Editor's Note: Ann Romano is such a huge fan that she gave up her space this week to allow for more Steve Martin coverage. One Day at a Time will return next week and will be available online.
What a Hot Mess!
The Bend City Council/ i.e. who runs this joint anyway? Should get the "boot"! Closing down the main artery, the heart beat of Bend on frickin' Labor Day Weekend! No communication or notification to all the hard-working small business owners an all they employ and serve. Then to be "detoured" three family density zones who I would assume also received no notification. The enormity of bad choices, the enormous financial impact and how many people are affected has demonstrated once again how idiotic politics and power are in Bend. Come on City Council get professional or get out!
To those who say "suck it up" small business owners, I would like them to get their income cut in half with no warning and see if they don't whine.
—Shirley McBride
Bard of Bend
Just thought the Bard of Bend would like to know that his limerick of Sept. 12 was picked up by the World Socialist website in their letters section.
http://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2013/09/21/corr-s21.html
Nice going!
—Paula Bowles
In reply to "Can Art Save Our Children?" (Feature, 8/8)
As mother to a Caldera camper and Sisters High School student, I want, first, to thank you for your feature article about the unique and outstanding program within the largest art heart in the World and, second, postulate that art can indeed save our children as witnessed at Sisters High. My daughter, who was mentioned at sunset of your piece with short hair and black glasses, and who hides front and center, between fire and ice, in this year's WinterFest poster of her own creation, is currently an intelligent moron at Sisters High School. I am often amazed, and I might read like a bit of a delusion of grandeur. Nonetheless, my child is without a doubt saved in our surroundings and support in Sisters.
In late October, SHS hosts their 17th annual Coffee House Benefit for the Arts—an evening complete with art gallery (check) performance stage for Americana Project participants (check) esteemed Jazz Choir (check) Musical Theatre (check), and including luthier class demonstrations, culinary arts refreshments, pottery wheel...
Her first job—ever—is working for the SHS Graphic Design team, hired by her school to create custom signs, banners, vinyl ads, and her rock star Arts teacher has already given her some creative license. Yes, she pursues things, and yes I am an advocate parent, promoting her creative self as best I can.
Not all kids have this at home, but all kids have access to this at SHS. In stark contrast, I distinctly recall sitting in conference with her teacher in a Bend school and being told: she needs something to do other than reading her book, she sits and snips pictures and could find a better use of her free time, and I should sign up free or reduced lunches because of my seemingly ongoing plight to get money to school. My daughter was "TAG"ged by the same apparently judgmental system that would rather see her sit idle, and hungry, than challenge her or provide opportunity to create. Rather than bemoan the transparency, I moved. No, everything is not "glitter and rainbows" as she puts it, but anything is possible now. At least in her fast developing teenage mind.
My kid learns from a (Jazz and Concert) choir director whose program has grown from 5 singers to "sorry, no more room on the risers" in three years. SHS touts a luthier program that is one of two in the nation—and functions in cahoots with Breedlove Guitars. The Art Department (the aforementioned rock star) diligently reminds parents and students of all opportunities to participate, create, explore, even sell within the region. She issues emails to parents and students alike about anything Art—recently alerting her students to the Warhol originals on display in Pendleton, for example. Connections are established with the Red Chair Gallery, Black Butte Ranch, COCC, students fundraise for travels to NYC... The one-of-a-kind SHS IEE program for Juniors devotes time to education through art. Surely, the Source is well aware of the top talent who grace Sisters stages to benefit our children through the Folk Festival, Americana Project, and Sisters Starry Nights Foundation. Oh, but there's more!
I may be raising my daughter somewhere between broke and we-have-all-we need, which sometimes translates to needy, but this town and school system gives a damn. We can, as parents, only always do our best for our kids. I daresay that sometimes this best is not enough. Yes, art will save my child. A resounding yes! I hope the Source will represent at the annual Coffee House on Oct 30. Come see what this community is really up to. Last year, my first year in attendance, I was nearly embarrassed with awe of these kids and their irreplaceable support system.
—Rebecca Nore
In reply to "Fall Fiction Readers' Competition" (Feature, 10/5)
As a retired high school English teacher who knows a bit about stories and poetry, I have to tell you that H Downing-Barrier's story was by far the best. What were your judges thinking? Mary Heather Noble says that adverbs are bad, which is excruciatingly (adverb) silly, as is Emily Carr's assertion that one should end on a cliffhanger. H Downing-Barrier's story is a work of genius, and that means a lot more in my book.
—Don Schuman
Letter of the Week!
Hey Don. Thank you for diligently standing up for adverbs. We too roundly respect the frequent and unfettered use of adverbs. For your gallant crusade, we humbly award you the Letter of the Week—and its attendant gift certificate to Crow's Feet Commons. Well played.
