Kay Merriam

Susan Feit and Beth Estopinal

Robin Nelson and Dennis Cook

Matt Gittins

Benny & Margo Billman

Beth & Norm Hill

Richard Nelson

Tory & Holly Landon

Frank & Georgann Kocsic

jade Robinson and Greg Fellman

Kimberly Leishman and Stephani Tamasco

Shilo Roubidoux and Terah Berry

Isabel & Joe Willes

Tobi Alexander and Kim Hirning

Eileen Jones and Vicky Mainzer

Sara Nenno and Mindy Bradley

Mary Williams and Margaret Ganyo

United Way Fifty-sixth Annual Awards Luncheon

As guests entered the Clarion ball room, Matt Gittins, sports commentator for KPVI, provided background piano music. The noon event then began with an invocation given by Arlen Wittrock.

There are luncheons and then there are luncheons; there are awards and then there are awards but this event had an atmosphere that truly resonated with the altruistic purposes championed by United Way (UY). Further, these purposes exemplify a finer part of our community character that was exhibited here as a collection of individuals representing large companies, agencies, corporations, volunteer groups, the UY staff and its Executive Director, Margaret Ganyo.

A tribute to Ganyo and her sense of humor by comic Drew Durrant  gave guests a relaxed and fun beginning to the occasion. Wig, makeup and feminine attire contributed to this guy’s truly comic descriptions of Margaret in her work mode.

As guests started to partake of an array of entrees, Dennis Cook opened the event; then John Spicer presented awards as did Robin Nelson. Stacks of framed certificates were accepted by individual representatives.  However, there are nine type-written pages of award amounts and names, so rather than list them, let it be said that as these hardworking and dedicated individuals stood to receive those awards in the name of one organization or another, it became apparent that each and every honor reflects consideration and empathy on the part of recipients.

Knowing some of these people offers testimony to the idea that they do not work so hard to help achieve UY’s goals merely to receive accolades. Instead, it is because they deeply understand and appreciate needs felt by so many.  It is touching to see the selflessness honored here.

Ganyo stands out. Here she is, bright and cheery, seeing the world with humor mixed with the humanity required to carry out the multiple tasks of UY. And yet in no way does she exhibit a lack of enthusiasm after the twelve years she has been the leader of this driving force.

The general aim of UY is to help. And, during the 2011 year over eighty thousand individuals benefited from the many UY funded programs in Southeastern Idaho. Those programs are all central to the sustaining actions of a caring society.

Recognition was given to public officials, UY funded programs, the UY leadership team, organizations which have supported UY’s goals, organizations which have benefited from the presence of UY, one company (Wingers) that contributed for the first time, and the providers of UY campaign materials. Then another twenty two special awards were given for organizations going above and beyond in their earnest dedication to promote and fund the 2011 campaign.

The luncheon was over by 1:15. This speaks to UY’s level of organization. It didn’t meander, rush, or falter. Instead, it simply attended to the business of thanking community organizations. So, it may be time for all of us to turn around and say a very well deserved “Thank you” to United Way of Southeastern Idaho.

Michael Pettaway, President

Karen Mackay, Brian Holmes and Virgie Arambarri

Carine De Sy, Kimiko Roberts and Tiphanie Evans

James Yizar and Stephani Evans

Debbie Green

Sue Timpson and Sue Skinner

Amber Christiansen and Marcos Beltran

Rebecca & Jay Seedall and Trent Clark

Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad and Pastor Jaqualine Thomas

Farhana, Monte and Priscilla Hibbert

Jack & Brenda Correll

Randy Spencer, Ted Crandall and Jake Taylor

Steve Herzog and Paige Millward

Jamar Brown and John MacKay

Jamiece and Joanna Yizar

Pete Cole, Catalina & Bill Steckbauer

Joan Downing and Virginia Kelly

NAACP MLK Luncheon

An NAACP luncheon celebrating Martin Luther King was held at the Clarion on Saturday, January 14. A banquet room full of community members and leaders joined in commemorating the eloquence and focus of King’s message; in addition there was camaraderie and opportunity to talk with friends and new acquaintances; also there were awards and entertainment. It was a sterling success.

Speakers spotlighted many of the phrases and ideas spoken and practiced by King in his dedication to eliminating prejudicial behavior and laws enabling that behavior. Over time his efforts have engendered a vast improvement in civil rights.

All in attendance were reminded, however, that the struggle to celebrate rather than tolerate continues. The latter term, tolerate, is still used by some who forget that it is a synonym for “putting up with” or “enduring”. These are far from the concepts of equality and acceptance.

As King stated in one of his speeches, “we must be judged not be our color but by our character”. While respect and acceptance are visible here in Pocatello, there are those who would consider tolerance as an adequate descriptor. Not so!

So, if Pocatello is to truly be a community, we must all pledge ourselves to respecting others. To support that pledge, we each have an obligation to speak up when discrimination, prejudice, yes and tolerance are demonstrated. Otherwise, those words and attitudes will persist.

Refocusing on the luncheon, the Ron Timpson award was given by Sue Timpson to the Lin Whitworth family for its success in feeding large numbers of people during the holiday season. Also, a Pocatello High School student was awarded for his essay about “Affirming America’s promise.”

President of the Pocatello NAACP chapter Michael Pettaway is to be commended for organizing such a well presented tribute to Martin Luther King. In addition to the speeches and awards, thanks were given to all who contributed so tirelessly to the goals and mission of that organization and the program presented on this day.

Kimiko Roberts presented a beautifully choreographed dance to the words and music of “Now I know why the caged bird sings.” And, Tiphanie Evans sang. The Negro National Anthem accompanied by Paul Slaughter.

Short speeches were given relative to civil rights and individual perceptions of it. Each emphasized the expansion of respect for and adherence to civil rights, but cautioned that prejudice does still exist and that we must all work to erase this sad and painful blemish on our democracy.

Underneath it all remains the caution that if our society is to be honored and respected elsewhere, we must provide those values to one another when interacting with individuals or groups, no matter what color, religion, race or the like. King’s words are clearly valuable to all. That they are celebrated is splendid.

Virgie Arambarri and Karen MacKay

Larry Gebhardt and Muriel Roberts

Rev. Susan Marsh and Glenn Alford

Anthony Martin

Doyle Livingston, Pattie Murilla and Marijana Dolsen

Elmer Martinez and Janie Gebhardt

Kevin Bloxham and John Shoemake

Patrice & LuAnn Kerevel

Whitney and Cindy Hill and Mike Woods

Lynn Leonard and Judy Brutz

Rick Davis & Pat Feuerborn

Reta Scott and Cliff Bryan

Anisa Andrus and Bronson Woods

Tiffany Allison, Noelle Guernsey and Patrick Lendrum

The Color of Conscience: a Movie and a Message*

Thursday night at ISU’s Bengal Café was devoted to a showing of The Color of Conscience. The film was sponsored by the ISU branch of 2Great4Hate and attendance included community members and ISU students. The later discussion showed a common thread among them comprising strong and caring perceptions and experiences related to the film topic and contents.

2Great4Hate is dedicated to reminding and educating us about the unacceptable nature of lack of respect, hateful rhetoric, and abuse of civil rights. Further and perhaps more emphatically, it aims to help all of us become skilled at recognizing and discouraging negative attitudes and behaviors.

Unfortunately, toxic perspectives toward race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, anti-Semitism, and other human differences and/or predilections are still held by some in Idaho. It is even plausible to consider that our present unsettling economic worries could lead toward a rising number of hate mongers. As one person said, “When people feel vulnerable, they are more susceptible to acquiring toxic behaviors.”

Those who believe that this sort of activity is rational cast a shadow over this beautiful state.  And so it is imperative that we act to honor the idea of respect for others and discourage hateful and prejudicial behaviors and actions.

To illustrate the aims of 2Great4Hate, The Color of Conscience first focused on Aryan Nation activities and presence in northern Idaho. Examples of Aryan Nation rhetoric provided insights into how the human brain can be encouraged to promote such unthinkable conclusions. .

The film had a special connection to Idaho Purce, one of Pocatello’s most beloved and outstanding community members. Idaho Purce has long been recognized as an exemplar of fair and just interactions among all who reside here. But, this sterling member of our community also has the strength to speak up when injustice is observed or experienced.

We could learn patience, tenacity, leadership skills and courage from her, her husband John Purce and the family they raised in this community. Her presence in much of the film provided a poignant reminder of how important it is for all of us to recognize and act upon exhibited attitudes and behaviors showing hate and prejudice.

The discussion period held after the film illustrated the deep concerns of those in attendance about the existence of hate and prejudice that exists elsewhere and in this community. Just as we use medicine to prevent and or resolve illness and injury, we must also use rational behaviors to prevent and resolve hateful thinking and actions.

The audience continued the discussion by relating how it feels to be diminished by prejudice and how important it is that we speak up when we see prejudice exhibited.

Education was also emphasized as one way to halt prejudice and hate. Finally, a comment was made about how we should not use those two as issues to be argued because argument merely gives credibility where none would be acceptable. In brief, providing an example by respecting others will help to begin solving the problem.

*My apologies for the title given to the article using the term “tolerance”.  That word was neither used in my article nor  reflected in the message of the film.

Cookie & Mike Ditto

Dick Anderson

Ashlee Butler

Bob Consigli and Elissa Novy with Sego

Dan Leahy

Lylie and Bradi Hutchison

Lynnette Evans and Gloria Hansen

Bennett & Michelle DeMoss

Cheri & Greg Rosa with Texas

Mick & Marva Cuoio

Mary & Willis McAleese

Peter Joyce

John & Diane MacLerran

Travis Fleming and Cara McCoy with Mattie

Cathy & Bill Vaughn with Dito

One view of the AMI trail

Enjoying the AMI Trail

Social events are typically thought of as gatherings of people who share interests in the symphony, ballet, theater and so on. However, another way of sharing interests is to make use of our Greenway trails. Because this New Year has given us an atypical spate of warm and sunny weather, the AMI trail has also provided ways to recuperate from the stress and strain of a hectic holiday season.

One way to find out why people use the trail is simply to ask, “What brings you out to the AMI Trail?” The results: communing with nature; chatting with passersby; being out and about with dog(s), or getting away from home or work obligations. Those can be especially important because of the ultra busy lives most of us have taken on, often without even realizing just how busy those lives are.

Some of the other observed variations of trail use throughout the year include an individual in a wheelchair teaching a companion dog to heel and stay, a young mother with one or two toddlers in a stroller, a New Knowledge Adventures (NKA) group or elementary school class and, someone biking at top speed to or from their work place. For sure, it is impossible to walk the trail for an hour without passing (or being passed by) at least eight people and five dogs.

Four overarching comments regardless of the season: focus on appreciation for natural assets of the valley; enjoyment of exercise; visiting with other walkers; and greeting friendly dogs;. For now, soaking up the balmy weather has also been important.

The AMI trail offers several assets including  quiet; a chance to be outdoors away from vehicles and structures; approximately one hundred native plant species, unique lava rock formations including the collapsed tube at the south end of the trail; and, unlimited views of the peaks which surround us on three sides all offering unique examples of geological configurations.

Depending on humidity, direction of wind or gentle breeze, I-15 traffic can seem to float noiselessly along the east side of the Portneuf valley. As one walker pointed out, we can also puzzle about our Canada geese which sometimes seem to be flying in the wrong direction as they make their way back to a local gathering place. If there were snow; one could also ponder over the many freshly imprinted animal tracks.

Sometimes, one or two people will ignore a friendly greeting as they walk or run on the trail. One can only assume that their demeanor is caused by concentration on social media instead of what seems to be a negative attitude. All in all, the AMI Trail experience confirms that when people move to this area one of the most compelling reasons for staying is what nature offers, not only in surrounding areas but right here so close to home. Try it; you’ll like it as one resolution for a Happy New Year!

Kathy Steinmetz and Dorothy Ryder

Rhea Hickman and Jim Read

Paul Ray Wolfley, Dot Thompson and Dale Gooch

Arlene Bauer and Bob Robinson

Arlie Bybee and Marie Proctor

Bob Crockford

Logan Thomas and Leroy Stoddart

Butch Shepard, Robyn Bernal and Kevin Campbell

Elworth Erickson and Joan Juskie

Dexter Sluder and Verda Miller

Bertha Handeland and Joyce Ross

Jean Milliken and Kathleen Kies

Carole Jorgensen, Rhoda Bennett and Opal Sherwood

Colleen Matson and Diane Simpson

Roma Hemsley and Twila Smith

Senior Center Enthusiasm and Accomplishment

The Senior Center is truly humming with activity on just about every day and night of the week. If not of the right age yet (50 years), you can only observe, take it all in and hope to someday be ready to join in the fun and accomplishment.

Some of us have grown up with the idea that being old includes being boring and/or inconsequential. The result engenders perceptions and responses that are trivializing, patronizing or both. Face it, no matter what the age, an individual can be interesting or boring, knowledgeable or blank about information, opinion, attitude or whatever; or a person can be disinterested in discussion, debate, or communication at any age. In this group, however, the operational descriptors would be ‘energy and enthusiasm.’

So, let’s go on to Senior Center and observe. Enthusiasm abounds whether members are conversing over meals, playing bingo, planning Senior Games, or any of the multitudes of other activities to be found here.

Because we are two days away from the appearance of 2012 on our calendars, some of the attendees at the luncheon and Bingo session were asked what had been special about 2011. Their anonymous answers follow:

“This has been an up and down year. Many personal situations came up which I managed to overcome. The sum total however, reminded me that happiness can be achieved if you focus on the positive. Besides, happiness is quite wonderful, even in small doses.”

Another response: “I have enjoyed all of the activities available here at the Center. Besides, I met my new girlfriend here.”

Still another: “My grandchildren came to visit and we could show them things they had never known existed. For example, at McKee’s, they saw pigs for the first time. It is amazing how something so simple can bring so much joy.”

“I spent a week on the Oregon coast with my family, including two sisters, a daughter, eight nieces and one grand niece. It was a very happy get-together!”

Another individual shared information about a photograph of his dad cutting hay in the spot where Roosevelt School was built in 1920. He also had many other examples of historic facts he had gleaned what combing family information.

“I have had such a good year. I sold my house which meant getting rid of all the accumulated ‘stuff’ of a lifetime and I survived that huge task before moving into Highland Hills. It was all a happy accomplishment”

Many other things took place in 2011 including for individuals, getting a new dog, being happy about one’s spouse surviving and recovering from illness; and, as a ‘project guy’ enjoying retirement with its opportunities to complete about three hundred more projects.

One person, having just retired listed all the things she is planning to do. It was a real treat to see her enthusiasm. It is this kind of forward looking mentality that does much to keep seniors full of energy and zest. Sum total?  It was a great afternoon. Thank you to the Senior Center!

Teresa, Julietta and Daniel Torres

Maria & Juan Torres

Rose & Henry Hornbacher

Debbie Stubblefield and Nan Meyers

Tim & Sarah McCammon

Kurt & Lori Tardy

Dana Madsen and Jaci Schiefferen

Kyle Moore and Jannie Sasser

Jillian and Jennifer Nuding

Macy Winter, Courtney, Mavity and Addison Shaw

Kylah and Amy Anderson

Brittany England and Jessie Latham

Tylor & Maritza White

Kathy Pray, Sierra, Joshua and Nichole Fry

Robert Arnaud and Patty Orr

Susan, Ashlie and Chelsie Rauh (Mom and daughters)

Carrie and Emma Davids

The Nutcracker

Introduced as the “Season’s Most Enchanting Event,” The Nutcracker truly lives up to that introductory phrase. It could be said that once seen, there is no need to view this lovely ballet again. But, of the many artistic presentations performed at this time of the year, this one is the most absolutely appropriate.

Brindusa-Moore Ballet Academy has brought elegance to ballet performances in Pocatello. Sergiu Brindusa and Beth Moore honor Pocatello by remaining in this community. Their influence has graced us for six years and the quality of classical dance which they oversee is truly inspiring. This particular performance, featuring adults as well as children, is not in any way just an example of a “come and watch the children in a recital” event. It is top notch in its presentation, costumes, and acting.

Sponsors of The Nutcracker are the Rotary Club of Pocatello and the J.R. Simplot Company; both of which have found an excellent event to sponsor. Of course, beyond their involvement, many Pocatello businesses have been responsible for ticket sales, program printing, publicity and many more of those actions which culminate in a top-quality production.

So, on to the story: it was written by Russian Marius Petipa and put to music by his good friend Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. It tells of children and adults, gathering for a Christmas Eve party. But then a fantasy takes over. The thread which holds everything together is the Nutcracker doll and the dream states of Clara, during which rats, mice, soldiers and characters in the Land of Sweets weave a tale of delight. This doll (a gift to Clara,) magically appears in Clara’s dream sequence as a soldier and then a prince. Eventually the doll is returned to Clara so all is well that ends well.

Three adults set a high standard of dance and acting ability in the ballet story. The Brindusa- Moore duo is splendid and their pas de deux presentations in each of the two acts offer the audience a view of balletic distinction most often seen in a metropolitan area.  This community is fortunate to have had them remain here.

Their presence has provided an additional influence through the leadership and training they have offered. It has helped and guided many young people toward levels of excellence not always present in a ballet presentation.

A third adult component of this classy performance is Geoffrey Bennett. He plays uncle Drosselmeyer, the toy maker (Incidentally, Bennett presents a fine performance at the Gateway Foundation Theatre. If you have not seen his production of a Dickens Christmas, make sure you do!). Bennett brings his acting skill to the Nutcracker in several scenes.

In this seasonal performance, there are many dance age groups. They range from adult to the cherubic with the only commonality being an exacting attention to the quality of dance offered at each level.

So, if you have seen The Nutcracker only once, see it again next year and then again and again. The story not only grows on the audience, but offers subtle changes from year to year. The resulting artistic interpretations do much to make this ballet a long-time favorite for all of us. We are lucky to be able to enjoy it!

Judy Grahl and Barbara Bain

John Rauker and Gordon Waford

Lee & Verna Walker

Ginger & Tom Baxter with JoAn Dilweg

Geoff Hogander and Sandra Dunkle

Carrie Gardner and Larry Salisbury

Doris & Bill Brydon

Wanda Light and Donna Hillard

Sharon & Reese Price

Joyce & John Carlson

John & Judy Taylor

Lois Kelly and Ruth Eastman

Barbara & Mel Nicholls

Gene & Bev Gillette

Betty Adams and Virginia Kelly

Pauline Havens

Sherry Campbell and Phil Eastman

Sally McHargue and Sylvia Papenberg

Audrey & Pete Cole

New Knowledge Adventures Christmas Dinner

Within any group there tend to be a spirit, atmosphere, and/or character which does much to define its members. The New Knowledge Adventures (NKA) members definitely have that certain something which can define the entire group as being comfortable with themselves, easy going, and always open to learning new ideas, facts, and approaches to understanding the complicated world we live in.

NKA is open to anyone of fifty years or older. There is a membership fee. But, wait a minute; does that mean this is a group of golden oldies who are willing to sit by while their juniors have all the adventure, the fun, and the cognitive stimulation? Not so! These are individuals who mostly share a thirst for the knowledge that lies in everyone’s path, especially if our eyes are open to new experiences.. The difference is that with these people, there is great willingness to experience, taste, and dabble in the rich variety of exciting learning opportunities that lie in front of all of us.

. The Christmas dinner was held at the Clarion Hotel where the food is good and the ambiance is conducive to having an enjoyable evening.  And, this evening was no exception. There were more than one hundred members of NKA in attendance and every person there exuded friendliness and good will.

After an hour of socializing, everyone sat down to salmon or roast beef with tasty and appropriate accompaniments including asparagus which was still beautifully crisp and tender. Yum! While people were enjoying their pecan pie the entertainment began. First, Gary Falter, a cousin of JoAn Dilweg and Diane Bilyeu, played several numbers on the saxophone. Very nice.

Then, the bell ringers of the Presbyterian Church presented several Christmas carols. They were dressed in black with modified red surplices and black gloves. The only contrast was the gleaming brass of the bells as each participant played his or her note at the appropriate time.

So, here we had a room filled with congenial people. Perhaps a look at the schedule for the coming semester can provide better understanding of what NKA is all about.  Close to one hundred courses are scheduled for the spring semester. These include a span of opportunities to learn everything from line dancing to quilting to cuisine preparation to history, health, science and politics. But whoa, you really have to look at the list of courses and descriptions to even begin to appreciate their variety. And, all of them are taught by knowledgeable members of the community, each of whom has special abilities they are willing to share. So, call 282-27 89 or 282-3155 to learn more about this Elderhostel affiliate program. In the meantime, rest assured a gathering of NKA members is happy, supportive, and interesting. What a great example they set!

AnneMarie Sudweeks, Hillary Bidwell and Rebecca Sudweeks

Denise Romriel, Wade & Nancy Saunders

Danika and Marie Hunter, Mercedes and Preslee Frey

Paula Corbin and Sande McDermott

Janet Perkins, Monte Wise and Lindsey Dewey

Kathy Winter, Ken & Eleanor Medley

Adam & Kari Elondi

Nathan English and Terran Engle

Mary Reichman

Jim & Kathy Heagney

Katelyn & Greg Wachs

Misoro Patrick and Todd Baum

Sasha Johnson and Todd Mendenhall

Kathy & Bill Duncan

Jessica Hollopeter and Kathorina Marsela

Marti Burnquist and Carol Burnett

Rod & Chris Jenneiahn

Richard & Ann Munoz

Monty & Gloria Johnson

Lisa & Monty Johnson Jr.

Hawaiian Christmas 2011

So many things to notice: genuinely happy faces; weather that is not bone crunchingly cold; and a juxtaposition of tropical bird calls and rain showers, pulsating drum and melodic xylophone and vibraphone all combined in celebration of holiday time. This mixture of human enthusiasm, unusual sounds and weather circumstances was enhanced by the Waitiki 7 lead by Randy Wong and the Idaho State Civic Symphony directed by Chung Park. Result? Wow!

If one had stood outside the Jensen Grand Concert Hall, puzzlement might have ruled due to the many unlikely sounds. Inside, it was not so. The auditorium was filled, the audience enthralled, the tempo brisk and appealing. It was fun to listen to the atypical sound and instrument combinations this concert supplied.

In some arrangements, the combination of symphony and Hawaiian instruments produced a ‘big band’ effect. In others, the calls of tropical birds and sounds of rain emphasized island exotica origins of the music of Waitiki 7.

On a personal note, both the tropical bird calls and the simulated island rain were strong reminders of Hilo afternoons during which rain fell in one drenching fifteen minute deluge almost every day of the year. When it stopped, the bird calls seemed to be reconnections with other members of their species to ensure all was well. And, if one has lived on any of the Hawaiian Islands, this music definitely brought back the happy warmth, friendliness and touch of melancholy and/or humor its music can produce.

However, back to the program. It didn’t take much time to see and hear how these two musical units could be brought together so nicely. Towards the end, the Waitiki 7 group featured an encore in which the drummer played a long and complex solo. It was terrific. But then, all of their material was well put together, both in the way it combined with the symphony orchestra and the way in which it maintained its Hawaiian flavor.

The program ended with a Christmas sing-along. Lots of oxygen was inhaled as the audience and Camarata singers conducted by Scott Anderson and backed by the orchestra joined to sing the nine selected Holly Jolly pieces.

Christmas, with its holiday atmosphere and its deeper meanings can encourage joy, happiness and good fellowship. This event offered a lovely illustration of that. So, for everyone in attendance at this event, a strong dose of good cheer was provided and will surely be retained as winter settles into our little corner of the world.

Carol Burnett, president of The Symphony Board of Directors, greeted the audience at the beginning and described funding needs and sources. The Bank of Idaho sponsored this evening’s concert. Well done!

Debbie Thompson, Theresa Marchetti and Chris Richards

Caroline & Brent Faure

Cydney & John Pearce

Jim & Melody Lockhart

Mary Vagner and Jim Allen

Susan & Norman Stephens

Dave & Brenda Stanley

Julie & Lance Buttars

Misty Kuckelman and Brandi Dye

Connie & Barry Waggoner

Amanda & Shawn Carter

Bonnie Steinerson and Mary Byington

Amy Wellard, Jim & Shelli Bardsley

Ryan & Laura Smith

Lisa and Shelby Higbee

Janet & Scott Turner

Jan & Drew Damron

Paul & Judy Yochum

Andrew Yeaman and Chad Whitaker

Don & Faye Cotant

Jackie & Andrew McRoberts

Festival of Trees Gala Opening

The Festival of Trees introduces holiday events with its own special zing. This gala evening offered a terrific start to a week long series of activities at the Stephens Performing Arts Center. For this night, couples in formal attire streamed into the elegant venue where the second floor was brimming with silent auction items and an array of Christmas trees which must have left Santa Claus wondering how he could get his elves to match the creativity found here.

Some waiters carried trays with flutes of champagne while others held enticing trays of hors d’ oeuvres as they briskly swept through groups of friends and acquaintances. Festive was certainly the operative word to use here. Carolers sang in the background, adding yet another dimension to the tableau created by the combined effect of this seasonal brilliance, color, congeniality and warmth.

The gala offered views of Christmas trees that were not only pleasing to the eye, but evidence of the high level of creativity that exists in this community. The trees had imaginative splendor matched only by the additional items nestled beneath each one. The gingerbread structures and the baskets laden with seasonally appropriate gifts also created a dilemma for anyone trying to choose. Considering the abundance of color and brilliance, the evening couldn’t have had any less sparkle.

It would seem that the main requirement for admission to this event had to be high spirits, gaiety, and enthusiasm.  It really is fun to be present in the midst of all this happy conversation, good will and champagne.

After guests had an hour or more to compare and contrast the silent auction items, the trees, the toys and more, dinner began down in the Stephens rotunda. It too sustained a matching level of elegance.

As dessert was presented, the auctioneer began the bidding for unique trips and services. And, the week will offer other activities including Princess Tea, Breakfast with Santa and the Ladies Holiday Tea. By calling 235-3231, questions about time and other details can be answered.

Many hours of volunteer effort went into the preparation for this multi-occasion event. Sponsors included the ISU Credit Union, Portneuf Medical Center, Potelco, KPVI, FMC, Pocatello Children’s Clinic, Idaho State Journal, Idaho Central Credit Union Creekside Home Health & Hospice, Idaho Orthopaedic & Sports Clinic and Molinelli’s Jewelers. Its goal was to raise funds for the Pocatello and Chubbuck School District 25. Based on the enthusiasm shown during the gala evening, the goal will surely be met. Regardless, it was a warmly happy evening which contrasted beautifully with the wintry outdoor temperature.

Owen & Vicki Buffaloe and Don Aslett

Sandra Phillips

Jayden, Darian, Nathan and Cathy Hicks

Andrea & Kurt Gower

Mike & Connie Terry

Ken and Lilly Bielenberg

Pat & Jim Farmer

David & Margot McLelland

Sylvie and Lori Tapanila

Dave and May Archibald

Marna Wallace, Danny (the tin man), Loretta and Hailey Dugan

Kiri, Rylie and Reese Johnson

Janika Peterson, Earl, Donna and Jordyn Cluff

Brit & Emily McLean

Steven, Matthew and Katelyn Brown

June Sailor

Nichole Owens, Savannah and Rhett Platt and Ashley Abramson

Terra Huckstep and Tobi Alexander

Hugh & Mrezzie Putnam

Grand Opening of the Museum of Clean

Ideas may come easily, but for those ideas to be successfully carried to completion requires stamina, task commitment, and funding. Put all those components together and you have the beginnings of understanding what the Museum of Clean is all about. Originator Don Aslett has produced a brochure which fully explains the diversity of the building and its uses but the best way to take it all in is to visit and explore.

Aslett’s interest in this structure on South Second Avenue in Pocatello, Idaho does not appear to have come to him as a stab of lightning, a flash of insight, or as a Eureka! Instead, the idea grew out of his interest, passion, and willingness to channel his knowledge and understanding into practical outcomes. The result can be seen in the Museum of Clean.

With the completion of this building, a huge variety of antiques, art, machines, and materials all arranged in clever and interesting settings offer opportunities for the learning that can take place when information is imaginatively put together.

Children and adults alike can browse through the museum checking out a host of interactive opportunities to use in developing imagination and understanding of mechanical things. While its contents are important, Aslett also sees the building as a center for future activities including large civic gatherings, film showings, a snack bar, art gallery and more. To date, it has already been used for several successful events.

Another plus of this remarkable building is its use of cutting edge lighting, heat, cooling and water conservation methods. And, most of the materials from the previous building were used in its construction. Further, it could and should be used as a model for future construction projects in Pocatello and its surroundings. Yet another way in which this building can be seen as an asset to Pocatello is its location in the old warehouse district which will certainly encourage others to build or refurbish in the area.

While Aslett conveys a message of clean, his aims go beyond housekeeping techniques and equipment to a more philosophical approach to leading a clean life. This is an expansive and lofty goal, but based on what he has accomplished so far, it just might happen. To emphasize the contents of the Museum of Clean brochure, he says, “Clean has a broad spectrum and my goal is to be able to give the world a clean bill of health.”

Initially, it would be easy to think, “Come on, I have enough cleaning to do at home without seeing other ways to do the same thing.” If that describes your perception, remember that ideas precede practical actuality. So, join the fun, and see what this individual has done. You might come up with some ideas too!