Stories

Do you fly fish, bird or visit Silver Creek Preserve? Are you interested in assisting with conservation? The Nature Conservancy wants to hear from you!

Silver Creek has long been recognized as one of the finest spring creeks in the country. A new enhancement plan seeks to make it even better.

The Nature Conservancy has announced that it will work with Ecosystem Sciences, a non-profit Boise-based consulting firm, to develop a comprehensive plan to restore stretches of Silver Creek and its tributaries that need most help, and to use the restoration methods that will have the most conservation benefit. The effort will result in habitat projects that benefit the fishery as well as many wildlife species.

“The goal of this project is to improve the fish and wildlife habitat on a watershed level at Silver Creek, and to make it the most resilient it can be for the long term,” says Dayna Gross, the Conservancy’s Silver Creek Preserve manager.

Ecosystem Sciences will create a comprehensive, integrated watershed plan for the...

The Expedition Inspiration Fund for Breast Cancer Research is pleased to present the Fifth Annual Twilight Snowshoe; Sunday, March 21, 2010 at the Valley Club in Hailey, Idaho.   Participants will set off on a lovely snowshoe course through the magnificent foothills on the second day of spring. The popular the effervescent “Bubble Bar” awaits at the end of the trek. The Elephant’s Perch will generously provide guests participating in the optional snowshoe with equipment for the evening.   
 
Cocktails and wine provided by Cline Cellars, hors d’ oeuvres and a full course dinner await guests inside the newly remodeled Valley Club and prepared by Chef Mike Diem.  
 
A silent auction follows outdoor festivities with an array of items both functional and fantastical.  Hosting the live auction, Larry Flynn will offer enticing adventures including a 7-night stay at a luxury beachfront villa in Cabo Pulmo, Mexico, a Mackay hideaway fishing excursion, and...

Hi all you Alliance supporters!

We have a great educational and fun event coming up on Thursday, March 11th in Ketchum. Can you please forward this email everyone you know who lives in or near the Valley and would be interested? Here are the details:

The Snake River Alliance, Idaho's only nuclear watchdog and advocate for clean energy, presents...

 Who: Walkin' Jim Stoltz

What: Enjoy a light dinner and an evening of storytelling, photographs, music and poetry about the last of America's wild places

When: Thursday, March 11th from 6:30-9 pm

Where: Wood River YMCA Community Room

Cost: $25 and tickets are available at Chapter One Books, Iconoclast and through the Snake River Alliance at 208-344-9161

Family friendly, educational and fun! Walking' Jim gets his name from nearly 27,000 miles he has walked through the wild country of North America.

Carrying a guitar and writing his songs along the way, his lyrics express a great love and respect for the Earth and the wild places he knows so well.

Known for his powerful baritone...

By Amanda Kumiko Kent; University of Idaho Blaine County Extension - Associate Extension Educator

The first annual Blaine County 4-H Hairy Horse Show was a success, Saturday, February 27 at the River Sage Stable and Indoor Arena south of Bellevue.

Miss Rodeo Idaho 2010, Measha Gittens, of Dayton came not only to judge the event, but to provide an open atmosphere in which the youth could ask for suggestions to improve their horsemanship skills.  Previously a 4-Her, Measha has made it her focus for 2010 to work with youth throughout the state to show them that if, “you set clear goals and work toward them you can achieve success.”

The “Golden Curry Comb,” donated by Sawtooth Tack and Feed of Bellevue, was awarded to Giovanna Leslie, age 10 of Bellevue, and her 25 year old POA gelding, ‘Bitsy,’ for the Hairiest Horse of 2010.

Other award recipients included Emmis Griffin, 17, of Hailey for Showmanship at Halter and  English Equitation,  Megan Young, 12, of Hailey for Quality, Connor Clark, 10, of...

Participation in the training is free of charge, and it is open to anyone interested in developing listening skills, including listening to youth,  and learning about the dynamics of crises such as family violence, alcoholism, codependency, depression, child abuse and neglect, mental illness, sexual assault, suicide and more. 

The training sessions will be given by professional health care specialists.  Those involved in the training will also find out about the many organizations within our community that offer services and support such as The Advocates, St. Luke’s Center for Community Health, NAMI, Hospice, Public Health, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, and many more. 

The training runs from March 2nd to March 30th every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 6:00 – 8:00 PM, at the Light On The Mountains Spiritual Center,  12446 State Highway 75, just north of Gimlet Road.

Please call the business office of the Crisis Hotline 788-0735 to sign up for the training.

This is your personal invitation to come join us at Ketchum Dry Goods in our support for the Wood River YMCA's Y Partner's Campaign.  The fundraising campaign benefits the YMCA's open door policy - the program that allows individuals and families to obtain membership to the facility regardless of income.  All money raises stays local and supports locals.  While you shop and enjoy libations, hors d'oeuvres, snacks and treats, Ketchum Dry Goods will be donating 10% of the pre-tax portion of every item purchased from 6p - 9p on Saturday, February 27th, 2010 to the Y Partners Campaign.  So come treat yourself to some fun, new clothing and accessories while supporting an important community program! Bring your friends for a fun night out.  You deserve it!

Volunteers who spend a total of eight hours taking shelter dogs on outings can receive a one-day pass to Disneyland or Walt Disney World under a new cooperative program between the Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley and Disney Parks.

Disney is making one million passes available through the program. Shelter volunteers are eligible until all tickets are distributed or until Dec. 31.

To sign up, go to ww.disneyparks.com and click on “Give a Day. Get a Disney Day” at the top of the page.

 “This is a wonderful donation by Disney, and give us the opportunity to something special for our volunteers,” said Jo-Anne Dixon, D.V.M., executive director and medical director of the shelter.

The Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley, the first “no kill” shelter in Idaho, promotes companion animal welfare by providing temporary shelter for homeless animals, adopting them to qualified homes and reducing animal abuse, neglect and overpopulation through community education and spay/neuter services. More than 90 percent...

Theresa Castellano-Wood and Benjamin Wood, the co-chairs of the Wood River YMCA Capital Campaign, recently shared some of the impressive results of the effort that they led.  In the midst of an extremely tough economy, they shared how generous our community has been as well as how broad the reach of the Y is in the valley. A full 25% of the Wood River Valley are members of the Y which is unprecedented anywhere in the country.

The following are some of the figures Theresa and Benjamin shared:

• $23M Raised for the Capital Campaign to build the Y
• 4.5 years to raise the money
• 1800 pledges showing the diversity of support throughout the valley
• 85% of those 1800 Pledges paid to date (the remainder are multi-year pledges)
• 1% default rate - even in the most robust economy, this is exceedingly low
• 55,000 SF building
• Open for 2 years
• 4,500 current members -- this doesn't include the 100's of tourists who visit the Y during weeks such as President's Day Week. This continues to go up as lodgers offer Y...

Join Dale Bates of Living Architecture & James Reed of Onsen Farm: Winter Gardens for an exciting weekend beginning with an interactive workshop and ending with a greenhouse tour. Presented by Idaho's Bounty and the Banbury Institute.

Workshop: Saturday March 6th - 9:30am-5:00pm

Dale Bates and James Reed will facilitate this two day Greenhouse Workshop and Tour. Bring your projects or ideas and share them with others in the group. You will be exploring a variety of greenhouse concepts, along with looking at several existing working greenhouses in the area.

The workshop will be located at Steve and Kathleen Wilson's home in Bellevue Farms (South of Bellevue) at 122 Quarter Horse Dr.

Tour: Sunday March 7th - 12:30 to 4:00pm

We will meet at Arden Schmitt's farm, 1421S-1800E Gooding, at 12:30 to see his greenhouse, then we will drive to Onsen Farm: Winter Gardens, 4799B River Road B. Hagerman, the starting off point of our walking tour, visiting three other greenhouses.

Both Days:

 $35 for both days/$25 for Saturday'...

What: Spring Break Snow School

Location: Sawtooth Botanical Garden (11 Gimlet Road, Ketchum, ID. 83340)

Dates: Monday, March 15

Time:  9 A.M.-2:30 P.M.

Cost: Member is $20/day, nonmember is $25/day, with 10% off if you register for the entire week

Ages: 4-12

Contact: Teresa at (208) 726-9358

More Information:  Are your kids upset about not going away this Spring Break? Tell them to turn those frowns upside down, because the Sawtooth Botanical Garden is offering a stupendous Spring Break Snow School! We will not only teach your kids about seasonality, winter, snow, the water cycle, and how plants and animals survive in the winter, but we’ll also be having a blast participating in outdoor games and activities, including snowshoeing. Have your kids say “goodbye” to winter the right way. Sign them up as soon as possible.

What: Fundamentals of Color Art Class

Location: Sawtooth Botanical Garden (11 Gimlet Road, Ketchum, ID. 83340)

Date: Friday, March 12

Time:  2:00-4:00 P.M.

Cost: Member $5, Non-member $7

Ages: 7+

Contact: To register or for more information, contact Teresa at (208) 726-9358

More Information: Since your kids are released early from school on Friday, March 12

The Advocates for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault today announced it has appointed Carol Jensen, CPA; Eeva Pregitzer and Katherine Schroder to The Advocates’ Board of Directors.

“The addition of Carol, Eeva and Katherine strengthens The Advocates’ solid foundation of leadership by complimenting and increasing the organization’s depth and breadth of financial and fund raising expertise, and diverse life experience,” said President Margery Friedlander.

Carol Jensen, CPA, has nearly 30 years of experience practicing in the areas of tax, estate planning, management and eldercare consulting; and volunteering with multiple community organizations in the Pacific Northwest. Jensen serves as a board member of the Seattle-based Bayview Manor Foundation, which provides subsidies that allow residents to remain in their homes and is a legacy advisor for Children’s Hospital and Medical Center, Seattle. Jensen has held leadership positions on several...

 Hailey Chamber of Commerce Announces 2010 Executive Committee

The Hailey Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the 2010 Executive Committee for the Board of Directors.  The Board will be lead by Krista Gehrke, owner of Blaine County Fitness.  Members of the Hailey Chamber Executive Committee are:

Krista Gehrke, President
Blaine County Fitness

Lisa Emerick, Past President
Friedman Memorial Airport

Dale Ewersen, Vice President
Splash N’ Dash

Kathy Harrison, Treasurer
Harrison Insurance 

Karen Scheurmier, Secretary
Avis Rent-A- Car

“Targeting Breast Cancer Treatments to the Right Tumors and the Right Patients”

 The Expedition Inspiration Fund for Breast Cancer Research is pleased to announce its Fourteenth Annual Laura Evans Memorial Breast Cancer Symposium, to be held February 17 to 21, 2010 in Sun Valley, Idaho.  Breast cancer research scientists from around the world will attend the Symposium titled, “New Targets for Breast Cancer Therapy”.  The world-renowned meeting will be chaired by Expedition Inspiration Scientific Advisor, Marc Lippman, MD, one of the leading authorities in the field of breast cancer. 

Expedition Inspiration will once again host a FREE to the community Open Forum, held in conjunction with the Symposium.  The Open Forum is open to anyone interested in learning about the latest in cancer research and treatments.  Featured speakers will be:  physician-scientist Doug Yee, director of the University of Minnesota Breast Cancer Research Program and James M. Rae, PhD, Assistant Professor,...

Rotarun Ski Club Inc., a nonprofit organization, is seeking new volunteer board members.  The primary focus for the Rotarun Board is to oversee the mountain operation and help make and keep Rotarun a self sustaining community winter recreation area. 

Rotarun has 3 annual winter events and 2 summer fundraising events scheduled for 2010. 

Board members are elected for 3 year terms and are expected to attend regular board meetings, make executive decisions regarding staffing, budgeting, capital projects and expenditures and other issues.  Board members are required to chair one of the standing committees and work with staff and volunteers to organize and execute yearly events. 

Interested individuals should send a letter or email outlining the reasons you are interested in becoming involved with the organization and a resume of business management or nonprofit experience to: Rotarun Ski Club, Inc. P.O. Box 2083 Hailey, Idaho 83333 or send an email to sarahb@rotarun.org.  Deadline for letters...

Kids, bring your parents to a free screening of “What’s On Your Plate?," a documentary for children about food and its sources, sponsored by Idaho's Bounty.

 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18th at The Community Library in Ketchum.

Directed by Catharine Gund, “What’s On Your Plate?” features two 11-year-old- Manhattan girls (one of whom is the director’s daughter, Sadie) as they traverse the city and visit farms on a search to educate themselves and others about what’s actually on one’s plate. The film is charming, smart and accessible for children as young as five, and comes in at just over an hour of viewing time.

Catherine and Sadie will attend the screening, introduce the film and be available for casual question and answer afterwards.  There will be a reception after the film with light refreshments and hors d'oeuvres.

The documentary’s relevance is apparent from the moment it begins. Childhood obesity is at an all time high. Medical issues that come from a diet high in saturated fats, corn products and processed...

           The Haiti tent donation effort has seen an amazing response from the community and across the country.  Seeing this, the Environmental Resource Center has worked with others to extend the deadline for tent donations. Deliver your good quality tents or shelters to the ERC by February 19

Imagine the aftermath of multiple devastating earthquakes. The basic elements needed to survive are food, water, shelter.  Shelter is the priority for the thousands of Haitians facing the upcoming rainy season. There is no privacy, no protection from the elements, no place to call your own. Will you be sleeping on the same patch of dirt or mud tomorrow? Is your blanket going to be taken by another family?

You can help!By donating just one tent, you are helping a family. You are providing space for a mother to breast feed her infant in peace. You are giving children a place to come back to every night with their family, giving them an ounce...

pancaked 4-story building in Haiti

Jonh and Marie Goode

Unless you’re a robot, the tragedy in Haiti can’t help but pull at your heartstrings. Unfortunately, there are people out there who are as soulless as robots, who will use your emotions to rip you off. Here are some recommendations from various watchdog organizations on giving.

• Avoid giving food, clothing or other in-kind gifts unless they are specifically requested, and you know the group has a way to quickly and efficiently distribute them.
• Find out if the group you're planning to donate to already has an on-the-ground presence in Haiti. Transportation in and out was poor at first, but it is getting better, so if a group doesn’t already have a significant presence there, what are they waiting for?
• Giving online is dangerous. Make sure you know who is operating the...

We still have openings in the following classes at The Trail Creek Institute of The Community School. For more information, or to register, contact Tyra MacGuffie at 622-3960, ext. 164, or visit www.trailcreekinstitute.org. All classes are held on the TCS campus, 181 Dollar Road, Sun Valley.

Card Making with Robin Seitz
February 6, 9 a.m. – Noon
March 6, 9 a.m. – Noon
Art Studio, Engl Hall
Goodbye Hallmark! Come join in for a morning of fun and creativity making your own cards. Whether simple or complicated, cards inspired by your unique vision make a lovely gift and a brief note or greeting more memorable. The joy of card making is that anything works: recycled materials from home, handmade or specialty paper, photos, ribbon, calligraphy, buttons, fabric -- just about anything can be used to make imaginative and beautiful cards. $25 per class or both for $40, includes materials. Feel free to bring materials from home if you like.

The Poet in You with JoEllen Collins
Wednesdays 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. (beginning February 3...

                  The Environmental Resource Center is joining the American Alpine Club’s efforts to collect tents and shelter for Haitians left homeless by last month’s earthquakes.  The AAC has identified the greatest immediate need is shelter and are requesting tent donations. The deadline for sending good-quality tents (new or used) to the AAC in Newburyport, MA is February 12. Larger, family-style tents are best, but any shelter is welcome.

                  This is a quick drive as we are trying to ship by Tuesday February 9, 2010 to make it in time for the mass shipment to Haiti from the east coast. The Big Wood River Valley is resourceful and dynamic. There is no task too big or small that we cannot take on.

                  The ERC urges all valley residents to donate any extra tents or shelters by dropping them off to the ERC office located at 471 Washington Avenue North in Ketchum. We would like to thank you in advance for your donation. For any questions please contact Kellie Rey at (208) 726-4...

The Advocates for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (www.theadvocates-aplacetogo.org) today announced that it has teamed with the Idaho Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Project to eliminate the prevalence of teen dating violence. Through the collaborative effort, The Advocates will speak with middle and high school students and parents about healthy relationships, and the latest dating trends throughout the month of February, in honor of National Teen Dating Violence Awareness & Prevention Week, February 2-6, 2010.

“The Advocates is committed to the idea that every teenager deserves to be in a healthy, respectful relationship,” said The Advocates Children’s Program Coordinator Darrel Harris. “Dating violence can happen to anyone and new research shows that it is epidemic. Community education and awareness are key to addressing and preventing teen dating violence. And, teens should know that the abuse is not their fault and that help is available.”

Dating violence is a pattern...

Divas and Desserts: Cabaret Evening at nexStage on Valentine’s Day 2010

“Divas and Desserts!”  the nexStage Theatre’s Annual Valentine’s benefit concert on Sunday, February 14, 2010 promises to be a delectable cabaret evening filled with music, song and of course, divine desserts. Hosted by the Board of Trustees of the nexStage Theatre, this celebration of Valentine’s Day to raise funds for the nexStage’s performing arts programs will take place at the downtown venue of the nexStage, 120 South Main Street, Ketchum.

Combining the incredible talents of three beautiful and gifted professional songstresses – opera ‘diva’ MelodieTaylor Mauldin, Nashville ‘swing’ diva Jilla Webb, and our local theatre ‘diva’ Cheryl Morrell, the evening will feature a program of gorgeous show-stopping tunes.  The entertainment debuts with a festive cocktail hour of decadent desserts, chocolates and champagne, followed by cabaret seating for...

Rainier is the new service dog candidate in training by Positive Partners Assistance Dogs, Inc. He will a mobility dog for applicant Nancy S. Grace, a California woman who was struck by a car while crossing the street.
 
In a coma for three months, Nancy recovered only to find that she was partially paralyzed on her left side and her beloved pet dog had not survived. 

She cannot walk unassisted.

Rainier is her key to independence and safety, which she prays and dreams about daily. He will help her go up and down curbs and stairs, wear a harness that serves as a “moving handrail” to help with balance in general, and retrieve anything she drops. His training will take about two years and cost approximately $30,000.  

Here is a video showing Positive Partners board member Ross Hoyle working with Rainier to learn to go to a specific spot, put his chin down and relax. Service dogs spend a great deal of time lying next to the handler in a restaurant, on a bus, etc.  So the dog...

You are invited!  The Blaine County Hunger Coalition is extending an invitation to everyone in the Wood River Valley to join them for an Open House celebration in their new building.  The Open House is Wednesday, January 27th from 5 – 7pm at 121 Honeysuckle Street in Bellevue.  Purchased through a major Building Project fundraising effort, the new Food Bank offers this rapidly growing non-profit organization ample space for critical long-term food storage, increased food distribution and an exciting expansion of their client services.  

The Hunger Coalition goes beyond feeding the hungry.  They offer hope and a sense of well being to many members of our community who find themselves in the unfamiliar place of making decisions between buying food and paying bills.  Their new building will allow them to expand their services to include projects like a garden and nutrition classes.

Through the tireless efforts of volunteers and donors, The Hunger Coalition served over 155,000 meals in...

Winter Wilderness Skills & Wool Crafting at TMS: January 6- March 1

Our After School Programs are open to all students ages 4-12.

We pick up at Hailey and Woodside Elementary at 2:30pm and drop back off

At Roberta McKercher at 5:15pm.  The Bellevue school bus drops at our school.

 For 7-12 year olds: Each Wednesday and Thursday for 9 weeks from 2:30-5 pm

             Wednesdays: Make your own wool slippers and mittens with Jessica Banks,  a certified Waldorf Teacher and crafting expert.

            Thursdays: Join us for Winter Wilderness Skills with John DeLorenzo, avid  outdoorsman and big game hunter for Winter activities of shelter building, wildlife tracking, fire building in the snow and also making pouches and crafts  from rawhide.      

  For 4-6 year olds: Mondays through Thursdays   

     &...