The Nugget Newspaper // Vol. XLIX No. 26 // 2026-07-01

The Nugget

Big Ponderoo shows spirit of Sisters

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

Unseasonable weather tried to make the story about itself during the Big Ponderoo festival last weekend, but the lively, non-stop music vanquished the unseasonable chill, fueled by wind and wispy attempts at rain.

“I’d sit here in a snow storm,” said Camille Wilbur from Portland, who was huddled under a blanket.

“Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays could keep us away from the music,” shouted Beaux Kaynor of Salem, wrapped in a parka as he laughingly tried to overlay the U.S. Postal Service creed on top of the brisk conditions.

They were among the sold-out crowds who jammed Village Green Park Thursday through Saturday for Big Ponderoo.

The festival made good on its promise: “Remember the good ol’ days when you could go to a music festival without buying your tickets on an installment plan and paying $50 or more in service fees? Where you could bring your own chair, grab a beer

in less than 10 minutes, and make friends with the people sitting around you? Where you had enough space to bust a move?

“At Big Ponderoo, we’re on a mission to bring our audience a festival reminiscent of the days before the corporate music monopoly took over — where small-town charm meets

Sisters artist creates image for 4th fest poster

Olive Morris, recent Sisters High School graduate, has created a one-ofa-kind piece of art for this year’s Sisters 4th Fest official poster. Morris, who comes from a family of artists, took to visual arts at a very young age, and has been improving on her craft ever since.

“My whole family are artists in their own way... I started really young, always drawing, always painting. I’ve taken every single art elective that I can. My favorite is definitely acrylic, just because I think I’m so familiar with it, but I also really like doing watercolor,” Morris said.

Morris’ 4th of July painting uses her favorite medium, acrylic, and depicts a community of 4th of July parade

participants celebrating in the shade of tall ponderosa pines.

“I wanted to capture that feeling you get when you’re in a park in our town... there’s just some giant Ponderosa trees all around... it really is like you’re in a little bit of forest,” Morris explained.

Morris was commissioned to create the 4th of July celebration poster by Kellen Klein, executive director at Citizens4Community, also known as C4C. C4C is a Sisters-based organization that plans events, builds engagement and prioritizes outreach to the Sisters community as a whole. Klein first saw Morris’ work at the ARTifacts showcase at

21

world-class live music for an unforgettable, warm, and personal festival experience.” And did they deliver. Fifteen acts; 20 performances including a free concert Thursday night. The grounds were heavily dotted with families, many with young children. They were treated to two sets on the Ponderoo stage, the larger of the two

employed for the festival.

Festival is a key word. Sure, music dominated but there were seven eclectic food carts, art stations, a nearby art walk and a guitar raffle (see sidebar, page 15).

Friday was a first for Ponderoo. Midway through the set of Mountain Grass

See BIG PONDEROO on page 14

Confusion over UGB application

By Susan Cobb Correspondent

The Deschutes County Planning Commission appears to think the City of Sisters needs to include new information in the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) application which the City indicates is already there or are steps to take after the approval of the application. This difference of opinion primarily is about protecting wetlands, streams, riparian, and/or flood zones.

When a UGB application is approved by the County the territory in question is defined as an Urban Area Reserve (UAR) within the County. Should a UGB application be approved, the State Goal 5 protections of wetlands, etc., are to be evidenced when a city completes the UAR area plan map for areas under consideration for annexation.

The County Planning

See UGB on page

SAR aids injured motorcyclist

Search and Rescue personnel came to the aid of an injured motorcyclist in the forest west of Sisters last week.

According to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Deschutes County 9-1-1 received a Garmin emergency activation on Monday, June 22, at 7:14 p.m., from a 66-year-old man from Nampa, Idaho. He reported injuring his leg and shoulder after a slowspeed fall from his motorcycle near Cache Mountain about 10 miles northwest of Sisters.

Deschutes County Search and Rescue (SAR) volunteers responded and reached the rider using all-terrain vehicles. They provided medical care on scene and then transported him to a waiting Sisters–Camp Sherman Fire District

ambulance. The patient was taken to St. Charles Medical Center–Bend for further evaluation and treatment.

“The Sheriff’s Office appreciates the quick work

of our SAR volunteers and the support of our partner agencies in helping bring this call to a safe conclusion” said DSCO spokesman Jason Carr.

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.

Tourism Works for Sisters

To the Editor:

Summer has arrived in Sisters, bringing with it visitors from around Oregon and beyond. As we welcome them, it’s worth reflecting on the positive impact tourism has on our community.

Every visitor who stays overnight, dines at a local restaurant, shops downtown, attends an event, or books a local experience contributes to our economy. Those visitor dollars support local businesses, create jobs, and help sustain the entrepreneurs, artists, retailers, and hospitality workers who make Sisters such a vibrant place to live and visit.

It’s also important to recognize the people who make our busy summer season possible. Business owners and employees, event organizers, volunteers, public safety personnel, public works crews, and countless others who work hard behind the scenes to create a welcoming experience for our guests. Their

efforts showcase the best of Sisters and help generate economic activity that benefits the entire community.

Tourism-generated lodging tax revenue also provides funding for destination marketing, helping attract visitors who support local businesses and contribute to our economy. At Explore Sisters, we focus on attracting responsible visitors, promoting stewardship, and encouraging travel throughout the year to maximize benefits while preserving the character of our community.

Tourism is not just about visitors. It’s about supporting local livelihoods, strengthening small businesses, and investing in the long-term vitality of Sisters. For that, we owe thanks to everyone who helps make our community a destination people are proud to visit and proud to call home.

Scott Humpert

Explore Sisters Executive Director:

See LETTERS on page 13

The Nugget Newspaper, LLC

www.nuggetnews.com | 541-549-9941

442 E. Main Ave., P.O. Box 698, Sisters, OR 97759

Postmaster: Send address changes to The Nugget Newspaper, PO Box 698, Sisters, OR 97759. 3rd Class Postage Paid at Sisters, OR.

The Nugget is available to pick up free at The Nugget office and at businesses throughout Sisters and Tumalo; mail subscriptions are available in the 97759, 97756, 97730, and 97703 zip codes for $55/year; subscriptions outside these zip codes: $70/year, $45/six months (or less).

Thoughtful travelers…

Editor in Chief & Co-owner: Jim Cornelius, editor@nuggetnews.com

Creative Director: Jess Draper, jess@nuggetnews.com

Community Marketing Partner: Kimberly Young, ads@nuggetnews.com

Classifieds & Circulation: Wendy Bachmeier, nugget@nuggetnews.com

Billing: accounting@nuggetnews.com

Proofreading: Kema Clark

Co-owner: J. Louis Mullen

Hardening beats logging for wildfire protection

By George Wuerthner Guest Columnist

One of the frustrations I face as an advocate for forest protection is the continuous stream of wildfire and forest ecology misinformation from government agencies such as the Forest Service and state forestry,

For example, I received an article from the Forest Service titled “Multiple treatments are key to resilient Western Forests. In the opening paragraph, the article asserts: “Forests in the West used to be a lot more open, so wildfires were much less severe.”

The problem with this characterization is that, at best, only about 10 percent of western conifer forests were historically “parklike,” dominated by frequent low-severity blazes.

The primary tree that fits this model is ponderosa pine. However, even in these pine forests, high-severity blazes occurred, leaving many trees dead.

Most western forest types (and most non-forested areas like chaparral) tend to have much longer fire intervals, often many decades to hundreds of years between significant ignitions.

These trees include fir and spruce, hemlock, cedar, Douglas fir, western larch, some pines like lodgepole pine, whitebark, Bishop pine, knobcone pine, Monterey pine, and white pine, as well as aspen. None of these trees fit the high-frequency-low-severity model. When these forests burn, they exhibit significant highseverity mortality.

pro-deforestation agencies to justify thinning and logging the forest is that there are serious methodological issues with such fire-scar studies that tend to exaggerate fire frequency.

For instance, the main way scientists obtain fire scars is by wandering through the forest in search of scarred trees. But this is not a random selection, which biases the studies from the very beginning.

It is analogous to going into a bar on a Saturday night, asking the crowd how many people like to drink alcohol, and getting nearly 100% agreement from the patrons that alcohol is good—then extrapolating that percentage to the community’s overall population. By contrast, the use of other methods to determine past forest stand composition and fire frequency, including photo interpretation, sediment flow studies, pollen studies, charcoal studies, government land office reports, and evolutionary evidence, typically reports longer fire intervals and high-severity blazes as natural events rather than aberrations.

In between these major fires, down logs, snags, and ground litter accumulate. However, this is all within the natural historical condition, not some aberration as often suggested by the Forest Service.

And many national forests had few, if any, ponderosa pine. In the Northern Region of the Forest Service, which includes northern Idaho and all of Montana, only 4% of the forest type is ponderosa pine and other “dry conifer” forests.

A further problem right up front in the opening paragraph goes on to say, “We can actually see scars from old wildfires in crosssections like this one. By cross-dating fire scars from multiple trees, scientists can reconstruct what past forests looked like, including how dense forests were.”

The problem ignored by

A study of “Spatially extensive reconstructions show variable-severity fire and heterogeneous structure in historical western United States dry forests” concluded that: “Park-like stands of large trees maintained by low-severity fire predominated only in parts of the study landscapes.” The main conclusions were: “forests were structurally variable, including areas of dense forests and understory trees and shrubs, and fires varied in severity, including 15 to 65 percent high severity fire.”

In short, the idea that most western ecosystems burned frequently were characterized by open, park-like stands, and were “healthy” ignores both evolutionary and ecological realities. It is a narrative promoted to support more logging of our forests.

The way to protect homes and communities is to reduce the flammability of structures through home hardening. Home hardening is by far the most cost-effective means of reducing wildfire risk and has the fewest ecological and environmental impacts.

George Wuerthner is an ecologist who has written numerous articles on wildfire ecology and several books on the topic.

Donors seek worthy projects for funding

As 100+Women Who Care-Sisters prepares for its next quarterly meeting in July, co-founders Chris Laing and Kathy Campbell recently asked each of its 10 previous grant recipients to reflect on the funding nomination process and what their donations have meant to their organizations.

The consensus: Asking for funding and spending the money has been easy and rewarding in a variety of ways.

Rennie Morrell of STARS said: “100+ Women Who Care’s generosity helped STARS keep our wheels in motion by supporting essential operating expenses.”

Jeanette Pilak of Harmony Farm Sanctuary said: “The excellent process

that 100+WWC created for all nominee submissions … made collecting our data for the presentation direct, succinct and not burdensome. They really provided expertise in how to present our data, making the process easy to follow.”

Cathy Lang of Meals on Wheels said: “Just as meaningful was the opportunity to sit alongside other nonprofits and hear about the remarkable work happening throughout our community.”

Founded in 2024, 100+ Women Who Care-Sisters is a group of women who collectively donate to local nonprofit projects, with no strings attached. Members commit to writing four $100 checks a year made out to a nominated organization

chosen by majority vote at a quarterly meeting.

“On March 28, 2024, 75 women showed up for our inaugural meeting,” recalled Laing. “We were blown away, frankly, but by the end of this very first one-hour meeting, we had collected $7,500 for Harmony Farm Sanctuary!”

As the group grew over the next two years, so did the donation totals. To date, members have nominated 21 organizations, according to Campbell, and 100+Women Who Care-Sisters has donated nearly $100,000 to local nonprofits: Harmony Farm Sanctuary, STARS, Family Access Network, Seed to Table, Furry Friends

Sisters organizations help veterans

By Olivia Nieto Correspondent

“Veterans help veterans.”

This statement reflects a way of life of Pat Bowe, Purple Heart recipient and Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8138, while also serving as encouragement for other Sisters veterans.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion are both veteranrun national organizations advocating for the rights and recognition of American veterans. Both groups are currently seeking local members.

Bowe reflected on the most memorable aspect of

being a member of these organizations:

“The reason I wanted to join the VFW and American Legion was to give back and get involved in community service,” he said. “Somebody took care of me most of my life, so I want to take care of my fellow man.”

Having dedicated part of your life to the United States military during a period of war is no small feat, and both the VFW and the American Legion work to promote a variety of issues to support this dedication in Congress, including preventing veteran suicide, expanding

Gallery hosts receptions during Quilt Week

Quilt Week is one of the most anticipated weeks of the year in Sisters, and Makin’ it Local is adding even more creativity to the celebration by hosting four consecutive Artist Receptions featuring nationally and regionally recognized artists unveiling new work created especially for Quilt Show Week.

As thousands arrive in Sisters for Quilter’s Affair and the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show, Makin’ it Local is extending the celebration beyond quilts by showcasing artists whose work reflects

SISTERS AREA MEETING CALENDAR

BOARDS, GROUPS, CLUBS

Al -Anon

Mon., noon, Shepherd of t he Hills Lutheran Church. 5 41-610 -7383. Alcoholics Anonymous

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 the 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 Tyers Guild

For Saturday meeting dates and loc ation, email: steelef ly@msn.c om Central Oregon Trail Alliance (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 Cen tral O regon

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.

Go Fish Fishing G roup

3rd Monday, 7 p.m., Siste rs C ommunity Church. 5 41-771-2 211.

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 Recreation Communit y Center. 5 41-588 -0547.

Mili tary Parent s of Sisters 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., m eeting 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 Woodworkers First Tuesday, 7 to 9 p.m. 5 41-231-18 97

Sisters Bridge C lub Thursdays, 12:30 p.m. at Sisters C ommunity Church. Email sistersb ridge2021@gmail.com.

Sisters Caregi ver Suppor t G roup 2nd & 4t h Weds., 1-2:30 p.m. Siste rs Rec. Communit y Center. 5 41-588 -0547. (Meets with Living W ell With Dementia Sisters)

Sisters Cribbage C lub Wednesdays, 11 a.m. at T he Lodge, 411 E. Car penter L ane. 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 Kiwanis 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 11:3 0 a.m. to 1 p.m., at SPR D in Sisters 541- 632- 3663

Sisters Parent Teacher Communit y 2nd Tuesday, 6 p.m. at Sisters Element ar y School Commons. 9 17-219 -8298

Sisters Rotary 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, Noon to 1 p.m., at SPR D. 5 41-760 -5 64 5.

Sisters Veterans no- host lunch, Thursdays, noon, Takoda’s Rest aurant. All veterans welcome, 5 41-241-6 56 3.

Sisters Trail s Alliance Board M eetings take p lac e every other month, 5 p.m. In -person or zoom. Contact: info@ sisterstrails.org.

Songwriters Sharing Circl e All ages welcome. 2nd Wednesday 6 p.m., at The Hub, 5 41-977-8 49 4.

Three Sister s Irrigation Distric t Board of D irectors M eets 2nd Tuesday, 10 a.m., TSID Off ic e. 5 41-9 03 -405 0.

Three Sister s Lions Club 3rd Thursday, 6:3 0 p.m., Spoons Rest aurant. 5 41-419 -1279.

VF W Post 813 8 and A merican Legion Post 86 1st Wednesday of the month, 6:30 p.m., The Hub, 291 E. M ain Ave. sistersveterans@gmail. com.

SCHOOLS

Black But te School Boa rd of Directors 2nd Tuesday, 3:3 0 p.m. 5 41-595 -6203. See schedule www.blackbutte.k12.or.us/

Sisters School District Board of Directors O ne Wednesday m onthly, Sisters School District Administr ation Building. See schedule at www.ssd 6.org. 541- 549-8 521 x5 002.

the same appreciation for color, pattern, craftsmanship, and storytelling. The receptions are designed for both visitors and local residents, offering everyone the opportunity to experience another side of Oregon’s vibrant arts community while meeting the artists behind the work.

From Tuesday, July 7, through Friday, July 10, locals and visitors are invited to meet the artists, enjoy complimentary wine, refreshments, and light

CITY & PARKS

Sisters Ci ty Council 2nd & 4t h Wednesday, 6:3 0 p.m., Siste rs Cit y Hall 541- 549- 6022

Sisters Park & Recreation District Board

FIRE & POLICE

Black

Black

Sisters Weather FORECAST

Wednesday

July 1 • Mostly Sunny 72/41

Thursday

July 2 • Partly Cloudy 77/46

Friday

July 3 • Sunny 80/45

Saturday

July 4 • Sunny 86/50

Sunday

July 5 • Partly Cloudy 85/50

Monday

July 6 • Sunny 84/49

Tuesday

July 7 • Sunny 83/49

Hometown Hang will feature bluegrass band

SFF Presents invites the community to the fourth annual Hometown Hang, a free evening of live music and philanthropy on Friday, August 7, at Sisters Art Works. The event will feature performances by local Americana duo Skybound Blue and acclaimed bluegrass band Never Come Down, along with a chance to connect with local nonprofit organizations and learn more about the important work they do in the community.

Never Come Down was born from the vibrant, if occasionally overlooked, music scene of Portland. Much like the city that inspired them, they’re a smart, charming, offbeat amalgam of varied backgrounds and tastes. In today’s paradoxical world where honoring tradition is often pitted against exploration and innovation, the band confidently walks the line between the modern and the tried-andtrue. They’ve gained a loyal following and continue to win over audiences everywhere from Reykjavik’s Iceland Airwaves to San Francisco’s acclaimed Hardly Strictly Bluegrass. They’ve gained the attention of industry veterans, and toured in support of notable acts such as Yonder Mountain String Band and The Travelin’ McCourys. Never Come Down’s live performance never disappoints, with showmanship, songwriting, and musical prowess far beyond their years.

The evening kicks off with a performance from married duo Matt and Jenny Behnke of Skybound Blue. Their unique brand of harmony-driven, digdeep-and-tell-the-story-inyour-bones Americana makes for a fantastic live show that is entertaining, funny, and down to earth.

This free, family-friendly event is open to all ages. Food will be available from

Barrio, Sen, and Bonta, along with alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. SFF Presents is partnering with Citizens4Community to bring together regional nonprofits including the High Desert Food & Farm Alliance, Habitat for Humanity, Deschutes Trail Coalition, Sisters Vision/City of Sisters, Caldera Arts, Furry Friends Foundation, and CORE. Attendees will have a chance to meet local leaders, learn about volunteer opportunities, and offer feedback on current community needs and challenges.

The concert will be held at the Sisters Art Works venue at 204 W. Adams Ave. in downtown Sisters. Gates open at 5 p.m. with music starting at 6 p.m. Additional information is available at https://www.sffpresents.org/concerts. Patrons are encouraged to walk or bike to the venue; street parking is available.

In an effort to reduce waste generated at their events, SFF Presents does not offer disposable cups for drink service. Patrons should bring a 16-ounce SFF-branded pint cup if they plan to enjoy an alcoholic beverage. Due to strict OLCC permitting rules, alternate vessels won’t be accepted at the bar.

Do not bring pets or outside food or alcohol to this event. There will be a free filtered water station to fill your empty bottle. Bring your own low-back chair or blanket.

Oregon State Police release information on fatal crash

Oregon State Police released information on Tuesday, June 23, regarding a fatal crash that closed Highway 126 for hours last Friday.

According to OSP, on Friday, June 19, at 12:05 p.m., law enforcement responded to a two-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 126 near milepost 103.5 between Sisters and Redmond.

The preliminary investigation indicated a black GMC Sierra pulling a tandem axle dump trailer, operated by Luis Alberto Santos Milan, age 26, of Bend, was traveling westbound on Highway 126 near Redmond when it attempted to avoid slowing traffic and crossed into the eastbound

travel lane. An eastbound gray Honda Accord, operated by Christopher Richard Pettit, age 58, of Gilchrist, collided head on with the dump trailer in the eastbound travel lane.

A passenger in the Honda, Michelle Renee Pettit, age 59, of Gilchrist, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The operator of the Honda, Christopher Pettit, was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries.

The operator of the GMC, Santos Milan, was reportedly not injured. Santos Milan remained on scene and cooperated with the investigation.

The highway was impacted for approximately three hours during the onscene investigation.

Come celebrate longtime Sisters resident Ma ie Bu ’s 98th Bi hday! On the Patio at Sisters S al n & Ra nch G Tues., July 7 • 4–7 PM Enjoy l ive music & bi hday cupcakes!

Sisters Country continues to shine in golf

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

With a regional population of around 300,000, the area around Sisters Country might be expected to support a handful of decent courses and a modest amateur scene. Instead, it has built one of the most formidable golf ecosystems in the American West with nearly 30 courses, several with national reputations, a robust competitive calendar, and a year-round playing culture that most regions can only envy.

A regional golf assessment compiled earlier this year by Travel Oregon noted: “Few places with a population under 300,000 offer nearly 30 courses, multiple nationally ranked layouts, a robust amateur tournament calendar, and a golfing season that can stretch through much of the year.”

The numbers bear that out. Courses per capita surrounding Sisters Country far exceed the national average. The cluster around Bend includes destination resort venues like Tetherow, Crosswater, Pronghorn Resort (rebranded as Juniper Preserve), with our own Aspen Lakes and Black Butte Ranch among them alongside affordable municipal options like Meadow Lakes Golf Course in Prineville.

That range, from $40 municipal rounds to $250plus peak-season resort fees, creates an unusually layered playing field where beginners and serious competitors coexist.

Meadow Lakes has hosted Oregon Golf Association events including the MidAmateur, Public Links, Team Championship, and Junior Championship, no small

achievement for a public facility. The OGA tournament circuit, combined with the Central Oregon Golf Tour, club championships, men’s and women’s leagues, high school programs, and junior golf organizations, gives players at every level a meaningful competitive outlet.

What makes Central Oregon’s scene distinctive isn’t just the quantity of courses. It’s the quality of the players too. The region’s roughly 300 sunny days a year encourage year-round participation, and that consistent play shows up in the numbers.

Jeff Fought, director of golf at Black Butte Ranch, has watched the golf scene evolve in his 26 years.

“I have seen a big population increase and golf has boomed,” he said. “We had great forefathers that really were the driving force of getting Central Oregon golf on the map.

“Gene ‘Bunny’ Mason was at the very start of Black Butte Ranch. Then came his head golf professional — JD Mowlds who became director of golf. Both PGA hall of famers. Then there was Terry Anderson who started Eagle Crest and he was also a Hall of Famer.

“Next was Bruce Wattenburger who started the new Juniper also a Hall of Famer. Sunriver had many great golf professionals through the years: Verne Perry, Tim Berg, and Brad Myrick. I’m sure I’m missing some, but those are ones I remember. Just think of all the great courses in Central Oregon that were built between 1995-2005 — Crosswater, Pronghorn — both courses, Juniper, Aspen Lakes, and Quail Run.

“That’s some good golf,” he exclaimed. “We have had some good players in Central Oregon but what sticks out to me are the investments of our forefathers that made Central Oregon what it is today.”

Handicap indexes here tend to run below the national recreational average. Local club championships often require scores in the mid-70s to low-80s just to contend, and men’s events routinely draw multiple players carrying handicaps under five.

In that sense, Central Oregon resembles Scottsdale, Palm Springs, or Myrtle Beach more than a typical community of its size. The difference, as the assessment notes, is scale: a smaller population base supporting a disproportionately large infrastructure of quality golf.

Green fees across the region reflect that quality without approaching the stratospheric prices of elite destinations. Municipal and value courses typically run $40 to $70. Mid-tier public venues fall in the $70 to $120 range. Premium resort courses like Tetherow, Crosswater, and Pronghorn can exceed $150 to $250 during summer peak season.

The regional weekday average for public courses is roughly $68, somewhat above the national norm of $40 to $80, but well below marquee destinations like Bandon Dunes or Pebble Beach.

Specific examples: Quail Run runs approximately $95 walking and $115 with a cart during the regular season. Aspen Lakes has historically ranged from $49 to $75 depending on the time of year.

Golf participation nationally has remained near modern highs since the pandemic-era

surge that brought millions of new players to the game, both on-course and at simulator facilities. Central Oregon has benefited from that tide while offering something that most fast-growing golf markets cannot manufacture quickly: an established, highquality course inventory with

decades of competitive tradition behind it.

The result, by most measures, is a region that ranks among the top 20 golf destinations in the United States, a remarkable distinction for a high-desert corner of Oregon that most sports maps would overlook entirely.

Fourth of July teachable moments

By Edie Jones Columnist

Happy Birthday, USA!

Not just any birthday. It’s our 250th. What a golden opportunity to share the insights of history that have come down to us over the years with your kids. Who knows how much each of us adults might also learn in the process.

This is a “teachable moment.”

It could be an unplanned event that sparks curiosity or discussion, such as the many times your child asks a question, makes a mistake, or a current news story comes up on TV.

Perhaps it will be a high-interest situation that lends itself to learning about a specific topic. If you are a bread maker and your child is kneading the dough, take a few minutes to ask them why it’s important to do that, or let them decide where to plant a new seedling in the garden. Ask them why they chose that spot.

It could be a moment of personal engagement with an issue that comes up, where an explanation makes it easier to understand a behavior or value you wish to impart.

In parenting, it might be a child’s curiosity about a new concept or a mistake that offers a chance to teach responsibility. Or, by engaging your older children in a discussion about current political ideas.

Some things to watch for are:

• Moments when your kids are open and receptive to learning something new. When involved in their favorite game with a best friend may not be the best time, unless it can be naturally interjected into the situation.

• A topic or event is closely connected to the learner’s interests or current situation.

• Something happens, unexpected or planned, that lends itself to teaching.

According to Google, “A teachable moment is a natural, contextually ripe opportunity to teach something effectively…” which takes us back to July 4 of this year. It doesn’t need to be an involved search for information to pursue this idea. Ask yourself, what are some of the things you’ve wondered about? Use an old-fashioned encyclopedia or just Google it. Most anything we want to know will come up, and it’ll probably be pretty accurate.

Questions like:

• How were the colors of the flag decided upon?

• What’s the proper way to raise a flag, and when should it come down?

• What’s proper etiquette for when and how to salute the flag?

• Why do we salute the flag?

• How did July 4 come to be the day of our birth? What is its significance?

• What are typical foods eaten on July 4 in different

areas of our country?

• Does the Fourth of July have different meanings to the variety of cultures shared in our country?

• What other countries’ birthdays are recognized or celebrated in the U.S.?

I’m sure you all have many things you’ve wondered about and were embarrassed to ask, for fear of showing you didn’t know. Often, I just don’t ask, and when I don’t, I miss out.

That sense of wonder is important to instill in our kids. It’s one of those gifts we adults need to pass on. With it, the sense of learning, wanting to know, and the ability to go looking will develop. From that, kids learn.

At my husband’s Celebration of Life service, one of my daughters spoke about her relationship with her dad. A highlight she shared was about their heated discussions on many topics. Though they disagreed, they always learned from each other and respected each other, regardless of their opinions. In all ways, he encouraged that sense of wonder, the importance of delving into ideas, and, if needed, to change your mind about what you were thinking.

This summer, there will be many opportunities to instill that sense of wonder, often because a teachable moment is taken advantage of. What better place to begin than with our 250th birthday?

The Nugget asked readers to write brief thoughts on the importance and the power of what has been called “the greatest sentence ever written”: “We hold these truths to be selfevident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

s s s

That sentence comes from the preamble to the Declaration of Independence, adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776 — 250 years ago this week.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident” validates the fundamental principles of individual liberty as simple, established truths. It is not a mere belief that all men are created equal — it is a fact. The founders asserted that our fundamental rights come not from the benevolent hand of some king or potentate — they come from our creator. They are natural rights. We are born with them, and they are not to be granted or arbitrarily taken away by the hand of man.

The assertions in the “greatest sentence ever written” were radical in their day, and they are evergreen principles — a trust placed upon us to never accept arbitrary power that threatens life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Jim Cornelius, Editor in Chief

s s s

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness”.

It’s the first sentence of the second paragraph of the preamble to our Declaration of Independence from the British crown. Walter Isaacson says it’s the greatest sentence ever written. Why? Well, for me it boils down to one extraordinary experiment in creating a new form of political governance the world had never experienced. In one sentence Thomas Jefferson, with Benjamin Franklin’s editorializing, defined the principles that would shape ideals, values, and social mores of the founding fathers and future generations. It became the foundation on which to establish and maintain the greatest and most enviable representative democracy the world has ever known.

The sentence does not guarantee flawless execution; it challenges us to carefully navigate a path toward a more perfect union subservient to the people. It reminds us that we are

See AMERICA 250 on page 7

not entitled to the rights embodied in its text, they are not granted by any government. Our rights are irrevocable because they are endowed to us by a higher spiritual authority.

I have spent more than half my life in military service to our country and have considered this sentence fundamental to my understanding of why I serve. It challenges me to embrace and, at times, engage in causes greater than myself.

For me, there can be no higher calling than to serve and protect Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness for us all.

James Cunningham. Brig Gen (ret), USAF

s s s

Thomas Jefferson’s “Greatest Sentence Ever Written” in the Declaration of Independence sets the groundwork for American democracy. Democracy depends on respecting each other as human beings with value, equality, and autonomy, even if we don’t agree. We must feel safe to voice our opinions without fear of being punished, negotiate laws and policies for the good of all people not just grab for power, and pursue our dreams without fear of domination or confiscation. At its core, however, I believe this sentence is the greatest ever written because there is absolute truth set into the universe by a creator God who formed humanity in His image.

Because of this, I believe every life, born or unborn, fit or handicapped, of every race has a right to life because they are formed by God. And, if God formed each life, then we each deserve respect equally to make decisions and follow our God-given path, not as a slave or pawn to be used by others, but as free souls able to choose and do what we believe is best. And, if we are all pursuing happiness so that everyone can be happy, what

HOUSING APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

Applications are available starting Monday, June 15, 2026 for TWO Habitat homes located in Sisters.

Download the application at www.sistershabitat.org/ apply-for-housing or pick up a paper copy at the Sisters Habitat Administrative O ce.

Visit www.sistershabitat.org for complete details

APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN JULY 10, AT 3 PM

better way to live?

Maybe I’m a little idealistic, but I find putting my mind on things above helps me live out my ideals. And, isn’t that what this sentence calls us to do?

Wendy Bachmeier

s s s

Declaration of Independence

As the daughter of a naval officer, my childhood was shaped by constant movement. I grew up traveling across the United States and around the world, living off base in the cities and communities that became part of our story.

In the Philippines we lived in Cavite City. I befriended our Filipino neighbors when I crawled over the cement wall dividing our yards and landed on the dirt floor of their communal kitchen. Tagalog became my second language.

We were taught that “all men are created equal” means all people — all humans. We are cut from the same cloth, more alike than different.

Shoulder to shoulder our loved ones have made sacrifices, never caring who was Democrat or Republican, LGBTQ, or what religion. We are all of us imperfect people living on a flawed planet just trying to hold onto what is good and right.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

To me, this phrase is all inclusive. Moving forward maybe we can become more united than divided.

Karen Keady

s s s

Beginnings matter. We celebrate them through birthdays, graduations, and anniversaries because

they remind us of hope, possibility, and the promise of a desired future. Yet even the best beginnings encounter setbacks and struggles. Those moments can shape us, producing growth, humility, and the pursuit of our better angels.

Each of us is drawn to a particular phrase in this great sentence. For me, the words “endowed by their Creator” stir my heart. They remind me that every person possesses God-given dignity, purpose, and potential. Human flourishing emerges when tenderness of heart is joined with skillfulness of hands. We are gifted for a purpose greater than ourselves, yet one that requires us to live together with compassion, responsibility, and mutual respect.

Too often we lose sight of that beginning. We argue over directions, weaponize our beliefs, and diminish the beauty and uniqueness of others simply because they are different. Fear and division create a chasm so deep that we forget what brought us together in the first place.

The Declaration points us back to our origin. It reminds us that we have a Creator who endows us with gifts and purpose. As Augustine observed, “Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in God.” In these divided times, may we remember our shared beginning. I am grateful that 250 years ago our nation affirmed that we are endowed by our Creator for the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness. Let us not forget Him—or one another. We are better together.

Steve Stratos s s s

The Declaration of Independence is very meaningful to me.

It says: “ All men are created equal, they’re

Las solicitudes estarán disponibles desde el 15 de junio de 2026 para DOS viviendas de Habitat ubicadas en Sisters.

Descargue la solicitud en www.sistershabitat.org/ apply-for-housing o recoja una copia impresa en la O cina Administrativa de Sisters Habitat.

Para más información visite, www.sistershabitat.org

LAS SOLICITUDES DEBEN SER RECIVIDAS A MÁS TARDAR EL 10 DE JULIO A LAS 3 PM

Camp Sunrise supports grieving children

All the elements of grief therapy were woven into a kids summer camp. Or, all the elements of summer camp were woven into grief therapy. Whichever it was, ClearPath Healthcare’s 28th annual Camp Sunrise changed hearts and lives this year.

Thirty-two kids aged 7–14 spent June 19–21 at Cascade View Retreat Center in Powell Butte. The kids looked for lizards, played tag, threw stuffed animals to and from bunks in their cabins, and came up with their cabin chant (“Dinosaurs, Dinosaurs, Sunshine….. RAWR!”). They made new friends, screamed the song Baby Shark at breakfast, and had a huge glow-stick dance party which shook the walls.

But Camp Sunrise is more than that. All 32 campers had something in common – they were grieving. Some kids were grieving a parent who died. Some were grieving two parents who died. Or a sibling. Or a friend… or a pet.

Camp Sunrise is one of Oregon’s longest-running overnight grief camps for children. Going on its 28th year, Camp Sunrise remains 100 percent free to the families and guardians who send their kids to camp.

The kids had opportunities to bond with other kids who might’ve gone through something similar. They came to camp, and realized “I’m not the only one.’’

They learned it isn’t their job to make their caregivers happy, if they are grieving too. They learned that grief can look like anger sometimes, loneliness sometimes, and acting out sometimes. The kids were given a container for their grief. A safe space to tell adults and other kids how they feel, and they were given vessels (songs, art) and opportunities to share their feelings with their peers and new friends.

Campers made memory boxes in memory of the person they lost. They made power sticks (named to represent the power of love) in memory of the person they lost. They presented the power sticks to the other kids during a heartfelt candlelight ceremony. They had journal time, reminders that in life we tumble through adversity (like a rough rock in a rock tumbler) but ultimately we come out more compassionate from all the bumps along the way.

The camp theme song captures how love, fun, and deep grief can be woven together in one powerful weekend: “Memories and stories as we think of those we love… happiness, tears, and a smile. We’ll always remember our time here at Camp Sunrise… keep me in your heart for a while.”

If you know a grieving child, connect them with ClearPath Healthcare’s Bereavement Coordinator and Camp Sunrise Director Kat Crawford at kat@clearpath healthcare.org. To learn more you can also call ClearPath Healthcare at 541-548-7483. Camp Sunrise exists because the community helps support it. ClearPath gratefully accepts any donations to help ensure Camp Sunrise remains free for the families and guardians caring for grieving children.

Ethan Eby will play football in Virginia

By Rongi Yost Correspondent

Ethan Eby has been a standout player for the Outlaws football team since his freshman year. He has signed to play for Southern Virginia University in Buena Vista, Virginia. As a D3 school, the university is unable to offer athletic scholarships, but Eby was offered a substantial academic scholarship, and that, along with Sisters Graduate Resource Organization (GRO) scholarships, will pay for his first year of school.

Eby has played football since he was in third grade and his dedication and hard work is evident in his high school accolades. He was named First Team All League Linebacker both his sophomore and junior year, and as a senior he earned First Team All League Linebacker, First Team All League Running Back, Defensive Player of the Year, Third Team All State, and the Bend Bulletin’s Athlete of the Year for Football.

On his campus visit to Virginia this past winter, Eby was immediately impressed with the campus.

“I got to meet coaches and players, and even some of the professors I’ll be having,” said Eby. “It was emphasized how one-on-one the professors are and how they care about the individual. It was a very welcoming experience,

and everyone seemed to know everyone else and seemed supportive of one another.”

One of the main reasons Eby chose to go to Southern Virginia was the unique opportunity of being an apprentice at the nearby Rockbridge Creative Institute. The institute is a construction institute that hasn’t yet started. It’s a 420-acre complex that currently has just a few buildings on it, and with help from apprentices will continue to build additional facilities.

Eby said, “The construction institute is a big reason I’m headed to Virginia. I will be learning the trade and earning money to help pay for school. I start in early July and will be involved in construction of more buildings on the campus, and this summer we’ll be focusing on building 20 mini-homes. I’ll be learning all aspects of the construction trade, as well as other trades, like masonry, plumbing, electrical, timber framing, and much more.”

Once the campus is complete and classes begin it will be a two-and-a-half year program. At the same time, Eby will be pursuing a degree in Business Management and Leadership at Southern Virginia. His goal is to work in some area of construction once he graduates.

“I wasn’t expecting to go to a small school across the country, but everything just lined up,” said Eby. “The

for Southern Virginia University.

diverse opportunity with the construction institute, the school’s program and the professors, and football made the decision easy.”

Eby will attend football camp starting August 11, and play in his first game on September 3, as an inside linebacker.

Eby told The Nugget that he just received a text from his defensive coach regarding their first game that said, “Our first game is against the D3 defending champions, UW-River Falls, and it will be a good game to show us what you’ve got.”

Eby will go from an Outlaw to a Knight and is looking forward to what lies ahead.

“I’m super excited to learn all the trades, pursue my degree, and play collegiate ball,” said Eby.

endowed by their creator with the right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.”

First and foremost, I’m proud to be an American. For me, when I look back, this feeling started when I was four years old and my father come home in his Navy uniform. He went away to war, World War II for four years of my life.

During that war, we lived with my immigrant Czechoslovakian grandparents who came to America for a better life…a life of liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

To me, this pursuit is personal and corporate (all of us). I believe I was put here by my God, my Creator, to enjoy and protect these values. I don’t look to the Government to do this for me. It is my personal responsibility, and, we all have a community ‘compact’ with each other to support each other. I cannot do this alone.

Finally, as I look to the future of our country, I feel we must be vigilant and positive about the future, always looking to support the values of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness and support one another.

Bruce Rognlien s s s

The “greatest sentence” was a declaration, not an invitation to argue or debate. Self-evident.

Declaring not only birth of a nation, but declaring primacy of the individual: not society, not the state or nation, not a religion, not the king. A Declaration of the right for each of us to be who we want to be, to have a dream, to become what we dream.

As opposed to the taking of these rights: the taking of a life, taking of liberty, taking of pursuit of happiness.

Life: of course. Without which, the rest are moot.

Liberty: On our shared commons, there will always be tension. The Declaration set the rules of engagement to favor individuals over whatever else may claim power. Liberty to think, to act, to pursue.

Pursuit of Happiness: This is no guarantee, because guarantees would conflict with the underlying first principal. Taking away an individual’s rights in favor of any other must only occur in defense of individual rights over all.

These rights are fundamental, but are not the totality of our rights. The Declaration stated“among these…” But any other rights granted through the Constitution’s “Bill of Rights” must be measured against these, named and Declared. Erik Dolson

Tougher outdoor air quality guidance

By Shaanth Nanguneri Oregon Capital Chronicle

Oregon kids and teens participating in outdoor activities need to protect themselves from air pollution that is more harmful than scientists previously understood, according to new state guidance.

The Oregon Health Authority released new guidelines this week to help families, schools, and athletic leagues decide when and how to host outdoor activities during wildfire smoke and instances of poor air quality. The new recommendations come as Oregon’s wildfire season started early this year and is expected to last into October amid historic heat and drought.

Oregon’s guide relies on the air quality index, which measures particulates, carbon monoxide, and other pollutants and ranges from 0 to 500. Higher ratings mean less healthy air.

The updated guidance for children and youth comes in response to what the health authority said was increasing scientific research concluding that smoke can harm children at lower levels of exposure than previously thought by researchers. Children breathe more air relative to body weight than adults, and kids with asthma, lung or heart disease or diabetes are particularly vulnerable to air quality, according to state health officials.

Here’s a look at health officials’ recommendations:

• When the air quality

index is between 0 and 50, or “good,” no restrictions on outdoor activity are necessary.

• In the ”moderate” status between 51 and 100, children and youth with underlying health conditions should be allowed to opt out of activities, stay inside or limit intensity. For activities like summer camp or outdoor school that last four or more hours, children with health conditions should move to an area with greater air quality, and all other youth should be allowed to opt out of activities or to stay indoors. The previous guide stated that “It’s a good day to be active outside” for short activities.

• When air quality levels are considered “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” with an index between 101 and 150, or orange status, the health authority recommends limiting the intensity of all youth outdoor activity regardless of the duration or whether individuals have underlying conditions. The guidelines encourage schools and

institutions to consider canceling or moving the event to areas with better air quality if the intensity and length of an activity cannot be changed. If an event lasts longer than four hours, the intensity of the activity cannot be lowered and the event cannot be relocated, it should be canceled.

• Once air quality is considered “unhealthy,” “very unhealthy,” or “hazardous” — anything higher than 150 on the air quality index — the guidance is the same: Cancel outdoor activities or move them to an area with safer air conditions. That previously only applied to very unhealthy or hazardous air quality conditions at any duration.

• The guidance also recommends light indoor activity if the level of fine and inhalable particulate matter indoors from emissions such as gas, oil, and diesel is “high.”

Oregonians seeking more information and resources

Buildable Lots: Create

your

dream life in Sisters!

Level, ready-to-build properties with water and sewer at the street. Parklike setting with mature ponderosas adjacent to Whychus Creek. Near schools, galleries, restaurants, etc.

681 Elm St. $229,000 MLS#220219493

691 Elm St. $244,500 MLS#220214722 157 Black Crater Ave $239,000 4722 0 MLS#220219492

243 W. Adams A

WAdA Si t

Don’t miss your front-row spot on Adams Avenue improvements! Incomeproducing cottage (previously a monthly rental) sits on 2 lots zoned “Downtown Commercial.” Keep as a single-family home or max out the commercial opportunities. $449,000 MLS#220217392

720 N. Hindeman St., Sisters

720N Hi dS

Low-stress living with access to all that Sisters has to offer in this lovingly cared for 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath, 1,691 sq. ft. townhome. Off-street parking, alley access, and a garage add convenience and exceptional storage. $489,000 MLS#220217074

16921 Lady Caroline Dr

CS

Soaring vaulted ceilings and expansive windows drench the interior with light and showcase the stunning scenery.

Three en suite bedrooms on main, and a large en suite bonus room with wet bar and full bath upstairs. Below assessed value. $1,699,000 MLS#220220342

70440 Li B li Bl k

70440

Linnaea Borealis, Black Butte Ranch

Experience the craftsmanship and privacy of this 5-bedroom (main-level primary), 3-bath home. The 1.5+ acre lot affords peace and luxury. Step into comfort with vaulted ceilings, a soaring basalt fireplace, and forest views. $1,895,000 MLS#220218217

MLS#220222545

COMM UN IT Y AN NOUNCE ME NTS

“Timeless Treasu res”

Museum Benefit Sa le Satu rd ay, July 18 , at t he Sisters

Fi re H all . i s sale bene t s ree Sisters H istorica l

Societ y a nd featu res a c urated

sele ct ion of “gent ly u sed ” items

nd ready to s ta rt training a nd soc ia lization Puppies a re f u n but a lso a lot of work! R ig g y w il l need plent y of menta l a nd physic al en rich ment a s he g rows i nto a happy, hea lt hy dog. Come by and meet R ig g y tod ay!

—

Black Butte Veterinary Clinic

541-549-1837

SIST ER S COMM UN IT Y FOOD RE SOURCE S

Free Lu nches for

Seniors COACO o ers no-cost

socia l lunc h e ver y Tuesd ay, 11 a .m . to 1 p.m . at Sisters

Commun it y C hu rc h, 130 0 W. McK en zie Hwy No reser vation s neede d. No -cost Grab-N-Go lu nc hes weekly on

Wednesday a nd u rsday, from 12:3 0 to 1 p.m . Cal l 541-79 7-93 67

Week ly Food Pa nt ry

COR E M arket , loc ated at 22 2 N. Trinit y Way i n Si sters . Mondays , 1 to 2 p. m . I nfo: 5 41-588 -2 332. Free Week ly Meal

Serv ice

Famil y K itchen hos t s a week ly to-go hot mea l on Tuesdays , 4:3 0 to 5:3 0 p.m., at Sisters Com mu nity

Church, 130 0 W. McK en zie

Hw y. I nfo: www

Fami lyKitc hen.org.

Free Pet Food

Need pet food for you r dog or c at? Cal l t he Fur ry

Fr iend s pet food b an k at 541-79 7- 40 2 3 to s chedule

you r pic kup. L oc ated at 412 E . M ai n Ave., Ste. 4, beh ind 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.

Don at ion s needed . Cal l D ia ne at 5 41-610 -632 3 for in form at ion or to m ake a rrangement s for donation pic kup. V ie w f acebook page for photos of item s for s ale.

St ud io Tours

Wednesday, July 1, 5 to 6 :3 0

p. m . at t he P ine Meadow R anch

Center for A rt s & A gr ic ultu re.

Enjoy a tou r of t he studios where resident a rt ist s a re ex peri ment ing , conducting rese arch, a nd developing new work during t hei r t ime at t he

Ra nc h . i s e vent i s f ree a nd open to t he public . R eg istrat ion i s requi red at h ps:// roundhou sefoundation .org / events/. For more i nfo c al l 5 4190 4- 070 0 or ema i l i nquiries@ roundhou sefoundation .org

Fi rst Fr id ay Fa mi ly Fun

Bi ngo Night

Fr id ay, July 3 . L oc al s a nd vi sitor s of a l l age s welcome! i s i s a c ash e vent . D in ner for purchase beg in s at 5 p.m

Ga mes beg i n at 5:3 0 p.m . $20 packet i nc lude s t hree c ard s for each of 10 game s w it h a loc al merc ha nt g i ca rd awa rde d a s a pr ize, plu s a n add it iona l c ard for the 11t h game featuring $10 0 cas h pri ze. 5 0/5 0 R a e opt ion: ticket s a re $ 2 eac h or 6 for $10

Ha l f of r a e pot w il l bene t

Livi ng Wel l w it h Dementi a –

Si sters . e Epi scopa l C hu rc h of t he Tra ns gu ration, 121

Brook s Camp R d., Sisters . I nfo: 541-549-70 87

Amer ican Legion and VF W VF W Post 8138 a nd A merica n Le gion Post 8 6 meet t he rst Wed ne sd ay of e ac h mont h at 6 :3 0 p.m. , at e Hub, 291 E . M ai n St . E ma il sister sveteran s@gm ail.com for in form at ion.

Notice of Elec tion for Sisters City Counci l

Notice i s hereby g iven t hat a Genera l E lect ion w il l be held on November 3 , 2 026 , for t hree position s on t he Sisters Cit y Counci l . e r st d ay to le for a Cit y Cou nc i l pos it ion w as Wednesday, June 3 , 2 026 . To be el ig ible one must be a q ua li ed elec tor i n O regon, a c ur rent regi stered voter i n t he Cit y of Si sters , a nd must h ave been a resident of t he Cit y for 12 mont h s preceding t he elect ion. Cit y Cou nc i l pos it ion s a re nonpa rt isan . E lect ion m ater ia l s c an be fou nd on t he Cit y website at: www.c i. sisters.or.u s . e term s of C ou nc ilor M ic hael

Preedin, Cou nc ilor Gar y R oss, and Cou nc ilor C hery l Pel leri n wi l l end on December 31, 2 026. Al l t hree a re e ligible to apply for reelect ion . Candidates a re encourage d to obt ai n elect ion material s by A ug ust 4, 2 026.

Al l l ing requi rement s for incu mbents must be c ompleted

by 5:0 0 p.m . on A ug ust 18, 2026, a nd new c andidates by 5: 0 0 p.m . on A ug ust 2 5 , 2 026. For quest ion s about t he process , em ai l Mon ic a Bur meister at mbur meister@ci.sisters .or.us , or stop by Cit y H al l at 52 0 E Cascad e Avenue.

Free Veteri na ry Clin ic

Wednesday, July 1, 10 a .m . to 12 p. m . at COR E , 22 2 Trinit y Way

O ering no-cost pet v acci ne s (i nc luding rabies), brief well ne s s e xa ms , dog /c at food, and s uppl ies . Fir st come- rst serve w it h no prior reg istrat ion necessar y. Contac t L ia m Boeh ning at l ia m@ca mpcl in ic s. org or 5 41-633 -3979.

Volu nteers Needed to Help Horses

Ca lling a l l hor se lover s! H appy

Trail s Hor se R escue i n Tum alo need s volunteers! Ca n you help u s help hor ses? New Volunteer Or ient at ion i s t he r st a nd t hi rd Su nd ay s of t he mont h at 10 a .m or c al l to s chedule! L ea r n more at h ps://www.h appy trai lshr org.

Interpretive Wa lk s

Su mmer 2026

Free Sat urday mor ning w alks o ered by F riends of t he

Metolius . K id s a re welcome, but please no dogs . Wea r stu rdy footwea r a nd bring w ater

Ju ly 4, 9 to 11 a.m. Ca mp Sher ma n Br idge to Al li ng ha m

Br idge and back Lear n about the u nique r ipar ia n h abit at of the Metol iu s ecosy stem, e xplore ea rly C amp S herm a n h istory, and obser ve c ha nges to t he r iver to enh ance sh h abit at . L eader: Sco Blau . For i nfo: 503 -730803 4 or 5 41-595 -6 439.

Cent ra l Oregon Federated Republ ican Women

u rsday, July 2 , at A s pen

La kes G ol f Cou rse i n Sisters, 11 a .m.-to 1:3 0 p.m . Luncheon i s $27. R SV P to c of rw bend @ gm ail.com www.cof rw.org

An nual Ca mp Sher ma n

Pa ncake Brea kfast

Su nd ay, July 5 , 8 a .m . to 11 a .m at C amp S herm a n Com mu nity

Ha ll . Fundrai ser for t he h istoric commun it y h all . A du lt s $12/

Age s 5 -12 $8/ Under 5 Fre e.

CA S H ONLY. Contac t Tonye Ph illips 5 41-595 -6 458

The Sisters Mu seum Qu ilt Show Display

A Dai s y A llen & Tillie W il son 1930’s double w edding r ing qu ilt i s on d is pl ay now t hrough

Ju ly 11 at t he Sisters M useu m, 151 N. Spr uce S t., Sisters e ree Sisters H istorica l Societ y’s ora l h istor y i nter view wit h Jea n Wel ls , fou nder of t he

St itch in’ Post a nd t he SOQS, i s ava il able for l isten ing i n t he mu seum, a s wel l a s a story board highlighting her h istor y a nd accompli sh ment s – one of those w ho t ruly “Made Sisters, Si sters.” 5 41-5 49 -1403.

Th ree Sisters Histor ical Societ y Wa lk ing Tours Free g uided Wal ki ng Tou rs: Heritage Homes or H istoric Bu ildi ngs Dow ntow n . E xplore the c ha r m a nd some of t he r ic h stor ies of Sisters’ past . E ac h tou r i s about one m ile long a nd ta kes one hou r. For dates , t imes , and reser vation s , go to www th reesistershi stor ic al societ y.org under t he “ Wa lk ing Tou rs” t ab 541- 610- 6323

Bible St udy for AL L 6:3 0 p.m . e ver y u rsday i n t he eat re room at e L odge i n Si sters , 421 E . Car penter L n. 541-233- 6189

FU NE L S ERVICE S FOR PATRICK “PAT ” SEILE SATU RDAY, J ULY 18

St Edwa rd the Ma rtyr Cathol ic Church 12 3 Tr in it y Way, Sisters

10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Recitation of the Rosa ry 11 a.m. - 12 p. m. Fu nera l Mass Fr iend s in the communit y are invited to a receptio n Following the Fune ral Mass at 12:3 0 p. m. at Hig h Camp Taphouse, 52 3 US-20, Sisters

Sisters Ga rden Club

Mont hly Membersh ip

Meet ing

Satu rd ay, July 18 , at 10 a .m

Tom R od house, PhD, OSUCascad es , w il l e xpla i n t he role bat s play i n n at ure a nd i n our ga rden s . Find out w hy bat s a re cool! Meeting loc at ion i s e Hub, 291 E . M ai n Avenue. 5 4142 0- 62 39

Mont hly Song wr iters’ Sharing Ci rcle

Need

Wednesday, July 8 , 10 a .m to 12 p.m . Meeting R oom. Beginner t abletop rolepl ay ing game for a ge s 8 to 12!

Fa mi ly Stor y Ti me

Wednesday, July 8 , 10:3 0 to 11 a .m . Com mu nit y R oom. Interact ive stor y t ime w it h books , son gs , a nd rhy mes! 0-5 y rs

y Ti me Cr af t

dnesday,

SISTERS-AREA Events & Enter tainment

WEDNESDAY • JULY 1

Paulina Springs Books Author reading: Jennie Bricker presents “Thirsty Creek," based on a real-world environmental disaster in the Wallowa Mountains. 6:30 p.m. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.

Frankie's in Sisters Live Music: Tom Nechville & Linda Leavitt "Handpicked Series," 6 to 8 p.m. $10 Info: frankiesinsisters.com. Upstairs at 250 W. Cascade Ave. Sisters Saloon Poker Night Texas Hold’em 5:30 p.m. to close upstairs. 21+. $20 (add'l $5 when bounty chip is played). The Suttle Lodge Live Music: Wolfhouse Records Dirty Jazz 6 to 8 p.m. Free Info: www thesuttlelodge.com.

THURSDAY • JULY 2

Lazy Z Ranch Wines Music Bingo! BINGO

6 to 8 p.m. Match song clips to your bingo card and win fun prizes! More info: www.lazyzranch.com/events.

The Suttle Lodge Live Music: Vern Johnson and Benji Nagel 6 to 8 p.m. "Big Lawn Series," Free; all ages Food Cart Garden at Eurosports Trivia Night 13th annual family-friendly trivia. Free 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. Sign up at 5:30 Info: call 541-549-2471

FRIDAY • JULY 3

Episcopal Church of Transfiguration Family BINGO Bingo Night 11 games/$20 prizes $2 raffle tickets to benefit Living Well With Dementia Sisters Meal option at 5 p.m., games start at 5:30 All ages welcome All cash event. 121 Brooks Camp Rd

Hardtails Outlaw Countr y Dive Bar & Grill

Karaoke 9 p.m. Information call 541-549-6114.

Eurosports Food Cart Garden Music: Bob Baker and Mark Barringer 5 to 7 p.m. Free Family- and dog-friendly Info: 541-549-2471

Frankie's in Sisters Live Music: Doc Cosden, Richard Lodwig, Steve Vujnovich 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets and more information: www.frankiesinsisters.com/our-events/. Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights Booster Draft 5 p.m. $20 paulinaspringsbooks.com.

SATURDAY • JULY 4

THURSDAY • JULY 9 (cont.)

Frankie's in Sisters Live Music: Kar yn Ann and Dean Mueller 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets and more information: www.frankiesinsisters.com/our-events/.

Lazy Z Ranch Wines Music Bingo! BINGO 6 to 8 p.m. Match song clips to your bingo card and win fun prizes! More info: www.lazyzranch.com/events

FRIDAY • JULY 10

Lazy Z Ranch Wines Live Music: Joyful Lane

6 to 8 p.m. Multi-instrumentalist Lane Weiss brings his joy-filled music to the ranch. No cover. More info: www.lazyzranch.com/events.

Eurosports Food Cart Garden Music: Switchback 5 to 7 p.m. Free Family- and dog-friendly Info: 541-549-2471

Hardtails Outlaw Countr y Dive Bar & Grill Karaoke 9 p.m. Information call 541-549-6114. Frankie's in Sisters Live Music: Tony Lompa

6 to 8 p.m. No cover! Upstairs at 250 W. Cascade Ave. Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights Booster Draft 5 p.m. $20 paulinaspringsbooks.com.

SATURDAY • JULY 11

Downtown Sisters Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 51st annual outdoor quilt showcase. 1000+ quilts hanging all over town. Free Info: www.soqs.org.

Paulina Springs Books Book Signing: Catherine Cowles will be signing her new book All The Missing Pieces” and others. 9 a.m.–noon. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.

Eurosports Food Cart Garden Spontaneous Car Show 5-7 p.m. Family- and dog-friendly Bring your cool car to display, or just come look — different every week. Free Info: 541-549-2471

The Barn Live Music: Sundive 6 to 8 p.m. on the outdoor stage. Info: www thebarninsisters.com. Hardtails Live Music: Amarillo By Morning America’s #1 George Strait tribute in their only Oregon show. 7 to 10 p .m. in The Yard Tickets: BendTicket.com.

THURSDAY • JULY 16 (cont.)

The Suttle Lodge Live Music: Leadbetter Band 6 to 8 p.m. "Big Lawn Series," Free; all ages

Paulina Springs Books Author reading: Willa Goodfellow presents “A Gritty Little Tourist Town.” 6:30 p.m. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.

Food Cart Garden at Eurosports Trivia Night 13th annual family-friendly trivia. Free 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. Sign up at 5:30 Info: call 541-549-2471

FRIDAY • JULY 17

Frankie's in Sisters Live Music: Doublewide: Rick and Sue Moore 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets and more information: www.frankiesinsisters.com/our-events/. Hardtails Outlaw Countr y Dive Bar & Grill Karaoke 9 p.m. Information call 541-549-6114.

Eurosports Food Cart Garden Music: Mortal Soulstice 5 to 7 p.m. Free Family- and dog-friendly Info: 541-549-2471

Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights Booster Draft 5 p.m. $20 paulinaspringsbooks.com.

Lazy Z Ranch Wines Live Music: Sidney Joseph 6 to 8 p.m. Smokey-voiced multi-instrumentalist. No cover. More info: www.lazyzranch.com/events.

SATURDAY • JULY 18

Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture "Natural Dye Workshop: From Plants to Pigment" In this two-day, hands-on class Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19, students learn to create pigments and paints from dye plants grown right here on Pine Meadow Ranch. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. $225 Registration and more info: roundhousefoundation.org/events.

FivePine Lodge "Changing Futures" Circle of Friends Fundraiser Dinner celebrating 15 years of community impact. Live music by singer-songwriter Megan Alder, live and silent auctions, and emcee Anthony Poponi. All proceeds directly fund life-changing mentorship programs that help local youth build resilience and shape a brighter tomorrow 5:30 p.m. Tickets: www circleoffriendsoregon.org.

Village Green Park Sisters 4th Fest Third annual community festival presented by Rotary Club of Sisters and Citizens4Community. Pancake breakfast, fun run, veterans salute, mini-parade, live music, line dancing, lawn games, and more. 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Free Info: www.sisters4thfest.com.

Lazy Z Ranch Wines 4th of July with Live Music: Bill Powers Noon to 9 p.m.; live music 2 to 4 p.m. Enjoy the holiday afternoon/evening at the ranch. No cover. More info: www.lazyzranch.com/events.

Hardtails Outlaw Countr y Dive Bar & Grill

Karaoke 9 p.m. Information call 541-549-6114. Eurosports Food Cart Garden Spontaneous Car Show 5-7 p.m. Family- and dog-friendly Bring your cool car to display, or just come look — different every week. Free Info: 541-549-2471

SUNDAY • JULY 5

Fir Street Park Sisters Farmers Market 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Featuring live music, community booth, vendors, kids activities, and more. For info visit www.sistersfarmersmarket.com. Paulina Springs Books Sunday Scrabble 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Play Scrabble, socialize, and drink coffee. Info: www.paulinaspringsbooks.com.

Sisters Saloon Live Music: Bill Powers Old Growth 6 to 8 p.m. on the patio Free and open to all ages

MONDAY • JULY 6

Paulina Springs Books Poetr y Gathering "The Pause Button," an informal monthly gathering for poets and poetry enthusiasts Bring a poem or two to share. Listen, discuss, and write. Free 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. More info at www.paulinaspringsbooks.com.

The Suttle Lodge Live Music: WolfChild 6 to 8 p.m. "Big Lawn Series," Free; all ages

TUESDAY • JULY 7

Hardtails Outlaw Countr y Dive Bar & Grill Trivia 6 to 8 p.m. Information call 541-549-6114.

WEDNESDAY • JULY 8

Frankie's in Sisters Live Music: Tom Nechville & Linda Leavitt "Handpicked Series," 6 to 8 p.m. $10 Info: frankiesinsisters.com. Upstairs at 250 W. Cascade Ave.

The Suttle Lodge Live Music: Lickety Split 6 to 8 p.m. "Big Lawn Series," Free; all ages Sisters Saloon Poker Night Texas Hold’em 5:30 p.m. to close upstairs. 21+. $20 (add'l $5 when bounty chip is played).

THURSDAY • JULY 9

The Suttle Lodge Live Music: Old Growth

6 to 8 p.m. "Big Lawn Series," Free; all ages

Food Cart Garden at Eurosports Trivia Night 13th annual family-friendly trivia. Free 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. Sign up at 5:30 Info: call 541-549-2471

Lazy Z Ranch Wines Live Music: Mavis & Bretz 6 to 8 p.m. Craig Mavis on mandolin and piano and George Bretz on guitar No cover. Info: www.lazyzranch.com/events.

SUNDAY • JULY 12

Frankie's in Sisters Live Music: Haute Mélange 6 to 8 p.m. Gypsy jazz the way it was meant to be heard, hot, intricate, and completely alive. Tickets and information: www.frankiesinsisters.com/our-events/.

The Barn Live Music: Funk Around & Find Out 6 to 8 p.m. Info: www thebarninsisters.com.

FivePine Lodge campus Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show "Save it for Sunday!" 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Display of quilts by Michelle Wilkie Free Info: www.soqs.org. Food Cart Garden at Eurosports Language Gathering 4 to 6 p.m. Practice, listen to or converse in another language! Italian, French, Spanish speakers planning to attend, and all languages welcome, for friendly conversation at this free community event. Hosted by Bend Language Institute. Info: bendlanguageinstitute@gmail.com or 541-728-3022.

Lazy Z Ranch Wines Live Music: Pete Bush

6 to 8 p.m. Touring Pittsburgh songwriter Pete Bush delivers an energetic solo acoustic set that fuses indie rock with roots in jazz. No cover. Info: www.lazyzranch.com/events.

Fir Street Park Sisters Farmers Market 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Featuring live music, community booth, vendors, kids activities, and more. For info visit www.sistersfarmersmarket.com.

Paulina Springs Books Sunday Scrabble

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Play Scrabble, socialize, and drink coffee. Info: www.paulinaspringsbooks.com.

Sisters Saloon Live Music: Big Treble 6 to 8 p.m. on the patio Free and open to all ages

MONDAY • JULY 13

The Suttle Lodge Live Music: Eel Salad 6 to 8 p.m. "Big Lawn Series," Free; all ages

TUESDAY • JULY 14

Hardtails Outlaw Countr y Dive Bar & Grill Pool Tournament 5:30 p.m. Info: 541-549-6114.

WEDNESDAY • JULY 15

Frankie's in Sisters Live Music: Tom Nechville & Linda Leavitt "Handpicked Series," 6 to 8 p.m. $10 Info: frankiesinsisters.com. Upstairs at 250 W. Cascade Ave. Paulina Springs Books Analog Night

5:30 to 7 p.m. screen-free evening of crafting, puzzles, games, coloring knitting embroidery journaling or whatever analog activity you enjoy. Bring your own activity or choose something from Paulina Springs. All ages welcome! Hosted by textile artist Krista West Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com. Sisters Saloon Poker Night Texas Hold’em 5:30 p.m. to close upstairs. 21+. $20 (add'l $5 when bounty chip is played).

THURSDAY • JULY 16

Frankie's in Sisters Live Music: Mike Biggers and Lilli Worona 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets and more information: www.frankiesinsisters.com/our-events/. Lazy Z Ranch Wines Wine & Watercolor Workshop 6 to 8 p.m. $35 Sisters Art Station will host a beginner-friendly watercolor workshop Make 1-3 art pieces! Register: www.sistersartstation.com.

Hardtails Live Music: The Sleepless Truckers 8 to 10 p .m. in The Yard $10 cover begins at 7 p.m. Info: hardtailsdivebarandgrill.com.

SUNDAY • JULY 19

Fir Street Park Sisters Farmers Market 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Featuring live music, community booth, vendors, kids activities, and more. For info visit www.sistersfarmersmarket.com. Paulina Springs Books Sunday Scrabble 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Play Scrabble, socialize, and drink coffee. Info: www.paulinaspringsbooks.com.

Lazy Z Ranch Wines Soccer Finale 12 to 2 p.m. Match on with sound. No cover. More info: www.lazyzranch.com/events.

Sisters Saloon Live Music: Desert Howlers 6 to 8 p.m. on the patio Free and open to all ages

Sisters Community Church Live Music: Motel Kalifornia on the lawn at 1300 Old McKenzie Hwy Doors at 5:30 p.m., concert 6 to 8 p.m. Free with donations welcomed to support C.O.R.E. All are welcome for an evening of music, dancing, and fellowship Info: sisterschurch.com/events.

MONDAY • JULY 20

The Suttle Lodge Live Music: Blair Borax 6 to 8 p.m. "Big Lawn Series," Free; all ages

TUESDAY • JULY 21

Hardtails Outlaw Countr y Dive Bar & Grill

Trivia 6 to 8 p.m. Information call 541-549-6114.

WEDNESDAY • JULY 22

Sisters Saloon Poker Night Texas Hold’em 5:30 p.m. to close upstairs. 21+. $20 (add'l $5 when bounty chip is played).

THURSDAY • JULY 23

Paulina Springs Books Author reading: Suzy Vitello presents “Griftopia" at 6:30 p.m. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.

Food Cart Garden at Eurosports Trivia Night 13th annual family-friendly trivia. Free 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. Sign up at 5:30 Info: call 541-549-2471

The Suttle Lodge Live Music: Sun Threaders ft Travis Ehrenstrom 6 to 8 p.m. "Big Lawn Series," Free; all ages

FRIDAY • JULY 24

Lazy Z Ranch Wines Live Music: Jesse Meade

6 to 8 p.m. Finger-style acoustic guitarist, singer/songwriter No cover. Info: www.lazyzranch.com/events.

Hardtails Outlaw Countr y Dive Bar & Grill Karaoke 9 p.m. Information call 541-549-6114.

down, and paying for it later.

I used to chart the fracture. I documented what it looked like, the story I told the orthopedic surgeon. What stayed with me was the story underneath it, the one that had been whispering for years before it ever shouted. What has led to this point and what now?

Siobhan Gray, MD Columnist

There’s a particular quiet in an ER room after a fall. The adrenaline has passed, the clothings been cut away, and you can see it in the way someone grips the sheet, eyes searching the ceiling like it might offer a handrail. The fear of what comes next for them maybe surgery? Not being able to return home? Mortality?

Sometimes the story was simple: a curb, a patch of ice. More often it was messier, a string of “little falls” that weren’t little at all, each one a quiet rehearsal for whatever came next. The phrase that still stays with me is “found down,” someone on the floor long enough that time itself becomes part of the injury.

Hip fractures. Compression fractures. Wrists, ribs. The body trying to protect itself on the way

Lately bones have been on my mind again, for different reasons. I’m building a new practice, and finally getting to study what I never had time for at 2 a.m. between traumas: estrogen’s role in bone remodeling, muscle as a longevity organ, the data behind the strength programs women are being sold.

Because here’s what I keep running into: women who tell me, earnestly, “I lift weights” and it turns out to mean five-pound dumbbells and a lot of grit. Or women asking about machines that promise ten minutes a week and call it done.

Bone is not porcelain nor static. One of the most useful reframes I know: bone is alive. It’s constantly remodeling in response to mechanical load, hormones, nutrition, sleep, even the small stresses of daily movement. Estrogen isn’t just a “beauty hormone” here; it’s a regulator of bone turnover, and when it declines, bone breakdown tends to outpace bone building.

The real-world consequence is what I saw in the ER: when bone weakens, and muscle weakens, and balance slips, a fall stops being an inconvenience and becomes a crossroads. Often, that fall is what finally takes someone’s independence.

Most fragility fractures

happen because someone falls. So if we’re serious about bone health, we have to widen the lens to strength, balance, reaction time, vision, medications, footwear, the home environment, whether you can get yourself up off the floor. Osteoporosis isn’t a single problem with a single fix. It’s a whole-body vulnerability that shows up as a bone event.

That’s also why the five-pound dumbbell, done forever, rarely moves the needle. Bone responds to strain; if the load never rises to a meaningful signal, the adaptation stalls. This isn’t about punishing the body; it’s about giving it a clear enough signal to respond to.

The LIFTMOR trial is the clearest evidence I’ve seen for this: postmenopausal women with low bone mass who did brief, supervised, high-intensity resistance and impact training twice a week gained bone density at the spine, while a lowintensity comparison group lost it (with only one minor adverse event reported). Properly coached and progressed, women can often handle more than they’ve been told.

Lower-effort alternatives like the increasingly popular “ten minutes, four machines” model sold under brands like OsteoStrong are a harder call. The mechanism, that loading stimulates bone, is plausible, but a 2025 scoping review found the supporting research thin and often confounded by concurrent osteoporosis medication, and both Osteoporosis Canada and an ABC News investigation have raised questions about the rigor of the studies

behind it. I’m not anti-gadget. I’m pro-evidence over marketing, and the evidence says fracture prevention is bigger than any one device. It requires strength, balance, and power not just a number on a scan. If I had to hand someone a bone plan before the fracture, not after, it would have four parts:

• Progressive strength training that actually challenges the big movement patterns — squat, hinge, push, pull, carry.

• Power and balance work, like faster sit-tostands, step-ups, and singleleg balance — the unglamorous practice of catching yourself.

• The biology basics — protein, vitamin D, sleep, a medication review, an honest conversation about hormones when it’s indicated.

• The unsexy “found down” prevention — better lighting, no loose rugs, a phone that stays on your body, a plan for icy mornings.

None of this requires fear. It requires attention, and a willingness to lift heavier than five pounds.

If you’re reading this with a bone scan result in another tab, or remembering a parent who fractured a hip and never quite came back from it: there’s real hope here, and it isn’t abstract. It’s mechanical. Bones listen. Muscles listen. And small, consistent signals add up faster than most women expect.

Dr. Siobhan Gray is an emergency physician and founder of PeakMD in Sisters, with a focus on longevity, metabolic health, and strength and performance across the lifespan.

Welcome to the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show!

Whether you’re here for the very first time or you’ve been coming for years, we’re so glad you’re here.

This year’s theme, Whimsical & Wild, is an invitation to celebrate creativity in all its forms. It’s about taking chances, trying something new, following your imagination, and finding joy in the unexpected. As you wander through town on Quilt Show Day, I think you’ll see that spirit everywhere — in the colors, the patterns, the stories, and the incredible artistry hanging throughout Sisters.

Last year, we celebrated 50 years of the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show. We spent time looking back at the people, quilts, and moments that brought us here. This year feels a little different. We’re looking ahead.

Over the past year, our Board of Directors has spent time thinking about the future of the show and what the next decade—and beyond—can look like. While we don’t know exactly what the future holds, we do know this: the creativity, generosity, and sense of community that built this show are as strong as ever.

In many ways, Whimsical & Wild feels like the perfect theme for this moment. The best ideas often begin with curiosity. The most memorable quilts often start with a leap of faith. And some of the most wonderful things happen when we’re willing to explore

new possibilities while staying true to what matters most.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the people who make the show happen. To our quilters, thank you for sharing your talent, vision, and beautiful work. To our volunteers, sponsors, and community partners, thank you for the countless hours and support you give throughout the year. And to the Sisters community, thank you for once again welcoming thousands of visitors with the warmth and hospitality that make this event so special.

As you enjoy the show, I hope you’ll take your time. Look closely at the quilts. Meet a maker. Have a conversation. Discover something that surprises you. Most of all, I hope you leave inspired—not only by what you see hanging on the walls, but by the creativity and connection that make this gathering unlike any other.

Thank you for being part of the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show. Together, we’re carrying forward a remarkable tradition while embracing whatever comes next. Some of it may be whimsical. Some of it may be wild. All of it will be stitched together by the creativity, generosity, and community that have always been at the heart of this show.

Enjoy the day, Dawn Boyd, Executive Director

Sat., July 11, 2026

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Always the second Saturday in July

Located throughout Sisters No tickets required • No cost to attend

9 a.m. Start of 51st Annual Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show

Whimsical& Wild

Over 1,000 quilts on display throughout the town of Sisters Whimsical & Wild walkabout Sisters: As you wander through Sisters on Quilt Show Day, step into the whimsical and wild world of quilting — where color, design, pattern, and beauty are waiting around every corner. Take your time. Snap photos. Make a new friend. Celebrate the creativity of quilters at every level, from rst-time exhibitors to seasoned artists. Let the streets inspire you, the quilts surprise you, and the shared joy of this day remind you why the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show continues to bring us together.

4 p.m. End of Quilt Show Day

Live-feed raffle of the 2026 SOQS Raffle Quilt at the SOQS Office: 220 S. Ash St.

Virtual Show-Day Activities on Facebook Live:

7:30 a.m. Welcome to SOQS: Quilt Hanging at Stitchin’ Post Throughout the Day: Special Exhibits • Quilts on Display Quilt Block Challenge Quilts of Valor Presentation Teacher’s Pavilion WISH Cards • Raffle Quilt

For the most up-to-date information, follow us: Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show SistersOutdoorQuiltShow For additional information, or if you miss something, visit www.soqs.org.

Additional happenings during Quilt Show Week:

Quilter’s Affair: Classes held at Sisters High School Monday-Friday leading up to Quilt Show Day. Brought to you by Stitchin’ Post, www.stitchinpost.com.

“An Evening of Whimsical Design” Friday, July 10, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Fundraiser at Sisters High School 1700 W. McKinney Butte Rd., Sisters. Tickets at www.soqs.org.

Sunday, July 12 • Save It For Sunday Quilts on display at FivePine Lodge.

Community Thank Yous

Citizens for Community

City of Sisters

Corndog Company of Central Oregon

Deschutes County Board of Commissioners

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office

Deschutes Cultural Coalition

Earthwood

Timberframe Homes

Explore Sisters

Kiwanis of Sisters

Martin Cascade LLC

Molasses Bakery

The Nugget Newspaper

Oregon Department of Transportation

The Roundhouse Foundation

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church

Sisters Astronomy Club

Sisters Business Association

Sisters Rotary Club

Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District

Stitchin’ Post AND THANKS TO ALL OF OUR SPONSORS AND VOLUNTEERS

Local traffic on Quilt Show Day

Businesses are accessible in Three Wind Shopping Center on the west end of Sisters. Bi-Mart, Takoda’s Restaurant, and other businesses can all be accessed from Hwy 20 eastbound. Westbound traffic can access these businesses via Hood Avenue.

Traffic Flow

Cascade Avenue will be open to east-west traffic on Quilt Show Day. All northsouth cross streets will also be open. Please be mindful of pedestrians when driving through town.

The Quilt Show will be creating a car-free corridor on Hood Avenue for all residents and visitors to explore and enjoy all day. Hood Avenue will be closed from Larch Street on the east to Pine Street on the west side of Hood Avenue. Oak Street will also be closed between Cascade Avenue and Hood Avenue.

Quilts will be hung on Main Avenue, Cascade Avenue, and Hood Avenue, and all cross streets from Oak Street through Larch Street.

Pedestrian Crossing: We encourage pedestrians to cross Cascade Avenue at Pine Street, Elm Street, and Fir Street, where deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office will be assisting at these crossings.

Parking and Shuttle Information

Parking is available on all city streets in the business district and residential areas in Sisters. Please be considerate of residents and DO NOT park in or block private driveways or alleyways. Where parking spaces are unmarked, we encourage head-in parking to accommodate more cars. Please do not park on the highway. It is unsafe, and there is plenty of parking in downtown Sisters.

Parking and Shuttle Service are available at the Sisters High School Parking Lot. Shuttle Vans are provided in partnership with Stagecoach Adventures (tips are welcome). Shuttle services will run starting at 8:30 a.m. with the final pick ups at 4 p.m. Shuttle maps are available at the Info booths, and at SOQS.org/traffic.

Accessible parking is available at all designated accessible parking spaces throughout town. There is also accessible parking on the west side of Locust Street in the lots between the school administration building and Sisters City Hall.

Rising artist showcased at SOQS

By Susan Cobb Correspondent

Chyan Nuttall came from Alabama to Oregon’s coast in 2018 and, after getting settled, she started looking for a creative outlet. That year a local friend, Sue, gave her a “jelly roll.” After one YouTube video on how to make a quilt, Chyan made her first quilt of strips. She smiled and said, “It’s really simple but I had the best time.”

Chyan moved to Sisters in 2019 and was making quilts for family and friends when she found the courage to enter one quilt into the 2022 Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show (SOQS). Chyan shared that it was a “big leap to put something out there.” It was a Halloween-themed quilt and she was pleased to see her quilt shown with other holiday quilts.

In 2023 she joined the East of the Cascade Quilters (EOCQ) which meets regularly at Stitchin’ Post. Chyan thought she was too new at quilting to join a guild but she pressed on. She found EOCQ are “great people who are very encouraging.”

The EOCQ had a challenge in April 2025 for their members to make a list of their Projects Half Done (PHDs) and get them done by the end of the year. Chyan produced a list of 10 and completed all but one. In December, she showed her works

to the EOCQ. After that, Dawn Boyd, EOCQ member and director of the SOQS, invited Chyan to be highlighted as a new quilter during the 2026 SOQS. Chyan agreed and since then created and completed eight quilts to a total of 16 she will be showing, of which five will be for sale.

Jean Wells Keenan stopped by Chyan’s one day and upon seeing a recent quilt Chyan had completed said, “Oh! Look at those funky trees.” Chyan decided the quilt had to be named just that, “Funky Trees.” It will be in the SOQS.

Chyan currently creates her own quilt top patterns and opened an Instagram account, @SeamsLikeChyan. She describes her creations as, “whimsical, playful, and girly.” The first quilt top pattern Chyan ever made is called “Garden Party” (see photo). Chyan has made two king-size bed quilts but she prefers to make smaller quilts — twin bed to baby. She gives more than 80 percent of her quilts away because she loves to see a recipient’s joyful reaction. She adds that giving is “really important to me.”

Chyan does all her creating, sewing, and quilting on the big marble island in her kitchen. She loves having a vision and making it into a reality. She looks forward to entering her work into future quilt shows here and elsewhere.

2026 SOQS is the one PHD she had not completed as of last December. It is called “Up, Up, and Away!”

SOQS to host fashion show fundraiser

One of the most unique aspects of the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show (SOQS) is that it is entirely free and open to the public. No ticket, no entry fee — folks in their thousands simply walk the streets of Sisters and take in hundreds of quilts on display.

What that means is that the SOQS organizers have to get creative in their fundraising in order to cover the notinsubstantial costs of staging the annual show. That’s no problem though — quilters are by definition creative folks.

This year, they have turned that creativity in a new direction in honor of the year’s theme: Whimsical and Wild.

“We are doing a fashion show of whimsical wear,” SOQS Executive Director Dawn Boyd explained.

The idea for the show came from a reel someone from the Quilt Show saw where a vest was designed for an entertainer, tossed up on stage, and worn through the performance. The entertainer was intrigued that the vest was made by a quilter — and the quilters were intrigued by the possibilities.

The Quilt Show approached Quilter’s Affair instructors and local quilters to make whimsical and wild wearables, which will be showcased in “An Evening of Whimsical Design” held Friday, July 10, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Sisters High School, 1700 W. McKinney Butte Rd., Sisters.

Each piece tells its own story through color, texture, and design, blending traditional quilting techniques

with modern flair.

Wear your favorite quilted piece, mingle with fellow quilt enthusiasts, and be inspired by the artistry on display. All of the featured garments will be available for purchase during Quilt Show Day at our Whimsical Wear Boutique — a special booth dedicated to these one-of-a-kind creations.

The artists themselves are encouraged to model their own creations.

The Quilt Show is working in partnership with presenting sponsors Makin’ it Local and High Desert Frameworks!

Quiltsmart is sponsoring the Whimsical Wear Booth on Saturday.

“They have patterns for quilted jackets, quilted tote bags,” Boyd said.

Barbara Fortman of the Mt. Bachelor Quilters’ Guild is one of the creators.

“I made a vest out of one of the Sisters poster logos, then I enhanced it,” she said. “I thought, oh, this would be perfect for the back of a jeans jacket.”

Fortman started quilting in 2019, but she has known Jean Wells Keenan for a long time and has been attending the Sisters Outdoor Quilt

Show for 30 years.

She, like all her fellow creators, is excited and honored to help the show raise funds to keep going for generations to come.

The event is an important source of revenue for the free show — but all of the SOQS events are really about building community.

Boyd describes it as “that whole opportunity of sitting next to someone who is your new quilting best friend. We love how that happens organically at our events.”

Tickets are $25 each, available at www.SOQS.org or www.stitchinpost.com.

Inspirational Instructor – Leslie Tucker Jenison

By Susan Cobb Correspondent

Leslie Jenison first learned about quilting as a young registered nurse in Kansas, learning from a colleague who taught and inspired her. Leslie began making small quilts in the early 1980s which brought to mind her paternal grandmother she had watched sewing or hand stitching as a child. Leslie moved from Kansas to Texas in the late ’90s.

In early 2000s, Leslie found time for creative pursuits. Learning how to dye and print cloth led to a career as an abstract contemporary

artist. For 20 years, Leslie studied with many excellent artists, including many times with Nancy Crow over the last 12 years. Leslie jests that she has “pursued a selfdesigned master’s degree,” in working with textiles.

She is a member of the board of Textile Art Gallery in the Chelsea Arts District of New York City. Her first show there will be held in September 2027.

Leslie added, “I regard my textiles as the paint on a canvas and my rotary cutter as a brush or pencil...I make a painting in cloth.”

See Leslie’s most current work at www.

textileartnyc.com/artists/ leslie-tucker-jenison.

Leslie is a fabric designer with Robert Kaufman Fabrics since 2018 and for three years before that designed for RJR Fabrics. When designing fabric, she works directly on cloth rather than on a computer. She describes textiles as important to humans, since it is, “the second thing that touches us at birth and with which we have intimate contact throughout life.”

Leslie limits her teaching and does one fabric collection per year to have time for her personal creative works. This will be her third year teaching the week of Quilter’s Affair which occurs just before the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show (SOQS). She also annually conducts a few classes in her studio in Texas Hill Country. She loves teaching a classroom of adults because they are always eager to learn which energizes her.

During Quilter’s Affair she co-teaches with Michele Muska and they “have a blast.”

They are instructing two classes having four sessions: a surface design technique on fabric or paper which she

describes as mono-printing on gelatin plates and a unique style of hand stitching. The hand-stitched piece is of lightweight batting layered with hand-dyed silk organza. Leslie carries similar projects to occupy her mind and hands on long flights.

As a teaching team, Leslie and Michele create a safe place for people to have fun, be themselves, and feel comfortable sharing.

hon-

Leslie is “very honored to be selected” as the Inspirational Instructor for the 2026 SOQS. She has been juried into a number of shows over the course of her career but “being featured is a new thing.” These days she primarily creates art quilts and, at times, quilts for beds. Leslie is very happy to be able to share a selection of her works from over the past decade in SOQS.

SOQS mobilizes a joyful community

Over more than a halfcentury, the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show (SOQS) has brought joy to thousands of people who love the fabric arts, as well as providing a crucial economic boost to the Sisters community. The nonprofit’s success is founded on that joy — it brings together people whose lives have been enriched by the experience and who want to pay that experience forward.

Volunteers help with the staging of the show, create Wish Cards (see related story, page 18) , or donate pieces for the annual Friday Night Fundraiser Some folks donate annually to support the show — and many contribute in multiple ways, through direct financial support and service.

Kathy Jasper is one such volunteer. She volunteers hundreds of hours to the program, makes Wish Cards, and is generous with her financial support. This year, she has donated a quilt to the Storyteller Book program.

“Once I got to know the show and know the people, it was just something I wanted to be involved in,” Jasper recalled.

It took her a bit to initiate her Quilt Show experience. A friend had repeatedly invited her to attend.

“I always said no, too many people; I don’t like big crowds,” Jasper recalled. “I showed up and thought, ‘Well, this is fun…’”

The company she worked for matched donations and volunteer time as part of its philanthropy program, so

she started volunteering. At first it was just for the show weekend, then she expanded to the whole week before — time that became easier to allocate when she moved to Sunriver.

She started making Wish Cards to support the show, and soon making them became “a happy place to be.”

Kathy Miller first trekked out to the SOQS with a friend from Monterey Bay. She found herself in the midst of downtown Sisters staring about her with “absolute wonderment... Around every corner is a new delight.”

We were all quasi-quilters,” she recalled. “Not into it big time.”

The show changed that.

“One class led to another and another,” she said.

Eventually, she bought property here, and moved here permanently in 2025 — and the Quilt Show was a major part of that life transition.

do with two fabrics. So clever, so inventive. It just astounds me.”

She loves the volunteer community she has joined.

“There is just an amazing group of ladies,” she said. “I’ve never seen such a hard-working group… They don’t make a big deal out of it; it just gets done because they love doing it.”

Miller has crafted hundreds of Wish Cards, and she enjoys seeing what her fellow quilters do with quilt challenges — “to see what people

In conversation with Miller about the Quilt Show, one word keeps coming up again and again: joy. She revels in “the absolute joy it brings people. It warms my heart; it warms my soul.”

The Sisters community-building organization Citizens4Community (C4C) recognizes how potent that joy is, and they have engaged in a growing collaboration with SOQS.

“The Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show is one of this community’s longest-standing traditions, and arguably its most joyful,” said Executive Director Kellen Klein. “Walk downtown on Quilt Show Day and you can’t help but get wrapped up in the excitement of the quilt-obsessed attendees, the beauty of the craftsmanship, and the feeling that it is a distinctly Sisters experience. Events like this not only help bring people together; they cultivate civic pride, drive economic development,

and elevate the community’s rich cultural heritage. It’s a true communitybuilding event, and we’re honored that SOQS has invited us to join in the fun this year.”

C4C is partnering with SOQS in several new ways this year:

C4C will host SOQS’ Featured Gallery Artist, Cindy O’Neal, at The Hub (291 E. Main Ave.) for a two week “artist in residence” quilt showcase, June 30-July 11. The public is invited to an open house with O’Neal and SOQS leadership on Tuesday, July 7, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Local artist Brooke Kim will host a quilt-themed watercolor workshop at The Hub on Friday, July 10, from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

The Hub will be open for visitors on the day of the Quilt Show, serving as both a cooling station and another opportunity to view O’Neal’s work.

“We’re once again organizing our own volunteer quilt installation team for the morning of the show, and have been encouraging fellow local nonprofits and community groups to also join in the fun,” Klein said. “Longer term, we’re in discussions with SOQS, Explore Sisters, Sisters Business Association, and Roundhouse Foundation about development of a Sisters Barn Quilt Trail, featuring wooden quilt blocks displayed on downtown buildings.”

It’s all part of sharing the joy.

O’Neal featured at the Hub

By Susan Cobb, Correspondent

Cindy O’Neal’s journey into quilting was initially sparked when she would frequently travel from Southern California to visit her grandmother in Illinois. She enjoyed watching her working on quilts. The memory of her grandmother doing handwork had Cindy doing some form of quilting most of her adult life and she primarily creates wall art quilts.

Before she left California to come to Bend, Oregon, the president of the quilt guild Cindy attended told her, “you must go to the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show.” The week after Cindy arrived in Bend on July 2, 1997, she went to her first SOQS and she never looked back. She annually takes classes at Quilter’s Affair, enters quilts in the SOQS, and volunteers with the Quilt Hanging Crew and hosting special exhibits. Cindy has created and donated quilt art for the Storybook in two SOQS.

When Cindy got a call from SOQS Director Dawn Boyd, she said to herself, “Wow! What a huge honor!” Her quilts will be on display at the Hub in Sisters from June 30 through Saturday, July 11.

Cindy says she loves a challenge and, after researching, will draw her own design or pattern from a collection of various images and photographs and then translate it all into a fabric image that usually has a story. This approach to art quilts was kickstarted in 2008. Cindy was a member of a quilter’s book club who in 2008 formed the Under Cover Quilters (UCQ).

The UCQ group reads one book a month and then annually selects one story to emulate in quilts for a special exhibit during the SOQS.

Cindy was a featured quilter during a show put on by the Mt. Bachelor Quilters’ Guild and she has entered juried and nonjuried shows. In the 2016 Road to California juried show Cindy won the “most humorous” award. Cindy shook her head and said she “wasn’t even trying to be funny.”

Cindy is currently a member of Central Oregon Modern Quilters, Central Oregon Studio Artists Quilters Association, and UCQ. Cindy is continually inspired by challenges from these guilds. She has embarked on selling her wall art quilts on Instagram starting in July @cindyonealartquilts.

Quilt Block Contest a beloved feature of SOQS

By Dani Nichols Correspondent

Every year, the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show (SOQS) has a very special contest for quilters of all skill levels to get a chance to join in the show. The Quilt Block Contest (QBC) sounds

simple: anyone who has seen these amazing works of art know that the entries are anything but!

Upon entry, participants receive a sample packet containing six featured fabrics, and use those to create a unique quilt block. Every packet contains a slightly different assortment of fabrics, and entrants are allowed to add one solid-color fabric as well. What

follows is a wildly creative assortment of quilted art.

“I’m always amazed at what we get,” Valerie Fercho-Tillery, QBC coordinator, said. “People are so creative; it’s incredible.”

“I love the quilt block contest,” said Angie Richcreek, a frequent QBC participant from Newport, Oregon. “It challenges me to step outside my quilt box, and I love seeing all the blocks on quilt show day. It’s fun to see how each person interprets the fabrics.”

This year, the

featured fabrics are from Valori Well’s “The Wisdom Collection.” Everyone whom your correspondent spoke to agreed this is a phenomenal assortment of beautiful and creativity-inviting fabrics. Every entrant will receive some fabric after the show just as a perk of entering the contest. However, the first place winner also receives $50 cash, plus extra yardage of this year’s fabric, and the three honorable mention winners will also receive additional fabric. The first place and honorable mention blocks all also receive recognition ribbons.

Lena Calkins, last year’s first place winner, said, “I’ve never done any art,

but I really enjoy this contest, and it really is an art form.” She shared that the whole weekend is inspiring, with all of the wonderful local shops and talented quilters, but what she truly loves is taking her time to make something beautiful for the QBC. “I think that you should try and enter [the QBC], even if you aren’t a quilter or sewer. It’s

amazing what creativity comes out of you when there’s no pressure, you can take your time and just look at these beautiful fabrics and see what comes to you. I truly enjoy doing it.”

The QBC entries will be displayed on Oak Street, just outside of Beacham’s Clock Shop during the show, and are voted on by the Quilter’s Affair

instructors the Monday before the show. Fercho-Tillery, who has been the QBC coordinator for the last nine years, said that she is very excited for this year’s entrants. Currently, the QBC has 91 entries (already more than last year) and they expect more to come in before the show.

“I can’t wait to see what everyone does,” Calkin said. “[The QBC] is such a fun way to get involved in the quilt show.”

Behind the scenes SOQS support

By Susan Cobb Correspondent

Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show (SOQS) is able to continue its annual free-to-thepublic event because of the hundreds of local volunteers who donate time and materials. Also critical are Friends of the Show donations, grants, and the participation of business sponsors during the month of July. These contributory avenues fund over 50 percent of SOQS annual expenses.

The SOQS “has a sizzle about it,” said SOQS Director Dawn Boyd. “It is a full family event that welcomes everyone...the feeling of happiness during the day of the show is palpable.”

Boyd is incredibly grateful to the people who make this event happen in so many ways and wanted to shed a little light on the “behind the scenes” supporters.

Annually there are about 150 Friends of the Show who donate small to large amounts of money annually, monthly, randomly, or have left a legacy

donation. The total contributions each year cover about 25 percent of the $250,000 annual expense of the SOQS. About one third of the Friends of the Show reside in Central Oregon and the other contributors are from other cities in other counties or states like Alaska, Connecticut, and South Carolina.

Donors benefit with a tax write off since SOQS is a 501(c)(3) and get a few perks if attending the SOQS, but far more importantly, as one donor noted, “knowing my donation contributes to the joy of literally thousands of people is simply gratifying.”

SOQS also receives grants to support the production and programming of SOQS, and these can come from various sources: The Roundhouse Foundation, Deschutes Cultural Coalition, St. Charles Hospital, the Mid-Valley Guild, the City of Sisters, and a few Oregon State entities.

The business partnership program began with The Gallimaufry & Liquor Store owner Bob Grooney asking how might the family and store

help the SOQS. Grooney recognized the financial advantage of having so many people in town renting accommodations for the week or some overnight, wandering about town buying meals, souvenirs, clothes, art works, and beverages. The week of Quilter’s Affair and the SOQS contributes generously to local businesses’ annual revenues.

Grooney (now deceased) and his grandson Spud Shaw helped hang quilts for years and The Gallimaufry was one of the first stores to sponsor the SOQS with a donation and to hang a quilt within their building. Ever since, upwards of 75 business owners donate from $250 to $1,000 dollars to be a Sponsor of SOQS and hang a quilt in their establishment for the month of July. In return SOQS places them in the Quilt Walk brochure.

The Quilt Walk is a sponsor list for visitors and locals to see quilts throughout town (see flyer about the 2026 Quilt Walk). Boyd noted that this pleases many tourists who missed or did not know about

the SOQS. They will learn about it through the Quilt Walk. Small to large quilts are submitted by local quilt makers to the SOQS office to be

hung in sponsoring businesses. Director Boyd shared that she “loves that SOQS choose the quilt that best suits a business.”

Stitched in Tradition: A Conversation with Bonnie Sullivan

For Bonnie Sullivan, creativity isn’t a career. It’s simply how she exists in the world. The designer behind the beloved Woolies Flannel collections for Maywood Studio and the creative force at All Through the Night Quilting, Bonnie has spent more than two decades translating the warmth of handcraft traditions into fabric designs that resonate with quilters everywhere.

Her journey with Maywood Studio began in 2002, when she attended her first Quilt Market. “At the time I was making penny rugs and using a lot of wool in most of my work,” she recalls. When the studio’s design director proposed capturing that tactile, folk-art quality in cotton, Bonnie embraced the idea immediately. The result was the Woolies Flannel line, a collection that has grown and evolved ever since, with some designs drawn directly from wool swatches she sent to the studio and others rooted in the folk-art motifs of her penny rug work.

Her latest collection, Patchwork Woolies Flannel, revisits the charm of crazy quilt style, a format she has long admired for its flexibility. “You

can add motifs or applique wherever you want,” she says. Her favorite detail is the fly stitch. “What I love about old crazy quilt styles is how flexible they are.” She hints that there is more to explore with the concept: large, appliqued shapes onto Woolies Flannel, perhaps a heart, layered with texture and dimension.

When she’s not designing, Bonnie is likely surrounded

by fellow makers. A weekly “crafternoon” with creative friends has become a cherished ritual, with sessions ranging from decoupage seashells to needle felting, quilling, and even a memorable (if humbling) soldering class. “It looked easier than it was,” she laughs. “I probably won’t try that again.”

Travel has also become a growing passion. She recently

returned from a month driving through Spain, and the year before she walked two Caminos. The Cotswolds may be next, and a teaching trip to France is on the horizon for September. Through it all, she keeps gathering inspiration, from the texture of Spanish hillside towns to shells collected at low tide.

“That kind of detail and texture is something I really

enjoy,” she says. “Maybe we’ll see an ocean-inspired collection one day.”

This July, visitors to the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show on July 11 can experience her work firsthand in a special exhibit featuring quilts in both wool and cotton flannel. More of her patterns, fabric collections, and creative world can be found at www. allthroughthenight.com.

1 Teacher’s Pavilion: presented by Stitchin’ Post, located in Village Green Park. A collection of quilts created by the instructors of Quilter’s Affair. This is a do-notmiss exhibit, and it includes a Stitchin’ Post pop-up shop featuring patterns and products of the Pavilion quilts.

2 Wish Fabric Postcards: in partnership with Andover Fabrics and presented by Wildflower Studios, Sisters Gallery & Frame, Bend Picture Framing, Eastlake Framing, and High Desert Frameworks!; located at Village Green Park. This is an annual fundraiser for the SOQS Arts Scholarship for Sisters High School students and the production of the free-to-attend Quilt Show. Fabric postcards, donated from across the country, are sold to raise funds. Custom framing and/or matting is donated by multiple Central Oregon framing and art studios.

3 Kids Activity Center: presented by the Board members of SOQS, located at Village Green Park. The Kid’s Activity Center is a hands-on creative space where young makers can explore the fun of quilting and crafts! Kids can color their own Quilt Show Poster, color barn quilt ornaments, blow bubbles, and more. It’s the perfect spot for families to take a break and let imaginations run wild. All ages welcome — creativity encouraged!

4 Next Generation: presented by The Lodge Retirement Community, located at Village Green Park. Celebrating all quilters under the age of 18, our Next Generation of quilters vary in age and skill. We love to celebrate their creativity and artistry as they share their quilts with our visitors.

5 Stitchin’ Post Employee Challenge Quilts: presented by and located at Stitchin’ Post. Each year, the employees of Stitchin’ Post choose a theme to interpret in each of their own styles. This year, they celebrate the 250th Anniversary of our country with their theme “America the Beautiful.” View all their quilts hung on the outside of Stitchin’ Post on Oak Street.

6 KONA Color of the Year: presented by Makin’ it Local, located in front of Stitchin’ Post. The Robert Kaufman Fabrics Kona Cotton Color of the Year for 2026 is Wander. A rich, calm, and confident forest green that invites curiosity and open-ended possibility.

7 Fortunate Findings Quilt Collection: presented by Sisters Coffee Co., located at Beacham’s Clock Co. The Fortunate Findings Quilt Challenge, sponsored by FreeSpirit Fabrics and inspired by the collections Findings and Grace by Valori Wells, celebrates creativity, color, and personal expression through quilting. Selected quilts from artists around the world showcase imaginative design, storytelling, and the joyful artistry that quilting inspires.

8 A Timeless Quilt Collection: presented by Cascade Antiques and Lonesome Water Books, located inside Beacham’s Clock Co. Step into the history of Central Oregon with this special collection of vintage quilts curated by Jean Wells. Each quilt tells a story of family, tradition, and the enduring art of quilting.

9 Quilt Block Contest 2026: presented by FreeSpirit Fabrics, located on Oak Street next to Beacham’s Clock Co. Thanks to the generous support of Valori Wells and FreeSpirit Fabrics, the annual Quilt Block Contest challenges quilters to create a block using Valori’s newest fabric line, “The Wisdom.” See the variety of designs and talents with 90+ entries, including our winning block and honorable mentions.

10 SOQS 2026 Raffle Quilt — Freddy Dot Com: presented by Sisters Bakery, located on Oak Street across from Stitchin’ Post. “Freddy Dot Com” bursts with color, energy, and personality — a joyful celebration of the signature style of beloved artist and quilter Freddy Moran. Featuring her iconic use of red, black, and white and her fearless sense of design, this one-of-a-kind quilt perfectly reflects our 2026 theme, “Whimsical and Wild.” Generously donated by Freddy’s family, it honors her creative spirit, humor, and lasting legacy in the quilting world.

11 SOQS Information Booth: combined with the Raffle Quilt Booth, located on Oak Street, across from Stitchin’ Post. This booth offers an information table and volunteers to answer your questions about Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show, location of quilts, and more!

12 Showcase Quilter — Bonnie Sullivan: presented by Les Schwab, and located in the Hood Avenue Art courtyard, 357 W. Hood Ave. Discover the charming and creative world of Bonnie Sullivan, a beloved designer and quiltmaker. Known for her warm, timeless style and popular fabric and pattern designs, Bonnie has inspired quilters and stitchers around the world for decades. This special collection showcases her love of handmade traditions, storytelling through textiles, and enduring creativity — a must-see for quilt lovers and makers alike.

13 Storytellers Book 2026 — Whimsical and Wild Storybook; Quilts for sale by various artists: presented by and located in the courtyard of The Open Door at Rickards Gallery. Quilters and instructors from near and far have created this larger-than-life storybook of quilted pages, each sharing a unique story through fabric and design. Discover the stories behind these one-of-a-kind quilts, all available for purchase, with proceeds supporting the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show.

14 Central Oregon SAQA — Color in Motion: presented by The Open Door at Rickards Gallery and located in the Open Door courtyard. Central Oregon SAQA artists explore natural and manmade patterns through quilts that use color, contrast, and value to suggest movement and fluidity. A shared size requirement and the use of sky blue create a unifying thread throughout the exhibit.

15 Best of QuiltCon 2026: presented by and located at Paulina Springs Books. This traveling exhibit showcases awardwinning and standout quilts from the QuiltCon show presented by the Modern Quilt Guild. Featuring bold designs, innovative techniques, and fresh perspectives, these quilts represent the forefront of modern quilting. This curated collection offers a dynamic glimpse into the evolving art of quilting across the globe.

16 Up and Coming Artist –Chyan Nuttall: presented by Anvil Sewing and Bernina, located at Sisters Habitat for Humanity Office. Experience Chyan Nuttall’s vibrant quilting journey, from playful piecing to expressive freemotion quilting and original pattern design. Her collection reflects a joyful spirit of creativity, curiosity, and a passion for exploring new possibilities in quilting.

17 Inspirational Instructor — Leslie Jenison Tucker: presented by Gypsy Wind Clothing, and located at the SOQS Office. An inspiring exhibit of contemporary quilts and mixed media work, where photography, dye, paint, and surface design come together in beautifully layered artistry. Leslie Jenison Tucker is an internationally recognized artist, instructor, and fabric designer for Wishwell/ Robert Kaufman.

HIGHWAY

20 / 126 WEST: Metolius Recreation Area, Camp Sherman, Black Butte Ranch, Suttle Lake, Hoodoo, Portland, Eugene, Salem, Albany

HWY 242 WEST: McKenzie Pass To Outlaw Station and Three Wind shopping centers

18 Maywood Makers — Block Quilts: presented by Maywood Fabrics, located at the Volunteers VIP Tent, Ash Street and Hood Avenue. These samplers showcase the work of the annual “Maywood Makers.” The individual mini quilts were created by each maker and assembled to celebrate their year of mentorship, collaboration, and learning through Maywood Studios.

19 East of the Cascades — Oregon Parks and Landmarks: presented by The Jewel, located at Toriizaka Art, Hood Avenue. Explore the East of the Cascades Quilt Guild exhibit celebrating the beauty and spirit of Oregon’s parks and landmarks. Through color, texture, and creativity, these quilts capture the landscapes, places, and memories that make Oregon so beloved.

20 Whimsical Wear Booth: presented by Quiltsmart, located in front of The Hen’s Tooth. Discover the creativity and flair of the Whimsical Wear Booth, featuring one-of-a-kind wearable art handcrafted by local artisans, SOQS board and staff members, and Quilter’s Affair instructors. Every piece — from jackets and pants to bags and hats — was showcased in the Friday Night Whimsical Wear Fashion Show. Proceeds from all sales support SOQS, the nonprofit organization that produces the quilt show, helping continue its mission of celebrating quilting, artistry, and community.

21 SOQS Information and Merch Booth, and Lost & Found: in partnership with Explore Sisters, located at Barclay Park. Stop by this welcoming information booth to get answers to your questions about the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show, find quilt locations, and learn how to become a Friend of the Show. Friendly volunteers will be available throughout the day to help you make the most of your visit. You can also browse a selection of small SOQS and Sisters, Oregon merchandise items available for purchase — perfect keepsakes to remember your day at the Show. This booth also serves as the Show’s Lost & Found.

22 Undercover Quilters — When Books Become Quilts: presented by The Gallimaufry, located on the west wall at The Gallery Restaurant. Each year, this group of Central Oregon quilters gathers around a shared book, transforming the stories that move them most into art quilts. Inspired by this year’s selection, “Crow Talk” by Eileen Garvin, the 11 quilts in this collection reflect each artist’s personal interpretation of the book’s most meaningful, impactful, and memorable moments. Measuring 24 by 36 inches, these works celebrate the power of storytelling, creativity, and community through the art of quilting.

23 Mt. Bachelor Quilters’ Guild — A Summer Fruit Salad: presented by Ray’s Food Place and located at The Hen’s Tooth. Discover a vibrant collection of quilts inspired by the colors of fruit! Quilters were randomly assigned a fruit card and challenged to feature that fruit’s dominant color in a unique quilt design. Traditional to modern, these creative pieces celebrate color, imagination, and a touch of fruity fun.

24 In Honor Of: presented by Hen’s Tooth, located at the Hen’s Tooth courtyard. In honor of longtime Sisters quilter Candy Woods, this special exhibit celebrates her creativity, talent, and lasting impact on the quilting community. Enjoy a heartfelt collection of quilts curated by Candy’s family and friends in tribute to her life and artistry.

25 Honor Flight Quilts and Quilts of Valor Info Booth: presented by Oliver Lemons, located at Hood Avenue and Elm Street. Learn about two wonderful programs that support Veterans with quilts to honor their service.

gazing upon a sliced stone. Each piece reflects the beauty, mystery, and stories we discover within the natural patterns of the earth.

28 Portland Modern Quilt Guild — Vintage Games: presented by Luckey’s Woodsman, located at 178 S. Elm St. Step back into childhood memories with this exhibit celebrating vintage board games through modern interpretations of classic game boards. Artists were encouraged to incorporate repurposed vintage fabrics, giving new life to treasured textiles while capturing the nostalgia, color, and playful spirit of games from the past.

26 Central Oregon Modern Quilt Guild — Flying Colors with Gail Garber: presented by The Quilt Basket, located at the west wall of Candy Corral on Elm Street. Experience the Central Oregon Modern Quilt Guild’s vibrant tribute to the artistry of Gail Garber and her book “Flying Colors.” Inspired by undulating shapes, movement, and flow, these quilts burst with dynamic design and an explosion of color that celebrates creativity and modern quilting.

27 Duo at Play — Creativity Rocks: presented by and located at Bedouin on Hood Avenue. Imagining all that lies hidden beneath layers of compressed sediment beneath our feet — drifting clouds, ancient oceans, quiet walks through the trees — this exhibit celebrates the wonder and imagination inspired by

31 Mountain Meadow Quilters Guild — A Splash of Color: presented by Explore Sisters, located at The Hub, 291 E. Main Ave. Enjoy this striking exhibit by the Mountain Meadow Quilters, featuring quilts created in black, white, and gray with a splash of each quilter’s favorite accent color. From traditional to modern styles, these beautiful works showcase creativity, contrast, and personal expression through color and design.

29 Busy Bees Quilt Group — Celebrating America’s 250th: Honoring Our Heritage Through Quilts: presented by Alpaca by Design, located at The Place, 101 W. Main Ave. Celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, this exhibit honors the enduring spirit of the American farmer and the tradition of barn quilt artistry. Featuring quilts inspired by farms, barns, and the classic barn quilt designs that have become a beloved part of rural America, the collection reflects the values of hard work, resilience, and community that have shaped our nation’s heritage.

30 High Desert Quilt Guild — Forging Quilts, Celebrating 10 years Together: presented by C&T Publishing, located at Sisters Feed. Celebrate the 10th anniversary of High Desert Quilt Guild with this special commemorative exhibit! Quilters created imaginative works using shades of white, gray, or silver, plus a third color of their choice. Each piece also creatively incorporates the number 10 — through 10 blocks, 10 figures, or other inspired interpretations. This anniversary collection highlights the artistry, friendship, and creativity that have flourished over the guild’s first decade.

32 Gallery Artist — Cindy O’Neal: presented by Citizens4Community, located at The Hub, 291 E. Main Ave. Enjoy the vibrant and imaginative work of this Central Oregon quilt artist, whose quilts will be on display and available for purchase during the first two weeks of July. Inspired by books, challenge themes, and the beauty of the outdoors, her creations often feature appliqué and bold, joyful color. An active member of several local quilting groups, Cindy brings creativity, storytelling, and artistic exploration to every piece.

33 Two Rivers, Three Sisters: presented by Ponderosa Lodge, located inside Sisters City Hall. This permanent exhibit, created in 2012, was a joint project of many fiber artists and the National Forest Foundation to raise awareness and funds for the restoration efforts on the Metolius River and Whychus Creek. The 40-foot long, 17-panel quilt depicts the forest and rivers surrounding Sisters. (City Hall will be open Monday through Friday during Quilt Show week.)

34 Showcase Quilter Christine Watkins: presented by Blue Burro Imports, and located inside FivePine Lodge. Christine is honored to share her “Simply Solids” collection, featuring 10 quilts created with solid-color fabrics and a variety of piecing techniques. Each quilt is finished with simple straight-line quilting spaced at half-inch intervals, highlighting the beauty of color and design. Inspired by her vibrant fabric collection and the creativity of fellow Central Oregon quilters, her work celebrates color, simplicity, and modern quilting artistry.

36 Save it for Sunday! –Michelle Wilkie: presented by FivePine Lodge, located at FivePine campus. On Sunday, July 12, walk through the pine trees on the campus of FivePine Lodge and view quilts created by Michelle Wilkie. Join Michelle as she shares her artistic journey through modern quilting, blending traditional techniques with improvisation, minimalism, and bold use of color. Inspired by photography and personal experiences, her quilts tell visual stories filled with emotion and connection. Michelle will share these stories during small-group walking tours and a mid-morning lecture — we invite you to experience one or both presentations. Join us for Save it for Sunday to explore her vibrant world of color and creativity.

numbered 2026 SPECIAL EXHIBITS MAP on previous page (13).

35 SOQS Quilt Walk: presented by The Roundhouse Foundation. Be sure to stroll throughout the Quilt Show business sponsors of Sisters and Central Oregon throughout July; each sponsor business will be showing off a sponsor quilt created by an Oregon quilter. The list of our sponsoring businesses is available online and in participating businesses.

Monday, July 6 – Sunday, July 12 or while

Artist gets first exhibit at Quilt Show

By Susan Cobb Correspondent

Christine Watkins was “quite surprised” to get a call from Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show (SOQS) Director Dawn Boyd last fall. Dawn asked Christine if she would be interested in having her own exhibit and Christine was honored by the invite and accepted. Christine will be the featured showcase quilter in the FivePine Lodge during Quilter’s Affair and SOQS.

Christine has shown her quilts in SOQS but never had her own exhibit. She immediately focused her energy on the request and determined she would create a show of 10 quilts made in 2025-26. She decided all her machine quilting would be half-inch spacing of only straight lines and just solid colors from Kona Fabrics. Christine got to work on her “Simply Solids” collection.

Christine first learned sewing from her mother and continued learning during high school in home economics classes. She was in Pennsylvania Dutch country teaching second grade in 1985 when she enrolled in evening quilting classes. “We hand pieced using cardboard templates traced on cereal boxes,” notes Christine. The students would hand piece and hand quilt their small quilts. In time Christine started machine piecing the tops but continued to hand quilt her quilts. She continued making

quilts as she got married, raised four children, and went through many moves of house and home to New Mexico, Texas, Alaska, England, and to Bend, Oregon, in 2016. In Bend, Christine was introduced to modern quilting where she found that although she loves hand quilting, machine quilting allows her to get more quilts done.

Christine has embraced the modern quilting style which commonly uses solids rather than printed fabrics. She does use prints when making fabric bags. When she has overflowing baskets of left over fabric scraps in solids and prints, she’ll make a “scrappy quilt.”

learn by attending retreats or classes offered by the Central

or the Mountain Meadow Quilters, and during Quilter’s Affair in Sisters. As to the latter, Christine appreciates “having top-notch instructors from around the world teaching a broad range of classes right here in Central Oregon presenting such an amazing opportunity to learn new techniques and perspectives.” She is energized and inspired when looking at quilts on display during SOQS each year.

Christine loves her growing community of quilting friends. Quilting is her creative outlet, making “every day go better.” She has a quilt studio built in 2022 attached to her home that is a “sunny and bright” place in which to create. She has given her quilts to members of her extensive family for years and recently has sold several.  She shares her quilt projects on Instagram @cmwatkinsak.

instructors

youngsters to the fabric arts at the Kids Activity Center.

Inspiring the next generation

By Katy Yoder Correspondent

The history of quilting journeys back to antiquity where an ivory carving showed an Egyptian pharaoh wearing a quilted mantle. Quilted fabric was also used as clothing and armor padding in ancient China and North Africa. By the 14th century quilting was transformed from just utilitarian uses to an art form. Today’s quilts are an extension of that ancient beginning.

Looking at the quilts hung throughout Sisters, a continuing evolution is revealed in a myriad of styles and uses. But how do we foster the next generation of quilters? That question is being answered by Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show (SOQS) board members like educator Carol Dixon, who will soon be leaving the board, and her successor Kristy Rawls. Dixon is passing the mission of educating the next generation of quilters onto Rawls. With a background in teaching, Rawls looks forward to offering opportunities to anyone interested in learning more about quilting.

“Carol is an incredibly amazing teacher. I was honored to be asked to take up the mantle after she steps off the board,” said Rawls. “Education is where I have something to contribute and where my focus will be as a new board member. I remember when my daughter and I took our first quilting class after we moved

to Sisters. Quilting was a great way to be a part of the community.”

Rawls is looking forward to spending time during this year’s quilt show introducing quilting to the next generation of artists. Providing fun activities that spark curiosity about quilting as an art form and as a useful skill will ensure quilting retains a strong base of artists at all levels and ages. Join her at the Kid’s Activity Center at Village Green Park. All materials are provided for attendees.

“The math teacher in me wanted to integrate how math benefits the creative process in a variety of ways,” said Rawls. “But this year we’re focusing on offering a family-friendly event with beginning activities using coloring sheets from the SOQS poster artist Katie Daisy’s proofs. There are four different sheets, and one is the actual poster. It’s a chance to color on different blocks to create a pleasing image. We want elementary school-aged kids to have fun and create something they can take home with them.”

There is a second outdoor classroom welcoming all ages to explore new sewing skills. Qristy Kurtz of Powell Butte is the founder of the nonprofit, Fashion for Everyone. She invites all quilting curious to stop by the Fashion Workshop Mobile Classroom for a free Stop and Sew activity from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Hood Avenue across from Bedouin.

She’s offering a fun sewing project making a little coin purse or credit card holder. Part of Kurtz’s mission is using recycled materials and making things that won’t just get thrown away or left on a shelf.

“When we use quality materials, students are more likely to keep it or share it as a gift. We’re offering a quick activity that usually takes 10 to 15 minutes per person. We’ll have a volunteer set up with a snap press and another with a sewing machine to help people. There’s a separate sewing machine for the quilting setup,” said Kurtz. “We offer an inviting, helpful little art station for people. We’ll have good signage, so people know where our sewing classroom is located.”

A quilter herself, Kurtz has a strong desire to make design and sewing accessible to everyone. Her nonprofit’s mission includes providing affordable resources and learning opportunities for aspiring designers of all ages. Kurtz offers classes all over Central Oregon that invite folks to take classes that use upcycled garments and supplies.

Volunteers with sewing skills are invited to join Kurtz as she offers all kinds of sewing instruction. She’s always looking for fabric and leather donations to restock her supplies. To find out about her upcoming programming and events, or to donate, visit Fashion for Everyone’s website: www. fashionforeveryone.org.

QUILT SHOW

Katie Daisy — wild & whimsical art

Katie Daisy will tell you right off the bat that she’s not a quilter — but her art fits perfectly with the Whimsical & Wild theme of the 2026 Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show. That’s why she was selected as this year’s poster artist.

“Obviously, it’s such a huge honor,” she said, “because it’s such an iconic event that has been going on forever.”

Katie’s art is inspired by nature, a sensibility she soaked up as she was “raised by the birds and warm breezes of small-town Lindenwood, Illinois, brought up among the other wildflowers with roots planted deeply in the natural world.”

She recalls that she “was playing in my mother’s garden doing art all day long.”

Art was more than a hobby

— and it has been more than a career for Katie Daisy. It is a calling. She graduated from Minneapolis College of Art and Design in 2009 and embarked on the adventurous — and challenging — life of a freelance illustrator.

“I’ve been doing it full time since 2009,” she said.

And she’s made a success of it. She has a New York Times bestselling book, and operates a small retail shop in Sisters in addition to her online shop at www.katie daisyshop.com. She created a public mural in downtown Sisters with Karen Eland.

“I try to walk the line between being a commercial artist and also doing something handmade,” she said.

She works extensively with a blend of watercolor and acrylic, a medium she says she discovered through experimentation.

Her 2026 SOQS poster

features the Three Sisters mountains looming behind a cozy log cabin, surrounded by Sisters’ wildlife.

“I definitely wanted to make this a love letter to Sisters,” she said. “Every single element of it is something you can find right here in Sisters.”

The poster reflects Katie

Daisy’s love for the place where her artistic journey has taken her.

“I really wanted the cabin to signify home,” she said.

Katie Daisy will be on hand at Stitchin’ Post on Saturday, July 11, 9 a.m. to noon, to sign her poster as a memento of the 51st Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show.

Wish Cards from here, there, and everywhere!

By Susan Cobb Correspondent

Donated handmade fabric postcards, called “Wish Cards,” help fund the next annual Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show (SOQS) and provide funding for scholarships to selected Sisters High School Arts graduates. The Wish Cards are viewed and purchased by thousands of visitors to, and participants in, Quilter’s Affair and the SOQS.

The “Wish Upon a Card” project was developed in 2006 connecting SOQS with the Wendy’s Wish Foundation. The foundation had funded cancer treatments and was eventually absorbed by Saint Charles Hospital in Bend. In 2016, the SOQS Board of Directors decided to continue the fabric postcard program with a focus on raising local scholarships for students of the Arts and has now renamed it “Wish Card.” This aligns to the mission of SOQS: “Educate the public about the art, skill, and heritage of traditional and contemporary quilts and fiber arts, while enhancing the cultural vitality of the commu nity of Sisters and Central Oregon.”

Wish Card

Coordinator Robyn Gold is in her fifth year and shared that the Wish Card team of 18 volunteers are a great group who each show initia tive while sustaining strong comradery. They spend hundreds of hours every year to prepare for and com plete the Wish Card program. During the program the team processes cards from around the world and across the United States — more than 500 cards annually. They will show, auction, and sell

wish cards, notify winners of work judged or auctioned, and send notes of gratitude to all postcard makers.

Robyn noted that one of the innovations of the Wish Card team was to track received postcards visually by state. In the SOQS office, the team updates a wall quilt of the map of the USA, identifying participating states. The SOQS has received Wish Cards from fabric postcard makers in Canada, Australia, and Germany.

For 2026 SOQS, Andover Fabrics donated two different bolts of fabric by designer Alison Glass. The Wish Card team cuts the fabric into 4.5by 6.5-inch pieces to build about 200 “Challenge” packets with instructions. Completed “challenge” postcards submitted by May 1 are entered into the juried program.

Challenge participants must use both Andover fabrics and can embellish or add other fabrics. In May, three challenge winners and eight honorable mentions were selected by the SOQS Board of Directors. The 11 Challenge cards and 27 Wish Cards created by 20 teachers

present) comprise the 2026 Wish Card Silent Auction entries.

SOQS is grateful to the five professional framework businesses that framed the 38 postcards for auction. In Bend the framers are Eastlake Framing, High Desert Frameworks, and Bend Picture Framing, and in Sisters Wildflower Studio and Sisters Gallery & Frame. The 2026 Fabric Challenge Winners are listed in order of first through third place: Christine Shimizu (California), Sandra Andrea (Utah), and Karen Hewer (Oregon). The silent auction of the 38 framed cards is open to the public (and to Quilter’s Affair participants) July 6 thru 10, at the Sisters High School, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

During SOQS visit the Wish Card tent to see the 11 Challenge Wish Cards for

auction at the Village Green Park from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The three winning Challenge and Teacher’s postcards can be purchased outright (first come, first serve) at $500 and the honorable mention Challenge cards at $350.

Otherwise, the auctioned postcards go to the highest bidder. The hundreds of Wish Cards are on display in both locations (noted above) during open hours. The unframed postcards sell for $10 each and matted sell for $25 each.

20th Annual Fabric Postcard Exhibit, Sale, and Auction

Thank you to our sponsors, donors, and supporters!

SPONSORS: Andover Fabrics • Eastlake Framing High Desert Frameworks! Bend Framing • Wildflower Studio Sisters Gallery & Frame Shop This program has raised over $200,910 to give back to our community and support the production of Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show.

Storybook Quilts from Wild to Whimsical

By Katy Yoder Correspondent

Eleven talented artists were invited to donate a quilt for the Storybook Quilts project. Started in 2017, the fundraiser has grown in popularity and influence as collectors clamor to acquire creations no larger than 21” wide by 33” high. The smaller size allows the quilts to fit in a handmade, leather storybook with a robust binding holding quilt pages in the 3-foot-by-4-foot book.

The project was inspired by Dan Rickards’ 2017 Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show (SOQS) poster, “Storytellers,” that included a giant quilt book in the painting. What began as a whimsical idea came to life through the hands of Rickards and leathersmith Julia Zell. The quilt pages are given to support the SOQS organization. Sales from the Storybook quilts provide funds needed to continue work supporting and enriching the community of artists who look forward to the annual event, inspired by viewing new techniques that might broaden what’s possible in the quilting realm.

This year’s quilt donors are a remarkable group including Naomi Snapp, Tonye Phillips, Kristan Collins, Kelly Acton, Jean Wells, June Jaeger, Susan DeGroat, Kathy Jasper, Linda Weick, Jan Tetzlaff, and Robyn Gold. The artists’ techniques range from abstract images representing time and

space to luscious portrayals of scenes from a galloping horse and rider to ravens catching up with friends in the Central Oregon landscape. Prices are two-tiered; if the artist is a teacher their quilt costs $500; the rest are $400.

The book will be on display during the Quilter’s Affair; folks not attending the Quilter’s Affair can see and purchase a quilt at lunchtime in the Sisters High School commons from July 6–10, then during the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show on July 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Open Door at The Rickard’s Gallery patio on Hood Avenue.

We talked to a few of the artists about their participation, quilting background, and interesting life stories that play into what they created for the Storybook project. A contributor since the beginning, June Jaeger’s quilt, “Evening Chat” reflects her love of the outdoors and the animals that live there. A fifth-generation Central Oregonian, Jaeger spent 40 years training horses and farming in the Willamette Valley and later in Pendleton. After leaving agriculture, Jaeger built a cabin in

June Jaeger is a longtime quilter and a contributor to the Storybook Quilts project.

the Ochoco mountains and lived there with her horses, dogs, and cats. Fascinated by her winged neighbors, she found ravens to be remarkably intelligent and curious.

“The ravens in my quilt are meeting at the end of the day to share their stories,” she said.

Asked about the gold item in the beak of one bird, Jaeger says she’s not sure what the bird found. She invites viewers to complete that part of the story. Now a Sisters resident for several years, sometimes Jaeger yearns for the wilderness and many wild creatures who shared the forest with her. Her quilts allow her to return to a cherished time of

independence, renewal, and empowerment.

Former journalist Jan Tetzlaff has been the coordinator and a contributor to the Storybook project since it began. She’s still amazed at the diversity and creativity of the artists she invites to participate in the fundraiser that brings in around $4,000 each year. She marvels at how each quilter has a unique approach to creating their contributions. Some are handstitched, while others are appliqued and fused.

“The storyteller quilts have become an integral part of the Sisters Outdoor Quilt show and something attendees look

Kelly Acton is donating her second quilt to the Storybook Quilts project.

forward to seeing. We have storytellers turn the pages when the book is on display. They have fun taking artists’ statements and enhancing them with their own take on what the image conveys,” said Tetzlaff. “Through the quilters, and Dan and Julia Rickards’ generosity, we’re able to raise funds for the quilt show. I’m eternally grateful and impressed by the people who do this work each year. It’s an incredibly generous gift.”

Kelly Acton is donating her second quilt to the Storybook. She and her husband moved in 2020 to Sisters. Both are retired after careers in the medical profession. Acton has been sewing her whole life but didn’t get into quilting until about ten years ago. Her husband saw an art quilt that he knew would interest her. He saw how she could take her love of photography and create something with fabric. “We’ve been married for 49 years,” she chuckled. “So, he knows me pretty well!” Her quilt donation reflects her love of butterflies. Entitled, “Metamorphosis 2,” it’s the second iteration of a quilt she gave to a dear friend who was going through a life transition.

All three artists loved their careers and experiences they had along the way. Happily living close to the Stitchin’ Post, and the Cascade Range wilderness, they’re infusing their artistic energy and enjoyment expressing themselves into enriching the community they love. It’s a gift for them and the place they call home.

Freddie Moran Raffle Quilt entices quilters

There are few names in the world of quilting more potent than that of Freddy Moran.

An internationally recognized, award-winning fabric artist, author, and teacher, she was known for a vivid sense of color, expressed in her quip: “Red is a neutral!”

Moran did not start quilting until she was in her 60s — but she was blessed with a long life and a rich career in the field.

“She lived to 94, and she was still coming to Quilt Show at 92,” recalled Jean Wells Keenan, who knew Moran well. “When she really got command of the sewing machine, she was off and running.”

Jean recalls an enthusiastic artist with a joyful nearcompulsion to be at work. The Quilt Show founder recalls visiting Moran at her home in Orinda, California:

“I’d get up in the morning, and she’d already be in the studio.”

Beyond her work, Moran was an important ambassador for the craft she loved.

“She was a positive person,” Jean said. “She loved the quilting community.”

Freddy’s family has offered up one of her quilts to help raise funds for the free-to-the-public Quilt Show. “Freddy dot com” bursts with color, energy, and personality — a perfect fit for our 2026 Quilt Show theme: Whimsical and Wild. It embodies the joy, spontaneity, and freedom that Freddy brought to the quilting world — and to everyone who knew her work.

Raffle tickets are $5 each with a maximum of 2,000 sold.

Tickets are available at soqs.org, stitchinpost.com, or in person on Quilt Show Day.

Artist pushes boundaries

Michelle Wilkie’s practice is built around focus on everyday details.

Originally from New Zealand, Wilkie now lives in the United States, where quilting is her bridge to connection and community.

“My artistic narrative involves a visual dialogue often shaped by photography, translating moments into textile works that play with texture, light, and form. I blend traditional quilting techniques with a contemporary twist, embracing improvisation, minimalism, and color.

“My current practice pushes the boundaries of what a quilt can be — challenging the perfectionism I once learned and embracing

the possibilities within the form.

“Most of the pieces I’m bringing ... are inspired by everyday items you might see, or things I’ve experienced,” she said.

Michelle will share details of her artistic practice and tell her stories through her quilts during small-group walking tours, and a mid-morning lecture in the Save It For Sunday event on July 12 at FivePine Lodge and Conference Center, 1021 E. Desperado Trail. Tickets to walking tour and lecture have all sold out; people may walk freely through the exhibit from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“I’m hoping in this lecture to get people to slow down and see things and take in details,”  she said. She recommends that artists “Start by just taking one photograph of something you see every day and go from there.”

Friends and Vine Wine Bar

Hike-N-Peaks

The Pony Express

Takoda’s Restaurant

Spoons Restaurant

Lake Creek Lodge

The Scout Boutique Cottages

Washington Federal Inscape Plant Store

Hardtails Outlaw Country Dive Bar and Grill

Sisters Ace Hardware SFF Presents

GrandStay Hotel & Suites

Frankie’s

Kitchen & Cocktails

Sisters Meat and Smokehouse

Central Electric Co-op

Candy Corral

Sisters Feed & Supply

Dixie’s

Sno Cap Drive In Ear Expressions

Sisters Athletic Club

The SweetEasy Co

Sisters Homestead

Sundance Shoes

Hood Avenue Art Lazy Z Ranch

Kibak Tile

Molasses Bakery

Record low compliance with vaccine requirements

By Shaanth Nanguneri Oregon Capital Chronicle

A record high number of Oregon kindergartners entered school without required vaccines this year, new state data shows.

The Oregon Health Authority released figures on Thursday showing a 10.9 percent rate of vaccine exemption on nonmedical grounds statewide, compared to 9.7 percent in the prior school year and 6.9 percent in the 2021-22 school year. When combined with medical exemptions — children with severe allergies to vaccine ingredients or weakened immune systems because of disease or chemotherapy — the data shows only 85.6 percent of current kindergarteners are up to date on required vaccines.

The data comes as pertussis and measles cases have skyrocketed nationwide in the past year, with 23 cases reported in Oregon in 2026.

Health officials say a 93 percent vaccination rate for measles, mumps, and rubella is necessary for herd immunity to prevent outbreaks, but more than one-third of Oregon schools with 10 or more students in K-12 don’t meet that baseline requirement.

“Although the vast majority of families in Oregon are still choosing to protect families through vaccination, the downward trends are deeply concerning,” Howard Chiou, medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at the Oregon Health Authority’s public health division, said in a statement. “We risk seeing the return of diseases such as measles and polio — diseases of the past that once caused widespread harm but are entirely preventable with vaccines.”

Oregon has been on a downward trend for a decade when it comes to the percentage of kindergarten students who are up to date on required vaccines, with the steepest decline happening since the 2021-2022

school year after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to state health officials.

The vaccination most commonly avoided through nonmedical exemptions is the second dose of the measles vaccine, which has seen a more than 90 percent increase in the rate of exemptions over the past decade. The next least popular vaccination is the diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough vaccine, known as DTaP.

“Even when overall vaccination rates are high at the state or county level, that can sometimes hide significant risk at an individual school, so parents should not assume their local schools will also be well protected,” Chiou said in a statement. “We encourage families to look at the immunization rates for their child’s school to better understand personal and community risks.”

All but one of the 23 measles cases identified in Oregon this year involved unvaccinated people or people with unknown vaccination status, while the remaining case was a person who received just one of the two measles vaccine doses.

Oregon lawmakers this past legislative session also passed legislation that would make it easier for the state to require health insurance plans to cover vaccinations despite shifting federal guidance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The state is also a member of the pro-vaccine West Coast Health Alliance, which has rebuked recommendations from the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel shaped under the political influence of U.S Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., one of the nation’s most prominent vaccine skeptics.

Republished under Creative Commons license

CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 courtesy of https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com.

Reflections on a school year

To the Editor:

As another school year has come to a close, I find myself reflecting on just how much our students, staff, and community have accomplished together. While summer has officially begun for our students, our June School Board meeting served as a wonderful reminder that learning, creativity, and innovation have been thriving in every corner of Sisters School District.

One of the evening’s highlights was hearing from a Sisters High School student, who shared how the IGNITE program transformed his outlook on English. By connecting his coursework to a personal passion, he not only strengthened his writing skills but also discovered a genuine love of learning. His story perfectly illustrates what can happen when we create opportunities for students to learn in ways that inspire them.

We also celebrated remarkable collaboration across our schools. Art teachers from the elementary, middle, and high schools showcased projects that bring students of all ages together, including community art installations and the annual “Monster Collaboration,” where high school students transform first graders’ drawings into handcrafted sculptures. These experiences build creativity, mentorship, and lasting connections between students.

Our counselors shared exciting progress toward becoming the first school district in the nation to have comprehensive RAMPcertified counseling programs in every

school. Their work is helping ensure students receive proactive academic, social-emotional, and career support while creating a stronger sense of belonging for every learner.

Elementary and middle school leaders also highlighted outstanding academic growth and school culture initiatives. Students demonstrated impressive gains in reading and math, while new mentoring programs, career exploration opportunities, writing initiatives, and community-building activities continue to strengthen learning and relationships throughout our schools.

The Board also approved a partnership with OpenEd, expanding educational options for homeschooling families who wish to remain connected to Sisters School District. This reflects our ongoing commitment to serving all families while strengthening our community and keeping educational opportunities close to home.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to our outstanding teachers, educational assistants, administrators, support staff, coaches, bus drivers, custodians, nutrition services staff, office teams, volunteers, and School Board members. Your dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to our students make Sisters School District an extraordinary place to learn and grow. Thank you as well to our families and community partners, whose support enriches our schools every day.

I hope everyone has a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable summer. We look forward to welcoming our students back in the fall for another exciting year of learning and opportunity.

Curt Scholl, Superintendent

Unit on the Ponderoo stage, the generator which powers the sound and lights blew. Without missing a beat, the band went acoustic, the crowd roared its approval and some artists from bands waiting for their slot joined in on stage turning the whole thing into an improv.

Unfazed, Brad Tisdel, talent coordinator, jumped into his truck, raced to Redmond and returned with a replacement generator, getting it powered up before the next scheduled act.

Incoming SFF Presents Executive Director December Carson summed up the good times.

“This year’s sold-out Big Ponderoo was a tremendous success and a wonderful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together to create something special,” she said. “From the volunteers and staff to the

artists, sponsors, and festivalgoers, everyone helped make this annual celebration such a memorable experience.

“The cooler temperatures created a cozy atmosphere, and the weekend was filled with unforgettable moments. When the sound briefly went out on Friday, Mountain Grass Unit turned the interruption into magic with an impromptu acoustic performance that left the audience with goosebumps. The evening concluded with incredible sets from The Rumble featuring Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr. and the California Honeydrops. Saturday kept that energy alive with standout performances by Fruition, Bronwyn, and Steep Canyon Rangers beneath the glow of a nearly full moon.

“It was a warm and inspiring welcome as I began my tenure as executive director of SFF Presents, and I couldn’t have imagined a better way to join this remarkable community.”

One after another, a diverse set of acts captivated the audiences, many of

whom danced rhythmically in front of the stages to the music which never seemed to disappoint.

The 2026 Festival delivered one of its strongest lineups yet, bringing together rising stars, Grammy winners, and genre-bending performers from across North America for a weekend celebrating bluegrass, Americana, soul, funk, and roots music.

Kicking off the bill was Colorado sensation Big Richard, whose four members have become one of bluegrass’s fastest-rising acts since 2021. Known for

blazing fiddle work, soaring vocal harmonies, and an irreverent sense of humor, the quartet built a devoted following while touring its debut album, “Girl Dinner.”

Canadian singer-songwriter Boy Golden delivered a warm blend of classic country, psychedelic folk, and roadhouse pop. Influenced by Townes Van Zandt and Willie Nelson, his thoughtful songwriting and easygoing style earned national attention and a loyal audience.

California’s Broken Compass Bluegrass represented the new generation

of progressive string bands, combining polished musicianship, inventive songwriting and rich harmonies that have landed them on major festival stages throughout the West.

Grammy-winning fiddler and two-time IBMA Fiddle Player of the Year Bronwyn Keith-Hynes stepped into the spotlight as both vocalist and songwriter. Best known for her work with Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, KeithHynes brought a fresh creative voice while remaining

FESTIVAL: New executive director coming on board

rooted in bluegrass tradition.

Few acts generated as much spontaneous excitement as The California Honeydrops, the Oaklandbased retro-soul powerhouse. Performing without set lists, the band mixed soul, blues, jazz, and R&B into energetic shows where no two performances were alike.

Brooklyn trio Damn Tall Buildings continued to blur the boundaries between folk, old-time, blues and jazz with intricate arrangements and seamless harmonies that carried them from subway buskers to international stages.

Colorado’s The Fretliners, winners of both the Telluride Bluegrass and Rocky Grass band competitions, showcased emotionally rich songwriting that balanced innovation with bluegrass tradition.

Portland favorites Fruition returned with fresh material reflecting more than 15 years together, blending Americana, folk, soul, and rock through three accomplished songwriters.

Mountain Grass Unit brought fearless

improvisation, four-part harmonies, and the momentum of being named 2025 IBMA Momentum Artist of the Year, while Utah’s Pixie and The Partygrass Boys combined dazzling musicianship with playful stage antics.

Portland’s Reb & the Good News offered an uplifting mix of funk, soul, and world rhythms.

Southern Oregon’s The Rosa Lees honored pioneering women of bluegrass through powerful original songs and tightly woven harmonies.

New Orleans favorite The Rumble delivered an electrifying fusion of Black Masking Indian traditions, funk, brass, and hip-hop, while Grammy-winning Steep Canyon Rangers returned to their bluegrass roots with songs celebrating Appalachian storytelling.

Rounding out the lineup was Pacific Northwest singer-songwriter Stephanie Anne Johnson, whose soulful voice and emotionally resonant performances have made them one of Americana’s most compelling artists.

Together, the festival’s diverse lineup reflected both the rich traditions and exciting future of American roots music.

Dedication...

Festival incorporated art and whimsy

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

Between sets, festivalgoers at Big Ponder dropped by the Community Art Stations to make, doodle, build, and connect. Activities included “Who is at Big Ponderoo?” Using upcycled materials, yarn, googly eyes, and pipe cleaners, participants crafted miniature festivalgoers — whimsical mini-mes, favorite musicians or musical creatures to carry through the weekend.

Kindness Cards attendees designed small cards using paints, stickers, and sparkles, keeping them as bookmarks or passing them to strangers who made them smile.

Little Ponderoos

Keepsakes visitors customized flat wooden guitar or ponderosa pinecone cutouts with vibrant markers and bling, taking home one-of-akind High Desert mementos.

Participants in “10-Second Draw” pulled festival prompts from a jar and raced friends to sketch them before time ran out. Speed and laughs, not perfection, were the point.

“Build-a-Scene” players took turns adding one element

at a time to a shared canvas, a horizon, a sun, a tree, a dancer, watching a blank page transform into a collective masterpiece.

Community Quilting Wall festivalgoers decorated eightby-eight-inch matte boards with paint pens and added them to a growing quilt on the fence board near the First Aid tent.

“Bandana Botanicals” participants arranged fresh flowers on festival bandanas and used a hammering technique to transfer natural pigments directly into the fabric, producing wearable, one-of-akind keepsakes. The project was offered in partnership with Pine Meadow Ranch.

Friday and Saturday mural artist Karen Eland was on hand to the left of the

Ponderoo stage creating a new work live.

No Ponderoo would be complete without the raffle of a custom Breedlove guitar valued at $4,229. Designed especially for the 2026 Big Ponderoo Festival, this oneof-a-kind Breedlove Roots Dreadnought was built using a Sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides, with a koa rosette and a satin edge burst finish. It features an ebony pinless bridge for easy, onthe-go string replacement, mahogany neck, and ebony fretboard adorned with an inlay to commemorate the event.

And Friday was also the Fourth Friday Artwalk put on by Sisters Arts Association with many gallery strollers lured to the Village Green.

Building & Renovating w ith Innovative Design and Energy-Sav ing Idea

Our team believes quality, creativity, and sustainability matter We want your home to be a work of art worthy of containing your life 541-420-8448 dyerconstructionrenovation.com

Director Peter Gutowsky sent a letter of recommendation to the County Planning Commission June 18. Director Gutowsky notes, “Unfortunately, the Community Development Department (CDD) does not have prior experience with a legislative UGB amendment that contains Goal 5 resources acknowledged in Deschutes County’s Comprehensive Plan.” Gutowsky adds that such protected areas must remain so, “until the City of Sisters completes their Goal 5 obligations..,” which acknowledges the County’s responsibility until then. Thirdly, Gutowsky identifies that, “Deschutes County Code, Title 21, Sisters Urban Area Zoning Ordinance does not carry over riparian and wetland protections codified in Title 18, County Zoning.” Gutowsky’s communique also included implications that the City did not properly address Goal 5. However, the points of concern appear to be covered within the City’s UGB application and in follow-up documentation provided by the City to the County through June 4. Gutowsky’s recommendation to the County Planning Commission is to postpone deliberations, reopen a public hearing July 9 for additional oral and written testimony, and invite state entity representatives to expand concerns they raised.

The County Planning Commission, with very little conversation on June 25, approved the recommendation as stated, with Commissioner President Matt Cyrus voicing concern over the points the planning director put forth.

After the meeting, City Community Planning Director Scott Woodford indicated that before the County Planning Commission can approve the City’s UGB application, the County will need to update and approve the County code (as Gutowsky identified above). Woodford also noted that the letters from the state entities were advisory and

that the City had no additional action to take at this juncture.

Gutowsky’s letter pointed to letters received from three state agencies. A June 3 letter to the County from Amanda Punton, Department of Land Conservation and Development, provided testimony including that from the other two agencies; the Department of State Lands (DSL) and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). Punton’s letter states that Goal 5 administrative rules will need to be applied, “after the UGB amendment is adopted,” and adds that “Goal 5 work can be done as part of planning for a transition from rural to urban areas.”

The letter from DSL is to the County as a follow-up to the initial May 26 County public hearing on the City UGB application. DSL’s letter reiterates the need for the City to seek state permits in the event the Goal 5 areas come under consideration for development and notes it is an “advisory” communique only.

The letter from ODFW was to Woodford, sent June 2 from Gerald George, Deschutes Watershed District (DWD) office of ODFW, noting that both Whychus and Indian Ford Creeks are to be protected and that DWD staff, “are available to support the City of Sister’s efforts to protect these important riparian areas and the water quality of these creeks as you plan for future urban development.”

VETERANS: Organizations seek new members

Continued from page 3

veteran healthcare services, and reducing veteran homelessness.

Bowe and his colleague Lance Trowbridge encourage veterans to reach out to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8138 and the American Legion Post 86, both local branches of their national counterparts. These groups, while advocating for larger issues, are additionally involved in various events in Sisters. These events include marching in the Rodeo Parade, the Christmas Parade, and organizing the annual Memorial Day event at the Village Green Park.

“It’s a lot of effort that goes into one hour, but it’s worth it,” American Legion Commander Trowbridge said.

The groups also collectively put up 105 American flags around town throughout the year.

To join the Veterans of Foreign Wars, you must have served in the U.S Armed Forces and either received an honorable discharge or currently be serving; as well as have provided that service in a war, campaign, or

expedition on foreign soil or in hostile waters.

To join the American Legion, you must have served at least one day of federal active duty during a qualifying period, which is any time from December 7, 1941, to the present day.

There’s a growing need for more volunteers in both organizations in order to fill positions such as commander, vice commander, adjutant, treasurer, and chaplain. These roles are essential in order to maintain the presence of these groups and prevent them from disbanding. Members of the organizations are encouraged to attend monthly meetings, but are given schedule

flexibility when needed.

“One of the many benefits of being involved in the VFW or American Legion has come in the form of being in a position to help the community,” said John Ferguson, a member of the American Legion for over 16 years. “As veterans, we’ve served our country, and although there are many different reasons for serving, all of us are proud to be veterans and want to continue to support our community.”

For more information, email SistersVeterans@ gmail.com, visit https:// sistersveterans.wixsite. com/sistersveterans or call 541-241-6563.

Obituaries

Edward Francis Heagen

September 16, 1957 — May 26, 2026

Edward Francis Heagen was a tremendous human being. Whether he was charging the legendary breaks of Tavarua, Fiji, kitesurfing the blue waters of Maui, or riding the coastal hills of San Clemente on his mountain bike, he brought the same playful, exuberant energy to everything he touched. Among those who knew him, the spirit of “Eddie Would Go” — the surfer’s timeless tribute to courage, heart, and showing up when others won’t — was something Ed embodied every single day of his life.

A graduate of Corona Del Mar High School, Ed went on to build a successful career as a financial planner, guiding his clients with the same integrity and care he brought to everything he loved. He built a life of purpose and adventure in San Clemente before finding his way back to Central Oregon, to the retirement he had long dreamed of, where the mountains, trails, and rivers renewed his spirit daily. He was the person at every gathering who made the room brighter and warmer: witty, magnetic, and deeply loving. Intelligent, trustworthy, and wickedly funny, Ed made sure the people he cared about always knew exactly how he felt.

After surviving a broken neck on his mountain bike along the coastal trails he loved, Ed walked a mile and a half down the trail, holding his head and his bike frame. During the three months of in-patient rehabilitation that followed, he proved his strength and overcame multiple serious setbacks that would have vanquished most. He was, in every sense, a force of nature.

A loving and devoted father, Ed was unwavering

in his support of his children and their dreams, showing up for them with the same commitment and enthusiasm he brought to everything in life. At the center of his world was his wife Eileen, whom he adored completely and spoke of with pride and tenderness at every opportunity. His love for her was one of the great joys of his life, and he made sure everyone around him knew it.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Eileen Heagen; his beloved children, Carson Heagen, Katee Cummins, and their mother Karen Heagen; his sister, Mary Johnson; his brothers, Paul and Mike Heagen; and every person whose life was made richer by knowing him.

Ed will always be remembered for the brightness he brought to everyone around him, and for the devotion and care he showed to his community.

Memorial service: Sunday, August 30, Dana Point Yacht Club. Paddle Out: T-Street Beach, San Clemente following the memorial service

True to the life he lived, Ed will be cremated and his ashes spread in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Kauai, Hawaii.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Ed’s honor.

May the waves be perfect and the winds always at your back.

Sisters Country birds

By Douglas Beall Correspondent

The cheerful trill of the House Wren [troglodytes aedon] begins before sunup. Named for its proclivity to nest around our houses, they are comical to observe constructing their nests as they bring sticks that are too long to fit in the nest hole and it may take numerous attempts until they place the stick in the nest. Grasses and feathers are used to line the stick nest which also contains spider sacks that help control mites that are harmful to

the nestlings. The male may build as many as 12 nesting sites to attract a female and are known to destroy other birds’ eggs and nestlings in order to protect their territory.

The House Wren lays three to 10 white to pink splotched eggs which take nine to 16 days to incubate and then the fledglings emerge in 14 to 16 days. The amount of beetles, spiders, grasshoppers, and other insects that are gathered to feed these chicks is staggering. From my short observation the two adult

House Wrens each brought an insect to the nest every four to five minutes or less from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. for an approximate total of 400 to 500 bugs per day, plus whatever the adults ate themselves.

Their breeding range extends from upper Canada down to the southern tip of South America. A collection of wrens is called a “herd,” a “flight,” or a “chime.”

For more House Wren photos visit http://abird singsbecauseithasasong. com/recent-journeys.

AIR QUALITY

Continued from page 9

for responding to smoke and wildfire can learn more at this state website.

“We offer this guide to support adults making decisions that balance those needs with the reality that children are more likely to be affected by health threats from smoke, because their airways are still developing and because they breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults,” Gabriela Goldfarb, manager of the Oregon Health Authority’s environmental public health section, said in a statement.

Republished under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0, courtesy of https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com.

100+WWC: Local donors support Sisters organizations

Continued from page 3

Foundation, Meals on Wheels, StirrUp Purpose, CORE Market, Living Well with Dementia Sisters, and Sisters Community Leadership Initiative (SCLI).

Laing and Campbell want to encourage more nominations and are hopeful that the experiences of previous grant recipients will generate them.

“Receiving support from 100+ Women Who CareSisters was an incredible experience for Seed to Table,” observed founder Audrey Tehan. “Beyond the funding itself, what stood out most was the opportunity to share our story with a room full of women who care deeply about the future of our community. The nomination and presentation process was welcoming, inspiring, and incredibly meaningful.”

Danna McNeese guides forest cleanup work through the SCLI. The organization was chosen by the members and received a record donation of $11,900 in April. The nomination process was “a pleasure from start to finish,” McNeese said. “I was warmly received as a nominee, guided through the application process, and worked actively with the organization to establish my presentation and slides.”

Campbell noted that all of their nominees report that the 100+WWC-Sisters presentations have been rewarding and productive.

“We entered the process with the thought that no matter which nominee was selected, we would be telling the Harmony Farm story to our Sisters neighbors, friends, and community members interested in bettering ‘our world,’” said Jeanette Pilak. Occasionally, a gentleman makes the presentation for a group seeking funds. “Being the only man in the room wasn’t uncomfortable; it was enlightening and humbling from where I sat and stood,” reported Sandy Reilly on behalf of Living Well with Dementia. “The process of selection and presentation provides an invitation of honesty and simplicity, a true nonpolitical, although very democratic process.”

Steven Mann of the Council on Aging of Central Oregon started his address to the group by asking, “So why isn’t there a 100 Men Who Care group?” Appreciative laughter ensued, and his appeal for funds to expand the Meals on Wheels program in Sisters netted $9,200 in the spring of 2025.

For Tehan, the experience was almost magical.

“What stayed with me was the feeling of being deeply

seen and supported by the very community we serve,”

Tehan said, adding that “for nonprofits, it’s easy to spend much of our time writing grant applications and reports. 100+ Women is different. You get to stand in front of your neighbors, share your story, and witness people come together to create immediate, tangible impact. It’s one of the most inspiring forms of local philanthropy I’ve experienced.”

And, of course, the donated funds are greatly appreciated, founders Laing and Campbell point out.

STARS received $8,500 in June 2024. “The donations helped STARS continue offering free, curb-to-curb services for Sisters Country residents,” said Rennie Morrell, “reducing isolation and helping our neighbors access the care they need to stay healthy.”

Almost two years later, Living Well with Dementia Sisters was chosen for a quarterly donation of $10,500.

“Their support is helping bring a dream to life by filling a critical need for respite among care partners who give endlessly of themselves,” founder Debbie McCune told The Nugget in January. “Because of this generosity, LWWDS is one step closer to offering meaningful relief to families walking the dementia journey.”

One of Campbell’s favorite anecdotes from the group’s first years is of a serendipitous meeting of two local nonprofits. The Sisters Science Club and the Sisters Trails Alliance were two of the three nominees; neither was selected for the group funding. But that didn’t stop the two enthusiastic presenters from partnering up to support an innovative trails project at the new Sisters Elementary School.

Kiki Dolson, founder of Furry Friends Foundation, summed up her experience this way: “The process was simple: three nonprofits, three short presentations, one vote with a profound result,” she said. “In a single meeting, this well-organized group turned individual $100 checks into a collective gift of $8,500 that made a big difference for our pet food bank in 2025. For someone who spends hours on grant writing, this was giving made easy, and giving made powerful.”

Campbell agrees.

“There is nothing like the power of 100+ women coming together to bring about change, through connection and compassion,” Campbell said. “We would love to hear from others interested in membership or funding opportunities.”

Nominations for the July meeting are due Monday, July 6. Membership and nomination inquiries are welcome at 100wwc.sisters@gmail.com, or contact Kathy Campell, 541-912-0750.

On a recent Tuesday evening as I was loading up The Nugget for deliver y, a woman came up on the porch and g rabbed a handful of papers. She told me it is a weekly ritual for her to pick up papers for her neighbors, who all enjoy reading the paper “cover-to-cover.” She’s been doing this for years, and she said:

“I hope you keep going forever.”

We hear from readers like that on a regular basis, and it’s the most g ratifying aspect of our work.

Our goal is to keep going forever — and to do that, support from our readers has become vital. It’s no secret that print media is in trouble across the nation. Costs continue to rise, and can’t simply be passed on to advertisers who are already stressed by their own higher costs of doing business. Readership declines as people’s habits change, and in many places, people don’t read at all, to a point where many think we’re entering a ‘post-literate’ society

That’s the bad news.

The good news is that Sisters is still home to readers — and writers, too. We know that the community values their newspaper, because you tell us so — and many want to support their newspaper so that it does stay vital for years to come. And we continue to seek to find new ways to provide value for their support. There are now multiple ways that readers can directly support The Nugget that are easy and aren’t expensive but have a big impact:

Suppor ting Contributions: Direct contributions to The Nugget are allocated to support our outstanding stable of freelance reporters, columnists, and photographers. You can make a supporting contribution online at www.nuggetnews.com (hit the “Donate” button); or you can mail a check to P.O. Box 698, Sisters OR 97759; or (best of all) stop by the office at 442 E. Main Ave. We love to talk with our readers.

Subscribe to the “Nuggets From A Small Town” Substack: Substack is an online subscription platform for creators. “Nuggets From A Small Town” offers longer-form essays from Editor in Chief Jim Cornelius, for readers who like to engage with thoughtful writing on topics ranging from identity to the power of empathy, what we learn — or don’t — from histor y. This week’s essay looks at the importance of reading what it might mean to be a “post-literate society.” You can access “Nuggets From A Small Town” at https://jimcornelius609. substack.com. All subscriptions directly support The Nugget Newspaper Online subscription: The content published on Substack and other subscriber-only content is available with an online subscription to nuggetnews.com. Click the subscribe button to sign up or call the office and we can assist you.

Print subscriptions cover only the cost of deliver y; the paper continues to be “free.”

Directly paying for our content is the best way readers can help us continue to provide it. It’s also vital to shop local and support the businesses that advertise in The Nugget — and provide Sisters with so much of its character

Change is inevitable, and more rapid than ever — but, with your help, we can preserve good things that “make Sisters Sisters.” With your suppor t, we can ensure that The Nugget is there for you each week to read “cover-to cover,” with more content for readers online. And maybe we will just go on forever.

Thank you,

Jim Cornelius, Editor in Chief

Schools scramble to keep up with AI use

By Robbie Sequeira Oregon Capital Chronicle

With many students and educators already using widely available artificial intelligence tools, state lawmakers and school districts are playing catch-up on AI policies.

In Maryland, for example, AI usage policies for K-12 schools are “all over the map,” Democratic State Senator Katie Fry Hester said.

In some school districts, she said, AI use is encouraged, while in others it is restricted, or — a worst-case scenario for Hester — there is little to no policy guidance at all.

“What we heard repeatedly is that the teachers were feeling like they had to navigate artificial intelligence entirely on their own,” Hester said.

Editor’s note: The Nugget reported on Sisters School District’s AI protocols in a story on April 22, 2026 — https://www.nuggetnews.com/ story/2026/04/22/education/ ai-plays-minimal-role-insisters-classrooms/38973. html.

Hester said square one for lawmakers is AI literacy, which was the aim of new legislation that she sponsored and that was signed into law in May. It requires an AI coordinator in each school system, a statewide AI professional development for teachers, and AI literacy to be a component of career readiness and computer science standards for K-12 students. It also requires the state Department of Education to provide certain guidance on AI.

Many other states have also been trying to create AI policies for schools. Lawmakers filed more than 134 bills across 31 states this year related to AI in education, focusing on data privacy, usage restriction in the classroom, literacy and training, according to MultiState, a government relations firm.

A survey by the Center for Democracy & Technology showed that a large majority of teachers (85 percent) reported using AI in their classroom during the 202425 school year, while 86 percent of students said they’d used AI for either personal or school-related reasons. But only about half of teachers and students reported that they received some training or information about AI from someone at their school, and few received training or information on risks of AI use.

A turning point for schools came with the rollout of ChatGPT in 2022, said Noelle Ellerson Ng, chief advocacy and governance officer for the School Superintendents

Association. “AI was something that could not be gatekept,” said Ellerson Ng. “It was in the classroom the minute students were able to access it.”

Her association does not take positions on state AI bills or policies. But she said districts are trying to avoid kneejerk, reactive policies such as New York City’s brief 2022 ban of ChatGPT because of fears about cheating.

Some states have made progress in laying the groundwork for AI policy in K-12.

Ohio has set a July 1 deadline for every school district, community school, and STEM school to adopt an AI use policy. The state’s model policy recommends that districts address student and staff uses, privacy, ethical use, teacher-specific uses, vendor agreements, thirdparty AI tools, and student assessments.

A new Idaho law signed in March requires local school districts and charter schools to devise local policies for AI usage in K-12 schools, requires state standards for AI literacy and education training, and ensures that no AI “replaces or eliminates a human teacher.”

An Oklahoma law enacted last month requires AI tools to be age-appropriate and requires teachers to review anything AI produces before using it in the classroom. It also allows parents to opt their children out of using AI tools. The law also directs the state education department to develop AI guidance and requires local school boards to set policies before the 2027-28 school year.

Yet even as schools are being sold on AI products by numerous vendors, there’s a growing skepticism about AI in classrooms. It follows a similar backlash about social media and digital technology’s academic and mental health effects on students, which has led to more states and districts putting in place cellphone bans and rethinking their reliance on laptops.

In the Center for Democracy & Technology survey, half of students said using AI in class made them feel less connected to their teachers, and 70 percent of teachers said they were concerned that students’ use of AI was preventing them from learning important skills.

Schools need to weigh the benefits of adopting AI tools in the classroom against their effect on student privacy, mental health, and social skills, said Sue Thotz, director of outreach for Common Sense Media, a nonprofit advocacy group focused on technology and its effect on children and families.

Schools, Thotz said,

may be the “only mandated safe space” where students can learn to use and access emerging technology. But she and other education experts believe districts need to increase scrutiny of products.

Globally, the market for AI products in K-12 schools was worth around $391.2 million in 2024, and could rise to more than $9 billion by 2034, according to market.us, a market research company. That includes AI products for tutoring, personalized learning, automated grading, lesson planning, and administrative tasks.

“When I talk about AI literacy, it’s not how to use AI. It’s understanding how AI is built,” said Thotz. “Why is it being created? Who’s profiting off of this?”

New York Assembly member Robert Carroll said he uses artificial intelligence in his own work and sees its value. As someone who struggled with dyslexia as a child, he also thinks technology can help students with disabilities.

But he also wants to keep AI out of most K-8 classroom instruction. Students should learn basic subject matter first — in conjunction with critical thinking — and then later use the tools that can assist them, he said.

Carroll, a Democrat, has introduced legislation that would prohibit the use of most AI in K-8 classrooms, with exceptions for diagnostic testing and support for students with disabilities.

“It is imperative that all children gain strong foundational skills, especially in literacy and numeracy, and it seems that AI is uniquely positioned to possibly undermine that,” he said. “There’s a difference between giving a tool to adults and giving a tool to children who have yet to master skills.”

Rather than full bans, most bills seeking to restrict AI have opted to focus on age restrictions, parental opt-outs, oversight, and bans on using AI to replace teachers.

This year, Florida’s “AI Bill of Rights” proposal would have included a statewide restriction on student access to AI instructional tools before sixth grade, with exceptions for use supervised by school personnel, Englishlearner translation support, and disability accommodations. It overwhelmingly passed the Senate 37-1, but died in the House.

A new Connecticut law adds computer science to the required public school curriculum, including AI and emerging technologies. Connecticut lawmakers in 2025 failed to pass a bill aiming to stop AI from “replacing” public school educators.

Sophia Romee, the general manager of the GenAI Studio, an initiative studying how students and educators use generative AI at the College Board, the nonprofit that administers the Advanced Placement curriculum and SAT tests for high schools, said she is concerned that only about one in five districts that allow students to use generative AI have a formal policy governing its use.

The College Board’s research, Romee said, shows many students are worried about becoming too reliant on AI, and that adults need to give clearer guidance about where using AI tools for brainstorming, revising, and tutoring crosses the ethical line into cheating.

“Students are far more self-aware about AI’s risks than headlines suggest.”

Jason Coley, director of the Center for Academic Innovation at Maria College in Albany, New York, said the policy debate needs to move beyond whether schools are

“for” or “against” the use of AI.

“The better question is what kinds of AI use are supervised, age appropriate, transparent, and tied to real learning,” Coley said. Schools need guardrails around privacy, student data, bias, teacher training, and equity of access, he said, but also permission to “experiment responsibly.”

Ellerson Ng said superintendents see AI as part of a larger umbrella of disruptive technologies in schools that has evolved from calculators to laptops to cellphones. The lesson, she said, is that overreactive policy rarely works. She also said schools should not cover AI in a separate policy, but as part of a broader technology policy.

“I don’t have a calculator policy. Why would I have an AI policy?” she said, describing how some district leaders think about the issue. “I have a technology policy.”

New episode is available now on Spotify and most ma jor podcasting platfor ms...

EPISODE 64 ... “The American Revolution On The Frontier — Bloody Mohawk”

EPISODE 63 ... “The American Revolution On The Frontier Allegheny Uprising”

EPISODE E 62... “The American Revolution On The Frontier Introduction”

EPISODE E 61 “Warren Angus Ferris Man of the Mountain La

EPISODE E 60... “Tales of the Rangers Part X The Mier Expedition”

MAKIN’ IT LOCAL:

Gallery hosting artist receptions

Continued from page 3

hors d’oeuvres, and experience new collections inspired by the beauty, color, and spirit of Oregon. Each reception will be held from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

On Tuesday, July 7, Makin’ it Local will debut new fine art prints from Jennifer O’Reilly’s original acrylic paintings. Known for her whimsical style and flowing interpretations of Oregon landscapes and the natural world, Jennifer’s work captures the joy and wonder found throughout the Pacific Northwest.

On Wednesday, July 8, letterpress artist Susan Porteous brings her distinctive collection of quilt-inspired letterpress prints, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern design. Her beautifully printed works have become favorites among quilters, collectors, and lovers of handmade art.

On Thursday, July 9, the 2025 Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show poster artist Cheryl Chapman returns with her stunning reverse-enameled painted fused glass. Rich in color, detail, and craftsmanship, her work has become one of Makin’ it Local’s most anticipated Quilt Week

AI USE: Law struggles to keep up with technology

Continued from page 19

With past technologies such as cellphones and laptops, adults could often control when students had access, Ellerson Ng said. With AI apps and platforms, many students accessed the tools before teachers, principals, or state officials were even aware of them.

That makes bans difficult, she said. Schools can block tools on school-owned devices and networks, but “you’re only one personal device away from social media and AI being in your schools.”

Justin Reich, an associate professor of digital media at MIT, said that uncertainty around AI should make policymakers cautious about declaring best practices too soon.

Reich said states are trying to regulate classroom AI at a moment when the field is still so unstable that “writing a guide for AI in 2026 is like writing a guide for aviation in 1905” before airlines, airports, or even commercial flight.

traditions and continues to captivate collectors year after year. Cheryl will unveil three new fine art prints created especially for Quilt Show Week.

One of Central Oregon’s most celebrated artists and a six-time Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show poster artist, Kathy Deggendorfer, will unveil five new fine art prints created especially for Quilt Show Week on Friday, July 10. Her vibrant interpretations of Central Oregon’s landscapes have become synonymous with the region and continue to delight collectors from around the world.

“Quilt Week is about bringing people together through creativity,” said Myrna Dow, owner of Makin’ it Local. “Whether you’ve traveled across the country for Quilt Week or you call Central Oregon

“If you were to take any of the AI literacy documents, AI readiness documents, even the moratorium documents, and put them against a checklist,” said Reich, “there would be a lot of boxes in the ‘we’re making this up’ column and not a lot in the ‘we have evidence’ column.”

State lawmakers and school districts should be honest that they don’t know what they’re doing, are relying on limited expert information and that policy is subject to change with new information, Reich said.

“Lawmakers will need to be honest that what they propose now could be completely outdated in two years.”

Stateline reporter Robbie Sequeira can be reached at rsequeira@stateline.org.

This story was originally produced by Stateline, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Oregon Capital Chronicle, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Republished under Creative Commons license

CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 courtesy https://oregoncapital chronicle.com/.

home, these receptions offer a chance to meet remarkable Oregon artists, hear the stories behind their work, and discover artwork that celebrates the beauty and spirit of our state. We hope our gallery becomes a gathering place where locals and visitors connect through art, conversation, and community.”

All receptions are free and open to the public.

Makin’ it Local is located at 281 W. Cascade Ave. Sisters.

POSTER: Celebration set for Saturday, July 4, at Village Green

Continued from page 1

Sisters High School this past spring, an annual event where Sisters High School students display their artwork for the Sisters community to enjoy. Klein was impressed by Morris’ exhibit and immediately asked if she would be interested in creating a piece of art for a community event this summer.

This is not the first time that Morris’ art work has been recognized by the community at large.

Morris currently has a trio of adjoining landscape paintings hanging in the new Forest Service headquarters building in Sisters, depicting the Three Sisters amidst local flora and fauna. Additionally, Morris recently painted a theme piece celebrating the Sisters Rodeo. Her painting was auctioned off live from the Sisters Rodeo arena for $6,500. The money from the sale will be used to help fund her education at the University of Victoria in British Columbia, where she will study psychology and art beginning this fall.

Morris confesses that she is not sure where college will take her, but she is excited for what lies ahead and open to all the possibilities that are sure to come her way.

“I have no idea what the next thing is [and] I don’t really know where this is going to bring me. So I’ve kind of just made it my goal in life is as long as I’m happy and the people who I know and like around me are happy, then I’m probably doing something right, and I should probably keep doing

something along those lines,” Morris said.

Makin’ it Local is the Signature Sponsor of the commemorative poster. High Desert Frameworks is framing the original painting free of charge, Klein reported. Dennis Schmidling assisted with final poster design, photographing the painting and converting it into a poster.

Posters are available for sale at Makin’ it Local. The original painting will also be displayed and is available for purchase via silent auction.

The painting and poster sales will move to Village Green for the 4th Fest, where they’ll be available at the Explore Sisters info booth. The auction will close at noon on July 4. All proceeds from poster sales and the silent auction will be donated to the Sisters High School Art Department.

Sisters 4th fest will take place at the Village Green from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 4. More information about the community event including a schedule and event map can be found on the Sisters 4th fest website at www.sisters4thfest.com.

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:

101 Real Estate FOR SALE

4 BR, 2 BATH CONDO AT BLACK BUTTE RANCH

Fabulous views, newly updated

Lodge Condos #35 & 36

Great location on the ranch!

corrielake.realtor@gmail.com

Stellar Realty NW 541-521-2392

HOME FOR SALE

1005 E. Horse Back Trail 1807 SF single level

3 BD/2BA $689,000. 541-420-1143

102 Commercial Rentals

Warehouse/Office Space

723 N. Curtis Ct., Unit C 1,217 SF, monthly lease, $1,220/mo, includes water and garbage. Call 541-610-3016.

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.

103 Residential Rentals

CASCADE HOME & PROPERTY RENTALS

Monthly Rentals throughout Sisters Country. 541-549-0792

Property management for second homes. CascadeHomeRentals.com

Cowboy Court Apartments 2 bedroom 2 bath. $1,695/month, RSD $1,650. Lease through 6/30/2027. Vacates 6/30/26. Some pets considered (dogs & cats OK with add'l $350 RSD per pet). This is 2nd floor unit in the back building. W/S/Garbage/ landscaping is paid. approx. 1,000 sq. ft. NO SMOKING. 154 W Adams Ave. #222

Dishwasher, microwave, washer & dryer, deck, garbage disposal, granite countertops, energyefficient windows, storage, plank flooring throughout, electric heat w/air conditioning, off-street parking - one reserved space (covered space $20/Month).

104

Vacation Rentals

Downtown Vacation Rentals Popular 1 and 2 Bedroom www.SistersVacationRentals.net Great pricing. 503-730-0150

202 Firewood

DRY SPLIT CORDS $250

CUT OFFS $100 • COMPOST 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

Running Out of Firewood?

Check The Nugget Classifieds Category 202 to resupply!

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

HEATED GARAGE power, lights, security. $275/mo. Jack 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

302 Recreational Vehicles

2021 Tiffin Open Road Allegro 34PA, $120,000, 43,300 miles, Ford 7.3 liter gas engine, new tires, many upgrades. Shown by appointment. Mark 541-668-1524 or Deb 402-496-9579.

401 Horses

Orchard Grass Hay For Sale $250/ton, 541-408-6258

ALFALFA TRITICALE

ORCHARD GRASS HAY

New 2026 crop. Barn stored. 3-tie bales. $250-$350/ton. Hwy. 126 & Cline Falls. 541-280-1895

403 Pets

SISTERS WHISKERS

Your purr-fect friend is waiting for you at our local nonprofit cat rescue! Apply to adopt at: sisterswhiskers.org

I’ve got your cats covered! Sisters-Tumalo-PetSitting.com Julie 541-306-7551

Caring, loving pet care in my home. Daily rates and in town. Cheryl 541-420-7875

500 Services

Junk Removal, Dumpster Rentals & Demolition Services – Done Right. Remove-Junk.com 541-719-8475

•DERI’s HAIR SALON • Call 541-419-1279

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 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.

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

505 Auto Repair BURLINGTON AUTOMOTIVE

Mobile Mechanic in Sisters Diagnostics, Inspections, Oil Change, Tune-up, and more!

Wide variety of vehicles and skid steer loaders. (503) 509-9354

600 Tree Service & Forestry

Tree Removal • Tree Pruning Good for Trees. Good to People. SparTreeArborist.com (916)619-6317

•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 TimberStandImprovement.net Tree Removal & Pruning TRAQ Arborist/ CCB#190496 541-771-4825

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 –Fire Fuels Reduction - Brush Mowing, Mastication, Tree Thinning, Large & Small Scale Projects!

Serving 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

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

601 Construction

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 The Nugget • 541-549-9941

Landscape & Construction LLC

LCB#8874 CCB#224224 Serving Oregon since 1991 503-849-6090 Creating beautiful outdoor living spaces * custom patios & decks *water & fire features * outdoor kitchens * pavilions * barns everythingoutdoors@ymail.com Rooted in family, Built with pride

SUDOKU Level: Moderate Answer: Page 23

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

CASCADE GARAGE DOORS

Factory Trained Technicians

Since 1983 • CCB #44054

541-548-2215 • 541-382-4553

Custom Homes

Additions - Remodels

Residential Building Projects

Becke William Pierce

CCB# 190689 • 541-647-0384

Beckewpcontracting@gmail.com — Serving Sisters Since 2010 —

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

Pat Burke

LOCALLY OWNED

CRAFTSMAN BUILT

CCB: 228388 • 541-588-2062

www.sistersfencecompany.com

It's All About Sisters! SISTERS OREGON GUIDE

Published by The Nugget Visit us online at SistersOregonGuide.com

602

A 63-year tradition for Sisters www.georges-septic-service.com

Sisters Owned and Operated

Serving all of Central Oregon

•Residential • Commercial

•Industrial • Service

Hot tubs/Saunas • Generators

Car Chargers • Panel Upgrades

Light upgrades

541-588-3088 • CCB #234821

Commercial • Residential • Industrial • Remodels • Generators • Hot tubs/Saunas monteselectric@hotmail.com

CCB#200030 • 541-480-9860

SWEENEY PLUMBING, INC.

“Quality and Reliability” Repairs • Remodeling

•New Construction

•Water Heaters 541-549-4349

Residential and Commercial

Licensed • Bonded • Insured CCB #87587

Electrical Service & Repair

Est. 1947, CCB#54572

Local in Sisters 503-357-2146

603 Excavation & Trucking

HAVE A PROPERTY TO SELL?

Advertise it in The Nugget 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

•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

604 Heating & Cooling

ACTION AIR

Heating & Cooling, LLC

Retrofit • New Const • Remodel Consulting, Service & Installs actionairheatingandcooling.com

CCB #195556

541-549-6464

Sisters, Oregon's Exclusive HVAC Service

Residential & Commercial

Heating • Ductless Air Conditioning • Maintenance Installation • Repair

541-588-5667

SistersHeatingAir.com

Interior/Exterior Painting

Deck Refinishing Jacob deSmet 503-559-9327

peakperformancepainting1@ gmail.com • CCB#243491

~ FRONTIER PAINTING ~ Quality Painting, Ext. & Int. Refurbishing Decks

CCB #131560 • 541-771-5620 www.frontier-painting.com

606 Landscaping & Yard Maintenance

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

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

Keeping Sisters Country Beautiful Since 2006 candcnursery@gmail.com 541-549-2345

–All You Need Maintenance –Pine needle removal, hauling, snow removal, moss removal, lawn care, weeding, pruning, roofs, gutters, pressure washing. Lic/Bonded/Ins. CCB# 218169 Austin • 541-419-5122

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

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

802 Help Wanted THE GARDEN ANGEL

LANDSCAPING

is filling crew lead and crew member positions. We want YOU to join us for an awesome season this year! thegardenangel@gmail.com 541 549 2882

Part Time Sales Associate Love people, fabric, and creativity? Stitchin' Post is seeking a friendly, dependable team member to join our retail staff. Three days per week; may require weekends. Apply in person at Stitchin' Post, 311 W. Cascade Ave., Sisters, or email diane.j@stitchinpost.com.

Driver to assist my parents with transportation twice in a week. Offering a competitive weekly salary of $402. The ideal candidate should have a valid driver's license, be calm & responsible.

smlawrence1129@currently.com

www.nuggetnews.com

Breaking News / Letters Local Events / Sports Editorials / Commentary Don't miss out!

SUDOKU SOLUTION

for puzzle on page 22

Residents urged to set up alerts

After last month’s brushfire in Alfalfa threatened homes and led to several evacuation notices, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is urging community members to stay alert and prepare for wildfire season.

It’s important to understand Oregon’s three emergency evacuation levels — Level 1: Be Ready, Level 2: Be Set, and Level 3: Go Now. These notices can change quickly, and knowing how to respond helps protect you, your property, and first responders. During wildfire season, evacuation notices are issued whenever a brush fire or wildfire threatens homes, property, or businesses.

• Level 1 – Be Ready: There is potential danger in the area. Prepare your emergency plan and go-kit and stay alert for changing conditions.

• Level 2 – Be Set: Significant danger is nearby. You should be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. Those who need extra time should evacuate now.

• Level 3 – Go Now: Danger is imminent. Leave immediately. Do not delay for any reason, including packing or attempting to prepare your home.

The Sheriff’s Office is also reminding everyone who lives in Deschutes County to sign up for Deschutes Alerts, the county’s official emergency notification system. After signing up, you’ll receive alerts for locations you’ve registered.

“These notifications are not limited to wildfires. They are used for all types of emergencies that may affect neighborhoods, workplaces, and the community, including hazardous-materials incidents, law-enforcement activity, flooding, evacuations, and more,” explains Ben Duda, emergency manager for the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. “Signing up is quick, free, and one of the most important steps you can take to stay informed during fast-moving events.”

J&E Landscaping Maintenance LLC Clean-ups, irrigation, aerating, raking, mowing, thatching, hauling debris. Edgar Cortez 541-610-8982 jandelspcing15@gmail.com

When you register for Deschutes Alerts, you’ll only receive notifications about emergencies that impact the specific locations you choose — such as your home, workplace, or other places you care about. If you want to stay updated on other areas of the county, like where your friends or family live, you can easily add multiple locations to your profile.

For more information on Deschutes Alerts, visit www. deschutesalerts.org. Wildfire preparedness resources are available at https://wildfire. oregon.gov.