Stories

Foundation President Lou Ann Terry carries on the legacy of her father, Hughes Brown, a Moritz Hospital Board Member nearly 30 years ago.

KETCHUM, Idaho—The St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation (www.slwrf.org) today announced its 2012 officers, led by president Lou Ann Terry, continuing a 30-year family legacy of empowering community health through generosity. The complete slate of 2012 officers includes Judy Jellinek, vice president; Marybeth Flower, secretary; Megan Edwards, governance committee chair; and E. Carlton “Buddy” Wilton, finance committee chair.

“The St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation is grateful for Lou Ann’s generous gifts of time, history and strategic vision as Foundation board president,” said Foundation Chief Development Officer Megan Thomas. “The Foundation’s board is instrumental in the philanthropic support of exceptional health care services and innovative health well-being programs in our community.”

Terry’s father Hughes Brown joined the Moritz Hospital Board in 1982 and was instrumental in the... (more)

Join chocolate enthusiast Joanna Carnes at the Sawtooth Botanical Garden on Thursday, February 2, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., for Something Sweet for your Valentine, a class on making decadent chocolates.  Ms. Carnes will guide participants through the how-to’s of creating truffles for the February 14 holiday.  Joanna is a graduate from the Grand Rapids Community College School of Culinary Arts and has worked as a pastry chef for Amway Corporation and throughout the valley.    

This delicious and informal evening is a great excuse for a night out with a friend during a cold winter evening.  The Garden keeps the class size small so all participants can try their hands at turning out a truffle to be proud of. All participants will, of course, be able to sample the results at the class.  

This class is $25 for members and $35 for non-... (more)

“Public Relations for Nonprofits” is the title of a two-session workshop to be presented by the College of Southern Idaho Blaine County Center at the Community Campus in Hailey from 4-6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 7, and Thursday, Feb. 9. 

Topics will include learning the difference between public relations and advertising, writing a press release and using social media

Instructor is Jo Murray, principal in Jo Murray Public Relations, with locations in Ketchum and San Francisco. Although the workshop will focus on nonprofits, many of the principles also apply to businesses, Murray said.

 The workshop is part of a series of classes on nonprofit management presented by CSI in cooperation with the Wood River Women’s Charitable Foundation.

 Tuition is $40, and a portion of the proceeds will go to the women’s foundation. To register, contact the CSI Blaine County office at 788-2033 or www.csi.edu/blaine. 

Many of our local feathered friends enjoy a little help in the coldest winter months, which provides great opportunities for backyard birdwatching. The Sawtooth Botanical Garden is offering two classes designed to attract and feed birds in your backyard, making it easy to enjoy and identify birds as they are visiting.

Join the Sawtooth Botanical Garden on Thursday, January 26, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., for a class on Winter Birds and Planting Your Own Bird Garden. Garden Designer Cindy Hamlin and birder Poo Wright-Pulliam are teaming up to teach about winter birds in the Wood River Valley and what to plant to attract these birds to your garden.  This class is $15 for members and $25 for non-members.

The Sawtooth Botanical Garden is also holding a Winter Bird Workshop for kids on Saturday, January 28, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.  This class, for children ages four to ten, will have several stations set up for children and their families to create bird houses and feeders for our feathered friends.  Materials... (more)

Event will also support Beer Hunter: The Movie, a locally produced documentary
Michael Jackson is the best beer critic.  Ever.  And Michael Jackson had Parkinson’s.  Join us at Sawtooth Brewery on January 27 at 6pm for a fundraiser for Pint’s for Parkinson’s and to help our Bartender, John Richards, complete his nationally recognized documentary about Michael Jackson and the impact he has had on the craft beer industry.  Along with Sawtooth Brewery, Alaskan Brewing Co. and Full Sail Brewing Co. are sponsoring the event.

A $20 donation at the door  gives you free beer until the designated beer is gone.  The donation will also give you an entry into the raffle for an Alaskan Brewing Co. snowboard, a DVD of Beer Hunter when it is released, and an invitation to the Idaho premier.  We will show footage of interviews with Michael Jackson throughout the evening, and the filmmaker will be on hand to discuss the movie.  The snowboard will be raffled off the following... (more)

The Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley is offering free rabies vaccinations to dogs with the purchase of a 2012 dog license.  The clinics will be held on Saturday, January 21, and Saturday, February 11, from 9 am-11 am.  Appointments are required and are accepted on a first come basis.

Blaine County ordinance requires that all dogs are licensed each year and that licensing can only be issued with proof of current rabies vaccination.  License fees are $10 for a spayed or neutered dog and $20 for an unaltered dog.  For more information or to make an appointment, 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 overpopulation through community education and spay/neuter services. More than 90 percent of its funding comes... (more)

There is snow on the ground, but the most serious gardeners know there is no better time  to start thinking about a successful backyard vegetable patch than the dead of winter.  Beginning January 24, the Sawtooth Botanical Garden and the Sustainability Center  are partnering to offer a Vegetable Gardening Series that will help you plan a productive garden, purchase the best seeds, and ensure a quality harvest.

With classes running through May, the Vegetable Gardening Series will offer eight classes specifically designed to prepare gardeners for the short growing season in the Wood River Valley.  Classes will include subjects such as seed starting, transplanting, season extension, growing in small spaces, and techniques to select and grow luscious, ripe tomatoes.  Taught by local gardeners with specific experience in our unpredictable mountain climate the classes will be held on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 5:30 p.m., at the Sawtooth Botanical Garden and the Sustainability... (more)

The Animal Shelter's Barkin' Basement thrift store is getting a fresh look with new carpets & paint, remodeled dressing rooms and reorganized merchandise.  It will re-open on Monday, January 16 at 10 am with fabulous new inventory.  Drop in and have a chance at winning a $20 gift certificate!

The Barkin' Basement is located at 111 S Main Street in Hailey.  Regular hours are 10 am-6 pm, Monday-Saturday.  All proceeds from the store directly benefit the Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley and it's life-saving programs and services.

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 overpopulation through community education and spay/neuter services. More than 90 percent of its funding comes from private donations.

In 2010 more than 1500 animals received services... (more)

Though it is the middle of winter, the Sawtooth Botanical Garden is blooming.  On Tuesday, January 17, the Sawtooth Botanical Garden will be hosting a class on orchids to ensure you have gorgeous, showy blooms at home.  From 5:30 to 7:30, the class will help answer all of your questions about growing and maintaining orchids.

The workshop will be led by Alan Porter, locally known as the “Orchid Doctor.”  Alan has been growing orchids for the past 35 years after choosing orchids as a 4-H project.  Alan taught a seminar about orchids at the Sawtooth Botanical Garden fifteen years ago and caught the attention of Webb Nursery where he earned the name “The Orchid Doctor.”  Since then, Alan travels once a month to the Ketchum Webb Garden Store to give advice to orchid enthusiasts throughout the winter.  The Garden is excited to welcome back Alan after fifteen years and learn from his experience and enthusiasm about the exquisite world of orchids!

We welcome participants to bring their own... (more)

On Jan. 3, Expedition Inspiration Fund for Breast Cancer Research welcomed Marketing and Development Director Krista Detwiler to their team. Detwiler recently graduated from University of Oregon with a B.A. in journalism and communication with an emphasis in public relations and a minor in business.  Her experience includes internships with Jo Murray Public Relations, StoveTeam International, Habitat for Humanity and the St. Luke’s Women’s Fitness Celebration.

 A Community School graduate in 2007, she is excited to be back in Sun Valley to contribute to EI’s mission and the local community.

 “I’m eager to get started,” said Detwiler. “I have a real passion for nonprofit PR and event management, and Expedition Inspiration’s mission and efforts deserve to be known on a greater scale throughout this valley and beyond.”

 “Detwiler’s hire marks Expedition Inspiration’s dedication to keeping founder Laura Evans’ original vision alive while keeping an eye on the future of the organization,” said Executive... (more)

The Advocates for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault is offering another session of Skills for Success.  The Skills for Success Program provides survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault with job and life skills training that supports their efforts to find and keep successful employment.  The program is open to women looking to improve their current employment and/or those having difficulty obtaining employment. 

A meeting will be held for women interested in finding out more about Skills for Success on Tuesday, January 10^th, 2:00pm at the Community Campus, room 211 in Hailey.

Program Manager, Susan Fierman, will present detailed information about the program, how to enroll, requirements, classes, and the benefits of participating. For more information, please contact Program Manager, Susan Fierman, at 788-4191 or susan@theadvocatesorg.org. 

About The Advocates for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Founded in 1991 and led by Executive Director Tricia... (more)

** Join us and you'll be entered to win one of four pairs of New Balance shoes!

WHY DO WE RACE?

The Egoavil family, after living in Blaine County for 20 years, will celebrate the holidays in their own home for the first time, thanks to the Habitat for Humanity Blaine County affiliate.

Jose and Edith Egoavil moved to the United States from Peru and settled in Blaine County in 1989. They wanted a small, quite community with opportunities in the construction and tourism industries.

Jose Egoavil, today an experienced carpenter, started out as an apprentice in his trade. Edith Egoavil began cleaning houses and today works for Sun Valley Company in the housekeeping department. Both also worked hard to become U.S. citizens.

The Egoavils now have three sons, Yancy, 10; Beyer, 4; and Devin 3. But they had not been able to achieve their dream of their very own home, until they heard about Habitat for Humanity through St. Luke’s Center for Community Health.

They fit the income guidelines and other qualifications required by Habitat.  The Family Selection Committee met with the family at their small apartment in Hailey... (more)

Local and International Candlelight Vigils Are Planned to Mark the 40th Anniversary of the Wild Horses Act this
Thursday, December 15, 2011

"Keep Their Light Shining" is an international candlelight vigil to honor Wild Horse Annie that will be held December 15, 2011, the 40 anniversary of the Wild Free Roaming Horses and Burros Act.
On that day in 1971, President Richard Nixon signed the landmark legislation into law, stating that:

“Wild horses and burros merit man’s protection historically for they are a living link with the days of the conquistadors, through the heroic times of the western Indians and pioneers, to our own day when the tonic of wilderness seems all too scarce. More than that, they merit it as a matter of ecological right – as anyone knows who has ever stood awed at the indomitable spirit and sheer energy of a mustang running free.”

The Idaho-Sun Valley organization has decided to have a bonfire ( and other things )  instead of candles. The event will be held this Thursday, December 15, 201...(more)

The Animal Shelter and Barkin’ Basement are again bringing Santa Paws to town for pictures with your family and furry friends on December 3^rd and 4^th.  Santa will be on site posing with you and your pets for memorable and fun images you can enjoy for years to come.

In addition, every photo package sold will help the Animal Shelter earn a generous $2,500 matching grant from Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial.  Photo packages are just $20 and other fun pet gifts will be available on site for sale from the Barkin’ Basement.  Santa Paws will be available this Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 2 pm at the Dirty Beagle Dog Wash (in the industrial area behind the Hailey Post Office).  Special thanks to event sponsors Dirty Beagle Dog Wash, Flolo’s Imaging Center, and Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial.

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... (more)

Kick off the holiday season this weekend at Papoose Club's 21st Annual Holiday Bazaar! This perennial favorite holiday shopping extravaganza will be held at Hemingway Elementary School in Ketchum on Saturday, December 3 from 9:00am-5:00pm and Sunday, December 4 from 11:00am-4:00pm. Admission is free.

The Holiday Bazaar is an important fundraiser for Papoose Club, a volunteer organization that supports local youth-oriented groups through fundraising activities and events in the Wood River Valley. The Club provides important financial support to local organizations that serve children and makes it possible for kids of the Wood River Valley to grow up with access to a wide variety of activities.

The Holiday Bazaar is a juried arts show that features high quality hand-crafted goods from more than 50 vendors from across the Intermountain West. A wide assortment of gift items will be available for purchase including ceramics, handblown glass, clothing, jewelry, handbags, birdhouses, home décor, textiles, edibles and... (more)

Seasoned non-profit lends vital experience to local organization to educate community.

November marks the beginning of an exciting collaboration between The Hunger Coalition and Nurture.  The two non-profit organizations will co-host educational and nutritional workshops for local families and individuals looking to improve the healthfulness of their meals while staying on a budget. 

The partnership kicks off with “Slow Cooker Cooking 101” on Wednesday, November 16^th from 5 – 6pm at the Presbyterian Church of the Big Wood.  Space is limited and participants must pre-register.  Please contact The Hunger Coalition at 788-0121 for registration information.

More than a cooking class, “Slow Cooker Cooking 101” discusses the importance of breakfast and shares easy, nourishing recipes for a healthful start to the day. With something for the whole family, kids are encouraged to attend and will be offered games and activities in addition to kid-friendly recipes and cooking lessons.  Families can... (more)

Prepare your family and your wallet for the holiday season! 

Join Lyle Hanson,  U of I Personal Finance Extension Educator for a FREE workshop on Monday, November 14th from 4 - 5:30 pm at The Community Campus.  Look at your basic personal finances, learn about budegting and tracking expenses, find :hidden" spending leaks, and create the ability to save money for emergencies.

Part of the ongoing Education Workshops offered by The Hunger Coalition to community members, this collaborative effort with the University of Idaho is designed to help you save money and create a workable family budget.  With the holiday season fast approaching, couldn't you use a little extra cash?  Join Lyle Hanson this afternoon at The Community Campus and learn how!

Call Hallie Reikowsky at 788-0121 for more information or meet at The Minnie Moore Room at 4pm.  Spanish translation is available.

The Little Black Dress Club will hold a Grant Awards Celebration at Cornerstone Bar and Grill to toast Fall, 2011 grant recipients and  recognize the club's  2nd anniversary.  The Little Black Dress Club-Wood River has awarded $9,750 to five local non-profits for the fall, 2011, grant cycle.  Recipients are:  The Advocates for Survivors of Domestic Violencce, Bellevue Public Library, Hailey Ice, Sagebrush Equine Training for the Handicapped, Blaine County Education Foundation The organizations will be honored on November 15, at a cocktail reception at Cornerstone Bar, from 5:30 to 6:30.  Members will wear their little black dresses to celebrate the event.    The Little Black Dress Club-Wood River is a philanthropic giving circle created to support non-profit organizations in Blaine County.    In the Spring of 2009, a group of women met with the goal of increasing philanthropy in the Wood River Valley. Inspired by Lynn Campion-Waddell’s vision, what started... (more)

Thanksgiving Baskets for Families in Need and How You Can Help

With so many local individuals and families struggling to make ends meet during these challenging economic times, The Hunger Coalition is pleased to announce another year of the Thanksgiving Basket Program.  And you are invited to help.

For those wishing to receive a Thanksgiving Basket, an application must be completed and returned to The Hunger Coalition no later than November 10^th.   Applications in both English and Spanish are available at The Hunger Coalition, St. Luke’s Center for Community Health, The Advocates, from all Blaine County School District social workers and online at www.thehungercoalition.org. 

For those wishing to help, The Hunger Coalition is in need of an additional 150 turkeys this year.  They are reaching out to local churches and the community in an effort to fill this important need.  Church representatives and community members interested in participating should contact Naomi Spence at 788-012... (more)

Walmart Associates Across Idaho Vote to Feed Hungry

For the last two summers, employees from statewide Walmart and Sam’s Club Stores have participated in the Walmart Associate Choice Program, a unique opportunity to award an Idaho non-profit organization a $100,000 grant.  This year’s incredibly fortunate winner is The Hunger Coalition.

Honored with their inclusion in the group of finalists, The Hunger Coalition was one of five non-profits considered for the award, including Idaho Special Olympics, Idaho Meth Project, Children’s Home Society, and Idaho Public Television.

Associates cast their votes during the summer for the non-profit organization they believed deserved the sizable award.  The Hunger Coalition received the ultimate award while the other organizations each received a $10,000 grant in recognition of their hard work and dedication to their cause.

This award represents a remarkable opportunity for The Hunger Coalition.   “This generous gift will allow us to begin building an endowment... (more)

There are 1,333 children and adults in Blaine County who have needed food assistance from The Hunger Coalition so far this year. Hunger in our community is a serious issue. 

Hunger is also an ongoing local problem.  Since the beginning of 2008, over 10% of our entire Blaine County population has reached out for help because they did not have enough to eat.

On Friday, October 21^st, eleven local restaurants invite you to be a part of the solution by participating in Dine Out Blaine County!

Call your friends right now and make a date to make a difference!  By participating in Dine Out Blaine County!, you are supporting local restaurants and the local economy.  You can learn more about hunger while dining with family and friends.  Volunteer “ambassadors” are on hand at every participating restaurant to share information and encourage donations from across the community.

2011 Participating Restaurants include:  CK’s Real Food, Cornerstone Bar & Grill, Despo’s, Globus, KB’s Burritos, Lefty’... (more)

Ketchum, ID — Families are invited to discover the exhibition Awkward Stage: Adolescence and Identity on Saturday, October 29 from 3 to 5 pm and try their hand at making a self-portrait.

Tour the exhibition at the Sun Valley Center for the Arts and, drawing inspiration from the many photos and paintings of people on view, use card stock, watercolors, wax resist and a variety of mixed media materials to make your own self-portrait.

Local artist and teacher Danica Mattias, a Wood River Valley native with a BFA from Cal State Long Beach, will guide families in this fun, free activity.

Family Day projects are inspired by current gallery exhibitions and many activities require adults to be hands-on helpers to their children. Drop in anytime between 3 and 5 pm—no advance registration necessary!

Awkward Stage: Adolescence and Identity will be on view through December 2. A related exhibition of self-portraits by local teens is on view at The Center, Hailey, through December 9. For more information about... (more)