Sandpoint Teens Raise Money for Mission Work in Uganda

Sandpoint High School students Aubrie Perry and Bailey Scrimsher, both 15, have a plan. A very expensive plan.

Their families each sponsor a child from Uganda through International Children’s Network and both girls would like to travel to visit their sponsored child as well as participate in mission work.

The cost of the two- to three-week trip? Approximately $3,000 each. But that is not deterring these girls from doing all they can to achieve their goal.

“I did a bake sale when we had our yard sale,” said Scrimsher. “I made $80, but a lot of that was just donations.”

A couple of months ago the girls brainstormed and came up with the idea of putting on a week long day camp for girls.

“My parents then came up with the idea of making it an educational camp because parents like that,” said Perry.

So they went to work designing and printing their own colorful brochures for Camp Fun ‘n The Sun, which took place the week of July 5.

The result? After expenses, the girls each earned approximately $400 and will put that money toward their trip, which they hope to take next summer.

The girls worked hard planning various lessons and crafts for each day of camp and carefully shopped for supplies so they could maximize their profit.

“Our moms were a big help,” said Scrimsher.

With a different theme and an average of 10 campers each day, the girls had to carefully plan their activities for the five hours the kids were in their care.

“We did not want them running around in circles. We wanted them to be safe,” said Scrimsher.

The first day was eco-friendly day. The girls instructed and assisted the campers on how to make pine cone bird feeders and they each decorated an aluminum water bottle that they could use throughout the week.

“That way they didn’t have to use paper cups the whole week,” said Perry, emphasizing that the project was in line with the lesson on conservation.

When researching their lesson plans for the week, the girls relied heavily on the Internet and the video sharing website You Tube.

“It is so nice to actually see how it (the crafts) all is done,” said Scrimsher.

The second day was spa day where the campers learned how to make their own scrub using sugar and baby oil and Scrimsher massaged each of the girls’ feet while Perry painted their toenails and fingernails.

“They kept telling us they felt so spoiled,” said Perry.

On Wednesday, the teens introduced a unit on nutrition. Each of the girls received an apron which they decorated, and made homemade granola and pretzels.

“We showed them it is better to make your own food so you know what is going in it,” said Scrimsher.

“It also showed them that things that taste good are still good for you,” adds Perry.

On science day the girls led the campers in experiments crafting volcanoes out of clay and then using baking soda and vinegar to simulate a volcanic eruption.

The week culminated with water day on Friday where the kids decorated their own fish bowl and each was given a goldfish to take home.

Lunch was also provided by the girls who gave the kids a choice of peanut butter and jelly or a turkey sandwich in addition to a cheese stick, fruit and drink.

Scrimsher said the most challenging aspect of the experience was organizing and purchasing all the things needed for the various activities throughout the week.

“But then you see all our hard work pay off and it is worth it,” said Perry. “The pros definitely outweigh the cons,” adds Scrimsher.

One of the most rewarding aspects was to see how some of the more shy kids were able to make new friends.

The girls said they hope to travel to Uganda with their mothers next summer, but if that doesn’t work out, they will go not it will be sometime before they graduate in 2013.

While in Uganda, Scrimsher would like to help out at a medical clinic. Perry said she would like to interview some of the kids, take their picture and put together the information packets to share with families back home.

“I really want to help the kids get sponsors,” said Perry.

But whether they travel to Uganda next summer or later, they plan to host the camp again next summer.

“We’re hoping next year will be bigger and better,” said Scrimsher, who adds that she is hopeful this will also help land some babysitting jobs.

“It’s really hard work, but it all pays off in the end,” said Perry.

Economic Downturn Gives Sandpoint a Chance to Plan for Next Growth Spurt

It appears there is an upside to the downturn in the economy after all. According to Sandpoint’s city planner Jeremy Grimm the lull in growth has allowed the city and its citizens to work diligently on its comprehensive plan – a map that will help steer Sandpoint’s development and growth for the next 20 years.

“It (the economic slowdown) has been a perfect storm in a good way for us,” said Grimm, adding that the plan is in response to the rapid growth experienced earlier this decade. “It allows us to prepare ourselves for the next wave of growth.”

The last time Sandpoint’s government prepared a comprehensive plan was 1977. But since Grimm was hired in the spring of 2007, his primary focus has been on working with the community to develop a plan that will take the city through the next two decades.

Grimm and his committee sought input from a large cross section of the community through many different approaches – large public meetings, surveys, and being present at many community events such as the Bonner County Fair and the Festival at Sandpoint.

“It (the rapid growth) really woke people up,” said Grimm, adding that the result was additional funds being allocated for various plans including the Urban Area Transportation Plan, a Parks and Trails Plan and a Comprehensive Plan.

The comprehensive plan was presented to the Sandpoint City Council in the spring of 2009 and after a total of 23 meetings and workshops, the council unanimously adopted it in February 2009.

The 122-page document addresses several topics including property rights, school facilities and transportation, land use, population, economic development, natural resources, public services, facilities and utilities, recreation and housing.

“But the zoning is really where the rubber meets the road,” said Grimm.

According to Grimm, back in the 1920s the Supreme Court granted cities the power to protect its citizens’ health, safety and welfare.

“Welfare has been interpreted by the courts to also mean the character of a community,” said Grimm.

The previous zoning laws did little to ensure consistency with the comprehensive plan, said Grimm. But parking lots, landscaping, residential space and building height were all part of what he and others deemed important to ensure that the Sandpoint area became a desirable place to live and visit.

“My charge was to bring to the planning commission the skeletal framework (of the plan),” said Grimm.

From there the commission used its own personal knowledge of the community, its history and desires for the future to fine tune the plan. Grimm provided the research on various codes throughout the country which had resulted in the type of community Sandpoint strives for.

“We had at least 10 public meetings on the development of the commercial code,” said Grimm.

In a meeting last month, the city council passed the first part of the zoning revisions that were addressed in the comprehensive plan – the commercial zoning laws.

The language of the new law was an effort to strike a balance between bringing incentives to downtown developers as well as ensuring the city did not over regulate growth.

In an effort to bring more residential properties to the downtown corridor, the new zoning law allows for buildings up to 65 feet high so long as at least 50 percent of the structure above 35 feet is devoted to residential use.

Also, all buildings must be capable of accommodating a second floor. Therefore, if a new structure is built as a single story, its walls and infrastructure must be such that it can accommodate an additional story in the future.

Grimm said it was the goal of the comprehensive plan to make Sandpoint unique among other western mountain towns and to make Sandpoint a place where people can walk to work, church or to do their shopping.

He said several areas, such as Hayden, have several strip malls and big box stores. Sandpoint residents want something different.

“We are trying to make our commercial areas attractive and a place where people want to be,” said Grimm.

Under the new zoning law, parking may not be built in front of new structures; instead it must be built either behind or on the side of a new building thereby allowing passers-by to enjoy a window shopping view. Buildings must be up against the lot line with the exception of public art or a civic area – a place where people can congregate and relax on a bench or enjoy a cup of coffee – between the building and the sidewalk or street.

Grimm said that if they prove to be highly successful with their plan, the result will be a desirable place to live, work and play.

“The challenge then becomes affordability,” said Grimm. “We have to be vigilant to be sure it does not become a playground for only the wealthy.”

But even after three years, Grimm said there is still much work to be done. “We have another year worth of code reform and regulatory development.”

Bird Aviation Museum and Invention Center Honors WWII era Women Pilots

Ask anyone what role women played during World War II and the answer is likely to be that their jobs were diverse – working in factories, providing support for the soldiers, and some serving as nurses on the front lines. But chances are no one will tell you that civilian women served as pilots flying military aircraft for the United States Army Air Forces.

More than 1,000 women were trained as aviation cadets, which enabled the male pilots to serve where they were needed most – in combat. The women were civilians who received approximately 27 weeks of training. And their role, which included flying over 60 million miles in fighter, bomber, transport and training aircraft, was equally important.

Known as the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs), it is said that the group helped pave the way for women to serve as military pilots today. But the women were never recognized for their contributions to World War II.

In fact, it was not until 1977 that the women were granted veteran status. And when 38 of the 1,074 women pilots lost their lives while defending their country, their bodies were flown home in poorly made pine caskets and the funerals were paid for by their friends and families, not the government. None of the families received an American flag.

After the WASPs were disbanded in December 1944, the women’s military records were sealed and labeled secret – keeping them out of the reach of historians. But in the 1980s the records were declassified and people began to learn more about these heroes in American history.

On Saturday these women will be honored in a special tribute hosted by the Bird Aviation Museum and Invention Center in Sagle, just south of Sandpoint. The event, Women of Courage 2010, is open to the public. More than 20 of the nearly 300 still-living women pilots from World War II will be on hand to share their stories of overcoming gender bias to serve their county.

Pamela Bird, of the Bird museum, said she first learned of the Women’s Airforce Service Pilots when a former FAA helicopter pilot visited the museum last fall.

“He asked me, had I ever thought about having an event for the WASPs?” Bird recalled. “I responded that I had not as I didn’t know much about them.”

Coincidentally, Bird met two of the women who had served with WASPs. One, Alyce Rohrer, got her pilot’s license in the early 1940s before receiving her driver’s license.

“She wanted to serve her country in a special way and do something she was great at, and that was flying,” said Bird. “She wanted to be a fly girl and ferry and transport every type of plane the military flew all over the world to the fighter pilots so their time would be freed up to do their job. When the recruiter came along, she signed up and was on her way to serve her country.”

One woman, Betty Jo Streff Reed, writes in her biography that she was barely out of high school when she began to take flying lessons. Of the $18 weekly paycheck she received from working at the Marshall Field department store in Chicago, Reed devoted one half to her flying lessons. After joining the WASPs, Reed writes, she helped pay for the bodies of her 38 fallen comrades to be sent home since the government would not.

“We marched everywhere, we did calisthenics, aerobatics, and all the things the boys did – except for combat training,” writes Reed. “I would have gone into combat though. We were so proud of our country, and we were going to do what was right.”

Mary Ann Martin Wyall writes in her biography that people are now more aware than ever of the important role she and her colleagues played in America’s history.

“Our senior years have enhanced our reputation as true pioneers of women in military aviation,” said Wyall. “The generation of women now in the military realize what the WASP program accomplished in order for them to become part of military aviation in all branches of military service.”

The more Bird learned about these women, the more she wanted to do something to honor them.

“There are less than 300 alive in history. Two have passed away within the last 10 days,” said Bird. “It is time to do something to educate those of today so history won’t be lost, as well as to honor, to thank in a proper way these incredible ladies who have changed history forever.”

Washington Elementary Students Get Art Lesson From Resident Artist

With budget cuts being a predominant theme in schools, an art program can often be one of the first things to be dropped from the curriculum.

But thanks to Sandpoint’s Arts Alliance, a nonprofit organization formed in 2006 and devoted to providing arts education, artist services and advocacy, students at Sandpoint’s Washington Elementary School were able to receive instruction from a professional artist over the last several months. The end result? A piece of public art for the entire community to enjoy.

The alliance’s Artists in Residence Program allowed nearly 100 fourth- and fifth-grade students to work with a local artist to create a public mosaic mural, the theme of which was “Protecting Our Local Waters.” Students crafted handmade ceramic relief pieces in the form of plants, bugs, animals and plankton, which were then incorporated into a ceramic tile mosaic mural on the side of the school.

Lizzy Hughes, the executive director of the Arts Alliance, said the program is intended to teach students the manner in which a piece is created.

“It focuses on the process more than the product,” said Hughes.

When planning this year’s artist in residence project, Hughes said she wanted to ensure that the Arts Alliance worked closely with the schools to integrate the project with their curriculum.

“It gives them (the students) a more well-rounded understanding of their subject matter,” said Hughes. “And I really wanted to make sure that we did a project that was either environmental or social justice oriented so the students have a better understanding of caring for their environment.”

Teacher Sally Loveless said that the fifth-grade students do a project each year called Waterfest, which teaches them about water and various habitats. It provided a perfect opportunity for kids to incorporate what they learned in their classroom with the art project.

“Being able to do art once a week was phenomenal,” said teacher Ellen Darling, adding that it was amazing to see the process go from a pencil sketch to a beautiful mosaic mural.

For the past several months local artist Lynn Guier has worked with the students, teaching them everything from the importance of public art to the process involved in creating a mosaic mural.

There was a unit on healthy water where the Arts Alliance brought in scientists who work with fish, local Lake Pend Oreille, and water collection systems. The students were involved in fish identification, creating fish prints, learning about sedimentation, macro invertebrates and water quality.

After doing research in library books and on the Internet, the students eventually chose the animal they each wanted to draw to be a part of the mural.

Fifth-grader student Ben Schwartz described the process.

“First you draw what you want and then you trace it onto (tracing) paper. You put the paper onto a slab of clay, apply details, glaze it and then you bake it,” said Schwartz, whose creations included a chipmunk, a turtle and a fish.

Fourth-grader Burke Palmer-Fullerton said the message the students wanted to convey is the importance of the environment. “We tried to put out a good note on conserving water,” he said.

Guier said as murals go, this creation rivals some of the better pieces of public art. “I wanted this to be the most spectacular piece of art they’ve seen in Sandpoint,” she said, adding that both the students and teachers were wonderful to work with. “The students all took it very seriously.”

Fourth-grader Sam Diercks said before this project, he typically enjoyed just sketching in a book he has at home. “I didn’t think of myself as an artist before this. Just as a drawer. Now I’m a little bit of a painter,” he said.

Sam and his classmate Rachel Meyer agree it is important to have art in public places where many can enjoy it.

“It might remind someone of their childhood and may make them think of Disneyland,” said Sam.

“It can bring back memories,” added Rachel.

One important lesson Darling said the students have learned is that they each have their own creativity.

“It really allowed each of them to blossom,” she said.

Everyone involved in the project said it was a joint effort by many in the community who came together to teach the children everything from science, to conservation to art.

“It’s more than just art,” said Darling. “It’s thinking about our environment and history. It adds another dimension.”

Decades After High School, Friends Maintain Close Relationship

In the age of e-mail, Facebook and texting, it is fairly easy for friends to stay in touch. But for Sandpoint resident Loris Michael, it is a letter or a phone call that mean more to her than anything.

“I like to stay in touch with people, but on a personal level,” said Michael who admits that while it may take more time than simply sending an e-mail, it is well worth it.

It is that philosophy which has enabled Michael to stay connected with her friends with whom she graduated from North Platte High School in Nebraska 52 years ago. There were 265 students in her class, but it is Michael’s connection with 10 of the women that has helped the group through decades of life’s ups and downs.

“Over time these are the women who stayed in touch,” said Michael.

But communication was not always easy. With only four of the 11 staying in Nebraska, they did not see each other as often as they liked and they were all busy raising children.

“No one called in those days because (long distance) phone calls were extremely expensive,” said Michael.

So instead the women began writing round robin letters in the early 1970s.

“One would write and mail it to the next person,” said Michael. “It would sometimes take from May to September by the time it got around to everyone.”

The letters would arrive at least twice a year and Michael still enjoys reading them.

“There’s a lot of history in some of those letters,” she said.

As their children grew older, it became easier for the women to reunite every couple of years. It was during one reunion in 1984 when they dressed up in old time costumes and had their photo taken.

Deciding they needed a name, they began to call themselves the Floozies and gave each other nicknames. They even wrote out a Floozie Family Tree – a testament to the bond that is as close as that shared by sisters.

Michael said that when the women get together there are always crazy gifts exchanged, time to reminisce over old photos and a lot of laughs.

“We don’t have to do anything special,” said Michael. “We revert to being 17 when we’re together. We laugh, put on our pajamas and slippers.”

Michael recalls one reunion she attended with her Floozie friends when she arrived at the Denver airport and was greeted by the women who were decked out in tiaras, boas, wands and balloons.

“I almost got back on the plane, I was so embarrassed,” jokes Michael. “They are way crazier than I am.”

The reunions are like a giant slumber party with sleeping bags and girl talk until early mornings.

At one reunion, one of the women had handcrafted a porcelain doll for each of her friends that resembled the recipient in her younger years. It is a gift Michael treasures.

But it isn’t always fun and games. When one member of the group suffers, there is no hesitation on the part of the others to lend a hand. When Michael was diagnosed with cancer approximately five years ago she visited Nebraska upon completion of her treatment. All her friends came to check on her, some traveling several hours just so they could see she was OK.

“That tells you a lot about your friendships,” said Michael.

Two of the women have died and as the others celebrate their 70th birthdays this year they are realizing it is more challenging to travel.

Since moving to Sandpoint in 1999 Michael has wanted her friends to visit North Idaho. But some of them now face illnesses or are taking care of their spouses who are ill, making travel difficult. This weekend however, four of them traveled to North Idaho to visit Michael and explore the place she calls home.

“I want to show them what a beautiful part of the world this is,” said Michael.

Through the years these women have helped each other through divorce, losing a spouse and more. It is that support and the bond they share that has made the difference.

“They’re a strong bunch of women,” said Michael as she shared a story of how one of the members was determined to make it to one more reunion before she died. She made it and died one month later. “They’re brave and strong.”

As Michael reminisces about her friendships in life, she said she wishes more people would reach out the way she and her friends did so many years ago – through phone calls and letters or cards.

“There’s nothing like old friendships,” she said.

Sandpoint High School Graduate Lives Life With Positive Attitude, A Lesson Learned from His Mother

If there is one lesson 18-year-old A.J. Smith has already learned, it is that attitude is everything.

“Life is full of good and bad things, but life will only get you down if you let it,” said the Sandpoint High School senior.

It was a lesson Smith learned from his mother, Norma Taylor, who died last year from pancreatic cancer. “My attitude towards life I learned from my mom,” he said.

It is that attitude that got Smith through his senior year, excelling both academically and athletically.

A.J., whose given name is Abinadi John, is the second of four children. An outstanding athlete, he played football all four years at Sandpoint and has played lacrosse since seventh grade.

Never afraid to try new things, Smith tried out for basketball for the first time this year and made varsity.

“I went from knowing nothing at all to going to someone they could count on to put in if need be,” said Smith, who had his best year academically this year with a 3.7 grade-point average. He encourages others to try new things. “Don’t wait until the last chance to take a chance to do something you might really enjoy.”

When Sandpoint made it to the state championship in football this year, Smith said it was one of the most exciting moments of his life.

That excitement is likely to continue. He will play football at University of Montana Western in the fall on a scholarship and was also offered a scholarship by Montana State University Northern – something he knows would make his mother proud.

The memories of his high school years will always be special. But not just for the reasons that most young people cherish those years. For Smith it will always bring back memories of times spent with his mother.

“She was the most encouraging person,” said Smith, who said his mom would make every game her health would allow. But when she couldn’t attend his mom was the first person he would call after a game.

“She’d never ask if we won or lost. She’d ask if I had fun.”

When she was reaching the end stages of her life, Smith and his mom would spend a lot of time talking.

“We would sit and talk about things we wouldn’t normally,” he said.

During the last few months of his mother’s life, Smith said he struggled with whether to quit the lacrosse team. He was worried about his mom, but his teammates and coach encouraged him to play so he stuck with it. The day after she died he had a game and made the decision to play what was the last game of the season.

“She always said she would make it to a game and she never was able to,” he said. “The game I played the day after she died, that was the last game. I guess she finally got to see me play.”

During his years at Sandpoint High School, Smith received several football honors including all state, all league and all North Idaho honors his junior year and all league and all North Idaho honors his senior year. It was after football season his junior year that his mom started expressing her desire to buy Smith a letterman’s jacket. But they are expensive – about $400 – and due to her illness, his mom was not able to work regularly.

He assured his mom he did not need it, but it was something she kept talking about. When Smith’s friend Mike Hubbard asked why he didn’t have a jacket, he confided in him that his mother had wanted to buy one but never got the chance. So the kids and their moms got together and surprised Smith with the gift his mom never got the chance to give him.

“Right before we went to the playoffs (senior year) I got my letterman,” he said. “It is definitely one of the nicest things anyone’s ever done for me.”

Sandpoint High School Newspaper and Year Book Receive Awards at National Conference

For Sandpoint High School junior Jesse Webster Merwin, love of writing began at an early age.

“I grew up having my mom and papa read to me,” said Jesse. “When I was 8 years old, I started to write stories. A friend and I wrote a 12-page mystery back then.”

But it was when she was in seventh grade and started to read the Sandpoint High School student newspaper, the Cedar Post, that Jesse became interested in journalism.

“Bailey (her sister) would bring home the Cedar Post and I would read every word,” said Jesse. By the time she reached her freshman year, Jesse said she read it cover to cover right when it came out and would eagerly await publication of the next issue, usually about three weeks later.

Now, as she finishes her junior year at Sandpoint High School, Jesse is proud to say that next year she will be the editor in chief of the Cedar Post, an award-winning publication.

Students from Sandpoint High School’s Cedar Post and Monticola, the school’s yearbook, attended the National Journalism Education Association High School Convention in Portland recently and both publications came home with several awards.

“There were about 3,000 people at the conference and I believe there were about 500 schools,” said Jennifer Prandato, this year’s editor for the Cedar Post. “People came from pretty much every state in the U.S.”

According to Barbara Tibbs, the staff adviser for Monticola, this was the first time in 10 years the yearbook staff attended the conference because Cedar Post staff typically attended the fall conference.

“The newspaper staff returned to going to the spring conference and we (the yearbook staff) could go together,” said Tibbs. “Fall conferences are difficult for spring-delivery books to attend.”

The Cedar Post placed seventh in the nation for the December 2009 edition in the eight-page-and-under division, something Prandato attributes to the perseverance of a group of young writers.

“We had a very young and inexperienced staff this year, so the fact that we were able to learn so fast shows that they really have a talent,” said Prandato.

Merwin said they may compete next year in the 10-page-and-over category, but adds that will remain to be seen. She does have a goal, however, and she intends to achieve it through a variety of ways.

“Hopefully we will get in the top three next year,” she said.

One of the changes she will implement as editor is to make the paper more visually attractive to high school students.

“Instead of writing longer stories, we will break it up with color fact boxes and photos,” said Merwin, who adds that the editorial staff will also take strong positions on issues. “Hopefully we’ll get more letters to the editor.”

One prestigious award was received by Sandpoint junior Connor Griesemer who placed second in an unrelated photo contest through the Edward R. Murrow College of Journalism at Washington State University.

“The (photo) contest was open to high schools in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Alaska and they received over a hundred entries,” said Prandato.

Something unique about the Cedar Post is that it is a student-run newspaper. While they do have an adviser, William Love, the administration does not dictate to the students what should and should not be printed.

“But at the same time we do recognize that we are a high school paper and not everything is appropriate for freshmen or the seventh-graders who may be reading it,” said Merwin, who hopes that students who read the paper will be inspired to write.

“You might not use it in calculus, but writing is something you’ll always need,” she said. “Students may not want to write a 10-page English paper, but if you tell them they can write a no-nonsense story, they usually like it.”

But don’t think the Cedar Post will be the last place you will get the chance to read Merwin’s articles.

“I want to go into political journalism,” she said. “My dream job is to write a political column for the New York Times.”

Stay tuned. My bet is that she will do just that.

Other awards won by Sandpoint High School students

Blaine Shultz, honorable mention in yearbook copy/caption: sports; Barry Wilson, honorable mention in literary magazine: poetry; Jennifer Prandato, honorable mention in newspaper layout; Evan Metz, excellence in editorial cartooning; Amanda Hayes, honorable mention in news writing; Graham Cole, honorable mention in feature writing; Jessie Webster Merwin, excellence in editorial writing; Eddie Ogle, excellence in sports writing; Dylan Vogel, excellence in yearbook student life photography (one of his winning photos is shown on the front page of the JEA website); Kendall Stratton, honorable mention in computer design: photoshop art.

Friendship Deepens Between Two Women in Their Search for Birth Parents

Barb Hecker always knew she was loved. Adopted at birth, she was blessed with a wonderful family and a happy childhood.

“My brother and I were thrilled to know that we were twice loved,” said Hecker, of Sandpoint. “Our birth mothers loved us enough to make sure we had a good home, and our adoptive parents carried on from there.”

But when Hecker had her own children, she felt something missing.

“I got tired of going to the doctor’s office, filling out forms and always putting ‘unknown’ on health history,” said Hecker.

It prompted her to begin the search for her birth parents 12 years ago. She contacted the agency that handled her adoption and within two weeks she had the information needed to locate her birth mother.

Unfortunately, she had died. But Barb learned she had two half-brothers.

She traveled to Texas to meet them and at the advice of the agency, did so alone.

“They said I did not want to have to worry about my husband and kids because I would be busy processing my own emotions,” said Hecker. It was advice for which she is grateful.

And if her half-brothers had any doubt Hecker was their sister, it vanished the minute they saw her.

“My brothers took one look at me and they knew,” said Hecker, who is told she shares many traits with her birth mother. “They said it was like seeing a ghost.”

After returning to Sandpoint, Hecker shared her story with her friend Laurie Anderson, of Sagle.

Like Hecker, Anderson was adopted. Born in the Seattle area, she grew up in Ellensburg.

“Every time we went to Seattle, I would always look around and wonder,” Anderson said of her curiosity about her birth parents.

But she was not sure about whether she wanted to begin the search.

“I felt it may be hurtful to my parents,” Anderson said of her adoptive parents. But because she had four children of her own, she, too, wanted to know about her ethnic background as well as any potential health issues. So with Hecker’s help she began the process.

“If it weren’t for Barb, I would not have done it,” Anderson said.

Working with the Washington Adoptive Rights Movement, it took three years for Anderson to locate her birth mother.

“They said it was the least amount of information they ever had to go on,” Anderson said.

Initially, her birth mother was not sure she wanted to meet. But after Laurie's birth mother notified Laurie's birth father, the couple agreed to meet their daughter they gave up decades before.

Anderson asked Hecker to accompany her to the meeting.

“I wanted to take Barb because if it weren’t for her I would not have done this,” Anderson said. “And because she did not get the chance to meet her birth mother I wanted her to be a part of it.”

Together the friends flew to Seattle to meet Anderson’s birth parents who had flown from Oklahoma City and Colorado.

They had dinner at the Space Needle and talked at length, asking questions and fulfilling one another’s curiosity.

Anderson’s birth mother, still unsure of the meeting, looked to Hecker for advice on how to handle this newfound relationship. She said she had never had other children and did not think she could be a mom.

“I told her, ‘Laurie does not want a mother. She wants a friend,’ ” Hecker said. “She said, ‘I can do that.’ ”

She also shared with Hecker that when she found out she was pregnant, Anderson’s birth father flew back from overseas, brought her a string of pearls and proposed to her. But she declined, saying she was not ready.

Anderson’s birth mother had kept the string of pearls and brought them with her when she met Anderson.

“She asked me what I thought about her and Laurie’s birth father presenting Laurie with the pearls,” Hecker said. “I told her I was sure she would love it.”

Hecker was right. It is a gift Anderson treasures.

As both women discovered more about their biological beginnings, their closure began and their friendship grew. “There’s definitely a bond,” Anderson said.

“A deep-down bond,” Hecker said, adding that it was healing for her to share the journey with Anderson. “It is a very intimate experience.”

Both Anderson and Hecker advise that searching for one’s birth parents may not be for everyone. But if one does undertake the search, Hecker said people need to be sure they are doing it for the right reasons, such as discovering medical history, or just to know the story behind why they were given up for adoption. It can help to give closure.

“It is definitely a journey, but it is one worth taking,” Anderson said.

Hecker agrees.

“You can’t have peace until you find the pieces,” she said.

Sue Vogelsinger Recalls Her Years in the White House and Washington, D.C.

Sue Vogelsinger first learned of her boss’s death while reviewing one of his upcoming speeches. The place was Dallas. The date was Nov. 22, 1963. Her boss was President John F. Kennedy.

“My colleague, Chris Camp, and I were working on speech copy for the next stop. We were on Air Force One in (Kennedy’s) cabin when one of the stewards came through and said to pack up,” said Vogelsinger, a Sagle, Idaho, resident who served as a member of Kennedy’s press staff.

Decades later Vogelsinger smiles as she remembers the man she calls physically awe-inspiring, quick-witted and a man who truly loved his job.

“Being around President Kennedy was exhilarating,” said Vogelsinger.

After graduating from Penn State, Vogelsinger’s goal was to earn money so she could move to California.

She first worked for a Florida senator until November 1958, when she was hired by the Kennedy campaign to work with press secretary Pierre Salinger.

“I chose to work for Salinger on the theory that working with him would involve travel,” said Vogelsinger. And she was right.

After a successful campaign, Vogelsinger worked on the transition team.

“My final duty the night before the inauguration was to take a copy of President Kennedy’s inaugural address to President (Harry) Truman,” said Vogelsinger. “Much to my surprise I was able to go right up to his (hotel) room and knock on the door.”

Truman opened the door in his bedroom slippers and invited her in to meet Bess. Later that night, Vogelsinger was hospitalized for exhaustion and missed the inauguration and the ball.

During Kennedy’s administration Vogelsinger traveled extensively with the president and was in Ireland with him for the Kennedys’ emotional return to the home of their ancestors.

With a press staff of only eight, the days were long and draining – especially during the Cuban Missile Crisis and other such times.

“But you really did not care because it was so exciting and so exhilarating,” said Vogelsinger.

After Kennedy’s assassination, President Lyndon Johnson chose to keep Kennedy’s staff. Vogelsinger said many felt they could not do a good job for Johnson – their hearts weren’t in it. She left the White House in April 1964 to assist Salinger in his campaign to be a senator from California.

Married by this time to Bruce – who happens to be a Republican – she returned to Washington, D.C., and became pregnant with twin girls, Sera and Julia.

But a love for the Kennedys and politics led Vogelsinger back into part-time work for Robert Kennedy, opening and answering his personal mail. Vogelsinger was at home in Virginia when she received the call that Robert Kennedy had been killed.

“I worked on helping get that funeral together, too,” said Vogelsinger.

Over the years, Vogelsinger worked with several other political figures, including George and Eleanor McGovern, Ted Kennedy, Jimmy Carter and Hillary Clinton.

During Ted Kennedy’s 1980 campaign Vogelsinger was in charge of scheduling for the Kennedy wives, sisters and 29 grandkids.

“Teddy used to call me the saint,” said Vogelsinger.

She worked on President Jimmy Carter’s inaugural committee, and in 1986 she and a friend opened a media relations firm. Vogelsinger was pulled back in to the political scene by the desire to work closely with White House staff when President Bill Clinton was elected. She volunteered her time and worked closely with the first lady.

One of her favorite projects was her involvement with the promotion of Hillary Clinton’s first book, “It Takes a Village,” as a liaison between the White House and the book’s publisher.

Vogelsinger has admiration for Hillary Clinton; even through all the scandals of Monica Lewinski and the Whitewater investigations, Hillary Clinton amazed her, she said.

“She kept in amazingly good spirits,” said Vogelsinger.

Of all her years working with so many administrations, Vogelsinger said the biggest public misconception was that of Hillary Clinton.

Vogelsinger adds that her observations of both Clintons were of a couple very devoted to one another. “They were very warm and affectionate with each other. You could certainly tell they cared deeply about each other.”

Vogelsinger and her husband’s desire to be close to their daughters, who live in Sandpoint, precipitated a move from Washington, D.C.

“Politics has gotten so mean and vicious that I do not miss what it would be like today,” said Vogelsinger. “But I do miss what it was.”

The couple spent New Year’s Eve 1999 at the White House and shortly thereafter moved to Idaho.

“It was a good way to end my political career,” she said.

In four decades in Washington, D.C., Vogelsinger said one experience always took her breath away.

“I had to pinch myself each time I took off in the helicopter from the White House lawn sitting with the president of the United States,” she said.

This Week in Sandpoint....Career Fair & Opening of the Sandpoint Farmers Market

It’s the first sign of summer in Sandpoint. Vendors line the perimeter of downtown’s Farmin Park and spill into neighboring Jeff Jones Town Square. The Farmers Market at Sandpoint, a nonprofit organization managed by its members, takes place Saturday mornings and Wednesday afternoons.

As this 22-year-old Sandpoint tradition opens Saturday, it is making changes to adapt to the struggling economy. According to Emily Levine, vendor and market board member, this year food stamps will be accepted.

“The Moscow Farmers Market spearheaded the system for Idaho,” said Levine who last year attended a farmers market management conference. “It (accepting food stamps) is a natural progression for the farmers market. It will allow low-income people to be able to use the market.”

The same guidelines that apply to the use of food stamps in grocery stores will apply at the market.

The only exception, said Levine, is that people will be able to purchase plant starts for food items with their food stamps.

“The plant starts is a real cool thing so people who want to can have their own garden,” she said.

Each vendor who accepts food stamps will go through training. When customers arrive at the market they will go to the market manager who will issue food market script which can be used throughout the entire market season.

Sandpoint’s market has grown each year. “In our busy season we will have at least 80 to 85 vendors at market on a given Saturday, and approximately 30 vendors at our Wednesday markets,” said market manager RaeAnn Mavity. She said the Saturday market has a farm/food section as well as fine arts and crafts. There’s also live music.

Career Fair Wednesday

If you are among the many who are struggling to find employment, you may want to visit Sandpoint on Wednesday for the Fifth Annual Career Fair hosted by the Idaho Department of Labor and the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce from noon to 6 p.m. at the Bonner Mall.

The fair, sponsored by Litehouse, Inc., will host employers who will accept applications and some who even intend to conduct on-site interviews.

“One of the most challenging obstacles in obtaining a job is getting your foot in the door, and the Career Fair allows job seekers opportune face-to-face interaction with employers,” said Amy Little, president and CEO of Sandpoint’s Chamber of Commerce.

While some people may be searching for full-time work and others just need a part-time position, organizers say there will be something for everyone. The employers include those looking to hire in a variety of industries including health care, manufacturing, education and management.

“The (available) jobs are changing daily as new positions open and existing ones are filled,” said Bridgette Bradshaw-Fleer of the Idaho Department of Labor. Organizers say there are tasks job seekers can do prior to attending the event that will help to create a positive impression on the employers present.

The Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce has a list of employers who are attending the fair listed on its website, www.sandpointchamber.org (http://www.sandpointchamber.org) . Job seekers can research the employers and prepare and present résumés tailored to the appropriate position for which they are applying.

Preparing a short introduction and dressing appropriately can go a long way to creating a lasting impression.

Additionally, Ruth Wimberley of Human Resource Consulting and Amber Snoddy of Business Management Services will be available at the fair to support and counsel job seekers, offering suggestions on résumés and answering questions.

Idaho Meth Project Launches Paint the State Contest

Everyone has seen the billboards. One look and eyes quickly turn back to the road. They portray people whose appearances have deteriorated to the point of rotting teeth and discolored skin.

That is exactly what the Idaho Meth Project has hoped to accomplish since launching its campaign two years ago. A nonprofit organization, the Idaho Meth Project is a prevention program whose goal is to prevent first-time meth use.

Sarah Ingram of the National Meth Project, based in Los Angeles, said that the program is now in eight states, with Idaho being the third state to implement it two years ago. Other states include Montana, Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming, Hawaii, Georgia and the southern portion of Illinois.

Founded by California resident Thomas Siebel, the project came about as a result of Siebel’s exposure to the meth problem while spending a portion of each year in Montana.

“Montana was fifth in the nation per capita in meth use,” said Ingram, who adds that Siebel came up with the idea of creating a public education campaign based on the premise of consumer marketing.

“Instead of selling a product he wanted to unsell a product,” said Ingram. The goal was to target kids who are at risk of trying any type of controlled substance and educating them about the dangers of methamphetamine use before they ever have a chance to experiment with the dangerous drug.

According to Ingram and information released by her office on Monday, the results have been significant.

“We have had great results in Montana. Since the time the project started, teen meth use (in Montana) is down 62 percent,” she said. The results are from a survey put out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and administered in all 50 states. Since introducing the Idaho Meth Project, statistics show that meth use among teens in Idaho has decreased 52 percent in just two years.

According to statistics provided by the Idaho Meth Project, the state spends $66 million dollars annually to incarcerate users of methamphetamine.

To help further their cause of preventing the use of meth, the Idaho Meth Project on Monday launched a new campaign aimed at sending an anti-meth message through each of Idaho’s 44 counties. The Paint the State contest will involve 13- to 18-year-olds who will produce artwork – of any style and any medium – with a clear anti-meth message. The contest was first done in Montana in 2006.

“In Montana they (the contest participants) painted everything from barns to walls to cows,” said Ingram, who added that Montana’s contest generated more than 660 images.

As part of its goal to spread the message, the contest guidelines state that the artwork must be visible from public places – whether it is a highway, a field or city streets. With permission from the owner – and in some cases the city in which the artwork is displayed – the artwork can be on display for an undetermined amount of time. However, the contest guidelines require that it must be on display during the week of July 12-18 in order to be eligible for prize money.

Funded primarily through private donations, the Idaho Meth Project is awarding a total of $3,000 in prizes for each county. The first-place winner in each county will receive $1,500 with second and third receiving $1,000 and $500, respectively. First-place winners from each county will compete for the state prize of $5,000. Idaho artist Charles Gill and a statewide panel will judge the competition.

Paint the State program coordinator Elli Brown has traversed the state. Some of the suggestions she brings to organizers include having a local artist assist teens with their vision and encouraging those who may not be able to afford supplies to contact local businesses to help sponsor their project.

Ingram said that Paint the State is a wonderful way for kids to learn more about the dangers of meth use.

“It’s a great way to get the message to the community at a grass roots level,” she said. “And teens talking to other teens is a powerful way to communicate.”

For more information log onto www.paintthestateidaho.org

Sandpoint's Earth Day Celebration April 22nd at the Events Center

Making a difference. That is the focus of Sandpoint’s Earth Day celebration this week. While communities worldwide celebrate Earth Day’s 40th anniversary, the Idaho Conservation League and Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper will host Sandpoint’s third annual celebration.

The free event will bring together more than 20 organizations who share a common goal – to educate people on how they can make a positive difference and protect the Earth not only today but for generations to come.

Organizers have planned activities and displays for everyone from preschool to retired members of the community. Children’s activities include crafts, a movie and a scavenger hunt. Representatives from the Idaho Fish and Game Department’s Watchable Wildlife education program will also be on hand to give children a chance to see live owls.

Other activities include a free tree sapling giveaway, a book signing by Jane Fritz, author of “Legendary Lake Pend Oreille,” and demonstrations on how to make nontoxic home cleaners.

One of the main attractions of the evening will be the participation of chefs from several area restaurants who will prepare full dinners using locally grown ingredients.

This is the third year that Emily Levine and Sarah Rusnak have worked with the local Earth Day event, helping to bring awareness to the fresh produce available throughout the year in Sandpoint and the surrounding communities.

In years past, Levine and Rusnak have contacted local farmers, picked up donated food and cooked for the event themselves. But this year Levine said will be a bit different.

“We are involving local restaurants who will each prepare one dish,” said Levine. To support those participating restaurants, Six Rivers Market, a Web-based food cooperative that markets locally grown products, will give each restaurant a one-month free membership.

“I think Six Rivers Market is a really amazing organization and resource for local food,” said Levine. “It bridges the gap between producers and consumers.”

Mimi Feuling and Rob Fredericks of Cascade Creek Farm in Bonners Ferry have been involved with Sandpoint’s Earth Day event since the beginning. Over the last two years they have supplied most of the meat, wheat and some of the eggs used by Levine and Rusnak.

Feuling also sits on the board of directors for Six Rivers Market and is excited about what the cooperative has done for the community and that it is able to assist in this year’s celebration.

“Six Rivers producers have a pretty good selection of items, even though the weather is pretty iffy,” said Feuling, who adds that there is grass-fed beef, pastured pork, natural lamb, yak, and bison for meat choices. “We have local farmers’ cheese, cheddar cheese, goat chevre, raw goat milk feta and eggs. There are greens – lettuce, spring mix, spinach, fresh rosemary and nasturtium.”

But the products available are not limited to meat, vegetables and dairy. There are also honey, salad dressing, barbecue sauce, jam and syrup.

Levine, who owns local farm Red Wheelbarrow Produce, said she first became involved with promoting local food when she lived in Minnesota. There, someone invited her to participate in a local food challenge where they ate only food that was grown within 200 miles of her community. When she moved to Sandpoint about four years ago, she saw a need for more produce in the area and believed there was a demand that would support more local farms. It was then she decided to start her own and is pleased with the support the local restaurants have shown.

“We have a lot of restaurants and cooks that are very supportive of using local foods and who have been shopping at the farmers market,” said Levine.

Feuling agrees that purchasing locally grown and produced food will benefit everyone and it is that message she hopes to convey at the Earth Day event.

“Buying local gets the consumer fresh, healthy, nutrient-rich food,” she said. “It supports the local economy and builds the fabric of our communities.”

Levine said she hopes the Earth Day event will help bring awareness to what produce is available in the community year round.

“Hopefully it will have a snowball effect, with people starting to demand more local food; the quality will only increase as more producers will in turn increase their production for the off-season,” said Levine.

Information:

When: Thursday, 4 to 8 p.m.

Where: Sandpoint Events Center, on the corner of Pine Street and Euclid Avenue.

Information: www.greensandpoint.com (http://www.greensandpoint.com)

Cost: Free

Participating restaurants: Café Bodega, Spuds, Pine Street Bakery, Eichardt’s Pub, Common Knowledge and DiLunas

Kinderhaven Launches Blue Ribbon Campaign in Recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month

They are heartbreaking stories. Tales of lost innocence. Abuse, neglect and violence at the hands of one in whom children place all their trust – their parents, caregivers or a close family friend. And it is that loss of trust that can significantly impact a child’s development. Because the stories are so upsetting, they have remained untold. Until now.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Staff and the board of directors for Sandpoint’s Kinderhaven – a privately funded nonprofit home for abused and neglected children that serves the five northern counties in Idaho – are taking the opportunity to let people know that these stories are happening in this area. The goal is to not only educate the community on signs of abuse but to give the children a voice.

Kim Diercks, president of Kinderhaven’s Board of Directors, tells of a 12-year-old who walked his younger sibling five miles to Bonner General Hospital’s emergency room to be treated for a severe allergic reaction. The family was living in a van in a store parking lot and the parents were away all day drinking. And this was not an isolated event. Sometimes the parents would disappear for two to three days leaving the 12-year-old to care for his many siblings.

Former board president Marsha Ogilvie has countless stories that come to mind about other past or present Kinderhaven residents.

“There was an 8-year-old little girl who was drugged by her mother’s boyfriend, sexually abused while being filmed along with a neighbor boy,” said Ogilvie. “The pornographic images were then published on the Internet.”

And then there was the story of an 18-month-old boy who had been deprived of milk because his father felt he was too old for a bottle. His father burned the boy’s scrotum and finger tips with a lighter.

Longtime board member Barb Merritt recalls one occasion when a small child crawled to her, lifting his arms, begging to be held. She bent down to pick him up and was quickly stopped by the Kinderhaven staff.

“You must scoop him up from his bottom,” she was told. She lifted the young child’s shirt only to discover bruises covering his midsection. Picking him up as one normally would a small child would have meant excruciating pain for him.

One day Merritt took one of the young residents on a bike ride – offering some special one-on-one time with a trusted adult. The two stopped for lunch along the way.

“He ordered everything on the children’s menu,” said Merritt. “He said he wanted to eat one meal and bring back all the rest to share with his siblings (who were also at Kinderhaven). This child loves to share everything.” She tearfully adds that this same boy told staff members that his mom had tried to kill him.

In an effort to raise awareness, Kinderhaven officials have launched a blue ribbon campaign – originally started by a grandmother who lost a grandchild to abuse – with the blue representing the bruises that cover an abused child’s body.

“Our primary goal is to increase awareness of child abuse – its prevalence and symptoms – as a first step in helping prevent it,” said Kinderhaven’s executive director Phyllis Horvath. “For social change to occur we must first have awareness of the issue.”

Drive through Sandpoint during April and you will see blue ribbons on several trees in the area as well as several hundred Sandpoint residents sporting blue wristbands with Kinderhaven inscribed on them.

“We sold out of the wristbands within the first couple of days,” said Diercks, adding that the initial order of 1,000 had to be reordered to meet the high demand.

In April, Kinderhaven representatives will visit Chamber of Commerce meetings and Rotary organizations, throughout the five northern counties, educating groups on Kinderhaven’s role in their communities.

Unfortunately, the high cost of running a facility that must be staffed 24 hours a day 365 days a year has left Kinderhaven nearly $70,000 short of its budget this year. The goal is to not only raise awareness but they are hopeful that even in these tough economic times people can dig a little deeper and contribute what they can to help protect the most vulnerable members of the communities.

“Whether it is a child donating a week’s allowance or a company choosing Kinderhaven to be the beneficiary of its giving, every bit helps,” said Horvath. “In 14 years we have not turned a child away due to lack of funds and we don’t want this to be the year we have to do that. We must do what we can to protect all children. Every child deserves a chance in life.”

How to help

 To make a tax-deductible donation to Kinderhaven, go online to www.kinderhavensandpoint.com or mail your donation to Kinderhaven, P.O. Box 2097, Sandpoint, ID 83864.

 If you suspect child abuse, call the local Health and Welfare Child Protective Services. There is a hot line for confidential reporting. If you witness an incident of abuse or if you fear that a child is in immediate danger, call 911.

More information

From 2000 through 2009, 2,657 children have entered the foster care system in Idaho’s five northern counties. Statewide during those same years there were 13,377 children who entered foster care.

Sandpoint-based Kinderhaven has sheltered 1,300 kids since opening in 1996.

Kinderhaven partners with Court Appointed Special Advocates and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Each child is appointed a CASA worker who is specifically there to represent the child’s interest. Health and Welfare, by law, must take into consideration the interest of the child and the rights of parents.

When a child is in the foster care system and experiences one change in living arrangements, that child has a 60 percent chance of successfully moving through the system and into adult years. If the child experiences two changes, the chances of success drop to 15 percent; with three changes, it drops to 5 percent

Sandpoint Is a Finalist for America's Coolest Small Town

It is referred to by many here as the “aha!” moment – the time when they cross the long bridge into Sandpoint, take in the view and realize that they have found their new home. The beauty of Lake Pend Oreille surrounded by the mountains is what initially lures many to this resort town. But it doesn’t take long after arriving for people to realize there is much more to this community than its breathtaking views.

The uniqueness of Sandpoint is one reason it is among the finalists for Budget Travel Magazine’s America’s Coolest Small Town’s contest. Of the 147 nominations received, Sandpoint has made the cut to the top 21 towns and currently sits in 10th place. Other communities in the running include Red Lodge, Mont.; the Oregon towns of Sisters and Bandon; Sitka, Alaska; Brevard, N.C.; Cooperstown, N.Y.; Egg Harbor, Wis.; and the current leader, Ely, Minn. The voting will end May 9.

“Being nominated for this award is a privilege for us. We are thrilled so many new people will discover how special our community is and hopefully plan a visit,” said Amy Little, president and CEO of the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce. “Winning would be an amazing honor for us.”

For Dan and Ruth Wimberly, it was a visit to friends that made them realize that they too wanted to make Sandpoint their home.

After living in Sacramento for 20 years, the couple knew they wanted to leave California as they neared retirement. They had visited Dan’s high school friend Pete Merritt and his wife Barb in Sandpoint several times and grew to love the area.

“It was important for us to live in a town where people are involved with the community, take pride in the community, care about each other and where there are a lot of activities,” said Ruth, who with Dan made the move to North Idaho in April 2006.

During one of their visits, the Merritts took the Wimberlys to a fundraiser put on by the Angels Over Sandpoint. The evening included entertainment and a roast of local restaurateur Jim Lippi. It was there that they witnessed a unique camaraderie and community spirit like they have never seen before.

“The community support, combined with the mountains and the lake, sold us on Sandpoint,” said Ruth. “We never regretted our decision and bless the day that we made the decision to move here.

The Wimberlys echo the sentiment of many when they say that there is no other town this size that can compete with what Sandpoint has to offer.

“The Festival at Sandpoint, the giving nature of the community, the shows, plays and concerts at the Panida, Lost in the ’50s weekend and Schweitzer Mountain – it’s a lot of great things in a small-town package,” said Ruth. “I can’t imagine living anywhere else.”

Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce members are encouraging Sandpoint residents as well as those who visit to show their pride and love for this North Idaho gem and cast their vote for Sandpoint as the Coolest Small Town in America.

Ballots can be cast daily online until May 9. People can also submit images of their favorite, places, events and activities from the Sandpoint area.

Visit http://www.budgettravel.com/bt-srv/coolestsmalltowns/CST2010.html to share with others what many already know – Sandpoint is the coolest small town in America.

NAMI Far North Helps Educate Law Enforcement on Mental Illness

Bonner County Sheriff Deputy Chris Bonner grew up around law enforcement. During the course of his career and the careers of now-retired family members, Bonner says he has seen progress in the way first responders handle crisis situations when interacting with those who suffer from mental illness.

”Back then (the practice) was to lock them up and say they were someone else’s problem,” said Bonner. “But we as a society cannot afford to do that.”

So when Bonner had the opportunity to attend a 40-hour Crisis Intervention Team training program that addressed mental illness, he didn’t hesitate.

“I recognize that mental illness is something we deal with more than we realize,” said Bonner. “I wanted to be able to better communicate with people who are going through crisis.”

Bonner County Sheriff’s Office served as the host agency for the training, which was put on with the help of grants and volunteers from the National Alliance for Mental Illness’s Far North chapter, based in Sandpoint. Ann Wimberley, the chapter’s president, said she is grateful to those who take the time to learn more about this critical issue.

“It’s a huge investment of time for both individuals and departments,” she said.

Sgt. Bill Tilson of the Coeur d’Alene Police Department took the training in February 2009 and was recently named one of two Crisis Intervention Team Officers of the Year for 2009. He said the training has served him well. “The (CIT) academy gives law enforcement a full look into mental illness including signs and symptoms, the drugs used to treat mental illness, the thought processes of the mentally ill, along with strategies to work with those going through a crisis,” said Tilson. “I’ve used the training in suicide prevention calls, those suffering a crisis, and more.”

Among those in attendance at the latest training were deputies from Bonner County Sheriff’s Department, Kootenai County dispatchers, officers from as far away as Southern Idaho, and an employee of an assisted living home.

Holly Bonwell is a clinical supervisor at the Department of Health and Welfare in Coeur d’Alene. She serves as the mental health coordinator for the crisis team in this region.

“We are becoming much more aware of the needs and concerns of our consumers and community partners,” said Bonwell, who adds that the most common misconception is that individuals choose to be mentally ill and they can stop their behavior at any time. Nothing could be further from the truth and that is the most important lesson Bonwell wants people to learn from the crisis team training.

“People don’t choose to become mentally ill. (We need to) reduce the stigma, and provide officers with tools, resources and strategies to assist this population,” she said. One Sandpoint woman, Sara (not her real name), is pleased people are investing their time to learn more about mental illness. Sara’s adult son was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and she said family members are faced with many challenges – including how to cope during times of crisis – when helping a loved one cope with a severe mental illness.

“Our family has had a steep learning curve. We had to set aside preconceived notions about mental illness and develop ways to help our loved one cope with those awful symptoms to have a better life,” said Sara. “We are so appreciative to law enforcement agencies who have understood the need to approach these emergency responses in a more professional way by taking the training.”

Tilson recalls an incident where the training helped him calm a potentially suicidal teenager.

“I arrived on the scene with another officer and saw that his (the boy’s) father and brother were holding him down due to his violent nature,” said Tilson. But instead of arresting the boy, Tilson said he used the skills he learned in crisis training to communicate with him. “He was released, he sat up and we had a great conversation. In talking with him and the family, we were able to get him to the hospital for the help he needed rather than jail for a crime that may have been the result of his illness rather than the intent to injure someone. This is an example of how the training works. Ultimately, the goal in these cases is to choose the most appropriate path for a person with a mental illness, which is not always criminal activity.”

Although the CIT training ended just a few weeks ago, Bonner says he too has already used much of what he learned.

“It has already paid off huge dividends. I use the tools almost on a daily basis,” said Bonner who encourages all law enforcement to take part in this training. “It’ll make us a better agency and will make us better officers. And it will definitely make us a better asset to our community.”

Lake Pend Oreille School District Superintendent Optimistic In Spite of Budge Cuts

Priorities. Ask anyone what their priority in life is and the answer most likely will be something that relates to the well being of their family. For parents, many will say their top priority is giving their children the best upbringing possible – including a good education.

But as I turned on the television to watch the Academy Awards last week, I once again wondered what the real priority is in our country. I am continually amazed at the amount of money that goes into film making and the salaries made by all involved in the industry. And what about professional athletes and the tax money spent to build bigger and better stadiums?

Unfortunately, our country may say its priority is education, but when it comes to funding for our public schools many find that hard to believe. And it doesn’t seem to be getting any better.

With a 13 percent drop in enrollment over the last four years, Lake Pend Oreille School District, like many nationwide, has experienced a significant decrease in funding.

“While the school district not only expected major funding cuts at the state level due to our declining enrollment it also anticipated a struggling Idaho economy,” said district Superintendent Dick Cvitanich, who added that the severity of the state’s financial position was not anticipated.

According to Cvitanich, the state cut kindergarten through 12th grade funding by 7 percent this fiscal year and could cut it an additional 8.5 percent next fiscal year. The district also anticipates losing another 3 percent of its enrollment, largely due to the fact that many of these students’ families worked in the labor industry which has experienced a severe decline in North Idaho. But Cvitanich hopes that will change.

“Affordable housing for families is slowly starting to make its appearance,” he said. “This is good news.”

But until that time, Lake Pend Oreille School District has to deal with the numbers it has right now and that can only mean more cuts.

So how does a school district deal with such a blow to its budget? That is precisely what Cvitanich and the Lake Pend Oreille School Board are trying to figure out. And not everyone likes the answers.

One proposal is to close down Northside Elementary School, which has many parents concerned. But Cvitanich said that is just one of many options being considered.

“We are looking at all programs. Since over 80 percent of our budget is made up of staffing, that becomes a logical choice. We will definitely be reducing, however, we hope to address most of these cuts through retirements and attrition,” said Cvitanich. “These reductions will be in all categories: certified, classified and administrative. Our ongoing goal is to keep the cuts as far away from the classroom as possible.”

But what effect will these cuts have on both the students and the teachers?

“We know that reductions in staff will have an effect on the amount of time teachers can spend with children,” said Cvitanich, referring to the inevitable increase in class size.

But he adds that research shows that it is the teacher who makes the true difference in providing a quality education.

While that may be true, I know I am not alone when I say I am concerned for the teachers who must deal with increased class size while trying to teach to what is already a classroom of children whose academic abilities differ greatly.

As difficult as it has been for Cvitanich, I have been impressed with what he has accomplished during his tenure at the district. He is readily available to the community and eager to listen to input from parents. But he is in a difficult situation with the lack of funding available. Nonetheless, he is doing what he can to reassure families that their children’s education remains his top priority.

In an open letter to the community that is published on the district’s Web site, Cvitanich writes, “Despite what may be ahead for us in public education in Idaho, we do know our schools will open next year. There will be a warm building and an excited classroom teacher for each eager student. Staff will continue to work hard and we will attempt to provide the best learning environment possible given the situation.”

Yes, these are difficult times for our economy, but I am glad that there are people out there who still believe that educating our children is a number one priority.

Sandpoint Couple Doing What They Can To Find a Cure for Son's Rare Disease

As first-time parents, Brian and Tricia Sturgis did not immediately recognize when their son Henry was not progressing in his development. But looking back, the signs were there.

Tricia began to notice Henry, now 3, was different when the two attended play groups. While other kids his age were sitting up and bearing weight on their feet, Henry did not.

“Play dates are your guide,” said Tricia. “You do not want to compare your kids to others, but you can put things on your radar.”

At the age of 16 months, Brian and Tricia finally had a diagnosis for their little boy – cystinosis, a genetic disease which causes the amino acid cystine to accumulate in the body’s cells. As it accumulates it destroys some of the body’s organs, including the kidneys, liver, muscles, white blood cells, eyes and central nervous system.

“He already had rickets (softening of the bones) and kidney disease at 16 months,” said Tricia, who would like to see screening available at birth so immediate treatment could keep some of the side effects at bay.

Because the disease is so rare – afflicting only 500 people nationwide and 2,000 worldwide – the couple quickly found that there is little research money, support or resources available. But that has not stopped Brian and Tricia from doing everything in their power to find a cure for their little boy.

They first sought support from other families who face the same challenges.

“There is a little girl who lives in Clarkston who has it,” said Brian. “That was pretty key to meet someone else living with it.”

Then in May 2008 they attended a fundraiser put on by The Cystinosis Research Foundation and were inspired when they learned what is being done to raise money for research and the progress that has already been made.

“That really inspired us,” said Tricia, who with Brian and the help of many friends and relatives put on their first fundraiser in September 2008. Since then the couple have raised approximately $200,000 and are recognized as among the leaders nationwide when it comes to donating to the California-based Cystinosis Research Foundation.

“We really looked to see where people were putting their money and this place made sense,” said Brian. “These people are hopeful they will find a cure within five years.”

Since its formation in 2003, the CRF has funded more than $10.8 million in cystinosis research.

“Twice a year the CRF puts out a worldwide call to the scientific community for research proposals,” said Tricia. “Currently, the CRF is funding 41 studies and 10 research fellows in North America and Europe.”

Currently Henry is on eight medications, six of which must be administered every six hours.

“When he was first diagnosed, we gave it (his medication) to him through his mouth,” said Brian, describing how he and Tricia had to wake Henry up at midnight and sometimes it would take 40 minutes to get him back to sleep. But in June 2008, they had a gastrostomy tube implanted in Henry’s stomach allowing them to administer his medicine without waking him up or subjecting him to the medications’ terrible taste.

Henry, or Hank as some call him, is a bubbly 3-year-old who attends preschool two mornings a week and also goes to speech, occupational, physical and water therapy. Tricia says she enjoys watching Henry interact with other kids, especially those from whom he receives support, specifically a boy who attends speech therapy with Henry.

“They make each other feel secure and welcome. They’ve become best buddies,” she said. “It is definitely one of the positives.”

In spite of the busy therapy and medication schedule, the couple seem to take it all in stride.

“It’s your new norm,” said Brian. “You forget how life was before.”

Tricia encourages others facing challenges in their life – medical or otherwise – to seek support from others who may be in similar circumstances.

“Find someone who can offer the support of hope,” said Tricia.

The couple say their primary goal is to continue to raise money and to donate it to research to find a cure in time for Henry; their secondary goal is to have better treatment available.

Tricia was recently appointed to the CRF board of directors and will travel to California on March 18 to present the foundation with a check from the latest fundraiser, a 24-hour ski event that was held at Schweitzer Mountain. They are in the planning stages of a Sept. 11 bike ride to raise more money for their foundation – 24 Hours for Hank. It is hope for their son and others like him that keeps them going.

“You never know whose life you’re going to change,” said Tricia, in her heart praying that Henry’s will be one of them. “I have a renewed sense of hope. People should never give up on hope because it (a cure) could be just around the corner.”

For More information go online to http://cystinosisresearch.org/ to learn more about cystinosis. To learn more about fundraisers for Henry Sturgis, go to http://www.24hoursforhank.org

Sandpoint Resident Peter Faletto Inspires Fundraising Efforts in Memory of Jimmie Heuga

In early February, Sandpoint resident Peter Faletto was saddened to hear of the death of one of his greatest heroes, Jimmie Heuga.

Heuga was a man who influenced Faletto in both his personal and professional life, and it is Heuga who Faletto will honor March 13 by raising funds in his memory and donating them to a cause to which Heuga devoted his life.

“Jimmie Heuga was only 66 years old (when he died),” said Faletto. “But he led a life that are only dreams to most of us.”

When Heuga was 15, he was the youngest member ever to be selected to the U.S. Ski Team. At the Olympic Games in Innsbruck, Austria, in 1964, Heuga received a bronze medal in the slalom, finishing just shy of silver medalist Billy Kidd. For the next few years, Heuga continued to excel in the sport. But his glory was short-lived.

“He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the peak of his career,” said Faletto. Heuga first noticed symptoms of numbness and vision changes in 1967 but continued competing until he was diagnosed in 1970.

But just as Heuga competed to beat the odds on the ski mountain, he also was not to be defeated in his latest challenge in life.

The medical community had advised Heuga and others afflicted with MS to avoid physical activity. The thought was that activity would intensify the symptoms of the disease.

“He defied conventional wisdom that told him to go home and prepare to die and chose to work through his pain and fatigue instead,” Faletto said. “He pushed the envelop of life and his efforts helped doctors rewrite their ideas on how to treat MS.”

In 1984 Heuga started a foundation that is now known as Can Do Multiple Sclerosis. Heuga’s philosophy was that by engaging in physical activity and positive thinking one can slow the progression of MS. Now decades later, Heuga’s theory is the standard of care for treating MS.

Last year Heuga visited Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort in Sandpoint. He influenced the way Faletto, a physical therapist, treats his patients.

“Last year I had the honor of helping Jimmie Heuga get through his days at Schweitzer Mountain when he came here to support our efforts to help his foundation,” said Faletto, who works for Sandpoint-based Pneumex, a world leader in the treatment of back pain and performance enhancement.

But it was during his work as a home health aide in Logan, Utah, when Faletto began working with MS patients.

“One of my first patients was Gary Smith, a salty Marine with a huge heart and love for the outdoors that was greater than anyone I know,” Faletto said. “He managed to finish his master’s degree, write a book, record an album, had an Emmy winning documentary about his work, and built one of the first (handicapped accessible) homes in the United States – all of this after his diagnosis.”

For the past several years, area residents Billy Bob Goyen and Pam Burke have organized a fundraiser for MS at Schweitzer. Faletto has offered to help. This year’s fundraiser, called the 2010 Vertical Express for MS, will be on March 13 with proceeds going to Heuga’s foundation.

Faletto’s goal is to raise $25,000 in honor of Heuga’s life and the 25th anniversary of the Vertical Express, a fundraising campaign at ski resorts across the West. Teams of skiers and snowboarders raise money to compete in events on the slopes. Prizes are awarded for fundraising efforts.

Teams that raise at least $15,000 will receive an expenses-paid trip to the Vertical Express Awards in Vail, Colo., in mid-April.

Faletto is not stopping there.

“For next year I am working with the Can Do center to establish a fundraising program that will generate between $150,000 and $300,000 every year from now on,” he said.

For more information on how to donate to or participate in Schweitzer Mountain’s 2010Vertical Express for MS March 13, contact Peter Faletto at (208) 691-8888 or e-mail peterfaletto@mac.com.

CHaFE 150 Registration is Open

The mountaintops may still be covered with snow, but that isn’t stopping people from thinking and planning for warm sunny days. With registration already open for the third annual CHaFE 150, bicycle riders are eagerly planning their training schedules for the June 12 event.

CHaFE 150 – which stands for Cycle Hard for Education – is a 150-mile bike ride hosted by Panhandle Alliance for Education, a nonprofit organization that raises funds which go toward providing programs and educational opportunities for youth and families.

“Our goal is to provide funding for innovative, strategic and competitive grant programs to encourage excellence,” said Brad Williams, the treasurer for Panhandle Alliance.

According to Williams, last year’s race raised $33,000, all of which went to fund the Panhandle Alliance’s Ready! for Kindergarten program.

Ready! is a national program put on by Panhandle Alliance with support from Lake Pend Oreille School District and the National Children’s Reading Foundation. The philosophy behind the program is that children learn best when taught by someone they love and trust – their parents or caregivers.

The Saturday classes are taught to parents of children through age 5 and are geared toward promoting interaction between the children and their parents and caregivers in a way that will promote literacy, math and social skills.

According to Williams, Panhandle Alliance budgeted $62,000 for this school year’s Ready! program, and the popularity of the classes has indicated that it will only grow, making it critical that they raise as much as possible through the bike ride.

“The enrollment for the program exceeded our expectations in the first year and was expanded for this second year,” said Geraldine Lewis, the director of events and fundraising for Panhandle Alliance. “We hope the ride continues to grow in its fundraising power, so we can continue to meet the needs of families in the Ready! program.”

Tracy Gibson is the coordinator for the Ready! program and said the impact on families has been significant.

“Our enrollment always exceeds the room we have available. Currently we have seven full classes. It is growing as fast as we can round up the people power,” said Gibson, adding that the program requires teachers, child care providers, volunteers and Panhandle Alliance board members to pull off every session. “Remarkably, we have an overwhelming number of people who can see the importance of early childhood education and volunteer their time.”

Registration for the CHaFE 150 opened Feb. 10 and participation is limited to 300 people. The Facebook page has more than 160 members.

The route for the June 12 ride begins in Sandpoint and heads north toward Canada before taking riders east into Montana. Riders will enjoy beautiful scenery of the Bull and Clark Fork Rivers with breathtaking views of the Cabinet Mountains as well as the majestic shore of Lake Pend Oreille, something Williams said is a distinguishing factor from other rides.

“What distinguishes us from other rides are really two things: first, the roads and scenery. Our route is really world-class. Few other places have our scenery and light-traffic roads,” said Williams. “The second is our support. Geraldine (Lewis, the event organizer) has organized a ride that has the best support of any ride in the region.”

The ride’s break stops are manned by volunteer groups who Williams said go out of their way to provide creative ways to feed and support the riders.

“We have a rotating trophy going to the break stop group that provides the most innovative and interesting experience (to the riders),” he said.

Last year organizers introduced the ½ CHaFE for riders not yet ready for the full 150-mile ride. This year that 80-mile route will begin in Troy, Mont. – with CHaFE organizers busing the participants to Montana. It will end in Sandpoint, where all participants will be treated to food and entertainment upon crossing the finish line.

The goal is to have each participant raise at least $500 in pledges, which will go a long way to assisting the Ready! program.

“Organizationally, our goal is fundraising,” said Williams. “However, our goal for the participants is to take a reasonable amount of time so that it is a fun experience. We want them to have a great day and come back year after year.”

Information:

The third annual Cycle Hard for Education starts in Sandpoint.

Ride length: 150 miles or 80 miles

Cost: $120

To register: Visit www.chafe150.org (http://www.chafe150.org)

Community Rallies to Support Retired Businessman Ernie Belwood

It does not take long for newcomers to Sandpoint to realize that this town has an unusually strong sense of community spirit.

And there are few who have contributed more to that spirit than Sandpoint’s Ernie Belwood. There is a saying that what goes around, comes around, and now it is Sandpoint’s turn to give back to the retired businessman who has done much for this community over the last several decades.

Before Christmas, Belwood was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He has been in Oregon since early January, undergoing treatment at the Oregon Health Sciences University Hospital. According to his close friend, Bobbie Huguenin, Belwood is fighting for his life and is in for a long road ahead as he recovers from surgery and treatment.

His recovery has been prolonged by complications from surgery due to a suture that did not hold. Belwood has fought infections but Huguenin said he is improving every day. It has been a painful process, she said, but Belwood’s sense of humor and remarkable attitude have shone through.

“Throughout it all, he managed to find some ways to be funny,” said Huguenin. “He has the great gift of natural wit and an outstanding sense of humor.”

Belwood retired from his furniture business in 2004, leaving his daughter, Lori, to run the family store, Belwood’s Furniture. But the family chose to close the downtown landmark last summer to concentrate on other business ventures and so Ernie could fully enjoy retirement. Hearts were saddened to see the doors of Belwood’s Furniture close, but many were happy for the family as it truly was a decision made out of choice and not driven by the economy.

As a tribute to the man who has been a downtown businessman and active community member for more than 35 years, the Sandpoint Lions Club chose Belwood to be the Grand Marshal for last summer’s Fourth of July parade.

As Belwood recovers in Oregon, there is much love and support echoing through this community. Last weekend more than 100 friends and family members gathered at Sandpoint’s City Beach to attend what they called an Ernie Event. They made a giant card for Belwood and the Sandpoint Fire Department was on hand with its large ladder truck to take an aerial photo of the gathering. It was a message of love being sent across the miles.

Other Ernie fans are soliciting donations to help defray the family’s expenses including accommodations, meals and transportation. Linda Plaster, Sharon Rench McCormick and Huguenin all agree that it is time to give back to the man who never said no when asked by the many organizations for donations to local causes.

Sandpoint City Councilwoman Marsha Ogilvie was involved with Kinderhaven, a home for abused and neglected children, from the time it opened in 1996. She said without the generosity of Ernie Belwood, the home’s beginning would not have been the same.

“He immediately said yes to helping with the first fundraiser for Kinderhaven,” said Ogilvie. “He had never met me, didn’t know who I was, but he didn’t hesitate with his answer.”

Because Kinderhaven had limited funds, Belwood allowed them to purchase the furniture, appliances and other home furnishings on credit.

“When you have more you can pay more, he told us,” said Ogilvie.

When the organizers of an event for Sandpoint’s Women Honoring Women called upon Ernie to help set up a big screen and video at the last minute, Belwood did not hesitate.

“Ernie rushed over in his pajamas and made everything right,” said Ogilvie. “Because of Uncle Ernie the event went off without a hitch.”

So thank you, Ernie Belwood, for showing the people of Sandpoint what the meaning of community is.

Sandpoint Residents Researching the Concept of Communiversity to Expand Educational Opportunities for Area Residents

Living in a small town is a lifestyle many in the Sandpoint community cherish. But it also comes with limitations. Just ask Paul Walsh.

Addressing a crowd at Sandpoint’s Panida Theater recently, Walsh spoke of the difficulty he encountered at age 50 when he was forced to change careers.

Having been in the construction business for several years, Walsh said he was no longer able to perform all the physical demands of his job and had to explore other options.

“Everything I knew how to do was physical,” said Walsh. “It became apparent I needed to go back to school.”

He looked into obtaining a degree as a radiology technician, which required him to take classes in Coeur d’Alene.

“Between clinics and school and the travel time, it consumed my life,” said Walsh. “If it weren’t for the travel time I would have had time for a part-time job.”

Walsh’s story is a familiar one. And thanks to a new program that is being researched by Sandpoint community members, people here may soon have the option of enrolling in courses locally that will allow them to earn a four-year degree or become trained in various trades such as construction, tourism or various sustainable life skills such as gardening.

The program, Communiversity, has already proven to be successful in meeting the diverse academic, vocational and personal learning needs of communities across the country.

Communiversity is a form of learning that brings together many generations in a learning environment. By sharing ideas and supporting one another, the entire community benefits from the learning experience.

On Jan. 21, Gus Whalen from Featherbone Communiversity in Gainesville, Ga., spoke to a crowd of approximately 150 Sandpoint residents about the benefits and logistics behind implementing a Communiversity in this area.

Whalen’s great-grandfather founded the Warren Featherbone Co. which has been in existence for 126 years. Gus is now chairman of the company and directs the Warren Featherbone Foundation of which the Communiversity is a part.

Whalen said the founding members of the Featherbone Communiversity include the multigenerational trio of Brenau University Department of Nursing, the Interactive Neighborhood for Kids and the Lanier Technical College Manufacturing Development Center, all of whom brought their own funding to the project. The model provides local support for those wishing to obtain education no matter what stage of life they are in.

Whalen shared with the audience the company’s history and how it overcame many difficult times to become an important part of the economic stability of not only its home state, but also the country. Crisis, he said, is always dangerous but is also something that captures one’s attention and provides people with opportunities. He promised the crowd that by the end of the evening they may not remember all he said, but they would begin to talk about how the ideas exchanged could transform the community.

“We are not independent people, we are interdependent,” he told the crowd. He likened a community to that of a group of Sequoia trees. Although they tower above the earth, the average root is just 3 feet.

“They grow best where we grow best – in a community,” said Whalen. “They hook their roots and support each other.”

By providing a place in a community where everyone from children to the elderly can learn, collaborate and explore new ideas, Whalen believes only good things can happen.

“It’s the idea that every citizen in the community is a student,” he told the crowd. “And what is so wonderful about this model is that there are no inhibitions to collaboration.”

Sandpoint High School teacher Connie Kimble was the driving force behind Whalen’s appearance. She heard him speak at a seminar she attended and was taken with what he had to say. She shared his ideas with a group of community leaders who have met over the past several months

A panel of representatives from Lake Pend Oreille School District, Bonner County Economic Development, the Pend Oreille Arts Council and several area colleges, including the University of Idaho and North Idaho College, answered questions from the audience following Whalen’s talk. Among the inquiries was what type of distance learning is available to Sandpoint residents. A representative from the University of Idaho said that it is their goal to offer live classes in Sandpoint and he would welcome the opportunity to partner with other area colleges so they do not duplicate but instead complement one another’s efforts.

Karl Dye from Bonner County Economic Development stated he is in favor of pursuing better facilities for distance learning. Lake Pend Oreille School District Superintendent Dick Cvitanich said the community is currently under-utilizing the schools in our area and he would welcome a chance to open them up to the community during periods of nonuse by the students.

One of the next steps in pursuing the concept of a Communiversity, said Kimble, is to seek input from the community.

“Local businesses are going to be critical in making this happen because we are all interconnected,” she said.

She is hopeful that this will be a pivotal step in making Sandpoint a thriving town for those who want to further their learning.

“In spite of economic issues, and maybe even as a result of some, we as a community can make our region an epicenter for exciting lifelong learning opportunities that will benefit everyone in Bonner County,” Kimble said. “We need this to stay viable and alive. Knowledge is power.”

For further information on the Featherbone Communiversity, go to www.featherbone communiversity.org