The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Bingo players enjoyed an evening at the restored Community Hall. photo by Conrad Weiler The refurbished Camp Sherman Community Hall, closed for the past four months, hosted a chili feed benefit on Sunday evening for local boys Jarett Hancock and Chad Horning.

The two Sisters High School students will participate in the Oregon People to People Student Ambassador program in Europe this summer (see The Nugget, January 5).

"They did it right," said local resident Jack Walker, commenting on the hall.

Gone are the harsh fluorescent light fixtures and in their place are hanging clusters of soft lights. Indirect lighting effects highlight areas of the hall. The lighting helps make the interior wood and beams look "new" and beautiful in the refurbished hall.

"This was a tremendous community effort," said Kevin Adams of Camp Sherman. "The new lighting allows you to see what Luther Metke and other local residents were trying to do over 50 years ago."

The hall was originally opened in 1949 and is now designated as a historic building.

Everybody had high praise for the changes inside the hall.

"The fixtures are gorgeous," said Linda Walker. "The lights are outstanding," said Ruth Lovegren. "I'm floored by the floor," said Mike Sims.

Local volunteers dug up the old flooring and put in the new floor. This, plus the new lighting and heating system have dramatically changed the "feel" of the interior.

"It just feels good," said Doug Hancock.

The large audience feasted on chili (meat or vegetarian), salad, thick gourmet breads, beverage and dessert.

After dinner, Doug Hancock played Bingo caller for the evening's entertainment and prizes. Chad Horning and Jarett Hancock ably assisted him.

The boys plan to meet with other students in Europe and expand their cultural awareness. They'll also meet with government officials in France, Germany, Spain and Switzerland. Both boys plan college careers after Sisters High School.

The official grand opening party for the community hall is scheduled for Saturday evening, January 22, at 6 p.m., with a potluck dinner.

The hall also hosts an open house each Tuesday.