LOCAL POSTAL CUSTOMER
PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID EDDM-RETAIL
Edition 85 l DECEMBER 2021
CAUGHT IN THE ACT! Pg. 3 CALDWELL Y WEATHERING THE STORM! Pg. 6 MEALS FOR MADAGASCAR! Pg. 7 submitted photos
LITTLE VOICES AND BROKEN GUITARS! Pg. 12 Kristina Pollard at the Police Shooting Range and Training Grounds
MY TRAINING DAY WITH THE CALDWELL SWAT TEAM
When I was young, my father was a deputy sheriff in So. California. The smell of gun oil and the sound of his leather utility belt in the morning after a night shift reassured me that my father had come home to us safely. I have always been drawn to T.V. shows, books and movies dealing with law enforcement agencies of all types and briefly considered a possible career in this direction (But I never did enjoy running as exercise). This brings me to a fund raiser for Special Olympics, a live auction and my husband, Mike, who was determined to win “A Day with the Swat Team” for me. Mike had won this training day at a previous fund raiser and was determined that I get my chance at this experience. Spirited bidding ensued but Mike prevailed before I broke any of his ribs with my elbow. Ladies, you know what I mean. So, on Monday I told my boss that he would have to give me the scheduled day off or I would have the Swat team use our company for Hostage Rescue training. Rob quickly granted my request. In a week that had been blustery, Wed. Nov. 17th brought a very cool temper-
ature but with blue sky and no wind or rain. Perfect. I reported to the Caldwell Police Department was promptly greeted by Sgt. Crupper and escorted to the Training Room. Here I also met Officer Streibel who would be conducting today’s training/review. When he pulled up the first Powerpoint presentation for the day I laughed out loud. We were training on “Hostage Rescue Tactic” today. What were the odds? I should have had the team pick me up at work after all. There are 14 positions on the Swat team and we started with introductions by each member present; their name, length of time with the police force, time on Swat and any Swat specialty held. This is an impressive group comprised of male and female members of various ages and a total of many, many years in law enforcement. Two of the young men are still in their first months of training and I loved the way Officer Tapia and Corporal Rohrback included me as a trainee, asking me some questions about my knowledge of terms being used and tactics being discussed. I was extremely pleased to be able to answer all questions correctly. I haven’t
spent years immersed in crime media for nothing. The day’s training included Hostage Rescue and Rescue of a downed Officer or Civilian during an active shooter scenario. More experienced officers were selected to demonstrate moves to be made in the Hostage Rescue scenario. These techniques were practiced by all (including myself) later on the training grounds. Soon we were on our way to the Police Shooting Range and training grounds and I rode in style in the MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected) troop carrier with Corporal Cooper, the team’s specialist in Non-Lethal Weaponry. I was then led through a detailed “Show & Tell”: • the various tools used to force access into a building • many types of gas/pepper canisters and their assorted uses • flash-bang technology guaranteed to confuse/distract long enough to gain an advantage. • hard rubber projectiles fired into muscle mass to stop a criminal (I was allowed to fire this weapon and hit the target barrel on the first try.) Next, I was then turned over to the Lethal Weapon Specialist Officer Heaton.
I was given detailed safety training before being allowed to handle the weapons. Now, I have to tell you that I have had very, very little experience with firearms in my life. But as I learned to fire an A-15 rifle, a Glock 45 handgun and then a sniper rifle, I found that I could hit the targets in critical mass or kill areas with each shot. Who knew I could have had a career in weaponry? I was active in Girl Scouting for 30 years and we didn’t have a Sharpshooter badge. After I bundled the targets to take back with me for bragging rights, it was time to practice rescue of a downed officer or civilian during an active shooting with the police car and 3, 4 or 5 rescuers. It was fun to watch and I was glad not to be the poor officer who volunteered to be “rescued” over and over again. I did volunteer to be rescued once and I must admit that I hammed it up with moaning, groaning and calls for help. Of course, if I was ever really in that position, I would be playing dead, not drawing attention to myself. We finished up with me being the “active shooter”. I had a practice rifle, was yelling “Bam, bam bam” and ducking in and out of
by Kristina Pollard cover. The instructors were watching the positions of the rescuers and reminding them to stay out of the way of the “Cover” officers (with the guns) who were shooting at me. I had a lot of fun, but was constantly reminded that this is a very dangerous profession. Constant training reinforces the “muscle memory” that allows these men and women to instinctively act without having to think each action through step by step. Each time they step out of the MRAP at a crime scene, they are risking their lives for you and me. SO please, when you see a police officer of any sort, thank them for their service. It will bring a smile to their face and a spring to their step It will brighten not only their day, but yours as well.
Kristina being rescued
Page 2 CALDWELL PERSPECTIVE
DECEMBER
December 3 12-5 PM: Ice Skating open, Indian Creek Ice Skating Ribbon. 5-10 PM: Ice Skating open, Indian Creek Ice Skating Ribbon. 6:30-8:30 PM: Santa loves Caldwell so much he’s decided to spend some time here this year! Visit with Santa and snap a photo from 6:308:30 PM starting the Friday after Thanksgiving through Christmas! There is no cost to visit with Santa. Indian Creek Plaza. 6-11 PM: Brave Hearts Night at Indian Creek Steakhouse, 711 Main St. Come enjoy great food, dancing, drinks and outstanding door prizes donated by local merchants. All money raised will support Idaho Veterans. December 4 12-10 PM: Ice Skating open, Indian Creek Ice Skating Ribbon. 1-2:30 PM: Rediscovered Books book signing by Laura Costea. 6 PM: Treasure Valley Night Light Parade 2021, downtown Caldwell. December 5 12-10 PM: Ice Skating open, Indian Creek Ice Skating Ribbon. December 6 12-9 PM: Ice Skating open, Indian Creek Ice Skating Ribbon. 6 PM: City Council Workshop, Caldwell Police Department Community Room, 110 S. 5th Ave. 7 PM: City Council Meeting, Caldwell Police Department Community Room, 110 S. 5th Ave. December 7 5-9 PM: First Responders Skate Night. Indian Creek Plaza wants to celebrate our local heroes for all their hard work and dedication to our community. *Must present valid work ID (i.e., military ID, badge, or name tag) or recent pay stub to receive $2 off. Availability is subject to ice rink capacity. 7 PM: Virtual Event; Short Story Author Panel-Fire & Water, Zoom, Free event. Rediscovered Books. 7 PM: Virtual Event; Tim Woodward-Finding my Niche, CrowdCast, Free. Rediscovered Books. December 8 10 AM: Rediscovered Books Storytime, downtown Caldwell.
December 8 (continued) 12-9 PM: Ice Skating open, Indian Creek Ice Skating Ribbon. 6:30 PM: Advent Service, Soup Soupers at 5:30 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church, 2700 S. Kimball Ave. All are welcome! December 9 12-9 PM: Ice Skating open, Indian Creek Ice Skating Ribbon. 5 PM: Thursday Theme Night on the Ice, Decades Night, Indian Creek Ice Ribbon. 5:30-6:30 PM: Ice Skating Lessons begins for 4 week lesson program. You may qualify for scholarships to cover tuition. Learn more at https:// www.indiancreekplaza.com/sk8ribbon-coalition 7-8 PM: Ice Skating Lessons begins for 4 week lesson program. You may qualify for scholarships to cover tuition. Learn more at https://www. indiancreekplaza.com/sk8-ribboncoalition December 10 12-5 PM: Ice Skating open, Indian Creek Ice Skating Ribbon. 5-10 PM: Ice Skating open, Indian Creek Ice Skating Ribbon. 6:30-8:30 PM: Santa loves Caldwell so much he’s decided to spend some time here this year! There is no cost to visit with Santa. Indian Creek Plaza. December 11 12-10 PM: Ice Skating open, Indian Creek Ice Skating Ribbon. 1-2:30 PM: Rediscovered Books book signing by Dick Bennett. 4:30-7 PM: Community Drive-thru Live Nativity, FEEL THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS by bringing diapers for Love INC and shelf-stable foods for the Caldwell Salvation Army. Donations are not required, but welcome! Everyone is invited. No cost admission. Hot chocolate & treats will be provided. 16989 Hwy 20/26. December 12 12-10 PM: Ice Skating open, Indian Creek Ice Skating Ribbon. December 13 12-9 PM: Ice Skating open, Indian Creek Ice Skating Ribbon. 7-8 PM: Urban Renewal Agency Meeting, Caldwell Police Department Community Room, 110 S. 5th Ave.
December 2021
Events and special promotions happening locally this month! December 14 11:30 AM-12:30 PM: Caldwell Chamber of Commerce Noon Break Luncheon, Oakes Brothers Marketplace, 718 Main St. Catering TBD! $22 for Chamber Members, $25 for Non-Chamber available through the Chamber of Commerce, (208) 459-7493. 12-9 PM: Ice Skating open, Indian Creek Ice Skating Ribbon. 5-9 PM: Military Skate Night. Indian Creek Plaza wants to celebrate our local heroes for all their hard work and dedication to our community. *Must present valid work ID (i.e., military ID, badge, or name tag) or recent pay stub to receive $2 off. Availability is subject to ice rink capacity. December 15 10 AM: Rediscovered Books Storytime, downtown Caldwell. 12-9 PM: Ice Skating open, Indian Creek Ice Skating Ribbon. 6:30 PM: Advent Service, Soup Soupers at 5:30 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church, 2700 S. Kimball Ave. All are welcome! December 16 8-9 AM: Caldwell Chamber of Commerce Coffee Connect, www. caldwellchamber.org 12-9 PM: Ice Skating open, Indian Creek Ice Skating Ribbon. 5 PM: Thursday Theme Night on the Ice, Sci-fi Night. Indian Creek Ice Ribbon. 5:30-6:30 PM: Ice Skating Lessons begins for 4 week lesson program. You may qualify for scholarships to cover tuition. Learn more at https:// www.indiancreekplaza.com/sk8ribbon-coalition 7-8 PM: Ice Skating Lessons begins for 4 week lesson program. You may qualify for scholarships to cover tuition. Learn more at https://www. indiancreekplaza.com/sk8-ribboncoalition December 17 11 AM: GFM Christmas Bazaar. Come join us in shopping for your last minute Christmas gifts. Greenleaf Community Center, 21441 Main St., Greenleaf. 12-5 PM: Ice Skating open, Indian Creek Ice Skating Ribbon. 4-5:30 PM: Rediscovered Books book signing by Don Day. 5-10 PM: Ice Skating open, Indian Creek Ice Skating Ribbon. 6:30-8:30 PM: Santa loves Caldwell so much he’s decided to spend some time here this year! There is no cost to visit with Santa. Indian Creek Plaza. December 18 10 AM: Clara’s Tea Party, Caldwell Fine Arts. Face painting, ballet lessons, crafts, treats, and visits by local dancers make this the party of the year! Dressing up is encouraged. Parties at 10AM, 12PM and 2PM. Tickets only $8 each (1 and under free) and available at www. caldwellfinearts.org. Langroise Hall at College of Idaho, S. 20th Ave. 10 AM: Come join us in shopping for your last minute Christmas gifts. Greenleaf Community Center, 21441 Main St., Greenleaf. 12-10 PM: Ice Skating open, Indian Creek Ice Skating Ribbon.
To promote your January event on this page, contact Chantele at 208-899-6374 or email advertising@caldwellperspective.com
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December 18 (continued) 1-2:30 PM: Rediscovered Books book signing by Roanne King. December 19 12-10 PM: Ice Skating open, Indian Creek Ice Skating Ribbon. December 20 12-9 PM: Ice Skating open, Indian Creek Ice Skating Ribbon. 6-7 PM: Idaho Community Christmas Sing-Along, Indian Creek Plaza Stage. More information about the Idaho Community Christmas Sing-Along can be found at www. idahochristmascarols.com 7 PM: City Council Meeting, Caldwell Police Department Community Room, 110 S. 5th Ave. December 21 12-9 PM: Ice Skating open, Indian Creek Ice Skating Ribbon. 12-3 PM: Holiday Open House Public Say Goodbye to Mayor Garret and Wife Pammi, 411 Blaine St., Caldwell. 5-9 PM: Teachers Skate Night. Indian Creek Plaza wants to celebrate our local heroes for all their hard work and dedication to our community. *Must present valid work ID (i.e., military ID, badge, or name tag) or recent pay stub to receive $2 off. Availability is subject to ice rink capacity. December 22 10 AM: Rediscovered Books Storytime, downtown Caldwell. 12-9 PM: Ice Skating open, Indian Creek Ice Skating Ribbon. December 23 12-9 PM: Ice Skating open, Indian Creek Ice Skating Ribbon. 5 PM: Thursday Theme Night on the Ice, Ugly Sweater Night, Indian Creek Ice Ribbon.
December 24 12-4 PM: Ice Skating open, Indian Creek Ice Skating Ribbon. 7 PM: Christmas Eve Carol & Candlelight Service, Grace Lutheran Church, 2700 S. Kimball Ave. All are welcome! December 25 4-8 PM: Christmas Day Ice Skating open, Indian Creek Ice Skating Ribbon. 7 PM: Christmas Service, Grace Lutheran Church, 2700 S. Kimball Ave. All are welcome! December 26 12-10 PM: Ice Skating open, Indian Creek Ice Skating Ribbon. December 27 12-9 PM: Ice Skating open, Indian Creek Ice Skating Ribbon. December 28 12-9 PM: Ice Skating open, Indian Creek Ice Skating Ribbon. 5-9 PM: City Employee Skate Night. Indian Creek Plaza wants to celebrate our local heroes for all their hard work and dedication to our community. *Must present valid work ID (i.e., military ID, badge, or name tag) or recent pay stub to receive $2 off. Availability is subject to ice rink capacity. December 29 10 AM: Rediscovered Books Storytime, downtown Caldwell. 12-9 PM: Ice Skating open, Indian Creek Ice Skating Ribbon. December 30 12-9 PM: Ice Skating open, Indian Creek Ice Skating Ribbon. 5 PM: Thursday Theme Night on the Ice, Disney Night, Indian Creek Ice Ribbon. December 31 12-10 PM: Ice Skating open, Indian Creek Ice Skating Ribbon.
Our Community
December 2021
Caught In The Act of Kindness
Playground Guardian Angels
My wife and I took our two -year-old to the playground and were going up and down the multiple slides because he likes it. Suddenly two young ladies came down with 4-5 younger kids. These young ladies facilitated a game for the kids (grounder) and made sure they all looked out for my little guy. Whoever raised these young ladies, did a wonderful job for not only keeping the kids they oversaw had a great time, but also made sure my little guy stayed safe during the whole experience. At one
point my little guy came up to them and those two ladies were very accepting and welcoming to him. THANK YOU! If anyone knows who these young ladies are, tell them thank you so much. I truly wish there is a way I can thank you for affirming my faith in humanity! -Joel Davick
Praise for ASC Concrete!
ASC concrete is putting in the sidewalk on Ohio Ave and is doing a fantastic job. The crew is considerate of neighborhood families, kind to the dogs, and is as quiet as the job allows. -Cynthia Alleman
A Happy Halloween in Caldwell!
Just wanted to say a big thank you to all the very friendly people out there tonight! Our non-verbal daughter had a great
time! Thanks for making the world a better place! -Danielle Williams To whoever dumped the rest of their candy bowl into our daughters bucket, we appreciate you!! She was left out tonight and hardly got any candy by the time her dad took her out after work. You, without knowing it, made her Halloween night!!!! So lucky to have wonderful neighbors!! -Amy Flowers Help us spread positivity by noticing neighbors performing small, simple acts of kindness in our community! Please call, text, or email submissions to Valerie Christensen at 208-416-1127 or editor@ caldwellperspective.com by the 15th of each month. All submissions will be entered into a drawing for prizes from local businesses!
Special City of Caldwell City Council Workshop To be held Monday, December 6, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. at the Caldwell Police Department Community Room 110 South 5th Avenue, Caldwell A workshop to:
1) Discuss the recent rise in thefts of catalytic converters across the country (and in Caldwell), and proposed amendments to the city code intended to counter this trend.
2) Review the current regulation of alcohol licenses in Caldwell and discuss the adoption of a point system to ensure accountability for the responsible dispensing of alcohol within the city.
Page 3 CALDWELL PERSPECTIVE
37th Annual Dave Johnson Memorial Blood Drive Thursday, December 23 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Christ’s Community Church 603 Everett St.
To make an appointment call 1-800-RED-CROSS For information call Carole Munn 208-459-1423 make an appointment call 1-800-RED-CROSS
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Our Community
Page 4 CALDWELL PERSPECTIVE
December 2021
Caldwell Police Department Update we respond to a major incident with. Officers also attended the opening weekend of Winter Wonderland at the Plaza, it was cold but we LOVE getting to hang out with our community! Cpl. Eldridge received his 20 year badge! Currently Cpl. Eldridge is assigned as the supervisor of our traffic unit however he’s has spent time in many areas. Previously in undercover narcotics.
submitted photos
Caldwell Police Department hosted their bi-annual mandatory training this month. During this time, every officer within the department attends 2 consecutive days of training on various topics. This time we covered minimal facts interviewing of child victims/witnesses, EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operations) and building clearing/team movements. It’s crucial that officers train the same so expectations are the same, no matter who we work with or who
by Sgt. A. Walker, Admin Operations & Community Outreach
Det. Heitzman and Sgt. Matthews
Winter Wonderland
Sticker Shock is a statewide campaign sponsored by the Idaho Office of Drug Policy and the Idaho State Liquor Division. This initiative aims to reduce underage drinking by limiting youth access to alcohol through education on the
law that prohibits furnishing alcohol to minors. During this event, youth place warning stickers on paper bags to be used by area retailers to educate on the risks associated with alcohol use. The sticker warns that it is illegal to provide
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The Caldwell Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 2C-Drug Free Coalition & Southwest District Health Participated in the 2021 Sticker Shock Campaign by Bianca Stevenson City Communication Specialist
Advisory Council this past Wednesday November 17, 2021 participated in the Sticker Shock and is a event they look forward to it, each year. “I am super thrilled that I was able to take part in it! As soon as I walked into the room I was greeted with smiles and people busily applying stickers to brown paper bags. It really was a friendly atmosphere. It was amazing to walk into a room where my peers and I were devoted to spreading awareness pertaining to underage drinking”, Said Lily Haines MYAC Historian from Ridgevue High School. The Caldwell Mayors Youth Advisory Council
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Thank you for a successful year. Looking forward to 2022.
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2805 Blaine Street, Caldwell 208-459-3308
Caldwell Y is Weathering the Covid Storm
submitted photo
by Shellye Wilson, Admin Assistant
Celebrating a second gift from Columbia Bank for a total of $1,500! Pictured from left to right, Candy Kober - Caldwell Y Health & Wellbeing Director, Marianne Burns - Caldwell Y Membership Director, Coleman Evans - Caldwell Y Aquatics Director, Eryn Wilson – Columbia Bank Assistant Branch Manager, and Holly Lyons – Columbia Branch Manager
Were you wondering how the Caldwell YMCA is doing through this pandemic? It is as vital and vibrant today as it was pre-COVID. The youth of the community are still participating in programs, swimming and generally just having a good time at the Y, but all in a safe and nurturing environment. The community programs are still abundant, but with improved safety protocols. For instance, members and guests are asked to wipe down equipment before and after use, and guests are asked to preregister for most programs so that distance guidelines can be followed. Another big improvement is the installation of a bipolar ionization system which cleans the air and neutralizes viral particles. All of these new practices make a safer experience for our members and guests. As the number of members and guests continues to grow, attendance is not
yet up to pre-COVID levels. However, the Caldwell Y seems to be the first stop for many families new to the valley. If you haven’t been to the Caldwell Y, or it’s been a while, you are invited to stop by for a tour. You may even decide that it’s a good time to sign up for a membership as the join fee will be waived from now until January 1st, 2022. Don’t wait to make a difference in your life and the lives of your family. While the Y is the largest provider of child care in the state of Idaho, there are also other ways to benefit from a membership at the Y. Regular exercise is shown to boost your immune system and is an important part of maintaining a healthy weight (provided by Harvard Medical School). Research also shows that the psychological and physical benefits of exercise can help improve mood and reduce anxiety (provided by the Mayo Clinic).
The Y offers several Evidenced Based Health Initiatives which are programs that have been proven effective. These include Rock Steady Boxing/Delay the Disease for people who are living with Parkinson’s, Enhanced Fitness to help manage a variety of illnesses including high blood pressure, diabetes, and depression, Clinical TRX for rehabilitation from and prevention of injuries, and Oncology Recovery supporting cancer survivors. Movement for Memory, a dementia intervention will be added in January. Healthy Lung and Heart providing cardiac rehab and Movement for Better Balance through the practice of Tai Chi are also programs to improve health in adults. The Y is also a full service facility with several classes offered daily in addition to Personal Training, Swim Lessons, Child Care and much more. With the weather getting colder, the Y is a great place to meet friends and exercise. Try Pickle Ball indoors! There really is a program for everyone! The programs above and many, many others are offered to everyone regardless of their ability to pay. This only happens because of generous donors like Columbia Bank (above) and other businesses and individuals throughout the community. If you would like to donate, please visit ymcatvidaho. org and click on Give or stop by the Y. Your support makes the Caldwell Y an affordable option for everyone. Won’t you stop by for a tour today?
Thank You Another Successful Year!
by Chantele Hensel, Caldwell Perspective Publisher
Chantele Hensel
Thank you for all your support and the love sent for the past seven years that we have published the Caldwell Perspective. I look forward to many more years serving this beautiful community. For years; I have anticipated the change coming in the
years ahead of us. Today; I am thankful for this day…each and every day. From my family to yours; have a very Merry Christmas and a beautiful New Year.
Pre-Order Your Valentine’s Day Flowers Now and Get FREE Delivery! 208-455-4220 • WWW.BAYBERRIESFLOWERS.COM
Page 5 CALDWELL PERSPECTIVE
Caldwell Lion’s Club Partners with Caldwell Public Library by Lynn Johnson
submitted photo
Our Community
December 2021
The Caldwell Public Library is a hub of very busy activity. It’s a lot more than just books, but they have plenty of those as well. There are lots of programs for kids, there are computers and a 3d printer for adults. Go to the library or its website and check them out.
The Caldwell Lions Club is so proud to partner with the Caldwell Public Library. Lion Lynn Johnson presents the Youth Services team, Elizabeth Epperson and Edder Rodriquez, with a $400 donation to help get books in the hands of our local children.
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Page 6 CALDWELL PERSPECTIVE Human Trafficking wasn’t even on my radar screen a year and a half ago when I met a friend in one of the Caldwell City parks to go for a walk. In hindsight, I realized I had passively chosen to be naive about the whole subject matter. We began our walk that morning in a very lighthearted frame of mind. A short way down the walking trail we encountered a young woman who was clearly in distress. She was barefoot, appeared to be hallucinating and was very fearful. She agreed to walk back to the parking lot with us much to the chagrin of her male friend who appeared on the scene as we were getting ready to head out. As we walked, we queried her about her situation. She said she was far from home, missed her family and wanted to return home,
Our Community
Human Trafficking Incident
choking back tears as she spoke. Her pace quickened the farther away from this young man we walked. Back at the parking lot she sat down on the grass while my friend kept an eye on her. I stepped away and began to make phone calls for help. While waiting for the police to arrive, my friend informed me that the young woman had received a call on her cell phone from the young man, yelling at her to, “Get back here!” Within minutes two police cruisers unceremoniously pulled into the parking lot and up to the curb where my friend and I stood. We briefed the officers on the situation. The young woman then came around the corner and began to engage in conversation with one of the officers. My friend and I learned from the other officer what the pro-
December 2021 by Deborah Kraft
tocol would be for taking care of the young woman now. Later, while she waited in the police cruiser, we were told that there had been an increase in sex trafficking in the area, that this situation had indications of it, and that her name had come up in the data base of missing persons. We said our good-byes to her as she sat in the cruiser looking exhausted and in shock. Training on Human Trafficking and how to safely deal with it now seems to me to be a necessary skill for our citizens. I equate it to “CPR” in that if you learn the skills you might just save a life when you least expect it! Do you know that human trafficking is VERY
REAL right here in Canyon County? The Idaho Anti-Trafficking Coalition reports 27.2% of self-identified victims are Idahoans trafficked here and out of state. Over 71% of victims are women and girls who encounter high rates of physical and sexual violence including torture and homicide, psychological abuse, horrific work and living conditions, and extreme deprivation during transit! Join a group of concerned residents, business profes-
sionals and parents to learn about what human trafficking is, who the “targets” are, what the warning signs are, and what you can do if you encounter a trafficking scenario.
Wednesday, January 12, 2022 • 7:00 p.m. The Flying “M” downtown Caldwell NOTE: Seating is limited. Please call (208) 453-1819 (Secretary Joann) to have your name placed on our RSVP list for that night. For Zoom accessibility, check the link at the Idaho Anti-Trafficking Coalition website: idahoatc.org
Caldwell Lions Looking For New Members The Caldwell Lions are very active and are looking for new members. We would like to thank our volunteers and members for working in our hamburger booth on the Caldwell rodeo grounds. With the generous support of the public, we made a lot of money for Caldwell and the Treasure Valley. This year the booth was open for the Canyon County Fair, the Caldwell Night Rodeo and several C of I Football home games. Our club conducts the Cinco de Mayo Golf Tournament to support local rural school’s scholarships. Vision Care is our top priority and
the club supplies testing and glasses for those in need. Other support emphasis are scholarships, veterans, the Caldwell YMCA, Hope House, Caldwell Fine Arts, Caldwell Library, Special Olympics, WITCO, GALS Softball, Salvation Army, Boy Scouts, Meals on Wheels, and others. We also have school contests including Peace Poster artwork, Patriotism Essays and pull-tab collections in our elementary schools benefitting Ronald McDonald House. We clean four miles of Highway 20/26 and support a blood drive. The club currently meets
by Lynn Johnson
at the Golden Palace Restaurant on Main Street every Wednesday at noon. Anyone is invited to come to a meeting and see how we roll. After the first of the year, we are changing our meeting times to include two evening meetings a month for those people who can’t make a noon meeting. The dues are very reasonable, and men and women are welcomed. This is a very active club, and if you have service to the community in your heart, you would be welcome to join. Call Lynn Johnson, President, 208 423-6118 for further information.
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Our Community
December 2021
Page 7 CALDWELL PERSPECTIVE by Valerie Christensen, Caldwell Perspective
submitted photos
Meals for Madagascar: Caldwell Mother to Hold Fundraiser
Drought and famine aren’t new conditions in Madagascar., an island country off the southern coast of Africa. Hearing about it first hand by a former resident, however, can be a new, even transformative experience. Eva Dransfield is a young, energetic mother of four young girls who can rarely be seen without a beautiful smile on her face, which in part may come from her commitment to never take life in Caldwell for granted. When she left her native country years ago to marry her husband and begin a new life in America, she also promised to never forget the people who remained in vastly different circumstances-especially during the holidays. Dransfield is quick to mention there are many positive things about the country she once called home. She described the majestic wildlife, lush vegetation, and breathtaking scenery. There are also some very unique and cherished Christmas traditions. One of them, she says with a laugh, is a kind of “Christmas trick or treating activity” that takes place among Malagasy children. Much like Halloween, the children go door to door in hopes of gathering a sweet treat. It is customary to knock on a neighbor’s door, say “Merry Christmas,” and, in greeting, give the one who answers a traditional kiss on the cheek. The neighbor then places a piece of candy into the child’s bag. She re-
members as a little girl not wanting to visit a particular man who seemed “a little scary” and she was hesitant to kiss his cheek. She says, however, it was worth any inconvenience for a piece of candy because it was such a special treat. Another tradition for Malagasy families is to savor a delicious 4-course chicken dinner. They also purchase new clothing for Christmas church services. It is because of the many traditions - and knowing the countless families who can’t participate in them due to extreme poverty- that led Dransfield to organize a special Christmas fundraiser three years ago. She wanted it to be an event where she could ensure 100% of the proceeds would be sent directly to families in need - not funneled through its often unscrupulous political leaders who might take credit for and/or a cut of the donations. She wanted to use her former connections to ensure other children didn’t go without, something she remembers doing the one year her father lost his job. With tragic detail, she recalls the feeling of not knowing where her next meal would come from; of not having new clothes to wear to church or candy to hand out to the neighbors. “Not having anything to eat on a holiday where people are supposed to be celebrating causes a feeling of despair that it is hard to describe,”
she recounts. That’s why going through such an enormous undertaking during the Holiday Season is worth it to her. “The people we are providing meals for are just trying to survive day to day. Some days they may go hungry, or skip meals due to lack of food,” she describes. In 2019, Dransfield recruited the help of friends and held a 4-course Malagasy feast in downtown Caldwell which raised $1,055 to cheer and feed over 100 families in Central Madagascar. Through a friend, money was sent to distribute rice, whole chickens, and candies to some of the poorest of the poor. Sadly, last year, with the pandemic in full swing, the fundraiser had to be postponed. Thankfully, the project will continue this year via take-out orders. And her 3-course menu or dessert only options will be mouthwatering: Amuse bouch. Chicken coconut curry with peanuts and diced mangoes with a side of rice. Sambos. Deep fried cassava with coconut. Caldwell residents will have a truly unique experience to sample a part
of a new culture, and in the process, bless many souls. Dransfield will personally prepare the dinners with volunteers and a limited number of tickets can be purchased on her GoFundMe page, “Feed a family in Madagascar on Christmas.” (https:// gofund.me/b1f49f58). Food orders will need to be placed by December 15th, but she says donations are always welcomed throughout the holiday season. On December 20th, between 6-8 p.m. the drive-up or take-out orders will be ready to go at the Peckham Community Center, 715
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Everett Street, in Caldwell. This year’s fundraising goal is to collect $1,500 to feed 150 Malagasy people. After next year’s event, Eva Dransfield hopes to personally deliver the items that will bring joy to the many families living in poverty. For now, she is grateful for the opportunity she has to serve from Caldwell. As she enjoys a bountiful Christmas with her family- one that includes both parents from Madagascar-her heart will stay close to the ones living thousands of miles away on the special island she once called home.
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Our Community
Volunteers’ Knowledge Critical to Extending Extension’s Reach
J.A. Wendum Foundation Generosity by Chantele Hensel, Caldwell Perspective
submited photos
by Nicasio Usabel, Horticulture Extension Educator in Canyon County, University of Idaho Extension and Suriñe Greenway, Family & consumer Sciences Extension Educator in Owyhee County, University of Idaho Extension
December 2021
photo by Chantele Hensel
Page 8 CALDWELL PERSPECTIVE
Extension volunteers willingly engage with individuals in their local communities to extend research-based information to all. The University of Idaho Extension is fortunate to have several specialized volunteer organizations which help expand programming in food preservation, garden & landscape, and 4-H Youth Development to name just a few. Would you consider volunteering with dedicated volunteers in your county? Volunteering for a local group or organization can provide opportunity to connect and network with individuals who have a similar passion in helping those in their community. In addition, service provides a chance to network and share with one another about a topic you care a great deal about. Beyond serving the community, Extension volunteers build
new skills and learn new research-based content that can be applied in their own household and community. Idaho Master Gardeners (IMG) improve their horticultural knowledge, skills, and serve their communities. The motto of the Idaho Master Gardener program is “helping people grow”, and volunteers do just that. To obtain certification as an Idaho Master Gardener coursework is completed to help better enhance knowledge and understanding of plant growth and development, soils, pesticides, nutrients, insect pests, and diseases while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. During and following the coursework, a volunteer donates hours back to their local program. Idaho Master Gardeners can be found devoting volunteer hours at the
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free plant diagnostic clinic, teaching community gardening classes and workshops, mentoring youth or adults in community and school gardens, operating a booth at local community events, publishing blogs and social media posts with research-based information, or facilitating integrated pest management walks to provide appropriate alerts of pests and disease on the Pacific Northwest Pest Alert Network. The Master Food Safety Advisor (MFSA) Program is designed for participants to gain knowledge in food handling, food safety and food preservation topics which include dehydration, canning jam and jellies, high-acid canning such as salsas, fermentation, smoking foods, low-acid canning and freezing foods. Program coursework includes hands-on activities to enhance skills in the knowledge content areas that are emphasized in this class which include dehydrating different food products, canning different recipes, including taste-testing, and discussing qualities and concerns regarding food handling and food preservation in the home! Following the coursework of the program, volunteers are able to give back to their community. There are multiple ways that Master Food Safety Advisors have the option
Melinda Chynoweth, Dawn Downs, Wes Downs, Dan Pugmire, June Pugmire, Frank Ellsbury, JD Ford, Miren Vicandi-Ford On November 30th, Wes and Dawn Downs from The J.A. Wedum Foundation presented a check for $15,000 to the Idaho Veterans Garden for improvements to the beloved community garden that has reformed, improved and honored the lives of our veterans. Thank you to the J.A. Wedum Foundation Board for your generous contribution to the lives of so many. The Idaho Veterans Garden is located at 305 W. Belmont it is certainly worth the visit.
to complete their volunteer hour donation to many different communities located in the Treasure Valley region. Some of these include answering food safety questions from general clientele, teach food safety and food preservation workshops to community members and groups, assist at structured educational events, create social media content surrounding food safety and food preservation, hosting researchbased information at booths during local events and so many more! As University of Idaho Extension, we appreciate the many hours our volunteers give in each of their perspective counties and area of interest. We work with an excellent group of dedicated volunteers who we find to be invaluable in reaching the clientele in our community. Upcoming programs are beginning soon and have limited space available. Find an applica-
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tion for Idaho Master Gardener at bit.ly/IMG2022 or Master Food Safety Advisor at bit.ly/UIMFSA2022. Obtain more information about the Idaho Master Gardener or the Master Food Safety Advisor Program by calling your Canyon and Owyhee Extension offices at 208459-6003 or 208-896-4104. Join University of Idaho Extension this fall for the U and I Together series. View a list of classes and register at www.uidaho/together. Join Holiday Food Hacks Wednesday, November 9th. Register and learn more at bit.ly/3FtW83q. Nic Usabel is a County Extension Educator in Horticulture for University of Idaho Extension based in Canyon County serving both Canyon and Owyhee counties. His areas of focus include urban horticulture, gardening with youth and Idaho Master Gardener volunteer management. He can be reached at nusabel@uidaho.edu. Suriñe Greenway is the University of Idaho Owyhee County Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Educator. For more information, you can reach the U of I Owyhee County Extension Office at (208) 8964104 or owyhee@ uidaho. edu. The office is located at 238 W. 8th Ave. W., in Marsing.
4207 Clocktower Ave Suite 102 • Caldwell, ID 83607
Valerie Christensen 208-416-1127
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The Caldwell Euzkaldunak Charities or Caldwell by Gina Dowen, Basque Feels The Pinch Caldwell Basque Charities
In today’s day and age of go fund me pages and internet fundraising, it seems our community service clubs are beginning to die off. Our lives are much busier and time to volunteer is few and far between. But, the loss of these organizations in our community will leave a gaping hole that most don’t realize yet. The Caldwell Euzkaldunak Charities, or Caldwell Basque Charities, feels the pinch as well. While we too struggle to find time and volunteers to be members of our group, and put on our fundraising efforts, we know that stopping our efforts would send a ripple effect through the community. It is the “behind the scenes” work that would be missed the most, and to us, that cost is far too great. Each year, the Caldwell Basque Charities donates $10,000 of meat and protein products to the Churches in our valley to stock their Christmas Boxes. Who would step up and fulfill this need, if this meat donation were to stop? The need has increased over the years, not decreased, so these efforts are more important now than they have ever been! We invite you to join us, and all of the community service organizations, in stepping forward to help those in our communities that are struggling. If the last two years have taught us anything, it is that we need to watch out for those around us and give a hand up when needed. The Caldwell Basque Charities is now in the 54th year in Caldwell, raising money and then giving back to those in the community who need it. With your help, our efforts have topped $2 million. We help those who fall through the cracks in the traditional sense. We pay for travel expenses for
parents to accompany their kids to cancer or burn treatments. We help with expenses for those battling illness and cancers. We purchase wheelchairs, lifts, specialized furniture, prosthetics and home health items for those who have been injured, or are ill. We have covered dental expenses for those who had terrible tooth loss, a side effect of the powerful medication used to treat their illnesses, and gave them back their smile and self confidence so they could leave their home and start their life again. Please join us and help us raise the funds necessary to help those in our community. There are several ways to do that : 1-BUY A RAFFLE TICKET! Grizzly Sports and Polaris have donated a 2021 Polaris 450 4 wheeler! Tickets are $20 each. We have limited the tickets to 1000, so don’t wait! Get your tickets now! Contact a group member- Brennan Gabiola or Jared Asumendi, or go onto our Facebook @ CaldwellBasqueCharities, or Go to our online store to buy tickets. https://caldwellbasquecharities.square.site/ 2-BUY A DINNER /DANCE TICKET- Our plan is to have the Caldwell Basque Dinner and Dance January 22, 2022 at the Caldwell Events Center O’Conner Fieldhouse. But we know, plans now have to be fluid and adjust if needed and have a plan B if necessary. This year tickets will be limited and will go quickly. In order to help cut our costs, we need to know headcounts ahead of time and we will be cooking only for the tickets pre-sold. There will not be tickets available at the door. So Hurry and reserve yours now! 3-DONATE- We are also looking for donations from individuals, families and businesses. Cash donations, or items we can sell on our live or online auctions are appreciated. We thank you for years of continued support and look forward to many more years to come!
Business
Page 9 CALDWELL PERSPECTIVE
Former Pop-up Fashion Shop Signs Lease at by Valerie Christensen, Caldwell Perspective Oakes Brothers Marketplace Are you a fan of timeless fashion and style? Naomi Gibbs, founder of @getitgirlworkshops, can help you find the perfect piece to complete your wardrobe at Naomi’s Curated Collection. As former pop-up shop, she is happy to announce her brick-and-mortar location inside the newly renovated Oakes Brothers Marketplace, (formerly Maddy’s Plaza). As a native of Canyon County, she’s happy to be “home” to sell her inventory of preloved clothing, handbags, shoes, jewelry and more in a beautiful boutique setting. When they visit Gibb’s quaint shop, customers can be assured they’ll be well cared for with someone who has plenty of experience as a former model, talent manager and Mrs. Idaho 2017. In the summer of 2019, Gibbs’ husband encouraged her to follow her passion for a resourceful lifestyle by re-selling pieces she was finding from local thrift stores. She recalls how she launched her first venture with her original Curated Collection from her living room. “It was a Holiday Collection,” she recalls, “yep, we all started from somewhere!” The enthusiastic entrepreneur feels blessed to look back and see the journey she’s been on since then, which in part is due to her resourceful lifestyle. As a former partner/ owner of iHeart2c, she met Kris Garman at a local women’s connections group. That’s when she found out about the rental space she had available in the Oakes Brothers building. Gibbs decided to jump at the chance to have her summer collection pop up there.
She is now grateful for the opportunity to make it more permanent. “My reutilized mindset has set me on a path of curating luxurious fashion collections - sourcing pre-loved clothing, accessories, and jewelry,” she explains. While observing her clothing collection, one thing is clear: No run-of-the-mill items at her shop will be found - only the most exquisite styles, quality and brands are on display. In fact, the seasonally focused collections are filled with the most current fashion trends, vintage finds and distinctive pieces. “Each season my brand loyal clients and VIP shoppers gather to reap the rewards of my treasure-hunting skills,” Gibbs says. Shoppers can take advantage of her image consulting expertise with one-on-one consultation and group workshops. With 20 years in the fashion and entertainment management industry, plus a certificate in Image Consulting from New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology, Gibbs “will ensure you only walk out of the shop with styles that flatter your body type and are timeless to your wardrobe.” From the first days of her pop ups, Gibbs knew she wanted to find and curate collections that included every size from XS to 3X. It is her belief that every woman is shaped differently and deserves to look beautiful. “I have found that I love how grandmas, teens, mommies, and women of all shapes and sizes have shopped at my pop - ups and have found fantastic pieces that fit their own style,” Gibbs explains, “Yes,
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December 2021
each of the collections has an element of me in classic pieces with a splash of spectacular fashion!” Finding clothing that is the best of the best is a specialty Gibbs doesn’t take lightly. One of the greatest benefits to purchasing one of her pieces is that they’re amazingly affordable. Eighty percent of her collection is priced at under twenty dollars! It’s her belief that customers should never have to pay full price to look fabulous. She is thankful to everyone who has supported her and hopes they will visit in person during the holidays. Gibbs is also highly active on social media. She can be found on Facebook and has a very interactive Instagram page, @naomiscuratedcollection. She often films live feeds, where she shares her latest finds, curated collections, and invitations to exclusive workshops. Gibbs believes women can find something in her collection this season that truly makes their hearts sing. Because when they do, hers will be singing a beautiful song as well.
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Health
Page 10 CALDWELL PERSPECTIVE
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Okay! So, I saw you! First it was the Halloween candy, and then Thanksgiving! Now with Christmas closing in, it is time to think about it. What have you done? Probably the same thing that I did. We can’t get that back, but we can begin to move forward again. Let’s get ahead of the upcoming 2022 Leora Summers year this December. Last February I started my uphill battle to weight loss and better health through exercise and diet. Like most people, I did okay for a while, and then slid back little by little. I hover around a 15 lb. weight loss but had achieved up to about a 19 lb. total weight loss. Still, not too bad, but stalled out and am now resuming a slow upward climb. Let’s start together! We can do this! We can start
December 2021
The Gift of Good Health!
by watching what and how we eat, beginning today. We do not need to graze all day long! Stop that now! Portions, smaller portions, drink your water and make better food choices beginning now. I know we all like gravy, mashed potatoes and all those carb loaded foods that taste so good! Lean more heavily on green vegetables to fill you up and eat the others, but in smaller portions. I use an application called “My Fitness Pal” to help me with my food choices and to help count the daily calories that I am putting into my body. This app also takes into account how many calories that I burn, so I can add them back into my daily allowance. It is a free app that I downloaded onto my phone. It really helped me get started on the right path to healthy eating. I started on a 1200 calorie a day plan (pretty strict), but with exercise I could add more calories to my diet, so I could increase my food intake. I also joined a gym to help me begin my journey. Then I met some people at the gym that I look for-
Preventing Burnout and Prioritizing Yourself Work during the week, a million plans and a large list of todos can be the perfect storm for burnout and exhaustion. Burnout can be something that a lot of people ignore or don’t realize is happening to them. It is caused by constant and persistent stress over a long period of time. It can look different for everyone, but a few common signs are lack of motivation, tiredness, feeling overwhelmed, weakened immune system, and a change in eating
In my conversations with other veterans, I hear what is used as the final deflection for help this phrase, “I do not want to be stigmatized”, which means ‘I would rather. This phrase is used with great sincerity based on an assumed dire consequence of unspecified nature. My experience
and sleeping habits. To avoid this and/or help cope with these symptoms and feelings, there are a few things that you can do. The first thing to do is to find a balance between everything you are doing. It is okay to say no to some plans to be able to give yourself a break. And once you leave work for the day, set a boundary so that you aren’t bringing work home with you. When you are home and have some time to relax, unplug from tech-
does not bear this out. I received the PTSD diagnosis in 2010, the initial onset in 1972. To date, I am unaware of any adverse effect to either my care, or personal life. Continuing with the medication regimen, and biblical care which continues to strengthen my psyche [a
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nology for a bit. Be present and allow yourself a break from looking at emails, social media, and your devices; this will give your mind a much-needed break. You should also prioritize sleep. Sleep can help your body heal, reset, and provide energy for whatever the next day may bring. Incorporating some physical exercise in your daily routine can also be helpful. Whether that is going to the gym, going for a jog, or even taking the dog
My Fellow Veterans
for a walk, all are great ways to release some stress and increase energy levels. Focusing on one thing at a time can also be beneficial. Multitasking is great; however, it is a one-way ticket to feeling overwhelmed and causing more stress. Lastly, find things that you genuinely like doing. Set some time aside each day, or at the very least once a week, to do those hobbies. Allowing yourself to have a little fun is a way to relax and not be so fo-
as what God thinks of me. It is a certainty that people do exceptionally dreadful things to each other. The worst people can do to each other doesn’t even come close to the worst God can do if not shielded by Jesus. The book of Matthew in chapter ten verse twentyeight clearly sets the stage for whom we should be afraid. “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul and body in hell”. Further sharpening the point, “…never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord’”. PTSD sharpens our perception of wrongs done to our person. Misconceptions become attacks on our psyche and generate an exaggerated drive to retaliate. My reaction to a perceived attack only made an unpleasant situation worse. This caused me to be too prickly to be involved in so-
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cused on everything that may be causing stress in your life. It is important to prioritize your happiness and self-care as much as possible. Take time to evaluate if you are feeling burnout and overly stressed, then be proactive about it and try implementing a few of these tips and tricks. For more information on health, nutrition, and food safety, contact the Canyon County Extension Office at 208-4596003 or jamende@uidaho.edu.
ciety and the people who may have wanted into my friendship circle, small as it was. That does not include my detonations that had no cause other than the extreme load I carried by myself. I cannot imagine how much damage those caused. I resisted help for years. The world was wrong, in my skewed view. Denial is a huge hurdle to overcome. I was imprisoned in denial for far too many years. Recognizing that denial is keeping you behind a tall and thick wall is the first step to getting back to a world that is more livable. You will find that the populace of the world beyond denial is full of people who want to help, and friends will be easier to keep around. Remember, you are not alone. The author may be reached at David.skypilot@gmail.com Be polite.
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by Kaitlyn Plischke, Dietetic and Nutrition Intern, CC Extension
by David Beverly
Greek word meaning soul or inner man] keeps me stable and has smoothed out a lot of the bumps in the road of life. Once the brain, mind, and soul are finely tuned, life becomes easier to live and function. Not having any treatment for far too many years supplied enough suffering to outweigh any stigma. I wasted too many years of my life carrying the enormous load by myself. It is beyond the scope of my imagination that anyone would choose to carry the load fearing an imaginary ‘stigma’ label instead of getting help to unload part of the load. As we go through the labyrinth of PTSD keep in mind that treatment is threefold. A combination of medications, biblical counseling, and therapy to help with behavior is necessary. I will concentrate on the spiritual help aspect. I have also discovered that fearing what people think of me is not nearly as important
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ward to seeing and that helped me keep going. You don’t have to join a gym, but it helps to leave your house, where there is so much to distract you from getting down to business. A gym also has a lot to offer with machines for walking, biking, etc. for aerobic type exercise and machines to strengthen all your other muscles. We get so lethargic and puny just sitting around. I am going to change my Medicare supplement plan to an advantage plan with an included fitness plan of either Silver Sneakers, Renew Active or Silver & Fit. For many fitness plans, you are not limited to choose just one place as in the past, so what are you waiting for? Many gyms honor some or all of these programs, so if you have one of these, ask the gym you are interested in if they honor it, and then GO! Here’s to my and your health and let’s get moving! Give yourself the gift for a chance at good health this Christmas and a healthier New Year!
Thank your host with a holiday basket
Caldwell Floral 103 S. Kimball Ave. | Downtown Caldwell 208-459-0051 | www.southsidefloral.com
Outdoors
December 2021 Recently me and a couple of buddies were pursuing pheasants on the wildlife management area near Parma. Early in the hunt my German shorthair Halley became motionless. I’m mostly just the handler so I moved in to flush the bird. When the bird became airborne Bill Graves was first on the trigger and the roosters forward motion was interrupted by a load of number 6 shot. soon after Dennis Trost put
another bird in the bag. A hunter nearby flushed a rooster and it went down Halley was on it pronto. The shooters hollered “you can have that bird.” To even things out I notched my permit and three amigos had three pheasants. When I have two shooters, I carry an over-under 4.10 its light and not being the primary shooter usually the bird in on the ground before I have to raise the little double gun. On this recent
Dave’s Big Back Yard
trip I missed three times with the 4.10. The first miss was a rooster coming right at me and climbing, not sure if the over or under led the bird. I might have scared it a little. The second one came out right on the end of Halley’s nose kind of of a looper. I dumped both barrels the bird flew away untouched. Bill who was my backup couldn’t shoot because I was between him and the rooster.
Page 11 CALDWELL PERSPECTIVE by Dave McCormick
I have shot a lot of doves with the 4.10 so I intend to keep carrying it until I ground a pheasant. Hunting in December you know you are going to have some cold days, winter and hunting just go together. Last year was mild enough, that we golfed in December and January. In fact, my daughter and son in law took me fishing on CJ Strike on my birthday in January. Need a mild wet winter this year to improve water levels in
our reservoirs. F e e d ing winter birds is going to be more expensive this year. Last year I was buying 20 lbs. bags of true value brand bird seed for five or six bucks this year a 20-pound bag is $14.95. Best to all Merry Christmas.
Local Dirt Perspective Well, I finally got the weather right, it’s starting to get cold out. My friend reminded me that it usually does around December. Lol. Well, we’ve arrived at the end of another growing season as I was literally mowing lawn’s yesterday trying get leaves off the ground for the year and getting a lot of grass in the process. Again, I remind you not to leave lawns too tall for many reasons, like weeds die out better when exposed to the freezing temperatures. Or snowpack can cause snow mold or it’s good to go dormant or even Vol’s are given safe harbor in tall grasses. So cut as short as you can it won’t hurt the turf. We’re coming up on the anniversary of the begin-
ning of this paper and my column the Local Dirt Perspective. It’s been nearly 7 full years I’ve been writing this column; I had never written anything before like this especially being published, nor did I believe it would last this long for me. I was very rough in the beginning and probably still am in some ways. I appreciate all who have commented to me personally and for your encouragement to keep writing. Thank you all and happy anniversary to Chantele and this paper. I’m not that crafty of a person but you don’t have to be Martha Stewart to bring the elegant fragrance of fresh pine in your house. If you have evergreen trees or shrubs in your yard, I’ll bet there are several branches that need trimming but instead of throwing them away, you can make wreathes and other displays with them for indoor use.
Off-Highway Vehicle (OHC) Area of Jubilee Park Closure
by Joe Decker, Canyon County Public Information Officer
The off-highway vehicle (OHV) area of Jubilee Park will be closed to the public on Saturday, December 4, and Sunday, December 5. The two-day closure will allow crews from Tetra Tech to perform work related to the geotechnical expansion boring project, which is a necessary component of the future expansion of Pickles Butte Sanitary Landfill.
Signage will be placed throughout the OHV area to notify users of the upcoming closure. In addition, access to the OHV parking lot at the southern end of Jubilee Park will also be unavailable during the twoday closure on December 4-5. The OHV area at Jubilee Park will reopen to the public on Monday, December 6.
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But before you bring them indoors, you’ll want to clean them from heavy dust, pollen, and bugs. Use a clean trash can filled with water and submerge them in the water for a half hour or so. This rehydrates them a bit wash off pollen and drown the bugs that might be hibernating on the branches. Next shake the water off good but don’t completely dry them or set near heat. Then bring them indoors to make wreathes or garland. Where the branch has been cut you can dip the end in hot wax or seal with hot melt glue gun. This prevents the sap leaking out causing a mess and drying out the branch faster. Using floral wire tie other branches to each other making whatev-
by Pat King
er. Add ornaments or bows even those battery-operated led lights strings to enhance the look. Do this with your children and grandchildren for family time. You’ll
accomplish much needed pruning and an aroma that’s breath enhancing. Merry Christmas see you next year. Pat.
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by Theo Binder, Busy Bugs Reporter
Back Row – Theo B., Reporter; Charlotte B., Treasurer; Quinnian M., Secretary; Alyssa H., President; Jenna H., Vice President Front Row: Rafael G., Contact Chairman, Grace G., Photographer; Taylor G., Birthday Chairman
Busy Bugs 4-H Club elected officers for 2022. The new officers are Alyssa H., President; Jenna H. Vice-President, Quinnian M., Secretary; Charlotte B., Treasurer; Theo B., Reporter; Rafael G., Contact Chairman; Grace G., Photographer; Taylor G., Birthday Chairman. Busy Bugs members participate in many projects including cooking, ceramics, leadership, jewelry making, sewing, and handwork. They display
and are judged on their projects at the Canyon County Fair. Members enjoy doing community service projects such as providing dog and cat treats for the animal shelter and working at 4-H sponsored events. There are many 4-H clubs in Canyon County. If you are interested in 4-H, please contact the Canyon County Extension Office at 208-459-6003 or canyon@uidaho.edu
Caldwell Club Peace Poster Contest Winner
Caldwell Lions Club presented a certificate and a crisp $50 bill to Baylee Clelland, a 6th grade student at Notus Elementary School for her winning Peace Poster. Lions Clubs International Peace Poster Contest is worldwide. The theme this year was “We are All Connected”. Her poster will go on for competitions at the District level, the Multiple District level, and finally to Chicago for the world wide competition. We wish this talented young lady “Good Luck” in those further competitions. Caldwell Lions have conducted this contest for over 30 years and area schools are encouraged to give their students an opportunity to show their artistic skills.
December 2021 by Lynn Johnson
Past President Alex Esparza, Baylee Clelland, President Lynn Johnson
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Busy Bugs 4-H
Youth
Little Voices and Broken Guitars: A Christmas Story I’ll always remember that magical Christmas of childhood. I had spent months doing what I did best-being the super sleuth of Christmas. I was always on a secret mission to find all my gifts before Christmas morning, and my skills had been perfected over the years. I knew how to look on high shelves, in the garage, and all other “secret” locations where the goods could be hidden. I also knew how to cover my tracks and make things look undisturbed. If I hadn’t already discovered the unwrapped items, I usually had a week to stake out the wrapped ones after they were placed under the tree. Then it was time to strategically uncover the tape. Usually, I was able to catch a glance at one of the items I had specifically requested and circled in the JCPenney toy catalog. Then I re-taped the paper as the last step in the necessary ritual. I then had enough time to drop vital hints for any items remaining on my wish list. It seemed like an eternity, but Christmas morning finally arrived. I, along with my six younger siblings, woke our parents up at 5 a.m. and headed to the living room in ranked order-youngest to oldest. Everyone began running amok like starving chickens scratching around for their morning feed. High pitched screams could be heard all around the room for 30 minutes, as the radio ironically played “Silent Night” in the background. We were all overjoyed with our gifts, whether they had been previously appraised or not. I, of course, acted completely surprised as I squealed with delight at my Jenny doll and Sony Walkman. My siblings and I played with the toys of our dreams over the next five hours and couldn’t believe how Old Saint Nick had totally outdone himself that year. At about ten a.m., it became apparent there was still
We give you a reason to...
Kyle Collins, DMD
a great deal of Christmas dayby Valerie Christensen, Caldwell Perspective left. My siblings and I looked at the piles of unwrapped gifts on the floor, then at each other as if to say, “Now what?” We all felt it at the same time. In a room scattered with long-anticipated toys and gifts, there was a palpable feeling of... emptiness. Something was missing. We wondered how that could be possible when brother hid behind and clung we had just gotten everything to dad’s knees. Still deterwe could have ever asked mined, we began to wander for. We had a discussion as the long hallways, mom struma family about how many in ming whichever carols could our community weren’t hav- be managed within our limitaing the bountiful Christmas we tions. Up and down the long were experiencing. The over- corridors we went, singing the whelming consensus was that standard tunes of Christmas in we needed to give to someone our best voices. The more we who had less than we did. But caroled, the more comfortable it couldn’t be any gift-it needed we became. We meandered to be meaningful and come into the Alzheimer’s wing, not from our hearts to be effective. exactly knowing what to exA few miles from our house pect. As we began our best sat an often-forgotten nursing rendition of “Angels We have home; a place where many Heard on High” we surprisresided in the direst of cir- ingly witnessed blank stares cumstances. Many of the resi- morph into smiles of brief recdents couldn’t remember their ognition. Lips began to move. families’ names, or even their Voices, long since dormant in own. Some had been dropped the twilight years of a vicious off by children who would nev- disease, suddenly knew how er return to visit - leaving them to sing again. In moments, lost, confused, and alone. We they would revert into their weren’t sure if our large posse usual realm; but for a time, of seven would bring Christ- music soothed their souls mas cheer or a mutual scram- and brought them back to the bling for the nearest exit, but joys of Christmas morning. we changed out of our com- Surrounding them, our group fortable loungewear and piled must have reminded them of into our ice-covered jeep. As cherished family members of kids, we knew we had noth- long ago. Through glistening ing to give but our little voices, eyes, we knew this would be accompanied by Mom’s old an experience we’d never forguitar. Her instrument was get and a tradition we’d conmissing one string, which we tinue. figured could still produce Thirty years later, with days enough chords to accompany to go until Christmas, I caught our small group of amateurs. my daughter crouching under When we walked through a branch of twinkling lights; door, my siblings and I im- rattling packages and opening mediately noticed a smell we corners of not just her own, hadn’t experienced before. but the entire family’s presWe were met with several ents. I just smiled and thought, blank and even frightening “She’s better than me!” Then stares coming from residents, I relinquished my throne to who slumped almost motion- the new family snoop. When less in their wheelchairs. My Christmas morning arrived for my three children, there were lots of squeals, wrapping paper, and gifts that began overtaking the room. We enjoyed them for a few hours until my own little family felt overwhelmingly compelled to “go serve someone with less.” I called my nearby siblings, and together with our visit us at collinsdmd.com combined twelve kids, found a nursing home that hadn’t received many visitors that day. We gathered the rudimentary beginnings of what would become our family bluegrass band;
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Page 12 CALDWELL PERSPECTIVE
301 E. Ash St. • 454-1222
info@collinsdmd.com
Continued on page 15
Entertainment
December 2021
DWEST
Back in the olden days, in a land far, far, away, well San Diego, California anyway. The military (if he had been in the military, which he will neither confirm, nor deny) gave Squinty a few days to frolic on the beach, all expenses paid. Some background information which may be helpful; Deep Water Environment Survival Training, hence the term DWEST, consisted of a couple of days on the beach learning how to live off the land. He learned how to shoot flares, you must get them right in the backside, erect a shelter out of parachutes, and sleep under the approach path to North Island Naval Air Station while all sorts of aircraft are trying to land in the tent, among other things. Catching fish was a highlight as no fish meant there was no lunch, or dinner, etc. Usually, fishing for Squinty is as exciting and productive as watching paint dry. This fishing had greater importance. An instructor showed the participants how to make a net so they could work at catching fish by dipping a net for them. He took a hefty dip into the water, and they nearly tackled him before he threw dinner back into the sea. He netted a flounder without knowing it. They all got a few bites for dinner. The last day started out in the classroom discussing the nuances of parachuting into the sea, inflating a raft, and a helicopter extraction. It was just another day at the beach. No surfing. Certainly, no beach volleyball, or cabanas. They were, however, styling in their G.I. swimming suits. Once out of the classroom Squinty and company were put aboard what looked a lot like a charter fishing boat (gray and lots of antennae would have made it a Russian trawler). The water fun would begin by being suspended ten feet above the water over the wake of the boat while wearing a parachute harness. Soon as you got used
to the view the fun began. Kersplash, glug, into the water you fell. Being drug slowly behind a boat in the warm Pacific Ocean did have its merits. If one did not think about being bait as they trolled for fish. Squinty had to stabilize his situation, turn over each direction and demonstrate that he could deal with a parachute wanting to drag him to the horizon. Getting out of the runaway harness was next up. The proper procedure was to release the leg straps and then the chest strap. Reverse the order and you get to see the water pass by on the wrong side of up. Releasing the chest first would put you in a facedown position with little chance of breathing. Face down meant you had to dig out your riser cutting knife and cut your way free while holding your breath. A successful egress from the harness led to the next round of fun, finding, and inflating the raft. It is that big yellow blob floating out to sea with the tide. It is not a complex maneuver to find and pull the red lanyard causing the inflation cycle to begin. Once in the raft, and there is a proper and a not so proper way to daintily ingress a yellow blob bobbing in the ocean, he shot flares at planes and began to simulate the little Dutch boy. No aircraft were harmed in the event. The raft was a Sunday raft. It was holey. He noticed that it was riding lower and lower in the water as time passed. Each of the lucky participants chose several holes and inserted fingers in a vain attempt to squelch the flow of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. It was not an attempt to try to be green; they merely wanted to stay afloat. It was survival school, after all. Squinty was the first to abandon ship. He figured his Mae West would keep him afloat in the water better than the deflating raft, which it did. He missed the raft quickly. It kept him out of the water. There is a difference. They all would get to hang in
the water in a Mae West so the chauffeur could affect a pickup. No matter how long it took. Today’s chauffeur drove a helicopter. While Squinty was hanging in the warm water he discovered a flaw in the design of the Mae West. The head cushion, if you went to sleep, would dunk your head in the water. That was changed in a couple of years after this event. So, he took to enjoying the scenery since he was going nowhere rather fast. It is an interesting perspective to be chindeep in the water gandering at the white sandy beach a mile away. So, after getting comfortable, he began to feel SOMETHING bumping and rubbing his feet. Bump, bump, rrrruuuuuubbb and back again the other direction. He tried to rationalize that the rubbing was from a sub returning to San Diego. The third bump and rub event seemed to discount the sub. He was, after all, in the aquarium. And low on the food chain. Now he knew, since the visibility was measured in inches, it was something big looking for a meal. Ocean fish hardly ever want you to throw the ball. They had fished and now it was the fishes’ turn. What a time to be chummy. Squinty would have run to shore, but that would entail screaming like a little girl which only attracts lots of teeth. So, he decided the only course of action was to hang there quietly and unmoving while being in the full emergency panic mode. He began to will the helicopter to come and pluck him from the aquarium. Time took on an eternal length. Each tick of the clock had expanded to nearly an hour each. Willpower was exerted to the maximum amount Squinty had to use. It makes a good test to find any aneurysms which may be lurking about. Helicopters are slow and this one was no exception. Once overhead there was another survival lesson. Trying
Page 13 CALDWELL PERSPECTIVE by David Beverly
to breathe in the maelstrom of swirling water drops smelling of fuel oil, which would sting, while bathed in all the jet exhaust you could breathe was just a delightful experience. One glance up at his ride home was enough. The first problem was that elevating his nose allowed jet exhaust and seawater direct access to sinuses and lungs. The other major concern was upon looking up at the bottom of the helicopter, realizing that it had no visible means of support, and it was hanging directly overhead. Above him hung a couple of tons of shrieking metal and flammable jet fuel, all of which would squash him like a bug should any of the helicopter’s parts depart the formation. In the classroom experience, they did not mention this part of the fun in the ocean. Nor did they tell them that it was training for the pick-up crew as well. The final objective, in three effortless steps, was to catch and get into the horse collar sling so they could hoist you into the helicopter. The first part of that is to let the hoist contact the water. There is enough static electricity to ruin your otherwise delightful day at the beach. So, they dropped it into the water about five yards off. No problem, Squinty could swim that far. As the harness came within his grasp it disappeared. Blip, just hurricane force water and jet exhaust. Fine. Just get it close. He heard and felt a loud clonk as the water level rose to cover the
top of his helmet. The harness, and its attached weight had collided with his helmet pushing him underwater and then it promptly disappeared, again. That was one of the reasons they told the class to keep helmets on. The hoist cable has a weight on the business end so it will go down in a predictable manner. The third try ended with the harness entering the water close enough to grab. Once you get a hold of the harness the hoist operator is supposed to wait for you to get both arms in and give thumbs up as the signal to hoist away. Squinty managed one and a half hands and one elbow in before being summarily jerked from the water. No thumbs up, no two arms in the sling. No okey dokey signal, just the sensation of the ocean surface rapidly falling away and one shoulder loudly complaining. It was Friday and close to quitting time, so Squinty did not care. Much. The hoist operator filled both of his hands with Squinty’s Mae West when Squinty appeared in the door and unceremoniously hauled Squinty into the cabin. Repeat several times. Then it was over to the ramp at North Island Naval Station to be pushed out so they could fetch another bunch. Squinty’s day at the beach ended with him standing on the ramp, water still running off in driblets, tired as you can get, and calorically deficient. He hasn’t been fishing since.
2019 Idaho Winery of the Year! OPEN DAILY 7 DAYS A WEEK 12-5 PM Monday-Thursday 11 AM-5 PM Friday, Saturday, Sunday
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is a locally owned and operated monthly community newspaper published by ML Hensel Publishing, LLC. Our circulation is 14,500, the best vehicle to deliver your message in Caldwell!
We Want Your Good News! Valerie Christensen 208-416-1127
At JustServe, we believe that nothing should get in the way of volunteers coming together and uniting giving hearts to do good in our community. JustServe is designed to help individuals, families, and groups find opportunities near their homes to help improve the quality of life in our community and give others a lift up in their time of need. To all who heard about the urgent request to fill local food banks and participated in Scouting for Food Drive last month, thank you! It was a heart-warming success because of you! The 2021 Scouting for Food Drive collected over 180,000 pounds of food! With the great support of local Boy Scouts of America, community volunteers and JustServe, almost 10,000 pounds of food was collected and distributed to the following local food banks: Oasis Food Center, Caldwell Salvation Army Food Pantry, St. Clare’s Food Pantry, WICAP Food Pantry, The HUB Food Pantry (Marsing) and El-Ada Food Pantry (Homedale). A
December 18, 2021 will be a day to remember for local resident Duane Sharrai. Not only will he be celebrating his birthday, he’ll be participating at the Wreaths Across America cele-
The Marsing HUB Food Pantry big thank you to our healthcare workers at West Valley Medical Center who participated and collected over 300 pounds of food too. When Jesus Christ was born, angels proclaimed, “Peace on earth, good will to men.” This Christmas season, the angel’s promise remains the same. As we reach out in kindness to serve one another the way Jesus served, we can end 2021 with hope. We invite you to visit JustServe.org and pick one need in our community that will bring hope and light to someone in need. Within 5 miles of Caldwell, there are over 68 opportunities posted on JustServe and when you expand the radius out to 15 miles of Caldwell, there are al-
bration at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery in Boise. At 10:00 a.m., fallen heroes will be honored as their names are spoken out loud and remembrance wreaths are placed on
E S U S
by Kelli G. Jenkins, JustServe Caldwell
West Valley Medical Center
most 118 volunteer opportunities posted. For example, following are a few priority needs in our community plus there are many others posted too. 1. WICAP: A large group of volunteers are needed December 6th-15th to help make up about 300 dinner boxes to distribute on December 15th. Books; Hygiene Kits; Tutoring for GED & On-line Classes; Snack Bags and Hygiene Kits for Homeless Youth; Senior Citizen Game Bags; Videographer Assistance; Math & Reading Tutors; and, Backpacks for the Homeless. 2. Western Idaho Community Crisis Center: Hygiene Kits and Clothing Donations. 3. St. Vincent De Paul Christmas Toy Store: Christmas
Toys and Gifts Donations plus Toy Store Volunteers. 4. Idaho Department of Corrections: Hygiene Kits for Men, Women and Children and Nonperishable Food. 5. Caldwell Salvation Army: Food Pantry Volunteers; Personal Care Kits; and, Snack Packs for the Homeless. 6. Canyon County Branch of the Assistance League of Boise: Baby Shampoo; Baby Lotion; Baby Blankets; and, Burp Clothes plus Baby Bundles. 7. Hope’s Door: Graduation Kits for Moms from the Outreach Program; and, Paper Towels & Trash Bags. 8. Caldwell Police Department: Nonperishable Food for their Blessing Box. 9. Harmony Park: Help Fill the
New Business Owner to Volunteer at “Wreaths Across America”
Shalom Christian Book Store 217 Cleveland Blvd., Caldwell
December 2021
“Peace on Earth, Good Will to Men”
GET YOUR FREE YARD SIGN AT
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Place of Grace
their graves and he will assist in the effort. Remembering loved ones who have passed on is something that closely aligns with Sharrai’s goals at his newly launched website, www. letthemknow.com. The site helps its users prepare and record a farewell video for their family and friends they can later view in private or at their celebration of life in the event of their passing. Parting words of love and encouragement are then stored and delivered to designated parties at the appropriate time. Receiving such a video can help the ones left behind to find comfort and closure at a very difficult time. The site can be utilized by anyone, but it was especially designed for those serving in the military, first responders, or those who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness. After working for many years as a correctional officer, Sharrai says he was ready to
Caldwell Salvation Army Food Pantry
Container with Needed Items for Foster Children and Foster Families. 10. Caldwell Meals on Wheels: Kindness Notes. This Christmas season join in the angel’s proclamation of “Peace on earth, good will to men.” JustServe is a community bulletin board that links volunteers to organizations in need. If you know of an organization that is in need of volunteers or donations, please contact Kelli Jenkins at kelligjenkins@gmail.com. Visit JustServe.org today!
by Valerie Christensen, Caldwell Perspective
“break out of prison,” follow his entrepreneurial spirit, and try a rewarding venture that would help those who were grieving. Grief is something that hits close to home, as his family recently experienced the loss of their twenty one year old nephew, Blake, in a tragic car accident. Shortly after his passing, Sharrai was thinking about him and reviewing comments and pictures online. He came across some videos of Blake that his sister had posted on social media of him playing his electric guitar. “Watching him play was both heartwarming and emotional,” Sharrai explains, “Watching a video of him jam-
Duane Sharrai ming to his favorite music brought incredible happiness to say the least.” Blake had high functioning autism and while verbal communication wasn’t his strong suit, he spoke volumes through his music. Sharrai hopes that the services on Let Them Know will provide loving memories and comfort to those that have lost a loved one. He wants visitors on the site to “have the joyful opportunity of seeing and hearing from (loved ones) as I did from Blake at that time.”
HAVE A BALL THIS
The Reason for the Season
Advent Services December 1 . . . 6:30 p.m. December 8 . . . 6:30 p.m. December 15 . . 6:30 p.m. (Soup Suppers • 5:30 p.m.) All Welcome!
Christmas Eve Carol & Candlelight Service December 24 . . 7:00 p.m.
Christmas Day Worship Service 2700 South Kimball Avenue • (208) 459-4191 www.gracelutherancaldwell,org
10:00 a.m.
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Page 14 CALDWELL PERSPECTIVE
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Little Voices continued from page 12 a floral carpet bag we found at a yard sale containing the most ragtag, unusual assortment of instruments ever assembled. As eighteen men, women, and children piled into the small nursing home, some of our children commented on the unusual smell. They hid behind our legs. But once we started singing, shyness began to dissipate and they, too, witnessed “the miracle.” Residents with slumped bodies began sitting up a little straighter. Minds began awakening their joyful synapses of remembrance as familiar Christmas lyrics momentarily appeared. Some found the strength to sing along while nursing home staff watched in amazement. As my nephew reached into the carpet bag to pull out a pine tambourine with a crack in the middle, we realized our children were making the important discovery we had years before: Intangible gifts, such as giving one’s time or talents, can mean more than any purchased item under the tree. They come in the form of unexpected, sometimes imperfect presents; meant to be pricelessly savored in the moment. Like the ones given through little voices and broken guitars.
To place a classified ad please call 208-899-6374 or email advertising@caldwellperspective.com
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Page 16 CALDWELL PERSPECTIVE
December 2021
Give the Gift of Hearing for the H lidays!
Happy Holidays
This special event will be held for 3 days only! Please call early to make an appointment on the dateof your choice.
From Our Family To Yours!
Dec. 7th, 8th & 9th
TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY
Limited to first 20 callers! Receive a FREE ($15) Turkey or Ham certificate just for having your hearing screened.*
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*Not applicable to prior purchases, cannot be combined with any other offer. One gift certificate per person. Must complete hearing screening and have a pure tone average of 40db loss and bring a spouse or 3rd party whose voice is familiar. Exp. 12/9/2021
Everything Hearing is pleased to announce that we will be available to demonstrate the latest and some of the most innovative advancements in the Digital Hearing Health Care Industry. During this special “Hear Your Best for the Holidays” event, we will be offering Free of Charge: • Complete hearing screening and consultation. • Video Otoscopic Exam. Your problem may just be wax! • Live demonstration of a brand NEW RECHARGEABLE Hearing System now available. These fantastic new technologies are some of the best we’ve seen in our history for more natural hearing.
Stephanie Johnson, Au.D., Widex Factory-Trained representative, will be available for 2 days during this event!
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