Friday — March 19, 2004

Christensens to receive Humanitarian Award

Ketchum couple honored
by church and Chamber

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By DANA DUGAN
Express Staff Writer

In conjunction with the 2004 observance of A Season for Nonviolence, Light on the Mountain Spiritual Center has created a Humanitarian Award.

The first recipients of this award will be Ketchum residents Ann and Doug Christensen, who have given tirelessly of themselves and for the benefit of others in a variety of arenas. In recognition of their service, the annual award will bear their names.

Ann and Doug Christensen Express photo by David N. Seelig

A luncheon is being held in their honor 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 20, in the Sun Valley Lodge Dining Room.

Ann Christensen is also receiving a Sun Valley Ketchum Chamber of Commerce Award as Environmental Advocate of the Year on Sunday, March 21, at the Chamber’s annual awards banquet in the Limelight Room of the Sun Valley Inn.

She leads Animal Tracking Workshops in the winter and the Bugs & Butterflies Walks in the summer for children and adults. She is involved in the ERC’s educational outreach program. Now in its fourth year, the program has reached over 4,500 students in Blaine County’s elementary schools.

Over the years, the Christensens have been involved in such concerns as the Wolf Education and Research Center, the Environmental Resource Center, the Sawtooth Society and the Harriman Trail.

"Of all the work they’ve done it’s time they’re officially recognized," said the Rev. John Moreland of Light on the Mountains. "At the lunch there’ll also be music by R.L Rowsey and friends, and the first place winners for the Dick Pomeroy Essay Contest will be given awards."

Moreland said the newly created humanitarian award will be presented annually to a Wood River Valley individual or group providing service that makes a difference in the world, whether on a local, national or international scale.

A Season for Nonviolence is an international observance of nonviolent principles and practices. Kicked off at the United Nations, a variety of events are held across the country between Jan. 30 and April 4, which mark the memorial anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King. This is the second year Light on the Mountains Spiritual Center, three miles south of Ketchum, has sponsored two months of complimentary activities in the valley.

Earlier this year, the Blaine County Commissioners passed a resolution declaring the observance of A Season for Nonviolence.

For more information, call 727-1631.

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