County pool receives Deer Creek Fund grant
The Idaho Community Foundation's Deer Creek Fund has awarded a $10,000 grant to the Blaine County Recreation District's Aquatic Center in Hailey. The grant is earmarked for purchasing equipment and supplies.
"This generous gift from the trustees of the Deer Creek Fund will allow us to continue to improve the outdoor experience at the Aquatic Center," said Aquatic Center Director Cameron Randolph.
The Deer Creek Fund has provided support to non-profits throughout the Wood River Valley and beyond since 1999. Over the past few years, the pool has added interactive play items like a poolside climbing wall and "Lumberjack Log Roller." This year's projects include a poolside basketball hoop, dry playground area and adjacent tree house.
Speechwriter to speak at Hemingway
Professional speechwriter John Shosky will address speech, debate and theater arts educators Thursday and Friday, Oct. 2-3 at Hemingway Elementary School in Ketchum during the Idaho Speech and Theater Arts Association state conference. About 60 teachers from across the state are expected. Local conference coordinator is Carol Stilz, speech arts teacher at Wood River High School.
Shosky's keynote speech on Thursday at 8:45 a.m. will address "The Moral Imperative to Help Troubled Youth." Later, he will conduct three workshops, including "Ten Ways to Improve Public Speaking."
Shosky has been a speechwriter for Fortune 500 executives and officials in the White House and the Department of Education. He is author of 2,500 speeches, over 30 articles and two books.
Democrats host coal documentary screening
Idaho Legislature minority leaders Clint Stennett and Wendy Jaquet will host "Fighting Goliath: Texas Coal Wars" on Thursday, Oct. 2, at 5 p.m. at the Magic Lantern Theater in Ketchum.
The film will be over by 6 p.m. and a reception at the Blaine County Democratic Headquarters, next to the Wicked Spud in Hailey, will precede the vice-presidential debate at 7 p.m. A $20 donation to attend the film is requested. Funds raised will support legislative candidates across the state.
The film is a 34-minute documentary from the Robert Redford Center. It follows the story of Texans fighting a high-stakes battle for clean air, and centers around very unlikely partners—mayors, ranchers, citizens, community groups, legislators, green groups and CEOs who came together to oppose construction of 19 coal-fired power plants proposed for eastern and central Texas. The projects were being fast-tracked by the Texas governor.
Jaquet said the film "reminded me of the proposed Sempra plant in Jerome county situation." To view a 10-minute preview of the film go to www.fightinggoliathfilm.com.
Golf tournament to benefit Suns
The Sun Valley Suns Benefit Golf Tournament will be this Saturday, Oct. 4, at 1 p.m. at the Big Wood Golf Course. It will be a nine-hole shotgun tournament with all proceeds benefiting the Suns Foundation.
A fee of $95 per player will include nine holes of golf, cart, dinner and any prizes. There will also be a silent auction for hockey memorabilia.
Call 726-4021 to register.
Halloween party to benefit Whiskey's and Sawtooth employees
Ketchum's annual Nightmare on Main Street Halloween party will take place on Friday, Oct. 31, from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. and will benefit employees of Whiskey Jacques' and the Sawtooth Club. The fire on Sept. 15 destroyed Whiskey Jacques' and caused significant damage to the Sawtooth Club. Employees from both businesses have been out of work ever since.
The evening will feature live music by the Jeremiah James Gang at 10 p.m. in downtown Ketchum, and local restaurants will have food booths and drink specials. In addition there will be a Halloween costume contest with prizes. Wristbands will be available for $10 for those 21 and over and must be worn to purchase alcoholic drinks.
For details, call Stefanie Mahoney, at the Sun Valley Ketchum Chamber & Visitors Bureau, at 725-2105.
Bless the animals
St. Thomas Episcopal Church will host the Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, Oct. 5, from 1-2 p.m. in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. The event will be held at the church on Sun Valley Road. It will be officiated by the Rev. Ken Brannon of St. Thomas and by John Moreland, minister at Light on the Mountains Spiritual Center.
There will be treats for animals and guardians, along with the sale of holiday gifts for pets, sponsored by St. Francis Pet Clinic. The Animal Shelter will be on hand with adoptable pets.
Mental Health week to begin
The National Alliance on Mental Illness of the Wood River Valley will place pamphlets on various mental illnesses at libraries around the valley and at St. Luke's Wood River Medical Center starting Oct. 5. The pamphlets were made available through a grant from St. Luke's Wood River Foundation.
As well there will be an art exhibition and silent auction on Nov. 22 called Mindful Art. The submission deadline for artists to turn in work has been extended to Oct. 30.
For more information call the NAMI office at 309-1987.
