There's more to come

When people find out that, after seven years, I am no longer going to be writing about what’s going on at City Hall, they ask what I’m going to do with my time. Retire? Find other work?

Although my assigned beat has been City-related, I do write articles having to do with other topics. And now I will have time to do more of what I love: interviewing people for feature stories, and researching topics to learn more in order to write an in-depth article. I should also be able to write more of these columns dealing with matters “Of a certain age.”

I am, and always have been, a student, wanting to broaden my world by delving into interesting subjects. For articles having to do with possible water shortages, I dug deep (no pun intended) into geological formations, aquifers, surface water/ground water, and well drilling.

Oregon land-use laws are unique and require a basic understanding to explain how they guide the City staff, Council, and Planning Commission in making some of their decisions. I studied State websites to better understand the laws.

Currently I’m working on a series of articles having to do with agritourism, regenerative agriculture, and the establishment of a meadery on the Lazy Z Ranch. The project requires a lot of research and interviews, so to me it is fun work.

In my life before Sisters, my varied jobs always involved working directly with people, as a therapist, volunteer coordinator, fundraiser, parish administrator, volunteer, wife, and mother. Getting to meet and interview all kinds of people and hearing their stories isn’t work for me — it’s what I love to do.

My editor, Jim Cornelius, believes, “We have a duty to report the news; it’s an important part of the job. But it is the stories of the people in the community that really mean the most to us and to our readers. They’re the ones that really last.”

These are stories not often seen in big-city dailies. They relay to the reader what makes Sisters a special place to live. They introduce the reader to their neighbors and their experiences and interests that might otherwise not be discovered through casual interactions.

Not having to attend every City meeting is freeing me up to not only write more fun stories, but also to engage in the life of the community like I did when I moved here 19 years ago. However, I will miss seeing on a regular basis the staff at City Hall and all the elected officials and volunteers who keep our fair town running so smoothly. They have been a big part of my City gig and have always been ready to be of assistance in answering my questions and providing information. Thank you all.

Writing for The Nugget is a privilege I never take for granted. Meeting so many wonderful people and keeping up with the happenings in town has enriched my life immeasurably. For those who read what I write, thank you. There’s more to come.