Stories

The Advocates' Carbonate Hill Climb Event Heightens Awareness of Sexual Assault Prevention

May 1, 2012 - Thirty-seven people participated in the fourth annual Carbonate Hill Climb on Saturday, April 26.  The event was organized by The Advocates and sponsored by Albertsons and Modern Woodmen. 

David Vanderpool won the men’s division with a time of 30 minutes and 35 seconds.  He was followed by Jose Munoz and Jon Golden.  Alexa Turzian won the women’s division at 31.33 and placed second overall.  Kristen Monahan and Nicole DeYong placed second and third respectively.  The 12 and under boy and girl divisions were won by Emmett Say, 37.44 and Ellie Gorham at 1:10.42.  Landon Nurge and Xavier Haemmerle also placed in the boy’s division.  The top finishers all received custom award plates with The Advocates’ logo.  The race was a family friendly, fun community event with several hikers and dogs participating and one babe in arms. 

 The... (more)

The SustainBlaine Advisory Group approved a slate of 3 to serve on the SustainBlaine formal Board of Directors.  Two of the Board positions are new and one is a replacement for George Kirk whose term expired.  A nominating committee comprised of several Advisory Group members interviewed five highly qualified candidates. Carter Ramsay, chair of SustainBlaine Advisory Group, emphasized the challenge in narrowing the proposed slate, stating:  “We are fortunate and grateful to have such exceptional people desiring to serve on the Board.  The slate proposed by the committee brings additional skills and expertise.”

The three new Board members include Wally Huffman, Dan Olmstead and Dave Theobald.

Huffman served as the General Manager of Sun Valley Resort from 1977 until 2009 when he was appointed Director of Resorts and Resort Development for Sun Valley and Snowbasin.  Harry Griffith, SustainBlaine Executive Director commented, “His extensive background in development and planning along with... (more)

New On-Site Food Distribution Addresses Stigma Associated With Asking For Help

Beginning April 30th, The Hunger Coalition offers a new Food Bank Distribution focused on privacy. For local families and individuals struggling to make ends meet, but afraid to come forward for help, this is a welcome and necessary solution.

While The Hunger Coalition is deeply proud of their volunteers, donors and staff for helping to provide hundreds of local families with fresh and non-perishable foods throughout the year, it remains clear that not everyone is actually receiving the help they need.

According to a 2009 Feeding America study, over 3,000 Blaine County residents are considered “food insecure”, which means they do not always know where they will find their next meal. These are neighbors and acquaintances; they are children in our schools.  Some miss a single meal every now and then while others go without food for several days. 

These are real issues facing people in our community.  They are hungry and scared.... (more)

SustainBlaine Advisory Group will hold its quarterly meeting Wednesday, May 2

This quarterly meeting provides members and the general public alike to learn more about current and proposed projects and programs.  Harry Griffith, Executive Director and individual committee chairs will provide updates and answer questions on the Nordic Olympic Training Site designation process, Economic Statistics, Culinary Initiative progress and more.

In addition, Advisory Group members will vote on a slate of 3 candidates for the SustainBlaine, Inc Board. The Nominating Committee interviewed five immensely qualified candidates and the task of choosing three was most challenging.  If accepted by the Advisory Group, this new batch of Board Members will bring a vast bandwidth of experience ranging from business to economic development. 

In the Community Spotlight agenda item, attendees have a chance to meet the local leadership of a national company... (more)

St. Thomas Playhouse (STP), the community's outstanding performing arts non-profit organization, has just launched its own new website www.stthomasplayhouse.org.  The site is a breeze to navigate and full of the latest information on Company B Performing Arts Day Camp (ages 4-13 from June 11-22), Summer Theater Project for high school teens and young adults, and the fantastic Summer Performing Arts Conservatory Camp for youth (ages 10-18 from June 25-30) held at  beautiful Camp Perkins in the Sawtooth Mountains.  Also included are audition information, facts, history, staff, events and tons of fabulous photos of STP performers of all ages.  Be sure to check it out and call Sara or Cherie to register for upcoming camps.

• Race up Carbonate in Hailey with prizes for the top three men, women and 15 and under boys and girls.
• Barbecue, music, community organization information booths and more!
• Pre-register at Sturtevants, Elephant’s Perch, Backwoods or www.theadvocatesorg.org.
• ONE is too many …Connect to Prevent and Respond to Sexual Assault. Reach Out. Get Help. People Care.

“The Advocates’ April activities reinforce the 2012 Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) campaign theme, “IT’S TIME … TO TALK ABOUT IT! CONNECT. RESPECT. PREVENT SEXUAL VIOLENCE”, according to community education coordinator, Trish Tobias.... (more)

The Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley’s annual gala fundraising event, the Dog Days of Summer, will feature the 5th annual Birdhouse Festival on July 27, 2012 at Trail Creek Cabin.  In addition to the Birdhouse Festival, attendees will enjoy live and silent auctions, a fashion show/dog parade, and the raffle of a $10,000 gift certificate to Atkinson’s Markets.  This year’s Birdhouse Festival will be juried by local experts and should be more exceptional than ever, with competition in 8 different categories.

Artists, builders, and creative friends of the shelter are invited to submit hand-crafted birdhouses and bird feeders to be part of the Festival.  Prizes will be awarded in the following categories: Most Artistic, Best Architectural Inspiration, Best Engineering Feat, Most Idaho Rustic, Best Craftsmanship, Best Sun Valley Landmark, Best Found Objects as Birdhouse, and Best in Show!  Birdhouses can range from practical homes for local birds to artistic masterpieces for display in homes.... (more)

Amanda Breen, Brad Henson, and Lori Holland were recently elected to The Advocates for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault’s Board of Directors.  “Amanda, Brad and Lori each bring their unique professional backgrounds and personal experiences to The Advocates’ diverse and engaged board of directors,” said President Joy Kasputys. “It is an honor to formally welcome these three community-minded individuals to The Advocates.”

After a two year educational hiatus in London, England, obtaining an advanced degree in Public International Law, Amanda Breen returned to the Wood River Valley and reopened her private law practice.  Breen contributes her work experience in domestic relations and immigration law to The Advocates in addition to previous involvement on boards.  She strongly believes that domestic violence programs should provide life and job skills training to support abused people’s efforts to be successful members of our community.

Brad Henson, Woodside Elementary School Principal,... (more)

Sun Valley, Idaho – On Thursday, April 19, Panache will donate 10% of sales to The Advocates’ Skills for Success Program.  The clothing store will also be accepting gently worn casual work clothes for Skills for Success participants.  Delicious light snacks and beverages will be offered from 5-7 for shoppers.  A similar event hosted by Panache in December resulted in a $2,153 donation to The Advocates and additional customer support provided holiday gifts for several shelter families. 

Skills for Success is an 11-week job and life skills training program that strives to increase the employability, job retention, and standard of living of The Advocates' clients.  The Advocates started the program in November 2011, and thus far 15 people have graduated.  Program graduates have found jobs and increased their wages due to participation.  One participant stated that she discovered new and effective ways to describe her background and training and was able to advertise her skills to... (more)

The Hailey Memorial Day Ceremony 2012 will be held on Monday May 28, 2012 at 11:00am at the Hailey Cemetery. We could really use the public's help and input this year regarding a collage to be displated during the ceremony as well as donations to make the ceremony possible. We've placed the following classified ads into the Weekly Sun and the Idaho Mountain Express and are hoping to get a great response here as well.

NEEDED: Please support the Hailey Memorial Day Ceremony. Make checks payable to: H.C.M.D.C.F. (Hailey Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony Fund). Mail to: Hailey Memorial Day Committee, 211 W. Elm St., Hailey, ID 83333. For details call Maggie Springer at 208-309-1959.

The Ketchum/Sun Valley Historical Society invites you to become a lifetime member. Lifetime membership to the Ketchum/Sun Valley Historical Society has many benefits including free admission to our Ski and Heritage Museums. This lifetime membership is being offered until June 1st, 2012 when the museums will begin charging admission to help defray the operational costs.  The admission cost will be 5.00 per person and children twelve and under for free.

Individual lifetime memberships will be $200 and family memberships will be $300. Your membership will include free admission to all museum displays and exhibitions, 10 % gift store discounts, events and membership parties as well as discounts to rent the museum for private parties.

A lifetime membership would make a great gift for grandchildren, graduation, anniversary or wedding gifts. It also ensures that our community will continue to preserve the rich heritage of the Wood River Valley and keep Sun Valley's legacy first and foremost in the ski world of United... (more)

Monday - 40% off

Tuesday - 50% off

Wednesday - 60% off

Thursday - 70% off

Friday - 80% off

Saturday - 9 to 11am - Bag Sale

Spring Opening - Tuesday 17 April

The Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley’s annual gala fundraising event, "Dog Days of Summer," will take place on Friday, July 27, 2011, at the Trail Creek Pavilion in Sun Valley.  The event will feature fabulous live and silent auction items, including this year’s signature painting, “Floating the Middle Fork,” by Josh Udesen. 

Live auction items will include cooking classes for 2 couples at Poggio La Noce, a private wine estate near Fiesole, Italy.  Sample their fabulous organic wine and olive oil while soaking up the fabled Tuscan sun.  And for die-hard dog lovers, a trip to the 2012 National Dog Show won’t disappoint.  Dog Days will also feature the annual raffle of a $10,000 gift certificate to Atkinson’s Markets, the juried Birdhouse Festival and more!

Now celebrating its 30th year of operation, the Animal Shelter has successfully adopted out over 11,000 dogs and cats.  In addition to sheltering homeless pets, the Animal Shelter provides vital programs for the community from... (more)

An Ecumenical Good Friday Service will be held at St. Thomas Episcopal Church (201 Sun Valley Road, Sun Valley) on Friday, April 6, at 12:00 - 1:00 P.M.  Participating congregations include Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church, St. Thomas Episcopal Church, and The Presbyterian Church of the Big Wood.  All are welcome.  At this service, we hear the passion narrative according to John, pray the solemn collects (prayers)reserved for Good Friday, and sing with a combined choir.  The offering benefits the Anglican Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East. Contact: The Rev. Kenneth H. Brannon;  208-726-5349; http://www.stthomassunvalley.org/.

Do you have a passion to end hunger in our community? We are seeking a highly organized, personable individual to support case management and manage empowerment classes.  Spanish speaker with previous social work and/or teaching experience preferred.  Submit resume and cover letter to info@thehungercoalition.org by Friday, April 13.

All are welcome to attend the party, which begins at 3:00PM and ends at 5:00PM. But ssssshhhh - we're not making a peep about the new season until FOOLS DAY. The event will include delicious treats made by our wonderful volunteers, an official proclamation from Hailey's Mayor, great wine, and just plain fun! At 4:15PM we'll announce our 17th season in true Fools' style. Last year the Liberty was packed with people celebrating the occasion, so don't miss out on the festivities!

The committee for the graduating class of 2012, Senior Bash, need your help!  We are having a huge indoor yard sale May 4th/5th at the Community Campus in Hailey.  If you are cleaning out your garage, spare room or just spring cleaning, call us....we will come pick up your treasures to sell at the yard sale.  All the proceeds from this big sale will go to the events on graduation night for "The Bash".  This is an all night "Safe and Sober" celebration for WRHS, Silver Creek, Sage and Community School.  We provide food, entertainment and lots of prizes for 250 graduates this year! Please call 309-1273

Imagine venturing out into a 50 mph sandstorm that swirls over 100 feet high turning the sky yellow, then red, then black, in the middle of the morning. Now imagine capturing it on film. 

This sandstorm is just one of many amazing spectacles chronicled in the National Geographic Channel documentary Great Migrations:Behind the Scenes, which will be screened at the Sun Valley Opera House on Saturday, March 17th. The film is part of a special program, Celebrating Wild Nature and the Power of Film which is sponsored by local nonprofit Wild Gift, and will run in conjunction with the Sun Valley Film Festival.    

Great Migrations: Behind the Scenes reveals the labor required to produce the Emmy Award winning documentary series,  one of National Geographic's most ambitious endeavors in its 124 year history.

Great Migrations takes viewers around the world on the arduous journeys that millions of animals undertake to ensure the survival of their species. Shot from land and air, in trees... (more)

CALLING ALL BETTER WORLD ENTREPRENEURS

Wild Gift is Recruiting its 2012 Class of New Leaders

(Sun Valley, Idaho)  March 5, 2012.  Are you a young woman or man, age 21-30, who is committed to making  a difference in the world? Can you demonstrate leadership in projects or community activities that have resulted in positive social change? Do you have the capacity and passion to make this change happen. If so, Wild Gift wants you!

Wild Gift is nonprofit organization based out of Sun Valley, Idaho, that supports emerging leaders to  promote innovative projects worldwide. Each year Wild Gift selects a new class of young people with their own transforming ideas.  New recruits are provided grants up to $8,000 and  other support to help bring their better world projects to fruition.

The Wild Gift program consists of four components:  1) professional mentoring to help shape  project  proposals and empower leaders; 2) financial support to ensure the project’s... (more)

What is the current economic situation in Blaine County?  What do the numbers actually say?  Was 2011 better than 2010? How does our economy look compared with the last 5 years?  What business sectors are leading and what’s lagging?  What’s been happening to our tourism and housing metrics?   How is 2012 faring thus far? Whether you are an employer, an employee, politician, entrepreneur or a consumer, our most recent economic trends affect your decisions.

SustainBlaine has gathered key statistics on our local economy for the past year and will present these findings to the community on March 15^th  in the Limelight Room at Sun Valley Resort.  In addition, the economic development organization will conduct state of the art anonymous polling that allows attendees to offer observations confidentially and in real time.  Better information leads to better decisions in shaping the future.

Please RSVP to info@sustainblaine.com. Presentation 5:30-7:00 pm, cash... (more)

Every gardener will tell you that there is nothing better than home grown tomatoes. From flavor to texture, the best place to find the tastiest tomato is in the garden. Many people in the Wood River Valley find tomatoes the most challenging item to grow due to our cold climate and short season. Key to a successful crop: start your plants early. To ensure you get plenty of gorgeous, ripe tomatoes, join the Sawtooth Botanical Garden’s upcoming class on the secrets of producing Wood River Valley tomatoes in your home garden from seeds and starts to harvest.

On Tuesday, March 6, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., tomato aficionado Paddy McIlvoy will be sharing tips from his extensive experience growing tomatoes in his Old Hailey garden as part of the Sawtooth Botanical Garden’s Vegetable Gardening Series.  Last year, McIlvoy grew over forty varieties of tomatoes suited to the Wood River Valley and has plans to expand to over eighty varieties this year. He will share what he has learned about seed varieties, starting your... (more)

The 27th Annual Happy Howlin' Paw 'n Pole, an annual community event supporting the Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley, promises a morning of hilarity and fun for the whole family with its "three-ringed circus" theme. Join us on March 4, 2012, at 10 am at the Sun Valley Gun Club. There will be cross-country ski and snowshoe races with leashed dogs, best costume and silly pet trick contests, and more!

Don't have a dog?  Don't worry, you can partner up with one of ours!

Race entry fees are: $5/child; $10/adult; $20/family. Entry fees include lunch and a raffle ticket entry for a 2012 North Valley Trails pass! What a deal! Registration is onsite, at the event.

For more information, please call the Shelter at (208) 788-4351.

About Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley

The Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley, the first “no kill” shelter in Idaho, promotes companion animal welfare by providing temporary shelter for homeless animals, adopting them to qualified homes and reducing animal abuse, neglect and... (more)

The Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley is celebrating their 30th anniversary with a special World Spay Day goal to spay or neuter 30 cats in conjunction with their No-Cost Community Spay/Neuter Program on February 28, 2012.  Executive Director/Medical Director Jo-Anne Dixon, DVM, and Operations Manager Nadia Novik, CVT, will be hard at work all day in order to accomplish this ambitious goal.

World Spay Day is an annual event promoted by The Humane Society, designed to shine a spotlight on spay/neuter as a proven means of saving the lives of companion animals and preventing pet overpopulation.  According to The Humane Society, “Nationwide, an estimated 6-8 million homeless kittens, puppies, cats, and dogs enter animal shelters every year. About half of these animals are adopted. Tragically, the other half are put down. The majority of animals euthanized are healthy, sweet pets who would have made great companions.”

In Blaine County, we are lucky to have a responsible no-kill shelter for our homeless... (more)

Mentoring and Education Program Offers Hands-On Learning to Clients

There is more than wholesome food for local families struggling to make ends meet at The Hunger Coalition.  Clients can participate in nutrition workshops, cooking classes, and computer training sessions through the Mentoring & Education Program.  It makes getting back on their feet a little easier.

The Hunger Coalition’s mission has a two-pronged approach to fighting hunger.  First, get food into the hands of those who need it.  Second, empower those folks to move beyond hunger through education.  While providing essential, basic nutrition to an average of 210 children and adults every week through their Mobile Food Bank, The Hunger Coalition is also committed to giving clients the support needed during times of family crisis and desperation.

Educational Workshops focused on Child Nutrition this February offer tasty, healthy recipe ideas and basic nutritional information to parents.  Kids explore better nutrition with... (more)