Taking Off for Britain!

Stile in Salisbury, England
Photo by Angel

Contributed by Ruth Richter

Three couples living in the same division in Garden Valley got together last week for dinner and a discussion of traveling in Great Britain.  Three of the people will be taking a trip to that country during the month of March and two of them are fulfilling one of the items on their Bucket List, which is to visit England and Scotland. 

The third, this writer, Ruth Richter, is just always willing to travel anyplace and everywhere but particularly to Great Britain and this will be her fifth trip there.  Two of the people have lived in England, one being a Brit and the other a Limey Lover--if you believe her email address … and I do! 

The sixth in the group, my husband, Ron, is staying put in Garden Valley and will be the keeper of two dogs and a cat while we’re gone.  So it goes when one person in a couple likes to do something and the other one has no interest at all.

We had all kinds of chatter going during the evening about what roads we should travel, what were the highlights of each of the areas we were going to be in, what we MUST eat in each region, how to drive on the left hand side of the road, or the “wrong side” as we Americans like to say, and generally great anticipation of a much-awaited trip!

We plan to arrive in London Saturday morning March 2, rent a car, drive to Cornwall, all in our first day there.  We’ve rented a car and three women will be sure to scream loudly when our one male, driver Ken Patterson, strays into the wrong lane. Ken’s the assigned driver, Ruth is the navigator, Marla [Patterson] will handle the money, and Ken’s sister, Bonnie, will lay out our options of what to do the next day, as we relax in the evenings. 

We’ll be staying in housekeeping cottages throughout the month, other than a couple of B&Bs for short stays several places.  Housekeeping cottages are a charming way to see the country, since they give us a central spot to stay for a few days or a week and then we can journey out each day in a different direction to see anything and everything. 

We’ve purchased National Trust passes, which allow us to tour houses, castles, gardens, museums without paying the individual fees at each place.  With the cottage stays, we have space to move around in, usually a garden to enjoy, a living room and kitchen plus bedrooms, usually very interesting and sometimes challenging bathroom facilities, often very old edifices--as in hundreds of years--and we can prepare our own meals if we choose, do our laundry, and not lug suitcases with us all the time.  And, hey, it’s cheaper too!

We’ll be going to Cornwall, the Cotswolds, Wales, the Lake District and Scotland, ending back in the London area with a tour of the city the day before we fly out.  No articles will be written during our travels, but notes will be taken and memories made, and if there’s interest, Ruth will be happy to share in writing some of the experiences, the mistakes that are made, what really was a hit, funny incidents, and whether or not we actually get to see “Doc Martin” in Port Isaac, otherwise known as Portwenn.

Meanwhile, to whet your travelin' shoes, Angel will mentally keep up with us, by giving you tidbits of her own UK travels. So if you dream of Britain but have never been there, or if you dream of it because you've been there, we hope you will enjoy vicariously traveling with us.

Public’s Help Sought in Swan Poaching Case

      Fish and Game is asking the public for information regarding the poaching of a trumpeter swan near the Boise River just west of Star. The swan was probably shot Friday evening, February 22^nd.

Photo credit: Matt O'Connell, IDFG

      Citizens Against Poaching (CAP) is offering a reward for information in the case and callers can remain anonymous. Contact CAP at 1-800-632-5999 twenty four hours a day.

      At more than 20 pounds, and with a wingspan of eight feet, the trumpeter swan is the largest waterfowl in North America and the largest swan in the world. There is no hunting season on trumpeter swans in Idaho.

      Responding to the initial report, Fish and Game district conservation officer Matt O’Connell found the poached swan at the edge of a pond near Bent Lane. Evidence was collected at the scene, and O’Connell was able to interview witnesses, but he hopes to learn more about the case from others who have knowledge of the poaching incident. “I am very interested in visiting with anyone who has information regarding this poached swan,” O’Connell stated.

      In addition to the CAP hotline, persons may also contact their local Fish and Game office with information regarding this case.

- IDFG -

Melted Water Lines Extinguish Crouch Museum Fire

  Crouch City Clerk, Kim Bosse, closed up the City Museum office in the Syringa Building at 6:30 p.m., on Sunday, January 20. The next morning, she let herself in as usual, placed her bag on the desk, and noticed her finger left a clear mark on the wall.  

  Upon flicking the light switch, she was dismayed to notice that the newly painted rooms were presenting a rather ghoulish Halloween effect. “Black soot was growing all around the wall paneling and doors, with black string all over,” she says, “I figured out we’d had a fire!”

  Bosse cried “help” to contractor, Scott Leslie, of Castle Mountain Homes, who confirmed there had been a fire under the floor, in the cabin section, near the back bathroom. He says, “It started with the wiring to one of the heaters, then caught the Styrofoam insulation and smoked up.” The old PVC water lines were melted and extinguished the flames.

  The city clerk says, “I felt sorry for the guys crawling around down there. They were right in the mess where the neighborhood cats go potty. We can’t close it off.”

  Damage below the floor involved a large section of burnt-off old wiring; the bottom side of the flooring was toasted, but not severely; PVC pipes were broken and melted; and the joists were smoking. The black string that conjures a horror film is not really string at all. Scott Leslie clarifies: “It’s the ionization of the plastic—positive and negative charges just coming together.”

 “Mostly, it’s just been a big mess to clean up,” explains Bosse. “The plastic tarp under the flooring created toxic acid, which got into the office machines—they’re getting cleaned. The walls are smoky, as are all the pictures. As soon as we get the insurance adjuster here, we will raise the floor joists, which are fine, and put in the foundation.”

  Scott Leslie and Kim Bosse agree that the amount of the damage was at $33K. Castle Mountain Homes has been involved with the plans for restoring the old library building, renamed The Syringa Building, which houses the Crouch Museum and City offices.

  According to Mr. Leslie, Castle Mountain Homes is the only certified restoration company--as far as he knows—in Boise County. “We have ozone and filtration machines running,” he says, “and within thirty days, we’ll have it looking brand new again.”

 

All Roads Lead to Granny’s $3 Bag Sale

     Her little gem of a shop is a scavenger’s dream—there is not much you won’t find here at one time or another. Continuing this week (3/1-3/2), fill a paper or plastic bag full of clothing, shoes, belts, gloves, hats, unmentionables, jammies, and scarves, and pay Granny 3 bucks.

  Be sure to pick up those little things you need at home—sewing, linens, dishes and glasses, toys and hardware. Open Fridays, 12-5, and Saturdays, 11-4.

  Donations from her generous patrons are what she lives for, but please, no TVs. Her grannies are not decrepit, being tough mountain women, but these televisions put them through motions not needed. All televisions go to the dump and why trouble your sweet grannies, who work so hard to wash and mend and sort and display the merchandise they offer at so little cost. So, NO TVs, PLEEZE!

  FREE TAX SERVICE: Dan Gasiorowski, tax-aide volunteer for AARP Foundation, will do your taxes and e-file them for you. Assistance will also be offered for you to receive your Idaho Grocery Credit. Bring all documents to the Center, on Wednesday, February 27, at 2:00 p.m. Call Judy if you need information, 462-3943.

Breakfast at the Center is a great place to meet your
buddies and get caught up. Or just stop in for a cuppa.

  DINNER is on the way home, at the Senior Center, every Wednesday and Friday, so why cook? Bring the family at family prices: $4, kids under 12; $5, over 60, as suggested donation only; and $6, under 60. The Center offers comfy, relaxed dining with friends.

  Home Delivered Meals are available at no cost, so no reason for house-bound folk to go hungry—we deliver seven meals a week. Call Judy.

   BREAKFAST is always ready for you on Thursday morning, at 9:30, at low prices: $3, kids, $4, suggested donation for over 60; under 60, $5. All beverages included.

    Exercise for free with Ione and the girls—well, it’s not just for girls, but no boys have shown their bums here to move and groove…yet…but covered bums, boyz! Wear loose clothing—it’s easy but seriously efficient and happens every Tuesday and Thursday, at 3:00 p.m.

  Rent this building—for your tea party, fashion show, or regular meetings. Reasonable prices make it even more palatable – Judy will be happy to help you figure it out.

  The Center is open Wednesdays and Fridays, noon til 7, and Thursdays, 8-11. Bring in your laptop and use our free wifi. If you’d like to relax in the Center during Granny’s hours, let them know. Reach us at 462-3943 or gvseniors@frontiernet.net. We are located at 261 S. Middle Fork Rd, Crouch/GV.

  Volunteers are welcome at this Center for all Ages, and we can always use the skill of handypersons. Come on in!

 

Don Gibson Inducted into Boy Scout Hall of Fame

  Fifty eight years ago, Don Gibson made a decision to devote a significant portion of his life to teaching America’s youth the traditional values of the Boy Scouts. In recognition of his years of adult leadership with the Boy Scouts of America in Idaho and other states, Garden Valley’s Donald Wayne Gibson was inducted into the Hall of Fame, the highest honor given to a select few adult volunteers, by the Ore-Ida Boy Scout Council.

  Gibson, a resident of Garden Valley, received the Hall of Fame Award at a banquet Saturday evening, February 9, in the Simplot Ballroom of the Student Union, on the Boise State University Campus. Gibson was accompanied by his daughter, Deanna Gibson, his Eagle Scout grandson, Dillon Lawley, and other family friends.

  Ore-Ida Council Chief Executive, David Kemper, inducted Gibson into the Hall of Fame, saying, “The Boy Scouts of America would not exist without men like Don Gibson. Boy Scouts is an all-volunteer organization, devoted to teaching young boys the traditional values and high ethical standards men like Don Gibson have lived their entire lives.”

  Vandye Forrester, Gibson’s friend and Ore-Ida Council Unit Commissioner for Garden Valley and Cascade, says that to obtain eligibility for the Hall of Fame is a lengthy and challenging task, spanning many decades of Boy Scout service. He says, “To even be considered for the Hall of Fame, adult Boy Scout volunteer leader candidates must have already earned many other top service-based leadership awards, including the coveted Silver Beaver, the District Award of Merit, Wood Badge Beads, the Silver Commissioner’s Arrowhead, Scoutmaster, Troop Committee Chair, Friends of Scouting volunteer, District Training Committee, to name just a few.”

10-year-old cub, Don Gibson, poses for mom,
 at 1121 Madison Street, in
Waukesha,Wisconsin, 1946.

  To achieve this level of service takes many years; Gibson celebrated fifty-eight years as an adult volunteer Boy Scout leader on September 15, 2012. Prior to his own retirement and to congratulate Gibson for his service, then National Chief Scout Executive Robert Mazzuca, in 2012, sent a personal letter to Gibson thanking and congratulating him for his decades of selfless service to America’s Boy Scouts.

  Don is retired from the United States Government, Department of the Navy, where he was a program manager in Deep Ocean Technology, Ocean Engineering for programs the details of which are still classified, for national security reasons. He was awarded numerous Federal and Naval honors and certificates, during his career in the Department of the Navy.

  Gibson and his wife, Maudine, raised three children and helped raise four grandchildren.  Two sons and one grandson were and are Scouts. Don’s long life in Scouting began in his home town of Waukesha, Wisconsin, where his Mother was a Den Leader and his father was the Scoutmaster.

 Vandye Forrester says of his friend, “Don’s many Scout uniform knots worn proudly over his heart tell the story of five decades of loyal service. He had tears in his eyes up there on the stage, taking his well deserved place among the heavy hitters of the 5,500 adult Boy Scout leaders in Idaho.”

TALENT SHOW FRIDAY NIGHT!

Volunteers Needed to Plant for Wildlife

Idaho Fish and Game – Exactly Like No Other State Agency…

Evin Oneale

February 19, 2013

  

      Idaho Fish and Game is looking for volunteers to plant thousands of sagebrush and bitterbrush seedlings during March at a number of locations across southern Idaho.

      Volunteer planting projects begin on Saturday, March 2, 2013. Subsequent planting efforts will be conducted on March 9, 16, 23 and 30. Transportation and planting tools will be provided.

      For more information regarding the planting project or to learn about other volunteer opportunities with Fish and Game, contact volunteer coordinator Michael Young at 327-7095 or michael.young@idfg.idaho.gov. Volunteer information is also available on the agency’s website at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/about/volunteer/

      Volunteers have planted nearly three quarters of a million bitterbrush and sagebrush seedlings during the past 23 years to restore native bitterbrush and sagebrush habitats in Southwest Idaho. In addition to saving the agency hundreds of thousands of dollars, volunteers have restored hundreds of acres of winter range.

      Bitterbrush and sagebrush – both native shrubs – comprise an important component of big game winter ranges in Idaho and throughout the west. Besides providing essential food sources for deer, elk and other wildlife, bitterbrush and sagebrush provide cover from the elements and from predators, while also providing nesting habitat for birds and small mammals. 

       Even large animals like deer and elk find shelter among mature stands of bitterbrush and sagebrush during winter storms. Shrubs provide protection from wind and snow, allowing the animals to conserve precious body fat which they need to survive the lean winter months. Because of their deep-rooted structure, native shrubs provide for soil stabilization, reducing erosion.

- IDFG

Black Dog Found in Garden Valley

SMALL BLACK DOG FOUND

 BANKS LOWMAN ROAD, GARDEN VALLEY

NEAR SKINNY DIPPER HOT SPRINGS

WEARING RED COLLAR

VERY SWEET DOG WHO MUST

BE MISSING HIS FRIENDS!

CALL 602-6661

Desirea Goff Earns Distinguished Student Award

  Each week throughout the school year, Channel 7 KTVB profiles one outstanding high school senior. Students from the Southwest, East, North, and South Central parts of Idaho are chosen by the United Dairymen of Idaho, from nominations based on student achievements. School principals, counselors and/or teachers are the only people eligible to nominate a student.

   On Thursday, January 31, KTVB aired an interview with Desirea Goff, who is a senior at Garden Valley High School and the latest choice for the Distinguished Student Award in Southwest Idaho.

  Goff was recognized as a well-rounded senior who excels as a leader in academics, athletics, volunteerism and extra-curricular activities. She earns straight-As and is number one in her class, while holding a week-end job caring for a couple of adults with mental disabilities.

  Ms. Goff has been a Wolverine star on the volleyball courts, and coaches from the Long Pin League voted her in as the league MVP. She has put in over five-hundred hours of community service and has sent thousands of dollars worth of coupons to military families at a United States base in Italy, saying, “They do a ton for us—a lot of times it goes unnoticed.”

  This accomplished young woman plans to achieve a university degree in Business, with the intent of being a midwife. “Most of my family members have had their children at home—my mom had all four kids at home. I think there’s something very special in this.”

  Kristin Goff says she is thankful that she and her husband, Pat Goff, made the decision to put Desirea in Garden Valley School four years ago, as they reside in Horseshoe Bend. “It was a hard decision, but ended up being a real good one,” she says. “We feel that Desirae is ready for the challenge of college because of her hard work and dedication. Also, because of the great high school teachers that have helped her along and given her the opportunity to take about twelve credits worth of college already.”

   The Goffs want to thank the United Dairymen for picking their daughter out of the nominations. They are grateful to Doug Petcash, of KTVB, and his cameraman, for being professional and down to earth with Desirae: “They did a great job and made her feel comfortable.” 

   “I just want to say that it's an honor to have received the award,” says Desirea Goff. “I want to thank my teachers and the GV School District, but more importantly, my parents and family for their support in whatever activity, sport, or project I happened to take on. I would especially like to thank my grandma and her coffee friends for helping me with my couponing for the military families. It was awesome to see all of the kind words from everyone, after the interview aired.” 

  Ms. Goff will receive a plaque which will highlight her achievement. Her school will be awarded $100 for its general academic fund, from Idaho’s Farm Families. At the end of the school year, one student will receive a $5K scholarship.

CROUCH BRIDGE PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE

PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

4:30 - 6:30

OLD CROUCH COMMUNITY HALL

1022 OLD CROUCH ROAD IN CROUCH

THE COUNTY INVITES YOU TO ATTEND

A PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE MEETING TO

VIEW DISPLAYS OF THE PROPOSED

STEEL TRUSS BRIDGE AND SUBMIT

COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS

THOSE NEEDING INTERPRETATION OR SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS

ARE URGED TO CALL

208-334-4444 OR TDD/TDY 208-334-4458

Garden Valley Market for your Valentine!



Lloyd Ingle knows how to treat his sweetie!



Ready for a special Valentine’s Dinner next week?  We are bringing in 6-7 oz Lobster Tails and will pair with New York Steaks for your convenience.  Fresh Salmon and Cod will once again be available this weekend, as well as Fresh Vegetables and Greens found in our Produce department.

With Valentines approaching, check out our selection of card/candy packs for school kids and school parties, as well as gifts and candies for that special someone.  Silk Roses as well as fresh flowers also available - Fresh Roses courtesy of Syringa Floral and Gifts and will be available next week.



The Market is running a very good 30-day Flyer this month (although Feb only has 28 days!).  Many Western Family products are on sale with great savings.  Some examples include:

WF Gourmet Dog Food 5.5 oz can  3 for $1

Western Family assorted cat food 5.5 oz can  3 for $1

Blue Diamond Almonds 2 for $5

Western Family Good Choice Cereal 21 oz   2 for $6

Western Family 32 oz Pasta $1.99

Ghirardelli Brownie Mixes  18 – 20oz box 2 for $5

Cotton Balls 300 count $1

Toothbrushes $1

WF Milk of Magnesia 12 oz $3

You'll see that we will begin building up our inventory as we approach Spring, as well as introduce new items we know you'll enjoy. One of those is the K-Cup refills for those with Keurig K-cup coffee makers.  Dawson Taylor has been our house coffee since we moved into the new building and they are introducing some new flavors into our section.  You can buy the whole beans or freshly ground.

We look forward to your next visit,

Greg and Gerold

Garden Valley Market

Sleigh & Trail Rides in Garden Valley

After getting kabibbles of apples from the photographer,
Duke and Rocky smile readily at the camera, with
mom, Mary Jo Dawson.

  A family sits inside the hut, warmed by the stove, hot cider, and the bright red tablecloths. Outside, nine-degrees are chilling noses and causing Duke and Rocky to stamp their hooves and snort out clouds of hot breath--ready to go.

  Groups of fun-seekers are dividing themselves into the two sleighs, bundling up and snuggling together. Then they’re off, creating a Currier and Ives picture against the rise of the fir-covered mountains.

  Mary Jo Dawson leads in the first sleigh, holding the reins of Duke and Rocky. “They are my babysitter team—super gentle,” she says, “I’ve rented the land from John Tucker and Jim Mills, and we don’t go by the river because it’s too dangerous for the horses. We drop hay from the wagon and elk come in to feed, so patrons get up and close to them…but just when you think the elk are trained, they don’t show up--which reminds you they’re really wild.”

  Dawson has been running Garden Valley Trail Rides for a long time, but this is the first year she’s offering winter sleigh rides. “The trail rides are a hard business,” she confides, “I don’t really make enough to cover the hay. I was dreading the decision to do this in the winter, with the cold and having to use different teams—I keep the same teams hooked up all day in the summer. Surprisingly, we’ve had wonderful weather, with no wind—just gorgeous—and I’m making enough to pay for the hay all year! Hubby is happy, horses are happy, I’m happy. It took me forty years to figure it out. I had thought maybe I should start a non-profit…now it pays for itself.”

  Dawson has 5,000 sleigh rides booked for the season, most of which she attributes to Groupon, a deal-of-the-day website that features discount gift certificates. She says she encourages patrons to visit Crouch and directs them to use Old Crouch Road, rather than the Middle Fork. “That way they get to see some of the old homesteads, the new library and cross the river on the old bridge—it’s a taste of the history.

  “I also have a deal with Wild Bill’s Coffee and Bistro, and business has been good for him. I’ve found that 75% of the people that come for the trail rides don’t know about the town of Crouch—they have no clue it’s here.”

  Garden Valley Trail Rides are available from May to the first week of November. Dawson says the rides are geared for inexperienced riders and can be taken for one-and-a-half hours or three hours. She has twenty-two horses and eighteen trail horses, which she says are all very gentle.

  The rides begin on the north side of Banks Lowman Road, across from Schoolhouse Gulch. They stick to old logging roads, with no vehicles allowed. “The creek runs through July,” says Dawson, “and the trails have wild life and great views.”

  While the snow and chill are still here, you can find Mary Jo Dawson and her sleighs, by turning down the Severance road, on the south side of Banks Lowman Road ~ look for the signs. She is expecting a fancy, vis-à-vis sleigh for Valentine’s Day, so romance will definitely be in the wintry air that week. For reservations, call 208-462-3451.

 

 

Garden Valley Welcomes Spinners

                                                                 14^th Annual

                                           

 GARDEN VALLEY FIBER FREAKS

                                WINTER BLUES SPIN-IN

                              Sunday, February 17, 2013 Crouch Community Hall

                                                  10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Oil your wheel and get out your fiber!  It’s almost time to spin away the
winter blues! The annual Garden Valley Fiber Freaks Winter Blues Spin-in will be held Sunday, February 17, 2012 at the Crouch Community Hall, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm.  All spinners and drop-ins are welcome. 

Please bring a sack lunch and finger food dish to share (no crockpots, no cooking allowed).   For your convenience, soup, sandwiches and finger food items may be purchased at the nearby Garden Valley Market, Wild Bill’s Coffee and Bistro,  the Longhorn Restaurant, and the Coffee Lodge, in the Old Mercantile Craft Mall.  Also bring a fiber-related, wrapped gift.  Bring your show and tell items.  And bring news of other workshops, spin-ins and fiber conferences.

There is a $5 donation for spinners, $15 donation for vendors.  Coffee, tea and hot chocolate will be provided.

Directions:  From Boise take Hwy 55 north to Banks (19 miles north of Horseshoe Bend), turn right onto Hwy 17 (Banks-Lowman Road) towards Lowman.  Take a left turn (9 miles up-river) into the town of Crouch.  Bear right when you get to the center of town.  The Community Hall is next to the Trading Post and across the street from the Old Crouch Mercantile Exchange (formerly the Merc).  Come early and have breakfast at one of the local restaurants.  Enjoy the snow (if there is any!) and the lovely ride up, but drive carefully.  

For further information call Jo 462-3797, Kathy 462-8092, Georgianna 462-3709 or Margaret 365-7650.

Albertson Foundation calls for proposals for new school model

 Opportunity created for innovative school project in Idaho

PTECH school model partners with industry, higher education to prepare students for careers in leading industries

BOISE – February 4, 2013 – An innovative new form of school concept that links students with their futures is coming to Idaho. The J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation today released a $5 million Request for Proposals (RFP) for applications from school districts and charter operators to create a new form of school somewhere in Idaho.

Idaho has set a goal of seeing 60 percent of its students complete some form of postsecondary education by 2020. Education and business leaders have identified that Idaho needs an increased number of workforce development strategies to prepare Idaho’s students to succeed in a postsecondary setting or career of their choice. Time is of the essence: Recent reports show that the fastest-growing high wage jobs require at least some postsecondary education. But Idaho ranks 40^th nationally for students who progress from the 9^th grade all the way through college, according to the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems.

That goal inspired the Foundation’s Pathways to College and Careers Charter School plan, which asks applicants to design and launch a new school in collaboration with a higher-education institution and a strong industry partner. Students of this school will be in a position to make informed choices about their college and career paths and graduate ready to excel in college or in a job in one of Idaho’s major industries. The state’s 60 percent goal will require a diverse array of strategies.

The Foundation has budgeted $5 million for a successful school startup, including expenses to pay for trips to Idaho to discuss potential proposals. The money will also pay for the school’s establishment, to ensure that students can attend without having to pay tuition.

“Idaho students, regardless of their zip code or economic status, deserve every possible advantage to help them launch meaningful careers,” said Jamie MacMillan, the Executive Director of the J.K. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation. “We’re excited to offer Idaho a school model that combines solid student achievement outcomes while producing graduates who are ready to fill positions in the industries that will drive Idaho’s future.”

The school envisioned in the Foundation’s RFP is inspired by the Pathways in Technology Early College High School, or PTECH, model that is being piloted in Brooklyn, N.Y. and Chicago, Ill. While those schools serve students in grades 9-14, the Foundation is open to funding projects that serve a different grade range as well.

Letters of intent regarding the RFP are due March 8. Before then the Foundation will host a “bidder’s academy” on February 27 to help potential bidders learn more about the expectations in the RFP. The final proposals are due April 5, so the charter application can be submitted to the Idaho Charter School Commission on July 1.

The Foundation has budgeted $5 million for the school’s startup, including expenses to pay for trips to Boise to discuss potential proposals.

“Idaho companies need talented graduates, so we can hire from within the state, not look outside for candidates to fill high-end jobs,” said Bob Lokken, CEO of WhiteCloud Analytics and a former executive at ProClarity and Microsoft. “We have the raw talent right here in Idaho’s towns and rural areas. We just need more educational opportunity for our kids, to help get them where we all need them to be.”

Students in the PTECH schools are partnered with industry professionals who make sure to coordinate the school’s academic program with the needs and trends in the coordinating industry.

The third leg of a PTECH school is a higher education institution, to help guide and inform curriculum at the school. The grant will pay for the salaries of full-time liaisons to coordinate efforts between the three entities.

“We see no reason why students from Idaho’s rural areas can’t use and benefit from this kind of educational opportunity,” said MacMillan. “We believe in the 60 percent goal the state has adopted. Now we need to give students the tools to get there.”

"I'm particularly interested in the emphasis on industry engagement and partnership between business and education. It is this type of collaboration that I believe is crucial to the alignment of a student's education and future career opportunity," said Dr. Todd Schwarz, the state administrator for the Division of Professional-Technical Education. "Idaho has a great opportunity here to supply its students with the technical skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary for successful performance in a globally competitive work place."

To view the RFP itself, click here.

The J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation is a Boise-based, private family foundation committed to limitless learning for all Idahoans.  Since 1997, the Foundation has invested more than $500 million to improve education in Idaho.   For more information about the Foundation visit www.jkaf.org.  To watch a short video about how Idaho educators responded to the Khan Academy in Idaho training session in October, click here

Golden Eagle Radio on Hiatus

Rex LeFevre Still in the Saddle

   A wide response from listeners in Crouch and Garden Valley indicated disappointment when 97.5 FM on your radio dial went silent last week.

   Since early 2009, Golden Eagle Radio Founder, Rex LeFevre, fought admirably to create local radio, even after he became aware of his terminal illness. At that time, Radio Engineer and Accountant, Rich Smith, entered into LeFevre’s dream of a non-profit radio station, which would be supported by donations and volunteers and would provide local news, information and emergency warnings for the community.

  “The landslides of 1996-97 caused by heavy rainfall also disrupted power to the valley, causing parts of Garden Valley to be without power for up to three weeks,” explains Smith. “Information about what was going on in the valley or the outside world could only be obtained through CB transceivers or scanners. Rex proposed starting an emergency radio service for the valley, as everyone has access to battery-powered FM receivers, either in their cars or with portable radios.” 

  Commissioner Jamie Anderson met with LeFevre, along with a dozen interested citizens, and suggested they form a company for the express purpose of improving communications within the valley, especially during emergencies. 

   “Hence, we incorporated Garden Valley Communications Inc. (GVCOM), on Nov. 19, 2009,” says Rich Smith. “Unfortunately, the FCC was not accepting new LPFM applications at the time we applied. Since the passing of the Local Community Radio Act of 2009, signed into law by President Obama, in January 2010, the FCC has yet to accept any new license applications.”     

  Anxious to get on the air if even in a very limited way, GVCOM purchased a micro-watt transmitter that would provide non-licensed but legal service within a transmitting radius of one to two miles. They inaugurated Golden Eagle Radio on July 4, 2012, and hope for the issuance of their full-power LPFM license in October of this year.

  Volunteers have worked hard to make the radio work. Terry “Babe Boomer” Loyd and “Steamer Bill” Harder have filled the air waves with music, commentary, sponsor copy, and news, five days a week, since last July. During the Springs Fires last summer, the station proved to be invaluable, with emergency and news broadcasts.

   Station Internet Tech and Sound Engineer, Tim Benedict, has a weekly show, and other community members have recently been on Golden Eagle’s talk radio shows.

  Not surprisingly, the passionate LeFevre has taken the responsibility for early mornings, evenings after 5 p.m., week-ends, and fill-ins, which have taken their toll. He says, “I’m tired.”

   Program Director, Terry Loyd, commented on the hiatus. “Rex's health issues are the reason why the station is off the air. We would like to continue broadcasting, but need help from the community to staff and support the station. We need more volunteer DJs. It's really up to the community. If they want a radio station, it is time to step up, by volunteering, donations and sponsorships. We're also working on ways to increase coverage.”

  Depending on the response, 97.5 FM is expected to return to the air by March 1.

 

Garden Valley Library Friends Meet Thursday

Friends of the Library January Meeting Notes

Contributed by Christy Jauregui
Edited by MacAngel

The meeting was called to order in the Community Room of the Library at 10:00 a.m. on January 9, 2013, with President Jody Mabe presiding, and Kathy Passie, Robbie Wilson, Christy Jauregui, Richard Wilson, Anjali MacAngel, Al Scharf, and Kathy Smith attending.

Jody noted Readers Bags should be made up before our St. Patrick’s Day event.  Supplies are available in the work room. (Volunteers would be welcome!)

Items currently for sale at the library are Readers Bags, Pretty Vinyl Aprons, Attractive Vinyl Tote bags, Notecards, and unique Woodblocks of the Library.  The bookmarks are completely sold out and discussion ensued regarding reordering, profit margin, and other possible sources.  Kathy and Al will investigate further.

St. Patrick’s Day fundraising AUCTION: 

The date will be March 16^th, bidding beginning at 1:00 p.m. with party at 3:00 and awards at 4:00, all in the main body of the Library, with layout similar to last year. 

Kathy will update our request letter so that we can begin soliciting donations. This year, we will ask the donors to set a minimum bid and encourage “affordable”, new items for donation.  Used or antique donations will be offered in a display separate from the new items, to avoid a yard sale appearance. 

We requested Richard’s “Mild Irish Rovers” return for our entertainment.  MacAngel will assist with publicity on the radio and at the Senior Center.  Posters should go up all over town, notices placed in the Boise Weekly and Idaho Statesman, and on the Chamber of Commerce Calendar. Christy and Kathy Passie will attend the February Chamber meeting to present and especially invite Chamber members. 

It was suggested staging two desks for checking out, to move the paying winners through more quickly.  Two people on each desk would be most efficient.  Kathy Passie suggested creating a list of who will contact whom.  A sign-up sheet will also be placed in the Library, with publicity. 

Because themed baskets sold so well last year, we will encourage our donors to do so again as practicable. This year, Kathy will also send a letter to each vendor in the Crouch Mercantile March billing (March 1^st), asking for donations.   

And finally, we discussed where the funds would be best spent this year (to be included in our letter).  It was decided to put them toward finishing the landscaping for the west end, to include children’s garden, and patio/picnic area. 

Events:

Jody will check Lauren Fins’ (history of chocolate and tastings) availability just prior to Mother’s Day (May 12^th) and Father’s Day (June 16^th).

Al will contact Ernie Lombard concerning his availability for doing his presentation in April. It was felt right after the middle of the month would be best, with the possibility of a school presentation in the afternoon. 

Jody will be checking Del Parkinson’s availability for a concert.

New Business:

Gary Eller has contacted Jody with an idea to present a concert to benefit the Library.  He proposes presenting his Chicken Dinner Road Band, and splitting gate with the Library.  We discussed the possible venues of using the new park pavilion vs. Starlight Theatre.  Jody will speak further with Gary and get back to us, with follow through after our St. Patrick’s Day fundraiser.

Kathy Smith reported on new Children’s Librarian Cass Meissner’s programs at the Library. They can be viewed on the Library’s Facebook page.

Nan is putting together an oral history website.  It will be available in Library on the server with both interviews and transcripts.  Al is still interested in doing interviews and will contact possible interviewees.  Christy is available to run equipment.

*As you can see, the Friends are busy working for our wonderful new library.
February 7, at 10:00 a.m., is the next meeting. New members and visitors are always welcome. Friends of the Library meet at the GV Library, Old Crouch Road, just south of Weilmunster Park. Bring your ideas and enthusiasm and we'll see you there!