The Courier
NEWS
News from the Heart of Idaho Camas • Lincoln • Gooding
June 28, 2023
Vol 47 Num 26
Celebrate Independence Day Community Health Academy
On the 4th of July, 1776, 56 men from 13 colonies adopted the text of the Declaration of Independence, and United States of America was born. The official document wasn't signed until around the first of August due to the lengthy process of editing and producing a final handwritten copy with space for the signatures. Along with the 27 official grievances against King George III which stated why thirteen colonies were no longer subject to British colonial rule, there was a remarkable statement about who we are and our origins:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
Fourteen Idaho cities are participating in the Community Health Academy, a Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health program for mayors and city officials that helps them learn and understand the city’s important role in building healthy communities. Community Health Academy is a five-month learning collaborative that brings together leaders from Idaho cities to learn from local and national experts, collaborate with each other, and activate a program or project that improves the health of their community. Each city will earn a $20,000 grant upon completion of the program. The cities participating in the academy are Ammon, Blackfoot, Buhl, Dayton, Gooding, Hazelton, Lapwai, Mountain Home, Parma, Post Falls, Pocatello, Stanley, St. Anthony and Tetonia. This year’s academy is the largest cohort, and the expansion was made possible by a donation to the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health by national philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. The academy launched Friday and will include monthly sessions through October. The academy uses a hybrid model with sessions done in person and virtually. Topics covered include childcare, civility, early education, communications and branding, designing health communities, food systems, and housing. “Community Health Academy is one of our most impactful programs because most mayors and elected officials learn how their actions can help build healthy communities,” said Courtney Frost, senior program officer for the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health. “The academy includes grant funding, so cities will have the resources to launch a project or program that will improve the health of communities in Idaho.” Community Health Academy has been offered by the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health since 2017. There have been 24 Idaho communities that have attended the previous five cohorts of the academy. ###
While the last 250 years have been filled successes, failures, and political strife, we need to remember those words. Though they were written by imperfect men, who's words have often been twisted to mean something that was never intended, those words are nevertheless true. As we gather together in celebration, remember... the Declaration of Independence is a high and lofty idea that must be diligently pursued and protected by all of us. -----------------------------------------------🎆-------------------------------------------🎇 This Friday, June 30th, the Hagerman Valley Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring an evening of Patriotic Themed music and Fireworks - Free of charge in the Hagerman City Park. The event will include food vendors, lots of fun activities, and a flag retirement Ceremony in the city park beginning at 6:30 p.m. This Saturday, July 1st, Wendell is hosting a Independence Day Parade. Any and all entries are welcome (no fee) with the line-up starting at 3:30 at the Jim Prince Memorial Park. Beginning at 4:30, the parade will travel down South Boise Street to Main Street, then head to the high school for the Simerly’s Fireworks Extravaganza event. Live music, entertainment and food vendors will be on hand at 6:00 p.m. Fireworks will begin at dark. On July 4th (Tuesday) the City of Bliss invites everyone to their celebration. There will be mud volleyball, vendors, events for kids, bounce houses, and a parade at 4 p.m. The Bliss Fire District will be hosting their annual barbecue and raffle at the fire station from 5-7:30 p.m. Fireworks will start at dusk. In Fairfield, the Camas of Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the 4th of July Fireworks show, thanks to generous community contributions from: City of Fairfield, American Legion Post #19, Iron Mountain Inn, Ann & Jamie Peterson, Darcy Fuglevand, Idaho Power, Simon Farms, Leonard & Celia Brown, The Wrangler, and the Camas Creek Country Store. There will also be a Community Potluck BBQ in the city park starting at 5:00 p.m. Please bring a side dish or dessert. In Shoshone, the Lincoln County Chamber is hosting a Community Potluck at the Ballpark About the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health Pocket Park (S Carmen & C Street) at 6:00 p.m. Bring a side dish or dessert - hot dogs & The Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health, Inc., is a nonprofit hamburgers will be provided. And... be prepared for the Cake Auction at 7:00 p.m. charitable foundation established in 2001 by Blue Cross of Idaho. The Where ever you are, look up and remember... Foundation is dedicated to giving back to Idaho and addressing root
We are a Great Nation!
causes that impact health. Learn more at: bcidahofoundation.org