West Ketchum Ketchum

Friesen Gallery celebrates the contemplative works of David Kimball Anderson, drawings by Susan Russell Hall and a book signing by Marie Manuchehri, R.N., all in tandem with the Sun Valley Wellness Festival.  These three talents bring together a cohesive event that is entirely in tune with wellness on all levels. 

A sculptor for four decades, Anderson’s exhibition, "Blue Sky:The Space Between Thoughts" is represented by three bodies of work inviting the viewer to quietly consider benevolence, beauty and awakening.  Susan Russell Hall, artist and illustrator, offers beautiful carbon dust and graphite drawings of Ethereal Flora and original illustrations from the book "Intuitive Self-Healing" by Marie Manuchehri.  Manuchehri, one of the presenters at the Wellness Festival, will be signing her newly-released book from 6:00-8:00 during  the opening reception.

The opening reception is 26 May 5:00 - 8:00 PM.  Anderson, Hall, and Manuchehri will all be present for the reception.  In addition to regular hours, Friesen Gallery will be open Sunday, May 27 in honor of the Sun Valley Wellness Festival.  

Friesen Gallery Hours: Monday - Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 p.m, Sunday 27 May 11:00-4:00,  and always by appointment.  www.friesengallery.com   phone: 208-726-4174

You're Invited to the 2nd Annual Empty Bowls Event on Sunday, January 15th

Purchase a one-of-a-kind ceramic bowl, enjoy lunch with fellow community members, and help your neighbors in need!  Join Boulder Mountain Clayworks, The Hunger Coalition, and a host of local chefs and caterers for this special community event on Sunday, January 15 from 12 noon – 2pm at The Church of the Big Wood. 

Thanks to Boulder Mountain Clayworks, there will be over 300 hand-crafted and hand-painted bowls from professional and amateur artisans and students to select from this year.  With the purchase of a bowl for $20, guests can enjoy a wonderful array of tasty soups, hearty chili, crisp salads, fresh bread, sample cheeses and a yummy dessert.  The bowls is yours to keep!

Proceeds benefit the more than 1,300 children and adults in Blaine County experiencing hunger and reaching out to The Hunger Coalition for help.

Modeled after the international grassroots Empty Bowls project, the purpose is to raise awareness about the issue of hunger in our community and raise critical funds to provide relief for those facing food insecurity.  Boulder Mountain Clayworks opened their studio to the public last fall, encouraging community members to get involved and make a bowl. 

The Second Annual Empty Bowls takes place in the cafeteria of the Church of the Big Wood on Sunday, January 15 from 12 noon – 2pm.   Lunch features gourmet soups, crisp salads, hearty chili, fresh breads, sample cheeses and delicious desserts! 

Participants include:  Atkinsons’ Markets, Big Belli Deli, Big Wood Bread, Cabot Creamery of Vermont, CK’s Real Food, Della Mano, Cheri Drougas, Esta, Il Naso, Ketchum Grill, Wally Lange, Perry’s, Rolling in Dough, Sayvour, Sun Valley Company, and Toni’s Ice Cream. 

Everyone at Boulder Mountain Clayworks, The Hunger Coalition, the Church of the Big Wood and all participating restaurants and caterers encourage you to join them for an especially gratifying meal.  When you buy a bowl and enjoy a fabulous fresh meal with friends and family, you are making sure others in our community will be able to enjoy a warm and welcome meal too.

The Presbyterian Church of the Big Wood is located at 100 Saddle Road, across from the YMCA in Ketchum.  All are welcome with admission being the purchase of a $20 bowl.  Additional questions and more information is also available at The Hunger Coalition at (208) 788-0121. 

The Hunger Coalition strives to end hunger in our community by providing wholesome food to those in need and by promoting solutions to the underlying causes of hunger through collaboration, education and advocacy. For more information, visit www.thehungercoalition.org.

Ketchum’s Chuck Abramo has become a life master in bridge, a rank described by the American Contract Bridge League as “the most highly sought level of bridge achievement.”  

He won the final points needed to be a life master at a recent bridge tournament in Reno, where he played on a four-person team with Jo Murray of Ketchum and Deanne and Jerry Drake of Hailey.  

Abramo and Murray also placed in three other events, and the Drakes, in two other events, at the tournament. Two additional Wood River Valley Bridge Club players, Cunnie  McGowan and Judith Baer, also placed in two events.  

Abramo is certified as a bridge teacher and club director by the American Contract Bridge League.  

For information about bridge lessons and bridge games, including games for newer players, visit http://www.sunvalleybridge.com and http://www.woodriverbridge.com, or call  (208) 720-1501. 

Whatever your business is, it’s time to start working on a year-end press release to be distributed in mid- to late December. 

Think you don’t have anything to say? Think again. 

Newspapers, radio and television stations, and bloggers are all doing stories on the economy in late December and early January. Experts with views on national and global outlooks are plentiful. Experts on the economy in your community or your industry tend to be few and far between. They aren’t listed in the telephone directory – or almost any other directory – either, making it hard for reporters to identify them.

You are, however, an expert on how your business is doing. Here are just a few ideas to get you thinking about possible press releases:

• Do you sell office supplies? How has the past year year been, and what are you expecting for next year? You have valid personal observations on what you are seeing in your business. 

• Do you repair appliances or cars or just about anything else? Are more people keeping their older appliances longer? Or are more people likely to buy a new appliance rather than make major repairs? 

• Are you a medical professional? Are your patients having to make larger out-of-pocket payments as their employers cut back on health insurance? Are you seeing more patients who no longer have group policies? How is this impacting you – and them? 

• What products and services to you offer? Which ones are showing sales increases and why?

 In other words, if you are in business and you have customers, you are doing something of interest to the community. It’s a good time to share your story.

Jo Murray is the principal in Jo Murray Public Relations, with offices in Sun Valley and San Francisco. Additional information is available at www.jomurraypublicrelations.com or 208-726-5869.

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 receive a Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker along with recipe ingredients for participating.

For more than ten years, Nurture has been offering free cooking classes to resource-limited participants in the Chicago area. Founded by Kathryn Guylay to empower family members of all ages with the ability to prepare healthy and delicious meals, Nurture follows the proverb: “Give a person a fish and feed them for a day; teach a man to fish and feed them for a lifetime.”  As a new resident of the Wood River Valley, working with The Hunger Coalition neatly fits Kathryn’s philanthropic vision while offering a new venue for a truly successful approach to improving community health and well being.

Integral to their mission, The Hunger Coalition actively promotes solutions and addresses the underlying causes of hunger through Client Resource Management, Educational Workshops, a Mentoring Program, and more.  With Nurture on board, Executive Director Jeanne Liston believes, “We can truly empower our community with the tools and knowledge to create nourishing, inexpensive meals whether they attend a Mobile Food Bank or purchase their groceries at the store.   These skills are universally appealing and fit every budget and family size.”

Both Nurture and The Hunger Coalition appreciate the generosity of the Presbyterian Church of the Big Wood, whose remarkable facility can accommodate entire families and provide an expanded educational component for kids.  “We want healthy eating to be an experience the entire family enjoys,” adds Guylay.  While parents attend the adult class, the kids will participate in their own class where they can have fun, learn, feel empowered about making good choices, and hopefully try some new things.”

The Hunger Coalition is the primary provider of food assistance to the general population of Blaine County and offers three weekly food distributions in Ketchum, Hailey and Bellevue throughout the year for families and individuals facing hunger.  To learn more, please visit www.thehungercoalition.org or contact them directly at (208) 788-0121.

Nurture is a non-profit organization based in Illinois whose mission is to empower family members of all ages (children, teens and adults) with the tools and resources needed to prepare healthy and delicious meals even when faced with limited time and budget.  For more information, please visit the Nurture website at www.nurtureyourfamily.org  or contact Kathryn Guylay at KG@nurtureyourfamily.org.  

Dear Friends: If we don't create the community we want, who will?

The City of Ketchum is embarking on a very important project in the upcoming year "Planning Our Common Future" a rewrite of the Ketchum Comprehensive Plan. The comprehensive plan turns community visions and values into a roadmap for its future, complete with an outline for action. Joyce Allgaier, the Ketchum's Planning Manager is managing this project. She wants to confirm and build on the work we did in January, to create a foundation document that will be representative of the visions and aspirations for the people of our community.

To do this we need to keep involved and share our knowledge, experience and passion. The process is beginning with a kick off event* "Planning Our Common Future" this Wednesday, October 26th at River Run Lodge from 6-8 p.m. * An engaging speaker from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Chris Gates ,will host this all-community forum. A past president of the National Civic League, Chris is a thought leader in the fields of democratic theory and practice and political and civic engagement. He will guide us though an evening of keypad polling. With hand held digital remotes we will be able to see in real time what our values are as a community.

The future of Ketchum is important to the future of our community and this process I open to all- full and part time residents, workers, business owners, long time visitors, students and everyone who cares about our future.

Will you please come?

And will you assist us in getting the word out about this event by forwarding the attached flyer around to your friends and neighbors? This is a great opportunity to share in shape our Common Future.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Thank you for your continued involvement.

Sincerely, Dale Bates

Advice from Jo Murray, principal in Jo Murray Public Relations in Ketchum, is featured in the “Best PR Tips” in the blog “The Entreprenette Gazette.”

Her public relations tip is, “Avoid humor. Get to the point quickly. Editors and reporters are busy and may toss a release that is a play on words.”

The complete list of tips is at http://theentreprenettegazette.com/2011/08/23/best-pr-tips/.

 Murray, a former newspaper editor, has been a public relations consultant for more than 20 years. She has offices in Ketchum and San Francisco. Additional information about her public relations firm is at http://www.JoMurrayPublicRelations.com.

Ketchum — Multiple-Grammy Award winner and musical powerhouse Rickie Lee Jones brings her unique brand of music to River Run on Tuesday, August 2 at 7 pm, as part of the Sun Valley Center for the Arts Summer Concert Series.

Jones, who shot to stardom in 1979 with an appearance on Saturday Night Live, a Rolling Stone cover story and the huge hit “Chuck E.’s in Love,” won her first Grammy for Best New Artist in 1980. One of the most acclaimed and talented singer-songwriters of our time, she has steadfastly refused to conform to musical categories or industry expectations. This concert tour features the music from her first two classic albums, so for those die-hard fans, they can be sure to hear old favorites.

Jones’ career spans three decades of incredible musical output. Her defiantly original albums range from songs she has written to R&B, Motown, folk and full-on rock’n’roll to wildly successful covers of old jazz classics like “My Funny Valentine” and “Making Whoopee” (sung with her longtime pal Dr. John and winner of a Grammy for Best Jazz Performance in 1989). Always fearless, she has consistently pushed her seemingly limitless creative abilities.

In exploring so many genres, Jones still manages to keep true to her craft and her authenticity – that of being a singer-songwriter who is a true original with a voice that is instantly recognizable. On her latest recording, Balm in Gilead, Jones teamed up with friends Ben Harper, Bill Frisell and Alison Krauss (among many more) to produce an album whose songs range from jazz to country to gospel while never missing a beat. Audience members can expect to hear a full array of Jones’ prodigious talents on August 2.

For this show at River Run, blankets, low-backed chairs and picnics are welcome. Please do remember to bring a jacket for the cool evening and leave your pets and recording devices at home. Doors will open to early entry ticket holders at 6pm, and regular entry time ticket holders can go in at 6:15pm. Rickie Lee Jones will start promptly at 7pm. Early entry will allow audience members to choose where they’d like to sit before the rush for seats is on! This show is general admission and there are no reserved seating areas. Dancing will be allowed, so please seat yourself where you’ll be happiest.

Individual tickets for Rickie Lee Jones are $35 for Sun Valley Center members and $40 for nonmembers. Early entry tickets are $75/$80. Buy tickets online at www.sunvalleycenter.org, call 208.726.9491 ex 10 or stop by The Center in Ketchum.

The Summer Concert Series is sponsored in part by Boise State Public Radio, KSKI 103.7 and Sun Valley Magazine.

Taiko drumming infused with hip hop, electronica, rock and vocal effects?

It’s like nothing you’ve heard before—hypnotic, percussive, exhilarating—unless, of course, you are already familiar with the path-breaking On Ensemble. Experience this twenty-first-century take on an ancient Japanese art on Friday, January 21, as part of the Sun Valley Center for the Arts 2010-11 Performing Arts Series.

The young musicians who comprise On (pronounced “Ohn”) Ensemble knock out a unique sound that’s been described as “completely original and brilliantly conceived.” On Ensemble’s four members—Masato Baba, Kristofer Bergstrom, Shoji Kameda and Kelvin Underwood—are individually recognized and sought after as teachers, workshop leaders and performers.

Since the group’s inception in 2002, On Ensemble has performed in concert halls, theaters and outdoor venues throughout the United States and Canada, from intimate spaces to large auditoriums. On Ensemble’s dynamic performances appeal to adventurous, curious music-loving audiences of all ages.

In 2005, On Ensemble released its first studio album, Dust and Sand, to critical acclaim. The independently produced album spent several months on the New Age Reporter charts, reaching as high as number three in October 2005 and contining to enjoy national airplay. In 2006, the ensemble released its first DVD, Neiro, and in 2007 its first live CD and second DVD, Live at the Cerritos Center. In 2009 On Ensemble released its second studio album, Ume in the Middle.

Constantly looking for new ways to utilize taiko, On Ensemble seeks out collaborations with adventurous artists. In 2006, the ensemble spent a week in Montreal developing and performing “Project GO” with multitalented percussionist Patrick Graham. In 2007, On Ensemble combined forces with the Somei Yoshino Taiko Ensemble for a sold-out performance at Southern California’s Cerritos Center, prompting local music critic Glen Creason to call the band “one of the most innovative and musically fresh groups to ever take the stage.” On Ensemble has also collaborated with renowned choral-music composer Eric Whitacre and performed in concert with taiko master Kenny Endo.

“Musically they will blow you away,” says Kristine Bretall, Sun Valley Center Marketing Director, “but equally important to us at The Center was their strong interest and experience in working with students.” While in the Wood River Valley, On Ensemble will present three interactive demonstrations that lead students through the history of Japanese drums, from the instruments’ ancient origins to modern musical uses. Each presentation includes percussion, Japanese culture and musical concepts and culminates in students joining the artists to try the large drums. A fourth presentation will be to the entire Wood River High School in conjunction with Footlight Dance, whose director, Hilarie Neely, has choreographed three pieces to perform while On Ensemble serves as their live accompaniment.

The performance and residency is made possible with support from the Western States Arts Federation and the National Endowment for the Arts. In addition, the performing arts series is sponsored in part by Barbara & Tod Hamachek and Gail & Jack Thornton.

Tickets for the Friday, January 21 performance by On Ensemble are $20 for Sun Valley Center for the Arts members and $30 for nonmembers. The concert will begin at 6:30 pm at the Church of the Big Wood in Ketchum.  

To purchase tickets, visit www.sunvalleycenter.org, call 208.726.9491 ex 10 or stop by The Center in Ketchum.

Join The Hunger Coalition and Boulder Mountain Clayworks on Sunday, January 16 at the Church of the Big Wood for their first annual Empty Bowls event.  This community fundraiser benefits The Hunger Coalition through the sale of 200 hand-crafted and hand-painted ceramic bowls.  Created by professional and amateur artisans and students, each bowl is available for $20 and includes lunch.  Guests are invited to fill their bowl of choice from a variety of freshly prepared soups donated by local restaurants and caterers. The wonderful selection of soups and chili is accompanied by fresh salads, bread and dessert with lunch being served from 12 noon – 2pm.

This year’s efforts resulted in the creation of 200 ceramic bowls for this tasty and inspiring community event – each a singular work of art!  Each bowl represents a potential $20 donation to The Hunger Coalition, a local non-profit dedicated to providing wholesome food to local individuals and families experiencing hunger. 

The Church of the Big Wood will graciously host the Empty Bowls event in their cafeteria on Sunday, January 16 from 12 noon – 2pm.  Lunch features gourmet soups, crisp salads, hearty chili, fresh breads and delicious desserts donated by local restaurants and caterers.  Participants include:  Atkinsons’, Big Wood Bread, CK’s Real Food, Perry’s, Rolling in Dough, Sego, Silver Fox Catering, Sun Valley Company, and Toni’s Ice Cream. 

Everyone at Boulder Mountain Clayworks, The Hunger Coalition, the Church of the Big Wood and all participating restaurants encourage you to join them for an especially gratifying meal.  When you buy a bowl and enjoy a fabulous fresh meal with friends and family you are making sure others in our community will be able to enjoy a warm and welcome meal too.

The Empty Bowls Lunch is Sunday, January 16 from 12 – 2pm at The Church of the Big Wood at 100 Saddle Road at Warm Springs.  All are welcome with admission being the purchase of a $20 bowl.  Donations in lieu of a bowl purchase are also accepted.  For more information, please call The Hunger Coalition at 788-0121 or Boulder Mountain Clayworks at 726-4484.

The Hunger Coalition strives to end hunger in our community by providing wholesome food to those in need and by promoting solutions to the underlying causes of hunger through collaboration, education and advocacy. For more information, visit www.thehungercoalition.org.

Fill A Bowl from Boulder Mountain Clayworks and Help Fill The Bellies of Hungry Families through The Hunger Coalition

Join The Hunger Coalition and Boulder Mountain Clayworks on Sunday, January 16

Modeled after the international grassroots Empty Bowls Project, the purpose is to raise awareness about the issue of hunger in our community and critical funds to provide relief for those facing food insecurity.  Boulder Mountain Clayworks generously donated all studio time, hosted special bowl-making sessions open to the public, and lended hands-on guidance for all participants. 

This year’s efforts resulted in the creation of 200 ceramic bowls for this tasty and inspiring community event – each a singular work of art!  Each bowl represents a potential $20 donation to The Hunger Coalition, a local non-profit dedicated to providing wholesome food to local individuals and families experiencing hunger. 

The Church of the Big Wood will graciously host the Empty Bowls event in their cafeteria on Sunday, January 16 from 12 noon – 2pm.  Lunch features gourmet soups, crisp salads, hearty chili, fresh breads and delicious desserts donated by local restaurants and caterers.  Participants include:  Atkinsons’, BigWood Bread, CK’s Real Food, Perry’s, Rolling in Dough, Sego, Silver Fox Catering, Sun Valley Company, and Toni’s Ice Cream. 

Everyone at Boulder Mountain Clayworks, The Hunger Coalition, the Church of the Big Wood, and all participating restaurants encourage you to join them for an especially gratifying meal.  When you buy a bowl and enjoy a fabulous fresh meal with friends and family you are making sure others in our community will be able to enjoy a warm and welcome meal, too.

The Empty Bowls Lunch is Sunday, January 16 from 12 – 2pm at The Church of the Big Wood at 100 Saddle Road at Warm Springs.  All are welcome with admission being the purchase of a $20 bowl.  Donations in lieu of a bowl purchase are also accepted.  For more information, please call The Hunger Coalition at 788-0121 or Boulder Mountain Clayworks at 726-4484.

The Hunger Coalition strives to end hunger in our community by providing wholesome food to those in need and by promoting solutions to the underlying causes of hunger through collaboration, education and advocacy. For more information, visit www.thehungercoalition.org.

More pow action!  Here is a follow-cam from Zach Crist from this week at Sun Valley!  Enjoy! 

Crosstoberfest 2010  Sponsored by: Sun Valley Co., Power House, and Road & Dirt

 October 30th & 31st

Where:  River Run at the base of Bald Mountain, Ketchum Idaho

USA Cycling permit pending - USAC license required

$30 per day $15 juniors  -includes raffle ticket for each day raced

Race categories - *categories scored separately in each start

• Flight 1: Juniors and Beginners 20 minutes
• Flight 2: Women 1/, Men 1,2,3/ Master 35+ 60 minutes
• Flight 3: Women 2,3,4/ Men 4/master 45+                                                                      

SYS---Shimano Youth Series--- FREE RACING!!!        

• 10 – 12 year olds, 1 lap on adult big course
• 7 –9 year olds, 5 minutes + 1 lap on a special course
• 6 and under, 1 lap on a special course

11:00 registration opens

12:15 flight 1

12:45 SYS 6 and under

1:00 flight 2

2:10 SYS 7-9

2:20 SYS 12 and under

2:35 flight 3

Day of Registration only!!!

Sunday is Idaho state championships! Trophies will be awarded for Saturdays race. Medals will be awarded on Sunday to all state champions

Special room rates at Sun Valley lodge  $119 just mention Crosstoberfest

Contact: Billy@roadanddirt.org or call 208 788 9184 or Go to sunvalley.com or powerhouseidaho.com for more info

It’s free, it’s fun, it’s the 42nd annual Sun Valley Center Arts & Crafts Festival, August 13–15.

The Wood River Valley’s premier arts & crafts event will once again fill Ketchum’s Atkinson Park with art, music, artist demonstrations, family and kids activities and food from local vendors.

The three-day festival has grown from a small gathering of artists to one of the top 100 outdoor juried festivals in the nation, with more than 20,000 visitors each year and 130 participating artists from across the country. But Festival Director Britt Udesen says it’s more than just the art that draws the crowds. “What makes the Sun Valley Center Arts & Crafts Festival a successful and unique event is that it appeals to adults and kids, serious art collectors and curious shoppers alike,” she says. “You can learn about a new medium by asking an artist questions or watching a demonstration. You can listen to music all weekend long, for free. And kids can make free art projects they’ll be proud to bring home.”

Hundreds of artists apply every year for the chance to display and sell their handmade fine arts and crafts—from glasswork, fiber and jewelry to paintings, woodworking and sculpture—at a wide range of price levels. Every year  brings a stimulating mix of new faces and old favorites. Last year’s Best of Show Artist Chris Antieau (fiber) is returning, as are other 2009 winners Alison Antelman (jewelry), Boyd Sugiki and Lisa Zerkowitz (glass) and CC Barton (printmaking). Local artists include Paul Downey, Debbie Edgar Sturges and Sue Dumke, as well as other artists from around Idaho.

The kids activity area is open from 11 to 2 pm, with a different project each day led by a guest artist. On Friday, kids will make flag books. On Saturday they can make masks, and on Sunday Joni Cashman returns to lead the always popular sun hat project. An informal coloring project will also be available each day. All children under the age of 8 are welcome with an adult who is ready, able and willing to help them create art. Children ages 8–12 can work on their own but cannot leave the area unattended. Supplies are free of charge thanks to our generous donors and experienced volunteers.

Artist demonstrations are fun for all ages. On Friday, Mitsuru Brandon will demonstrate bookmaking; on Saturday, Susan Perin will demonstrate watercolor; and on Sunday, Lauren Street will demonstrate ceramics. Be sure to drop in and watch these local artists at work, ask questions and see what they are making every afternoon between 1 and 4 pm.

As if that weren’t enough, there’s entertainment every day (a full schedule follows, or check our website at www.sunvalleycenter.org) and food for sale from local vendors.

The performing arts stage at the Arts & Crafts Festival showcases the rich musical talent in the Wood River Valley,  from country-style folk and bluegrass to jazz and rock and a few acts whose music is a little bit of everything. Pick up some food and pull up a chair and listen for a while—or all afternoon. The music starts each day at 11 am and continues until 6 pm (5 pm on Sunday).

Festival hours are 10 am–6:30 pm Friday and Saturday, Aug 13 & 14, and 10 am–5 pm Sunday, August 15. Bring the kids, bring a picnic, but please NO DOGS OR GLASS containers—they are not allowed at the park! Atkinson Park is located in west Ketchum at the corner of Eighth Street and Second Avenue. Parking is available at the Hemingway Elementary School lot. Overflow parking is available at the Simplot lot (future home of the Sun Valley Center for the Arts and site of a magnificent temporary installation by artist Patrick Dougherty), across from the post office.

Thanks to sponsors Yellow Book and Boise State Public Radio. Thanks also to the City of Ketchum Parks and Recreation Department for making Atkinson Park available for the festival and to the many community volunteers without whom this event would not be possible.

Sun Valley Center for the Arts 2010 Entertainment Schedule:

Friday, Aug 13
11:00 am–12:15 pm     No Cheap Horses     country folk
12:45–2:00 pm              Spare Change            bluegrass
2:30–3:45 pm                The Shims                   eclectic Americana
4:15–6:00 pm                David Andrews            Americana roots

Saturday, Aug 14
11:00am–12:15 pm     Bruce Innes Trio          acoustic folk
12:45–2:00 pm             Four Stroke Bus           folk/jam
2:30–3:45 pm               Ethan Tucker                 folk reggae
4:15–6:00 pm               The B-3 Side                 jazz

Sunday, Aug 15
11:00am–12:15 pm    Sheryll Mae Grace        acoustic folk
12:45–2:00 pm            Cow Says Mooo            rock
2:30–3:45 pm              Soulshine                       blues rock
3:45–5:00 pm              Hat Trick                          acoustic rock

More than two hundred patrons attended The Advocates’ Annual Gala: Black & White Soiree June 25, 2010, and raised $200,000 to benefit The Advocates for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (www.theadvocates-aplacetogo.org). The annual fundraiser was held on the grounds of Trail Creek Cabin  with proceeds funding life-changing services for more than 500 women and children in need, and free community-wide prevention education for more than 3,000 students, annually. 

“The Gala sponsors, committee, board, volunteers, staff and donors enable The Advocates to provide much needed services to the victims of domestic violence,” said Executive Director Tricia Swartling. “We are especially grateful for the tremendous spirit of generosity displayed by our sponsors, donors, board, volunteers and patrons. The Advocates benefited from the tremendous commitment of time and talent by gala co-chairs and directors Joy Kasputys and Katherine Schroder, silent auction chair and director Eeva Pregitzer, and vice president of the board Margaret Block.”

“Recent studies have shown that the effect of domestic violence on children is amongst our biggest public health issues, yet it is a health issue that is 100 percent preventable,” said Children’s Program Coordinator Darrel Harris when addressing the evening’s attendees. “Children who live with domestic violence learn very early, and in no uncertain terms to hide their family’s dark secret…If one person can change the course of a child’s life, imagine what we could do as a community. If we come together as a community and speak out against domestic violence, we will provide a voice for these kids.”

The elegant evening featured Black & White-themed décor accented with purple orchid centerpieces by Kurt McAuley of Botanica. Guests mingled, dined and danced to The Sensations, and bid on an impressive assortment of live and silent auction items. Auction lots included luxury travel, elegant parties, exceptional beauty and wellness products and services, home and garden items, delectable food and wine experiences, pampered pets and more. The $25, $50 and $100 mystery gift boas featuring mystery gifts in the $25, $50 and $100-ranges sold out.

“In Blaine County, we have approximately 5,000 children under the age of 18 and statistically 22 percent, or nearly one-quarter of them are living with domestic violence. The Advocates educates students from kindergarten thru the 12th grade by going into the classroom and talking candidly about domestic violence,” stated Harris. “The impact can be profound. Literally, hours after a presentation to a fourth grade class this year, a boy brought his mom to The Advocates’ protective shelter…Prevention through education is a key component of ending domestic violence.”

Sponsors: Platinum Sponsors: Marilyn, Joe and Joy Kasputys, Gold Sponsors: Margaret and Christopher Block, Charles Schwab and St. Luke’s Wood River Medical Center; Silver Sponsors: Anonymous, Carson International, Inc., Marquita and Charles Dunn, Mountain West Bank, Laura and Scott Jordan, SCOTTETVEST, Inc., In Memory of Robert D. Seibel and Zions Bank.

About The Advocates for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Led by executive director Tricia Swartling, The Advocates for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (www.theadvocates-aplacetogo.org) is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit with the mission to prevent domestic violence and sexual assault in our communities through education, shelter and supportive services. Since 1991, The Advocates has helped more than 5,000 women and children in our community leave violent relationships behind and rebuild their lives. The Advocates’ free essential services are available in English and Spanish, 24 hours a day and include a staffed shelter, counseling, and legal guidance. Vital funding support is realized through the Annual Fund drive. Additional funding sources include The Advocates’ Attic Thrift Store, the Annual Chip-In for The Advocates Golf Tournament, The Annual Gala Auction, and public and private foundation grants.

###

Media contact: Leigh Barer, Development and Communications Director, The Advocates for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault; Tel: 208.788.4191, Email: leigh@theadvocates-aplacetogo.org

The Big Wood School provides quality education and development of social skills in a safe, fun and loving environment. The school offers a variety of programs such as preschool, summer camp, study club, kindergarten, and more. Music, art, drama, and gymnastics are part of the school's curriculum. At Big Wood, loving and learning always go hand in hand!

When I was in college, there was a rash of stolen textbooks (they could be returned at the bookstore for $$) in the building I was living in. We sounded the alarm and people got creative and started paying close attention and tracking down where the books might have ended up. The perpetrator was found. I picked up the following off the Wood River Bike Coalitions newsfeed which suggests a similar effort is needed here...

$500 Reward for information leading to the recovery of these bikes:

3 of the brand new Scott Voltage pump park bikes were stolen from the BCRD last night. They are brand new, orange and white, single-speed, disc brakes. To add insult to injury, these bikes were stolen just hours after BCRD presented 46 children in the community with brand new bikes. Seriously?!

Cameron Lloyd: We need to put on some real heat. I emailed mayor Randy Hall three weeks ago when my bike was stolen and he never responded to my email. I don't want anything, I just want to make sure that people know this is happening. Anybody out there, lock your stuff up because it is getting worse!

Lee Roquet: We need to make some noise with the local police force to be heard. This happens every year, a string of high priced bikes get ripped from our Valley. Who you really want to catch is the local person who is casing all of our homes when you leave the garage open, they then call their buddy with a van and in one night or weekend multiple people loose their wheels. Makes me $%^^@#$#$#.....

Dave Bingham: My bike disappeared from my porch today... so bummed! Sorry to hear about the BCRD bikes too. Someone is collecting bad karma!

Kerry Dunn: No problem! I have had a couple of friends all over that have had their bike stolen and yeah I hope we catch them first! I don't want a reward I just want the satisfaction of them being arrested!

If you have any info on stolen bikes or suspicious activity call your police department but also share the info here so people can be alerted to it. 

Ski trip report from K2 athlete Danny Walton Skiing the Comma Couloir on Cobb Peak in the Pioneers Mts.

The Comma Couloir off Cobb in the Pioneers. This is a line you can see in the distance when skiing at Sun Valley.   It  Cobb Peak is located in the Pioneers Mts in central Idaho. It stands out at 11,650 feet and is one of the most prominent peaks in the range. The ascent was through beautiful multi colored rock, towering cliffs, and sub-alpine brush. We had perfect conditions to kick steps using crampons and ice axes.  The Comma Couloir sits lookers right from just below the summit.  This is a great steep ski line that had perfect corn...for more pictures and full trip report visit http://k2skis.com/news/2010/05/cobb-peak-comma-pioneer-mtsidaho/

Music n' Me in Hailey has decided to expend into the YMCA in Ketchum Idaho.  They will be offering piano, guitar, bass, percussion, and the ever so popular Diva and School of Rock C summer and year round camps.  ALSO...adding to the fun at the YMCA, we will be offering CD making/recording and Music Videos with the Expertise of Tom Nash and Jason Vontver.  Come check out our first Music Video featuring the Peace Lover's  (the valley's first all girl little rock band)!  Summer is going to be happening at Music n' Me and the YMCA!!  For more information contact Music n' Me  @ 788-3348.  Come Rock with Us!!!

Music n' Me in Hailey has decided to expand  and rock on into the YMCA in Ketchum.  They will be offering instruction in guitar, violin, bass, percussion, piano, voice and the ever populat Diva and School of Rock Camps!  Some of the New Programs that Music n' Me will also be offereing at the YMCA  are Music Videos and Recording capabilities with the expertise of Jason Vonter and Tom Nash.  The Peace Lover's (the valley's first all lttle  gril rock group ) recently shot the first music video at the YMCA and it was a wonderful experience for all.  Keep your eyes peeled for a glimps of the video at the Y, on line and at Notes  MusicNin Hailey to see these fabulous  little rockers.

For more information and schedules contact Music n' Me 788-3348. 

HSBCAMPS, the youth basketball camp bringing boys and girls face-to-face with the pros while giving back, will return to its roots at the Community School in Sun Valley, Idaho, beginning June 14, 2010. The four-day mini basketball camp session will be followed by a larger HSBCAMPS session to be held at Wood River High School this July. Founded by Carson Sofro, a Community School alumnus, HSBCAMPS held its inaugural camp session three years ago at the school. Since then, HSBCAMPS has become the fastest growing youth basketball camp in the country with nine camps throughout the western United States.

“Everything started at the Community School in Sun Valley and I’ve always wanted to do something there again,” explained HSBCAMPS Director Carson Sofro.  “Although our program has far exceeded the capacity of the school’s gym, we decided to add a smaller camp this year.  We had a few free days, and the ability to raise additional money for the HSBCARES fund, among other charities we support, so we jumped on it. It’s important to note that only the first 50 registrations will be accepted for the mini camp, so don’t delay!”

The HSBCAMPS 2010 Morning Clinic at the Community School will be geared towards teaching and developing the fundamentals of basketball for boys and girls in 4-12 grades. From team competitions to individual contests, players will participate in fun, instructional work under the direction of the HSBCAMPS staff, comprised of collegiate and professional coaches and players.

Sofro added, “The last month at HSBCAMPS has been very exciting with its sister company HSBCARES, INC., securing its 501(c)3 non-profit status, as well as securing an exclusive shoe partnership with Eastbay, and the acquisition of several new high caliber coaches into our all-star staff.”

Hot Shot Basketball Camps (HSBCAMPS, LLC.) is committed to becoming America's leader in bringing young basketball players of all ages face-to-face with the pros. Founded in the summer of 2007 by Director Carson Sofro, HSBCAMPS is now gearing up for its fourth campaign and operations throughout the western United States. Sofro, joined by a cast of Collegiate and Professional coaches and players, delivers an exceptionally high level of instruction to kids (Grades K-12) for a fraction of the price of similar programs. HSBCAMPS is committed to giving back, donating a portion of proceeds to schools and non-profits, and a portion to the HSBCARES fund. Through the HSBCARES fund, HSBCAMPS is able to award camp scholarships, support basketball programs for disabled and underprivileged children, and provide public schools and youth programs with vital basketball equipment. For more information and to register, visit http://www.HSBCAMPS.com.

Registration for our summer youth programs will begin at the Atkinson Park Recreation Center on Friday May 7th at 8am. You can check out our brochure online at www.ketchumidaho.org 

Please call 726-7820 for more information

The Idaho Republican Party and Blaine County Republican Central Committee Request are hosting Michael Steele. Chairman Steele will attend an evening event on June 18 at Sun Valley Resort's River Run Lodge. They are also advertising a "surprise special guest".

Update: The Blaine County GOP sent the following addition:

Featuring:

Political Comedian and Author Eric Golub

National Radio Show Host and Columnist, Dennis Prager, via Skype

Music by Bruce Innes

The Honor Guard will be honoring Bob and Jani Bergdahl, parents of P.O.W. Bowe Bergdahl.

National Republican Party Chairman, Mr. Michael Steele

We hope you can make it to this event--it promises to be an exciting and historical evening.  Feel free to mingle with Senator Jim Risch and other elected officials. Bring your whole family and your friends--join us this Friday, for this wonderful and rare occasion.

Please call us with any questions 208.343.6405 or email Anabel Manchester, Idaho State Republican Party Finance Director, amanchester@idgop.org