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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (June 10, 2015)
Wednesday, June 10, 2015 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon Veterans get a look at ranch retreat By diane goble Correspondent A group of over 100 vet- erans and their families came out to Central Oregon Vet- erans Ranch (COVR) on Memorial Day to have a look around the newly acquired 19-acre ranch property with a four-bedroom home and barn. COVR started as the vision of Alison Perry, licensed pro- fessional counselor, with inspiration from her MEDE- VAC helicopter pilot brother Todd, to help restore purpose and spirit to veterans of all ages. She thanked everybody for being part of this amazing project to honor our veterans from all wars, then turned the mic over to chaplain and Marine veteran Ernie Tafalla from Partners in Care (PIC) Bend. He said it gave him chills as he talked about how this vision became reality and added, “PIC wants to do everything they can to serve those who served our country.” Board members, including President Howard Gorman, Treasurer Joe Jezukewicz, and Director Wayne Heuple, were enthusiastic about the project as they talked with visitors about the need for fundraising and connections within the community. “We’re always going to need commu- nity funding for veteran pro- grams,” said Gorman. “The government can’t do the job alone. It’s up to us at the local level to help.” Local veterans, COCC students, began volunteering with the ranch after choosing the organization for a class project. Chris Dahlen (Army) and Sean Kennedy (Marines), who were there helping peo- ple sign in, organized a chili cook-off at Bend High School for their small group commu- nication class, all proceeds going to COVR. With the help of private investors Tom and Melanie Kemper to secure the land, the nonprofit Central Oregon Veterans Ranch is moving forward with raising funds for the renovation and devel- opment of the 19-acre par- cel between Redmond and Bend, with a breathtaking view of the Cascades. They were recently awarded $8,000 for remodel supplies from a national hardware corporation and are seeking a donor to match funds to complete the renovation for an adult foster home that will specialize in hospice care on the property. Veteran volunteers and contractors have been on hand to help with remodel- ing the existing home, and management of the grounds. The volunteer base is growing and veterans will be develop- ing and maintaining an active farm by learning sustainable agriculture and growing food. Surplus food will be donated to food banks. The group will be recruiting veteran teach- ers and instructors from the community with a focus on approaches such as permacul- ture and holistic management. The effort has been sup- ported by Washington Fed- eral in Sisters and is garnering interest from statewide agri- cultural lending groups with grant reserves for nonprofits. They work closely with OSU Extension Agent Scott Dug- gan and Vietnam veteran and ag teacher John Jeans. With about 20,000 veter- ans scattered over Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties, there is a large population to be served. Perry is excited to see opportunities for veter- ans to learn, serve, and heal, already happening at the prop- erty, which is quickly becom- ing a hub for veterans. She was excited to share, “We had a veteran guest from Medford who wants to start a similar model in their community.” For information, to donate, or for a tour, call 541-706- 9062, visit www.central oregonveteransranch.org, or find them on Facebook. Year-round FIREWOOD SALES — Kindling — — — SISTERS FOREST PRODUCTS 541-410-4509 SistersForestProducts.com Smile, Sisters! We’re committed to your dental health! Exceptional Health, Prevention & Aesthetics Ben Crockett, D.D.S. p 541-549-9486 f 541-549-9110 410 E. Cascade Ave. • P.O. Box 1027 • Sisters, Oregon 97759 Hours: Mon., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Tues.-Wed., 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thurs., 7 a.m.-3 p.m. 9 Songwriter releases CD Megan Rose announces her first CD release with the arrival of a six-song, extended- play album titled “Now I Can See.” Megan will perform songs from the CD and more at The Barn on Saturday, June 13, at 7 p.m. Hosted by Sisters arts patron Cris Converse, The Barn is the perfect place to listen to the music of Megan Rose. In her own musical and lyrical style, Megan Rose will bring to life “Now I Can See” with the help of other musicians and friends. Locally produced by Brent Alan Studios, this compilation reflects Megan’s early years in the Sisters Folk Festival Americana Project and shares a rich view into this musician’s future. The hauntingly beauti- ful playlist brings forward a feeling of peace, yet pushes listeners to ask questions while hearing everything from interpreted William Stafford poetry to protest songs to music of love and recovery. The public is invited to this special event at The Barn. Admission is free, with CDs available for purchase. The Barn is located at 68467 Three Creek Rd., three- quarters of a mile south of Sisters on Elm Street. photo by cheryl Mcintosh Megan rose will perform her original songs in concert at the Barn. $ 10 OFF First Massage — Selah Broderick, LMT • Massage & Bodywork work • Movement Art • Classes 541-241-0043 (Above Cascade Fitness) Lic.#15583 —
