Syringa Club members will celebrate their December meeting and Christmas Potluck at a private home in Garden Valley, on Thursday, December 23, at Noon.
Syringa is a service club which began in association with the General Federation of Women's Clubs and members continue to serve the community in many different ways. If you are interested in attending the Potluck, contact Marlo Glauser at 462-3183. Don't be shy!
Christmas Concert at St. Judes Catholic Church on Banks Lowman Highway, December 24, 5:00 p.m. This will be a special musical delight, with vocals and instrumentalists and everyone is welcome to attend this Christmas Eve celebration.
The Merc Says Happy Holidays and a Very Merry Christmas to all of you!
Gerold and I want to thank everyone for your continued support and feedback throughout the year! What an exciting year it’s been with the new store finally starting.
To finish out 2010, we continue to offer great Holiday Deals. You’ll find the sale signs throughout the store in each department!
Peter has a limited selection of fresh made pies in the Deli. In addition, we brought in Edwards Pecan Pies for the Holiday Week!
Store Hours for this Weekend are as follows:
Christmas Eve 8 am – 9 PM - The Chevron will be open until 10PM
Christmas Day – we are open 10am – 12noon ONLY. The Chevron will be open 10 am – 2pm
Sunday, we are back to regular hours.
Have a great Christmas with friends and family and please stay warm and safe. We value your business and look forward to your next visit.
Greg and Gerold
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
Letter To The Editor
The following Letter to the Editor was originally written for and mailed to the editor of the Idaho World newspaper. An article published in the 12/15 edition of the IW quoted School Board Trustee, Alan Ward, who was responding to School Board Trustee Janell Ward's letter of resignation, presented on the eve of her recall election. This letter by Kati Ward was rejected by the editor, for reasons which make the 19-year old feel insulted, because she composed the letter herself, contrary to the editor's comments, and wrote the letter from her heart.
The editor of the GV Daily News has no problem allowing college students to comment on the squabbles of the adults in the community and welcomes their observations. Speaking of "using your children as pawns", which, in fact, the IW must clearly approve of, considering its support of other parents using their younger children to carry placards and harass school superintendents, it will be quite interesting to watch the continuation of the game. Pawns are considered the weakest pieces, but they may not move backwards--something that perhaps our school "friends" could emulate. Hats off to Pawns.
To the Editor,
I would like to make a few comments on Alan Ward’s statements regarding Janell Ward’s resignation. I am Kati Ward, Janell’s daughter, and I just want the community to know the facts, not the lies that Mr. Ward told. How I know that Mr. Ward isn’t telling the truth is that I overheard the whole phone conversation that took place while we were in Florida. It was my cell phone he called on and the volume was up loud so I heard both of them talking.
My mother did not admit to breaking executive sessions, because what she told Mr. Ward was that everything she told the letter writer (who asked her to tell them) was from open session and what Brian Julian, the lawyer, told the community. Plus Channel 7 taped the meeting. Mr. Ward never advised her of her rights, it never even happened. He launched into the conversation, accusing her and not even asking her what happened or if she did it. The open session with Brian Julian took place on July 1; Mr. Ward didn’t get onto the school board until July 19th. So what was said in executive and open session Mr. Ward does not know since he was at neither of the meetings.
When my mother referred to unethical behavior, she was referring to how Mr. Ward handled the situation in Florida and the things he did during her recall.
My mom doesn’t blame him for her resignation; he’s just part of the whole equation of problems. The main reason for her resignation, as she stated before in her letter, is her health. At her last doctor’s appointment, her cardiologist told her that her heart wasn’t doing as well, because of all the stress of being on school board. Mr. Ward’s actions were creating more stress for my mom, especially since he is a family member.
I want to know where in my mom’s resignation letter she lays complete blame of her resignation on Mr. Ward, because I can’t find it.
Kati Ward
The editor of the GV Daily News has no problem allowing college students to comment on the squabbles of the adults in the community and welcomes their observations. Speaking of "using your children as pawns", which, in fact, the IW must clearly approve of, considering its support of other parents using their younger children to carry placards and harass school superintendents, it will be quite interesting to watch the continuation of the game. Pawns are considered the weakest pieces, but they may not move backwards--something that perhaps our school "friends" could emulate. Hats off to Pawns.
To the Editor,
I would like to make a few comments on Alan Ward’s statements regarding Janell Ward’s resignation. I am Kati Ward, Janell’s daughter, and I just want the community to know the facts, not the lies that Mr. Ward told. How I know that Mr. Ward isn’t telling the truth is that I overheard the whole phone conversation that took place while we were in Florida. It was my cell phone he called on and the volume was up loud so I heard both of them talking.
My mother did not admit to breaking executive sessions, because what she told Mr. Ward was that everything she told the letter writer (who asked her to tell them) was from open session and what Brian Julian, the lawyer, told the community. Plus Channel 7 taped the meeting. Mr. Ward never advised her of her rights, it never even happened. He launched into the conversation, accusing her and not even asking her what happened or if she did it. The open session with Brian Julian took place on July 1; Mr. Ward didn’t get onto the school board until July 19th. So what was said in executive and open session Mr. Ward does not know since he was at neither of the meetings.
When my mother referred to unethical behavior, she was referring to how Mr. Ward handled the situation in Florida and the things he did during her recall.
My mom doesn’t blame him for her resignation; he’s just part of the whole equation of problems. The main reason for her resignation, as she stated before in her letter, is her health. At her last doctor’s appointment, her cardiologist told her that her heart wasn’t doing as well, because of all the stress of being on school board. Mr. Ward’s actions were creating more stress for my mom, especially since he is a family member.
I want to know where in my mom’s resignation letter she lays complete blame of her resignation on Mr. Ward, because I can’t find it.
Kati Ward
CROUCH CITY COUNCIL: Food Bank Distribution & Energy Assistance
Rob Christensen, of Western Idaho Community Action Partnership (WICAP), made a pitch to the City for the use of the Community Hall for community service, two times a month.This WICAP program was formed out of the War on Poverty Act, and is part of the contract with Health and Welfare. Christensen said benefits will be less this year, but he wants to offer assistance on Homeless Prevention, Head Start and Home Energy Assistance for low-income families. The Council agreed to the partnership.
There will be Food Bank Distribution and Energy Assistance this Thursday, December 23, between 10 a.m. - Noon, at the Community Hall. If you do not have a file, please bring the most recent copy of your utility bill, proof of income for 3 previous months, Social Security cards for all persons in your household and proof of citizenship or permanent residence.
Wastewater Update: The City has received a letter of support for the sewer system, from Boise County Board of Commissioners. Council wants to get information to the public regarding the wastewater system and bond election, but at this time, there is no public hearing set. City Attorney John McFadden feels residents should be referred to an expert. You could contact Larry Evans, Division Manager, Forsgren Associates. Mail him at levans@forsgren.com. Phone: (208) 342-3144. Gary Ashby is the engineer who has been working with the City of Crouch.
It turns out there has been no formal study on the wet area by the river, on Village Circle; some residents have shown concern that there has been some construction dumping in this area. There is also a manmade pond that the City thinks will require protection. It will be looked into.
The clerk received indication from GV Library President, Richard Wilson, that the library will not be using the old library building, once they have moved into the new one.
Community Hall News: The clerk reported that Dick Polley will be installing new windows in the old girl. Meanwhile, the new insulation is working and people are noticeably warmer. Heat and air will also be installed.
The nice news is Kim Bosse has permanently returned to the little office behind the Hall, as City Clerk; Jody Waltman, who has served as Deputy Clerk for most of 2010, will remain for a while to help clean up files.
The next Council meeting will be on Wednesday, January 12, 2011, at 6:30 p.m., in Crouch Community Hall. For information, contact City Clerk, Kim Bosse, at 208-462-4687.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
School Board Updates
At the Garden Valley School board meeting, December 13, board trustees assured patrons that the Annual Idaho School Board Association Convention this fall was worth the money and time, with many workshops available for their continuing education. GV School Music Director, James DeFoe, took some of his music students to the convention and the organization recognized the fine performance with a letter to the District.
If you have an interest in checking out the different presentations of the convention, many workshop leaders have provided these electronically for the public. Go to www.idsba.org.
The board approved Superintendent Tomlin’s recommendation to use the Education Jobs Bill funds toward restoring teacher contracts to no furlough days; this led to the amendment of the annual budget, which included four furlough days on teacher contracts.
It was agreed that setting policies is a major responsibility of the board and it is now imperative that they get done quickly. In 2010, the school brought forth four policies, through using a volunteer policy committee. In answering a patron’s query, Dr. Tomlin explained that unless the committee members are lawyers, it becomes too complex and time-consuming. “When volunteers are involved with review,” he said, “then the committee makes sense.”
The board considered pros and cons between adopting in whole the Idaho State Board model policy manual or to renew the policy set agreement with Eberharter-Maki & Tappen. Clerk of the Board, Paula Fox, added her opinion that the ISBA is more accessible for answers and communication, and Attorney for the District, Amy White, kicked the board in the butt: “Pick a direction and get moving; either way, you have 350 policies to get through!” The board finally approved the ISBA policy manual.
At the June 14 budget unveiling, when Superintendent Tomlin presented his budget recommendations for the 2010-11 school year, he ended it by stressing that the District must run and pass a supplemental levy next spring. The school needs $350,000 for the next two years, for the survival of programs and to keep a majority of staff. Because of the Boise County deadline to hold an election on March 15, 2011, the board needed to act swiftly, to be able to notify the County of their intention. Tomlin reminded them, “Notifying them of the intent does not mean we must do it.”
Amy White warned that the next possible date for levy election is May 17 and the teacher contracts must go out by May 13, which would be a pretty difficult feat, not knowing whether they had the levy or not. (Clarification: May 17 would be the date for board trustee elections. Under the new consolidation laws, the District has been advised by some that the levy election could take place with the trustee election. The District is awaiting a definitive answer on this.) The next available time for a levy election would be in August. The motion to notify the County of intent for a March 15 levy election was passed.
Now that the new school is up and running, it is time for an inventory of all fixed assets. Dr. Tomlin said, “There are budget and liability implications on not having up-to-date inventory. We own a lot of stuff. One of the best ways to protect it is to have inventory done.” The board voted to initiate bids for a fixed asset inventory and insurance appraisal.
Mark Dixon, of Harlow’s Bus Service, showed up to inform the board of updates on routes and schedules. There is much concern about the earlier, hence darker and more dangerous, times the kids are walking on the roads in bad weather. The board will consider the situation.
Principal Bob Vian informed patrons of programs the students are involved in. The online science class will be vying for Idaho Science Scholarships. “Study Lunch” has been introduced into student life; Vian says there is a problem with homework, so if it’s not turned in, kids get to “hang with Mrs. Doyle”.
Vian would like to see the school asking for larger financial donations, so they would have to ask less often. Patron Dick Goetsch got some chuckles when he suggested the principal, with his closely-shaven pate, don a saffron robe.
The next school board meeting will be Monday, January 10, at 6:00 p.m., in the Multi-Purpose Room. For information, contact Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Mike Tomlin, at 208-462-3756 x1012, or mtomlin@gvsd.net or Clerk of the Board, Paula Fox, at 462-3756 x1013, or pfox@gvsd.net. Board contact information can be found at gvsd.net.
If you have an interest in checking out the different presentations of the convention, many workshop leaders have provided these electronically for the public. Go to www.idsba.org.
The board approved Superintendent Tomlin’s recommendation to use the Education Jobs Bill funds toward restoring teacher contracts to no furlough days; this led to the amendment of the annual budget, which included four furlough days on teacher contracts.
It was agreed that setting policies is a major responsibility of the board and it is now imperative that they get done quickly. In 2010, the school brought forth four policies, through using a volunteer policy committee. In answering a patron’s query, Dr. Tomlin explained that unless the committee members are lawyers, it becomes too complex and time-consuming. “When volunteers are involved with review,” he said, “then the committee makes sense.”
The board considered pros and cons between adopting in whole the Idaho State Board model policy manual or to renew the policy set agreement with Eberharter-Maki & Tappen. Clerk of the Board, Paula Fox, added her opinion that the ISBA is more accessible for answers and communication, and Attorney for the District, Amy White, kicked the board in the butt: “Pick a direction and get moving; either way, you have 350 policies to get through!” The board finally approved the ISBA policy manual.
At the June 14 budget unveiling, when Superintendent Tomlin presented his budget recommendations for the 2010-11 school year, he ended it by stressing that the District must run and pass a supplemental levy next spring. The school needs $350,000 for the next two years, for the survival of programs and to keep a majority of staff. Because of the Boise County deadline to hold an election on March 15, 2011, the board needed to act swiftly, to be able to notify the County of their intention. Tomlin reminded them, “Notifying them of the intent does not mean we must do it.”
Amy White warned that the next possible date for levy election is May 17 and the teacher contracts must go out by May 13, which would be a pretty difficult feat, not knowing whether they had the levy or not. (Clarification: May 17 would be the date for board trustee elections. Under the new consolidation laws, the District has been advised by some that the levy election could take place with the trustee election. The District is awaiting a definitive answer on this.) The next available time for a levy election would be in August. The motion to notify the County of intent for a March 15 levy election was passed.
Now that the new school is up and running, it is time for an inventory of all fixed assets. Dr. Tomlin said, “There are budget and liability implications on not having up-to-date inventory. We own a lot of stuff. One of the best ways to protect it is to have inventory done.” The board voted to initiate bids for a fixed asset inventory and insurance appraisal.
Mark Dixon, of Harlow’s Bus Service, showed up to inform the board of updates on routes and schedules. There is much concern about the earlier, hence darker and more dangerous, times the kids are walking on the roads in bad weather. The board will consider the situation.
Principal Bob Vian informed patrons of programs the students are involved in. The online science class will be vying for Idaho Science Scholarships. “Study Lunch” has been introduced into student life; Vian says there is a problem with homework, so if it’s not turned in, kids get to “hang with Mrs. Doyle”.
Vian would like to see the school asking for larger financial donations, so they would have to ask less often. Patron Dick Goetsch got some chuckles when he suggested the principal, with his closely-shaven pate, don a saffron robe.
The next school board meeting will be Monday, January 10, at 6:00 p.m., in the Multi-Purpose Room. For information, contact Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Mike Tomlin, at 208-462-3756 x1012, or mtomlin@gvsd.net or Clerk of the Board, Paula Fox, at 462-3756 x1013, or pfox@gvsd.net. Board contact information can be found at gvsd.net.
Calling Garden Valley Wine Enthusiasts
Neighbors With News
The Garden Valley Wine Tasting Club has been going strong for years and the monthly gatherings offer an opportunity to meet interesting people in a private home setting, while gaining knowledge and familiarity with different wines. To be added to the mailing list, contact Rod. There is usually an approximate fee of $10 per person for the evening, and Rod will advise as to what appetizers will taste best with the wines of choice for each tasting.
Rod Murchison generously lends his time and expertise to organize the tastings and bring in distributors who make their wines available for tasting and purchase, if you taste something you would like to enjoy at home.
Dear Wine Enthusiasts,
There are no hosts signed up for 2011, so every month is currently available. As usual, I will give the dates to whomever asks for them first so, if you have a particular month you want to host a wine event, please let me know as soon as possible. Since I have begun to take the glasses with me after each event, hosts don't have to wash the glasses or arrange to transfer them to the next host, so it is easier to be a host.
The thanks of the club are due to those who hosted an event in the last year. They are Wild Bill's, Terrace Lakes, Jo and Jay Rais, John and Marilyn Cottingham, Alan and Andrea Metos, Bruce Cerny, Jamie Anderson and Bill Sipple, and Lorraine and Tim Bollinger. Please thank them when you see them.
There were two bottles of port left after the tasting on Saturday by people who said that they wanted to purchase a bottle but then forgot to do so. Tim and Lorraine have one bottle and I have the other. If you forgot to get your port you can contact one of us and make arrangements to get it. The price is still $16.50 as it was on Saturday.
With memories of wines consumed and anticipating those to come,
Rod Murchison
462-8065
The Garden Valley Wine Tasting Club has been going strong for years and the monthly gatherings offer an opportunity to meet interesting people in a private home setting, while gaining knowledge and familiarity with different wines. To be added to the mailing list, contact Rod. There is usually an approximate fee of $10 per person for the evening, and Rod will advise as to what appetizers will taste best with the wines of choice for each tasting.
Rod Murchison generously lends his time and expertise to organize the tastings and bring in distributors who make their wines available for tasting and purchase, if you taste something you would like to enjoy at home.
Dear Wine Enthusiasts,
There are no hosts signed up for 2011, so every month is currently available. As usual, I will give the dates to whomever asks for them first so, if you have a particular month you want to host a wine event, please let me know as soon as possible. Since I have begun to take the glasses with me after each event, hosts don't have to wash the glasses or arrange to transfer them to the next host, so it is easier to be a host.
The thanks of the club are due to those who hosted an event in the last year. They are Wild Bill's, Terrace Lakes, Jo and Jay Rais, John and Marilyn Cottingham, Alan and Andrea Metos, Bruce Cerny, Jamie Anderson and Bill Sipple, and Lorraine and Tim Bollinger. Please thank them when you see them.
There were two bottles of port left after the tasting on Saturday by people who said that they wanted to purchase a bottle but then forgot to do so. Tim and Lorraine have one bottle and I have the other. If you forgot to get your port you can contact one of us and make arrangements to get it. The price is still $16.50 as it was on Saturday.
With memories of wines consumed and anticipating those to come,
Rod Murchison
462-8065
SCHOOL CHRISTMAS CONCERT TONIGHT!
Neighbors With News
Mr. De Foe ( the Foe meister : ) and the children will bring this valley another fine opportunity for an extraordinary, seasonal event, the 2010 Christmas Concert at the Garden Valley School in the Multi-Purpose Room .
The doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the performance begins at 6:30 p.m., ending around 8:00 p.m.
**Thank you to Georgianna Goestch for the information. I know this to be true--that James DeFoe has done a marvelously magical transformation of the Garden Valley School music department and this concert should prove to be just one more excellent performance by his talented vocal and instrumental students.
Mr. De Foe ( the Foe meister : ) and the children will bring this valley another fine opportunity for an extraordinary, seasonal event, the 2010 Christmas Concert at the Garden Valley School in the Multi-Purpose Room .
The doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the performance begins at 6:30 p.m., ending around 8:00 p.m.
**Thank you to Georgianna Goestch for the information. I know this to be true--that James DeFoe has done a marvelously magical transformation of the Garden Valley School music department and this concert should prove to be just one more excellent performance by his talented vocal and instrumental students.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Ward Cites Reasons For Resignation from School Board
GV School Board Trustee Janell Ward, center, looks pensive during what she privately knew was to be her final meeting.Janell Ward was the last Garden Valley School Board trustee on the list for the process of recall, set into motion over two years ago by people who call themselves the Friends of the Garden Valley School District. This list, and the threat of recall, was given to then Chair of the Board of Trustees, Marlo Glauser, as reparation for the loss of Superintendent Stan Kress.
Glauser resigned from the board in June, 2009. The first trustee made to endure public humiliation, lies and slander, by this group of tormentors, was Chair of the Board Elizabeth Dunn. She lost the recall election by two votes and many thought it was because the community simply didn't believe this sort of thing could happen here.
Current Chair Terry Elmore was then put to trial, with the same degree of slander and lies, but she was ready for them and took to the streets to maintain her position as trustee. She prevailed.
Meanwhile, the Fiends were (and still are) at the throat of Superintendent Mike Tomlin, because he is the protector of Business and Human Resource Manager and Clerk of the Board of Trustees, Paula Fox, who became the target of the group, which was obsessed with avenging her exposure of Kress's bad financial management.
As things got really hairy, Board Trustee Pete Wier resigned, citing family concerns.
When the Board of Trustees began to search for new, acceptable trustees, it became a polarization between the good guys and the bad guys, depending on whether you were an avenger or defender. Jeff Bass came on as a good guy for the defenders, but he has already made a public declaration of his intent to ride out his term and that's it. Alan Ward came on as a (bad? good?) guy for the avengers and it has been distressing for some onlookers to observe his active participation in the process to recall his sister-in-law, Janell Ward.
At the July 19, 2010, school board meeting, Mr. Ward (shown being sworn in) was among the applicants who vied for the position of trustee for Zone V. When asked if he could accept the decisions of the board, he replied, "The worst thing you can do is to continue to oppose the decisions that have been made." Janell Ward posed the question to them, "Do you feel you can be a team player--deal with the community, four board members, a clerk and a principal?" Mr. Ward assured her with his response: "It's probably the best of why I'm here. I've done this before and had good success. You bet!"
Shelly Overlie has been the driving force behind the petition for Janell Ward's recall. In her possession is an affidavit which she says she has used to gain signatures on the petition. The person who gave her the affidavit wrote that Mrs. Ward shared a confidential personnel matter with the accuser. This accuser has remained nameless, even to Mrs. Ward, in a GV School era where public accusations have been tossed about left and right and accusers have put themselves or others on the line.
So why the secrecy? Why be willing to accuse a public person whom you believe to have broken the law and not identify yourself? Perhaps this person is not quite so innocent herself and has perhaps already dishonored herself in the eyes of the school. We can only surmise who might be willing to give the Fiends a hand in their ousting of the final board member who sat on the board during the demise of Kress. Even more to the point is that it absolutely must be remembered, in the name of justice, that an affidavit is not a statement of proven fact, but a statement sworn to be true.
We will probably never know the answers to these questions. Janell Ward has let the school off the hook, thereby saving the money which would have been wasted on another (3rd) recall election. She attended her last board meeting as Trustee for Zone III last evening, December 13, and when the board returned from executive session, the letter Ward had left with the board was read in public by Attorney Amy White:
School Board Trustees,
I have served faithfully on the school board for two and a half years, and have enjoyed helping the children of our school district. I have, during my service, been accused of having a personal agenda as a Trustee. That is true. I have made it my personal agenda to ensure the Lowman School remains open and well-staffed. I have also made it my personal agenda to ensure our students with special needs receive the services they deserve and that are required by law.
I have also been falsely accused, by individuals with their own personal agenda, of leaking confidential personnel information from school board "executive sessions", which is not true. In fact, secret and threatening letters were read to me over the phone by Alan Ward while I vacationed with my family in Florida. These letters contained false accusations and apparently were an attempt to "Blackmail" me into resigning IMMEDIATELY from the school board.
When I refused to resign, individuals continued to spread untrue stories and false accusations about my character in an effort to remove me from the school board, leading up to the election planned for tomorrow. There need be no election.
During my last visit to Virginia Mason Hospital, I consulted with both my cardiologist and my cancer doctor about the stress I was feeling from being a school board trustee. They both strongly recommended that I resign, as it is affecting my health. Given the current situation, I no longer have it in me to serve on a board with a trustee who has shown such unethical and I believe, unlawful behavior. It is especially stressful, as the trustee is a member of my family.
So I, Janell Ward, resign from my position as Zone III Trustee, effective immediately.
---
The position of School Board Trustee is an important and time-consuming job. As volunteers, these community members must receive continuing education in many different facets of running a school; from learning the role of trustee, through school finance, ethics, health and healthcare reform, migrant education and many other subjects, not to mention policy studying and making, dealing with constituent concerns and attending demanding regular and special meetings, this is not a job for sissies.
If a person is willing to spend the time and effort to not only campaign publicly for (currently, in this town) a thankless volunteer job and then spend the amount of hours necessary to do the job, we could at least give them the support they need to do the thankless job. Too many observers on the sidelines forget that these folks put themelves out there to try very hard to make the right decisions.
What has happened the past year in this school community is indeed a travesty. It seems the saga will continue until misguided retaliation is deemed complete. Agendas are fine, as long as they do not hurt anyone; but, some on the school board the past year have been damaging. I wish the new board wisdom and insight, for they surely need it right now.
Thank you Janell, for your time and conscientiousness in helping the kids. Yes, the kids--again. When will we ever remember this is all in the name of educating our community's young?
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