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As someone who has lived in both rural and urban Oregon, I appreciate comments such as Amy's...someone who is interested in listening, in learning. This congress seems a vehicle to provide some of that, as well as this show. Thank you for your coverage of rural Oregon and rural Oregon issues in this and other shows. Think Out Loud seems to be one of the few places where Oregonians can listen and learn about issues of concern to Eastern Oregonians, as well as to those of Willamette Valley residents.
I too look forward to Monday's show.

posted 3 years, 9 months ago
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May I offer a perspective on sustainable living in rural Oregon from living in eastern Oregon for about 15 years. Rural eastern Oregonians have impressed me with lives rooted in the land and their knowledge of the land. Many hunt for winter meat, have large gardens and put up produce, harvest wood from downed wood on the National Forest and use it for winter heat source, and some live off the grid with solar power. Ranchers in Grant County use solar powered pumps for water for cattle. I know several teachers who live or have lived 50-60 miles from the school in which they teach. They live closer to the school during the week, and drive home for the weekend. A bus operates taking people from Grant County to do shopping and medical appointments in Bend. You'd think tourism with the rise in gas prices would be affected, but think about the Kam Wah Chung Museum in John Day which has seen a tripling in its visitorship from last year (when the museum was closed for renovations), with visitors making a special trip to John Day to see the Museum. There are long distances to cover in eastern Oregon and gas prices are having an impact, but the picture is not that simple and rural Eastern Oregonians have a history and knowledge of sustainable practices.

posted 3 years, 10 months ago
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