Sandpoint's Scrimsher Family Works as a Team to Help the Family's Youngest Member

When Tamara and Brian Scrimsher’s son Bradey was born in September 2002, they knew immediately that something was not right.

“He had trouble breathing when he was born and did not cry for the first four days,” said Tamara. “It was mother’s intuition. I knew right away something wasn’t right.”

By the age of six months Bradey had not reached several developmental milestones, and it was then that he was referred to an endocrinologist. Now, over six years later, doctors can still not give the Scrimsher family a definitive diagnosis for their child.

But what has been a challenging six years for the Sandpoint couple has been made much easier by the fact that their daughters Bailey, 14, and Darbey, age 11, have been a tremendous help and support with their little brother.

“It takes a great deal of patience to raise a child with special needs,” said Tamara. “If I need to get away or need a rest, the girls just step in and know what to do. I don’t even need to ask. I don’t know what I would do without their help. They are amazing kids.”

Over the last six years, Bradey has been to developmental pediatricians, undergone genetic testing, and made annual trips to the Children’s Hospital in Portland, Oregon. In addition to his kindergarten class, Bradey currently attends various therapy sessions five days a week.

Referring to Bradey’s physical and occupational therapies as well as his upcoming electroencephalograph (E.E.G.) of his brain, Bailey laughs at the acronyms that abound in their household.

“P.T. , O.T., EEG – it just never ends!” said Bailey.

So far the medical professionals have ruled out autism, but cannot pinpoint what it is that has prohibited Bradey from developing normally.

“Developmentally delayed is the best they can come up with,” said Tamara.

Bradey has a vocabulary of approximately 50 words, but to a person who does not know him it may sound like babble. The girls have learned several words in sign language which have made communicating with their little brother easier.

“I know the whole alphabet and about twenty other words,” said Darbey.

“We always say the words with the sign language so Bradey hears them,” added Bailey.

In the middle of all of Bradey’s testing and therapy sessions, Tamara, then 37, was diagnosed with breast cancer. She endured several surgeries and four rounds of chemotherapy. They all left her physically and emotionally exhausted.

“It was hard for me to get out of bed a lot of the days,” said Tamara. “The girls just stepped up to the plate and were amazing.”

She said often the girls would help get Bradey ready in the morning; getting him dressed and helping their dad Brian prepare school lunches. Darbey said the hardest part is helping get Bradey dressed.

She laughs as she talks about how Bradey likes to play games running away from her as she tries to help him get ready.

“He thinks he can get away with everything. I guess I’m just too nice,” said Darbey.

As the older daughter, Bailey has always enjoyed taking care of Bradey.

“It just came naturally for me to help out,” said Bailey. Her mom agrees.

“Bailey has always been so mature for her age. She would make dinner for Bradey when I had cancer and I never had to ask her or Darbey to help. They just did it,” said Tamara.

For those familiar with the Scrimsher family, one thing is certain – Bradey is his daddy’s little boy. Bradey follows Brian all the time with his own lawn mower, shovel, mini tractor or whatever chore Brian seems to be doing at the time. But his job as a natural gas rep for Avista Utilities takes Brian away on calls at all hours of the day or night. That is when the girls are especially helpful.

According to Tamara, it is big sister Bailey who can convince Bradey to try new things.

“He will do things for Bailey that he won’t do for other people,” said Tamara. “In fact it was Bailey who taught him a lot of his first words.”

And now that Bradey is in public school kindergarten, Darbey, who is in sixth grade at the same school, has done a lot to assist Bradey with the transition. Darbey takes Bradey to his classroom each morning making sure he hangs up his coat and gets his things to the classroom.

“Bradey won’t let go of me. We walk to his classroom and then he has to go to mine. I always end up then having to take him back to his class,” said Darbey.

And when Bradey’s age group passes by his big sister’s classroom, Bradey will often escape from his line to go give his sister a hug.

“He adores her,” said Tamara.

For Bailey and Darbey, having a brother with special needs has taught them a lot about patience and the need to be accepting of others.

“Bradey’s unusual. He doesn’t grow up too fast so we get to watch him do new things,” said Darbey.

“Every milestone is a big deal in our family,” said Tamara.

Darbey says she likes the fact that her friends do not treat Bradey any differently because he is delayed.

“Sometimes it is sad to say he is six years old because I want people to think he’s normal because in my eyes he is normal,” said Darbey. “But nobody really asks (about why he doesn’t act like a typical six year old). They just think he’s a cute little angel.”

In fact she jokes that Bradey has more friends in school than she does. “It’s his first year and I’ve been going there for six years. But he has all these kids say hi to him in the hallway.”

Bailey said she has learned to reach out to people who may experience special needs and to encourage others to do the same.

“It has made her more sensitive and it’s been a domino effect,” said Tamara. “All her friends are the same way.”

Bailey said she would advise anyone who sees someone who may not be fitting in whether they are special needs or not, to reach out and show some kindness.

“Just because they’re different doesn’t mean they don’t have the same qualities as you and I have,” said Bailey. “Because Bradey has a definite personality.”

In January Bradey will undergo more extensive testing and this time Tamara is hopeful that they will get some answers. “I had this doctor tell me we will figure this out,” said Tamara. “No one has ever said that yet. I am very hopeful.”

Whatever happens, Tamara and Brian can be proud of their daughters and little Bradey. While it hasn’t always been easy, the experience has brought them even closer as a family.

“We have all come together as a team,” said Bailey.

CHaFE 150 Will Benefit Panhandle Alliance for Education's Ready! For Kindergarten Program

On February 24th, voters in the Lake Pend Oreille School District went to the polls and with approximately 60% voting yes, they expressed their desire for a replacement levy to help keep certain programs and staffing in place. But even with its passage, there will still be cuts made to teaching staff, elementary school counseling programs, as well as a reduction in the number of computers in the district.

But thanks to an organization formed in 2002, The Panhandle Alliance for Education, deficits in this district are not nearly what they could be. Panhandle Alliance is a non-profit education foundation whose mission is to enhance the quality of education through supplementing taxpayer financed programs. The desired result is a higher academic achievement level across the board for all students in the district.
Stacy Wasserman Temple joined the Board of Directors for Panhandle Alliance for Education four years ago. A strong advocate for children and education, she currently is on the grants committee for Panhandle Alliance.

“I am very excited by what we (Panhandle Alliance) offer the teachers and administrators. Our goal is to have them bring innovation and out of the box thinking and ideas to all the schools,” said Wasserman Temple. “But we definitely fund some of the fundamentals needed as well. For instance we paid for anatomy text books for the anatomy class at the high school. “

According to Wasserman Temple, the total amount given to the Lake Pend Oreille School In just six years totals $1,200,000. Examples of some of the grants given include money for before and after school tutoring, mobile computer labs, employment of a career / college guidance counselor for Sandpoint High School and many, many more.

But like anything else, it all takes money.

As part of its fundraising activities, the Panhandle Alliance for Education will hold its second annual Cycle Hard For Education (CHaFE 150) on June 13th, 2009. A 150 mile bike ride, last year the 68 participants – some from as far away as Seattle - raised over $50,000.

While last year was a huge success, organizers have made changes to this year’s event that they hope will bring even more participants.

“We have shifted the annual CHaFE 150 ride date from a September ride to June 13, 2009, picking a summer date that falls between other large rides in the region,” said Brad Williams, treasurer of the Panhandle Alliance and organizer of the CHaFE event.

They are also giving participants the option of riding 75 of the 150 miles, offering a bus trip back to the finish line from the turnaround point of Troy, MT.
“Registration will be Friday June 12th at Panhandle State Bank,” said Williams. “That as well as the finish area at City Beach are open to the public. We really encourage everyone to come out to both the registration and on the day of the event to support the riders who are out not just having a good time, but also who are supporting early childhood education.”

The ride takes participants through some of the most scenic areas of the Northwest. Riders begin at the Best Western Edgewater Resort in Sandpoint, and will receive a police escort through town. They will then proceed along Highway 200 and will travel along Lake Pend Oreille through river valleys and be treated to breathtaking views of three different ranges of the Rocky Mountains; the Selkirks, Cabinets and the Bitterroots. The return route will take riders South on Highway 95 through Bonners Ferry and what geologists have named the Purcell Trench which is a large valley formed by ancient glaciers.

But while the distance may provide a challenge to riders, organizers assure those contemplating the ride they will not encounter any major hills or mountain passes.

“The ride is long, but it does not have any real climbs,” said Williams. “If you compare this ride to a ride like RATPOD in Dillon, CHaFE is about 15 miles longer but does not have nearly the elevation change that RAPTOD does. CHaFE follows river courses through most of the route.”

A native of Libby, Montana, Williams said he has been dreaming of an organized ride along Highway 200 and Montana Highway 56 since he was in high school when he frequently biked those routes. He brought the idea of a bike ride such as this to different non-profit organizations over the last decade, but Williams said Panhandle Alliance was the one that had the resources to make this a reality.

Like last year, this year’s proceeds will go to benefit one of Panhandle Alliance’s newer programs - Ready! For Kindergarten, an early childhood education program aimed at helping new parents and disadvantaged kids. According to Panhandle Alliance, many children attending school in Lake Pend Oreille School District come from disadvantaged families. But one way to significantly increase a child’s likelihood of succeeding is to focus on early literacy in the first stages of development.

According to those involved with the Ready! For Kindergarten program, children learn more in their first three years of life than at any other stage. The Ready! program is designed, with the assistance of trained teachers, to empower and educate parents on how to be not only the first, but also the most influential teachers in their children’s lives.

To raise as much money as possible to support this program, Williams said that all participants in CHaFE are encouraged to raise donations from their supporters and said rewards will be given for the top fundraisers.

With enrollment limited to 250 participants Williams encourages people to sign up as soon as possible.

“CHaFE is challenging,” said Williams. “Our goal is to provide a great experience. The roads are good, the scenery is world class, and we provide food and support that are better than that available at any of the other rides in the region.”

For more information or to register, go to www.chafe150.org.

Musician Mick Coon Returns to Sandpoint

In 2002, Mick Coon strapped his guitar to his back, walked into the Festival at Sandpoint office and asked the staff what it would take to hire him to play at the popular summer music festival.

“I told them I’d play for them right then,” said Coon, now 25 years old, who still cannot believe he was so bold. After auditioning in their offices that day, Coon was hired as the opening act for performer Keb Mo. At the Festival that summer, Coon strummed his guitar in front of his hometown audience and sang for an hour and a half onstage.

“That’s where I really got the bug (to perform),” said Coon, a 2001 graduate of Sandpoint High School.

Then relatively new to the music scene, Mick did not start playing guitar until his junior year in high school. Struggling with insomnia he found he had a lot of time on his hands and stayed up many sleepless nights teaching himself to play his mom’s guitar.

“The first song I learned was Leaving on a Jet Plane,” said Coon.

After graduating from high school, where he was one of the top wrestlers in the State of Idaho, Mick passed up a wrestling scholarship in North Dakota to attend a school in Southern Idaho. While there, he won a music competition. Deciding to pursue his love of music, Coon left college after the first year and moved to Missoula where he performed weekly. He married and moved to Boise and later to Salt Lake City where he and a group of friends started a band that was together almost three years. But when thousands of dollars of equipment was stolen from their studio, some of the band members dropped out.

“We could never break through that threshold,” said Coon. “It was time for me to make a decision.”

Coon decided to devote the next year of his life to making a go of it in the music profession, but this time it would be on his own, not with a band.

He had a manager who booked shows for him three months in advance. On a tight budget and determined to not to spend all his earnings, Mick did what he could to minimize all his costs – including living out of his car.

“I packed up Raman noodles and tuna fish and got in my car,” said Coon, who said he had shows all over the west coast. “I put 8,000 miles on my car in one month.”

With an all club pass to 24 Hour Fitness, Coon worked out one to two times a day and showered at the health clubs in the cities where he preformed. He admits that sleeping in his car could be a bit risky; but Coon said he followed nice vehicles and exited off the freeway when they did. He would follow them with the assumption they were headed to a nice area of town. It was there he would rest for the night confident he would be safe.

“I loved living in my car,” said Coon. “There was a freedom.”

During a week when Coon did not have shows lined up, he played on the streets of Santa Monica. The first day he made $30 and the second day after being there two hours he had not made a dime. But then a man approached him, told Coon he liked his voice, and asked Mick if he would be willing to sing a song the man had wrote. Coon agreed to meet the man, Jim, at 8 a.m. the next day.

Because it was an early meeting, Coon did not take the time to go to the fitness club to shower.

“I just figured I was going to some guy’s house,” said Coon. Instead he drove up and found himself at Viacom Studios. He was stunned. He pulled himself together and went in to meet Jim whose company was renting space from Viacom.

“What I write is soulful music,” said Coon, who says he likes the music of Marvin Gay, Otis Redding, Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles. “The song he wanted me to sing was very r and b. I did not think I could do it.”

In the end, he sang for the Viacom employees who loved his voice and before he knew it he was given a check for $1500 and being whisked off to get fitted for a Calvin Klein suit.

Jim then told Coon he would be performing Jim’s song the next day on a new television show, The Simply True Show. “I instantly freaked out,” said Coon.
He had less than 24 hours to not only learn the twelve chord changes the song required, but also had to learn the vocals.

“I wasn’t going to get up there and do karaoke,” said Mick. “I had to sing it so it was me. It had to be from the heart.” He knew he had a lot of work to do in less than 24 hours.

Jim handed Coon $600 and told him to go stay in a nice hotel and get a good night sleep. Coon told Jimmy he would rather sleep in his car. But Jim insisted.
Mick stayed up until 2 a.m. and got up at 4 a.m.; practicing every waking moment.

“Any performer knows you never really have a song down until you actually perform it in front of people,” said Coon.

But he said while he nailed it a few times prior to the TV appearance, the closer he got to his time onstage the more mistakes he made. Then came his moment on stage. He made it through the first line and ended up making up the rest.

“I totally messed up,” said Mick, convinced he had blown his once in a lifetime chance.

But the show allowed him to take time and re-tape the segment. He finally sang it the way it was meant to be sung.

Refusing to be what he refers to as a “money pit,” Mick did not want to keep living in hotels paid for by the studio. Not wanting him to live out of his car, the studio finally agreed to allow Mick to sleep at the TV studio. It was an adventure, he said.

For several months, Mick worked on an album and performed in the same studio where Brittany Spears, Jessica Simpson and many others had recorded.

After awhile the studio moved him into a huge home with a swimming pool where he had a Mercedes Benz at his disposal and attended many Los Angeles Dodgers’ and Los Angeles Lakers’ games.

But the studio was dragging its feet releasing his single, Mick’s marriage was suffering and he was realizing that what he thought was his ultimate dream was not so.

“I really went through an identity crisis,” said Mick. “Even though everything that I ever wanted was happening (in my life), I was lonely.”

Going through a divorce, Mick reconnected with an old high school girlfriend - one with whom he had broken up because she was not of his same faith. But he had thought about Annie every day since they parted ways in High School. After corresponding for awhile, Annie told Mick she would be on a business trip in San Francisco and invited him to visit. They instantly reconnected.

“I wanted her to know that she could always depend on me to be there for her if she needed me,” said Coon. But it became more than that and they both knew it. “I discovered everything wonderful about her remained. She was till the most beautiful woman I had ever seen.”

The two corresponded and when Annie came to surprise him one day in California, he knew he had found his real dream. He moved back to Sandpoint last October and immediately found a job as a waiter at the Coldwater Creek Wine Bar. Very much a people person, Coon says he loves what he is doing and is happier than he has ever been in his life.

He will continue his music and knows that whatever lies ahead it will be an adventure. And he also knows now that his real dream come true was not at recording studios in California, it was here in Sandpoint.

“I don’t know exactly what lies ahead and that’s what I love,” said Coon. “I’ve never felt more like a rock star than I do now. I’m back to my roots, not only as a person but as an artist. Sandpoint is such a creative area. There are so many inspiring people. I am living the dream.”

Mick Coon performsregularly at Pend d’Oreille Winery in downtown Sandpoint as well as the Coldwater Creek Wine Bar.

Kinderhaven Provides a Safe Place for Abused & Neglected Children

Trust. For children the person in whom they place the most trust is their caregiver. It can be mom, dad, an aunt or uncle. But when child abuse occurs, that trust can be instantly shattered leaving a child suddenly feeling alone and scared. According to the National Abuse and Neglect Data System, four children in this country die each day by the hands of their abuser - usually the child’s caregiver. Of those fatalities 78 percent are under four years of age. It is a startling statistic.

Wealthy or poor, child abuse knows no boundaries. It could happen to a next door neighbor, a child’s playmate or even one’s own child in a daycare situation. No one may suspect the abuse until the child exhibits either physical or emotional signs. But fortunately for child abuse victims living in North Idaho, they have found a loving home at Kinderhaven – a non-profit, community supported group foster home and emergency shelter for abused and neglected children from birth to 18 years of age.
Since opening in 1996, Kinderhaven which can house up to 16 children, has weaved its way into the hearts of many in this community.

“Kinderhaven is so much more than a shelter,” said founder and past president Marsha Ogilvie. And it is because of the continued support of the Sandpoint community, Ogilvie said Kinderhaven has been able to provide scholarships and transitional housing assistance to many of the children who have called Kinderhaven home over the past 13 years. The children are not forgotten after they leave the people who have nurtured them through what is likely the most difficult time in their lives.

But community support wasn’t always as prevalent as it is today. It took time and energy to educate the community about the frequency of child abuse and how Kinderhaven and the community could make a difference in the lives of the abused children in North Idaho.

“At the beginning it was a (financial) struggle every day,” said Ogilvie. “But we have won the hearts and minds of this community and have seen them wrap their arms around us and the children.”

Ogilvie said it was always a dream of hers to start a home for women and children, the goal of which was to help them become self sufficient and to teach them critical life skills. But she knew she could not do it on her own.

“I used to think I would have to win the lottery to do it,” said Ogilvie. Fortunately it just took some fundraising and awareness on the part of the community.

When Ogilvie learned of Sandpoint resident Linda Brown’s plan to start a shelter, Marsha, along with her sister Susan Bowman, volunteered to help Brown with fundraising. They put on the first fundraiser for Kinderhaven at Sandpoint’s City Beach in 1995. The event raised $2000 and they were ecstatic.

“We found a home to rent and we had our first baby placed in Kinderhaven in February 1996. He stayed for eight months,” said Ogilvie. “And I still remember our first Easter. We had five kids in the home. They were ravenous, running from room to room.”

In its 13 years, Kinderhaven has seen hundreds of children pass through its doors and has welcomed the children back when they return as adults to say thank you. Thank you for providing a home, thank you for believing in them, thank you for keeping them safe and thank you for saving their lives.

Each child has his or her own story and none are ever forgotten. Ogilvie’s eyes fill with tears as she remembers one young boy who struggled because other kids who were put up for adoption were chosen and he was not. That boy is now happily living with a family surrounded by love and support. Her tears are those of joy.

Barb Perusse served on the Kinderhaven Board of Directors for 10 years, two of which she was president. Prior to moving to Sandpoint in the 1990s, Perusse investigated child abuse for 11 years for the State of Missouri. She said the fact that Kinderhaven now has a social worker on staff will only improve the quality of care the children receive. Phyllis Horvath has her Master’s degree in social work and serves as Kinderhaven’s Executive Director.

“The key for the (abused) kids is stability, and having a director trained to deal with certain situations will do much to contribute to the child’s stability,” said Perusse. “We are equipped to set the children up for success instead of failure.”

Kim Diercks, the current Board President for Kinderhaven agrees.

“Phyllis is part of the treatment team. She is able to reinforce on a daily basis what the children are being told by their counselors,” said Diercks.

People like Diercks, Perusse and Ogilvie have chosen to be involved with Kinderhaven because they believe they can make a difference in these children’s lives. They are right. They have seen children transform before their eyes – an illiterate third grade student is now an avid reader; a mute 2 year old has transformed into a three year old chatter box; a somber fifth grader has learned to laugh in joy; and children who have had to take care of themselves learn to accept help. They have found that help in the people of North Idaho.

“Kinderhaven belongs to the community. This is where we take care of our own and the community is doing their social responsibility,” said Perusse.

According to Diercks, Kinderhaven’s license allows them to take kids from anywhere throughout the state, but they tend to receive children from the five most northern counties with a majority being Bonner and Boundary county residents.

Wherever the child comes from, it is clear that for many they have lived a life deprived of things most children take for granted. When they come to Kinderhaven it is sometimes the first time a child has had a bed to sleep on, a pillow upon which to lay their head, and even a toothbrush.

“We have had school age children who have never even been to school,” said Diercks.

Up until recently a family of six siblings was living at Kinderhaven. For over two years these children called Kinderhaven home and were safe from a life of abuse and neglect. But equally important, they were together. Had it not been for a home such as Kinderhaven, the six siblings would have been split up into different foster homes and been apart from one another at a time when they needed the support of each other.

Many kids who are victims of abuse not only lack the love and affirmation a stable home provides, but also the structure. At Kinderhaven the kids have chores, earn allowance, celebrate birthdays, participate in boy and girl scouts, and live a structured home life like traditional families.

“And it is only because of the generosity of the community that we are able to provide these things for the children,” said Ogilvie.

The staff and Board of Directors hope that much of what the children learn goes with them when they either return home or go elsewhere when the leave.

“Our care goes beyond keeping them in a safe environment,” says Diercks referring
to the life skills that are taught, the counseling the children receive and the love the kids get from knowing they are valued and appreciated.

When looking to the future, the one thing that these women agree upon is that it is important for people to be aware of child abuse and to keep Kinderhaven in their hearts when looking for a place in which to donate not only their money but their time.

“Like any homeowner, the costs associated with running a home are always a concern,” said Ogilvie.

Perusse adds that a goal of the non-profit is to become self sustaining. “We need to know that no matter what our kids will be taken care of,” she said.

April is Child Abuse Prevention month – a time to educate the community on abuse and the resources available for victims of abuse. But the reality is for those at Kinderhaven they want every month to be dedicated to Child Abuse Prevention. And if the past is any indication, they know the people in North Idaho will continue to wrap their hearts and arms around the Kinderhaven children and will do all they can to keep them safe.

“We are truly owned by the community,” said Diercks, who said Kinderhaven is always seeking volunteers. “I think there’s a lot of love out there that can be shared with our kids. “

To donate to Kinderhaven, please send a check to Kinderhaven, P.O. Box 2097, Sandpoint, ID 83864. A recipient of the State of Idaho’s Brightest Star Award in 2002, Kinderhaven is one of the few non-profit groups for which a donor can take both a federal and state tax deduction.

DayBreak Offers Support for Those With Dimentia

When helping an aging parent or spouse, the caretaker is often a forgotten part of the equation. But now Bonner County families who have loved ones suffering from dementia are not only finding respite through the newly opened DayBreak Center, but their relatives are also receiving therapy in a loving and nurturing environment.

The DayBreak Center opened in downtown Sandpoint in August of last year. Already a huge success, those involved are confident it will continue to grow and meet the needs of those in this community.

Sponsored by the Sandpoint Senior Center, DayBreak’s mission is to provide dementia patients with activities to help stimulate memory while also giving them the opportunity to socialize.

“All the activities are research based,” said Kelly Hurt, DayBreak’s Program Director, who adds that the therapeutic focus has proven to help delay the progress of the disease.

The initial step in taking advantage of this service is to call Hurt who completes an assessment over the phone. A referral from a doctor is not necessary, but Hurt and Activities Director Judy Totten do have an open communication with the clients’ physicians regarding their care. The cost for DayBreak is $7.50 per hour or $37.50 per day. Hurt said while it is private pay, if appropriate a client can submit the cost to the insurance company for reimbursement.

The Center’s goal is not only to maintain and improve their clients’ functioning and cognitive awareness, it also strives to offer much needed respite time for caregivers.

“These people (caregivers) are heroes,” said Kelly Hurt. “I don’t know how they do it – to have your wife or husband of fifty plus years not even know who you are.”

Recently the staff at DayBreak had a family member of one of their patients tell them that the program has saved their entire family.

Hurt says while families provide the day to day care of the patients, they do not always have time to devote to activities that help stimulate the client’s cognitive functioning. That is where the DayBreak Center plays a crucial role.

According to Hurt, the clients spend a lot of reminiscing as well as keeping up on current events.

“We take time and read the good things in the newspaper,” said Hurt. Other activities include range of motion exercises, Bingo, sing-alongs, and some pampering as well.

Hurt said many of the people she visits with are longtime Sandpoint residents. They love to reminisce and talk about things such as when the Long Bridge was built out of planks and on windy days the water would come up between the boards.

“I love hearing their stories,” said Hurt, who has her Masters in Social Work and has many years of experience working with the elderly. “It’s my love.”


The staff at DayBreak has already seen improvements in the clients they serve. One patient used to cry frequently, but with the stimulation she receives it has brightened her mood and resulted in a much happier disposition not only at the Center, but at home as well.

“It (the Center) becomes like home to these people,” said Hurt.

One of their clients recently recognized her daughter for the first time in a long time – something which provides a little bit of light in what can otherwise be a very sad time in the lives of the caregivers.

“It is very hard for people to ask for help,” said Hurt, who emphasizes that the DayBreak Center also gives the caregivers a chance to meet and find support among one another.

For the families who are participating in the program, it has proved to be money well spent.

“They are happy to be here and they feel very connected. We do a lot of laughing,” said Hurt.

To find out more, please contact DayBreak at 208-265-8127.

Bonner Community Hospice Sponsors Kids Camp

Losing a loved one can be a devastating experience for anyone. But for children, the grieving process can be especially confusing, scary and isolating. For youth in Bonner and Boundary Counties there is help for the younger members of the community who are undergoing this journey. For 12 years, Bonner Community Hospice has hosted a Summer Kids Camp for any child age 8 to 17 who has lost a loved one.

Bambi Lassen, who is a licensed clinical social worker, is one of the volunteer directors for Kids Camp. Lassen says the camp is open to any child whether or not their loved one received hospice services.
Also, the child’s loss does not have to involve a parent or even a family member.

“Some children have a next door neighbor who they were close with and some have lost a teacher,” said Lassen. Whatever role the person played in the child’s life, the loss is real and the camp provides a special opportunity for kids to process their grief.

This year the camp takes place from June 19th to June 21st in Clark Fork. Kathryn Cooke, the Volunteer and Bereavement Coordinator for Bonner Community Hospice said they can take up to 20 kids and there is no charge to attend the camp.

“We are funded through grants and if there is a shortfall Bonner General Hospital covers the rest,” said Cooke.

A weekend of fun and play therapy, the camp allows children a chance to express their feelings in a variety of ways.

“They learn that all the feelings that go along with grief – including shock, denial, sadness and anger - are all okay and are normal,” said Lassen, who adds that children typically have a difficult time opening up about death.

There are many hours that go into the planning of the weekend so that the experience is both fun and therapeutic for the children.

“Trained therapists played a crucial role in developing the program,” said Lassen who is in her fourth year volunteering for the camp.

The location of the camp affords kids the opportunity to go on nature hikes, play organized games, play volleyball and participate in structured play in large open areas.

To allow the children to benefit to the fullest extent there is usually one volunteer for every 1 to 2 children.

If a child has lost someone recently, usually within the prior two months, camp organizers say it is wise to evaluate whether camp is appropriate for the child at that time in the grieving process.

“They are already processing so much,” said Lassen. “We are careful to protect the children to make sure it is the right time. If it’s not then we invite them back the next year.”

At the end of the weekend the facilitators ask the kids to share something they have learned over the two days they have been together. Lassen says many children say they have learned to deal with their anger, learned they are not alone or just finally felt they had someone who would listen to them.

“And some will say they learned a new song or learned to play volleyball,” said Lassen, who adds that many of the kids may not realize the benefit of the therapy until later. But the therapists know the children are learning how to express their grief.

“It’s a magical process that happens (over the weekend) and there are a lot of changes we see,” said Lassen, who in her practice specializes in working with children and families and has extensive experience in play and art therapy. “Kids become more confident with themselves, show an increase in self esteem and have a sense of acceptance that they are not the only ones going through it (the grieving process). It gives them hope that they can move forward.”

Because they serve children 8 to 17 years of age, the organizers of the camp witness a wide developmental range among the children. Lassen said it is not unusual to see the older kids being a role model for the younger ones, opening up and sharing their feelings followed by the younger children doing the same.

Lassen said they also teach the children to be aware of their body and how their feelings are being manifested. “It helps them know that feelings aren’t just in your head, they’re in your body. Mental health has a lot to do with physical health,” she said.

But the grief process extends far beyond the weekend, and organizers take steps to be sure that the children take with them some tools to help them in their difficult times.

In the past volunteers have given the children pencils as a reminder that they can write their feelings in a journal; a ball to bounce when they feel angry and much more.

Cooke said they do follow up with the families following camp by making phone calls and sending out an evaluation form, but to continue a support group for the children has been difficult due to the fact that they come from so many different areas.

“The kids come from a large geographic area,” said Cooke. “They come from near the Canadian border down as far south as Athol and then from Priest River to Clark Fork. It is hard to get kids to come together at the same time.”

But the children know that if they need help, they can always contact someone to help them process their feelings.

As for Lassen, she said that volunteering at Kids Camp is an experience she treasures.

“I feel honored to be able to be with the children and help them in their grief process,” she said. And while she emphasizes that it is not about her, Lassen said she too learns a lot.

“Every year I learn something new from the children that not only affects my life but also how I deal with families in the future,” said Lassen. “Everyone’s path is unique.”

To sign your child up for Bonner Community Hospice Kids Camp, contact Kathryn Cooke at 208-265-1185.

Group Honors Local Women

Role models. The term often conjures up an image of young boys longing to grow up to be the next Brett Favre, Michael Jordan or LeBron James. But role models are not just for children. For women who live in Sandpoint, there are many role models residing right here in their small community. She may be a next door neighbor, co-worker, friend’s mother or a volunteer for one of the many local charitable organizations. The truth is that there are many Sandpoint women who give of their time and talent to make a difference in the lives of those around them.

Since it first formed in 1999, the local group - Women Honoring Women - has made it an annual tradition to recognize area women who have contributed to the betterment of the community through volunteer work and leadership and whose dedication has inspired others to give back to the community in which they live. The women who receive this honor are called Women of Wisdom.

The idea to honor local women first came to Sandpoint resident Marsha Ogilvie in 1999when she witnessed a group of local women volunteers caring for disabled adults. She was touched and knew that there were many volunteers in this community who give of their time – and often with little recognition. From Community Assistance League, Pend Oreille Arts Council, Kinderhaven and many more non-profit groups, there are many women who do much to improve the quality of life for Sandpoint residents. Driven by a strong desire to recognize these valuable members of the community, Ogilvie enlisted the help of her friends and before she knew it Women Honoring Women was off and running.

Now in its eleventh year, Women Honoring Women was never intended to be an annual event.

“It was to be a onetime event,” said Kathy Chambers, the current President of Sandpoint’s Women Honoring Women. “But when the next year rolled around Marsha had people calling her and asking if she was going to do it again. They all had someone they wanted to nominate.”

Chambers, who took over the position as President this year from founder Ogilvie, is thrilled to be part of such an amazing group.

Her mother-in-law, Marilyn Chambers, was honored as a Woman of Wisdom in 2004 and it was then that Kathy realized how important it was to honor those women who give of themselves to the community.

“My mother-in-law said this (the award) was the most wonderful thing that she has had happen to her,” said Chambers. “It made me realize what an impact the award has on everyone who receives it.”

Each year nominations are solicited from the community and the committee of 19 women conduct an in depth review of the qualities each of the nominees possess.

“We have a voting system and a grading system,” said Chambers.

There are typically four or five recipients each year, some of whom are well known in the community and others who do their volunteer work behind the scenes.
Once the committee reaches its decision on the recipients, a committee member is assigned to spend time with a specific recipient. Whether they take them to lunch, meet with the recipient’s family and friends or just have a casual conversation, the purpose is to get to know the recipient as best as possible. It is that committee member who will then present the Woman of Wisdom with her award at the luncheon.

“I call it Queen for a Day,” said Chambers.

This year the luncheon will take place on June 13th at Panhandle State Bank in downtown Sandpoint.

To be considered as a recipient of this award, nominees must be residents of Bonner County and be at least 65 years of age. She should possess vision and strive to achieve goals through collaboration with others. Additionally, a Woman of Wisdom must possess a love of learning and exhibit leadership qualities which have earned her respect from community members. Through her service to those in Bonner County, a Woman of Wisdom must have demonstrated a positive impact on areas such as art, music, theater, education, sports and service. Chambers adds that women can be nominated and honored posthumously.

While the group looks to the contributions an individual has made to the community, the committee that chooses the Women of Wisdom realize that the gifts each woman brings to the community may affect several people or may alter the lives of only a few.

According to Chambers, the group has never had a shortage of nominees in its eleven years. “The depth of women in this area is amazing,” said Chambers.

Panhandle State Bank Outlines Plan to Stimulate Local Economy

On March 11th several leaders of the Sandpoint community attended a special town hall meeting. The gathering of local business leaders, community activists, media representatives and non-profit board members was organized by Intermountain Community Bancorp (ICB) CEO Curt Hecker. His message was one of hope; and the goal of the meeting was to enlist the help of the community in indentifying what is truly important to the Sandpoint area leaders beyond just making a profit – or as Hecker said “identify what is relevant.” Hecker’s hope is the information he gathers will assist ICB in helping to bring failing businesses back to their feet and strengthen the financial support of the non-profit organizations who do much to support vital programs in the community.

In addressing the group, Hecker acknowledged that his job like many others in the banking industry has been a little stressful lately.
“Being a bank CEO used to be a pretty cool job,” joked Hecker. “Within the last four months things have happened within our community that have affected all of our lives significantly. We have to decide how we proactively address the issues we are faced with. ”

But despite the challenges the banking industry faces - one of the largest of which is trying to regain the respect for banking institutions - Hecker still thinks his job is pretty cool. He says he is excited about bringing economic growth back into the communities where Intermountain Community Bancorp conducts business.
Hecker told the crowd that there are over 8000 financial institutions in this country, 19 of which control two-thirds of the total deposit base of the country. “That is a lot of power,” said Hecker. “But how that power is used is critically important.”

When the economy started showing signs of a struggle in large metropolitan areas, Hecker said he was hopeful that the economic downturns would not affect Idaho. “But I was wrong,” he said.

While Hecker realizes that the national economy may take a while to turn around, he along with all of his employees in the various communities in which ICB does business, will do what they can to help stimulate the local economies.

In his talk, Hecker said that when there is stress without control, the result is fear. “Stress is good,” said Hecker, “because it forces us to think outside the box and be creative. People can function if they have control and input into the outcome.”

Hecker said that the five stages of grief as identified by Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross can also be applied to the current state of the economy. Those stages are denial; anger - finding people to blame such as your broker or other financial advisors; bargaining; depression and acceptance.

“We need to get to number five (acceptance) as a community and country and then things will happen positively,” said Hecker.

He said the country has become caught up in rules and regulations and has lost a lot of basic common sense- something leaders in the community must exert more of.

“I am passionate about building a company based on human values,” said Hecker.
The tool through which Hecker and his colleagues will accomplish their goal of helping the local economy is through ICB’s new program, Powered by Community.

“We are engaging local leadership to create community based economic prosperity,” said Hecker who stated that by staying in close contact with people, particularly those in leadership roles, he and his employees will have a good handle on what the economic needs are of the community. He was also quick to point out that the needs of each community differ greatly.

One of those working with Hecker on the Powered by Community program is Rick Youngblood, who serves as President of Community Partnership. Youngblood told the group that ICB is already doing things to give back to the communities. They have matching programs as well as local scholarship programs for area youth and a Community Star Program which recognizes local leaders and donates money to the local nonprofit of the winner’s choice.

Youngblood said Powered by Community will offer many opportunities to involve and to help local businesses. Some of these opportunities will include business seminars, investigating affordable housing needs and having a small business development center in each community.

“Economic stability is essential to a healthy community,” said Youngblood.
Paul Unger, Powered by Community’s Program Facilitator, is in charge of the technical side of the program. He will develop a website that will promote and manage the program. The online information will have interactive calendars, seminars, and information on how to develop a business. Unlike other websites, which are typically one way, Unger said this website will be interactive and will solicit feedback making communication much easier.

“Powered by Community is an enhancement to Intermountain Community Bancorp’s history of making our community better,” said Unger.

Panhandle Alliance for Education Board Member Stacy Temple called Powered by Community a win win situation. Phyllis Horvath, executive director for Kinderhaven, a non-profit home for abused and neglected children, agrees. “It’s great to see an organization say let’s roll up our sleeves and see what we can do.”

Hecker told the group of local leaders that ICB will organize, prioritize and implement programs that will bring economic prosperity back to the Sandpoint community. He announced a deadline of April 15th as the time at which specific programs will be announced.

“We need to control our own destiny and move forward,” he said.

Lost In the 50s - a Longstanding Sandpoint Tradition!

In the world of text messaging, twitter and facebook, people often long for a taste of the simpler days. In Sandpoint from May 14th through May 17th the clocks will be turned back fifty years as baby boomers, young professionals and school kids don their poodle skirts, penny loafers and rolled up jeans; men and boys will slick back their hair and the town will be transformed into a scene from the 1950s. Vintage cars will be the norm as will the music of Elvis, Ricky Nelson, The Platters and Fats Domino. Sandpoint’s Lost in the 50s weekend, now in its 24th year, draws people from far away places and has become a favorite tradition for many.

“It’s a lot of fun for the community,” said Barb Merritt, who has been a volunteer for the event for the last several years. “And most of the people who enjoy it weren’t even around in the 50s.”

People will gather on Thursday, May 14th at the historic downtown Panida Theater to kick off the weekend with Rock ‘N Roll Heaven.

“Elvis will be back,” said Merritt, as will other highly entertaining impersonators.

On Friday, May 15th vintage cars will parade down the streets of Sandpoint revving their engines and entertaining those who line the downtown corridor. Following the parade there will be a street dance sponsored by Sandpoint radio station 106.7 The Point. It will take place downtown between Second and Third Avenues on Main Street and is often a big attraction for many, both young and old.

Both Friday and Saturday evenings there will be a dance and show at Bonner County Fairgrounds. Both nights will feature the music of the Crystals, Johnny Thunder and for the 16th year, the Florida based band Rocky and the Rollers. It is open to anyone 21 years of age and older, with tickets available at the door or at Second Avenue Pizza in Sandpoint.

Organizers say that what many don’t know is that it was The Crystals – an all female group - who recorded the original versions of It's My Party and Chapel of Love. However, the versions recorded by The Crystals were never released and instead were recorded by other female artists.

Also performing will be Johnny Thunder. Thunder grew up in Florida and left there as a young man to begin a singing career in New York. Over the years he toured with the Ink Spots and was a member of the Drifters after the departure of Ben E. King, who left to pursue a solo career.

Also performing at the Bonner County Fairgrounds is a group that has become a favorite among many who attend Lost in the 50s - Rocky and the Rollers.

Organizers say Rocky and the Rollers will visit Sandpoint for the 16th year for this event and have become part of the Lost in the 50s family, referring to them as one of the cornerstones of the Lost in the 50s weekend.
On Saturday from 9:30 to 3:30 cars will line the streets of downtown Sandpoint, vendors will barbeque and music will play as people shop and view the many vintage cars that will be on display.0

“Many of the restaurants have special menus for Lost in the 50s,” said Merritt.

But whether or not you are a fan of old cars, Merritt said many come because of the atmosphere.

“I love the old music and cars,” said Merritt. “But most important I love that this is a community event. It kicks off the summer in Sandpoint.”

Taking part in the weekend are many civic groups as well as Sandpoint High School service groups, serving food, setting up for the concert, and helping with the many needs.

Finally on Sunday morning the weekend will wrap up with the Aspirin Rally-Run. A 5K fun run, sponsored in part by the Sandpoint running club Cardio-Junkies, it will take place at 10:00 a.m. followed by the car rally at 11:20.

Merritt credits founder Carolyn Gleason with bringing such a wonderful event to Sandpoint and keeping it going all these years.

“Here you have a woman who had an idea twenty four years ago, and she and her little band of revelers just keep going,” said Merritt, who adds that volunteers are always needed.

“It talks a lot of people to put it on, but it’s very rewarding when you sit back after it’s all over and can say you really did something that helped the community,” said Merritt.

Anyone who would like to participate in the car parade on Friday night needs to be at Sandpoint High School on Highway 2 and Division no later than 5:00 p.m. for the 6:00 start time. If you would like to volunteer to help during the Lost in the 50s Weekend, contact Barb Merritt at 208-290-1323 or call 208-265-LOST.

Pend Oreille Arts Council Enriches Sandpoint Community

For many who live in small towns, one element often lacking is accessibility to arts and culture. But for residents in the quaint community of Sandpoint, that is far from the case. Here, The Pend Oreille Arts Council has done much in its over thirty years to enrich the lives of both the residents and the visitors who vacation here.

Otherwise known as POAC, the Pend Oreille Arts Council embraces all aspects of art including the performing arts, visual arts and art education. It supports the local art community as well as works hard to bring world renowned performances to this little corner of the Northwest.

“POAC prides itself on bringing culturally diverse - as well as entertaining - professional performances to Sandpoint,” said board member Judy Thompson. “Our mission is to expose children and adults in Bonner County to the broader world of music, dance and theater than they will ever see otherwise. Live theater, real musicians and dancers on stage, not a movie screen or a computer.”

According to Kim Queen, the executive director for POAC, the success of the organization is in part due to the fact that Sandpoint has long been considered an arts town.

“People love the quality of life here and the arts play a significant role in that,” said Queen. “I often hear POAC called ‘the working man’s art organization’ - we bring in high quality, family-oriented performances, and keep the ticket prices affordable.”

Some of the more memorable performances have included the Maori from New Zealand, a drumming group Portland Taiko, Manding Jata from Africa and the Harlem Gospel Choir.

But just how does a small town like Sandpoint attract such world renowned performers?

The answer in part lies with the huge membership they have. With an annual budget of over $200,000, a membership of just over 400, and volunteers that total over 200, it is clear that POAC is the heart of the artistic community in Sandpoint and has the monetary support it needs to thrive.

In addition, Thompson, who serves as the Vice President of Performing Arts, along with the Artist Director Marilyn Sabella, attend booking conferences.

“This gives them a firsthand experience of the touring artists that are available. They then select artists that meet POAC’s mission and goals, while making every effort to work with other agencies in the Inland Northwest to ensure the best quality, pricing, and to take advantage of block-booking opportunities,” said Queen.

This season POAC has already hosted Dutch Swing Fever from the Netherlands, Golden Dragon Acrobats from Hebei, China, and in April they will host Ache’ Brasil, an exciting group with Brazilian roots trained in dance, music and ‘copiera’ – a form of martial arts and acrobatics.

But it is not just at the local Panida Theater that performances take place. During the summer tourists enjoy a stroll down the streets of Sandpoint and are treated to the music of local musicians. In July POAC sponsors free concerts each Sunday at the Dover Bay Marina attracting families and tourists who are looking to relax in the beautiful surroundings of this community. And perhaps what POAC is best known for is the Annual Arts and Crafts Fair each August at Sandpoint City Beach where there is traditionally over 100 artists presented. Visitors to Sandpoint can also enjoy the ArtWalk exhibits which take place throughout the summer months. One can walk through downtown businesses and enjoy the creations of a variety of different artists.

“It is a great partnership between POAC and the local business community,” said Queen.

One of POAC’s biggest fans is Lake Pend Oreille School Superintendent Dick Cvitanich. POAC’s education outreach program called OVATIONS gives students the chance to attend performances free of charge.

“Many of our children live in a relatively isolated world regarding fine arts and cultural diversity,” said Cvitanich. “This program gives them a glimpse into the world at no cost.”

In addition, many of the performers offer workshops at the schools giving students an opportunity to work closely with the artist.

“This is a fabulous opportunity to learn more about the particular art form. It also gives the student a chance to learn more about life as an artist,” said Cvitanich. “None of this would happen without POAC.”

In partnership with Community Assistance League and the Festival at Sandpoint, Cvitanich said the broad outreach that POAC has throughout the school district is unlike any other he has witnessed.

“I believe POAC and the other groups help to make our entire fine arts program better. We have excellent teachers in the fine arts disciplines, K-12, and POAC provides inspiration and opportunities for them to make our school program even better,” said Cvitanich. “I am very proud that POAC is a part of our district and value the relationship.”

As for Judy Thompson, she volunteers her time with many organizations in Sandpoint, but it is clear that POAC is one of those nearest to her heart.

“The opportunity to provide economic opportunity for local musicians and artists is a real motivator (to volunteer),” said Thompson. Through the Arts and Crafts Fair, summer concerts at Dover Bay, the street music in downtown Sandpoint, the Art Walk and the gallery shows at the Powerhouse, POAC does much to showcase the local talent. “We give artists a stage for selling and performing, and at the same time help them make a living at what they love to do. You can’t ask for more than that.”

To learn more about how you can become a POAC member or to inquire about upcoming performances, log onto www.artinsandpoint.org.

Cancer Treatment Has Come a Long Way for Sandpoint Residents

It wasn’t too long ago that a cancer patient living in Sandpoint had to travel to Coeur d’Alene for all of his or her appointments and treatments. But a lot in this community has changed over the last decade and that includes cancer care.

Deb Schoonover is a nurse at the Sandpoint clinic for Kootenai Cancer Center, formerly North Idaho Cancer Center. When she was hired at Kootenai Medical Center in 2001, Schoonover recalls Leslie Daniels, who was then the Director of the Cancer Center, telling her it was her dream to one day open a satellite office in Sandpoint. That dream, driven by the increase in demand for services, quickly turned into a reality.

Shortly thereafter Schoonover and Kootenai Cancer Center oncologist Dr. Alan Grosset began working in Sandpoint two days a week.

“At that time about twenty to twenty-five percent of our patients in Coeur d’Alene were from Bonner and Boundary counties,” said Schoonover. And it didn’t take long before their office became extremely busy.

“We had three infusion chairs in our old office and when we took over the conference room we had four or five total,” said Schoonover.

In 2006 Dr. Grosset returned full time to the Coeur d’Alene office and Dr. Thomas Leavitt was hired to run the Sandpoint clinic. At that time the center was open three days a week, but still not everyone who received chemotherapy could receive their treatments in Sandpoint.

“We couriered the drugs from Coeur d’Alene,” said Schoonover. “If they (the medicines) weren’t going to be stable (during transport) we couldn’t administer the chemotherapy up here.”

Furthermore, added Schoonover, the patient was required to complete their lab work a full day ahead of their chemotherapy treatment.

“Otherwise if their labs came back and showed they couldn’t have a treatment, the drugs (that were brought up from Coeur d’Alene) had to be disposed of,” said Schoonover.

But that all changed in June of 2007 when the Sandpoint clinic moved into its present location in Bonner General Hospital. Now open five days a week and employing about 15 people, the clinic is able to treat far more patients than it has in the past. It has six chairs and two beds and Schoonover said because they have a full time pharmacist who mixes most of the chemotherapy drugs onsite, they can avoid the logistics involved in transporting the chemotherapy agents from Coeur d’Alene.

Schoonover said that many patients still travel to Coeur d’Alene for their treatments, but that is mostly because of a prior relationship they had with one of the doctors who practice there. Also, anyone who receives radiation still must also travel to Coeur d’Alene because radiation treatments are still not available in the area north of Coeur d’Alene. But for those who are able to receive their chemotherapy treatments in Sandpoint, it is a bright light in what can be a very dark place.

Sandpoint resident Donna Rokstad was diagnosed with cancer in August 2002. During her treatments Rokstad traveled to Coeur d’Alene for four rounds of chemotherapy, thirty-three radiation treatments and because she was anemic she also had to go to have several other treatments involving iron being pumped into her through an IV.

“I was very fortunate because I had friends who always went with me, but had it not been for them it would have been very lonely,” said Rokstad. “Had I been able to get my treatments in Sandpoint, I could have had friends stop by and visit me. It would have made things a lot easier."

Schoonover said she witnesses so much more than just the convenience factor among her patients. There is a very special bond that is formed among not only the patients who sit side by side each week as they endure their treatments, but there is also a bond between the patients and staff as well.

“Here patients really know each other,” said Schoonover. “It’s your next door neighbors and your friends (who are coming in for treatment). It really adds a whole new dimension.”

Schoonover worked in Spokane for ten years and while she said she had great relationships with her patients, it wasn’t a small town like Sandpoint so rarely did she run into them at the store, a restaurant, or other places she frequented.

“The nature of oncology is that you build a strong relationship and bond with your patients,” said Schoonover. “And for the patients, it’s a wonderful thing to be able to receive your treatment in your home town.”

Rokstad could not agree more. “It’s a place where friends meet,” she said. “We come together and have a special bond.”