At the March 10 meeting of the GV Chamber of Commerce, co- President Diane Caughlin noted member cards are available and asked Marlene Roberts to read off Member-to-Member discounts. Marlene reviewed the current discounts available and said they are available to members in good standing, i.e., dues paid up for 2011. Please present your Chamber membership card to receive your discount for MEMBER-TO-MEMBER DISCOUNTS.
Unfinished Business
*Diane Caughlin informed the group that the Garden Valley Job Creation and Retention Council activities are tabled for the time being.
*John Jauregui announced there are two remaining strands of store-front lights available from the Chamber “Light-Up-The-Town” initiative. Each strand costs $18.
New Business
*Diane Caughlin reminded Chamber Members that Chamber dues should be paid by the end of March. A schedule of payments can be arranged; contact the Chamber Treasurer, Vicky Burford, to set it up.
*Carol Scharf discussed plans for the Chamber Spring Fling scheduled for April 23rd in Crouch from 10 AM to 4 PM. Coupons and booths are available for $25. Call her at 462-2902, for any questions you may have concerning Spring Fling.
*John Cottingham announced he is organizing the 4th of July celebration and needs volunteers for a number of duties including organizing the Chamber booth.
*John Jauregui noted he is organizing October’s Trunk or Treat and needs hot Ghouls and Goblins to make the event memorable for all.
Member Updates
Toni Palmiotto noted: · The Young Life high school group meets every Monday night at 7 PM in the Community Hall. They are planning to attend the Young Life Camp Malibu in British Columbia, Canada, this summer. These kids need good paying work to cover costs of attending this summer camp. Please contact Toni Palmiotto at Garden Valley Properties, 462-4620, if you can use some extra help this spring and summer.
· Also, please provide Toni your calendar events and any coupons, advertisements of goodies you want included in Chamber welcome baskets for new arrivals in the valley.
· For complete nutrition and vitamin supplements especially beneficial for weight loss, women’s health, joint support and athletic performance, see her website http://www.reliv.com/.
Darl Allred described current Sawtooth Wilderness Outfitters current activities. Sawtooth Wilderness Outfitters specializes in family adventure vacations that will accommodate all types of outdoor enthusiasts. They are currently offering sleigh rides and tubing until about the April 1st, weather permitting.
Henry Vanderwyk explained his business, Mountain Landscapes, provides full service landscape maintenance, as well as application insecticides and herbicides to control insect and plant pests at a rate of $70 per house visit or bi-annual visits for $140.
Jerry McLain summarized the electrical and technical services McLain Electric provides. You won’t be shocked by either the great service or the reasonable prices.
Marlene Robison emphasized the need for Chamber members to provision and maintain the Chamber Bulletin Board slots with their business brochures. She also noted her long-held business, Evergreen Insurance Agency, provides a full suite of insurance products from auto insurance to funeral insurance. Drive safely!
Mike Tomlin lamented that the school levy failed and noted that the school board will press on to make the necessary cuts to the school budget while hoping for a more positive outcome at the levy retry in May. Wish them luck in both endeavors. Three trustee seats are up for election in May for zones 2, 3 and 4.
Phil and Dana of Longhorn and Dirty Shame fame announced an upcoming benefit raffle and silent auction at the Longhorn and Community Hall, beginning at 11 AM, on April 2nd, and live entertainment, with auction at the Dirty Shame, starting at 8 PM. Proceeds go to an educational trust fund for Dawn Smith’s surviving children.
Jacqueline Kraupp announced that the ERA West Wind is still operating at full steam.
Joe Roberts noted he is the new chairman for the local Cub Scout pack, which currently has 29 active boys. The pack needs donations for books and uniforms. Uniforms run about $55.
Carole Scharf noted she sells photography and jewelry at the Crouch Farmers Market and on-line at eBay and www.hellbent4leather.com. Don’t hesitate to call her at 208-861-6742.
Tami Smith announced Les Bois Federal Credit Union is planning to open at their new location in May.
Lynne McKibbin announced the start of “1st Tuesday” events featuring flowers, gifts, fashion, accessories, antiques and books, sponsored by Dahlias, Red Rooster and Book the Attic, beginning April 5th. Mark your calendars.
Also, just to let you know, Greg Simione, past president, will be running the April 14th meeting, since most of the current board members will be out of town or unavailable. The Longhorn has offered to cater the food for the meeting, so there should be some good eats!
For general information on Chamber activities, contact:
Diane Caughlin, Co-President Greater Garden Valley area Chamber of Commerce PO Box 10 Garden Valley, Idaho 83622 208-462-5003 or 208-462-4620 FAX 208-462-3321 info@gardenvalleychamber.org
Thursday, March 31, 2011
National Council on Aging Asks For Help
Within the next two weeks, Congress will vote on a budget proposal that may include massive, historic cuts in senior programs that provide jobs, housing, and volunteer opportunities for older Americans. ~~ We Need Your Help Now Already, the House has passed a bill that would: ~~ *Cut the Senior Community Service Employment Program— our nation’s only jobs program designed to help older Americans in need—by $525 M, or 64%, eliminating jobs for more than 83,000 poor seniors. ~~ *Completely abolish the Senior Corps program—"firing" more than 450,000 senior volunteers in the Foster Grandparent, RSVP, and Senior Companion programs. ~~ *Cut the Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly program by $551 million—a two-thirds reduction. ~~ If We Fail to Act, These Cuts Could Become Law. Email your lawmakers TODAY and urge them to reject cuts in senior programs that provide jobs, housing, and volunteer opportunities for older Americans. ~~ Votes are scheduled within the next two weeks. Please share this alert with everyone in your network. ~~ Thanks for your support! ~~ The National Council on Aging is a nonprofit service and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, DC. NCOA is a national voice for older Americans--especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged--and the community organizations that serve them. It brings together nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government to develop creative solutions that improve the lives of all older adults. NCOA works with thousands of organizations across the country to help seniors find jobs and benefits, improve their health, live independently, and remain active in their communities. For more information, visit http://www.ncoa.org/.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Neighborly Chat: Watch Those TV Scams!
By Rich Smith
I probably watch too much TV, which is to say that I also watch too many commercials. I can’t tune in to Discovery, the Science Channel, CNN, or Fox News without a deluge of commercials, mostly designed to sell products I don’t need and which separate me from my money.
On occasion, I have been lured into buying some of those products that promise to change my life. Had I asked myself, “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” I would have saved myself from disappointment and money down the rat hole. Nevertheless, lured by smooth- talking pitch men, I am now stuck with an electronic air purifier that wouldn’t purify the air in a small closet, a cordless soldering iron that won’t solder anything larger than a 0. 2mm wire and a dog brush that gathers little hair and needs batteries. Normally I wouldn’t think twice about ordering products advertised on TV, but like millions of others, I have experienced weak moments.
For your enjoyment and education, here is my list of most the outrageous TV scams.
1) The iRenew Bracelet: This product takes the top spot in my list of dumb, worthless products offered on TV. The device is a bracelet. The ad claims it will improve muscular strength, correct vertigo and balance problems, and provide a feeling of exhilaration and well-being for the wearer.
Who in their right mind would pay $19.95 plus $6.95 shipping for such quackery? Many people must have done so because the company continues to spend millions on these ads. Perhaps the money-back guarantee convinces technologically challenged folks to try it, or more likely, desperate hope that a magical cure for their ailments is only a few dollars away.
The iRenew advertisement is as brazen and misleading as those promoters of snake oil and electronic brain stimulators marketed early in the last century. Out of curiosity, a disappointed customer pulled the device apart and discovered all it contained was a wire encapsulated in elastic and plastic.
2) Solar Generator from Solutions for Science: This $1,700 product, advertised as a backup power system, “can get you off the grid”. “It’s like having a secret power plant hidden in your home,” or so the ad goes. I don’t know why this generator would be a secret or that you would have to hide it, but the hype contained in the advertisement should be hidden.
The device consists of a 90 watt solar panel plus a 12v, 60 ampere-hour lead-acid battery, and a 1,800 watt (peak 1440 watts continuous) 115 v ac inverter housed in a 200 pound box. There are two questions to ask about this device. How long will it take the 115 volt ac charger or 12 volt solar panel to charge the battery, and once fully charged, how long can the generator supply backup power?
Examining the specifications answers both questions. The charge time from household current is 15 hours, and in full summer sunlight, the solar panel can charge the battery in about 15 hours (one day). The 115v system can supply 1000 watts to household appliances for approximately 12 minutes and 300 watts for 1-hour. It could power your refrigerator or a TV for perhaps 1 or 2 hours in an emergency, but hardly a power system that can get you off the power grid...
3) $2 Bills: The New England Mint is offering $2 bills for $10 (plus S & H). What a deal. To be fair, these are genuine U.S. $2 bills, freshly printed and never circulated. They come in a fancy transparent case with a certificate of authenticity. The $2 bill is worth its face value, exactly. $2. Anyone have two Tens for a Five?
4) Lipozine: Diet pills and weight loss products are always popular; although few if any of them are as effective in losing weight as exercise and diet. “Now for only $29.95 you can lose weight like magic,” or so the ad brags. “Take these pills, continue your present (couch potato, beer and chips) life style, and the fat will simply melt off.” Melt off? Yeah, sure it will. The before and after pictures of happy customers testify to the product’s effectiveness, yet a close examination of the photographs suggests makeup, a trip to the beauty parlor, and a new wardrobe had more to do with the transformation than the pills. Perhaps Photoshop created some of the “after” photos.
How do the pills work to help you lose weight? They swell up in your stomach “like a sponge”, making you feel full and reducing the food you are tempted to eat. The exercise gained by pushing away from the table is more effective of a weight loss program than a bunch of pills. Besides, I have nightmares about some little pill swelling to the size of a golf ball in my stomach.
Before making a purchase, potential customers should read the forced FDA disclaimer in 4 point print at the bottom of the ad. “The product and the claims made in this advertisement have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are not approved to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease nor has it been proven effective in a controlled weight loss program.”
5) $20 double Eagle U.S. Gold Coins: It used to be illegal to mint, photograph, or reproduce U.S. currency in any way, but now it is only illegal to pass off such reproductions as legal tender. The U.S. Mint Inc. (not the real United States Mint) is selling $20 pure gold (clad) double eagle coins for the amazing price of just $19.95 (plus S & H). Their ad begins by explaining that this coin is America’s rarest gold piece and worth thousands of dollars, which is true for genuine coins. Coin collectors consider reproductions or “tribute” coins worthless. And the “pure 24K” gold electroplated on the coin is measured in micrograms, perhaps $0.25 worth. Nevertheless, the coin does come in a fancy display case that includes a certificate of authenticity, whatever that means for a “tribute” reproduction.
6) Pet Groomer Pro2: If you own a dog that sheds, this product sounds like a lifesaver. For only $19.95 plus $6.95 S & H, the Pro 2 electronic brush with the IONIC breeze generator is guaranteed to remove fur like a hair magnet from any mutt. The device needed a 9 volt battery, which I borrowed from a smoke detector, and then sat Molly down for a good brushing. When I turned on the Pro2, it made a hissing sound and smelled like ozone. Molly appreciated neither the noise nor the smell, but reluctantly sat still for her brushing.
After a few dozen strokes, the brush had gathered a handful of dog hair, but nothing like the gobs of fur promised in the TV ad. After several more vigorous strokes, the brush hadn’t collected enough dog hair to cover a dollar bill, and this from a dog that normally produces a bucketful daily. I returned the brush to Home Pet Devices ($4.50 shipping) and demanded “the money-back no questions asked” guarantee. That was three months ago and I have not yet seen a check.
Another TV sales pitch “closer” is the, “But wait…we will double our offer and send you a second product free, just pay separate shipping and handling." The ad for my soldering iron offered an extra soldering tip free, except for separate S & H. The tip was about the size of a 2 penny nail, and could easily been sent in the original box with the soldering iron, but it came in a separate package for an extra $6.95. So my purchase totaled $33.85, without batteries.
The soldering iron now sits unused in my tool chest.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Living Well in Idaho Workshop
Neighbors With News
We are trying to spread the word about an upcoming Living Well in Idaho workshop! Space is available in the workshop that begins Monday, April 4 , 9:30 a.m. to noon, at St. Luke’s Health and Rehabilitation, in Meridian.
These free six-week workshops are evidence-based and were developed at Stanford University to help people manage their chronic health conditions. Family members, caregivers and adults of all ages with chronic conditions are encouraged to take the classes.
Chronic conditions include diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, heart disease, asthma, depression, anxiety, etc. Through goal setting and problem-solving, participants learn how to deal with pain and fatigue, talk to their doctors, manage their stress and medications, and improve nutrition.
The workshops help participants regain the confidence and ability to do the things they used to do. Please help us spread the word!
Please call FIA at (208) 333-1363, for more information and to register.
Thanks for your support of this valuable community resource.
Best, Stephanie
Stephanie Bender-Kitz, Ph.D. ~ Director, Friends in Action ~1607 W. Jefferson Street ~Boise, ID 83702 ~ 208-333-1363
~stephanie@fiaboise.org
~www.fiaboise.org
We are trying to spread the word about an upcoming Living Well in Idaho workshop! Space is available in the workshop that begins Monday, April 4 , 9:30 a.m. to noon, at St. Luke’s Health and Rehabilitation, in Meridian.
These free six-week workshops are evidence-based and were developed at Stanford University to help people manage their chronic health conditions. Family members, caregivers and adults of all ages with chronic conditions are encouraged to take the classes.
Chronic conditions include diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, heart disease, asthma, depression, anxiety, etc. Through goal setting and problem-solving, participants learn how to deal with pain and fatigue, talk to their doctors, manage their stress and medications, and improve nutrition.
The workshops help participants regain the confidence and ability to do the things they used to do. Please help us spread the word!
Please call FIA at (208) 333-1363, for more information and to register.
Thanks for your support of this valuable community resource.
Best, Stephanie
Stephanie Bender-Kitz, Ph.D. ~ Director, Friends in Action ~1607 W. Jefferson Street ~Boise, ID 83702 ~ 208-333-1363
~stephanie@fiaboise.org
~www.fiaboise.org
Friday, March 25, 2011
Longhorn Closed For Breakfast March 28--May 26
According to Longhorn Restaurant and Saloon manager, Phil Lauray, The Longhorn will be closed for "BREAKFAST ONLY", starting on Monday, March 28.
They will open for Lunch at 11 a.m. This will take place until Memorial Day Weekend, when they will re-open on Friday, May 27th, for Breakfast also.
Phil says, "We will serve Breakfast on Friday thru Sunday. I will serve some Breakfast Features on the weekend to make up for the change!"
They will open for Lunch at 11 a.m. This will take place until Memorial Day Weekend, when they will re-open on Friday, May 27th, for Breakfast also.
Phil says, "We will serve Breakfast on Friday thru Sunday. I will serve some Breakfast Features on the weekend to make up for the change!"
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Looking for a Job? Try Volunteering!
Learn the the benefits of volunteering, especially if you need a job. This short (30 minutes) but powerful workshop has been developed by Alisa Bondurant (Boise LO) and Jennifer Caprile (ServeIdaho) and will be their first presentation on this subject.
The workshop will help job seekers understand how they can use volunteering to gain new skills, keep skills fresh and breathe new life into their job search. Please help promote this to job seekers and others you think might benefit from it.
Volunteering may allow you to:
· Expand your network
· Build experience/keep current
· Facilitate good references
· Spark interest and learning
· Boost self esteem
· Give back to the community
~~ Join us for this short presentation on why volunteering is a low-risk,
high return investment of your time~~
11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Idaho Department of Labor
219 W. Main St., Boise, 83735
No reservation required
Dave Howerton Veterans Representative
Canyon County Local Office
Idaho Department of Labor
4514 Thomas Jefferson Street Caldwell, ID 83605-5100
208-364-7781 ext. 3147
Fax: 208-454-7720
Dave.Howerton@labor.idaho.gov
Connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter
The workshop will help job seekers understand how they can use volunteering to gain new skills, keep skills fresh and breathe new life into their job search. Please help promote this to job seekers and others you think might benefit from it.
Volunteering may allow you to:
· Expand your network
· Build experience/keep current
· Facilitate good references
· Spark interest and learning
· Boost self esteem
· Give back to the community
~~ Join us for this short presentation on why volunteering is a low-risk,
high return investment of your time~~
11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Idaho Department of Labor
219 W. Main St., Boise, 83735
No reservation required
Dave Howerton Veterans Representative
Canyon County Local Office
Idaho Department of Labor
4514 Thomas Jefferson Street Caldwell, ID 83605-5100
208-364-7781 ext. 3147
Fax: 208-454-7720
Dave.Howerton@labor.idaho.gov
Connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter
Living Well In Idaho Workshop
We are trying to spread the word about an upcoming Living Well in Idaho workshop! Space is available in the workshop that begins Monday, April 4 , 9:30 a.m. to noon, at St. Luke’s Health and Rehabilitation, in Meridian. ~ These free six-week workshops are evidence-based and were developed at Stanford University to help people manage their chronic health conditions. Family members, caregivers and adults of all ages with chronic conditions are encouraged to take the classes. ~ Chronic conditions include diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, heart disease, asthma, depression, anxiety, etc. Through goal setting and problem-solving, participants learn how to deal with pain and fatigue, talk to their doctors, manage their stress and medications, and improve nutrition. ~ The workshops help participants regain the confidence and ability to do the things they used to do. Please help us spread the word! Please call FIA at (208) 333-1363, for more information and to register. ~ Thanks for your support of this valuable community resource. ~ Best, ~ Stephanie ~ Stephanie Bender-Kitz, Ph.D. Director Friends in Action 1607 W. Jefferson Street Boise, ID 83702 208-333-1363 stephanie@fiaboise.org www.fiaboise.org
Crouch Council: Sewer System Election Called
Crouch City Council Council held their regular meeting on March 9. This was
the day of reckoning, after years of talking
about a new sewer system.
City attorney, John McFadden, recommended
that due to the time constringency,
the Council should approve Ordinance 2011-01, calling for the bond election for the construction and installation of improvements to the City sanitary system. The special municipal bond election will be held on Tuesday, May 17, 2011.
McFadden reminded Council that if they should decide to pull the election for
any reason, the maximum they could be out would be $1200, "though
probably not that much--I can't imagine."
The system will include construction of a distribution and collection system,
lift station and treatment plant. The city has pursued acquisition of land for
the plant for many months now, though there has been no mention of a site
yet.
The cost and expenses of the acquisition, construction and installation of the
project is estimated by engineers, Forsgren and Associates, as $2,600,000.
The revenue bonds of the City will not exceed $1.2M. The remainder of the
costs, if any, will be paid from grants and other City funds.
City Clerk, Kim Bosse, swore in new Councilmember, Robert Dickson.
Council authorized the city clerk to apply for another $300 grant for plantings
around the Community Hall.
The appraisal for insurance did not include the old library building, so back to
the drawing board.
The next regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Crouch will
be held in the Crouch Community Hall, 1022 Old Crouch Road, Crouch, Idaho,
on Wednesday, April 13, 2011. For information, contact City Clerk, Kim Bosse,
at 208-462-4687.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Wine Tasters Meet at Terrace Lakes
~Wine Tasting for all Wine Enthusiasts~
~
This is a quick reminder that Garden Valley wine tasters
will be meeting
Saturday at 7:00 pm at Terrace Lakes
In the lower part of the restaurant near the Pro shop
~
The usual $10 contribution per taster is requested.
~
~Our Theme For This month is Spanish Wines~
~
Spanish or Mexican style dishes would be appropriate.
As always, any dish that you bring will be most welcome.
~
~
Tasters will be having:
*two very different whites~
*An unusual Cava (Spanish Sparkling Wine)~
*A selection of red varietals
to showcase the diversity of Spanish wines~
~
~
The USA now consumes more wine than any other country
Thanks for doing your part to put us on top.
~~All Welcome~~
~
~~All Welcome~~
~
For Info, Contact Rod Murchison
208-462-8065
208-462-8065
Monday, March 21, 2011
Job Creation Council Notes on Sewer Stakeholder Meeting
March 11, 2011
Purpose of the Garden Valley Job Creation/ Retention Council:
Create and retain jobs in Garden Valley, including Crouch.
Process – Define the community’s assets and needs. Then match
them and prioritize the resulting projects.
Purpose of the Sewer Stakeholders Group Meeting –
A. Present the opportunities available to Garden Valley for a
centralized sewer.
B. Present a conceptual layout of the proposed sewer and discuss
its Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) costs.
C. Solicit input from the meeting participants with regard to the
concept, costs and community demand for this type of centralized
sewer service.
I. ASSETS & OPPORTUNITIES
A. Old school site, an opportunity for:
1. National Guard YCP school – 60 professional jobs.
~(a. It was reported during the meeting that this opportunity was
awarded to another city, due to lack of waste water treatment
capacity and the condition of the school. )
2. CuMo mine off-site office – 30-60 professional jobs.
3. GV Radio – A few volunteer jobs + student internships.
4. Fledgling businesses – few jobs initially, but lots if successful.
5. “GV Center for Business Excellence”:
~a. Business incubator to provide assistance to fledgling businesses.
~b. Adult education to provide residents with skill sets needed by
existing and new employers.
6. Possible site for an assisted living facility for the elderly.
7. Issue for most opportunities of size – Waste water treatment
capacity
B. Old school site waste water, an issue for resolution:
1. Failed septic system on site is not classed as a hazardous waste
site (Central District Health)
2. Central District Health comment after the meeting:
~~“At the old school site, the septic tanks would need to be
pumped, crushed and filled. I imagine if you were to place a
building over the old drain field, it would need to be removed
and filled as well, where a foundation footer may sit. This would
likely have to be done under a geotech's supervision for compaction
purposes. The drain fields should be old enough that they have
dried out, so I would imagine odor would not be a problem with
them. I believe every drain field up there has been out of use for
2+ years at this point.”
3. The old school site sewer is connected to the new school site
waste water treatment (WWT) plant that is expandable.
~a. To expand it would require a bond election to finance the
expansion.
~b. Unlikely the Board of Trustees would approve.
~c. Issue for resolution -- Better to sell the WWT plant to pay off
the bonds or to finance lost school programs.
4. The old school site was to be sold, but with the CDHD thoughts,
it is apparent that the complications of the failed septic systems
make the site difficult to sell, as evidenced by the lack of serious
consideration after being for sale for 2 years.
a. So we all understand how a buyer might look at that site, CDHD
commented:
~~“There are multiple old drain fields on the school property.
From what I am told by the previous EHS's that covered the area,
these systems are scattered all over the school site. Many have been
abandoned for years due to past failures, and obviously there
are a few that were in use when the school was in operation a
couple years back.
"CDHD considers all systems on this property
to be abandoned under IDAPA 58.01.03.003.01 Abandoned System.
Any new use in the school would be required to install new systems
designed for their intended use. The septic tanks that are on-site
would be the only components we would let be re-used in a new
system design (though the tanks would need to be inspected to
ensure their condition).
"I am told finding a drainfield location on the property may be
difficult, due to limitations on space from the old drain fields that
are on the property. Due to groundwater, any operation exceeding
600 gallons per day flow would be requiredto run a nutrient
pathogen study as well, per CDHD's NP Policy.”
C. Dynamis Energy Network Operating Center (NOC):
1. Dynamis Energy designs and builds trash-to-energy plants
(gasification process) around the world and has $100 million
of signed projects to date. They will use a single operations center
(NOC) to operate all of them. Local crews will maintain each one.
2. It will provide 50 hi-tech jobs. The normal economics multiplier
for total jobs is roughly 2.5 for each core job. Supporting
employers supply the rest. That ultimately means 125 new jobs in
Garden Valley.
3. They will be an anchor tenant for a hi-tech business park near
the GV Post Office if GV is awarded the NOC. Two other cities are
competing for it.
4. It will be a “green” facility (no pollution), to attract hi-tech
employees, so it will not use any kind of septic facility contributing
effluent to the ground water or rivers.
5. It will provide internships for high school students.
6. Issue -- It needs grant funding for a sewer so connection cost will
be lower.
D. Empty health clinic building
1. Opportunity for a “group home” facility – a first step to an
assisted living facility
2. Dr. Mike was contacted 2 years ago by the operator of
“The Cottages” in Meridian, with interest in beginning an assisted
living facility in Garden Valley ~so we have a resource for that
opportunity.
3. Central District Health commented after the meeting:
~~“The system for this clinic is not likely sized for this type of
operation. A new system would need to be installed and,
depending upon facility size, the system would need to likely be
an engineered drain field with pretreatment tanks. Due to
groundwater, any operation exceeding 600 gallons per day flow
would be required to run a nutrient pathogen study as well, per
CDHD's NP Policy.
Just an FYI: Each bed space in a facility of this
type is sized at 125 gallons per day, so 5 beds would put you over
the NP requirement limit.”
4. Issue – Inadequate WWT system; sewer would solve that.
E. Soon to be empty old Merc building:
1. According to co-owner Greg Simione, it’s use is severely limited
by lack of adequate WWT system ~capacity to just a few toilet users
(employees).
2. Issue – Need increased WWT capacity. A sewer would solve that.
F. Soon to be empty Les Bois FCU building:
1. Same problem and issue as with the old Merc building.
G. City of Crouch:
1. The City of Crouch was favorably disposed to the concept, but
they had a plan and the funding to proceed with their own sewer
system which they must execute quickly to maintain business
operations and remain compliant with IDEQ health directives.
2. Crouch’s engineer, Forsgren, stated after the meeting:
~~“The City of Crouch is not opposed to businesses in Garden
Valley developing infrastructure allowing utilization of the SFL
wastewater treatment plant. However, due to funding and
regulatory constraints, they have chosen to continue focus on
the plan they developed funding and regulatory approval for.
"It sounded to me like no one was opposed to submittal of the EDA
grant. It does sound like a good review of cost estimate would be
helpful for your efforts. We'll be helpful where we can.”
3. There was discussion of Terrace Lakes sending their waste
water to the Crouch system, but that would cause further
engineering, financing and regulatory approval delays and the
city needs to get the system operating.
~a. Central District Health commented after the meeting:
"I am not sure where we would stand on the Crouch sewer system.
It would depend on the option that they chose. If there is
subsurface disposal involved then CDHD would be involved, and
DEQ will be involved either way.
"The effects of adding Terrace Lakes to this system would depend
on the option they chose. As is, Terrace Lakes requires roughly
14,500 gallons of flow design for what is attached to their failing
system. As stated earlier, the maximum design per LSAS is 10,000
GPD. The savings in this option may come in how they treat the
sewage (I am not clear on their proposal to do this yet). I will
contact Forsgren and request a copy of what they have for my
knowledge. "
4. Issue – The City of Crouch is well along in designing and
financing their WWT system. A GV sewer system would apparently
be a welcome addition, but independent from the City of Crouch’s
system to avoid delays in that system.
H. Extension to Terrace Lakes from Crouch:
1. Assumption is that the trench will go up Middlefork Road.
~a. There is a question that there is sufficient easement beside the
road.
2. Terrace Lakes was favorably disposed to the concept, but they
are required to execute a septic system quickly, to maintain business
operations and remain compliant with IDEQ health directives.
3. After the meeting, Central District health stated:
~~“CDHD does have responsibility for the Terrace Lakes system.
The current status is that we have issued a Notice of Violation to
the owners due to the failure of the community drain field you
are referring to. This was issued over a year and a half ago.
"We spent a good chunk of that time identifying an acceptable
place for replacement. The rest has been in the design phase.
The failedsystem serves too many structures flow-wise to be
replaced with one system. LSAS type systems, i.e. what they are
installing for the Merc, have a maximum flow rate of 4,500 GPD.
We have compromised to replace what we consider the high-flow
structures on the system (basically all the resort facilities) with
a new LSAS, designed at 4500 gallons per day flow. In doing this,
we are allowingthem to keep the remaining 42 structures
(dwellings) on the existing system, in hopes that the reduced
flow will allow the oldsystem to function properly; if it does not,
then these structures would need their own system designed and
installed for roughlythe maximum 10,000 gallons per day.
"The plans for the first replacement system are being reviewed by
DEQ and will be going back to the engineer for final revisions soon.
Once the plans are complete, CDHD and DEQ expect the system to
be installed ASAP, pending funding I imagine. The failed system
has been patched, so it is no longer leaking on the ground surface;
but this has proved to be temporary in nature, as it must
continually be monitored.
"If the system continues to leak this summer without installation
(or progress being made), CDHD has informed Terrace Lakes
that we will suspend their food service license, pool license and
issue a cease and desist for operations of the resort buildings, to
prevent the public health threat. This is why Lonnie Bramon was
stating he needs a solution for the resort ASAP, not down the road.
If he can get the resort taken care of, the residential portion will
need to be taken care of eventually too, but hopefully not for awhile.
Again, these are more LSAS type systems he is looking at doing (the
new Merc site will have one, Tim Mussel has one for his sub by
Terrace Lakes, Terrace Lakes will need two, and this is what I
heard Crouch is looking into for their independent system).
Tim Mussel and the Merc could probably provide a cost on these
types of systems.
" I believe you are looking at anywhere from 250,000 to 500,000
per system, depending on flow design and drain field size. These
systems will likely always require some sort of extended treatment
with them (yearly testing and maintenance fees for these units),
and the LSAS drain field is required to have a maintenance entity
monitoring it monthly and a yearly report must be submitted to
the health district with the required monthly info.”
4. After the meeting, IDEQ commented:
~~“We could not hold off on the Terrace Lakes project based on
the mere possibility of a sewer system; but if the project to connect
Terrace Lakes to a sewer was funded and under design then that
would be a different story.”
I. Mandates – Failing septic systems:
1. IDEQ noted that they would mandate the use of the 2 FORK sewer
only in cases where a business or residential septic system or site
was out of health code compliance.
2. CDHD commented:
~~"It should be noted that connection will only be required under
these conditions if the property is within 200 feet of the existing
sewer line and the sewer district provides CDHD a letter stating
that they can provide a connection."
J. Broadband:
1. Frontier will run fiber optic cable in conduit right down the
same trench as the sewer for about $30,000, a small part of the
total cost.
2. After the meeting, a Library Board representative indicated that
the Library was planning their own grant application for a
broadband cable, so the sewer project would solve that problem
for them.
3. A scope of work change would have to be incorporated into the
2 Forks registration to include broadband, but that didn’t seem
to be a concern on 2 Forks’ part.
II. COST
A. Route from 2 Forks WWT plant under the South Fork of the
Payette River to Banks Lowman Road.
1. Tap off to Project Patch.
B. Branch to Dynamis Energy NOC and then to City of Crouch.
Thatbranch can go on up the Middle Fork Road to Terrace Lakes,
that must have a new WWT system.
C. Branch up Banks Lowman Road to about the Chevron station.
1. Connect to both the old and new school sites and serve both, as
well as other projects on Banks Lowman Road.
2. 2 Forks buy the new WWT system from the new school.
~a. Funds go to pay off existing bonds or provide lost school
programs.
~b. New school WWT plant serve as a lift station for the sewer.
D. Construction cost only, and rounded up.
1. Line to Crouch from 2 Forks WWT plant = $900,000
2. Crouch to Terrace Lakes = $600,000
~a. If easements are not available on Middlefork Road, then
re-paving adds significant cost.
~b. No costs for a line through the City of Crouch or required lift
stations is in this number.
3. Project Patch tap = $60,000.
4. Line to Chevron station = $210,000.
5. If easements are not available on Middlefork Road, then added
costs will occur to repave it where the trench might go up the
middle.
6. Idaho Power costs not defined yet, but are probably pretty
small relative to the others.
7. Frontier costs are about $30,000 for fiber optic cable in conduit
in the same trench.
8. No engineering costs included, only raw construction costs.
Final number needs to include all costs.
9. Investigate the need to resize the sewer to one size larger pipe,
to allow for growth.
10. Purchase of new school WWT system not included.
11. Intent is to follow Crouch’s lead and apply for a grant covering
all capital costs so that there will be no connection fee, only a
monthly fee.
III. FUTURE ACTION
A. The GV JCRC has done all it can in gathering all the stakeholders
into one room to describe all the stakeholders’ situations and
preferences. It must now turn over the responsibility for completing
the sewer to those involved. It is their business and their decision.
The GV JCRC can only help facilitate actions by stakeholders.
We have asked 2 Forks to:
1. Talk to all the possible customers of the sewer to learn their
interest in a 2 Forks sewer, assuming grants cover as much of
capital costs as possible. 100% of capital costs were accomplished
by the City of Crouch, but that does not mean that 2 Forks will be
able to do that. Professionals in the grant industry will know how
to maximize grant awards.
2. Join Sage Community Resources to get guidance in obtaining
the necessary grants. Jerome Mapp, who was the grant consultant
for Crouch, is another resource. They are grant professionals.
3. Submit the sewer project and costs to Sage, before April 1, for
inclusion in the 2011 Southwestern Idaho Comprehensive
Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) document showing its
importance to the other job creation/retention opportunities
in Garden Valley.
4. Submit grant applications for as much of the capital costs of the
sewer, as the rules will allow to reduce the connection cost for
customers. It will be a Garden Valley community and Boise County
effort to be successful. Support from all will be required.
Purpose of the Garden Valley Job Creation/ Retention Council:
Create and retain jobs in Garden Valley, including Crouch.
Process – Define the community’s assets and needs. Then match
them and prioritize the resulting projects.
Purpose of the Sewer Stakeholders Group Meeting –
A. Present the opportunities available to Garden Valley for a
centralized sewer.
B. Present a conceptual layout of the proposed sewer and discuss
its Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) costs.
C. Solicit input from the meeting participants with regard to the
concept, costs and community demand for this type of centralized
sewer service.
I. ASSETS & OPPORTUNITIES
A. Old school site, an opportunity for:
1. National Guard YCP school – 60 professional jobs.
~(a. It was reported during the meeting that this opportunity was
awarded to another city, due to lack of waste water treatment
capacity and the condition of the school. )
2. CuMo mine off-site office – 30-60 professional jobs.
3. GV Radio – A few volunteer jobs + student internships.
4. Fledgling businesses – few jobs initially, but lots if successful.
5. “GV Center for Business Excellence”:
~a. Business incubator to provide assistance to fledgling businesses.
~b. Adult education to provide residents with skill sets needed by
existing and new employers.
6. Possible site for an assisted living facility for the elderly.
7. Issue for most opportunities of size – Waste water treatment
capacity
B. Old school site waste water, an issue for resolution:
1. Failed septic system on site is not classed as a hazardous waste
site (Central District Health)
2. Central District Health comment after the meeting:
~~“At the old school site, the septic tanks would need to be
pumped, crushed and filled. I imagine if you were to place a
building over the old drain field, it would need to be removed
and filled as well, where a foundation footer may sit. This would
likely have to be done under a geotech's supervision for compaction
purposes. The drain fields should be old enough that they have
dried out, so I would imagine odor would not be a problem with
them. I believe every drain field up there has been out of use for
2+ years at this point.”
3. The old school site sewer is connected to the new school site
waste water treatment (WWT) plant that is expandable.
~a. To expand it would require a bond election to finance the
expansion.
~b. Unlikely the Board of Trustees would approve.
~c. Issue for resolution -- Better to sell the WWT plant to pay off
the bonds or to finance lost school programs.
4. The old school site was to be sold, but with the CDHD thoughts,
it is apparent that the complications of the failed septic systems
make the site difficult to sell, as evidenced by the lack of serious
consideration after being for sale for 2 years.
a. So we all understand how a buyer might look at that site, CDHD
commented:
~~“There are multiple old drain fields on the school property.
From what I am told by the previous EHS's that covered the area,
these systems are scattered all over the school site. Many have been
abandoned for years due to past failures, and obviously there
are a few that were in use when the school was in operation a
couple years back.
"CDHD considers all systems on this property
to be abandoned under IDAPA 58.01.03.003.01 Abandoned System.
Any new use in the school would be required to install new systems
designed for their intended use. The septic tanks that are on-site
would be the only components we would let be re-used in a new
system design (though the tanks would need to be inspected to
ensure their condition).
"I am told finding a drainfield location on the property may be
difficult, due to limitations on space from the old drain fields that
are on the property. Due to groundwater, any operation exceeding
600 gallons per day flow would be requiredto run a nutrient
pathogen study as well, per CDHD's NP Policy.”
C. Dynamis Energy Network Operating Center (NOC):
1. Dynamis Energy designs and builds trash-to-energy plants
(gasification process) around the world and has $100 million
of signed projects to date. They will use a single operations center
(NOC) to operate all of them. Local crews will maintain each one.
2. It will provide 50 hi-tech jobs. The normal economics multiplier
for total jobs is roughly 2.5 for each core job. Supporting
employers supply the rest. That ultimately means 125 new jobs in
Garden Valley.
3. They will be an anchor tenant for a hi-tech business park near
the GV Post Office if GV is awarded the NOC. Two other cities are
competing for it.
4. It will be a “green” facility (no pollution), to attract hi-tech
employees, so it will not use any kind of septic facility contributing
effluent to the ground water or rivers.
5. It will provide internships for high school students.
6. Issue -- It needs grant funding for a sewer so connection cost will
be lower.
D. Empty health clinic building
1. Opportunity for a “group home” facility – a first step to an
assisted living facility
2. Dr. Mike was contacted 2 years ago by the operator of
“The Cottages” in Meridian, with interest in beginning an assisted
living facility in Garden Valley ~so we have a resource for that
opportunity.
3. Central District Health commented after the meeting:
~~“The system for this clinic is not likely sized for this type of
operation. A new system would need to be installed and,
depending upon facility size, the system would need to likely be
an engineered drain field with pretreatment tanks. Due to
groundwater, any operation exceeding 600 gallons per day flow
would be required to run a nutrient pathogen study as well, per
CDHD's NP Policy.
Just an FYI: Each bed space in a facility of this
type is sized at 125 gallons per day, so 5 beds would put you over
the NP requirement limit.”
4. Issue – Inadequate WWT system; sewer would solve that.
E. Soon to be empty old Merc building:
1. According to co-owner Greg Simione, it’s use is severely limited
by lack of adequate WWT system ~capacity to just a few toilet users
(employees).
2. Issue – Need increased WWT capacity. A sewer would solve that.
F. Soon to be empty Les Bois FCU building:
1. Same problem and issue as with the old Merc building.
G. City of Crouch:
1. The City of Crouch was favorably disposed to the concept, but
they had a plan and the funding to proceed with their own sewer
system which they must execute quickly to maintain business
operations and remain compliant with IDEQ health directives.
2. Crouch’s engineer, Forsgren, stated after the meeting:
~~“The City of Crouch is not opposed to businesses in Garden
Valley developing infrastructure allowing utilization of the SFL
wastewater treatment plant. However, due to funding and
regulatory constraints, they have chosen to continue focus on
the plan they developed funding and regulatory approval for.
"It sounded to me like no one was opposed to submittal of the EDA
grant. It does sound like a good review of cost estimate would be
helpful for your efforts. We'll be helpful where we can.”
3. There was discussion of Terrace Lakes sending their waste
water to the Crouch system, but that would cause further
engineering, financing and regulatory approval delays and the
city needs to get the system operating.
~a. Central District Health commented after the meeting:
"I am not sure where we would stand on the Crouch sewer system.
It would depend on the option that they chose. If there is
subsurface disposal involved then CDHD would be involved, and
DEQ will be involved either way.
"The effects of adding Terrace Lakes to this system would depend
on the option they chose. As is, Terrace Lakes requires roughly
14,500 gallons of flow design for what is attached to their failing
system. As stated earlier, the maximum design per LSAS is 10,000
GPD. The savings in this option may come in how they treat the
sewage (I am not clear on their proposal to do this yet). I will
contact Forsgren and request a copy of what they have for my
knowledge. "
4. Issue – The City of Crouch is well along in designing and
financing their WWT system. A GV sewer system would apparently
be a welcome addition, but independent from the City of Crouch’s
system to avoid delays in that system.
H. Extension to Terrace Lakes from Crouch:
1. Assumption is that the trench will go up Middlefork Road.
~a. There is a question that there is sufficient easement beside the
road.
2. Terrace Lakes was favorably disposed to the concept, but they
are required to execute a septic system quickly, to maintain business
operations and remain compliant with IDEQ health directives.
3. After the meeting, Central District health stated:
~~“CDHD does have responsibility for the Terrace Lakes system.
The current status is that we have issued a Notice of Violation to
the owners due to the failure of the community drain field you
are referring to. This was issued over a year and a half ago.
"We spent a good chunk of that time identifying an acceptable
place for replacement. The rest has been in the design phase.
The failedsystem serves too many structures flow-wise to be
replaced with one system. LSAS type systems, i.e. what they are
installing for the Merc, have a maximum flow rate of 4,500 GPD.
We have compromised to replace what we consider the high-flow
structures on the system (basically all the resort facilities) with
a new LSAS, designed at 4500 gallons per day flow. In doing this,
we are allowingthem to keep the remaining 42 structures
(dwellings) on the existing system, in hopes that the reduced
flow will allow the oldsystem to function properly; if it does not,
then these structures would need their own system designed and
installed for roughlythe maximum 10,000 gallons per day.
"The plans for the first replacement system are being reviewed by
DEQ and will be going back to the engineer for final revisions soon.
Once the plans are complete, CDHD and DEQ expect the system to
be installed ASAP, pending funding I imagine. The failed system
has been patched, so it is no longer leaking on the ground surface;
but this has proved to be temporary in nature, as it must
continually be monitored.
"If the system continues to leak this summer without installation
(or progress being made), CDHD has informed Terrace Lakes
that we will suspend their food service license, pool license and
issue a cease and desist for operations of the resort buildings, to
prevent the public health threat. This is why Lonnie Bramon was
stating he needs a solution for the resort ASAP, not down the road.
If he can get the resort taken care of, the residential portion will
need to be taken care of eventually too, but hopefully not for awhile.
Again, these are more LSAS type systems he is looking at doing (the
new Merc site will have one, Tim Mussel has one for his sub by
Terrace Lakes, Terrace Lakes will need two, and this is what I
heard Crouch is looking into for their independent system).
Tim Mussel and the Merc could probably provide a cost on these
types of systems.
" I believe you are looking at anywhere from 250,000 to 500,000
per system, depending on flow design and drain field size. These
systems will likely always require some sort of extended treatment
with them (yearly testing and maintenance fees for these units),
and the LSAS drain field is required to have a maintenance entity
monitoring it monthly and a yearly report must be submitted to
the health district with the required monthly info.”
4. After the meeting, IDEQ commented:
~~“We could not hold off on the Terrace Lakes project based on
the mere possibility of a sewer system; but if the project to connect
Terrace Lakes to a sewer was funded and under design then that
would be a different story.”
I. Mandates – Failing septic systems:
1. IDEQ noted that they would mandate the use of the 2 FORK sewer
only in cases where a business or residential septic system or site
was out of health code compliance.
2. CDHD commented:
~~"It should be noted that connection will only be required under
these conditions if the property is within 200 feet of the existing
sewer line and the sewer district provides CDHD a letter stating
that they can provide a connection."
J. Broadband:
1. Frontier will run fiber optic cable in conduit right down the
same trench as the sewer for about $30,000, a small part of the
total cost.
2. After the meeting, a Library Board representative indicated that
the Library was planning their own grant application for a
broadband cable, so the sewer project would solve that problem
for them.
3. A scope of work change would have to be incorporated into the
2 Forks registration to include broadband, but that didn’t seem
to be a concern on 2 Forks’ part.
II. COST
A. Route from 2 Forks WWT plant under the South Fork of the
Payette River to Banks Lowman Road.
1. Tap off to Project Patch.
B. Branch to Dynamis Energy NOC and then to City of Crouch.
Thatbranch can go on up the Middle Fork Road to Terrace Lakes,
that must have a new WWT system.
C. Branch up Banks Lowman Road to about the Chevron station.
1. Connect to both the old and new school sites and serve both, as
well as other projects on Banks Lowman Road.
2. 2 Forks buy the new WWT system from the new school.
~a. Funds go to pay off existing bonds or provide lost school
programs.
~b. New school WWT plant serve as a lift station for the sewer.
D. Construction cost only, and rounded up.
1. Line to Crouch from 2 Forks WWT plant = $900,000
2. Crouch to Terrace Lakes = $600,000
~a. If easements are not available on Middlefork Road, then
re-paving adds significant cost.
~b. No costs for a line through the City of Crouch or required lift
stations is in this number.
3. Project Patch tap = $60,000.
4. Line to Chevron station = $210,000.
5. If easements are not available on Middlefork Road, then added
costs will occur to repave it where the trench might go up the
middle.
6. Idaho Power costs not defined yet, but are probably pretty
small relative to the others.
7. Frontier costs are about $30,000 for fiber optic cable in conduit
in the same trench.
8. No engineering costs included, only raw construction costs.
Final number needs to include all costs.
9. Investigate the need to resize the sewer to one size larger pipe,
to allow for growth.
10. Purchase of new school WWT system not included.
11. Intent is to follow Crouch’s lead and apply for a grant covering
all capital costs so that there will be no connection fee, only a
monthly fee.
III. FUTURE ACTION
A. The GV JCRC has done all it can in gathering all the stakeholders
into one room to describe all the stakeholders’ situations and
preferences. It must now turn over the responsibility for completing
the sewer to those involved. It is their business and their decision.
The GV JCRC can only help facilitate actions by stakeholders.
We have asked 2 Forks to:
1. Talk to all the possible customers of the sewer to learn their
interest in a 2 Forks sewer, assuming grants cover as much of
capital costs as possible. 100% of capital costs were accomplished
by the City of Crouch, but that does not mean that 2 Forks will be
able to do that. Professionals in the grant industry will know how
to maximize grant awards.
2. Join Sage Community Resources to get guidance in obtaining
the necessary grants. Jerome Mapp, who was the grant consultant
for Crouch, is another resource. They are grant professionals.
3. Submit the sewer project and costs to Sage, before April 1, for
inclusion in the 2011 Southwestern Idaho Comprehensive
Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) document showing its
importance to the other job creation/retention opportunities
in Garden Valley.
4. Submit grant applications for as much of the capital costs of the
sewer, as the rules will allow to reduce the connection cost for
customers. It will be a Garden Valley community and Boise County
effort to be successful. Support from all will be required.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
School Board Keeps Truckin'!
Garden Valley School board trustees held their regular meeting
on Monday, March 14, in the intimacy of the school flex room,
which seems to inspire a sense of cohesiveness among the patrons.
At least, we all have to huddle somewhat closer to each other,
which lessens spitting distances --just in case--but also warms
the heart if one is inclined to respond to energetic exchange.
THE BOARD
After the failure of the Garden Valley School District
supplemental levy, the district is watching what is happening
with Senate Bill 1113. The third portion of Superintendent
Luna’s plan, which includes “putting the classrooms into the
21st century”, is still under debate. The language is now more
like 5-6% cuts, but according to Superintendent Tomlin, there is
a stand-off between the Senate Budget folks and the Senate
Education Committee: “Neither one wants to blink first.”
Meanwhile, the school board is doing business as usual. The
deadline for Zone II trustee applications is April 6, 2011. A patron
requested that the board hold a special meeting to select the
trustee, so the new trustee may vote at the April 11 regular board
meeting. The new trustee will also stand for re-election in May.
Trustee candidates for election this May 17, for Zones II, III and
IV, must file a declaration of candidacy and a petition of candidacy,
no later than 5:00 p.m., March 18.
Dr. Tomlin mentioned that the legislature looked at passing a law
that would require special training for board members. Patrons
got to experience a ten-minute activity, to get an idea of the
self-improvement program in which this board is participating.
First thing on the menu was ‘preparation for meetings’. Dr. Tomlin
said the current board, along with the past members of the board,
arrive (d) prepared and well-read-up on their documents.
Self-monitoring performances and development, representing
the interest of all children, promoting student learning, following
rules and engaging your community were all discussed.
Dr. Tomlin, Clerk of the Board, Paula Fox and Board Chair,
Terry Elmore, participated in the Day on the Hill last month,
which they found to be well worth the time and money. Check out
the write-up that follows this report.
THE STUDENTS
Athletic Director, Bob Powell, announced that the Lady Wolverines
basketball team went to State and got to play the consolation
game (see GV Daily News Story 2/22). The school sent five wrestlers
to State: Mark Hugon, Blaze Gray, Brad Christensen, Charlie
Johnson and Killian Sampo (see GVDN story 3/2). High school
track started this week. Middle school track starts after spring break.
Golf and matches will be on Fridays, at Terrace Lakes. There will be
no baseball, due to lack of interest.
Math Whizzes: Ronice Gilbertson has the children working with
the Apangea online computer math program, which provides
individual math tutoring. Mr. Vian says the students really have
fun with it. Patrons at the meeting were shown a film on the free
Khan online collection of over 2200 micro lectures, via video
tutorials on math, history, finance, physics, sciences and more.
It is a world-class virtual school and even you can use it.
Idaho’s Writer-in-Residence, Bill Johnson, will visit the classes
of Jan Ward and Jen Van Dyk, on Thursday, March 17. Thank you
to Georgianna Goetsch, for arranging this.
Third quarter is over this Thursday, March 17.
BOARD BIZ
Dr. Tomlin recognized The Crouch Merc and the board extended
a thank-you to co-owners, Greg Simione and Gerold Dennett, for
matching the boxtops funds. The money will provide teaching
supplies until the end of the year.
The board voted to establish two $5,000 Craig-Penrod Scholarships
and to accept the nominations for the selection committee:
Principal Bob Vian; Zone III board trustee, Laurie Snyder;
teacher, Bryce Court; and community members, Cara Mosedale
and Rob Hazen.
Two new bus stops were approved for Harlows Bus Service:
The new library and Arena Road, on the south side of the elk ranch.
The 2011-2012 school calendar drafts are posted on the school
website, for perusal, at http://www.garden.idschoolwebpages.com/.
KXGV Radio for Garden Valley!
Rex LeFevre and Rich Smith requested the use of the old shop
classroom space to construct and operate a low-power radio
broadcast studio. It would be an all-volunteer project and
involve a small class for the students. Garden Valley Transmitter
District will help transmit through the valley. Until they receive
an FCC license, the station will broadcast on the internet.
There is no anticipated cost to the school. Funds can be donated
to the non-profit company, GV Communications, Inc. Organizers
estimate they will need $5,000 for a minimal 30-watt transmitter
and $5,000 for miscellaneous expenses. It would be a temporary
location for the station, with perhaps the rest of this school year
and the summer, with an escape clause for the school.
Board Chair, Terry Elmore, said, “I think they’ve been waiting a
long time.” Rex LeFevre has spent several years trying to get this
going and has appeared before the board many times in the past.
The board voted to move forward in developing a memorandum
of understanding, subject to final approval of the board.
Community Forum
Marlo Glauser commended trustees Alan Ward and Laurie Snyder
for their thoughtful comments on the radio. She had felt it was a
good idea when she was on the board. She suggested they have an
operating agreement that the station will not do anything that
would be in conflict with Idaho law; also, to agree to not broadcast
religious content during school hours.
Bob Powell emphatically denied the rumor that he makes $10,000
as athletic director. Per his contract, he makes $3,785, which comes
out of the athletic budget. He offered to waive this pay, along with
mileage, for as long as it takes for the school to get back on its feet.
He said, “I want to see athletics continue. I love this job; I think I
do an exceptional job.” Patrons applauded his generous intentions.
Math teacher John Haworth asked the board to put his probation
on hold. “I am at a critical time of the year.” Patron Shelly Overlie
commented that letters have come in, in support of Haworth and
she would like the board to consider having them put up to be read.
Becky Asher said she is concerned about lack of classroom space
for Title I students. “Special Ed students need one-on-one
attention. If you are combining classrooms next year, would
you consider dedicated space?”
For information about the District or meetings of the Board,
contact Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Mike Tomlin,
at 208-462-3756 x 1012, or mtomlin@gvsd.net; or the Clerk of the
Board, Paula Fox, at 208-462-3756 x 1013, or pfox@gvsd.net.
Board contact information may be found at gvsd.net or http://www.garden.id.schoolwebpages.com/.
DAY ON THE HILL
Idaho school trustees, superintendents, board clerks, business managers, and others descended in concert on the Capitol to try to influence public education law. It is an annual event planned by the Idaho School Boards Association (ISBA).
Garden Valley School District was represented by board chair, Terry Dee Elmore, Clerk and Business Manager, Paula Fox, and superintendent Tomlin. An estimated 200+ participated in the planned events,
and the presence and impact was noted regularly by legislators.
Activities kicked off Wednesday, with the Senate Education
Committee meeting. Public testimony was heard, regarding
education reform laws brought forth by state superintendent
Tom Luna. Later that evening, the participates sat in a briefing
on the impact the new laws likely would have on local districts.
Thursday morning started early, with the House Education
Committee meeting, followed by a luncheon with legislators.
Superintendent Tomlin was able to corral Lt. Governor Brad Little
for the District 71 Table, and the GV delegation had valuable
one-on-one conversations with the Lt. Governor.
“We talked rural and remote districts, local control and many
aspects of the new laws,” Tomlin reports. “We also laughed and
joked a bit, and visited about his upcoming appearance in Garden
Valley for Lincoln Days.
“But there were very serious conversations up and down the hall
too,” Tomlin reflected. “We voiced concern for Tom Luna and his
family, and all legislators who are faced with these difficult
decisions.”
Tomlin also shared that “we all worked hard on the funding issues.
Keeping Kindergarten funding is very important to us, along with
Luna’s plan to restore the teacher salary grid and increase teacher
pay. I think we made som
e headway, if the majority can just hang
tight and move the reform laws forward.”
Paula Fox said, "I really enjoyed watching the parliamentary procedures with the legislation. It was so interesting to watch how everyone was so respectful of each other while they asked questions and discussed the motions in front of them.
"It was additionally interesting to hear of all the budgetary cuts in detail and how it ultimately impacts our school
district. They truly have difficult decisions ahead of them. As we
know, it will eventually be just as hard for our board of trustees,
when working on our next year’s budget. Each year, I enjoy the
process and enjoy the influences our district has, by participating. "
Terry Dee Elmore remarked that this year, it was a particularly
interesting Day on the Hill. "Both the Senate Education Committee
Meeting and the House Education Committee Meeting were geared
towards Mr. Luna's Student's Come First Plan. We were able to
watch the process of changes on a bill, section by section: To be
exact, Senate Bill 1069.
"I was excited to see the Lt. Governor, Brad Little, walk into our
Meet with Your Legislators Luncheon," continued Elmore. "There
was an empty spot next to me for the luncheon and Mr. Little sat
right by me. Now tell me how lucky I was to be able to 'listen' and
'learn' from a business person and of course, a politician, who soon
may be Governor. He has business sense and knows that 50% of
the state's funding goes towards education. He shared some great
ideas for the future of the education budget."
Taking time out of her work schedule to commit towards the
education of our school in Garden Valley and to all the children
in the state of Idaho is priceless, according to Elmore. "Thank you
to the taxpayers for allowing me this opportunity to allow rural
schools to have a voice with our legislatures."
Top photo: Representative Pete Nielsen and GV superintendent Mike Tomlin
discuss education reform bills being considered.
Middle: In the Senate Auditorium in Idaho’s State Capitol, GV Board Chair
Terry Dee Elmore, and Board Clerk and Business Manager Paula Fox, visit
with Superintendent Vickie Chandler of Bruneau-Grandview school distr
ict
and two of her board members.
Lt. Governor Brad Little, and GV Board Chair Terry Elmore discuss education reform laws, over lunch.
on Monday, March 14, in the intimacy of the school flex room,
which seems to inspire a sense of cohesiveness among the patrons.
At least, we all have to huddle somewhat closer to each other,
which lessens spitting distances --just in case--but also warms
the heart if one is inclined to respond to energetic exchange.
THE BOARD
After the failure of the Garden Valley School District
supplemental levy, the district is watching what is happening
with Senate Bill 1113. The third portion of Superintendent
Luna’s plan, which includes “putting the classrooms into the
21st century”, is still under debate. The language is now more
like 5-6% cuts, but according to Superintendent Tomlin, there is
a stand-off between the Senate Budget folks and the Senate
Education Committee: “Neither one wants to blink first.”
Meanwhile, the school board is doing business as usual. The
deadline for Zone II trustee applications is April 6, 2011. A patron
requested that the board hold a special meeting to select the
trustee, so the new trustee may vote at the April 11 regular board
meeting. The new trustee will also stand for re-election in May.
Trustee candidates for election this May 17, for Zones II, III and
IV, must file a declaration of candidacy and a petition of candidacy,
no later than 5:00 p.m., March 18.
Dr. Tomlin mentioned that the legislature looked at passing a law
that would require special training for board members. Patrons
got to experience a ten-minute activity, to get an idea of the
self-improvement program in which this board is participating.
First thing on the menu was ‘preparation for meetings’. Dr. Tomlin
said the current board, along with the past members of the board,
arrive (d) prepared and well-read-up on their documents.
Self-monitoring performances and development, representing
the interest of all children, promoting student learning, following
rules and engaging your community were all discussed.
Dr. Tomlin, Clerk of the Board, Paula Fox and Board Chair,
Terry Elmore, participated in the Day on the Hill last month,
which they found to be well worth the time and money. Check out
the write-up that follows this report.
THE STUDENTS
Athletic Director, Bob Powell, announced that the Lady Wolverines
basketball team went to State and got to play the consolation
game (see GV Daily News Story 2/22). The school sent five wrestlers
to State: Mark Hugon, Blaze Gray, Brad Christensen, Charlie
Johnson and Killian Sampo (see GVDN story 3/2). High school
track started this week. Middle school track starts after spring break.
Golf and matches will be on Fridays, at Terrace Lakes. There will be
no baseball, due to lack of interest.
Math Whizzes: Ronice Gilbertson has the children working with
the Apangea online computer math program, which provides
individual math tutoring. Mr. Vian says the students really have
fun with it. Patrons at the meeting were shown a film on the free
Khan online collection of over 2200 micro lectures, via video
tutorials on math, history, finance, physics, sciences and more.
It is a world-class virtual school and even you can use it.
Idaho’s Writer-in-Residence, Bill Johnson, will visit the classes
of Jan Ward and Jen Van Dyk, on Thursday, March 17. Thank you
to Georgianna Goetsch, for arranging this.
Third quarter is over this Thursday, March 17.
BOARD BIZ
Dr. Tomlin recognized The Crouch Merc and the board extended
a thank-you to co-owners, Greg Simione and Gerold Dennett, for
matching the boxtops funds. The money will provide teaching
supplies until the end of the year.
The board voted to establish two $5,000 Craig-Penrod Scholarships
and to accept the nominations for the selection committee:
Principal Bob Vian; Zone III board trustee, Laurie Snyder;
teacher, Bryce Court; and community members, Cara Mosedale
and Rob Hazen.
Two new bus stops were approved for Harlows Bus Service:
The new library and Arena Road, on the south side of the elk ranch.
The 2011-2012 school calendar drafts are posted on the school
website, for perusal, at http://www.garden.idschoolwebpages.com/.
KXGV Radio for Garden Valley!
Rex LeFevre and Rich Smith requested the use of the old shop
classroom space to construct and operate a low-power radio
broadcast studio. It would be an all-volunteer project and
involve a small class for the students. Garden Valley Transmitter
District will help transmit through the valley. Until they receive
an FCC license, the station will broadcast on the internet.
There is no anticipated cost to the school. Funds can be donated
to the non-profit company, GV Communications, Inc. Organizers
estimate they will need $5,000 for a minimal 30-watt transmitter
and $5,000 for miscellaneous expenses. It would be a temporary
location for the station, with perhaps the rest of this school year
and the summer, with an escape clause for the school.
Board Chair, Terry Elmore, said, “I think they’ve been waiting a
long time.” Rex LeFevre has spent several years trying to get this
going and has appeared before the board many times in the past.
The board voted to move forward in developing a memorandum
of understanding, subject to final approval of the board.
Community Forum
Marlo Glauser commended trustees Alan Ward and Laurie Snyder
for their thoughtful comments on the radio. She had felt it was a
good idea when she was on the board. She suggested they have an
operating agreement that the station will not do anything that
would be in conflict with Idaho law; also, to agree to not broadcast
religious content during school hours.
Bob Powell emphatically denied the rumor that he makes $10,000
as athletic director. Per his contract, he makes $3,785, which comes
out of the athletic budget. He offered to waive this pay, along with
mileage, for as long as it takes for the school to get back on its feet.
He said, “I want to see athletics continue. I love this job; I think I
do an exceptional job.” Patrons applauded his generous intentions.
Math teacher John Haworth asked the board to put his probation
on hold. “I am at a critical time of the year.” Patron Shelly Overlie
commented that letters have come in, in support of Haworth and
she would like the board to consider having them put up to be read.
Becky Asher said she is concerned about lack of classroom space
for Title I students. “Special Ed students need one-on-one
attention. If you are combining classrooms next year, would
you consider dedicated space?”
For information about the District or meetings of the Board,
contact Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Mike Tomlin,
at 208-462-3756 x 1012, or mtomlin@gvsd.net; or the Clerk of the
Board, Paula Fox, at 208-462-3756 x 1013, or pfox@gvsd.net.
Board contact information may be found at gvsd.net or http://www.garden.id.schoolwebpages.com/.
DAY ON THE HILL
Idaho school trustees, superintendents, board clerks, business managers, and others descended in concert on the Capitol to try to influence public education law. It is an annual event planned by the Idaho School Boards Association (ISBA).Garden Valley School District was represented by board chair, Terry Dee Elmore, Clerk and Business Manager, Paula Fox, and superintendent Tomlin. An estimated 200+ participated in the planned events,
and the presence and impact was noted regularly by legislators.
Activities kicked off Wednesday, with the Senate Education
Committee meeting. Public testimony was heard, regarding
education reform laws brought forth by state superintendent
Tom Luna. Later that evening, the participates sat in a briefing
on the impact the new laws likely would have on local districts.
Thursday morning started early, with the House Education
Committee meeting, followed by a luncheon with legislators.
Superintendent Tomlin was able to corral Lt. Governor Brad Little
for the District 71 Table, and the GV delegation had valuable
one-on-one conversations with the Lt. Governor.
“We talked rural and remote districts, local control and many
aspects of the new laws,” Tomlin reports. “We also laughed and
joked a bit, and visited about his upcoming appearance in Garden
Valley for Lincoln Days.
“But there were very serious conversations up and down the hall
too,” Tomlin reflected. “We voiced concern for Tom Luna and his
family, and all legislators who are faced with these difficult
decisions.”
Tomlin also shared that “we all worked hard on the funding issues.
Keeping Kindergarten funding is very important to us, along with
Luna’s plan to restore the teacher salary grid and increase teacher
pay. I think we made som
e headway, if the majority can just hangtight and move the reform laws forward.”
Paula Fox said, "I really enjoyed watching the parliamentary procedures with the legislation. It was so interesting to watch how everyone was so respectful of each other while they asked questions and discussed the motions in front of them.
"It was additionally interesting to hear of all the budgetary cuts in detail and how it ultimately impacts our school
district. They truly have difficult decisions ahead of them. As we
know, it will eventually be just as hard for our board of trustees,
when working on our next year’s budget. Each year, I enjoy the
process and enjoy the influences our district has, by participating. "
Terry Dee Elmore remarked that this year, it was a particularly
interesting Day on the Hill. "Both the Senate Education Committee
Meeting and the House Education Committee Meeting were geared
towards Mr. Luna's Student's Come First Plan. We were able to
watch the process of changes on a bill, section by section: To be
exact, Senate Bill 1069.
"I was excited to see the Lt. Governor, Brad Little, walk into our
Meet with Your Legislators Luncheon," continued Elmore. "There
was an empty spot next to me for the luncheon and Mr. Little sat
right by me. Now tell me how lucky I was to be able to 'listen' and
'learn' from a business person and of course, a politician, who soon
may be Governor. He has business sense and knows that 50% of
the state's funding goes towards education. He shared some great
ideas for the future of the education budget."
Taking time out of her work schedule to commit towards the
education of our school in Garden Valley and to all the children
in the state of Idaho is priceless, according to Elmore. "Thank you
to the taxpayers for allowing me this opportunity to allow rural
schools to have a voice with our legislatures."
Top photo: Representative Pete Nielsen and GV superintendent Mike Tomlin
discuss education reform bills being considered.
Middle: In the Senate Auditorium in Idaho’s State Capitol, GV Board Chair
Terry Dee Elmore, and Board Clerk and Business Manager Paula Fox, visit
with Superintendent Vickie Chandler of Bruneau-Grandview school distr
ictand two of her board members.
Lt. Governor Brad Little, and GV Board Chair Terry Elmore discuss education reform laws, over lunch.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Bill Johnson: Reading and Book Signing
Idaho's Writer-in-ResidenceBill Johnson - Writer/Poet/Author
Garden Valley Syringa Club and Friends of the Garden Valley Library are co-sponsoring a reading and book signing Thursday, March 17, at 7 pm, at the new Garden Valley Library.
The Writer-in-Residence program is sponsored by the Idaho Commission of the Arts. The writer, appointed by the Governor for a three-year term, visits communities around the state, to give public readings and to meet with community groups.
Bill Johnson will visit Garden Valley School's high school and middle school in the morning. He will then join the Syringa Club at the Senior Center, for a talk, at noon. Light lunch will be available for $4, seniors and $5, under 60. An evening reading and book signing at the new library will begin at 7 pm. There is NO CHARGE for this event.
For more information call 208-462-3317 or 208-462-3709 ~
Opinion: Why School Levy Failed in Garden Valley
By Rich SmithThe $450K GVSD two-year levy failed almost by a 2:1 ratio. The statistics resulting from this election are revealing: 583 voters cast 402 “no” votes and 181 people voted “yes” for the levy.
Eighteen months earlier, 988 voters cast ballots in which a $12.65M bond for new school passed with 760 “yes” votes and 220 “no” votes. While 405 fewer people voted in this levy election, almost twice as many “no” votes were cast against the levy than those cast against the bond. A low turnout also contributed to the outcome. Over 200 children attend GV School; I would have expected at least 300 parents to cast votes and most of them (besides teachers and staff) vote to approve the levy. Nevertheless, only 181 “yes” votes were cast.
Some say that all the Alamar turmoil in the county and the continuing hullabaloo in the school district itself contributed to the large “no” vote. Other reasons may also be responsible. The country is going through a “no more taxes” period of self-examination, and the overall mood is to control spending. Many voters I spoke with opted for a school that concentrates on the “3 R’s” and have little motivation to fund other programs.
The burden of growing taxes was also a contributor. A good look at our homeowner’s tax bills, already burdened by county taxes, various taxing districts, and School and Library bonds, also contributed to the large number of “no” votes: “Well, the levy may only be $100 more each year, but that’s on top of everything else.
The low turnout is more puzzling. Did a lack of advertising and patron apathy contribute? The levy was not as well advertised as was the bond and as a result many folks may have been unaware of the vote, while others simply remained unmotivated. Then again, many folks are not here during the winter months or were out of town at the time. Finally, the new process of absentee voting was more difficult than in previous elections and could account for the small numbers of absentee votes.
The bottom line is the community is in no mood to increase funding for the school, or any other public works now. The school trustees and administration must now figure out how to maintain the quality of education with less money, and that ultimately means less for the children. This will not be an easy task.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Jerusalem Wanderings Continue...
Ruth Richter relates enjoyment of interesting lunches, sites to see, and the Light Show:I believe Ron wrote earlier about having delicious lamb chops but bemoaned the fact that lambs need to have more of those little bitty chops since he didn’t get enough to eat. That was from our first night here when we went to the historic American Colony Hotel (a story in itself) and had dinner. Since this is our daughter, Ginger’s, favorite place to go for a meal, we had lunch there last Saturday sitting in the sunshine – too hot – and in the shade, a little bit cool - of the courtyard, with the birds singing in the trees, lovely blooming flowers and a burbling fountain.
This is all good stuff, but I’d not be anxious for the restaurants in Garden Valley – or even in Boise – to adopt the prices they charge any time soon. Ginger and I opted to have the business lunch which included soup or salad, the main course, dessert, and our non-alcoholic drink of choice, all for the magnificent price of $28.00. I ordered the lamb shank since I love lamb when the chef actually knows how to prepare it, and assumed it would be a proper lady-size portion of the lamb chop story previously related.
Not so, chops are small, shanks are BIG! Our jaws all dropped at this magnificent portion of meat I was being served all in a bowl by itself with my side of fried rice in another bowl. Well, it was melt in the mouth delicious, plenty to share with Ron, who was begging, and enough to bring home and make another meal out of it the next day. The price is sounding better, right? (Sorry, US
$130.00 is not sounding better to me. Not for a lunch and all he had was a salad.) Since my two companions didn’t begin to order their meal as cleverly as I did, no need to bore you with the details!
Earlier, we’d taken a taxi over to see the Church of All Nations, rather a famous and well-known landmark here since multiple nations including the U.S., Canada, and Great Britain contributed to build it in 1924. Once again, it was a rather gloomy interior, and I guess our preferences are for something more light and bright.
$130.00 is not sounding better to me. Not for a lunch and all he had was a salad.) Since my two companions didn’t begin to order their meal as cleverly as I did, no need to bore you with the details!Earlier, we’d taken a taxi over to see the Church of All Nations, rather a famous and well-known landmark here since multiple nations including the U.S., Canada, and Great Britain contributed to build it in 1924. Once again, it was a rather gloomy interior, and I guess our preferences are for something more light and bright.
Right beside it is the Garden of Gethsemane. When visitin
g such a country as Israel, one feels a bit duty-bound to see a lot of these sites but it’s hard to know what your expectation should be. As I’m sure in Jesus’ time, the Garden of Gethsemane was really just this little plot of earth which when we saw it, happened to be all turned earth waiting for spring planting of flowers, one presumes. The olive trees, however, are obviously very old and the guide book indicates they likely would have been there in Jesus' time.
Ginger had gotten us tickets to see the “night show” at The Citadel, which is just inside the Old City and part of the city wall. We’d not gone to see the place in the daytime and she didn’t tell us what was meant by night show, so we innocently walked in expecting to see maybe something glitzy and colorful. What we were treated to was truly beyond description and to understand the magnificence and reality of it, you’d have to be there.
g such a country as Israel, one feels a bit duty-bound to see a lot of these sites but it’s hard to know what your expectation should be. As I’m sure in Jesus’ time, the Garden of Gethsemane was really just this little plot of earth which when we saw it, happened to be all turned earth waiting for spring planting of flowers, one presumes. The olive trees, however, are obviously very old and the guide book indicates they likely would have been there in Jesus' time.Ginger had gotten us tickets to see the “night show” at The Citadel, which is just inside the Old City and part of the city wall. We’d not gone to see the place in the daytime and she didn’t tell us what was meant by night show, so we innocently walked in expecting to see maybe something glitzy and colorful. What we were treated to was truly beyond description and to understand the magnificence and reality of it, you’d have to be there.
We walked in and all through the beautiful limestone mostly in ruins area, which started out in the 1st century as a palace for Herod the Great. Over the years since then, it’s been added to as well as crumbled here and there. So, th
e show began and one can only say it was the best motion picture show depicting thousands of years of history that one is ever likely to see, all of which was displayed on the existing edifices of The Citadel, which became the motion picture screen, and it was virtually like being transported back to whatever time they were representing at that moment.
There was wonderful music throbbing throughout the presentation and you could see people and animals that appeared to be actually walking through the various scenes, so that from time to time, I found myself trying to figure out if it was some stray tourist walking about or was it part of the presentation. This was truly a memorable happening and one to reflect on over and over. (I liken it to sitting on the bank of the Colorado River in the bottom of the Grand Canyon watching a motion picture on the walls of the canyon on the far side or the same in Bryce Canyon.)
e show began and one can only say it was the best motion picture show depicting thousands of years of history that one is ever likely to see, all of which was displayed on the existing edifices of The Citadel, which became the motion picture screen, and it was virtually like being transported back to whatever time they were representing at that moment.There was wonderful music throbbing throughout the presentation and you could see people and animals that appeared to be actually walking through the various scenes, so that from time to time, I found myself trying to figure out if it was some stray tourist walking about or was it part of the presentation. This was truly a memorable happening and one to reflect on over and over. (I liken it to sitting on the bank of the Colorado River in the bottom of the Grand Canyon watching a motion picture on the walls of the canyon on the far side or the same in Bryce Canyon.)
The Wine Tour
On Sunday, the American Consulate had arranged a wine tour for those who wished to participate, and off we went to see these wineries with both Ron and myself being somewhat dubious about how they might actually grow grapes in what we’d seen of Israel at this point.
On Sunday, the American Consulate had arranged a wine tour for those who wished to participate, and off we went to see these wineries with both Ron and myself being somewhat dubious about how they might actually grow grapes in what we’d seen of Israel at this point.
The wineries are located in the Judean
Hills and actually these come close to
rivaling some of the mountains surrounding Garden Valley.
The drive itself was the pleasure of the day for me. In our big bus, we wound around narrow mountain roads looking up to higher places to go, and down into deep ravines, with one even having a lovely, clear mountain stream running through it. The trees and foliage were mostly green and there was quite a lot of it. As Ginger pointed out, this is about as green as Israel is ever going to get – so enjoy it!
When we arrived at the first winery, we were met by a man who has a one-person operation going, with the assistance of his wife and one helper. He’s a retired film writer from Hollywood, but I would have said Jewish through and through. He went on at some length about the wine-making process as he defines it. He was definitely doing his own thing, I’d say, and not necessarily following the standard guidelines. This was the one winery of the three we saw that doesn’t make kosher wine (what should be a strenuous process). He said , “My wine isn’t kosher because I choose to drive on Saturday.” I find that a very funny comment but think it’s far from accurate.
When we arrived at the first winery, we were met by a man who has a one-person operation going, with the assistance of his wife and one helper. He’s a retired film writer from Hollywood, but I would have said Jewish through and through. He went on at some length about the wine-making process as he defines it. He was definitely doing his own thing, I’d say, and not necessarily following the standard guidelines. This was the one winery of the three we saw that doesn’t make kosher wine (what should be a strenuous process). He said , “My wine isn’t kosher because I choose to drive on Saturday.” I find that a very funny comment but think it’s far from accurate.
We proceeded to do some serious wine tasting of about six different wines and enjoyed a lovely setup of bread, cheeses (I don’t usually care that much for cheese but they have some wonderful stuff here) and the typical chopped up tomatoes and cucumbers, along with olive oil to dip the bread into. Never mind the wine-tasting, I was just enjoying the great food!
The second winery was a much grander setup – and kosher. Kosher means it’s suitable for the most orthodox Jews to use, and their eating and drinking all has to be prepared in kosher conditions. It’s so kosher that a Jewish person was with us, besides the person giving the tour, also Jewish but not so orthodox, who was just there to observe that our “unclean” hands and bodies did not touch anything – the oak barrels, the stainless steel massive containers. If we did touch anything, that lot of wine would be contaminated and no longer acceptable. This time we were all seated at a long table with wooden cutting boards filled with more cheeses, and a big assortment of vegetables, and a basket of bread to pass. We were noting that the red and yellow peppers here have this wonderful sweet taste, much sweeter and tasty than what we’re used to at home.
It’s a good thing we had a big bus and a driver, since by now we’d sampled quite a lot of wine – and there were lots of clanking bottles of wine being loaded onto the bus by the various participants. Since it would be difficult for us to bring any wine back and never mind we typically buy boxed wine, we weren’t among the folks making big expenditures.
And on we went to the final winery, which was located on a kibbutz; though without someone explaining that to us, we really couldn’t note what that meant particularly. Our winemaker guide here was probably not Jewish, but married to a Jewish woman. He had flaming red hair and a distinct accent which we later learned was because he was a South African and came from their wonderful wine region. He was a bit sacrilegious in his comments, which I thought was interesting, but his main item he pointed out to us was that we’d been drinking almost exclusively at all three wineries only red wines – merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel – with few white wines. According to him, the Jewish people don’t like white wines and are not really willing to give them a chance since from birth, on Shabbat (the Sabbath for them), which begins at 6 p.m. on Friday night and ends on Saturday night at the same time, they always have some red wine with their meal.
All this time, we had basically been circling around the edges of Jerusalem. When they refer to the “Hills of Jerusalem” they’re not kidding. This is one very hilly, bordering on
mountainous, city. Interesting to all of you will be the fact that the elevation is almost the same as what we have in Garden Valley, right at 3,000 feet. This means the weather at least at this time of the year is considerably cooler than it is at places like the Dead Sea, which is something like 1200 feet BELOW sea level.
The second winery was a much grander setup – and kosher. Kosher means it’s suitable for the most orthodox Jews to use, and their eating and drinking all has to be prepared in kosher conditions. It’s so kosher that a Jewish person was with us, besides the person giving the tour, also Jewish but not so orthodox, who was just there to observe that our “unclean” hands and bodies did not touch anything – the oak barrels, the stainless steel massive containers. If we did touch anything, that lot of wine would be contaminated and no longer acceptable. This time we were all seated at a long table with wooden cutting boards filled with more cheeses, and a big assortment of vegetables, and a basket of bread to pass. We were noting that the red and yellow peppers here have this wonderful sweet taste, much sweeter and tasty than what we’re used to at home.
It’s a good thing we had a big bus and a driver, since by now we’d sampled quite a lot of wine – and there were lots of clanking bottles of wine being loaded onto the bus by the various participants. Since it would be difficult for us to bring any wine back and never mind we typically buy boxed wine, we weren’t among the folks making big expenditures.
And on we went to the final winery, which was located on a kibbutz; though without someone explaining that to us, we really couldn’t note what that meant particularly. Our winemaker guide here was probably not Jewish, but married to a Jewish woman. He had flaming red hair and a distinct accent which we later learned was because he was a South African and came from their wonderful wine region. He was a bit sacrilegious in his comments, which I thought was interesting, but his main item he pointed out to us was that we’d been drinking almost exclusively at all three wineries only red wines – merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel – with few white wines. According to him, the Jewish people don’t like white wines and are not really willing to give them a chance since from birth, on Shabbat (the Sabbath for them), which begins at 6 p.m. on Friday night and ends on Saturday night at the same time, they always have some red wine with their meal.
All this time, we had basically been circling around the edges of Jerusalem. When they refer to the “Hills of Jerusalem” they’re not kidding. This is one very hilly, bordering on
mountainous, city. Interesting to all of you will be the fact that the elevation is almost the same as what we have in Garden Valley, right at 3,000 feet. This means the weather at least at this time of the year is considerably cooler than it is at places like the Dead Sea, which is something like 1200 feet BELOW sea level.As I write this, Ron and I have had one last walk around the Old City for him, as he prepares to fly out of here later this Monday evening. We had a lovely lunch of an Israeli Breakfast, different at every café, but quite a fascinating assembly of food.
Today’s breakfast, costing right around $30 for the two of us, consisted of an omelet with the works, the inevitable bowl of chopped tomatoes and cucumbers with some kind of a light dressing, a big basket of a variety of br
ead (which we happily had bagged up for us and brought back to the apartment), a big glass of juice and our choice of the kind, a hot drink of our choice, and a tray of lovely dollops of sour cream (with a zing), cream cheese way creamier than we get it, olives, an avocado paste, hummus, and something we didn’t identify, wrapped in a grape leaf, plus a slice of eggplant marinated with some kind of stuffing. This was a lot of food and actually quite good value for the money. Remember just the cappuccino or other coffee of choice and the juice are quite costly in the U.S. I’m getting very fond of this Israeli breakfast!
ead (which we happily had bagged up for us and brought back to the apartment), a big glass of juice and our choice of the kind, a hot drink of our choice, and a tray of lovely dollops of sour cream (with a zing), cream cheese way creamier than we get it, olives, an avocado paste, hummus, and something we didn’t identify, wrapped in a grape leaf, plus a slice of eggplant marinated with some kind of stuffing. This was a lot of food and actually quite good value for the money. Remember just the cappuccino or other coffee of choice and the juice are quite costly in the U.S. I’m getting very fond of this Israeli breakfast! ~
Photos, top to bottom: 1. Armenian Quarter 2. Children in Armenian Quarter.
3. Garden of Gethsemane 4. Tomb of Mary 5. Jaffa Gate Entrance 6. Street Scene
7. Cemeteries Mount Olive.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Mike The Movie Guy: Big Sale This Week-End!
INVENTORY REDUCTION SALE
Garden Valley Video-DVD
~
* NEED TO MAKE MORE ROOM--The Store is getting crowded *
~
Would You Like To Help Us & Save Some Money?
** 1,000 movies for sale ** 1,000 movies for sale **
Most Movies $5 !
~
Coldest Pop In Town ON SALE
Movie Posters ON SALE
Candy ON SALE
~
Movies Available from the following areas and more...
~
~~~~KIDS & FAMILY~~~~FOREIGN~~~~BRITISH~~~~
SCARY MOVIES~~~~HORROR FILMS~~~~ADVENTURE
MUSIC & MUSICALS~~~~COMEDY~~~~MATURE 18 & OLDER
OUT OF THE COMIC BOOKS~~BATMAN, ETC~~~SCI-FI
THE FLICKS INDEPENDENT FILMS~~RARE HARD TO FIND
~HOURS~
FRIDAY after 5pm till 7pm
SATURDAY 12 noon till 7pm
SUNDAY 12 noon till 4pm
~
~NEW MOVIES OUT
IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS~
Mike the Movie Guy Suggests For Your Consideration
The Following Movies~
~
The last Movies based on the novels of Stieg Larsson
The GIRL who KICKED THE HORNET'S NEST rated R (129 min.)
If you enjoyed the other two international movies,
You will be fully engaged with this film. 4 stars, almost 5
~
The GIRL with the DRAGON TATTOO R International
The GIRL who PLAYED WITH FIRE R International
~
PILLARS of the EARTH "Mini-Series" (2010) (428 min.)
Based on the world-wide best selling book by Ken Follett.
A historic EPIC, they do not make them like this anymore!
3 discs * Each Disc Rented Individually *
It's really wonderful. GREAT CAST. INTERESTING STORY.
Takes place in 1200 AD--Yes, it could be true.
At times you want to yell at the screen: LOOK OUT!
~
MORNING GLORY Rated PG-13 (107 min.) COMEDY
starring
Rachel McAdams, Harrison Ford and Diane Keaton.
McAdams has a dream job running a TV show
until her star co-anchors Ford & Keaton turn it into a nightmare
by declaring an all-out, on-air war
with each other. Making the show work will take a major miracle.
~
THE NEXT THREE DAYS rated PG-13 (122 min.) THRILLER
Russell Crowe as John Brennan decides he must
break his wife out of prison three years after her conviction
for murder. Facing impossible odds,
he risks everything for the woman he loves. The cast includes:
Elizabeth Banks, Brian Dennehy and Liam Neeson.
~
AUTUMN WHAT IF ? rated R (110 min.) SCI-FI HORROR
This Autumn, the darkness will come.
An airborne virus ravages the planet.
A few survivors gather together.
When the gruesome dead start to re-animate,
they become more aggressive.
You can't wait to see what happens next!
~
BURLESQUE rated PG -13 (119 min.) MUSICAL DRAMA
This one stars CHER & CHRISTINA AGUILER.
Jam-packed with visually stunning musical numbers.
Small town girl goes to the big city
for her chance at stardom.
~
GET LOW rated PG-13 (103 min.) DRAMA?
This is the movie everyone has wanted to see.
Robert Duvall, Sissy Spacek, Bill Murray.
Do I need to say more?
FUNNY & TOUCHING, pure pleasure.
If I tell you too much, it won't be fair to you.
~
MORE MOVIES IN THIS WEEK
~
127 HOURS
THE BLEEDING
FASTER
FELICITY
KILLING JAR
LOVE AND OTHER DRUGS
STONE
~
Garden Valley Video-DVD
522 S. Middle Fork Road
Downtown Crouch/Garden Valley
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