. L oc ated at 412 E . M ai n Ave., Ste. 4, behind e Nug get.
Kiwa nis Food Ba nk
Located at 382 W. M ai n
Ave . Weekly d istr ibut ion i s u rsday s f rom 9 a .m . to 2 p.m . I nfo: 5 41-632 -3 663.
Listen ing Ci rcle: Where
spea ki ng comes natu ra lly
Joi n a sma ll , s upport ive c ircle to prac tice s peak ing from presence rather t ha n per form ance
In spired by L ee Glick stei n’s
Spea ki ng Circles ® met hod.
Ex plore t he a r t of appreciat ing the gaps bet ween t he words
No agend a or pre ss ure. L ea rn more about t he met hod at relationalpresence.c om . Nex t
Meet ing held at e Hub, 291 E. Mai n Ave., Mon day, November 17, at 5:3 0 p.m . R SV P to Mich ael Gra nt 503 -6 88 -4 881. We beg i n promptly.
Gr iefS ha re Su rv iv ing the Holidays Semi na r
I f you h ave los t a love d one or know someone t hat w il l nd it d i c ult to f ace t he com ing holidays , t hi s progra m o ers prac tica l, act ionable s trateg ies for mak ing it t hroug h t he season . Sat urday, November 15 , 9 to 11 a .m . at Sisters
Com mu nit y C hu rc h . I nc lude s video pre sent at ion a nd di sc us sion w it h f ac il it ator s w ho have e xper ienc ed g rief- l led holidays . Free . R eg ister at bit.ly/SCC holidays2025 . I nfo: Todd , 5 03 -577-3366.
Livi ng Well With Dement ia Sisters Suppor t Groups
Livi ng Wel l o ers a suppo rt group for t he c are partners and f amil y of t hose d iagnosed wit h some for m of dementi a, and now o ers a new E arly
St age Suppor t Group. B ot h groups meet t he 2nd a nd 4th
Wednesday of t he month from 1 to 2:3 0 p.m . at Sisters
Pa rk & R ec reat ion D istr ic t
Com mu nit y Center. e E arly
St age Suppor t Group meets
i n t he W hychu s R oom . e
Care Partner G roup meet s i n the Metol iu s R oom . For more in form at ion c al l 5 41-588 -0547. Serv ing ou r Seniors (SOS) Listen ing Sessions
SOS i s hosting f ree com mu nity li sten ing session s at e Hub, 291 E . M ai n Avenue, S isters, on November 12 , 17, a nd 19, at 2:3 0 p.m . e xploring how to be er s uppor t sen ior s w ho w ant to rem ai n i n t hei r homes a s t hey age. Sen iors , adu lt c hi ld ren of senior s , c areg ivers , a nd others welcome.
Intergenerationa l
Commun it y Connec tions People of a l l age s a nd fa it h s i nv ited for F riends , Families , Food, a nd Fun ac tivities . E xplore rou ndtable conversation s on s pi ritu al va lue s t hat bring people together i n ou r d iv ided world e Epi scopa l C hu rc h of t he Tran s g urat ion, 121 Brook s Camp R d., November 14 a nd ever y second Friday of t he mont h, 4 – 6 p.m . 5 41-5 49 -7087
COIC/WorkSou rce & ODHS Mobi le Serv ices
e Centra l O regon
Intergover nmenta l Cou nc il (COIC)/ Work Source Mobile
Employ ment R esou rce Van wi l l be partner ing w it h t he Oregon Department of Hum an Serv ice s (ODHS) mobile unit to provide ser vice s at t he Si sters Com mu nit y Center on November 12 a nd November 25 , 1 to 4 p.m . o er ing free job sea rc h a ssista nce, résu mé s upport , i nter view preparat ion, a nd acces s to on line employment tools . Stop by to c on nec t w it h employment specia li st s w ho c a n help you ex plore c areer oppor tunities , training program s , a nd other work force resou rces . A longside the employment v an, t he
ODH S mobile u nit w il l be on site to help i nd iv idua l s a nd f amilie s apply for bene t s , i ssue EBT c ards , a nd provide s upport wit h other ODH S ser vices. (SOS) and Hospice of Redmond C4 C launches on li ne volu nteer dashboard Cit iz en s4C om mu nity (C 4C) h a s developed a n ew on line d ashboa rd for loc al volu nteer roles . Non-pro ts ca n pos t Sisters Cou nt ryba sed volunteer need s for f ree, and com mu nit y members ca n sea rc h for oppor tunities al ig ned w it h t hei r i nterests and ava il abil it y. L ea r n more at volu nteeri nsisters .org.
An nounce Your Celebrat ions!
Si sters com mu nit y not ices may r u n at no c ha rge . E ma il nugget @nug getnews.com.
Sisters Commun it y Thanksgivi ng Dinner
a nk sg iv ing Day 12:3 0– 4 p. m.
Di ne i n, c arr y out , a nd del iver y too! Free of c ha rge; Don at ions gl ad ly accepted . Sisters
Com mu nit y C hu rc h, 130 0 W
Mc Kenzie Hwy. To volunteer, te x t Der i Fra zee 5 41-4191279. To don ate, t ex t Jen ni fer Know les-Seher 5 41-390 -459 7 or ema i l jen ni fer.g. seher@ gm ail.com.
Week ly Commun it y Meditation
Mond ay s 5:3 0- 6:3 0 p.m .; no c ha rge . Ten m inute s of st retc hing a nd breat hwork, followed by a 2 0-mi nute gu ided med it at ion session a nd a 2 0-mi nute silent med it at ion
session . I ns pi re Dance a nd
Fitnes s Studio, 592 N. Sisters
Pa rk Ct., Ste . B . I nfo: Bon nie Rose, 5 41-3 06 -332 0.
NU RT UR E AN D GROW PA RE NTING WORK SHOPS
Nu rture and Grow
Pa renti ng Work shops
Cultivating Stronger Families , One Day at a Time Joi n u s for a t ra nsform at ive 3 -par t work shop empower ing pa rent s w it h pract ic a l tools , fresh i nsig ht s , a nd renewed con dence to s trengt hen connec tion a nd build f ami ly resi lience. Tuesd ay s , 5:3 0 to 6 .3 0 p.m . P resented by Dr. K el ly Dav i s M arti n of Grow t h R ing s Famil y erapy December 2 “Con nect ion
Before C or rect ion,” December 9 “Pl anting Hea lt hy R oots ,” December 16 “ Nu rturing t he Pa rent . Free. Parents of a ll ages welcome. Co ee a nd tea prov ided . 19 2 E . M ai n Ave. For i nfor mation v isit www Grow th Ri ngsFami ly erapy com or c al l 5 41-6 68 -5238. Volu nteer at Sisters Habitat for Hu ma nity Help build hope a nd homes i n Sis ters, con nec t w it h new people, m ake f riends , a nd m ake a d i erence i n ou r com mu nity Volu nteer tod ay! L ea r n more at www.sis tershabitat.org/ volu nteer or c al l 5 41-5 49 -1193.
Ba ha’i Fa it h
For i nfor mation, devot ions, study g roups, etc ., cont ac t S hauna R ocha 5 41-6 47-982 6 • www.bah ai .org www.bah ai .u s • www.bah aiteac hi ng s.org Chapel in the Pi nes Camp S herma n • 5 41-815 -9153
10 a .m . Sunday Wor sh ip
e Church of Jesu s Chri st of La er-Day Saints
452 Trinit y Way • Bra nc h P resident , 5 41-9
8:3 0 a .m . E cu menica l Sunday Wor sh ip 10 :15 a .m . Epi scopa l Sunday Wor sh ip e Rest ing Place meet ing at Sisters Com mu nit y C hu rc h,
Save the Rubberba nd s Bu si ne s s owners: I f you receive a bundle of Nug get s eac h week , t hose g ia nt r ubberbands are h ig hly v alued by e Nuggeteers t hat bundle you r paper s eac h week . I f you c an save t hem, we’ d love to u se them a ga in
School, owned by McKenzie Meadow Village (MMV), LLC., although the UGB-SC did consider the property in case its rezone application was approved by Deschutes County.
Council had two workshops and two public hearings over the past two months and in this second hearing on November 5, made their decision. Council faced a challenge in assessing the pros and cons to approve R25-14 or to delay the UGB expansion process one more time, to create a new preferred alternative which would reduce acres in Concept Aa and include the MMV property .
The MMV owners put into writing a commitment to develop the 58 acres with 30 percent affordable and workforce housing. MMV owners added what they considered “gifts” to the City’s community by offering:
• To sell two acres for a dollar each to Sisters Opportunity for Unified Living (SOUL) which creates housing for people with developmental challenges — a dozen young adults,
• To give Bridge Meadows two acres for them to develop 36 affordable multigenerational housing units, and;
• To sell 38 lots to Sisters Habitat for Humanity at a below market rate to develop more workforce and affordable housing.
Additionally, during MMVs application process with the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners (BOCC), MMV agreed to allow ample buffer areas to assure Trout Creek and atrisk native plants would not be adversely impacted by future development of said property.
The BOCC expedited MMV’s rezone application process per a letter from Council in January suggesting that it would be helpful. The BOCC approval of MMV’s rezone application completed October 7. This was after Council’s September 24 (first Public Hearing on R25-14) and before Council’s October 22 workshop to review timing and pros and cons for the inclusion or not of MMV’s property.
Central Oregon Land Watch submitted an appeal October 29 against the BOCC’s approval of the MMV’s rezone application. MMV owners had indicated they may appeal COLW’s appeal and/or appeal Council
future proposed UGB amendment gets approved without the MMV property.
According to State rules, a city cannot include lands into the expanded UGB map amendments while a rezone is under appeal. Council determined to make a decision regardless an active appeal or threats of appeals.
In the November 5 public hearing on Resolution 25-14, Community Planning Director Scott Woodford gave a brief summary from November 29, 2023, to recent activities on the UGB Expansion process. Mayor Jennifer Letz, with Council approval, opened the hearing for oral comments. Nine people spoke; four wanted the MMV property to be included and five wanted Council to approve the R2514 as proposed.
Councilors fully expressed their position, during which they thanked the UGB-SC and MIG consultants for their detailed work, BOCC for expediting the MMV application, the public for their voiced and written communications, the MMV team, and City staff.
Councilor Michael Preedin wished that MMV owners had filed the land use application much sooner and stated that what MMV is offering, “is really a gift.”
Mayor Letz wanted to
the UGB process deadline by taking, “the path of least resistance.” Letz stated, regarding the MMV property, “that door is not closed,” even as the City moves forward with R25-14.
Not meeting the State UGB process deadline (January 1, 2027), would mean more time and funds would have to be expended. By 2027, the estimates on population and housing densities in current use would be outdated, would require reassessments and updates to various City master plans before beginning another attempt to expand the City’s UGB.
When Council approved Concept Aa, the “Preferred Alternative” phase ended. City planning staff, with
consultants, will move to the last two phases (each allotted six months).
In the second-to-last phase — “findings and adoption” — the City prepares a proposed UGB amendment for a joint review by Council and BOCC. If both entities support the proposal and if BOCC approves the amendment, it is sent to the State.
The Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development reviews the amendment and will either approve, deny and return for revisions, or refer it to Land Conservation and Development Committee to review and decide. Once approved, the City will work to complete the final phase, “additional area planning,”
The City Council approved its UGB concept on Wednesday, November 5. PHOTO PROVIDED
Outlaws fall in second round
By Rongi Yost Correspondent
The Outlaws boys soccer squad fell 0-2 to Catlin Gabel in the second round of the state playoffs. Sisters knew upsetting the No. 1-ranked Eagles would be a tall order, and they came in with a clear strategy: beef up their defense, try to neutralize the Eagles’ opportunities, and break the game down into 10-minute segments.
Catlin Gabel is a powerhouse program loaded with year-round players, and they controlled possession early. Coach Jeff Husmann told The Nugget that the Outlaws adjusted well to neutralize the Eagles’ outside attack. Though Sisters spent much of the first half defending, Husmann said they were doing “a pretty good job” containing a team accustomed to blowing out their opponents. The Eagles grew visibly frustrated as the clock ticked down with the score still locked at 0-0.
In the final four minutes before halftime, Catlin Gabel broke through with two quick goals, sending the Outlaws into the break down 0-2.
Despite the setback, the Outlaws remained motivated, knowing they’d battled toe-to-toe through most of the first half. The second half unfolded much like the first, with Catlin Gabel dominating possession and creating dangerous offense, while Sisters focused on weathering the pressure.
Husmann said the Outlaws’ defense “was bending, but it didn’t break.” The Eagles ability to maintain possession with almost no mistakes made it difficult for Sisters to generate attacks of their own. Neither team scored after halftime, and the Outlaws had to settle for the 0-2 loss.
Husmann praised goalkeeper Joseph Derksen, who delivered several remarkable saves, including multiple point-blank stops, and kept the Outlaws within striking distance.
He also highlighted standout performances across the back line and midfield. Husmann noted that Nick Palmer energized the squad and lifted team morale, Ivan Alport and Jesse Polachek both played exceptionally tough matches at center backs, Odin Rea turned in a strong performance at left back, and Jasper Jensen played his grittiest match of the season after shifting into a more defensive role.
“I’m so proud of how our boys battled,” Husmann said. “They really left it all out on the field.”
a 0-2 loss.
The Outlaws fought hard against the No. 1 seed in the playoffs, but came up short in
PHOTO BY NATE LICHVACIK
Bazaar will help Sisters woman with medical bills
A good friendship is a bit like a good marriage. There are going to be good times and bad times, but for the relationship to prosper, you need to be supportive through it all. A caring friend is what Wendy Bachmeier has been to Tracy Lynn Hendrickson. And this weekend Bachmeier is organizing a craft bazaar to help pay for her friend’s medical bills.
Hendrickson has a genetic disease called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). She’s had it since birth, but she lived in pain for almost five decades as one misdiagnosis after another prevented her from getting the medical help she needed. She was a Forest Service employee working on fire incidents in Central Oregon until her pain became too overwhelming to continue her work. Life has never been easy for her, but she is not one to complain. As a single mother with a child who has both autism and EDS, Tracy Lynn could have easily given in to despondency. But she didn’t and during the COVID19 pandemic she found a true friend in Wendy Bachmeier. At the time, Wendy worked for Sisters Community Church as an emergency contact for people who needed any type of help. Tracy Lynn had finally gotten a correct medical diagnosis but didn’t know where to turn for help. She called the church, spoke with Wendy, and a friendship was born that has only grown
LETTERS
Continued from page 7
wildlife. I sincerely miss the ability to come into Sisters for an evening event, be it dining out or attending some sort of event. I realize this is my choice, but I will breathe a whole lot easier if and when these safety corridors are complete and functioning as intended. I will then be able to enjoy the many pleasures Sisters can provide.
Bev Hollander
s s s
Nuremberg
To the Editor:
I hope the community is not dissuaded by the title “Nuremberg” for a current showing at Sisters Movie House, thinking “another grim World War II movie.”
Yes it is about that Nuremberg, but is adapted from a 2013 book titled “The Nazi and the Psychiatrist,” written by Jack El-Hai. An aspect of the trial I never knew about, plus an excellent performance by Russell Crowe and the rest of the cast.
Phyllis Lewis
with time.
Once she and her doctors knew what was causing her so much pain, the treatment plan was long and costly. She has had several surgeries and still more lie ahead. Only specially trained surgeons can perform the delicate operations and most of them are located on the East Coast. Although she has medical insurance, the costs of travel, hotel stays, copays and various medications are beyond
ers-Area Events & Ent er tainment
her ability to meet.
This past summer Wendy and Tracy Lynn held several garage sales to raise funds for her bills. Bachmeier is an artist and crafter, and she decided a fall crafts bazaar might raise more. The Help Hope Sparkle Bazaar takes place in the Community Room of the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Department from Thursday, November 13, through Sunday, November 16. There will be games for
WEDNESDAY • NOVEMBER 12
Sisters Saloon Poker Night Texas Hold’em 5:30 p.m. to close 21+. $20 (add'l $5 when bounty chip is played).
Sisters Movie House Autumn Arts & Adventure: "RunNation Film Festival 2025 World Tour" 6:15 p.m. Info/tickets at www.sistersmoviehouse.com. Paulina Springs Books Puzzle Swap 5:30 p.m. Swap out your gently used puzzles for new-to-you puzzles! Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com. Hardtails Outlaw Countr y Dive Bar & Grill Karaoke 7 to 9 p.m. Information call 541-549-6114.
THURSDAY • NOVEMBER 13
children, face painting, music, baked goods, a photo booth, and a silent auction.
A special feature of the fundraiser will be several tables with 50 items donated by a couple who lived in India for five years. All the items were purchased in India and include women’s clothing, placemats with matching napkins, pillow covers, bedspreads, a hand-woven carpet, two sarees designed with a pleated skirt to make them
easy to put on, and much more.
To donate your crafts or volunteer to help with the bazaar call Bachmeier at 541389-6859. Help with setup and takedown and managing various activities would be appreciated. Thanks to a partnership with the nonprofit Help Hope Live, donations are tax-deductible. To donate for Tracy’s expenses, visit helphopelive.org/ campaign/25259.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20
Luckey's Woodsman Trivia: Megan's Thanksgiving Trivia 5:30 p.m. Info: luckeyswoodsman.com.
Paulina Springs Books Author reading: Louisa Morgan presents "The Faerie Morgana," the story of Morgan Le Fay, one of the most enigmatic and powerful women in Arthurian legend. 6:30 p.m. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.
Lazy Z Ranch Wines Guided Sip & Sketch
4 p.m. to sunset. Free Create art at a special version of our daily Sip & Sketch, guided by local artist Sloane Earl. Bring a sketchbook; props/pencils provided. All levels welcome Info: @LazyZRanch, 68540 US-20.
The Belfr y Live Music: Darrell Scott weaves Americana, folk, and blues into timeless storytelling 7 p.m. Tickets: SFFPresents.org/Concerts. Sisters Middle School “Now You're Talking" Holiday One-Acts Silent Echo Theater Company presents seven one-acts. 7:30 p.m. $25/adults, $22/seniors 62+ and students. Tickets/info: www.boldtypetickets.com.
Paulina Springs Books Author reading: Stephanie Reents presents "We Loved to Run," a novel about a women’s cross-country team and how far girls will push themselves to control their bodies, friendships, and futures 6:30 p.m. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.
Three Creeks Brew Pub Hoodoo Wintervention 6 to 8 p.m. Thousands in prizes including lift tickets, gear skis, boards, and more. Info: www.hoodoo.com.
FRIDAY • NOVEMBER 14
The Belfr y Live Music: Emily Scott Robinson & Andrea von Kampen singing songs of hope and change. 7 p.m. Tickets: www.sffpresents.org/concerts. Sisters Middle School “Now You're Talking"
Holiday One-Acts Silent Echo Theater Company presents seven one-acts. 7:30 p.m. $25/adults, $22/seniors 62+ and students. Tickets/info: www.boldtypetickets.com.
Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards Live Music: Kurt Silva & Cynthia West 5 to 8 p.m. Adv. tickets req.: www.faithhopeandcharityevents.com/event-center Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights Booster Draft at 5 p.m. $20 Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.
SATURDAY • NOVEMBER 15
Studio 6000 Open House & Sale 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
See artists at work in the studio — how an original hand-pulled print is made This is the annual art sale for the 10 studio members. 211 Sun Ranch Rd., Sisters
Sisters Middle School “Now You're Talking" Holiday One-Acts Silent Echo Theater Company presents seven one-acts. 2 & 7:30 p.m. $25/adults, $22/seniors 62+ and students. Tickets/info: www.boldtypetickets.com.
Sisters Librar y Live Music: Dove String Quartet 2 p.m. Free Music in Public Places is presented by Central Oregon Symphony Association. Frankie's (formerly Sisters Depot) Live Music: Open Mic Music lovers can enjoy a variety of local talent, 7 to 9 p.m. Sign ups, 6:30 Info: sistersdepot.com.
SUNDAY • NOVEMBER 16
Sisters Middle School “Now You're Talking" Holiday One-Acts Silent Echo Theater Company presents seven one-acts. 2 p.m. $25/adults, $22/seniors 62+ and students. Tickets/info: www.boldtypetickets.com.
Paulina Springs Books Sunday Scrabble 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Play Scrabble socialize, and drink coffee. Info: www.paulinaspringsbooks.com.
WEDNESDAY • NOVEMBER 19
Sisters Saloon Poker Night Texas Hold’em 5:30 p.m. to close upstairs. 21+. $20 (add'l $5 when bounty chip is played).
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21
The Belfr y Live Music: "Just Duets: An Evening of Acoustic Duos" 7 p.m. Intimate performances featuring: Dennis McGregor & Beth Wood, Vern Johnson & Benji Nagel, Faddis & Adkins, and True North Duo (Kristen Grainger & Dan Wetzel). Tickets, BendTicket.com.
Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights Booster Draft at 5 p.m. $20 Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.
SATURDAY • NOVEMBER 22
The Belfr y Live Music: Thunderstorm Artis 7 p.m. Soaring vocals meet dextrous, layered guitar and intimate storytelling Tickets, BendTicket.com.
SUNDAY • NOVEMBER 23
Sisters Fire Hall Fireside Series: "The History and Culture of the Wadatika Band of Northern Paiutes" by Dr Diane L. Teeman, an Indigenous archaeologist and traditional practitioner of Northern Paiute culture. She will share an overview of Northern Great Basin culture and history Presented by Three Sisters Historical Society. 2 p.m., doors open at 1 p.m. $10 at the door Info: 541-610-6323
Paulina Springs Books Sunday Scrabble 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Play Scrabble, socialize, and drink coffee. Info: www.paulinaspringsbooks.com.
TUESDAY • NOVEMBER 25
Hardtails Outlaw Countr y Dive Bar & Grill Trivia 7 to 9 p.m. Information call 541-549-6114.
WEDNESDAY • NOVEMBER 26
Sisters Saloon Poker Night Texas Hold’em 5:30 p.m. to close upstairs. 21+. $20 (add'l $5 when bounty chip is played).
Hardtails Outlaw Countr y Dive Bar & Grill Karaoke 7 to 9 p.m. Information call 541-549-6114.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28
Downtown Sisters 4th Friday Artwalk 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Galleries and shops feature art and demonstrations. Information: www.sistersarts.org.
Makin’ it Local Art Walk & Live Music
Artist reception 4 to 7 p.m. Enjoy Oregon wine and beer sampling, gingersnaps, and live music Info: www.makinitlocal.com.
Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights Booster Draft at 5 p.m. $20 Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.
SATURDAY • NOVEMBER 29
Faith Hope Charity Holiday Marketplace at the Vineyard 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 70450 NW Lower Valley Dr., Terrebonne Info: www.faithhopeandcharityevents.com.
SUNDAY • NOVEMBER 31
Faith Hope Charity Holiday Marketplace at the Vineyard 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 70450 NW Lower Valley Dr., Terrebonne Info: www.faithhopeandcharityevents.com.
Paulina Springs Books Sunday Scrabble
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Play Scrabble, socialize, and drink coffee. Info: www.paulinaspringsbooks.com.
considering her next professional move, she looked at organizations that reflected her interests and expertise. PLAYA’s focus on the intersection between art and the sciences for the last fourteen years, felt like a perfect fit for her career.
“I have been on a quest to find the best way to provide a platform to make connections between the disciplines of art and science. Knowing and appreciating what PLAYA is doing had them on my radar. In my new role as executive director, it’s easy to see why PLAYA attracts international people in art and the science. In each cohort, there’s a scientist and artists from different disciplines. In addition to what they offer, what makes PLAYA so unique is where it’s located in the remote High Desert,” said Varas.
Along with PLAYA’s allure for artists and scientists, it’s also been powerfully supportive and welcoming to local people. Reaching PLAYA takes visitors on a beautiful drive through the Oregon Outback and a variation of the High Desert not found in Sisters Country. Although it’s located in a different county, PLAYA is still considered to be part of Central Oregon.
The remote location offers a connection to nature that’s compelling and inspiring for those seeking a way to disconnect from their
daily lives and relax into a place that feels much farther than 130 miles from Sisters. PLAYA is a dark sky sanctuary with majestic night’s skies that harken back to a time when city lights didn’t pale nighttime’s show of stars and planets.
Varas says her new role includes raising awareness for PLAYA as a valuable resource that’s accessible for Central Oregonians and available for people of all ages, interests, and abilities.
“I’m encouraging more partnerships with organizations in the area that have complimentary demographics. We’re already serving a lot of people from Central Oregon, with workshops and experiences. We also offer self-directed residences where people can rent a cabin and write or do whatever they’re focusing on. We’ll be having some workshops on archeology next year,” said Varas.
Varas invites Sisters Country folks and beyond to learn more about PLAYA and consider the location and amenities as a great option for all kinds of events. She said the entire campus can be rented for retreats, from quilting to science clubs interested in astronomy, ancient cultures, migrating birds, and so much more.
PLAYA offers a chance for contemplation, stillness and being present in an intriguing environment. It’s a perfect place to work on a landscape quilt with the glittering lake, rugged hillsides, rock formations, and unique horizons. Very few places can offer what PLAYA has because of its location and the incredibly beautiful
— Ana Varas
Summer Lake that sits next to PLAYA’s cabins and lodge. Varas wants people to experience what PLAYA offers to better understand the place itself and its role as an Oregon masterpiece worth preserving and cherishing.
Varas is exploring new partnerships with businesses offering tours, schools, nonprofit organizations, and special interest groups looking for a unique venue that offers an aspect of Central Oregon that’s less populated, full of incredibly beautiful landscapes and diverse plants and animals. She welcomes all inquiries and is happy to look outside the proverbial box and think expansively about what’s possible for PLAYA.
“We partner with schools in Portland and other places to bring students out of populated areas and into the Oregon Outback. A lot of kids have never been into the rural parts of Oregon,” said Varas. “We want to share PLAYA and Summer Lake’s beauty from the changing weather, dramatic rock formations, and ancient pictographs and petroglyphs.”
Varas imagines big things for PLAYA as she pursues new relationships. Once
•
•
people are in the majestic location, settle into the quiet, and feel inspired to create art, or get curious about topics from astronomy, hydrology, archeology, and geology, she’s seen all kinds of breakthroughs from transformative art installations and movement towards scientific discoveries.
Varas invites folks to visit
PLAYA’s website: playa summerlake.org or contact her at ana@playasummerlake.org. She’s excited to talk with people about all the possibilities PLAYA offers, and maybe ideas she hasn’t even contemplated yet. Like the Sisters community she cherishes, she knows when people share ideas, great things can happen.
Ana Varas will continue efforts to bring together the arts and science with the residency nonprofit PLAYA in Summer Lake.
PHOTO BY KATY YODER
AUTHOR:
In its action-packed, often-comical pages, “Miscalculated Risks” recounts how Cooper’s increasingly dangerous ventures far into wilderness landed him in dire situations: potentially mortally wounded in a Mexican jungle, 20 roadless miles from the nearest medical facility. Half-drowned and severely hypothermic on an isolated Oregon river, shooting 69 miles of rapids during a weeklong blizzard. Deathly sick and out of water in sunscorched desert .”
Retelling the near-fatal adventures in Cooper’s own words, “Miscalculated Risks” introduces a mix of unforgettable characters: the superhuman mill worker and the ADHD-tormented tax assessor, Cooper’s quirky cohorts on more than 30 mountaineering ascents. And the charismatic hippie, offbeat national park ranger and reckless journalist who join Cooper on 13 daring expeditions on foot through five trackless deserts — including to places where nobody in recorded history had gone before.
Most of the writing was enjoyable for Cooper — but the Mexico misadventure remains a haunting near-miss.
“I would break out in a sweat and be trembling as I wrote it, because it was a very traumatic experience,” he said. However, he noted, “even that chapter was therapeutic, because when I finished it, I felt less traumatized by it.”
Cooper is a noted authority on music production and sound for film; he has served as recording engineer on projects featuring Academy Award-winning actor William Hurt and former weekend anchor of ABC World News Barry Serafin, and worked with Grammywinning singer-songwriter Ashley Cleveland. He has written for many publications, and has served as a contributing editor for Mix
—Michael Cooper
magazine and formerly for Electronic Musician.
But he freely admits that his love of outdoor adventure took precedence even over a successful career.
“I always prioritized my outdoor trips over work,” he said.
Cooper said his primary goal with his book is to tell a good story.
“Primarily, I just want them to enjoy reading it,” he said. “I hope they enjoy the stories.”
Additionally, he hopes that readers will take a little inspiration to “live their dreams and not delay in pursuing them. That would make me very happy.”
Cooper continues to get outdoors, but not at the same intensity level he once did. He admits that his adventures and sometimes grueling treks have taken a toll. But he still loves the outdoors, and continues to pursue his passions.
“Miscalculated Risks” is available at Paulina Springs Books and online.
GREENHOUSE: Volunteers built structure at school
Continued from page 1
Hiller. Hiller has an engineering background and an exceptional level of volunteer spirit, most recently displayed in signficant work on the Sisters Park and Recreation District community center remodel.
“Determined doesn’t even begin to describe him,” Blevins said. “David is chivalrous, intelligent, softspoken, warm-hearted, an
engineer, and an avid outdoorsman. He adores his wife Laura more than anything in the world and approaches life — and projects like this — with perfect manners and patience. David became our fearless greenhouse leader, the steady hand, and the soul of this project.”
Scholl noted that the greenhouse project is emblematic of the kind of support the community has always shown for Sisters schools.
“It’s really what sets Sisters apart from other places,” he said. “The amount of community engagement
we get.”
Before leading the students in the cutting of the ribbon and letting the community in to see the interior of the greenhouse, Blevins said, “What I’ve seen here is the truest form of generosity — selfless giving without expectation of return. These people don’t just talk about helping kids — they do it. They build it. Literally. The same generation who built the town halls, libraries, and stores showed up again to build a greenhouse where kids can learn about plants, science, and the magic of growth.”
Students saluted David Hiller, who led a cadre of dedicated volunteers in the effort to construct a greenhouse classroom at Sisters Elementary School.
PHOTO BY CODY RHEAULT
Meet the Addams Family…
KELLI CARTER
Sisters High School thespians and musicians pulled out the stops in an impressive production of The Addams Family Musical last week.
One attendee said “they did a great job in every respect.”
City snapshot — home hardening, live music
By Susan Cobb Correspondent
Sisters City Council reviewed the State of Oregon’s home hardening rules, approved amendments to existing grants, approved funding of critical infrastructure projects, and invited the public to hear five locals who are part of the 75-piece Bend Pop Orchestra.
In the workshop of November 5, the City of Sisters (City) Principal Planner Matthew Martin, presented to Council the Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC) Section R327 — Wildfire Hazard Mitigation. Section R327 (R327) was recently temporarily adopted by Oregon and will be fully adopted in January 1, 2026. R327 was completed in 2023 but the public outcry against the associated wildfire risk maps caused a delay in adoption in order to remove the association from R327 https:// www.oregon.gov/bcd/codesstand/pages/wildfire-hazardmitigation.aspx).
Martin stated Council was reviewing R327 in preparation of having a public hearing November 19 to receive testimony from the public and for Council to consider adoption. Oregon requires that R327 is adopted into municipal code in whole, without changes, or it cannot be adopted.
The purpose of R327 is primarily to create structures resistant to ignition from embers and/or wildfires. R327 impacts only residential dwellings and any associated accessory dwellings. It does not apply to existing residential or commercial structures or additions to same, nor to any future commercial structures. That said, Martin advised Council that the City development code already contains commercial development hardening code for windows and for building
materials to be fire resistant or noncombustible.
R327 includes attic or foundational venting devices, fire resistant windows, acceptable materials for roofs and exterior walls, and measures to create defensible space around structures.
Oregon Building Codes Division (OBCD) assessed that the development expense to comply with R327 may increase by 2 to 11 percent, depending mostly on size of structure. The workshop package on the topic also included an assessment by Headwaters Economics that found the financial impact to develop a ‘typical’ singlefamily dwelling was between 2 and 3 percent.
If R327 is adopted November 19, Sisters will be the first city in Oregon to adopt the new code. After adoption, the City will provide a map to OBCD sharing which areas of the City R327 will apply. Per Martin, in reply to The Nugget’s questions, R327 will apply to any new residential developments within the City limits
and to any similar development of annexed acreage in the future.
Following the workshop, two contracted grant amendments were approved as part of the consent agenda. Both contracts are related to American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding from Deschutes County to the City to hold for distribution from the City to the Northwest Housing Alternatives (NHA) Trinity Place project. Trinity Place will be a 40-unit multifamily rental housing project located in the west part of Sisters. The reason for the amendments to the City contracts with Deschutes County and with NHA is due to the increase in project costs which in turn caused delay to project timelines. While NHA project is securing additional funding, the delay required amendments in timing to both contracts.
The approved consent agenda included two more requests. One to declare City materials as surplus (1982 Ford at $5000, three bales of orchard grass $2000, and
two steel I-beams for $500). The other was a proposal for the replacement of two rooftop heat pumps at City Hall. The heat pumps are over 18 years old and recently malfunctioned. Some parts are no longer available for purchase. The preferred bid from Cascade Heating & Specialties, Inc., is $37,030.
Council approved funding of two major infrastructure projects as presented by Capital Projects Manager Paul Bertagna:
• Phase 1 of the Westside Pump Station project is 99 percent complete (recent work on N and S Pine streets). It’s been tested and approved. Phase 2 includes the construction of the actual Westside Pump Station. The preferred bid is from Harper Houf Peterson Righellis, Inc., at $384,285 (at two percent less than the industry standard of 15 percent of construction costs).
• Due to rapid growth and a current need for a secondary transmission main line to the City’s reservoir, Council
had previously prioritized the Edgington Transmission Main (ETM) project as essential infrastructure. Edgington Road is in Forest Service (FS) land and required National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to review placing a pipeline under the road. NEPA completed their review last summer and the City received a “Notice to Proceed,” from FS September 29. The City had contracted BECON LLC to manage the foregoing and while still under contract are requesting BECON LLC for design and construction administration services of ETM, not to exceed $40,620.
Councilor Cheryl Pellerin invited the public to attend one of the two free Bend Pop Orchestra concerts. Not only is the music great, five of the 75 instrumentalists are from Sisters,including one from Sisters High School. Both concerts occur at 2 p.m., one on November 22 at Ridgeview High School and the other November 23 at Caldera High School.
Popular event is gaining traction in Central Oregon
burpee jumps, as they move back and forth down the lanes to reach the set number of meters.
Marcus Farris, from Redmond, is an experienced HYROX athlete, finishing nine official HYROX solo races. He offered advice on form, techniques and tips to athletes before the start of the event on Saturday morning.
“You really have to learn to run on tired legs and recalibrate what going fast looks like. Moving smoothly is moving fast,” said Farris.
Farris’ fastest solo HYROX time was 104 minutes.
Running is part of over half the race, differing significantly from CrossFit, which is more focused on weightlifting and timed exercises.
“CrossFit is a warrior sport — HYROX is a bit easier on the body and you get a little less beat up physically,
but it tests the cardio,” said Hudson.
HYROX workouts are typically more sustainable and cater to all ages. Many of the movements don’t have as dynamic a movement as CrossFit, which takes a lot of training and skill.
HYROX has a significantly lower injury rate than CrossFit, but its participants typically have a very high level of fitness.
The next major HYROX race on the horizon is in Las Vegas in February, with Level 5 aiming to send several teams to that event.
“There is a strong community aspect to HYROX and the athletes involved, and the spectators really love it. It’s a great way to get the community involved and excited about it,” said Hudson.
“Leah Meier has won a few in her category and is a great young, talented athlete,” he added.
Meier and her partner, Lisbeth Ramos, finished the event Saturday in first place with a 74:25 time.
Training for HYROX is not just about repeating the
same exercises. Instead, it involves engaging in alternative cross-training to prepare for the best possible outcome.
“The concern is, it would get boring, but during the HYROX classes we have, we do mostly cross training and don’t do much from the actual race. We focus on cardio, we
want people to sweat,” said Hudson.
Hudson adapted the Level 5 gym to accommodate a HYROX simulation event by creating measured lanes on mats that allowed for the accurate measurement of distances for many of the events. He is hoping to have a
running apparatus specific to HYROX arriving in the near future, allowing the running portion of the race to take place even in the winter months in Sisters. For more information, visit the Level 5 website or contact Ryan Hudson at https://level5fit. com/pricing/.
• Offer your Thanksgiving greeting to the community as part of the November 19 ad in The Nugget
• Help build community as the ad promotes the Community Thanksgiving Dinner where anyone can eat and enjoy community at no cost to them
• Provide financial support to buy food for the Community Thanksgiving Dinner (30% of your purchase!) To reserve your spot for just $75 call Jess at 541-549-9941 or email jess@nuggetnews.com by Friday, November 14.
HYROX:
Leah Meier has proved to be an outstanding HYROX competitor.
PHOTO BY JAROD GATLEY
Obituary
Scott Gerald Olson, lovingly known as Scottie, passed away on November 2, 2025, in Sisters, Oregon, at the age of 65.
Scottie was born on April 10, 1960, in Portland, and made his journey to heaven on that crisp November day. He spent his childhood exploring the beauty of the Pacific Northwest and beyond — growing up in Bend, Oregon, Anchorage, Alaska, and Santa Barbara, California — before his family returned to Central Oregon in 1977.
A proud graduate of Redmond High School, Class of 1978, Scottie’s love for sports, especially basketball, shone throughout his life. He played the game passionately from a young age, continuing his basketball career at Central Oregon Community College and later at Western Oregon University.
After college, Scottie made his home in Portland, where he lived and worked before returning to Central Oregon in the early 1990s following the passing of his parents. There, he shared a close bond with his brother Eric and embraced his favorite role as the “fun uncle” to his nephews, Christopher Olson and Johnny Leeson. By trade, Scottie was a talented painting contractor, leaving his artistic touch on countless homes throughout the region. However, his heart belonged to the greens of Big Meadow Golf Course, where he worked as a starter and player’s assistant for over 20 years. Known for his infectious smile and easy laugh, Scottie brought warmth and kindness to everyone he met on the first tee box. His dedication to community extended beyond golf—he also served
as a basketball referee across Central Oregon and proudly coached the Sisters High School basketball team, sharing his love of the game with a new generation.
In February 2006, Scottie met the love of his life, Merrilee Stavem. From that moment on, they were inseparable — soulmates who spent nearly two decades together traveling, creating memories, and building their beautiful backyard oasis in Sisters. Their partnership was filled with laughter, adventure, and unwavering love.
Scottie is survived by his beloved partner Merrilee Stavem; his brother Eric Olson; his nephews Christopher Olson and Johnny Leeson and their families; and the many children and grandchildren who were blessed to call him family.
Those who knew Scottie will remember him for his boundless joy, his kind and compassionate heart, and his genuine love for others. He lived every day with gratitude and laughter, reminding us all to find happiness in life’s simple moments.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 15, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Sisters High School Gym. Family and friends are invited to gather to honor and remember the remarkable man who touched so many lives.
“Though his physical presence is gone, Scottie’s joyful spirit will forever echo in the laughter, love, and sunshine he shared with us all.”
Scott Gerald “Scottie” Olson
April 10, 1960 – November 2, 2025
Hernandez
ALL advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.
CLASSIFIED RATES
COST: $3.50 per line for first insertion, $2.50 per line for each additional insertion to 9th week, $1.50 per line 10th week and beyond (identical ad/consecutive weeks). Also included in The Nugget online classifieds at no additional charge. There is a minimum $5 charge for any classified. First line = approx. 20-25 characters, each additional line = approx. 25-30 characters. Letters, spaces, numbers and punctuation = 1 character. Any ad copy changes will be charged at the first-time insertion rate of $3.50 per line. Standard abbreviations allowed with the approval of The Nugget classified department. NOTE: Legal notices placed in the Public Notice section are charged at the display advertising rate.
DEADLINE: FRIDAY AT 5 PM preceding Wednesday publication. PLACEMENT & PAYMENT: Office, 442 E. Main Ave. Phone, 541-549-9941 or place online at NuggetNews.com. Payment is due upon placement. Major credit cards accepted with a 3% processing fee. Billing available for continuously run classified ads, after prepayment of first four weeks.
CATEGORIES:
102 Commercial Rentals
473 W. Hood Ave., Suite 102 Office Suite, 512 Sf. High Traffic Exposure 503-730-0150
STORAGE WITH BENEFITS
8 x 20 dry box
Fenced yard, RV & trailers
In-town, gated, 24-7 EWDevcoLLC@gmail.com
MINI STORAGE Sisters Rental 331 W. Barclay Drive 541-549-9631
Sizes 5x5 to 15x30 and outdoor RV parking. 7-day access. Computerized security gate. Moving boxes & supplies. COMMERCIAL
SPACES FOR LEASE
Great location across from Ace Hardware.
Office Spaces: $900, $1100, $1250/month
Retail Space: $3250/mo. Call Jim Peterson/RE Broker. 503-238-1478
103 Residential Rentals
CASCADE HOME & PROPERTY RENTALS
Monthly Rentals throughout Sisters Country. 541-549-0792
Property management for second homes. CascadeHomeRentals.com
PONDEROSA PROPERTIES
–Monthly Rentals Available–Call Debbie at 541-549-2002
Full details, 24 hrs./day, go to: PonderosaProperties.com
Printed list at 178 S. Elm, Sisters Ponderosa Properties LLC 104 Vacation Rentals
Downtown Vacation Rentals Popular 1 and 2 Bedroom SistersVacationRentals.net Great pricing. 503-730-0150 201 For Sale
4 STUDDED SNOW TIRES ON RIMS. 195/65/15. Came off of a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. $350. Call. 541-977-6643.
202 Firewood NEW DISCOUNT PRICES SISTERS FOREST PRODUCTS
DAVE ELPI – FIREWOOD • SINCE 1976 • Fuel Reduction Forestry Doug Fir – Lodgepole –Hardwood – Juniper – Fir DRIVE-IN WOOD SALES
– 18155 Hwy. 126 East –SistersForestProducts.com Order Online! 541-410-4509
205 Garage & Estate Sales
Happy Trails Estate Sales and online auctions!
Selling, Downsizing, or Deaths? Locally owned & operated by... Daiya 541-480-2806 Sharie 541-771-1150
301 Vehicles
CLASSIC CAR STORAGE! Oversized, lights/power, $275/m • 541-419-2502
We Buy, Sell, Consign Quality Cars, Trucks, SUVs & RVs ~ Call Jeff at 541-815-7397
Sisters Car Connection da#3919 SistersCarConnection.com
401 Horses ORCHARD GRASS HAY ALFALFA
TRITICALE
New 2025 crop. Barn stored. 3-tie bales. $240-$340/ton. Hwy. 126 & Cline Falls. 541-280-1895
403 Pets
Caring, loving pet care in my home. Daily rates and in town. Cheryl 541-420-7875
SISTERS WHISKERS
Your purr-fect friend is waiting for you at our local nonprofit cat rescue! Apply to adopt at: sisterswhiskers.org
500 Services
• DERI’s HAIR SALON • Call 541-419-1279
I AM A CAREGIVER Looking for work in Sisters, Part-Time Please call Lynn 503-274-0214.
CUSTOM WINDOW COVERINGS
Bend Window Works, LLC is offering a 10% discount on new window coverings. FREE in-home consultation. Same day in-home repair services available. New and repaired blinds make rentals look better! Contact us at 541-383-2455 or andy@bendblinds.com.
SMALL Engine REPAIR Lawn Mowers, Chainsaws & Trimmers
Sisters Rental 331 W. Barclay Drive 541-549-9631
Authorized service center for Stihl, Honda, Ariens/Gravely, Cub Cadet, Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, Kawasaki Engines
Junk removal, new home, garage & storage clean-out, construction, yard debris. You Call – We Haul! 541-719-8475
501 Computers & Communications
3 Sisters TeleNetworks, LLC Audio/video, data networking, WIFI, security camera, alarms. CCB #191099 541-306-0729
502 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning GORDON’S LAST TOUCH Cleaning Specialists for CARPETS, WINDOWS & UPHOLSTERY
Member Better Business Bureau • Bonded & Insured • Serving Central Oregon Since 1980 Call 541-549-3008
M & J CARPET CLEANING
Area rugs, upholstery, tile & dryer-vent cleaning. Established & family-owned since 1986. 541-549-9090
504 Handyman
3 Sisters Handyman Services 20+ years experience No job too large or small. Snow removal services available.
Licensed, Bonded, and Insured Call Nate 907-748-4100 sistershandyman@gmail.com CCB# 253556
AlpenGlow Handyman Services
Small & Large Jobs (1hr–2wks) 20+ Years Experience CCB#180099 Call/Text: 541-728-8607
AlpenGlowHandymanServices. com • Credit Cards Accepted
600 Tree Service & Forestry TimberStandImprovement.net
LOLO TREE WORKS
Tree Services: Tree Removal, Tree Pruning, Stump Grinding, Emergency Tree Services. ISA Certified Arborist
Owner / Operator: Erin Carpenter lolotreeworks.com Call / Text: 503-367-5638
Email: erin@lolotreeworks.com CCB #240912
• Wildfire Fuels reduction
• Debris Chipping/Mastication
• Forest Health Thinning
• Wildfire Cleanup & Restoration • Tree Removal
Will Moore, 541-409-5404
ISA Certified Arborist
We are the experts you’ve been looking for!
LCB# 100129 & Oregon Professional Logger 71395048
Tree Removal • Tree Pruning Good for Trees. Good to People. SparTreeArborist.com (916) 619-6317
4 Brothers Tree Service Sisters' Premier Tree Experts! – TREE REMOVAL & CLEANUP –Native / Non-Native Tree Assessments, Pruning, High-Risk Removals, 24 Hr. Emergency Storm Damage Cleanup, Craning & Stump Grinding, Debris Removal.
FOREST MANAGEMENT
Fuels Reduction - Brush Mowing, Mastication, Tree Thinning, Large & Small Scale Projects!
Black Butte Ranch, Camp Sherman & Sisters Area since 2003 ** Free Estimates ** Owner James Hatley & Sons 541-815-2342 4brostrees.com Licensed, Bonded and Insured CCB-215057
Construction SPURGE COCHRAN BUILDER, INC. General Contractor Building Distinctive, Handcrafted Custom Homes, Additions, Remodels, Cabin Renovations Since ’74 A “Hands-On” Builder Keeping Your Project on Time & On Budget • CCB #96016 To speak to Spurge personally, call 541-815-0523
DESIGN BUILD Remodel / Renovate / Repair Full home remodel, little home fixes, and everything in between. cascadiadesignbuildllc.com 541-974-2282
LOCAL CONSTRUCTION
SERVICES & HOME MAINT.
Remodels • Landscaping
Firewise Maintenance
Decks & Much More! Pease Co. Contracting
Call Tanner at 541-588-0136.
Big and small jobs!
CCB# 256258
Custom Homes • Additions
Residential Building Projects
Serving Sisters area since 1976
Strictly Quality
CCB #16891 • CCB #159020 541-280-9764
John Pierce
jpierce@bendbroadband.com
Earthwood Timber
• Recycled fir and pine beams
• Mantels and accent timbers
• Sawmill/woodshop services ewdevcollc@gmail.com
Lara’s Construction LLC.
CCB#223701
Offering masonry work, fireplaces, interior & exterior stone/brick-work, build barbecues, and all types of masonry. Give us a call for a free estimate 541-350-3218
Uncompromising quality. Local and personal. You can trust me. All projects: From new construction to those little projects you don't seem to get to. My team of local subcontractors and I will get it done right, fair, and pain-free so you can make your spouse happy. Call Jared 503-949-9719
Construction & Renovation
Custom Residential Projects
All Phases • CCB #148365 541-420-8448
Custom Homes Additions - Remodels
Residential Building Projects
Becke William Pierce
CCB# 190689 • 541-647-0384
Beckewpcontracting@gmail.com — Serving Sisters Since 2010 —
602 Plumbing & Electric
Ridgeline Electric, LLC
Serving all of Central Oregon
• Residential • Commercial • Industrial • Service 541-588-3088 • CCB #234821
Commercial • Residential • Industrial • Remodels • Generators • Hot tubs/Saunas monteselectric@hotmail.com
CCB#200030 • 541-480-9860
—
GEORGE’S — SEPTIC SERVICE
541-419-3148
A 63-year tradition for Sisters www.georges-septic-service.com
SWEENEY
PLUMBING, INC.
“Quality and Reliability” Repairs • Remodeling
• New Construction
• Water Heaters
541-549-4349
Residential and Commercial
Licensed • Bonded • Insured CCB #87587
Construction Contractors
Licensing — An active license means your contractor is bonded and insured. The State of Oregon provides details at the online Ore. Construction Contractors Board at www.oregon.gov/CCB
603 Excavation & Trucking Full Service Excavation
Free On-site Visit & Estimate
Tewaltandsonsexcavation@gmail .com
541-549-1472 • CCB #76888
Drainfield
• Minor & Major Septic Repair
• All Septic Needs/Design & Install
General Excavation
• Site Preparation
• Rock & Stump Removal
• Pond & Driveway Construction Preparation
ROBINSON & OWEN
Heavy Construction, Inc.
All your excavation needs
*General excavation
*Site Preparation
*Sub-Divisions
*Road Building
*Sewer and Water Systems
*Underground Utilities
*Grading
*Sand-Gravel-Rock
Licensed • Bonded • Insured
CCB #124327
541-549-1848
604 Heating & Cooling
Sisters, Oregon's Exclusive HVAC Service
Residential & Commercial
Heating • Ductless Air Conditioning • Maintenance Installation
• Repair
541-588-5667
SistersHeatingAir.com
ACTION AIR
Heating & Cooling, LLC
Retrofit • New Const • Remodel Consulting, Service & Installs actionairheatingandcooling.com
CCB #195556
541-549-6464
LEAKY PIPES?
Find a plumber in the classifieds!
605 Painting
~ FRONTIER PAINTING ~
Quality Painting, Ext. & Int. Refurbishing Decks
CCB #131560 • 541-771-5620 www.frontier-painting.com
Interior/Exterior Painting
Deck Refinishing Jacob deSmet 503-559-9327
peakperformancepainting1@ gmail.com • CCB#243491
EMPIRE PAINTING
Interior and Exterior Painting and Staining
CCB#180042
541-613-1530 • Geoff Houk
606 Landscaping & Yard Maintenance
– All You Need Maintenance –Pine needle removal, hauling, mowing, moss removal, edging, raking, weeding, pruning, roofs, gutters, pressure washing. Lic/Bonded/Ins. CCB# 218169 Austin • 541-419-5122
J&E Landscaping Maintenance
LLC Clean-ups, raking, hauling debris, thatching, aerating, irrigation, mowing. Edgar Cortez 541-610-8982 jandelspcing15@gmail.com
Complete landscape construction, fencing, irrigation installation & design, pavers/outdoor kitchens, debris cleanups, fertility & water conservation management, excavation. CCB #188594 • LCB #9264 www.vohslandscaping.com 541-515-8462
Keeping Sisters Country Beautiful Since 2006 candcnursery@gmail.com 541-549-2345
All Landscaping Services
Mowing, Thatching, Hauling Call Abel Ortega, 541-815-6740
Eastern Cascade Solutions Landscaping & Construction www.easterncascadesolutions. com • 541-233-7195
LCB #9958 • CCB #222039
701 Domestic Services
BEST IN THE CLEANING BUSINESS! Are you looking for an excellent cleaning service, specializing in office and commercial locations? Offering a discount for religious institutions. M. K. HAINES SERVICES 541-977-3051
I & I Crystal Cleaning, LLC Specializing in Commercial, Residential & Vacation Rentals. Licensed, Bonded & Insured. 541-977-1051
BLAKE & SON – Commercial, Home & Rentals Cleaning WINDOW CLEANING! Lic. & Bonded • 541-549-0897
704 Events & Event Services
18th Annual Country Christmas Bazaar
Fri.-Sat., Nov. 14-15 • 9-4
Homemade, affordable gifts of all kinds. Delectable array of homemade cookies, candy, jams. 69427 Crooked Horseshoe Rd. Off Camp Polk Rd., Sisters Trudy, 541-410-3858
802 Help Wanted BATTALION CHIEF
TRAINING & SUPPORT OPERATIONS
of
Black Butte Ranch RFPD
This role is second in command of the Fire District and assists the Fire Chief with the development, coordination, and oversight of the District's training programs, personnel management, operational support initiatives, and interagency coordination. Position works closely with internal staff, regional partners, and allied agencies to ensure a high level of readiness, operational efficiency, and professional development throughout the organization. For a list of minimum and preferred qualifications or to request an application packet, please email jellison@bbrfire-or.gov and jvohs@bbrfire-or.gov or call 541-595-2288
Completed applications must be received by 4:00 p.m. on November 26, 2025 Salary range: $115,000–$125,000 annually, DOQ, plus benefits. Black Butte Ranch RFPD is an equal opportunity employer. Now Hiring Housekeeping Team Member Join the crew at our cozy camp-style retreat nestled in the forest!
We're looking for friendly, dependable individuals to join our housekeeping team at Lake Creek Lodge. PT/FT. We offer flexible schedules & excellent compensation. www.lakecreeklodge.com 13375 SW FS Rd. 1419 Camp Sherman SEEKING EMPLOYMENT?
Check out the Help Wanted ads NEED ASSISTANCE? Advertise in the Classifieds Call 541-549-9941
999 Public Notice
PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CENTRAL OREGON AREA COMMISSION ON TRANSPORTATION (COACT)
Thursday, November 13, 2025.
Pat Burke
LOCALLY OWNED
CRAFTSMAN BUILT
CCB: 228388 • 541-588-2062
www.sistersfencecompany.com
CASCADE GARAGE DOORS
Factory Trained Technicians
Since 1983 • CCB #44054 541-548-2215 • 541-382-4553
• Building Demolition
Trucking
• Deliver Top Soil, Sand, Gravel, Boulders, Water
• Dump Trucks, Transfer Trucks, Belly
• The Whole 9 Yards or 24
Whatever You Want!
BANR Enterprises, LLC
Earthwork, Utilities, Grading, Hardscape, Rock Walls
Residential & Commercial
CCB #165122 • 541-549-6977 www.BANR.net
STEVE'S HAULING
Yard and other debris, landscaping services, chain saw work, etc. 707-328-8370
Alpine Landscape Maintenance
An All-Electric Landscape Company.
Text/Call Paul 541.485.2837 alpine.landscapes@icloud.com
November 13-16
Sisters Fire Dept. Community Room, 301 S. Elm St. Thursday 12 noon to 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donations go towards local friend's medical bills. Become a vendor at helphopelive.org/ campaign/25259 Wendy 541-389-6859
3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in-person at the ODOT Region 4 Headquarters, Bldg. M, Baney Conference Room (63055 N Hwy 97, Bend, OR 97703). Virtual attendance offered via Microsoft Teams. A Teams link can be found on the Agenda which is posted on the COACT webpage www.coic.org/coact along with other meeting materials. Dial in by phone: 1-917-277-1965
Conference ID: 904 045 464#
The public may make comments to COACT during the “Public Comments” portion of the agenda. All COACT meetings are public and interested persons are encouraged to attend. For more information contact ODOT Principal Planner, Ken Shonkwiler at 541-815-6877 or kenneth.d.shonkwiler@ odot.oregon.gov
Premium Title Agency, Inc.
DBA PTS Foreclosure Services
7730 Market Center Ave Suite 100, El Paso, TX 79912
TS No.: 2025-00050-OR
ACCOUNT NO.: 185944 MAP NO.: 181207CB00600
TRUSTEE'S NOTICE OF SALE
T.S. Number: 2025-00050-OR
Reference is made to that certain trust deed made by RANDY C. BARNES AND BRENDA M. BARNES, AS TENANTS BY THE ENTIRETY as grantor, to Deschutes County Title Company as trustee, in favor of WILMINGTON FINANCE A DIVISION OF AIG FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK AS LENDER MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., MERS IS A SEPARATE CORPORATION THAT IS ACTING SOLELY AS A NOMINEE FOR LENDER AND LENDER`S SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS., as beneficiary, dated 06/02/2005 recorded on 06/08/2005, in the Records of Deschutes County, Oregon, in book at page and/or as fee/file/instrument/microfilm/rec eption No. 2005-35761, covering the following described real property situated in the above-mentioned county and state:
ACCOUNT NO.: 185944 MAP NO.: 181207CB00600 LOT NINETEEN, OF MOUNTAIN GATE, DESCHUTES COUNTY, OREGON.
Commonly Known As: 19634 BLUE SKY LANE, BEND, OR 97702 Both the beneficiary CITIBANK, N.A. AS OWNER TRUSTEE for New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust 2016-4 and the trustee Premium Title Agency, Inc. DBA PTS Foreclosure Services have elected to sell the said real property to satisfy the obligations secured by said trust deed and a Notice of Default has been recorded pursuant to ORS 86.752(3). The default for which the foreclosure is made is the grantor’s failure to pay when due the following sums:
TOTAL REQUIRED TO REINSTATE AS OF 08/17/2025: $41,196.50
TOTAL REQUIRED TO PAYOFF AS OF 08/17/2025: $406,402.91
Because of interest, late charges, and other charges that may vary from day-to-day, the amount due on the day you pay may be greater. It will be necessary for you to contact the Trustee before the time you tender reinstatement or the payoff amount so that you may be advised of the exact amount you will be required to pay.
By reason of the default, the beneficiary has declared all sums owing on the obligation secured by said trust deed immediately due and payable, said default
being the following:
Installment of Principal and Interest plus impounds and/or advances which became due on 07/01/2024 plus late charges, and all subsequent installments of principal, interest, balloon payments, plus impounds and/or advances and late charges that become payable. Therefore, notice hereby is given that Premium Title Agency, Inc. DBA PTS Foreclosure Services the undersigned trustee will on 12/12/2025 at the hour of 10:00
AM, Standard of Time, Inside the main entrance of the Deschutes County Courthouse, 1100 NW Bond Street, Bend, OR 97703 as established by ORS187.110, in the County of Deschutes, State of Oregon, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash the interest in the said described real property which the grantor had or had power to convey at the time of the execution by grantor of the said trust deed, together with any interest which the grantor or his successors in interest acquired after the execution of said trust deed, to satisfy the foregoing obligations thereby secured and the costs and expenses of sale, including a reasonable charge by the trustee.
Notice is further given that any person named in ORS 86.778 has the right, at any time prior to five (5) days before the date last set for sale, to have this foreclosure proceeding dismissed and the trust deed reinstated by payment to the beneficiary of the entire amount then due (other than such portion of the principal as would not then be due had no default occurred) and by curing any other default complained of herein that is capable of being cured by tendering the performance required under the obligation or trust deed, and in addition to paying the sums or tendering the performance necessary to cure the default, by paying all costs and expenses actually incurred in enforcing the obligation and trust deed, together with trustee’s and attorney fees not exceeding the amounts provided by ORS 86.778.In construing this notice the masculine gender includes the feminine and the neuter, the singular includes the plural, the word “grantor” includes any successor in interest to this grantor as well as any other person owing an obligation, the performance of which is secured by the trust deed, and the words “trustee” and “beneficiary” include their respective successors in interest, if any.
Pursuant to Oregon Law, this sale will not be deemed final until the Trustee’s Deed Upon Sale has been issued by the Trustee. If any irregularities are discovered within 10 days of the date of this sale, the Trustee will rescind the sale, return the buyer’s money and take further action as necessary.
If the sale is set aside for any reason, including if the Trustee is
unable to convey title, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the monies paid to the Trustee. This shall be the Purchaser’s sole and exclusive remedy. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Trustor, the Trustee, the Beneficiary, the Beneficiary’s Agent, or the Beneficiary’s Attorney.
If you have previously been discharged through bankruptcy, you may have been released of personal liability for this loan in which case this letter is intended to exercise the note holder’s rights against the real property only. As required by law, you are hereby notified that a negative credit report reflecting on your credit record may be submitted to a credit reporting agency if you fail to fulfill the terms of your credit obligation.
Without limiting the Trustee’s disclaimer of representation or warranties, Oregon law requires the Trustee to state in this notice that some residential properties sold at a Trustee’s sale may have been used in manufacturing methamphetamines, the chemical components of which are known to be toxic. Prospective purchasers of residential properties should be aware of this potential danger before deciding to place a bid for this property at the Trustee’s sale.
NOTICE TO TENANTS: TENANTS OF THE SUBJECT REAL PROPERTY HAVE CERTAIN PROTECTIONS AFFORDED TO THEM UNDER ORS 86.782 AND POSSIBLY UNDER FEDERAL LAW. ATTACHED TO THS NOTICE OF SALE, AND INCORPORATED HEREIN, IS A NOTICE TO TENANTS OF THE SUBJECT REAL PROPERTY AND WHICH SETS FORTH CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS THAT MUST BE COMPLIED WITH BY ANY TENANT IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE AFFORDED PROTECTION, AS REQUIRED UNDER ORS 86.771.
Premium Title Agency, Inc. DBA PTS Foreclosure Services
Dated:
Premium Title Agency, Inc. DBA PTS Foreclosure Services 7730 Market Center Ave Suite 100, El Paso, TX 79912 Trustee Phone number: (866) 960-8299
Dated: STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF EL PASO
On before me,
Personally appeared who proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person(s) whose name(s) is/are subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he/she/they executed the same in his/her/their
authorized capacity(ies), and that by his/her/their signature(s) on the instrument the person(s), or the entity upon behalf of which the person(s) acted, executed the instrument. WITNESS my hand and official seal.
Notary Name (Seal FOR TRUSTEES SALE
INFORMATION PLEASE CALL (866) 960-8299
BBR RFPD Meeting Date Change
The regularly scheduled board meeting for November has moved to November 20, 2025, due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
The regularly scheduled board meeting for December has been canceled due to the holidays.
Questions? Call 541-595-2288
SUDOKU
Nugget Poetry Corner
A Billboard’s Promise
ByEdieJones
As a billboar d it hung, its message to bring
A ppearing to many. Timeless it seemed.
Vibr ant with colors, unusually bold, filling the sky. A tr uth it told
An ar c above, complete and clear
Reminding all that God is near
Red, Or ange, Yellow, Gr een!
Daring, forceful, seen!
Blue, Indigo, a Purple hue
Its message per sistent, str ong, and tr ue
Defying the gloom that cancels faith.
Evoking the tr uth that keeps us safe.
A magnificent bow had appear ed in the sky.
Vivid and bright! A joy for our eyes
Yelling! Scr eaming! A huge rainbow, w hic h remained suspended; a dazzling show
Awesome, br eathtaking, fr om beginning to end.
Tr ue colors, not muted, no blends
The sun shone bright as the air filled with mist. You felt it, slightly, and wonder ed at this str ange sensation that couldn’t be tr ue
A r ainbow – amazing – though the sky bright blue.
Why did it hang ther e, a statement str ong?
Why had it come when so much has gone wr ong?
Eac h day we hear of abuse and fear that haunts our wor ld, abroad and near
We want to r eac h out, make friends with you.
But c haos abounds. What can we do?
Hopeless we feel and ver y alone.
Yet – this rainbow came out as the sun shone.
We watc hed it disper se, then gone fr om our view, as gr ey rain cover ed the sky so blue
A calmness descended as we looked heavenw ar d, remembering that pr omise long ago heard.
The pr omise, pr oc laimed for all to hear
When love leads the way, hope vanishes fear
PHOTO BY MISSY PETERS
