© 2001
The Nugget Newspaper
Sisters, Oregon
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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 Unpublished items are not acknowledged or returned.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 noon Monday.

To the Editor:

Recent articles in The Nugget (Novemer 7) were headed "Kitzhaber seeks economic help" because Oregon has the second highest jobless rate in the nation and on the same date "Economic clouds loom in the school district."

On November 14 we see "School project is now Under Budget."

Our schools' management have twisted and cajoled taxpayers into exceeding the May 15, 2001 Bond Measure of $20,500,000.

The board says we are now UNDER budget by being OVER budget in their new estimate of $20,874,607 -- is this new math?

The interest on the bond has been taken to build an expensive legacy.

All of this expensive architect and consultant cost is being incurred before the proposed site has been annexed. What if we nix the vote in March -- many downtown Sisters voters are hurting from recent tax bills -- as are many in the outlying school district. 2.

An architect's "estimate" is not going to be anywhere close to a final cost two or three years from now -- it is always higher.

Enrollment in our school district has increased by 1 percent or only 14 students in the last four years (1,123 in 1998, and 1,137 in 2001).

However, enrollment in the elementary school has decreased by 9 percent (436 to 397).

The middle school is apparently in need of space -- good news is coming -- in 1998 we had 359 in K-4, while in 2001 we have 310 -- a 13 percent decrease. This decrementing of the elementary population will put less and less pressure on the middle school.

Does the proposed "annexing" of 98 acres raise any "conflict of interest" issues in the transaction? I am not a lawyer on these matters but any land annexation usually affects somebody in their pocketbook.

All costs and consultant fees that are slowly adding up should be stopped now -- in advance of the March, 2002 vote. It may not pass -- then what? What happens to the bond, the interest, and the paid taxes?

We produce state football champions on our fields and great graduates academically. People can alway ask for the moon, but a reality check is needed on this one.

Mel Bryan

* * *

To the Editor:

The pond in the first block of South Ash Street, next to The Gallery's parking lot, is going to freeze soon.

The City of Sisters plans to put in a dry well someday to drain this pond.

The City of Sisters could avoid some tourist-injuring liabilities by draining the South Ash Ice Rink through the channel cut by the pavers to drain the pond so they could pave.

I'm not sure why the pavers filled that channel back in, but it would be trivial to clean it out again.

Bruce Berryhill

To the Editor:

On behalf of the Sisters Veterans Group, and every veteran that had the opportunity to be present at either or both of the Veterans Day Programs put on by the Sisters High School Leadership Class and their teachers and advisors, I say, "well done." In fact I overheard someone say, "That was awesome," and I could not put it better.

I was told earlier in the year by Vice Principal Bob Macauley that if I thought last year was great...just wait until this year. I don't think he really knew how right he was!

To every single person who had a part in putting on that Veterans Day program I want to tell you personally, and on behalf of all veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States that you made us laugh, you made us applaud, you made us remember, you made us sad, and you made us cry. But most of all you made us proud!

Proud to be members of this community, proud to be your friends, parents, grandparents, or siblings. But most of all you made us proud to be Americans. For the great honor that you have shown us we can only say, "Thank you!"

I would also like to personally thank Ms. Julie Kemper, and her fifth Grade class for having Veteran Jack Berry and myself to speak to them briefly of our military experiences. We did not have much time, but those children sat through those few minutes and scarcely breathed. We tried to answer their questions as best we could. Thank you, Ms. Kemper and class. Thank you, class, for the nice "thank you's" sent to my home.

May God bless and save America,

Phil Chlopek

Commander, American Legion Post 86

To the Editor:

Once again I was privileged to attend the Veterans Day program put on by the Sisters High School.

I have lived in a number of communities since the Second World War and only twice have I seen any of them honor the veterans. The first time was when I returned from Europe in September of 1945.

As we sailed into New York harbor there were people leaning out of windows throwing ticker tape, waving yelling and several bands were playing.

Painted on white rocks, lying on green grass, were the words "welcome home boys."

In other towns where I have lived it's always been up to the veterans to put on their own functions, such as parades, decorating graves, and etc.

It is easy to see why so many people want to move to Sisters because of the school system.

My sincere thanks to all who worked so hard to put on this wonderful event, and many thanks to Ms. Laurene Fitzjarrel who graciously escorts me to it every year.

Sincerely,

Wes Weatherly

* * *

To the Editor:

Thank you to Don Harris who works swing shift at the high school as a custodian.

I spent a great part of Saturday searching for a winter jacket for my daughter. She lost hers some time ago and it was time to get serious about replacing it. To my dismay I couldn't find a thing in her size that she would like. I came home empty handed.

Lo and behold I got this phone call from Mr. Harris Saturday evening. He had found my daughter's jacket and took the time to call the phone number in the jacket. I was amazed.

But that's not all. He even washed it. It turns out he washes the unclaimed coats, etc. before donating them to a worthy cause. What a nice guy you are Don Harris.

God bless,

Denice Cristiano

* * *

To the Editor

In this time of tragedy and unexpected changes, the community of Sisters continues to shine in its support for local events and fund-raisers.

I would like to personally thank everyone who participated in the "Sisters Fall Carnival and Sponsor A Scarecrow Event." Time is a precious commodity and many people were generous with this gift.

I especially want to express my thanks to Diana Kelleher whose support was instrumental in making both events the success they were. I appreciated the opportunity to work with her and have her take over the overwhelming responsibilities that came with these projects.

Sometimes when you work closely with someone it's with an unspoken gratitude. I am thankful for this opportunity to speak it clearly.

Jackie Kolb

To the Editor:

Here is another happy reminder of why it is great to live in our small town, Sisters, Oregon.

On November 6, a "Nice Lady" named Jane Greene found a nice small shiny thing while walking her dog in front of the Harvest Basket Natural Food Store. She did the honorable thing and turned the jewelry over to store owner Melvin Herburger and staff.

Thinking the item possibly of sentimental value, Melvin advertised the ring in The Nugget Lost & Found classifieds. Later Krista, of the Harvest Basket, queried goldsmith Cliff Scharf. After searching his files and memory Mr. Scharf believed he could identify the owner. He was reasonably confident in this, as he was sure he was the one who made the ring.

Sure enough, the kind Mr. Herburger called, confirmed and returned the WEDDING RING to a very grateful Adrienne and David.

Yes, some mere possessions are priceless. But so are honesty, kindness and care for others.

We will continue to shower our thanks on these folks with rekindled friendship and patronage of these fine, friendly and truly neighborly businesses.

Thank you all very much for your help and diligence.

Reunited in marriage again,

Adrienne and David Banks

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