LOCAL POSTAL CUSTOMER
Caldwell, Idaho
Edition Twenty-Three
OCTOBER 2016
Compassion Caldwell Serves Community
Veterans Honored on 9/11
First Responders Greet Community
Grace Lutheran Spreads Love
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Mayor Garret Nancolas - A Champion for Children!
What an amazing message of support and show of admiration our community gave to our mayor, Garret Nancola,s during the Idaho Voices for Children luncheon on September 7th that honored him as their “Children’s Champion” for 2016. Caldwell showed up in full force with members from the Caldwell Police Department, Simplots, C of I, Caldwell’s Treasure Valley YMCA, Destination Caldwell, Crookham Company, WVMC, Caldwell School District, the Chamber, the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council and a multitude of other Caldwellites. Jim Everett told the group, “We are here to honor an amazing guy! He is the most ‘can-do’ positive energetic guy I know! Anything he can get done for kids and families, he does!” Skip Oppenheimer followed that up with, “Garret is Skip Oppenheimer (a past recipient of the “Children’s Champion” the example of what a public servant is all about. He does award) claps furiously as Bev Harad (last year’s champion) and everything from his heart and for all the right reasons. He Jim Everett (a past champion) secured the “Champion” belt on was the first one in our state to develop a Mayor’s Youth our mayor, Garret Nancolas, while Lawrence Wadsen (another Advisory Council which is now a model for other cities to past champion) checks it out from behind! follow. He has an extraordinary way of bringing people together for the benefit of children.” when a child enters first grade to encourage them to go on Under his tenure, a master plan for youth was to a higher education upon graduation from high school. developed, which not only included the Mayor’s Youth City employees are given time and encouraged to mentor Advisory Council, but also a Caldwell Saves 1st plan children in our schools. The plan also addresses childhood which is a financial savings plan for families that begins obesity. Oppenheimer said, “Garret understands that we
4th Annual Caldwell Youth Forum promotes Leadership
story & photo by Leora Summers, Editor
need to start with the youth to improve our future. He is the perfect choice. He is a role model to inspire us to make opportunities for kids.” Mayor Nancolas graciously accepted their kind words and emotionally thanked his parents (deceased) for teaching him the value of families and how to work to make them feel important. Of the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, he thanked them for sharing their time and talents with him and told them that they are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but also the leaders of today. He told the group, “When I grow up, I want to be just like Jim Everett, Skip Oppenheimer, and Lawrence Wadsen. They are bridge builders and models of selflessness. Together we can build those bridges one brick at a time to make children’s lives better, one life at a time.” Garret Nancolas has been our mayor since 1997 and we are proud of him and his work with the children and families of our community. He has now been recognized by the best in our state as a champion for children. Congratulations Mr. Mayor! Well done! Idaho Voices for Children is an organization that looks at policies to improve the lives of children. The organization works with issues that involve healthcare, education, judicial and others with legislators that involve and are important for all children.
by Leora Summers, Editor
Mayor Garret Nancolas received the Voices of Children’s Champion Award this past month and among his accomplishments mentioned was our city’s development of a Youth Master Plan under his tenure. He recognized the value of investing in our youth not only as the leaders of tomorrow, but also the leaders of today. According to city clerk Debbie Geyer, the Caldwell Youth Master Plan was adopted in 2011, associated with the mayor’s vision for youth, to provide a framework to enhance the life and safety of Caldwell’s youth and children. The Plan outlined 12 strategic initiatives in six categories: Education and Workforce Readiness Out-ofSchool Time Safety Communication & Relationships Community Involvement Health & Wellness. Through the city’s adoption of the Youth Master Plan in November 2011 by the Caldwell City Council, a Youth Master Plan Committee with Debbie Geyer as chairperson, was formed in 2012 to begin the process of meeting its goals and objectives. The Youth Master Plan Committee began discussions on the various ways they could assist youth in having a voice, and thereby make a difference in their environment. It was determined that a “subcommittee” should be put in place to organize the annual Youth Forum to help bring pertinent issues to the forefront. Ron Bonneau of The College of Idaho was asked to chair that subcommittee. The Caldwell Youth Master Plan Committee held the 4th Annual Caldwell Youth Forum on September 14, 2016, at the College of Idaho with this year’s theme being “It’s On Us.” This theme was the steering focus to promote brainstorming among the students for student-led activities and events that can occur throughout the school year to help take the messages they received during the Forum back to their school campuses. Sixty-five freshman, sophomore, and junior students from five local high schools in the Caldwell area were selected by school administration to attend this forum, where they were provided training on how they can make positive changes in their own worlds. The Forum, through team building exercises, helped them discover “ways and means” to make this happen, giving them the courage, confidence and tools to help them work with their peers to create change where they see needs within their own schools. Angie Point (Caldwell Deputy City Clerk) said “Students were enthusiastic, excited, and passionate about being a part of improving their school culture. The fact that the event was held on a college campus created a feeling of awe in some students, helping them to think more about their own plans after high school. And, of course, lunch at the Simplot Dining Hall was one of the highlights of the day. Probably something to do with ‘all you care to eat.’ This year’s Forum did the best job of giving students tools to make needed changes in their world; to step out of their comfort zones and take responsibility to find the positive solutions that keep themselves and those around them safe.” The Forum has been possible because of the strong partnerships between The College of Idaho, Caldwell School District, Vallivue School District, Gem State Academy, and COSSA and due to sponsorships and donations received from various businesses and community agencies.
by Angie Point
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CC Jail Expansion Special Use Permit Decision To Uphold or Not?
by Leora Summers, Editor
Some of you will be watching Monday Night Football on October 3rd at 7 p.m., but I will be attending the Caldwell City Council Meeting at the Caldwell Police Department to watch our city government in action. The council will be deciding on the very important issue of whether or not to overturn the denial by Planning & Zoning’s for the SUP (Special Use Permit) to move forward with the proposed plan for the Canyon County Jail Expansion. The SUP was denied in a 3 to 1 vote during the August 9th meeting with the lone support of P & Z Commissioner Dana Vance. County Commissioners Steve Rule and Craig Hansen have been moving forward minus the support of Commissioner Tom Dale with the plan. In January, Pam White will replace Commissioner Craig Hansen and the support for the project will be withdrawn as both she and Commissioner Tom Dale will be the majority vote. They do not support the expansion plan due to cost and feasibility for future expansion needs and neighborhood issues. So, if you are interested in what is really going on and how the county will be spending our tax dollars, attend this very important meeting to find out firsthand how our city government works or doesn’t work depending on your opinion.