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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 30, 2017)
Wednesday, August 30, 2017 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon Running commentary By Charlie Kanzig Correspondent Mother Nature has been a big part of the news here in Sisters Country over the past two weeks, in ways that have impacted all of us. First it was the buildup to the solar eclipse that brought droves of people along the path of total- ity. I recall the last solar eclipse in Oregon in 1979 as a freshman in college, but don’t remember any hype compared to the 2017 event. It was overcast in Eugene, so, although it got dark and the birds roosted, there was no view of the corona, no brilliance of the “diamond ring.” The invasion of thou- sands to Central Oregon didn’t quite pan out fully, but since my wife and I had already decided to stick close to home, we joined friends about 10 miles out Wilt Road just below Geneva. As the obstruction began and the air cooled I stepped away from the small crowd seated near me, feel- ing a sudden need for tran- quility and quiet. Many peo- ple have described witness- ing the moments of totality in spiritual terms. I have not come up with words adequate to express the experience, but beyond the sense of wonder and peace- fulness, I truly felt thankful that for that minute or so there was a feeling of unity that has been sorely miss- ing in our current political climate. The second “act of nature” impacting our com- munity is the Milli Fire and its accompanying evacua- tions and nearly constant smoke. While most evacu- ees have now returned to their homes, the smoke persists and seems to be taking its toll on everyone, physically and emotionally. Runners have had to travel out of the area, wear masks, stay indoors, or take a break from running. Of course, there are some die-hards who run regardless of condi- tions. In my younger years, when I had the feeling of invincibility, I would have been one of those die-hards. Now I am just trying hard not to die. These two natural occur- rences have in common the factor of shared experience. We shared the grandeur of the eclipse and now we are sharing, as a community, the challenges of a major forest fire in our backyard. Homes threatened, favorite trails endangered and burned, school start disrupted, and fatigue of smoke inhalation … none of us can escape the impact. I have noticed that while looking after ourselves, we are also looking out for one another. I have had calls and messages from all over asking if my family is in harm’s way. In turn we have offered refuge for those dis- placed by evacuation. Dutch Bros. is handing out cof- fee to firefighters. It’s not a dazzling moment, like the eclipse, but there is unity just the same. This togetherness theme is one for us to pay atten- tion to, I think, both at the micro and macro level. For me, it’s the start of another school year and another season of coach- ing runners. Teamwork, striving for a common goal of improvement, school spirit, and cooperation are foundational to a success- ful and meaningful school year and cross-country season. Beyond the boundaries of the Sisters community, in the broader picture and in light of rising racial and political tension and divi- siveness, I was encouraged to see images of thousands of people simultaneously gazing skyward wearing their goofy paper-and- plastic glasses, with smiles stretched across their faces. We got to experience some- thing truly awesome in a very memorable shared moment. The eclipse has come and gone and the fire will even- tually die out, but August 2017 will be remembered around here as a time of unity. 15 SPRD gets set to bury the beef Sisters Park & Recreation District will once again bring to the Sisters community their Buried Beef & Brew Feast. “This event has grown in size every year, which is what SPRD hopes for with all their events,” said Shannon Rackowski, adult/senior pro- grams coordinator. SPRD strives to create and bring to Sisters Country events that are different, yet fun, affordable, and great for families. The main attraction to the Buried Beef & Brew Feast is the BEEF. What makes the beef tender and flavor- ful? How it is prepared: A 12-hour roasting process starts with digging a large pit in the ground, packing it with wood, creating a bed of coals, seasoning the meat (secret family recipe), wrapping the meat in water-soaked burlap, then foil, and laying it out on the bed of coals. Other fix- ins with the beef will include beer keg beans, corn, artisan bun, dessert, and lemonade. This event is sponsored by First Interstate Bank and Three Creeks Brewing Co., and will be held at Fir Street Park on September 23, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Dry Canyon Stampede will once again entertain the crowd, so get your dancing boots on! Tickets ($12 for adults and $5 for youth) are avail- able from SPRD: online at www.sistersrecreation.com, by phone at 541-549-2091, or stop by the office at 1750 W. McKinney Butte Rd. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 2015 Dodge Caravan SXT Kersey Mobility For Life Van D! 24k miles LIKE NEW! Buy or sell your car with locally owned ... (Low miles • newer than 2005) DA3919 E UC D $39,000 RE Best Price! No Hassles! CARFAX AX Ce C Certifi e rti rtifie ti i fied! ed! d! Sisters Car Connection 541-815-7397 102 W. Barclay Dr., Sisters WISHING EVERYONE A 541-549-9388 WE ARE A FULL-SERVICE WELDING SHOP! We will be open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 541-548-2899 Welding Fabrication to Welding Repair Small to Large Jobs 3818 SW 21st Pl. YourCareMedical.com 22&14K, Fancy-Cut White Topaz Hwy. 126 to Redmond, two turns and you’re there! OPEN EVERY DAY INCLUDING WEEKENDS (Near fairgrounds) WALK-IN • URGENT CARE• OCCUPATIONAL CCUPATIONAL MEDICINE 541-549-9280 REALLY FRESH www.PonderosaForge.com S Sisters Industrial Park • CCB# 87640 MEATS • CHEESE • EATERY • DRINKERY • Meats are hand-cut and smoked onsite • Emphasis on local sourcing, hormone- and antibiotic-free • Beef, lamb, chicken, pork and more • Northwest craft beers, cider, and wine • Great sandwiches & meals for here or to go 110 S. Spruce St. | Open every day, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 541-719-1186 | www.sistersmeat.com