The Sisters Roundup

November 2024

Thank You!

Photo by Cody Rheault

This Thanksgiving, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude to our dedicated community volunteers whose contributions play a vital role in shaping policies and programs that help shape the future of our city. Our volunteer Board and Commission members, steering committee members, and stakeholder groups serve important roles to bring expertise, increase representation, and provide advice and insight to staff and elected officials.

Our volunteers bring a wealth of knowledge and experience that results in better-informed city policies, programs, and projects that are responsive to the needs of the community. Whether it's addressing community challenges, reviewing development proposals, analyzing budgets, recommending new initiatives, or providing advice to staff and the Council, their contributions lead to better outcomes for everyone.

Of course, we are extremely grateful for our City Council members who are also volunteers that are elected to serve their community, spending countless hours setting goals, studying issues, meeting with constituents, and making informed decisions that move our city forward. A special thank you to our outgoing City Councilors Andrea Blum and Susan Cobb for their service in helping guide our town during a period of rapid growth and change.



The time, effort, and expertise our community volunteers contribute bridges the gap between residents and city leadership, turning vision into action and making our city a stronger, more connected place. Thank you for your service! 

Holiday Palooza

November 30, 2024 | 3:30-5:30p | Main Street & Fir Street Park, Sisters

Sisters Parks & Recreation District will host two holiday favorites into one spectacular event! The Holiday Palooza will kick off with the holiday parade down Main Street and culminate with holiday activities, including the tree lighting ceremony at Fir Street Park!

Community Meals During the Holidays

Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2024 12:00-4:00 pm Sisters Community Church 1300 Old McKenzie Highway

All are welcome to the Sisters Community Thanksgiving Dinner on Thanksgiving Day! Celebrating its 11th year, this volunteer-run event embodies the true spirit of Thanksgiving. Enjoy a delicious feast featuring turkeys generously donated by Ray's Food Place, alongside homemade gravy, stuffing with vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes prepared by a local chef. Don't miss the delightful pies donated from Sisters Bakery! Plus, any leftovers will be shared with our local fire station.

Come and enjoy a meal with friends and take some home to your homebound family or friends!

The meal is free and donations of any amount are accepted either at the event or through WaFd Bank in Sisters at 610 N Arrowleaf Trail.

Take the Explore Sisters survey!

Explore Sisters works on behalf of tourism in Sisters. This survey measures quality of life for Sisters residents. How does tourism impact your wellbeing? How much do you support tourism in our community?

Link to survey:

https://oregonstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_domM7fQwqwaKIWa

• Are the Kids Alright? Youth Wellbeing in Sisters Country: Nov 17, 4-5:30pm, Sisters Elementary School, 2155 McKinney Butte Road
• Sisters Holiday Palooza: Parade and Tree Lighting: Nov 30, 3:30-5:30 pm at Fir Street Park
• Ugly Sweater Run and Walk: Dec 7, 10am -12pm, Fir Street Park

OPEN HOUSE: Help Decide Where and How Sisters Should Grow

Come learn more about the future of your community and make your voice heard! 

City of Sisters Open House on the Sisters Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) Amendment

Monday, December 9, 2024, 6:00 – 8:00 pm at the new Sisters Elementary School, 2155 McKinney Butte Road

Learn about progress made so far – including presentation of five different concepts for the UGB expansion – and have an opportunity to provide input about your priorities, which the city will use to inform the recommended UGB expansion.  

If you can’t make it, an online version of the open house will be available on the City of Sisters website starting December 9^th. 

The online open house (and additional information on the project) can be found at www.ci.sisters.or.us (look for the UGB Amendment icon at the bottom of the homepage). If you have questions, please contact Scott Woodford, Community Development Director, at 541-323-5211 or email: swoodford@ci.sisters.or.us.  

Water Preparations for Cold Winter Weather

With forecasts suggesting a chilly, snowy season ahead, now is the perfect time to prepare your home. Check out our helpful tips to ensure you’re ready for whatever winter brings!

• Know the location of your main water shut-off valve, usually found about 18 inches from the foundation where the water line enters. This valve is crucial for turning off the water in case of a burst pipe. Ensure everyone in your family knows its location and purpose. In Central Oregon, heavy snow can obscure it, so consider marking it with a blue snow stake for easy visibility in an emergency.
• Seal out cold air by caulking around pipes where they enter the house and closing all foundation vents. You will not only protect your pipes, but you may also reduce your winter heating needs.
• Protect outside pipes and faucets: For newer homes, outside hose bibs are typically frost-free, meaning the shut-off valve is inside the insulated wall. If you turn it off and water drains for a few seconds, it's likely frost-free. If you’re unsure or have a non-frost-free bib, wrap it with newspapers or rags and cover with plastic, fiberglass, or a foam insulating cover, which can be found at plumbing and hardware stores. Some homes may have a separate shut-off valve in the basement or crawl space—if so, turn it off, then go outside and open the faucets to drain the line.
• Disconnect garden hoses from faucets. This prevents faucets from trapping water and freezing. With our Central Oregon winter climate, it is a good idea to not only drain the garden hoses, but also store them inside a protected area. This will make them last longer.
• Winterize your irrigation system safely. If you are unsure what to do, call the Oregon Landscape Contracting Board at 503-967-6291.

SPOTLIGHT:

Consider Shopping Local

This holiday season, discover the charm of Sisters’ small businesses, where you’ll find unique, one-of-a-kind gifts that make every occasion special. By shopping local, you’re not only supporting our community’s entrepreneurs, but you’re also helping to reduce your environmental footprint. Every purchase you make keeps resources within our town and supports the hardworking individuals and families who call Sisters home.

Let’s make this season even brighter by investing in what makes our community thrive!

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