FROM THE ARTICLE: “The question of housing affordability looms large in Sisters and across the Pacific Northwest. Last week, 28 people explored the topic in Citizens4Community’s December Let’s Talk session.”

Big thanks to all of you who braved the chilly night air Nov. 22, made your way to The Belfry and, through the power of singing together, created your own warmth—an energizing atmosphere overflowing with heartfelt harmonies, camaraderie and community fun. C4C’s “Let’s Sing, Sisters!” drew 200 area residents; and Portland’s Low Bar Chorale Band truly helped make it a night to remember.

FROM THE ARTICLE: “The Belfry was full of laughter, good feelings, and singing last Friday night as about 200 community members gathered for “Let’s Sing, Sisters!” …

FROM THE ARTICLE:

Do you belt out songs in the shower, your car, or out on the trail? Or do you never sing because your fourth-grade teacher said you couldn’t carry a tune? Maybe you are a very experienced singer and/or musician looking for other voices.

Whatever label you have put on yourself, remove it and come to The Belfry on Friday night, November 22, to join in a community sing, where your voice will join with others to create beautiful spirited music.

EXCERPTED FROM THE ARTICLE: “…(Moderator Chris) Van Dyke issued a call for civility in this age of “digital amplification,” where people’s speech can become aggressive and threatening, and yet censorship runs the risk of controlling and marginalizing certain people or groups. He believes our democracy is at stake if we can’t maintain civil discourse. He asked the audience to consider, “It’s not what you can say, rather what you should say.”

You’ve maybe seen some new red, white and blue posters going up—flyers advertising the Oct. 24 Sisters Country Community Conversation on Freedom of Speech. Mark your calendars—you’ll want to attend this thought-provoking evening, starting at 5:30 p.m. You’ll enjoy local panelist insights along with audience discussion. Thank you to our sponsors—The Lodge in Sisters, Paulina Springs Books, The Ford Family Foundation and St. Charles Health System—for helping to make this event possible.

EXCERPTED FROM THE ARTICLE: “Sgt. William Bailey, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office public information officer, and Ryan Seeley, local community monitor, were invited guests to the September 16 “Let’s Talk – Public Safety,” sponsored by Citizens4Community.”

EXCERPTED FROM THE ARTICLE: “The second annual Rhythm & Song in the Park event brought local residents of all ages out to share music, movement, and food. In a relaxed atmosphere, free of charge, musicians shared their talent and invited audience members to play drums, dance, and sing along.”

Let’s Talk is a nonpartisan, Sisters Country discussion series that explores local topics of significance from a variety of perspectives. The series grew out of last October’s “Across the Divides” workshop. About 35 area residents who self-identify across the political spectrum participated in that event. Afterward, several participants decided they would like to continue to meet and discuss local and sometimes-challenging topics.

“Getting the Most from Collaboration” is the topic for the April 19 quarterly workshop offered by Citizens4Community (C4C) from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Sisters Fire Hall Community Room.

Steve Greenwood, the workshop instructor with 35 years of experience, is the faculty leader for Portland State University’s graduate certificate program in Collaborative Governance, as well as director of Training and Academic Services for the National Policy Consensus Center at PSU. He is the former director of Oregon Solutions and has taught collaborative skills at conferences and seminars nationally and internationally.

C4C is excited to announce a new board member—Lane Jacobson, owner of Paulina Springs Books—who will be helping us encourage a culture of bridge-building within Sisters Country.

Community volunteers can improve their skills and confidence to collectively address issues and opportunities through a January 30 Citizens4Community workshop.

From 5 to 8 p.m. at the Sisters Fire Hall Community Room, located at 301 S. Elm St., Sisters residents can gather for a free light meal and instruction from professional facilitator Terry Buchholz, who will help attendees build their practical facilitation skills.