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Wednesday, June 24, 2020 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon
LETTERS
Continued from page 2
essentials. I wear a mask. My kids wear
masks. Local people who I run into while out
wear masks. The clerks and cashiers at the
local businesses wear masks.
As summer rolls into full swing our little
community is being visited by people from
all over the country. I have seen California,
Idaho, Utah, Arizona and Washington license
plates to name a few. Unfortunately, many of
these vacationers don9t feel they need to show
us respect by wearing a mask.
I am writing this letter to urge our local
government to require masks be worn inside
our local establishments. This practice has
been scientifically proven to reduce the risk
of contracting COVID-19 significantly!
Many shop owners and workers have
expressed frustration and fear concerning this
matter. One worker told me from behind a
mask <I take their money but am pretty angry
at their disregard for my health.= This is not
right and since we cannot count on visitors to
protect our town we must mandate it.
Mayor Ryan and city council members,
make this happen. We as a community have
worked hard these last three months, to stay
apart to protect our neighbors. We have not
had this virus cripple our town. Take action to
protect your citizens and require facemasks in
our community.
Debra Lajko
s
s
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To the Editor:
As a nation, we are all hurting from the
death of Mr. George Floyd, similar tragic
incidents, and other inexcusable acts of bias.
As I have been processing this tragedy and
considering my own implicit biases and priv-
ileges, I discovered not a need for another
generalized organization blanket statement
acknowledging the vast amount of work to
be done, but rather the need for a firm com-
mitment to fully listening to and internalizing
the conversations taking place; as well as an
assurance of my own personal stake in those
conversations.
I am the mother of 10 children. All 10
of my children are of color. The discussion
of justice, equity, diversity, inclusion and
belonging is very personal to me. Daily I
am reminded that while my children and
I live in the same house, we live in vastly
different worlds. It reminds me that I must
speak up when I hear or see something
that I know is not right. Remaining silent
or looking the other way is only perpetuat-
ing the status quo. And it reminds me that a
return to <normal= should not be desirable.
Normal is not good enough. We must strive
for institutional change; taking a systematic
approach to creating permanent systemic
change.
At Circle of Friends, we love, respect, and
value all our children, mentors, and staff. We
believe that diversity is a strength, and all
individuals have worth. We cannot be silent
and leave our children feeling doubt about
our love for each of them. Nor can we fail to
champion for all members of our community.
And as members of our community our chil-
dren need to see us take leading roles against
racism, anti-blackness, anti-religious groups,
anti-immigrants, bullying, disparity, evil and
hate. As stakeholders you can count on one
actionable item from us 4 we will not remain
silent.
No parent should have to fear for their
child9s physical or mental safety because of
the color of their skin. Nor should any parent
fear for their child for any number of reasons
that make us different, whether it be national
origin, sexual orientation, economic status,
religion, physical or mental disability.
As the mother of 10 children, I want
them growing up in a community where
they are loved, celebrated, and valued. As
the Executive Director of Circle of Friends,
I want the same for all the children and fami-
lies we serve, as well as for all those in our
community. As a community we must inten-
sify our efforts to make sure that our parents,
spouses, children and neighbors live in a
country that does not tolerate racism, bigotry,
or violence.
We must assure we are not only creating
an inclusive community, but one in which all
members know they belong.
I ask you all to join us at Circle of Friends
to help unite as a community to provide every
child with an environment where they feel
loved, encouraged and included.
Together we can make a difference.
Nicole Swisher Woodson
Executive Director
Circle of Friends
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Portraits OF SISTERS
A rare sight...
PHOTO BY BRENDA JAROS
This rare and beautiful fire rainbow was seen June 14 near
Sisters from the Whychus Rim Trail.
Year-round
FIREWOOD
SALES
OPEN FOR DINE-IN
AND TAKEOUT!
— Kindling —
—
—
Tues.-Fri., 3 to 8 p.m.
SISTERS
FOREST PRODUCTS
Sat., Noon to 8 p.m.
Weekly dinner • Wine to-go specials
391 W
W. C
Cascade
d A
Ave. | 541
541-549-2675
549 2675
corkcellarswinebistro.com
541-410-4509
SistersForestProducts.com
THE GARDEN ANGEL
Organic landscaping...
We fee d the soil!
Have a great summ er, Sisters!
23 years in business • LCB#9583
541-549-2882
Three-year Sisters resident and pro-
fessional audio engineer
Ray Shelley is
moved by what he hears. Growing up in a
musical home and finding inspiration from
his mother, a pianist, Ray took to the drums
20 years ago and pursued music. He found
his way over tedious hours of observing and
experimenting with established profession-
als, never having to pursue a degree to learn
the business. Those years of shadowing
recently led Ray to launch his own business,
Sisters Sound Studio, where his dream is to
make a full-time career out of his passion
and talent for sound.
PHOTO AND STORY BY
Cody Rheault
This week’s “Portraits of Sisters” presented by The Nugget Newspaper.
Future portraits are available for sponsorship, call 541-549-9941 or email ads@nuggetnews.com for information.