Feds support Special Olympics
Within the U.S. Senate-approved Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations bill is a $3 million provision for the 2009 World Winter Special Olympics to be held in Boise. The U.S. House version of the bill calls for $5 million for the event. A congressional conference committee will convene to try to resolve the differences between the two legislative bodies.
The Special Olympics—co-chaired by Sun Valley residents Jim and Pirie Grossman—has a proposed total budget of $28 million.
The Senate bill would also provide for several education and healthcare infrastructure projects in Idaho, including hospital facilities and equipment and a program for Indian Students in Leadership.
Bowl-A-Thon a success
More than 20 people participated in the Boulder Mountain Clayworks' Bowl-A-Thon Saturday, Oct. 20. There were 90 ceramic bowls produced for the Idaho Food Bank's "Empty Bowls Project" to help fight hunger in Idaho.
The record number of bowls were made for Friday, Nov. 23, where in downtown Boise a number of restaurants will donate soups to fill the bowls, which will be sold throughout the day in The Grove in Boise.
The event helps the food bank provide food to more than 200 charitable organizations, including some in Blaine County.
For details, call the Idaho Food Bank at (208) 336-9643, ext. 249.
Parents group to do 'circle'
St. Thomas Episcopal Church Parents of Preschoolers group will host Council Circle Foundation facilitator Lea Flocchini from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 10. Her lecture will focus on the balancing act of coping with self-care and other responsibilities over the holidays. Participants will use the format and tools of Council Circle to explore ideas. Flocchini will touch on what is relevant and important in life and how to keep focused on one's own priorities for well-being.
Childcare is provided through pre-registration with Anna Johnson at 726-5349, ext. 13, and takes place at Cozy Infant and Toddler Care at 706 North Washington Ave., in Ketchum.
Wood River nurse wins award
St. Luke's Wood River Medical Center nurse Angela Brady was recently awarded the President's Award by St. Luke's Health System.
Brady, who is one of the St. Luke's sexual-assault nurse examiners, was described by her peers as considerate, empathetic, positive, professional and knowledgeable.
The President's Award was established to recognize outstanding role model employees of St. Luke's who have made a significant contribution to the Boise-based organization. Employees are nominated by their peers and the winners are selected by St Luke's Health System CEO Ed Dahlberg.
Donations needed for food baskets
Donations of turkeys are being sought for the nearly 3,000 Thanksgiving food baskets to be distributed to needy local people by the South Central Action Community Partnership. Donations can be made at any Atkinsons' store.
Deadline for applications to receive the baskets is Thursday, Nov. 15. Applications are available in Hailey at the Silver Creek Alternative School, St. Luke's Center for Community Health or the Blaine County Courthouse. They should be submitted to the Silver Creek Alternative School at 520 East Ave. S, in Hailey.
Applicants' incomes must be under poverty level ($2,289 monthly for a family of four). Income verification, Social Security cards and proof of local residency must be submitted with the applications.
For more information, call Marilyn Baybutt at 788-9410 or Chris Curry at (208) 324-8856.
Cope with the holidays
The Hospice & Palliative Care of the Wood River Valley will begin its annual workshop on how to cope creatively with the holidays for people facing the season after the death of a loved one.
The free workshop will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7, at the American Legion Hall in Ketchum. For more information, call 726-8464.
Home prices good for new buyers
Sagging home sales can be a great opportunity for first-time buyers, according to the Better Business Bureau.
BBB reported that average home sales dropped by 8 percent in August from the previous year, the largest month-to-month decline in 17 years.
"Analysts predict that housing prices are going to continue to drop, which will be tempting for people looking to become first-time homeowners," said Nora Carpenter, president of BBB of Southwest Idaho and Oregon.
"The worst thing a house-hunter can do however, is to rush into buying a home," Carpenter said. "They need to take their time, get their personal finances in order and do their research."
