Albion Valley News GFWC FOUR LEAF CLOVER CLUB NON-PROFIT PUBLICATION Vol. XVI. No. 2 ALBION, IDAHO MARCH 2005 PUBLIC HEARING who: all residents of Albion are encouraged to attend when: Thursday, March 10 at 7 p.m. where: former Masonic Hall at 124 South Main Street why: to provide residents with information generated by the City of Albion Drinking Water Study by Galena Engineering. The following will be reviewed: the current system, description of deficiencies, future requirements, alternatives with associated costs, and ICDBG application with its plan description, funding plan, implementation of water metering, O & M requirements, and project schedule. EASTER ACTIVITIES The Annual Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by the AIR committee will be Saturday, March 26 at 11 a.m. on the Albion Campus. Over 2,000 eggs will be hidden in bushes and scattered around the college campus in five areas for different age groups. Prizes will be presented to the young person in each age category who finds the special egg. The age groups this year will be 2 years and under, 3-4 year olds, 5-6 year olds, 7-8 year olds, and 9-11 year olds. The Senior Citizens will sell breakfast beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 26 in their center on the south side of the campus. The cost will be $15 per family, $5 per plate, and $3 for children under 10 years of age. They will also being holding a baked food sale. The Four Leaf Clover Club will sponsor an Easter Hat Parade following breakfast at the Senior Center. Prizes will be awarded. Males and females of all ages are invited to participate. Hats can be hand made. Spaghetti Dinner on Monday, March 7 in the Albion Grange Hall from 5-7 p.m. cost: $15 per family with children $5 per plate, $2 per child 10 and under Take-out dinners can also be purchased. Proceeds to go the Albion Public Library sponsored by the Four Leaf Clover Club Mark the date on your calendar and come support our library! FOUR LEAF CLOVER CLUB The program for the February meeting of the GFWC Albion Four Leaf Clover Club was under the direction of the International Affairs Committee. Linda Leach, who arranged for the speakers, introduced Darya Shulga, Alesya Astreika, and Tamara Gagnidze who are exchange students from Russia. Darya, who is attending Oakley High School is living (cont. on pg. 2)
(cont. from pg. 1) with Jerry and Renee Wells. Alesya, who is staying with C. L. and Ann Marion, and Tamara, who is living with Roger and Darena Wageman, are both attending Minico Using a poster, the girls presented information about their country and the cities where they each live. They talked about the climate, government, languages, religions, school, family life, food, and economic conditions, contrasting these to the United States. They displayed photos, Russian money, concentric dolls, jewelry, and Christmas cards. President Lorna Caliouette presided over the meeting. The Club Collect was led by Linda and the Pledge of Allegiance by Gloria West. The minutes of the January meeting were read by Edie Fitzgerald, secretary, and Linda gave the treasurer’s report. She noted that the dues to state and national, and the donations to state had been sent. Gloria showed some of the neck pillows members created during a work day in January. She noted that 33 were made and will be delivered to the Pocatello Veterans home soon. “We have been told that the veterans will be very glad to get these,” she stated, “and that they can also be used under the arm.” The president thanked those members who helped with the project. Under committee reports Gloria, who is chairman of the Community Improvement Contest, reported on the club’s community improvement project whose theme is Community Promotion. She stated that the sign is ready to have vinyl put on it. The cost to each organization or business wishing to have its name on the sign will be $100 instead of the $175 first proposed. Darlene Wahlgren reported that removal of a big tree in the Thompson Memorial Garden that the club maintains had begun. She noted that the company taking down the tree will clean up the site and grind the stump. Darlene also reported that the jars placed around the community to collect money for the tsunami victims were not receiving many donations. Members commented that most people are giving in other ways. Marcella Mahoney, a member of the library committee, announced that members will be contacted about what to furnish for the library fundraising dinner in March. (see ad page 1) It was noted election for two committee members would be held in April. Ruth Kempton presented the book “Alone Across the Arctic” by Pam Flowers to Marcella for the library. She showed photos from the book and also from a children’s book by Flowers, “Big Enough Anna: The Little Sled Dog Who Braved the Arctic.” Both books are Accelerated Reader Program books Ruth noted. The president showed the Certificate of Appreciation that the club had received from the Albion American Legion Auxiliary for its donation to the Girls State Program this past year. She announced that the Senior Citizens will sell breakfast on the Saturday before Easter instead of the club, but that the club will still sponsor an Easter Hat Parade. The hats can be hand made and prizes will be given. The next meeting will be the library fundraising dinner on March 7. The April meeting will be Monday the 4th.
AIR COMMITTEE The next meeting of the AIR Committee will be Tuesday, March 22 at 7 p.m. in Lorna Caliouette’s home. Eggs for the Easter Egg Hunt to be held on Saturday, March 26 will be stuffed. THANK YOU NOTE The AIR Committee would like to express a big “thank you” to Barry Redman, Dave Perry, and Darin Smyer for taking down the Christmas lights and also to Rich Redman for giving them time to do so. Once again, if it were not for the ATC Communications, we would not have our Christmas decorations up in the city for everyone to enjoy AIR ASN/SICE The annual Homecoming will be Saturday, June 25. With realization the alumni of the old college are not getting any younger, the association amended its bylaws so that membership could include: “other persons who are interested in carrying out the objects of the Association and, upon payment of annual dues, such membership shall entitle members to vote on all issues presented to the Association during the annual meeting.” Alumni are asked to invite their children and grandchildren to join in order to perpetuate the association. There already ten such members. The association is launching a new project to help young people receive some financial aid to further their education. College juniors and seniors attending an accredited college can apply for a $1,000 scholarship; preference will be given to descendants of ASN/SICE alumni. An application form can be obtained from Keith Amende by calling 208-673-5389. Applications are due by May 15th to Shirley A. Clark, 1017 E 1000 S, Albion, Idaho 83311. The recipient will be announced in June. Thanks to Randy Brackenbury the sun dial has been recovered and is now in the museum on campus. HISTORICAL SOCIETY Bennie Chatburn tendered his resignation from the Board of Directors due to health concerns. Another director is being sought. Tammy Lien, membership chairman, has prepared a letter to send to prospective members of the organization. Discussion was held about the three community restoration projects on which the society is working. These are the old courthouse, the former Masonic Hall, and the former campus. The lodge hall was toured and proposed upgrades to the property discussed. Don Danner reported that an architect was scheduled to come on March 1 for the purpose of evaluating the courthouse and lodge hall. Members will cleanup the courthouse on May 14. The meetings of the society are held on the last Thursday of each month. Next meeting will be March 31 at 7 p.m. in the Albion City Office. AMERICAN LEGION ADJUTANT’S CORNER Our Legion Post 124 carried out business in the old fashioned way in February by majority vote and involved members of ten in attendance, with two excused due to illness. Darrell Hatfield thanked the members of both the Legion and Auxiliary for their support in helping with the District High School Oratorical Contest. He also requested additional support for the Area contest to be held on February 12th in Paul. Fifth District hosted both contests. Don Gunderson gave a report on the Veterans Service Officer’s work in the Mini-Cassia area and also reported on what the veterans (4034) of the two counties were bringing in annually to the system in Federal money received from the Veterans Administration, dealing with compensation, pensions, re-adjustments and rehab and etc. Total expenditures in both counties were $2,773,134 and this does not include what the veterans with no claims bring in as a capable working force. Don also mentioned that the Veterans Mini-Cassia Transportation Van program was doing real good and the goal of achieving donations to meet the cost for a 12 passenger Ford F350 Van (costing $20,865) for transporting veterans to and from the Boise VMAC has been met. He noted that this van will be the fourth van put into service in this area since 1998. There were other stats mentioned with which the membership was very impressed and would like this data given to the powers that be in Mini-Cassia. Also, a great big “thank you” to those Veteran organizations, businesses, and County Commissioners in meeting the goal. Commander Ed Pace reported that his Junior Shooting Program KIDS were ready to compete with other clubs and that there was going to be additional costs. He also noted that the State will hold a contest in June at Blackfoot. Ed asked for support from the membership in getting the club ready for the contest. (see article following) Adjutant Gunderson asked for volunteers to man phones for the Annual Children’s Miracle Network Radio-thon to be held in Boise at the St. Luke’s Children Hospital February 24th. Update: Don and other volunteers obtained pledges of $3,200 in two hours and he challenged the other veteran organizations to meet the donation of $1,000 made by the American Legion Department of Idaho. The Albion Post was asked to perform the flag presentation at the annual meeting of the Raft River Electric Co-op. “Thanks” goes out from the Commander and myself to the other three volunteers-Don Danner, Bruce Bristol and Keith Amende-for a job well done. Boys State will be held at Gowen Field in Boise this year during the week of June 5 – 11th. Declo and Albion Post will join forces as they have in the past to interview prospective delegates on the March 15 at the Declo High School. Fred Preston and Don Gunderson are the co-chairman for the Posts’ Boys State program. There are three candidates at the present time. The State High School Oratorical Contest was held in Lewiston and the winner was Jack Smith from Boise. He will go on to the national competition in Indianapolis April 8 –10, 2005. Runner up, Jonathan Miesegaes from Mountain Home, was the contestant from area three or District Four. Congratulations to these young men; they are our leaders of tomorrow. The National Commander, Tom Cadmus from Michigan, will be in Idaho March 26th at the Sixth District Convention in Blackfoot. Everyone is invited to attend. A Commander’s Banquet will be held that evening for the commander. Any of you members who are interested in meeting your National Commander are invited to attend. Get in touch with Adjutant Gunderson for details. The deadline for reservations is March 10th. Our next meeting will be Tuesday March 8 at 7:30 p.m. in the Albion Grange Hall. Hope to see you there. Bring a buddy lets make this a successful meeting. Still serving our Veterans where ever they are and our Youth. Don Gunderson, Post Adjutant JUNIOR SHOOTING MATCH AND FUNDRAISER Sponsored by: the Albion American Legion Post 124 When: Saturday, March 26 beginning at 11 a.m. Where: Albion Firehouse What: 10 meter, three position match for Club members only-thirty shots with the Sporter Air Rifle, trophies will be awarded 10 meter off hand position match at $5 for three shots, a prize will be awarded at the end of the day’s events a video of the American Legion Junior Shooting Program to view Needed: adult volunteers to help with judging and serving food from the chuckwagon, there will be hot dogs, hamburgers, coffee, and cold drinks donations to help the team participate in a statewide three day match in Blackfoot during June LEGION AUXILIARY Pat Gunderson reported that the St. Luke’s Radio-thon for the Children's Miracle Network would be February 24 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Boise. Pat and Don will be helping from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and asked if others could help man the seven phones. The Auxiliary agreed to send a $25 donation to the site with Pat. She also reported that the estimated value of the toys collected at the Mid-Winter Conference for the MISTI Toy Barn was $30,000. Mary Amende reported that she purchased valentines to send to the Pocatello Veterans Home. It was announced that four members of the Auxiliary were judges for the Fifth District Oratorical Contest held in Paul. They were Shirley Danner, LaDean Pace, Pat Gunderson, and Mary Amende. A letter composed by LaDean Pace to encourage membership in the unit was approved. She also showed the scrapbook she is preparing for the Legion. Shirley Clark hosted the candidates for this year’s Girls State the evening of February 28. Seven girls who are juniors at Declo High and one from Raft River High were interviewed. It was decided to try to send all eight girls. Judges for the event were Marcella Mahoney, Mary Amende, and LaDean Pace. Sponsoring these girls for Girls State is one of the more rewarding tasks that the Auxiliary does during the year and we are grateful for the opportunity. Poppy Day will be on May 21st. The next meeting will be March 8 at 7:30 p.m. in the Grange Hall kitchen. FIRE DEPARTMENT The Albion Volunteer Fire Protection District would like to welcome aboard the following new members: Bret Adams, Aynsley Adams, Jennifer Friedrichsen, and Scott Warrell AFPD sent ten volunteers to the Southern Idaho Fire Academy for training in Essentials of Firefighting (5), Strategy & Tactics (2), Pump Maintenance (1), and ICS with NIMS (fire reporting) (2). These classes were 16 hours of OJT class instruction and hands on application. The AFPD firefighters are scheduling class training at the firehouse every Wednesday night at 7 p.m. and regular night training on the 3rd Thursday at the same time. The Fire Chief and Commissioners would like to thank those who have volunteered their time to put the new acrylic floor in the fire station bay and also the hardwood floor in the training room. The Fire District has purchased materials for the remaining project of building eight foot walls in the bay to protect the insulation; the labor will be provided by the volunteer firefighters. We are on the move in protecting our fire district. We are advertising for volunteer firefighters. The AFPD will pay for all training and outfitting of the firefighter. Hopefully, down the road the fire commissioners will be able to come up with some sort of monetary incentive that will keep the volunteer active. So please, if you are interested contact the Fire Chief, Stewart Waldemar at 312-5351 or one of the Fire Commissioners-Don Gunderson at 673-5359; Ron Sorensen at 673-5376 or Jeff Chatburn at 673-6660. Respectivly submitted, Don Gunderson, AFPD Commissioner AN INVITATION The Albion church of Christ welcomes visitors to any of its services which are held in the Albion Grange Hall: Sunday morning- Bible study…..10 a.m. Worship……..11 a.m. Sunday evening- Worship……..7 p.m. Wednesday evening- Bible Study….7:30 p.m. Jesus said, “You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32 paid advertisement SENIOR NOTES In January a nominating committee was selected to find candidates for three members of the Board of Directors and the election was held during February. Keith Amende, Bruce Bristol, and Iona Bailey were re-elected. The other board members are Beth Reed and Marcella Mahoney. Marcella administered the Oath of Office to the newly elected members. We would like to encourage all Seniors in the valley to
support the dinners on Wednesday. Our number has been decreasing and we risk losing our program if our attendance doesn’t increase. The Seniors will sell breakfast on March 26, the Saturday before Easter, beginning at 7:30 a.m. The menu includes pancakes, sausage patties, ham, scrambled eggs, fruit, and beverages. Cost will be $15 per family, $5 per plate, and $3 for children under 10. Menus for March are: 2-roast beef, potatoes and gravy, vegetables, mixed green salad, rolls and butter, dessert, and beverages; 9-lasagna, cole slaw, relish tray, garlic bread, dessert, and beverages; 16-corn chowder, cooked cabbage, relish tray, Texas toast, dessert, and beverages; 23-meat loaf, scalloped potatoes, beets, green salad, rolls and butter, dessert, and beverages; and 30-baked ham, baked potatoes, carrot and pineapple salad, beans, rolls and butter, dessert, and beverages.. SCHOOLS March 18 is the end of the third nine weeks and school will be dismissed three and a half hours early that day for District Staff Development. Spring Break will be March 21-25. School resumes on Monday, March 28. Parent/Teacher Conferences for the Albion and Declo schools are scheduled to be held Thursday, March 31 from 4-7 p.m. and Friday, April 1 from 8 a.m. to noon. These times will vary according to the school. There will be no school on Friday. DES Congratulations to all the students who earned awards in the Renaissance Excellence in Education Program for the second nine weeks. DJHS Congratulations to all the students who earned awards during the Renaissance Excellence in Education Assembly. DHS Congratulations to all the students who earned awards during the Renaissance Excellence in Education Assembly. ATTENTION, ALL ALBION STUDENTS!!! There is still time to enter the School Art and Poetry Contests sponsored by the GFWC Four Leaf Clover Club. Students who attend the Albion Elementary School will have the opportunity to participate there; other students who are interested in entering the contests should contact Carol Amende at 654-2272 or Mary Amende at 673-6665 for information about the rules The deadline dates for the poetry contest is March 31 and for the visual art is April 14. Entries must be in by the deadline dates. 4-H art students may submit their pictures from last year’s 4-H projects. Winning entries of the local contests will be entered in the state competition. This is a great opportunity for you to express your talent! 4-H CLUB TO START The Albion Patriots 4-H Club will organize this year on Tuesday, March 29 after school at the Grange Hall. Any young person who was eight years old or older by January 1, 2005 who is interested in non-animal projects, may join. There are over 100 projects to choose from. Younger children can take Cloverbud projects. The membership fee is $4.50 per member and $2 for Cloverbuds which includes insurance for 4-H activities. There is also a cost for project books which varies according to projects taken. Parents are encouraged to attend this first meeting with your child(ren) to help them decide which projects to take. The club will meet on Monday or Tuesday after school. During the summer the time of the meeting will be changed. Any Albion Elementary School student who needs a ride will be picked up at the school. For more information, contact Mary Lynne Bristol, 673-5389, or Mary Amende, 673-6665. GRANGE A Card Party has been scheduled for Friday, March 25 at 7:30 p.m. in the Grange Hall. REA ANNUAL MEETING Ron Sorensen, president of the Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative Board of Directors presided over the 66th Annual Meeting of the Coop membership. He also gave a president’s report. Tom Geary was reelected to the board. The membership approved moving the annual meeting to a Saturday in May. Valley residents receiving prizes in the drawing were Don and Pat Gunderson, Betty Perry, Jim and Karleen Kelley, Keith and Mary Amende, Ron and Bonnie Sorensen, Delbert and Shauna Bennett, Sern and Helen Sorensen, City of Albion, and Loleta Merrill. CALENDAR March 2005 *article in Newsletter 1- Transfer site open-10am-5:30pm *CITY COUNCIL-7pm-City Office 2- *Senior Citizens-Board meeting-10:30am dinner-noon Scouts &Young Women-7pm-LDS church 3- Students to library-9am 4- Transfer site open-10am-5:30pm 5- Transfer site open-10am-5:30pm Library open-10am-2pm Marcella Mahoney, Kris Wenslawski 6- Church 7- *Library Fundraising Dinner-5-7pm-Grange Hall 8- Transfer site open-10am-5:30pm *Legion & Auxiliary-7:30pm-Grange Hall School Board meeting, 7pm-Central Office 9- *Senior Citizens dinner, noon Scouts & Young Women-7pm-LDS Church 10- Students to library-9am Highway District meeting-7pm-Ron Sorensen’s *Public Hearing-7pm-old Masonic Hall 11- Transfer site open-10am-5:30pm 12- Transfer site open-10am-5:30pm Library open-10am-2pm Lorna Reeder, Mary Amende 13- Church 15- Transfer site open-10am-5:30pm 16- *Senior Citizens-Blood Pressure Check-11am dinner-noon Scouts & Young Women-7pm-LDS Church 17- ST. PATRICK’S DAY Students to library-9am *Fire Dept. meeting-7pm-Fire Station Grange-7:30pm-Grange Hall 18- Transfer site open-10am-5:30pm *End of third nine weeks School dismissed 3½ hours early 19- Transfer site open-10am-5:30pm Library open-10am-2pm Lorna Rogers, Mary Lynne Bristol 20- Church 21-25- *School Spring Break 21- FIRST DAY OF SPRING 22- Transfer site open-10am-5:30pm *AIR Committee meeting-7pm-Lorna Caliouette’s 23- *Senior Citizens-dinner-noon Scouts & Young Women-7pm-LDS Church 25- Transfer site open-10am-5:30pm *Card Party-7:30pm-Grange Hall 26- *Breakfast & Baked Food Sale-Senior Citizens Center-start 7:30am *Easter Hat Parade-Senior Citizens Center-after breakfast Transfer site open-10am-5:30pm Library open-10am-2pm Arlene Smyer, Lorna Caliouette *Easter Egg Hunt-campus-11am *Legion Jr. Shooting match-11am-Fire Station 27- Church 29- Transfer site open-10am-5:30pm *Albion Patriots-Grange Hall-after school 30- *Senior Citizens dinner-noon 31- Students to library-9am Parent Teacher Conferences-4-7pm *Historical Society meeting-City Office-7pm APRIL 2004 1- Parent Teacher Conferences-8am-noon *For only $1 you can have someone’s birthday or anniversary or other celebration put on the calendar. Just call, send a note, or put a note in the AVN box. COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS -Sharon Mills from the Albion Campus Foundation gave the Albion City Council three quotes that the foundation had obtained for repairing two campus building roofs; they ranged from about $76,000 to over $125,000; Sharon noted that materials costs are climbing daily, but Mayor Don Danner explained that the Council has a bid process to follow because the cost is over $25,000; -after much discussion the Council agreed to call for bids as soon as the specs can be determined; Bob Shepherd, project administrator, and City Attorney Kerry McMurray were asked to draft the RFP; because all the quotes exceeded the $65,000 obtained for the project, discussion was held as to how to bid the project; the money available includes a $50,000 Gem Community Improvement Grant and $15,000 local match; -new information about electrical power was reported by Councilman Don Bowden; -Councilman Kelly Forsgren reported that he is preparing and prioritizing a list of city street and bridge projects; the mayor informed him that the county transportation committee would like this for its capital improvement plan so that it can prioritize transportation needs in the county and help seek funding for them; -Councilman Rick Mahoney handed out draft copies of the proposed Drinking Water Protection Plan being prepared by a community advisory committee assisted by Melinda Harper, a ground water protection specialist from the Idaho Rural Water Association; -Councilman Jacque Whiting reported that she was collecting material to send to O’Deen Redman for the Albion Valley website; he also presented information she had obtained regarding trees for the city park; -it was noted that there was a good attendance for the recent Gem Community Action Team meeting, and that the 2005 Gem Community Action Plan was approved by the Council and sent to the Idaho Department of Commerce; a resolution supporting the Gem Community Program and the plan sent in was passed by the council. -Mayor Danner reminded the council that two phases of the wastewater system upgrade, a sludge analysis and a leak test, still need to be done this spring; it was agreed to check with 90J.U.B. Engineering about getting these done; discussion was also held about budgeting for the annual Land Sight Performance Report and preparing an O & M manual for the wastewater system; -Resident Deputy Sgt. Robert Nay reported that he spent twenty hours patrolling Albion last month, wrote ten citations, served several civil papers, and spent four hours checking bars and businesses; -Albion Chief of Police Bruce Bristol reported that he had forty-hours of patrol, and wrote six citations and one report; -McMurray reported that he had not been able to locate a copy of a job description for a part-time maintenance person for the city and would create one; -in discussing the proposed water improvement plan schedule, it was decided that council members would go into the community to present both written and verbal information about the three options that have been proposed; -a draft grant application for funds to build a year-round public restroom in the city park was handed out for review; -it was agreed to pay the $50 dues to renew membership in the Mid-Snake R,C, & D; -in discussing an RFP for remodeling the former Masonic Lodge into a Community Center, what work to do first was considered; -the council members agreed to set a day to inventory the city maintenance shop and remove outdated and unnecessary items; -it was decided to give money sent with a thank you note from the family of the late Len and Barbara Marrs to the Albion Four Leaf Clover Club for library books; -a letter from the State Liquor Dispensary stating that a contract liquor dispensary will be located in Albion was read; and -an invitation from the U.S. Forest Service to view a two-hour video about the 100 year history of the Service was read.
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