What makes a Wood River Valley woman unique? While researching stories for this new special section of the Idaho Mountain Express, I asked many women that question. Few were able to provide an answer. So, we turned to the men (read their thoughts in Man on the Street).
For me, as a big-city girl transplanted into rural Idaho with little clue of what I was getting myself into, it is their chameleon abilities. One morning you'll see them clad head to toe in Lycra, probably beating a good number of the men in a friendly road bike race. That evening, you'll see them dressed to the nines, sporting Jimmy Choos that complement their stylish outfit and trendy hair do.
Somehow, somewhere along the way in the evolution of this town, the women have created the perfect place to indulge in two often distinct female identities: athleticism and femininity.
How they did this, I have no idea. Perhaps it's because so many women have had a firm hand in helping shape our valley. There are few businesses, city councils or boards that don't boast a large number of women intimately involved in their decision making. Perhaps it's because so many people come here to be able to express their true identities, feel less beholden to society's ideas of fashion, career progression or lifestyle. After all, living here is hardly a traditional path to follow.
So, how could we resist celebrating this unique breed? This smorgasbord of fabulous females?
A first step was to create the inaugural Idaho Mountain Express Woman of the Year Award. Recognizing one woman who has made the biggest difference to the Wood River Valley over the past 12 months, the award's basis is simple: to celebrate a woman who has made Blaine County a better place, through her actions, contributions and positive outlook on life.
Over 250 citizens of Blaine County nominated their woman of the year, resulting in more than 50 women being singled out (see all the nominees here).
A staggering 1,200 people cast votes for their choice of the top five nominees (Kimberly Coonis, Julie Slocum Dahlgren, Carol Harlig, Larsen Peterson and Muffy Ritz.) The award goes to Kimberly Coonis. Read about her inspiring story in Golden Girl.
Within this issue of Valley Woman, you'll also read stories of women succeeding in the traditionally male-dominated role of fighting fire, explore the struggles of the work-life balance of Wood River Valley mothers and explore the predominantly female world of the book club.
Then, meet three women who have achieved that sometimes lofty goal of carving out their particular niche in this valley: Karin Martin, Langley McNeal and Carol Knight's paths help show future generations that may choose to follow in their footsteps how to tread.
See a PDF of Valley Woman here.
