New Leadership at The Cabin

Congratulations to Dede Ryan for being named the new Executive Director of The Cabin! From the press release:

BOISE—Scott Gill, President of The Cabin’s Board of Directors, today announced that Dede Ryan will be The Cabin’s next Executive Director.

“After an extensive six-month search and interview process, I am very pleased to confirm that Dede has accepted the position of Executive Director for The Cabin,” Gill said. “Her long association with The Cabin, vast experience as a professional writer, and acumen as a business manager are the perfect combination to take our organization forward. Dede is a powerhouse of energy and ideas, and there is fresh excitement and optimism about what’s ahead for The Cabin and for our literary community.”

“I’m thrilled to lead The Cabin as we write the next chapter in our history,” said Ryan. “Our programs have helped thousands of people of all ages enrich their lives through reading and writing. I look forward to collaborating with the board, our members, and the community to maintain the excellence of our current programs while we expand with creative new programs and projects in the years ahead.”

Ryan has long been immersed in every aspect of professional writing, including a decade as a journalist on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. She has published hundreds of feature articles and essays, written print and broadcast advertising, corporate videos, annual reports and web text. Recently, her first novel was published as a Kindle e-book.

“The publishing world has been turned on its head over the last few years,” says Ryan. “But writing is still the same. Whether you use an iPad or a pencil and paper, a writer is still writing words one by one, creating something new and unique. Again and again through Cabin programs, I have witnessed the transformative power of the writing process. It’s not just a tag line for us – words really do work wonders.” 

For 15 years, The Cabin has inspired a love of reading, writing and discourse in Idaho communities. Idaho Writing Camps, Writers in the Schools, and Readings & Conversations are all programs provided to the community by The Cabin through the generous support of government grants, corporate and foundation contributions, and private donations from members. For more information, please visit our websitewww.thecabinidaho.org or call The Cabin at 208-331-8000.

 

 

 

Big Brothers Big Sisters and U of Idaho Foundation Announce Board of Directors

Being on a Board of Directors for a nonprofit organization is a great way to make a difference and to give back to the community!  Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Idaho and the University of Idaho Foundation recently announced their newly elected Board of Directors.

Board of Directors for BBBS of Southwest Idaho:

Andy Fujimoto, CEO of AmeribenIIEC Group (Chair of the Board)
Jeff Hancock, VP of KeyBank (Treasurer)
Larry Koomler, Payne Financial Group (Secretary)
John Griffazzi, Stein Distributing
Gerry Mattison, Idaho Independent Bank
Kevin McDonald, UDrove Humanitarian Bowl
Stacy Pearson, Boise State University
Patrick Wiese, Stonebrook Mortgage Co.
Susan Richardson, J.R. Simplot Co.
Mark Stastny, Scentsy
Tena Lokken, White Cloud Analytics
Eric Bjorkman, Perkins Coie
Beth Coonts, Hawley, Troxell, Ennis & Hawley
Rikki Watkins, Bank of the Cascades
Maj. Ron Freeman, Ada County Sheriff's Office
David McCune, Wells Fargo Co.
Bruce Wetten, TitleOne

University of Idaho Foundation:

Jeffry Stoddard (Chair of the Board)
Laine Meyer (Vice Chairman)
Carl Dyess (Treasurer)
Nancy McDaniel (Secretary)
Tom A. Alberg 
Richard W. Allen
Daniel L. Alsaker  
Carl F. Berry
Greg S. Casey
Carl F. Dyess 
Keli Ann Elledge 
Frances T. Ellsworth
Andrew P. Emerson
Lori S. Espe
J. Dennis Faucher  
Karen E. Gowland
Mark L. Hedge 
Peggy Jo Jones 
Lawrence L. Knight
Dayaldas T. Meshri 
Laine R. Meyer 
Patrick L. Mitchell
Douglas Oppenheimer
Thomas L. Reveley
Jeffry L. Stoddard
Michael W. Sullivan  

 

Many thanks to these community leaders for giving their time and talent to these great nonprofits!

Help End Hunger in Idaho

The U.S. Postal Service is having its annual food drive to help the Idaho Foodbank on May 8, 2010, and they are looking for some help in carrying the food donations! Would you like to help make a difference? Help get food to our neighbors? 

To help the USPS with their food drive, contact Cindy Hale at chale@idahofoodbank.org or call 336-9643 x. 236.

Great Ways to End Hunger in Idaho!

(Published in the Idaho Statesman January 12, 2010)

With the increase in region-wide unemployment, more and more families are struggling to put food on the table.  Demand at area food banks is estimated to increase 30% over and above the 27% increase from last year.

With such pressing need, many groups are finding innovative ways to help restock the warehouses of area food banks.  Although January and February are typically the lowest months for food donations, two organizations are planning on turning that around this year.

Dump Hunger Campaign Benefitting Local Food Banks

Western States Equipment has launched a six-week food drive that partners 13 Western States branch locations with local food banks within their community.

In its second year, the “Dump Hunger” campaign is hoping to collect 150,000 pounds of food – equal to two CAT 730 truckloads.

In addition to the food collection, Western States will match $1 for every 5 pounds of food collected, up to a $17,000 contribution.

Donations to the campaign can be brought to any of the Western States branch locations.

The Dump Hunger campaign will end on Tuesday, February 9th.

For more information, including Western States branch locations and a weekly Dump Hunger tracker, visit www.westernstatescat.com.

Will Act for Food by Daisy’s Madhouse 

Local theatre artists will be using their creative talents and ingenuity to serve those in need through “Will Act for Food” presented by Daisy’s Madhouse.  This “a play in a day” festival will bring actors, writers and directors together to create an evening of entertainment to benefit the Idaho Foodbank.

The festival performances will be at the Danny Peterson stage at the Morrison Center on Saturday, Jan 16 starting at 8pm.

The day prior to the festival, writers will be given a line and a prop they must use to produce a 10-page one-act play in a variety of randomly assigned genres.   The next morning, directors and casts will be chosen randomly for each of the 10-12 minute plays.

Guest judges Tom Willmorth of the Idaho Shakespeare Festival Fool Squad, Dana Oland of the Idaho Statesman and local playwright and director Sandra Cavanaugh will critique the shows. 

All registration fees and tickets proceeds will go to the Idaho Foodbank. 

Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and BSU Students.  The show is recommended for ages 14 and up.

Tickets are available at Select-a-Seat at www.idahotickets.com or 426-1494.

For more information on the Idaho Foodbank, visit www.idahofoodbank.org or call 336-9643.

Ringing in the New Year with Positive Changes!

(Originally published in the Idaho Statesman December 29, 2009)

Boise Life - Annual Fundraiser

This Thursday, celebrate the New Year while connecting with community-minded citizens.  Boise Life, a community-based website, is hosting a New Years Eve party at the Rose Room from 9pm to 2am.

With the motto “Enjoy, Serve, Learn”, BoiseLife.org covers information ranging from events to recreation tips and is an online resource to learn about local service projects.  They host a monthly service outreach program called BoiseLife Days, and have done projects ranging from cleaning up TableRock to delivering bicycles to the Boise’s refugee population.

All proceeds from the party will go towards Boise Life’s goal of opening a physical volunteer center.  The facility would match the needs of nonprofits with the skills and interests of individual volunteers, serving as a hub for volunteers and nonprofit organizations to partner and share resources.

Tickets to the party are $25 per person and include 2 drink tickets and light appetizers.  Attendees are encouraged, but not required, to dress as their favorite decade.  Tickets are available through BoiseLife.org or through The Costume Shop and Jenny’s Lunch Line. 

For more information on Boise Life, visit www.boiselife.org. 

Camp Rainbow Gold - Super Bowl Raffle

Take a chance at winning a dream trip to the Super Bowl while scoring big for children and families dealing with cancer.  Camp Rainbow Gold is hosting a raffle drawing for two tickets to Super Bowl XLIV in Miami, FL. 

This Thursday, Camp Rainbow Gold will draw its raffle winner of two Super Bowl tickets, plus airfare for two and two nights’ double-occupancy hotel accommodations for the February 7, 2010 game.

Raffle tickets are $10 per ticket and may be purchased by calling 422-0176 or by visiting any Banner Bank in the Treasure Valley or the Camp Rainbow Gold Office at 2676 S. Vista Ave. in Boise on a weekday between 8:30am and 4:30pm.  The winner need not be present at the drawing on New Year’s Eve.

All proceeds from the raffle will benefit Camp Rainbow Gold, an American Cancer Society program that supports Idaho’s children battling cancer and their families. 

Camp Rainbow Gold began as one week of summer camp for children living with cancer in Idaho.  It has grown to provide year-round support and fostering for both these patients and their families through programs such as Sibling Camp, Family Camp, hockey nights, football nights, ski days, teen support groups, and a college scholarship fund.

For more information on Camp Rainbow Gold, call 422-0176 or visit www.camprainbowgold.org.

Idaho Epilepsy Foundation – D.L. Evans Bank Golf Tournament

Epilepsy is rather common, affecting approximately 1% of the United States’ population, yet it is still mysterious to those who are afflicted and their families, as well as to the scientists researching it.  Luckily for our area, the Idaho Epilepsy Foundation (IEF) is there to provide support to patients and families and help them sort through all the information regarding this complex neurological disorder.

People with epilepsy experience seizures, which are brief interruptions of the brain’s electrical activity.  These can usually be controlled with medication or dietary changes, but the condition does pose certain challenges for those with epilepsy and adds a layer of complication to patient’s lives.   With IEF’s help, people with epilepsy are able to find solutions and support and continue to participate in the activities they love.

You can support the IEF’s efforts and help your neighbors and friends with epilepsy at the D.L. Evans Bank Golf Tournament on June 25 at Shadow Valley in Boise.  You might find yourself as the winning team and holders of the Traveling Cup!  Entry fees are $125 for a single golfer or $500 for a foursome. There are also hole sponsorship opportunities available.

To register or for more information, visit www.epilepsyidaho.org or call 344-4340.

Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation – Boise Take Steps Walk

It is a problem that most don’t talk about but which affects the daily life of many Americans.  Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are painful and debilitating digestive diseases that affect over 1.4 million American adults and children.  Most people develop the diseases between the ages of 15 and 35.

On Saturday, June 27th Boise residents will have a chance to help those who suffer from these diseases by participating in the Boise Take Steps for Crohn’s and Colitis. 

Starting at 4pm at the Old Timers’ Shelter at Ann Morrison Park, the walk will cover 2 miles along the Greenbelt.  Participants can walk individually or form teams.  There is no fee to join, but walkers are encouraged to try to raise at least $125 for their efforts.

It is the first year this national event will be held in Boise.  The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation brought the Take Steps program to Boise after a successful walk/run in 2007.  The walk/run, led by then high school student Kyle Knutson, raised more than $10,000 for CCFA.

The walk will raise crucial research dollars for the CCFA, whose mission is to cure these diseases, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these seldom-discussed diseases. 

For more information, visit www.cctakesteps.org/boise  or call (877) 703-6900.

Idaho Botanical Garden – 25th Anniversary Celebration

Where can you take in amazing concerts, take part in outdoor science projects, and stroll 30 acres of beautifully-kept gardens that serve as a living museum?  The Idaho Botanical Garden, just a short drive from downtown Boise.

The Garden is a huge part of what makes the Boise Valley such a phenomenal place to live, and this year marks its 25th Anniversary.  Born from a strong cadre of volunteers with a passion for botany, conservation and gardening in 1984, the Garden has greatly expanded its programs and is considered a primary horticulture education center in our area for young and old alike.

On June 26, 27 and 28, the Garden is hosting a trio of activities that will introduce you to the best the Garden has to offer.  On the 26th, savor the designed outdoor living spaces at the Enchanted Garden Gala.  Featuring a delicious tasting menu from Bill Green and entertainment from the Frim Fram Four and Amy Weber, you are sure to have a delightful evening.  Tickets are $100 per person and include a membership to the Garden.

On the 27th, join in with friends at the Summer Garden Party featuring Blaz’n Kelly in the English Garden from 7-9 p.m. and Jon Bonine’s Quartet in the Meditation Garden from 9-11 p.m.  Tickets are $40 per person and include a membership to the Garden.

Bring the whole family to Family Day on Sunday the 28th from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.  There will be games, music, stories, and the chance to explore the Children’s Garden as well as the other amazing features in all of the Idaho Botanical Garden.  Regular admission fees apply, with a pancake brunch for $5 for adults and free for kids.

For reservations for any of these events or for more information, call 343-8649.

Canyon County Historical Society – Boise Valley Oregon Trail Bus Tour

Original emigrants to this area endured incredible hardship as they found their homes in the West.  On Saturday, June 20, Canyon County Historical Society is offering a chance to follow the steps of those pioneers from the comforts of a luxury coach bus.

The Boise Valley Oregon Trail Bus Tour will follow the main emigrant trail used in the 1840's and 1850's though the Boise valley.  Author and historian Don Shannon will be on hand to recount the stories of the travelers and their travails.

They will pick up the trail at Bonneville Point on the east side of Boise and follow it through Boise, down to the site of the Ward Massacre, through Caldwell, out past Notus to the approximate location of Old Fort Boise beyond Parma.  The tour will also stop at the replica of Old Fort Boise in Parma.

The tour will start at the Nampa Train Depot Museum in Nampa Idaho, at 8am and return participants around 5:30pm.  Lunch, snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Tickets are $50 for CCHS members and $55 for non-members.  They can be purchased by calling 467-7611.  More information is available at www.canyoncountyhistory.com.

Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides – Udderly Delicious

Is there anything more refreshing in the summer than a crisp glass of milk?  Or perhaps a scoop (oh, make it two!) of homemade ice cream?  Add a dollop of chocolate syrup or fresh fruit to either, and you just might be in heaven.  Oh, and maybe just a nice slice of fresh pie or a cookie that you know just came from the oven?

Would you like to have a great taste from Idaho’s amazing local farms and dairies that produce milk and other delicious food products without hormones or other chemicals?  Celebrate our local family farms and dairies on Sunday, June 14 at the Boise Urban Garden School, located at 4821 Franklin Rd. in Boise from 1:30-3:30 p.m. 

You will have the opportunity to sample milk, cheeses, quiches, and baked goods created from the bounty of our community’s local farms and dairies.  Proceeds of the sales go to the Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides, which seeks to promote alternatives to pesticides through educating the public, providing support to farmers wishing to transition to organic, creating pesticide-free public spaces, and working on legislative policy.

Tickets for the event are $15 adults, $7.50 children. Tickets are available by calling Jennifer Miller at (208) 850-6504.