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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 13, 2017)
30 Wednesday, December 13, 2017 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon PERMITS: Public input sought on USFS renewals Continued from page 23 or multiple permits may be obtained by submitting ques- tions or comments to this project. Submit written com- ments by Monday, January 8, 2018, so they can be con- sidered in the analysis. Any comments received will be placed in the project file and shall become a matter of the public record. Submit com- ments to S. Mike Bishop, Administrative & Special Uses Support, P.O. Box 249, Sisters, OR 97759; telephone 541-549-7743; FAX 541- 549-7746. Email comments should be sent to: comments- pacificnorthwest-deschutes- sisters@fs.fed.us. Those submitting hand-delivered comments may do so during the regular office hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday except legal holidays. Those submitting elec- tronic copies must do so only to the email address listed above, must put the proj- ect name in the subject line, and must either submit com- ments as part of the email message or as an attachment only in one of the follow- ing three formats: Microsoft Word, rich text format (rtf) or Adobe Portable Document Format (pdf). Commentary... When roots run deep: Trauma in a small town By Audry Van Houweling, PMHNP Columnist I have an unusually strong affinity for small towns. Some people find more energy and excitement in the big city, but to me there is an undeniable allure and richness within the layers, roots, stories, and secrets of generations past that define small-town Amer- ica. I am intrigued by both the triumphs and woes that give a place identity and how this influences the collective consciousness of its residents. This collective conscious- ness or energy is much more palpable in a small town. Rip- ples of change are felt more acutely — more intimately. It is as if you would compare a pebble being tossed in a fish bowl with a pebble being tossed in a lake. These ripples carry energy — both positive and negative. Ripples carrying the antic- ipation of the local parade. The relief from the local fes- tival boosting business. The celebration of the Friday- night football victory. The pride of this year’s graduat- ing class. The excitement of a new store or coffee shop coming to town. Ripples also carrying the unease when business gets slow and jobs dissipate. The grief that permeates when somebody passes on. The helplessness of addiction that can swallow communities alive. The desperation felt at Sandy Hook, Sutherland Springs, Roseburg, Blacks- burg, and too many others. Even events that may seem small and common- place — marriage, divorce, a child’s struggle, illness, financial strife, and more can have significant impacts in a small town as one individual can have so many intercon- nections with others. The communities of Sis- ters and Silverton where I currently practice have been fortunate to enjoy recent eco- nomic prosperity, growth, and are both known as desir- able destinations. Working in mental health you learn to appreciate stability, but also to look beyond the charm. You learn about grief, bully- ing, scandal, loss, and family dysfunction with roots dating all the way back to the Ore- gon Trail. Trauma in a small town can be both collective, in that it is felt by many whether or not they directly experienced the event, and/or intergen- erational in that the pain can be transferred from one generation to the next. The intricacies and dynamics of all these inter- connections can also create a level of stigma such that asking for help can seem too risky or may make one too vulnerable. There may be fear of gossip, a breach of confi- dentiality, or simply being able to find someone to talk to without bias. The beauty of small towns, however, is that in this web of interconnections, deeply rooted generations, and tight- knit community is also power. Small acts of kindness are not so small. Creating space for vulnerability and authentic- ity in our schools, places of worship, and social gather- ings can have far-reaching impacts. Seeking common ground rather than reinforc- ing divisions can create a net of safety and acceptance. Valuing community instead of self-reliance. Creating dialogue about the hard stuff — depression, anxiety, grief, addiction, trauma, suicide and shame can take someone from a place of isolation to empowerment. Albeit perhaps for selfish reasons, my role as a men- tal-health provider seems to have more significance in a small town when an individ- ual’s progress seems to have more immediate impacts on their family, workplace, school, and ultimately, the community. While the place in which we live has an impact on our identity and self-concept, it is also our actions and beliefs that help define and transform a place. In the meantime, I continue to enjoy the great privilege of being part of the small-town experience…and dropping my pebble in the fishbowl. HOWELLS REALTY GROUP Phil Arends 541-420-9997 phil@blackbutte.com PEAK PROPERTIES PARTNERSHIP Dick Howells 541-408-6818 Black Butte Ranch, Sisters Area, rahowells@blackbutte.com and Central Oregon Let our 40+ years of combined experience work for you. Whether you are buying or selling, call us for a no-obligation consultation. www.realestateinsisters.com | 220 S. Ash St., Sisters ATTENTION BUSINESS BUSINESS OWNERS ATTENTION OWNERS Remind the people of Sisters to BUY LOCAL for Products & Services Studies show that when people “shop local” their money circulates at least three times in that community. Help the people of Sisters learn what’s special about you and your business or service so that they can shop local now and year ’round. When: January 17 & 24 What: AT YOUR SERVICE two-week full-color ad special (with mini-story & photo one week) Cost: $245. You save more than 50% off of regular ad rates! Ad size 3" wide by 3.31" tall Call Karen at The Nugget, 541-549-9941, and she’ll help you with your ad. Professional design is free!
