The Courier
NEWS
Groundbreaking for NCMC Chapel
by Claudia J. Tucker
It has taken three years, but North Canyon Medical Center (NCMC) held the groundbreaking for a new chapel located on the hospital campus on Tuesday, June 21, 2022. Friends of North Canyon began raising funds in late 2019 with a goal of $180,000. Despite the two-year impact of Covid on fundraising, the target was successfully met with traditional fundraising methods such as telephone calls and mail. Since the original estimate, construction costs have increased significantly and hospital officials are waiting for an updated construction estimate.It is anticipated that an additional $100,000 will be needed for the project. The Chapel will be custom-built to match the existing North Canyon facility, and centrally located off the main corridor near the Emergency Room, Inpatient Unit, Operating Room and Cafeteria. "We spent a lot of time assessing where the Chapel would go. We feel the space we have selected will be private yet convenient for those in need." said Shellie Amundson, Community Relations Director. "It will be a quiet sanctuary for prayer, meditation or relaxation and will be open 24/7 for patients, families and staff to use." Fundraising is supported by Friends of North Canyon, which is made up of community members and several hospital employees. "We want to thank everyone who has donated thus far, and give special recognition to the Hospital Auxiliary for their $50,000 donation to the Chapel," said Admundson. "As a result, the Chapel will be named in their honor." Photo above is the Friends of North Canyon Board of Directors: Walt Nelson, Mickey Cockerham, Isaac Tellez, Donna Pence, Joe Bingham. For more information or to donate, contact: Shellie Amundson, Community Relations Director, (208) 934-9884 Shellie.amundson@northcanyon.org. Or, you can donate online at the NCMC website under the Chapel Construction Project | North Canyon Medical Center tab.
Expect Delays When Traveling into Twin Falls
Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead for temporary daytime lane reductions on Blue Lakes Boulevard this week as part of the continuing pavement rehabilitation project in Twin Falls. The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and its contractor, Idaho Materials & Construction, will be working 24 hour shifts to safely reopen all lanes of traffic from the Perrine Bridge to Pole Line Road. Unforeseen issues with stormwater drainage in the construction zone are requiring temporary daytime closures. “Safety is our top priority, and ITD is working closely with IMC to reopen lanes during the day, and continue work during overnight hours as planned,” said ITD Resident Engineer Seth Helms. “ITD appreciates commuters for their patience during this important work.”
News from the Heart of Idaho Camas • Lincoln • Gooding
June 22, 2022
Vol 46 Num 25
Camp Rainbow Gold
Second Summer at Hidden Paradise
Camp Rainbow Gold has kicked off the second summer of programming at their property in Fairfield - Hidden Paradise - Idaho’s first medical camp. Over Memorial Day weekend, the organization presented their Spring Family Camp, welcoming 10 Idaho families who have experienced a pediatric cancer diagnosis for a weekend of connection, community, and fun — including five brand new Camp Rainbow Gold families. During June, Camp Rainbow Gold offered Youth Oncology Camp, Teen Oncology Camp, and Sibling Camp. But this summer, they are also thrilled to be opening the camp property for the first time to other organizations in need of a medically focused camp space. “We are able to host our camps and welcome other nonprofits because of incredible generosity and collaboration. The space is already special, but it becomes magical when you realize that it is created by the hands of so many. We live in a great community that wholeheartedly agrees with the need for Idaho to have a medical camp,” said Elizabeth Lizberg, Camp Rainbow Gold CEO/Executive Director. Throughout the summer, Hidden Paradise is welcoming Sunrise Retreats, an organization for widows, Camp River Run, serving children battling life-threatening or disabling medical conditions, and Camp Kesem, supporting children who have a parent with a cancer diagnosis or have lost a parent to cancer. Marni Henderson, Sunrise Retreats Founder shared, “Our May 2022 Sunrise Retreats widow weekend was wonderful! The participants shared many times how beautiful the property was, it was the perfect backdrop for our holistic healing and wellness experience for widows navigating life after the death of their spouses. The on-site team was very attentive and available to meet all our program and logistical needs. Hidden Paradise is representing the essence of Idaho in more ways than one.” Progress and construction at Hidden Paradise continue to move quickly ahead. In September, the team is breaking ground on the first of 12 new, donated cabins. Camp Rainbow Gold is also working to raise funds for the infrastructure to support the cabins and a new Health Center that has been donated. To learn more about the capital campaign to build Hidden Paradise, please visit www.healingidaho.org