Redmond Spokesman online: December 2010

12.28.2010

Year-end news updates

In the news: Members of the Redmond Rod and Gun Club have been looking for a new location for the past two years after their landlord, Deschutes County, told them they’d have to vacate their gun range east of Redmond so the county could sell the land to help fund a new jail.

After considerable searching for a large parcel of land away from population, the club last year enlisted Sen. Ron Wyden to help them obtain a piece of Bureau of Land Management property just across the North Unit Canal in Crook County, a site not far from the current range. The approximately 307-acre parcel runs north from Highway 126 at mile post 4.

In January a couple of dozen residents and representatives of West Powell Butte Estates, Twin Lakes Ranch subdivision and the under construction Remington Ranch resort let gun club representatives know in no uncertain terms that they have money and are willing to use it to thwart any gun club use of BLM land west of Powell Butte.

In the end gun club members acknowledged that given their druthers they’d rather stay where they are, and Powell Butte residents latched on to that with the idea to pursue finding another piece of land for the county to sell for jail money. Gun club members agreed to ask Deschutes County officials about that possibility.

Update: The gun club continues to seek a new location.

“We’re still working on it,” Glaze said. “Nothing ever moves fast when you’re working with government agencies.”

While the site near Powell Butte Estates remains on the list of potential locations, it comes with many obstacles, he said and he poor economy has given the club more time to find a new location.

Deschutes County has extended the club’s lease on its east Redmond location through the end of June 2011. With the down real state market the county doesn’t anticipate selling the land anytime soon and will continue to extend the club’s lease, Glaze said.

In the news: Maintaining and enhancing city services and preserving the city’s infrastructure in the face of economic decline took top spots in the Redmond City Council’s goal-setting session in February.

Councilors supported exploring the potential to expand the role of Redmond Area Park and Recreation District in developing, maintaining and operating Redmond parks.

Later David Brandt, city manager, said the suggestion exploration grew out of a comment from a councilor that parks are always first on the funding chopping block and asking if there was something that could be done.

Brandt said he’d approach the park district to see if there is interest in putting together a team to study the issues and the most efficient way of providing park services. The result could be a total merger of operations, such as Bend Metro Park and Recreation District, which provides all of the park services in Bend, keeping everything as it exists today with the district and city cooperating in a number of areas, or something in between.

Update: As the year ends, the parks goal has not received a lot of discussion, though the idea is not dead and people are still talking about it, said Mayor George Endicott.

The city parks division and RAPRD did cooperate in a revival of the Redmond City Parks Foundation by creating a nonprofit that will raise money to benefit both the city and the park district, Endicott said.

For more year-end news updates, see the Dec. 29 issue of the Spokesman.

Headlines we want to write

Headlines we’d like to be able to write in 2011 – year one of the second century of our community.

Boys & Girls Club finds affordable – and bigger – location
RHS sports thrive in new hybrid league
City begins work on historic city hall
Large donation kick-starts BMX park
City’s older school buildings get major fixes
Area workers see less pay, hour cuts in 2011
Downtown storefronts fill up
Grant funds allow for completion of Maple Bridge overlook park, stairs
Juniper Golf Course back in the black, city repaid
Transportation gurus turn attention to South Highway 97
Student scores steady despite drop in teachers, resources

In looking back at 2010, for the second year in a row the Spokesman’s wishes went nearly entirely unfulfilled. We wanted to write headlines in 2010 touting a rise in development applications within the city (not much change), a returning dedication to music and art education in local schools (ditto), and permanent funding and location for the Redmond Museum (2011 might be better, with formation of the Greater Redmond Historical Society).

The only headline wish to come (partially) true was the desire to return local schools to a five-day calendar.

Most disappointing was the Redmond School District’s failure to name the new elementary after Josephine Redmond (are we EVER going to have anything of substance named after a woman in this community?) and the city’s oversight in not declaring the rockchuck the official city mammal during our centennial year.

Event listings

Learn Dreamweaver at COCC

COCC’s Community Learning department is offering two Dreamweaver classes.

Dreamweaver Beginner participants will learn how to create a website using Dreamweaver. The class will take place on Thursday evenings, Jan. 20, Jan. 27 and Feb. 3, from 6 to 9 p.m. Students must attend all classes. Cost is $89.

Dreamweaver Intermediate will teach participants advanced website navigation tools. This class will take place on two Saturday mornings, Feb. 12 and 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost is $89.

Location for both classes is the COCC Bend campus. Pre-registration is required. Call 541-383-7270 or visit http://noncredit.cocc.edu.

Special price now for Sisters Folk Festival

There are only a few days left to take advantage of the holiday pricing on the 2011 Sisters Folk Festival All-Events Pass. The last day to get the $75 price is Dec. 31, a $20 savings off the regular pass price. The All-Events Pass provides admission for all three days of music Sept. 9-11, 2011. The holiday pricing also includes a signed Dennis McGregor 2011 festival poster as part of the purchase.

Artistic Director Brad Tisdel has confirmed three acts thus far, including Welsh songwriter Martyn Joseph as the 2011 Sisters Folk Festival encore performer. Also on the bill for 2011 is Steve Forbert, a lyrical songwriter, and singer, songwriter and performer Mary Gauthier.

On Jan. 1, 2011, passes increase to $85. To order tickets for the Festival visit www.sistersfolkfestival.org or call the Sisters Folk Festival at 541-549-4979, or e-mail: info@sistersfolkfestival.org.

Final plans are being made for the Sisters Folk Festival’s Winter Concert Series. The lineup includes the Steep Canyon Rangers on Jan. 10, Tom Russell on Feb. 4, and Moira Smiley and VOCO on Feb. 25, 2011. Both the Steep Canyon Rangers and Moira Smiley and VOCO will be conducting workshops for students and the community through the award-winning music and arts education program, the Sisters Americana Project.

Tickets are also available at Paulina Springs Books in Sisters and Redmond and FootZone in Bend. The price for all shows is $15 for adults for advance tickets and $10 for students, or $20 for adults and $12 for students at the door. An advanced series pass can be purchased for $40 for adults and $25 for students for all three shows. The Jan. 10 show starts at 8 p.m., the Feb. 4 and Feb. 25 shows start at 7 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m. For more information on the 2011 Sisters Folk Festival Winter Concert Series visit www.sistersfolkfestival.org, or call 541-549-4979.

Redmond park and rec offers classes for kids

Dance classes for ages 3-12, Taekwondo for ages 6 and up, and archery for ages 8-13 are just a sampling of what Redmond Area Park and Recreation District is offering in the new year.

Open Studio series showcases artists

Each winter in a series of Saturday “Open Studio” events that are free and open to the public, Caldera presents the work of five to 15 professional artists from across the country. Upcoming Open Studio dates are Jan. 22, Feb. 19 and March 19, from 1-3 p.m. Open Studios take place in Caldera’s beautiful Arts Center at Blue Lake, just west of the town of Sisters.

The Open Studio series showcases works-in-progress by artists who have been awarded four-week stays at Blue Lake through Caldera’s Artist in Residence program. The artists, who have been selected through an application and jurying process, stay in a private cottage during their residency, and work in a studio or work space at Caldera’s Arts Center.

The Open Studio events may feature visual art, video presentations, theater, poetry, dance, readings or performances. Studios will be open for self-guided tours as well as scheduled talks, which begin at 1:20 p.m. by the artists. Refreshments and a warm fire in Caldera’s Hearth Arts Center are a tradition for these informal, friendly and often surprising events. Each month will be a different experience!

Caldera’s residency program, launched 10 years ago, helps support the creative endeavors of Oregonians, as well as attract new resources — artists, thinkers, scientists, naturalists — to Oregon. Over the years Caldera residents have created books, musical compositions, performances, paintings, films, sculptural works and photographic projects that are now a part of the cultural fabric of Oregon and the world. In addition to the Open Studio events, some artists in Caldera’s Residency Program contribute to Caldera’s Youth Program, visiting students in classrooms in Sisters Middle and High School and creating workshops for the Sisters community.

For more information visit www.CalderaArts.org.

Donate used electronics for fundraiser

Donating your used cell phones/PDAs and inkjet cartridges can help raise much-needed funds for Redmond High School’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) club.

Redmond FBLA is collecting used cell phones/PDAs and inkjet cartridges through Jan. 31, 2011, for the purpose of raising money to help pay for its student members’ district and state competitive skills events costs.

The organization will receive money from Phoneraiser for each item collected during the fundraiser. Phoneraiser is a company that specializes in recycling and refurbishing used technology. Your unwanted cell phones/PDAs and inkjet cartridges will be recycled in accordance with EPA regulations or refurbished and reused. Phoneraiser makes your unneeded technology available to those who can use it, while keeping it out of the landfill. If improperly disposed of, the cell phone/PDA can pollute up to 35,000 gallons of drinking water.

Donations may be tax deductible.

All cell phones/PDAs and inkjet cartridges are accepted. Drop-off boxes are located in the office areas of any one of the public schools in Redmond (elementary, middle and high schools).

Obituaries

John Stovall, of Redmond

Sept. 29, 1944 - Dec. 21, 2010

Arrangements: Redmond Memorial Chapel

541-548-3219

No services will be held.

12.14.2010

A shoulder to lean on

Marty Wafford (from left), Candy Peplin and Gloria Hicks, all of Redmond, meet at a localcoffee shop to get online with their sons, all recently deployed to Iraq. The women are starting a support group for families and friends of soldiers overseas.

Leslie Pugmire Hole
Spokesman staff

Outside of the fact that they both lived in Redmond and had worked at the St. Charles Redmond birthing center and NICU, the two women had few things in common.

Gloria Hicks had grown up in military bases all over the country – following her WWII vet father – her ex-husband was a drill sergeant and her two sons were military men. Candy Peplin had very little experience with the military life – her father had done time in the National Guard but spent his time playing in the band.

But when Hicks’ grandson Tony Fernandez and Peplin’s son Mike joined the National Guard and their unit, 3-116 Cavalry, was deployed overseas, the women discovered a deeper bond, a bond they have since discovered they share with many other Central Oregon families.

“I see Gloria as a great resource for local military families,” says Peplin. She knew Hicks’ father was career military and her ex-husband had taught their sons to take apart and put back together M-16s as children, but it was only after the women’s family members were deployed that Peplin learned Hicks had been down this road before.

In 1991, Hicks’s son, James Hudson, served in Desert Storm, and in response she started a local support group for military families. Now she’s ready to do it again.

“We had more than 100 members during Desert Storm and we met for more than a year; I’m still friends with some of the members,” says Hicks, who was laid off from St. Charles in January. “It’s scary having a family member deployed. If nothing else when there is a support group for families, they know they have someone to talk to who understands.”

The women meet a couple of times of week at a local Starbucks to share information, chat, and get online to try and connect with their soldiers. They were recently joined by Marty Wafford of Redmond, whose son Tyrel is also in the 3-116. All three describe their sons and grandson as patriots and indifferent students who were attracted to the professional and educational benefits the National Guard offered.

While there are support services available for families through the National Guard, there are benefits to forming an independent group to supplement those services, say the trio.

“Anyone who has ever been involved with the government knows there’s a lot of red tape, a lot of rules,” says Wafford.

However, one lifeline the three have come to treasure is overseen by the National Guard, a Facebook page dedicated to the 3-116. More than 1,000 participants check in at the page regularly and post questions and updates about their deployed soldiers. On it families share things like tips for mailing packages overseas, local businesses that support military families with discounts and photos both official and unofficial.

“There’s an instant bond with families of military members that I had never realized,” says Peplin.

“Our kids knew each other at Redmond High School but we never knew each other,” says Wafford. “It took this to bring us together.”

The support group, which will begin meeting in January, is not limited to families of 3-116 soldiers but is open to anyone with a currently deployed loved one.

“Central Oregon isn’t known as a military community but it turns out a lot of us have soldiers overseas and they’re on our minds every day,” says Peplin. “People don’t realize (how many military families live in the area).”

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If you go
What: C.O. Military Support Group
When: Jan. 6, 6 p.m.
Where: Highland Baptist Church 3100 S.W. Highland Ave.

Gloria Hicks 541-923-8672
Candy Peplin lazytpranch@bendbroadband.com

Event calendar

WEDNESDAY

Dec. 15

SCHOOL BOARD: Redmond School Board meeting, public welcome; listening session 4 p.m.; meeting 5:30 p.m., Lynch Elementary School, 1314 S.W. Kalama Ave.; agenda at www.redmond.k12.or.us.

THURSDAY

Dec. 16

CENTRAL OREGON WRITERS GUILD’S HOLIDAY SOCIAL: The annual event will feature a Readers Showcase with several members presenting their short stories, personal essays and poetry. Everyone welcome. Refreshments will be served, members please bring finger foods to share; free; 6:30 p.m.; Central Oregon Community College, Redmond campus, 2030 S.E. College Loop, Redmond; 541-923-0896, elsiemariewrites@gmail.com or www.CentralOregonWritersGuild.com.

“JOY TO YOU & ME”: A presentation of the play, which features a series of classic theater vignettes; proceeds benefit Toys for Tots; donation of unwrapped toys encouraged; 7 p.m.; Elton Gregory Middle School, 1220 N.W. Upas Ave., Redmond; 541-526-6440.

HOLIDAY ORGAN CONCERT: Musician Mark Oglesby plays a holiday concert and Christmas carol sing-along; donations accepted; 7 p.m.; Community Presbyterian Church, 529 N.W. 19th St., Redmond; 541-548-3367.

CRR FIRE: Crooked River Ranch Fire Protection District board of directors meeting; public welcome; workshop begins at 6:30 p.m.; regular meeting at 7 p.m.; CRR fire hall, 6971 S.W. Shad Rd.; 541-923-6776.

FRIDAY

Dec. 17

AUTHOR VISIT: Sheri Rose Shepherd speaks at Women’s Christmas Tea; 7 p.m.; Highland Baptist Church, 3100 S.W. Highland Ave., Redmond; 541-548-4161.

SATURDAY

Dec. 18

REDMOND GRANGE BREAKFAST: Featuring biscuits and gravy, hash browns, scrambled eggs, coffee, hot chocolate and more; $5, $3 ages 12 and younger; 7-10:30 a.m.; Redmond Grange, 707 S.W. Kalama Ave., Redmond.

SANTA PHOTOS WITH LIVE REINDEER: Christmas trees for sale, Douglas $15, Noble $5 per foot. All proceeds go to Redmond Reign 18U Fastpitch team; $10 per photo; 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Operation Santa Claus, 4355 W. State Highway 126, Redmond; 541-233-3537.

“A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS, REVISED”: Free; 2 p.m.; Community Presbyterian Church, 529 N.W. 19th St., Redmond; 541-548-3367.

SUNDAY

Dec. 19

MONDAY

Dec. 20

CHILDREN’S CRAFT PROGRAM: Make an awesome gift to give to someone special this holiday. All materials provided. Open to ages 6–11; free; 1-2:30 p.m.; Redmond Public Library, 827 S.W. Deschutes Ave., Redmond; 541-312-1055.

TUESDAY

Dec. 21

PUBLIC ART: Redmond Commission for Art in Public Places meeting; public welcome; 4:30 p.m.; 716 S.W. Evergreen Ave.; agenda at www.ci.redmond.or.us.

PLANNING COMMISSION: Redmond Urban Area Planning Commission meeting, public welcome; 7 p.m.; 716 S.W. Evergreen Ave.; agenda at www.ci.redmond.or.us.

“SHARING OUR FAVORITE GENEALOGY STORIES”: Bend Genealogical Society presents a program followed by a holiday potluck; free; 10 a.m.; Rock Arbor Villa, Williamson Hall, 2200 N.E. U.S. Highway 20, Bend; 541-317-8978,541-317-9553 or www.orgenweb.org/deschutes/bend-gs.

WEDNESDAY

Dec. 22

OREGON ALCOHOL SERVER PERMIT TRAINING: Meets the minimum requirements by the Oregon Liquor Control Commission to obtain the alcohol server permit. Registration required; $35; 9 a.m.; Abby’s Pizza, 1938 S. U.S. Highway 97, Redmond; 541-330-6384 or www.happyhourtraining.com.

LIVING NATIVITY: The Christmas story comes alive with this outdoor display of the manger scene. Warm up after with a cup of hot chocolate and seasonal refreshments inside; free; 6-8 p.m.; Highland Baptist Church, 3100 S.W. Highland Ave., Redmond; 541-548-4161.

THURSDAY

Dec. 23

Class aimed at new farmers

The OSU Extension Small Farms Program is offering a course to provide beginning specialty crop and livestock farmers with tools and knowledge to manage the biological and financial risks of farming. Participants will assess their farm enterprise and gain the ability to develop a whole farm plan. This program targets farmers in their first five years of farm business. A mix of OSU faculty, experienced farmers, and other professionals will present information and resources vital to developing a sustainable farm.

Topics include strategic planning, farm operations, farm finance, marketing, production and managing liability.

Class dates are on the following Wednesdays from 5 to 9 p.m.: Jan. 26, Feb. 2, 16, 23, March 2, 9.

A farm tour is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 12, and registration includes the Living on a Few Acres Conference on March 5, along with a workbook and light meals.

Cost is $200 per person or $350 for two people from the same farm.

For more information, contact Dana Martin at 541-548-6088, ext. 7957, or dana.martin@oregonstate.edu. Register online at http://smallfarms.oregonstate.edu/central-oregon-growing-farms-workshop-series.

Eagle Crest holiday light display

Starfest at Eagle Crest is a festiv e holiday light display through Jan. 3, 5:50-9:30 p.m.; Eagle Crest Resort, 1522 Cline Falls Road; www.eagle-crest.com.

Obituaries

William Robert Mayfield
March 25, 1924 - December 10, 2010
William Robert Mayfield, surrounded by his loving family, entered heaven on December 10, 2010. Bill married Marian Pickles on June 25, 1947, and they enjoyed 63 ½ years of marriage.
Bill was born in Medford, Oregon, but from the age of 8 he lived the remainder of his life in the Redmond vicinity. He spent his early years cattle ranching with his father, Howard Mayfield.
Bill served in the Army Corp of Engineers during World War II, after basic training at Camp Abbott, (which eventually became Sunriver Resort). Ironically, he and his father bought Camp Abbott in a partnership, developing a successful ranching business. Always a man of integrity, his business was not conducted with contracts and lawyers, but rather handshakes.
A back injury necessitated a second career. In 1961 Bill entered into partnerships in real estate. Initially selling and developing properties through Northwest Ranch Brokers and then opening Mayfield Realty with his son, Bob, in 1987. Bill retired from real estate in 1997, but his life continued to be very busy.
Bill was a man of humility who served selflessly. Several associations that he contributed his life to were, The Deschutes County Fair Association, Masons, Shriners, Redmond Hospital Board, Oregon Realtor of the Year, Redmond City Council, maintained The Redmond South “Y”
flower beds with daughter, Jan, and grunt extraordinaire to Fred Humble at the Redmond Community Church.
Bill lived the epitome of a Godly life. He accepted the Lord in his 70s and the family finds peace knowing he is now anew in heaven. A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, December 18th, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. at the Redmond Community Church, 237 NW 9th Street, Redmond, Oregon.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Hospice House of Bend.

Vernon Clayton Peterson Sr.
June 1, 1914 — December 11, 2010
Vernon Clayton Peterson Sr. was a longtime resident of Redmond, since 1970, and owned the Village Squire Motel. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mayme Ida Peterson in 2000.
Vernon was born June 1, 1914, in Thedford, Nebraska, to Denver H. and Nona Mae Peterson.
He was preceded in death by his sisters, Ruth Brown and Delores Peterson, and by his brother,
Willis Peterson. He is survived by his sister, Janice Palmer; his sons, Vernon Clayton Peterson Jr. (wife, Florence) of Benjamin, Utah, and Gary Lee Peterson of Farmington, Utah; grandchildren Tiffanie Leyvas (husband, David), Clayton Peterson, Kimberly Kay Looby, Shane Lee Peterson, Christian Z. Peterson, Cassie E. Stauffer (husband, Kurt), Annie V. Peterson; great-grandchildren Markie Peterson, Gunnar Peterson, Hannah Leyvas, and David Leyvas.
Contributions can be made to Partners in Care, 2075 NE Wyatt Court, Bend, OR 97701. Visitation will be held from 2pm to 6pm on Friday, December 17, 2010, at Deschutes Memorial Chapel. Services will be held at 1 pm on Saturday, December 18, 2010, at Deschutes Memorial Chapel. Please visit www.deschutesmemorialchapel.com to leave online condolences for
the family.

Julie Ann Corbin, of Redmond

June 11, 1969 - Dec. 6, 2010

Arrangements: Baird Funeral Home of Bend, 541-382-0903, www.bairdmortuaries.com

A celebration of Julie's life with friends and family will be held at a later date. Contributions may be made to: Partners In Care Hospice, 2075 NE Wyatt Court, Bend, Oregon 97701, www.partnersbend.org

Richard Wellington Girt, of Powell Butte
July 19, 1943 - Dec. 3, 2010
Arrangements: Autumn Funerals-Redmond
541-504-9485, www.autumnfunerals.net
Services: Memorial service was held at Dec. 9, Powell Butte Christian Church.
Contributions may be made to Youth Facilities Programs c/o Powell Butte Christian Church.

Zachary Ross Arrias, of Brooklyn, New York
June 5, 1980 - Nov. 25, 2010
Arrangements: Baird Funeral Home of Bend
541-382-0903, www.bairdmortuaries.com
Services: A Tribute and Memorial was held Dec.11 at Pianos located at 158 Ludlow Street, New York, NY 10002; www.pianosnyc.com.

Andrew "Andy" S. Bettencourt, of Fort Rock
Jan. 7, 1934 - Dec. 8, 2010
Arrangements: Baird Funeral Home of Bend
541-382-0903, www.bairdmortuaries.com
Services: A Rosary and Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, December 18th, 2010, at 1:30 p.m. at St. Thomas Catholic Church, 1720 NW 19th Street, Redmond, OR 97756

Kristy Lynn Lechelt, of Redmond
Sept. 21, 1953 - Dec. 8, 2010
Arrangements: Baird Funeral Home of Bend
541-382-0903 www.bairdmortuaries.com
At Kristy's request no services are planned.

Contributions may be made to: World Vision www.worldvision.org

Bonnie Huntress (Mitchell), of Anacortes, WA (Formerly of Redmond)
Dec. 28, 1948 - Dec. 3, 2010
Contributions may be made to: CJD Foundation (http://www.cjdfoundation.org/donations.html) or Hospice of the Northwest (http://www.hospicenw.org/howyoucanhelp-donate.cfm).

Ron Rundell, of Redmond
Nov. 24, 1948 - Dec. 8, 2010
Donations in Ron’s name may be made to Portland VA Medical Center/Volunteer Services/Transplant Program, 3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Road, Portland, OR 97239

Margaret A. Brown, of Terrebonne
Jan. 6, 1939 - Dec. 6, 2010
Arrangements: Redmond Memorial Chapel, 541-548-3219
No services at this time.

Jack Cadwalader, of Culver
Feb. 2, 1942 - Dec. 4, 2010
Arrangements: Redmond Memorial Chapel, 541-548-3219
Services: No services will be held.

Patsy Holechek, of Culver
March 9, 1927 - Dec. 9, 2010
Arrangements: Redmond Memorial Chapel, 541-548-3219
Services: No services at this time.

Beryl Jean Stewart-Wilson
Sept. 16, 1929 - Dec. 8, 2010

Beryl Stewart-Wilson passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 8, 2010, at her home in Redmond, Oregon. She was under the care of her family and Hospice. A memorial service will be held in the Spring of 2011, with the interment of her cremated remains at that time.

Beryl was born on September 16, 1929, in Harrah, Yakima County, Washington, to Mary and Thurston Slagle. She attended Wapato, Washington, elementary and high school, graduating in 1947.

On December 24, 1949, she married Orville Stewart; he preceded her in death in June of 1985. She later married Norman Wilson, who preceded her in death in November of 2008. After her retirement from the U.S. Forest Service, she volunteered at the Terrebonne School & the Redmond Humane Society.

Beryl’s passions were her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, her dog, Muffy, reading, gardening and cooking “from scratch”. She will always be remembered for her “green thumb” and her ability to make anything grow, even in the temperamental temperatures of Redmond.

She is survived by her children, Sue (Bill) Breneman, Gilman, Wisconsin; Scott Stewart, Oakridge, Oregon; Monte Stewart, Dexter, Oregon; Mary Stewart, Jason Leith, Portland, Oregon; and daughter-in-law, Karen Wilson, Bend, Oregon. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Chris (Ken) Bach, Mayer, Minnesota; Alan (Stephanie) Breneman, Lakewood, Colorado; David (Bobbi Jo) Breneman, Medford, Wisconsin; Amber Stewart, Eugene, Oregon; Julien Leith, Portland, Oregon; Matthew Wilson, Bend, Oregon; and, Andrew Wilson, Portland, Oregon; and her great-grandchildren, Matthew, Eric, Tyler and Kelsey Bach; Samantha, Walker and Josephine Breneman; Tyler Harvey, Zachary and Makayla Breneman.

Anna K. Travis
Feb. 29, 1924 - Dec. 3, 2010
Anna K. Travis died Dec. 3, 2010, in Holiday, FL. She was a volunteer at the Redmond Senior Center for many years. Condolences can be sent to Sue Travis and Carol Benson at 4108 Darlington Rd., Holiday, FL 34691.

12.07.2010

The Need to Read

Leslie Pugmire Hole • Spokesman staff

They meet in back rooms, in church basements and private homes. Some are old, some are young and most are somewhere in the middle. A few are rich, many are struggling and some are just getting by.

They all share one common interest: a love of reading.

Yes, the great American tradition of book clubs is alive and well in the high desert.

“Different groups function differently,” says Brad Smith of Redmond’s Paulina Springs Books. “Some are very social in nature and made up of groups of friends or coworkers. I know many people who belong to more than one book club because each one offers something different.”

Many area book clubs are populated by a predominance of retirees – not because younger folks don’t like to read but because they have less time to sit around and talk about it.

The Eagle Crest Outback club fits the typical profile. Named for its membership of retirees who mostly live on the west slopes of Eagle Crest, the Outbacks count more than 25 members, with an average of a dozen members at every meeting.

“We have so many members that if we ever had the entire group show up at a single meeting we’d have issues with space,” says member Kathy Kuhl. “We’ve even talked about possibly breaking the club into smaller groups. When you get this large, you tend to have some hard-core readers who want more substantial books and others who enjoy lighter reading.”

Initially, when there were fewer Outbacks , members suggested titles to read and the membership voted on the final selections. This year, they opted to form a committee to vet nominations and make the final selection, but the jury is still out on whether everyone liked the change.

“I haven’t heard complaints yet but it’s early,” says Kuhl. “My personal philosophy is you shouldn’t have to read a book you don’t like; however, I started one of our books and didn’t finish it because I didn’t like it. But when I heard so many great things about it during our discussion I went back and read it, and ended up enjoying it very much. ”

Her current mission is to persuade more members to host the group for meetings and lead the discussion. The Outbacks have been meeting for four years, September through June, with one summer meeting that functions as more of a social event, with casual discussion of good “beach reads.”

According to Kuhl, her club tries to read at least one classic a year and steers away from politics and religion in discussions.

“It’s important to keep the discussion on ideas and not let it get personal,” she says. “We try to be well-rounded in our book picks but imagine getting 20 women to agree on anything.”

Eagle Crest Outbacks

2nd Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.

541-504-1289

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The Shrieking Violets are another Eagle Crest club, a group of about 13 mostly retirees.

“If you knew our group, you’d know the name fits,” says member Chris Gross. “We have so much fun we have to remember to talk about the book.”

The group formed about two years ago, with many members newcomers to Central Oregon.

“Many of us wanted to meet people and make connections,” says Gross, who stresses that the Violets aren’t restricted to Eagle Crest residents.

They read about a book a month, with members taking turns suggesting titles. While there isn’t universal agreement about book selections, most members are open to new ideas, Gross says.

“One of the first books we read was 'Eat, Pray, Love’ and nearly to a person we all thought it was one of the most self-serving, me, me, me books we had ever read – but maybe because that’s because we’re older (than the author).”

Early on there was discussion of inviting men into the club but that was soon nixed.

“We did discuss it, but the more we thought about it the more we thought 'Why do that?’” Gross laughs.

Shrieking Violets

3rd Tuesdays

541-548-8990

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Although the Book Lusters typically meets monthly for brown bag lunches and casual discussion, during their last meeting they were inspired by their topic book. “Luncheon of the Boating Party,” to go all out.

Eight of their 14 members showed up in full 19th century Parisian costume, dining on quiche and champagne while chatting about the fictional account of Renoir’s famous Impressionistic painting.

“What’s fun about our community is we’re from all over and everyone can bring our backgrounds, viewpoints and knowledge to the discussions,” says member Joan Sheets.

Lusters gathers annually to nominate book titles and vote for that year’s picks.

“We haven’t ever picked a dullard but some are better for discussion than others,” she says.

Susan Vreeland’s book seems to fall into the latter. While nibbling truffles during their last meeting, the Lusters talked about art, hedonism, convention, food, French culture and tradition and how society viewed artists – then and now.

“We try to get a balance in the books we read,” says Sheets. “We try not to read anything too trendy – no Oprah books or Danielle Steel for us. If we pick something political, we try to read books from both sides.”

Book Lusters

541-548-4244

3rd Thursdays

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The official name of the book club is “The Seekers” but Nancy Smith amuses herself by thinking of the group as The Heretics.

“Our books tend to be on the cutting edge of faith,” she explains. “We believe in a historical Jesus and think the church should move into the 21st century.”

Most of The Seekers are members of the Redmond Community Presbyterian Church, although not representative of the whole congregation.

“When we first started we had some people attend but they didn’t return, it wasn’t a good fit for them,” says Smith. “But that’s OK because some of them started their own book club.”

The Seekers have read “Jesus for Non-Believers” and “Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time” and will be beginning “The Greatest Prayer: Rediscovering the Revolutionary Message of the Lord’s Prayer” soon.

The club is open to members from outside the church – in fact, Smith welcomes the idea.

“We don’t have all the answers, we just have a different view of how the early church changed the message of Jesus,” says Smith. “We have a spectrum of beliefs that take us on our journey but we love each other.”

The Seekers

Last Tuesdays

541-548-5004

snoopysmith_7@msn.com

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When Belinda Hampton moved to Redmond six years ago, she didn’t know of any book clubs in the area so she started her own with friends and friends of friends.

BBC, or Belinda’s Book Club as members jokingly call it, has been meeting four years and averages about 10 members. They meet in homes for the most part, with the occasional get-together in restaurants or wine bars. Once a year they have a weekend retreat.

“We didn’t read at all, only talked,” Hampton says with a laugh.

The group takes turns suggesting book titles and tries to get a good mix, she said.

“Sometimes you can get into a rut with what you read,” says Hampton. “With a book club you surprise yourself sometimes by what you end up liking. We’re all very open to suggestions and are aware we can’t pick a perfect book every time. Even if someone picks a book we don’t like, we can have a great discussion about how much we hated it.”

The club often relies on suggestions from Paulina Springs bookstore staff, saying “they haven’t steered us wrong yet.” The store works with BBC and other clubs to order titles in sufficient quantities for their membership.

BBC has also tried to keep it local, reading at least one title by a local author every year and asking the author to visit the club.

Its membership is varied, with working and retired members of all ages, says Hampton.

“I think the reason we’ve been meeting so long is because we’re casual and fun; no one’s afraid to own up to making a bad choice. Our mindset is there’s always something to discuss.”

BBC

Last Wednesdays

541-923-4276

bthampton4@msn.com

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Redmond Library has its own book clubs for the community. One club tailored for homeschool students has proven so popular it can’t accept any new members right now.

“Good Chair, Great Books” meets monthly during the week and averages around a half-dozen attendees. According to Renee Borys, public service specialist with the library, a title is chosen every month and extra copies are on hand for check-out, typically a mix of fiction and non fiction.

Members bring lunch and meet in the multi-purpose room of the library for discussion; members are a mix of retirees and people on their lunch hour or day off, said Borys.

Next spring, the library is considering kicking off a book club for teens if there is enough interest, said librarian Mercedes Hubbard.

Good Chair, Great Books

2nd Thursday, noon

541-312-1063

City of Redmond considers dissolving Historical Commission

Leslie Pugmire Hole

Spokesman staff

By the time the new year arrives in Redmond, city government is expected to be a tad bit skinnier.

Dec. 14 the City Council will consider dissolving the Redmond Historical Commission (RHC), a city-funded entity charged with safeguarding Redmond’s historical artifacts and information since 1989.

“As a city entity there are quite a few restrictions and a lot of process to go through to get things done,” said Councilor Camden King, also a city liaison to the Commission. “Now we can get tax-deductible donations and grants and work on a permanent home for the museum.”

Members of the seven-member Commission began the process of forming an independent historical society more than a year ago. Earlier this year, the Greater Redmond Historical Society received its 501(c)3 status and formalized its bylaws and election of officers.

“With a society, we can have a board of directors and various chairmen to help take charge of cataloging, maintaining the collection and gathering histories,” said RHC Chair Kathleen Clark. “We won’t be just seven people trying to function alone.”

Currently, the Society has about 50 members but few are dues paying, since the group is just getting off the ground. An election will be held in January and a membership drive will begin soon after. Currently, the Society board of directors is comprised of six Commission members and two at-large community members, in addition to King.

Outside of officially dissolving the RHC, the City Council will be considering the transfer of operational funds the commission has in the bank – $13,995 as of Nov. 3 – and the historical collection of artifacts, currently housed in the city-owned Redmond Museum building.

“From the city’s standpoint we’ll probably just want to ensure the agreement mandates the collection will be cared for properly, and if there ever was gross neglect, we could get it (the collection) back,” said King. “But we’ve been talking about this for some time and everything I’ve heard (from the city) has been positive and in support of the change.”

Also under discussion will be the lease of the museum building, adjacent to the current City Hall. Sometime in the next few years, the city plans on relocating its headquarters, either in the historic Evergreen school building or in a new structure. Either way, when that happens, the museum is expecting it will have to move.

“We have no lease now, we’re just part of the city,” said Clark. “Once we are just a nonprofit society, the city will be our landlord only and we’ll be responsible for ourselves. But what they’ve (city officials) said in the past is they will turn over equipment and assets to the Society so we don’t have to start from scratch.”

Clark sees the future of the Society as bright, with many more open doors.

“We’ll have a tremendous wide world of funding available to us,” she said. “There’s money out there for collections, for events, even elevators.” Unfortunately, grantors for historical societies don’t tend to fund buildings, she added. “They figure if you don’t have a building already you’re not a museum, so we’ll have to fundraise on our own to get our own building.”

But opening up from a small city commission to a nonprofit with limitless membership is expected to be the biggest plus to the change.

“Potentially we’ll have a lot more people with a lot more skills,” said Clark. “Members will have more say in how things are done and we can accomplish a lot more.”

If you go

What: Redmond Historical Commission

When: Dec. 8, 2 p.m.

Where: 529 7th St.

--------------

What: Redmond City Council

When: Dec. 14, 7 p.m.

Where: 777 S. W. Deschutes Ave.

----------------------

Greater Redmond Historical Society

3cats@bendcable.com

541-504-0520 or

Find it on Facebook

Event calendar

WEDNESDAY

Dec. 8

HISTORY: Redmond Historical Commission meeting, public welcome; 2 p.m.; Redmond Museum, 529 S.W. Seventh Ave.; agenda includes discussion of the Greater Redmond Historical Society; agenda at www.ci.redmond.or.us.

SCHOOLS: Redmond School Board meeting; public welcome; 5:30 p.m.; 145 S.E. Salmon Ave.; agenda at www.redmond.k12.or.us.

FIRE BOARD: Deschutes County Rural Fire Protection District No. 1, board of directors; 7 p.m.; Cline Falls Station; 100 N.W. 67th St.; 541-504-5000.

THURSDAY

Dec. 9

COCC GETTING STARTED WORKSHOP: Learn about admissions, financial aid and student services; 6 p.m.; Central Oregon Community College, Boyle Education Center, 2600 N.W. College Way, Bend; 541-383-7500.

FRIDAY

Dec. 10

FREE CLOTHING: Community donations, free to those in need; 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; Redmond Public Library, 827 S.W. Deschutes Ave., Redmond; 541-508-6262.

HOLIDAY MAGIC CONCERT: The Central Oregon Community College Cascade Chorale performs under the direction of James Knox with soloist Lindy Gravelle; proceeds benefit Central Oregon Resources for Independent Living; $15; 7 p.m.; Summit High School, 2855 N.W. Clearwater Drive, Bend; 541-771-6184 or www.coril.org.

SATURDAY

Dec. 11

TEDDY BEAR TEA: Mrs. Claus leads a story time accompanied by holiday tea party; each child receives a teddy bear; proceeds benefit Camp Sunrise; $8.50, $12.50 children; 10 a.m. and noon; Juniper Golf Course, 1938 S.W. Elkhorn Ave., Redmond; 541-548-7483.

PET PHOTOS WITH SANTA: Have your pet take a photo with Santa Claus; proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Redmond; free with donation to the Humane Society; 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Humane Society of Redmond Thrift & Gifts, 1776 S. Highway 97, Redmond; 541-548-4428.

ART PARTY: Ambiance Art Co-op Christmas party; everyone welcome; 3-7 p.m.; wine and hors d’voeuvres will be served and lots of Christmas ornaments on display; 435 S.W. Evergreen Ave.; 541-548-8115.

SUNDAY

Dec. 12

HOLIDAY MAGIC CONCERT: The Central Oregon Community College Cascade Chorale performs under the direction of James Knox with soloist Lindy Gravelle; proceeds benefit Central Oregon Resources for Independent Living; $15; 3 p.m.; Summit High School, 2855 N.W. Clearwater Drive, Bend; 541-771-6184 or www.coril.org.

“LIGHT UP A LIFE”: Light a candle in honor of loved ones; followed by a reception; free; 4:30-5:30 p.m.; Redmond-Sisters Hospice, 732 S.W. 23rd St., Redmond; 541-548-7483 or brvhospice@bendbroadband.com.

CHOIR PERFORMANCE: More than 40 voices sing the music of the season. “Christ is Come” combines carols and contemporary compositions for the season, children’s voices and drama help to tell the story of Christmas; free; 6-7 p.m.; Highland Baptist Church, 3100 S.W. Highland Ave., Redmond; 541-548-4161.

MONDAY

Dec. 13

JAZZ CONCERT: The Central Oregon Community College Big Band Jazz performs under the direction of Andy Warr. Tickets available at the door or in advance at the COCC Box Office at the Information Office in Boyle Education Center during business hours; $10, $8 students and seniors; 7:30 p.m.; Central Oregon Community College, Pinckney Center for the Arts, 2600 N.W. College Way, Bend; 541-383-7260.

DURAC: Downtown Urban Renewal District Advisory Committee meeting, public welcome; 5 p.m.; 716 S.W. Evergreen Ave.; agenda at www.redmond.ci.or.us.

TUESDAY

Dec. 14

CITY COUNCIL: Redmond City Council meetings; public welcome; 6:45 a.m. and 7 p.m.; 777 S.W. Deschutes Avenue; agenda at www.ci.redmond.or.us.

WEDNESDAY

Dec. 15

SCHOOL BOARD: Redmond School Board meeting; public welcome; listening session 4 p.m.; meeting 5:30 p.m.; Lynch Elementary School, 1314 S.W. Kalama Ave.; agenda includes appointment of a new board member, agenda at www.redmond.k12.or.us.

THURSDAY

Dec. 16

Special luncheon for new/oldcomers

Newcomers and old are welcome to a luncheon at Juniper Golf Course on Monday, Dec. 13, at 11:30 a.m.

Cost is $12, and Christmas carols will be sung by students from Redmond High School. Contact Barbara Welsh at 541-410-5843 for reservations.

Holiday magic concerts

Central Oregon Community College’s Cascade Chorale will present the sixth annual “Holiday Magic” concerts at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10, and 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, and Sunday, Dec. 12, at Summit High School Auditorium.

James W. Knox, assistant professor of music at COCC, will direct the Cascade Chorale in a wide variety of Christmas selections. The Friday and Sunday concerts will feature sacred and popular holiday music performed by the 80-voice Cascade Chorale with a full orchestra. Selections will include a “Symphony of Carols and Gloria,” selections from the suite “Many Moods of Christmas,” “Alleluyah Sasa,” “The Snow,” “Drummer Boy” and selections from Handel’s “Messiah.” Lindy Gravelle, local artist, soloist and songwriter, will also perform.

The matinee concert on Saturday, Dec. 11, will be geared for children. It will feature the Bend Children’s Choir and will conclude with a sing-a-long. Admission for this concert is free, but seats are limited. To ensure seating, contact Knox at 541-383-7402 or Jim Lee at 541-771-6184 for the free tickets.

This is a fundraising event for Central Oregon Resources for Independent Living.

Tickets for the Friday and Sunday concerts cost $15 and are available at www.coril.org or by calling 541-771-6184.

Giving Trees and Toys for Tots

The Lions Clubs in Redmond have Gift Giving Trees ready for community donations for less fortunate children who may not receive a present to open this Christmas.

If you know of a child in need, come to Big Country RV and fill out a Lion’s gift request tag. The tags will describe the children and their gift requests. The Lions gift giving trees are located at Big Country RV in Redmond, on Highway 97, exit 112 at Canal Blvd.

Those wanting to donate a gift can select a tag off the tree, purchase the gift, wrap it and return it to the tree before Dec. 20. The Lions Clubs in Bend and Redmond will deliver the gifts to the children. Cash donations are also appreciated and the Lions Club will do the shopping.

The Redmond VFW Post 4108 and the Marine Corps League are collecting new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots through Dec. 20.

In Redmond, donations sites are at the following locations: American General Financial Services, Applebee’s, Best Signs, Big R, Bi-Mart, Countrywide Insurance, High Desert Real Estate, Home Federal-Veterans Way, Home Federal-Sixth & Highland, Les Schwab Tire Store, Northwest Credit Union, Peak Performance, Premier West Bank, Ray’s, Sonic Drive-in, Starbucks, Sterling Bank, U.S. Bank, VFW Post 4108, and Washington Federal.

Obituaries

Violet Evelyn Grace Burnett, of Redmond

Aug. 4, 1924 - Nov. 21, 2010

Arrangements: Autumn Funerals-Redmond

541-504-9485, www.autumnfunerals.net

Services: None are planned at this time.

Contributions may be made to: Redmond-Sisters Hospice, 732 SW 23rd, Redmond, OR 97756.

Henry Andrew Rodenback, of Crooked River Ranch

Feb. 20, 1922 - Nov. 24, 2010

Arrangements:Autumn Funerals-Redmond

541-504-9485, www.autumnfunerals.com

Services: No services are planned at this time.

Joanne Lucille Gregg, of Terrebonne

Jan. 13, 1942 - Nov. 20, 2010

Arrangements:Autumn Funerals-Redmond

541-504-9485, www.autumnfunerals.com

Services: A private ceremony has been held.

Sammie "Sam" Ray Henry, of Crooked River Ranch

Feb. 8, 1936 - Nov. 28, 2010

Arrangements: Autumn Funerals-Redmond

541-504-9485, www.autumnfunerals.com

Services: No services to be held.

Robert Fred Matison, of Prineville

May 3, 1926 - Nov. 29, 2010

Arrangements: Autumn Funerals-Redmond

541-504-9485, www.autumnfunerals.net

Services: No services planned at this time.

Ray B. Dillard, of Crooked River Ranch

Oct. 18, 1935 - Nov. 24, 2010

Arrangements: Autumn Funerals-Redmond

541-504-9485, www.autumnfunerals.com

Services: Private services to be held at a later date.

Stephen Preston Runion, of Crooked River Ranch

Nov. 13, 1943 - Dec. 2, 2010

Arrangements: Autumn Funerals-Redmond

541-504-9485., www.autumnfunerals.net

Services will be planned at a later date.

Louise S. Rakestraw, of Terrebonne

April 21, 1918 - Nov. 24, 2010

Arrangements: Redmond Memorial Chapel

541-548-3219

Services are pending.

Pat A. Heaviest, of Redmond

Jan. 26, 1939 - Nov. 23, 2010

Arrangements: Redmond Memorial Chapel

541-548-3219

Services are pending.

Patricia Ann Haavisto

Jan. 26, 1939 - Nov. 23, 2010

Pat Haavisto passed away in her home on November 23, 2010, of natural causes.

Patricia Ann Martenson was born in 1939, to Andrew Martenson and Margaret C. Matthews in Seaview, Washington. She grew up on the Long Beach Peninsula among the fishing boats, shipwrecks and oyster beds that are characteristic of the area. The oldest of six children, she was raised in a house built by her grandfather that is now listed in the Washington State Historical Society.

On March 16, 1954, she was inducted into the Order of Rainbow for Girls and became an honorary lifetime member upon her marriage. She attended Evergreen Girls State which provided American citizenship training in all Departments of the American Legion Auxiliary in Ellensburg, Washington, in 1955 where she participated in the girls' state choir. She graduated from Ilwaco High School in 1956, where she was the secretary treasurer of her junior class.

She married William (Bill) C. Haavisto (1938 to 2005) on March 5, 1957.

During that time, Bill was stationed in Portsmouth, Virginia, and later stationed in San Diego, where he was discharged from the Navy and where they then raised four children.

Pat was very involved in the PTA while her children were growing up. She worked in the Medical Records department at Sharp Hospital in San Diego and continued her career at St. Charles Medical Center in both Redmond and Bend starting in 1990, when she and Bill moved to Redmond. She retired in March 2010.

She is survived by a brother and sister, two half-brothers, four children, six grandchildren, one step-grandchild and five great-grandchildren.

Her favorite pastimes were camping and off-roading in the desert east of San Diego, family genealogy and grave hunting, beach combing and keeping up with the times of her birthplace by reading the Chinook Observer, a local newspaper of the peninsula. She was also an avid reader and admirer of Pacific Coast Lighthouses. One of her favorite hobbies was buying, selling and collecting antique glassware, which she sold in local antique shops.

Continuously smiling, everyone that met Pat was blessed by her happiness and lighthearted humor. She will be missed and remembered by all that she connected with.

Respecting her wishes, there will be no formal memorial service, however, the family is planning a celebration of life reception for next spring to honor both Pat and Bill.

Condolences to the family may be sent to 4770 NW Maple Ave. Redmond, OR 97756.

Please sign our guest book at redmondmemorial.com

Lewis Allen Tippets

August 29, 1933 - Nov. 24, 2010

Lewis Allen Tippets of Redmond, Oregon, died November 24, 2010, at his home.

He was born August 29, 1933, in Preston, Idaho, to Joseph and Hanna (Wixom) Tippets. He was the youngest of 13 kids. He grew up in Ogden, Utah, and moved to Redmond in 1965. Lewis was in the full-time ministry as one of Jehovah's Witnesses for 10 years and a faithful member for 53 years. He loved to learn and study, and had a hungry mind. He enjoyed hunting and camping and he loved his family and his faith.

Lewis is survived by his sons, Chris and Kim Tippets; daughter, Charis Branson; grandchildren, Josiah Tippets, Trevor Branson, Cassandra Sanford and Delaney Tippets. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Shelley Gailey, his first wife, Alura Tippets in 1991, and his second wife, Margariette Tippets in 2005.

A memorial service was held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Redmond on December 4, 2010.

Please sign the online guest book at www.redmondmemorial.com

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12.14.2010

12.07.2010