NEWS IN BRIEF

Hailey Chamber broadens horizons

To better fit its mission of providing support to businesses throughout the Wood River Valley, the Hailey Chamber of Commerce is changing its name to The Chamber of The Wood River Valley.

“While the mission of The Chamber is not changing, we felt it important to change the name to better describe the services we offer all businesses in the Wood River Valley,” said Chamber President Richard Stahl. “Frequently, we find ourselves working with our members in other cities in the Valley, and doing that under the banner of Hailey Chamber of Commerce feels a bit disingenuous. Changing the name to be more inclusive of our current membership rolls feels like the appropriate move.”

The decision came after several months of discussions, strategy meetings and outreach to some of the organization’s membership.

The Chamber will accept quotes from local graphic artists. The Chamber’s membership director, Jeff Bacon, said the Request For Quote will be also be sent to the entire membership

For more information about membership in or RFQ to develop The Chamber’s new graphic identity, contact (208) 788-3484 or www.members@HaileyIdaho.com.

Art exhibit dips into water

Wood River Valley resident and abstract realism painter Deborra Marshall Bohrer has several works on exhibition at The Community Library’s Sun Valley Museum of History as part of the library’s installation of the Smithsonian’s traveling exhibit “Water/Ways” July 16 through Aug. 28.

Marshall Bohrer’s work explores water from a wide variety of perspectives, including ecological, historical, cultural, social and spiritual.

Marshall Bohrer will donate 10 percent from the sale of her painting, “Commit,” which is on exhibition at the Museum of History, to the library for the education of water and its resources.

In addition, Marshall Bohrer will open her studio for the 4th Annual Wood River Valley Studio Tour, Saturday, Aug. 20, and Sunday, Aug. 21, and will also have a painting at the nexStage Theatre exhibition space for the Wood River Valley Studio Tour during the week of the tour.

Marshall Bohrer’s work is also part of several private art collections in Dallas and Houston, Texas, Kansas City, Mo., Washington, D.C., Palm Desert, San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco, Calif., Boise, Idaho, Salt Lake City, Utah, Boston, Mass., and Paris, France.

Sandy Cady Named Wagon Days Grand Marshal

Sandy Cady, the City of Ketchum’s finance director, will be the grand marshal of the Wagon Days parade and celebration, held annually over Labor Day weekend, in Ketchum.

  Cady will retire from the city in November after 42 years of service. Her history with Wagon Days goes back even further. When she was 5 years old, Cady rode in the parade for the first time, sitting next to her father in their family’s buggy.

  “Wagon Days has always been a time for family,” Cady said. “For me, it was always me and my dad, our special day together. The event keeps getting bigger and better every year. Every time I see the Big Hitch mule team at the end of the parade, my heart pounds. It gives me butterflies every time.”

A Hailey resident, Cady began working for the city as deputy city clerk/treasurer in 1974, shortly after she graduated from high school. She held various positions before being appointed finance director in October 2015.

For more information, visit www.wagondays.org.

Who is your hero?

The Idaho’s Hometown Hero Organization Committee is accepting nominations for the 2016 Idaho’s Hometown Hero Medal. The selected medalists will be honored at the 6th Annual Idaho Hometown Hero Awards Ceremony, Gala Celebration and charity partner Exposition on Saturday, Sept. 17 at the Stephens Performing Arts Center in Pocatello. Nominations will be accepted until Aug. 10.

Established in 2011 by the JRM Foundation for Humanity, Idaho’s Hometown Hero Medal pays tribute to those who show unique characteristics and achievements while displaying remarkable commitment to creating better and safer communities across the state of Idaho. The honorees illustrate outstanding qualities in both their personal and professional lives, and continue to preserve and promote the richness of Idaho, ultimately creating a stronger community for the future of Idaho.

This year’s theme is “Strengthening Community Ties.”

To make a nomination, visit www.idahohometownhero.org.

Fly Me to Portland

Sun Valley Resort, Alaska Airlines and Fly Sun Valley Alliance announced that direct flights will be available between Portland, Ore., and Friedman Memorial Airport starting Dec. 17. It will be Alaska Air’s first nonstop flight to a destination ski town from Portland. Flights will run Wednesdays and Saturdays, starting Dec. 17 and ending April 1, 2017. The summer flight schedule will run from June 14 to Sept. 16, 2017.

  “Our new service from Portland to Sun Valley provides Rose City travelers another popular nonstop destination, as well as connectivity to other Alaska Airlines’ cities in our ever-growing route network,” said John Kirby, Alaska Airlines’ vice president of capacity planning.

Fly Sun Valley Alliance, Friedman Memorial Airport Authority and Sun Valley Resort partnered to secure the new Portland flight to Sun Valley.

Alaska Airlines will also expand their winter service from Seattle for the 2016 holidays with twice-daily flights from Dec. 16, 2016 to Jan. 2, 2017. Additional weekend flights are also scheduled for Saturdays and Sundays from Feb. 18 to March 26, 2017.

Winter flights are now available for booking on www.alaskaair.com

 Information and details on the Sun Valley Winter 2016-17 ski season ski passes may be found here.

St. Luke’s Wood River Opens Expanded Infusion Center

The St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation held a ribbon cutting Tuesday, July 12, for its expanded state-of-the-art infusion center. The center provides four treatment chairs and dramatically improving patient care and experience.

“Thanks to community generosity, we have fulfilled our vision to double the capacity for care and bring cancer and other infusion treatments and oncology clinic services together in one location,” said E. Carlton “Buddy” Wilton, foundation president.

While addressing staff, physicians and members of the community, Dr. Dan Fairman, medical director of Infusion Services at SLWR, said, “This is really all about the patient having greater access to care and treatment close to home with loved ones by their side. The Center provides a healing environment with skilled and caring nurses and physicians.”

The expanded center location increases patient safety with its proximity to the lab and separation from the Emergency Room. It features large comfortable chairs for the patient along with a room in which to lie down. Ample space for family to join the patient is provided. Healing Touch and other therapists, including lymphedema services, are available either in the infusion center or in the rehab clinic.

Megan Thomas, chief development officer of the St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation, said numerous donors contributed nearly $990,000 to the $1.5 million center. “Since the opening of its existing Infusion Room in 2009, St. Luke’s Wood River Medical Center has experienced a significant increase in growth in the demand for chemotherapy and infusion services,” Thomas said. “The Center is a welcome answer to the growing demand for more comprehensive care in the Wood River Valley.  It would not be possible without the commitment and dedication of our donors and the staff at St. Luke’s Wood River.”

Head Fool receives award

Company of Fools Core Company Artist John Glenn is among the 2016 recipients of the Governor’s Awards in the Arts. Glenn received the Excellence in the Arts distinction. This is the third award from Idaho’s governors in Company of Fools’ 21-year history – Denise Simone, core company artist, received the same award in 2014, as did Company of Fools in 2004.

  “I am so very honored to receive this Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts,” Glenn said. “How wonderful to be recognized for the work you love.”

Glenn is a founding member of Company of Fools, which is now a part of the Sun Valley Center for the Arts. During his almost 40-year career in professional theatre, Glenn has worked on more than 250 productions in 41 states. Whether directing or acting, he has been integrally involved with the design aspects of almost every Company of Fools production since 2000. Directing favorites at COF include “Grey Gardens,” “Peter and the Starcatcher,” “The Syringa Tree,” “Shipwrecked!” “Bus Stop,” “The 39 Steps” and “Violet.” Favorite onstage roles include Vanya in “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,” Michael in “God of Carnage,” Company member in “The Laramie Project,” the Man in “The Man Who Came to Dinner” and the Snail with the Mail in “A Year with Frog and Toad.”

The awards ceremony will be held Thursday, Nov. 10 in the Capitol rotunda in Boise. Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter and First Lady Lori Otter will present silver medallions, designed by Liz Wolf, to the 2016 recipients. The event is free and open to the public.

Julie Weston to speak at Stanley Luncheon

Hailey author Julie Weston will be the honored guest at the Eighth Annual Stanley Library Luncheon at Redfish Lake Lodge at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 30. Tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance.

  Weston’s novel “Moonshadows,” set in the Wood River Valley in the 1920s, is a historical mystery. The second mystery in the series, “Basque Moon,” is set in the Stanley Basin, and will be released in August.

  The luncheon will be held at Redfish Lake Lodge. Weston will give a short reading, discuss her researching and writing processes, and sign books. For more information or to purchase luncheon tickets, contact Library Director Jane Somerville at (208) 774-2470.

Hailey BAH takes deep breath

The Chamber will hold its next Business After Hours at Sun Valley Hyperbarics located at 21 Comet Lane off Airport Way in Hailey on Thursday, July 21, from 5-7 p.m.

Come learn about Hyperbarics and how it is used to help Valley residents heal with the power of oxygen. Community leaders will be on hand to give updates and information about programs, projects and events that affect our lives in the Wood River Valley.

Power House restaurant will provide light hors d’oeuvres.

St. Luke’s Wood River honors volunteers

At a volunteer appreciation luncheon on Wednesday, June 8, St. Luke’s Wood River honored the 10,000-plus hours, the spirit and the resources its 186.

St. Luke’s Wood River CEO Cody Langbehn valued the hours and outreach of the volunteers’ contribution at more $200,000.

Unit secretary in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit, Lisa Blackman, says, “I appreciate each and every one of our volunteers. All of their hard work at the surgery desk saves PACU so much time.”

Clinical supervisor of the Mother/Baby Unit, Connie Connell, said, “The volunteers that help in the Mother/Baby Unit are outstanding. There isn’t a day that goes by that we don’t see all of their hard work and dedication to our unit and this hospital.”

“The 22 St. Luke’s Retail Therapy Gift Shop volunteers are enjoying another year of operational success, being 100 percent volunteer run and grossing $80,693, with an average net profit of $16,367 in sales this past year,” said SLWR Volunteer Core Board President Mary Williams.

Williams announced Terri LeFaivre as the deserving recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Award. LeFaivre has served on the Board for five years, and as the Gift Shop manager for two years.

The Volunteer Core Board formally presented the SLWR Foundation with a check for $100,000 to support the expansion of infusion services.

Koree Hawkes, manager of Volunteer Services, kicked off recognition of volunteers with significant milestones in the amount of lifetime hours given to SLWR, including:100-plus hours: Lynn Cleary, Linda Muehlegger, Judy Prothero, Cheri Watson; 250-plus hours: Lynn Flickinger, Tish Jochums, Judy Kaiser, Nelda Kendall, Mike Potter; 500-plus hours: Maureen Coyle, Sara Harkness, JB Howes: 1,000-plus hours: Teri Campbell, Jan Leyse; 1,500-plus hours: Teddie Daley; 2,461 hours: Terri LeFaivre; 3,000-plus hours: Mary Adams; 5,007-plus hours: Wibby Bischoff.

Ruby Garcia recognized the volunteers from the Center for Community Health, particularly Fiorella Delgado and Angelica Egoavil, who received the Helping Hands award.

Bobbie Dahl was recipient of the “Ready, Willing and Able” award.

“She provides Healing Touch sessions to inpatients on the Medical Surgical unit and when the census is low, she offers her healing abilities to patients in OB, surgery services, as well as to staff,” said Mary Kay Foley, Healing Touch coordinator.

Take to the Lawn for Gala

Though pavilion seating is sold out for the Sunday, Aug. 7, Sun Valley Summer Symphony Gala benefit featuring Emmy- and Tony award-winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth, lawn tickets are still available.

  “This is a chance to hear one of America’s top actresses and singers and support your symphony at the same time,” said Jenny Krueger, executive director of the SVSS. “The big screen on the lawn will be operating, and doors will open in time for the lawn audience to picnic prior to the performance.”

Proceeds from the gala support the Symphony’s free summer concerts as well as the symphony’s year-round education programs.

  Chenoweth currently appears in the movie “Hard Sell,” and will play Velma Von Tussle in the live production of “Hairspray Live!” on NBC, Dec. 7.

  Chenoweth’s career spans Broadway, television and movies. She is the third theater star ever to present a solo concert at the Metropolitan Opera House. On Broadway, she is remembered for her origination of the role of Glinda in “Wicked” and her Tony Award-winning performance in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.”

On television, Chenoweth appeared in the series “The West Wing” and ”Pushing Daisies,” for which she received an Emmy.

She was featured last year in Universal Studios’ film “The Boy Next Door” and Disney Channel’s original movie “Descendants.”

  Her autobiography, “A Little Bit Wicked,” made The New York Times hardcover nonfiction bestseller list.

  Lawn seats are $75 each and are available at www.svsummersymphony.org.

Warm Springs project on ice

The Ketchum City Council approved the Warm Springs Ranch Resort Annexation and Development Agreement on Aug. 11, 2009. It was given 10 years to complete the entire project. The project was designed to be a mixed-use hospitality project with a large hotel building establishing the development core of the project with adjacent areas of both active and passive open space. Since 2009, the development agreement was amended three more times.

The owner of the project, Helios Development, LLC, recently requested an eight-year extension of this deadline to Aug. 2, 2024, by amending the development agreement. This would extend the prior approvals for the project. In early June, the City Council held a public hearing on the extension request. After hearing testimony from the applicant, city staff, and members of the public, the City Council directed staff to research additional questions regarding the original approvals for the project.

City Attorney Jill Holinka said that if the development agreement terminates because of a failure to satisfy requirements or conditions of the agreement, Idaho law allows for the property to remain zoned as conditioned in the development agreement or to be rezoned to some other zoning designation.

The City Council on Monday night approved a two-month extension on the development agreement for the project, to give the “applicant time to present its reasoning as to why force majeure was relevant and a viable consideration in granting an extension,” said City Administrator Lisa Ennaurato. This will also allow the city time to analyze the documentation. Force majeure is a condition in the existing development agreement. The request for the extension will be considered at the Oct. 3 City Council meeting.

ERC to Host “Build Your Own Terrarium” Event

Join the Environmental Resource Center on Thursday, July 21 from 6-7 p.m. for a “Build Your Own Terrarium” workshop. Swing by to create your own terrarium to take home.

This event will take place on the ERC deck, located at 471 Washington Ave., in Ketchum, and includes all supplies. It is intended for all ages and includes complimentary wine, beer and sparkling water.

  There is a suggested donation of $15/members and $20/nonmembers.

  For more information call (208) 726-4333 or hadley@ercsv.org.

Soldiering on

Established in 1948, Soldier Mountain is one of Idaho’s best-kept secrets. New owners Diane and Matt McFerran beat 2,000 other applicants last November for the chance to purchase the entire ski area for $149,000. They also offer weddings, reunions, retreats, hiking and picnics at this historic Idaho site.

“More and more people are coming to Soldier Mountain to escape the winter ski crowds. Now we’d like them to get to know us as a summer destination, too,” Diane McFerran said. “Our goal is to offer people a location they can go to any time of the year, whether to dodge the summer heat and go hiking, drive right to our beautiful mountain setting for weddings and other get-togethers, ATV over the mountain to Sun Valley, or a day of family skiing.”

For more information, visit www.soldiermountain.com or call (208) 764-2526.

The Hunger Coalition has job opening

After two years, Julie Molema is stepping down from her position as communications supervisor at The Hunger Coalition.

Founded in 2003, the 501(c)(3) organization recently received Idaho’s Brightest Star Award, recognizing the state’s unsung heroes.

The Hunger Coalition is looking for someone who is passionate about access to healthy food as the communications and development supervisor.

Interested parties should submit a résumé and cover letter to info@thehungercoalition.org. For a full description of the position visit thehungercoalition.org/wordpress/about-us/work-with-us.

Culinary Director To Leave Resort

John Murcko, Sun Valley Co. director of culinary operations, will leave the company in mid-August to open his own restaurant in Park City, Utah. Murcko came to Sun Valley from Park City in August, 2012, and was responsible for overseeing and managing the company’s food and beverage operations, located throughout the Sun Valley Village and Mountains.

“We are grateful for all John’s contributions to Sun Valley,” states Tim Silva, Sun Valley Resort’s vice president and general manager, in a recent news release. “His impact on culinary operations across the resort has been profound and we wish him great success in his new restaurant in Park City.”

Additionally, Justin Cambier has been hired as the resort’s new Director of Hospitality and will be assuming his role this week. Cambier joins Sun Valley after 12 years with Pebble Beach Company at The Inn at Spanish Bay, where his most recent role was Director of Rooms Operations.

“Justin has distinguished himself as a leader in the hospitality industry and is perfectly suited to continue the tradition of excellence in Sun Valley’s lodging operation,” Silva states in the release.

Cambier will be joined by his wife Lindsay and their young son.