Brian Bizik, Chuck Carpenter, Lindsey Halpin And Mary Ann Wilcox
Graphic Design/Page Layout
Denice L. King • 208.918.5190 www.greentreedkdesign.com
Distribution
Shauna Howard, Doris Evans
Idaho Family Magazine, published monthly by Rocky Mountain Printing, LLC, is committed to providing readers with informative and entertaining information to help them in maintaining healthy families and positive lifestyles. It is distributed throughout the valley as a free publication. Idaho Family Magazine does not assume responsibility for statements or opinions expressed by editorial contributors or advertisers. The acceptance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services or information. Idaho Family Magazine does not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without express written consent of the publisher. Reader correspondence and editorial submissions are welcome. Idaho Family Magazine reserves the right to edit or reject all materials submitted. All rights reserved. Copyright 2025 by Rocky Mountain Printing, LLC.
Children’s Photos
Idaho Family Magazine would love to put your child or children on our cover. All photos should be high quality, sharp and clear, and high resolution of around 300 dpi. Color photos are preferred, and all photos need to be vertical not horizontal. Please identify the children in the photos, the children’s ages, and what Treasure Valley community they reside in. (If chosen for the cover, their last names will not be used without permission.) Send the photos to adriannegoff@me.com
Spring is Here! Getting Back on Track
By Adrianne Goff
Hello Treasure Valley Families, Happy Spring! We’re so happy to see the warm weather start to creep back in, but it is Idaho so maybe 6 inches of snow next week? Haha! As we start to get ready for the kids getting out of school and summer to commence, it seems like evenings and weekends have been filled with yard clean up, repairs and the good ol’ spring cleaning push. I know that we skipped a few issues due to some health reasons, and I apologize for that but we are back on track and looking forward to delivering the same magazine that you have loved for so many years. With this issue we roll out our new logo
and look and are always looking for talented contributors that want to share their voice with the Treasure Valley. Therefore, if you are interested in tossing your hat in the ring, please reach out to me. As you know this is a free publication and all costs are covered with ads, so please considering advertising with us. Have a wonderful rest of your spring and see you in the summer!
Best regards,
WEDNESDAY’S CHILD
Braxton, 14, Has Skills
The following information is provided by Wednesday’s Child, an organization that helps Idaho foster children find permanent homes.
Braxton is an amazing young man who is hoping to find a Forever Family that loves adventures. He can’t wait to go fishing with them and to take in as many theme parks as possible together. Some of Braxton’s other passions that might make him a great fit for your family include a love of drawing; Lego Star Wars; Percy Jackson books; playing Minecraft; and watching the Dallas Cowboys. Braxton would love to have the support of his family as he learns to play a musical instrument, joins some new clubs at school and further explores his interest in religion.
In Friend-Making
This resilient boy wants prospective families to know that he can cook on his own and loves to eat. Pizza, ramen noodles and burritos are among his favorite foods and he is skilled at making pancakes that taste just like cookies or brownies. On an educational note, Braxton is an advanced reader who really enjoys science experiments and finding out all he can about old Greek and Roman civilizations.
Braxton is proud of his ability to make friends. Braxton thrives on structure, stability and consistency.
Parents who possess these traits and have TBRI training and/or an in-depth understanding of the potential effects of childhood trauma would be an ideal match for him. Braxton’s Permanency Team is working hard to find an adoptive family where he will be the only, or the youngest, child in the home. They are open to Idaho families as well as those from another state, in an effort to truly find the perfect fit for him. Though they are unable to be adopted together, Braxton has a younger sister with whom he shares a very strong bond. He needs a family who will commit to supporting his ongoing relationship with her, as well as his connection with a few of his other birth family members, when appropriate.
If you believe that your family can provide Braxton with the qualities his team is searching for and you are ready for the adventure of a lifetime with this deserving young man, visit www.idahowednesdayschild.org to inquire about him. n
For more information on the Idaho Wednesday’s Child Program, visit www.idahowednesdayschild.org, or contact Specialized Recruitment Services Administrator Shawn White at swhite52@ewu.edu or cell (208) 488-8989.
Adrianne
Adrianne Goff
Braxton
Personalized Education for New Learners
By Lindsey Halpin
At Montessori Academy, we don’t just teach—we inspire. We believe every child is born with the potential to flourish when placed in an environment that nurtures their independence, curiosity, and love for learning. As the leading Montessori education provider in the greater Boise area and Treasure Valley, we are committed to providing an exceptional educational experience that transforms young learners into confident, capable individuals.
From 6 weeks to age 12, we tailor every student’s learning journey, ensuring they receive the guidance and support needed to thrive. Our dedicated teachers carefully introduce new concepts at the right pace, creating a seamless progression through essential subjects such as Language, Math, Science, Cultural Studies, Arts & Enrichment, Sensorial, and Practical Life. With this holistic approach, we cultivate not just academic excellence, but the resilience and skills needed to succeed in life.
Infant Program (6 weeks–18 months)
Our infant environments bring Maria Montessori’s vision of a “Nido” (nest) to life—safe, peaceful spaces where babies can explore, grow, and feel completely secure. With soft voices, gentle guidance, and an unhurried pace, our dedicated teachers create a warm, loving atmosphere that feels like home. Every detail, from the cozy décor to the thoughtfully chosen materials, is designed to support your child’s emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
Toddler Program (18 months–3 years)
Our Montessori Toddler program is designed to harness your child’s innate ability to absorb new information. At this pivotal stage, we work hand-in-hand with both child and family to create positive, lasting habits— supporting milestones like toilet learning, participating in family routines, and developing strong communication skills. With a focus on independence and exploration, we also introduce key transitional concepts that
prepare toddlers for a seamless and confident progression into our Primary program.
Primary Program (3 years–6 years)
Our Primary program empowers young learn ers to take charge of their education, fostering independence, confidence, and a deep love for learning. Using specialized Montessori materials, students explore math, language, science, and geography in a way that makes complex concepts come to life. With a hands-on approach, each child advances at their own pace, mastering skills that match their individual growth and maturity. In a collaborative classroom environment, students strengthen social skills, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork. Beyond core subjects, our well-rounded curriculum is enriched with art, music, Spanish, and physical education—ensuring a dynamic and engaging learning experience.
Elementary Program (6 years–12 years)
Our Elementary program is a space where students not only expand their academic knowledge but also develop essential life skills like leadership, teamwork, and independent thinking. By working in mixed-age groups, they gain confidence, take on mentoring roles, and learn to collaborate effectively. Longer, focused work periods allow students to explore subjects in depth, nurturing their ability to think critically and engage with abstract concepts. This balanced approach helps students grow into confident, capable learners who are prepared for both academic success and real-world challenges. n
Experience Montessori education in action! Visit our schools to see how our child-centered approach fosters independence, critical thinking, and a love for learning. We also host a number of events that provide valuable insights for parents, offering meaningful opportunities to connect with our expert teachers. Ready to take the next step? Learn more at www. montessoriacademyidaho.com today!
ASTHMA NEWS A Parent’s Guide To What Is New
By Brian Bizik MS, PA-C Asthma Care Coordinator Terry Reilly Health Services, Boise and Nampa, Idaho
With COVID-19 taking most of the health headlines other medical ailments have been pushed to the news-cycle background. One of those conditions is asthma. But that cough you hear might not be the latest virus, it might be asthma, a disease that is frequently worse in the fall and winter months.
If you have a child with asthma you know just how scary the disease can be. Even mild asthma can cause wheezing and coughing, making activity or sleeping difficult. As of 2018, 7.7% of children in the US had asthma and missed a total of 10.5 million days of school. The cost of asthma treatment and the missed school/work due to asthma is astounding, just under $60 billion dollars a year – over $3000 for every person in the US. These costs make it the 7th most expensive disease.
For almost 50 years the basis of asthma management was albuterol. If you have asthma, have a child with asthma, or have ever seen an inhaler, it was likely albuterol. This quickrelief inhaler provides an ultra-quick way to open up tight lungs, dissolve asthma cough and make wheezes a thing of the past. Just a couple puffs and asthma is gone. Right?
Wrong! The latest update made it clear that while albuterol (brand names include Proair, Proventil and Ventolin) is a rapid acting medication and is the clear choice when a swift remedy is needed, it does little to change the course of the asthma state. Specifically, it does nothing to help change the other aspects of asthma - lung swelling (inflammation) and increased mucous production. When the only medication given for asthma is albuterol the lungs may feel open, but the base asthma problems are not affected.
When it comes to the treatment of asthma in the US, the National Institutes of Health has a division called the National Heart, Blood and Lung Institute that is in charge of providing updates on the medications and plans that are best at controlling this chronic disease. The last published update was in 2007, meaning no real change in treatment has been recommended since the year the very first iPhone was released by Apple. That all changed in late 2019.
Just before the medical world was turned upsidedown with a virus migrating its way from Wuhan, China, the US released a proposed update to the management of asthma. The changes recommended would dramatically alter how we manage asthma.
The new recommendations seek to change this “severe over-reliance on albuterol”. The updated guidelines also note that patients who over-use albuterol are more likely to end up in the emergency room and more often get admitted to the hospital.
The parental take home point: if you have a youngster with asthma who uses their rescue albuterol inhaler more than once a week, on average, they need a second inhaler. This new device is one with a medication that can reduce the inflammation and mucous production that accompanies asthma. The second inhaler is a corticosteroid medication. These inhaled anti-inflammatory medications are very safe, with little getting into the blood stream yet are powerful treatments that get to the heart of asthma and change the disease process. In short, they are not an asthma band-aid.
Dr. Neetu Talreja, a Board-Certified Allergist and pediatric asthma and allergy specialist with The Allergy Group in Boise notes “We want children who have symptoms more than a few times a month to talk with their provider about the possibility of adding in an inhaled corticosteroid to help control their symptoms, not just treating the airway tightness”.
The additional inhaler does more than treat the immediate symptoms, it goes further to help stop the tissue swelling that often accompanies asthma flares. “The corticosteroid inhalers work much longer than albuterol and help maintain control of asthma” added Dr. Talreja.
Brian Bizik
Most children and teens will just keep both inhalers with them at all times, carrying both in their backpack or when at a friend’s house. Like before, they will use their rescue albuterol inhaler when they have symptoms like a cough or wheeze. However now, after their albuterol, they will also take two puffs of the second inhaler. This way they can address all aspects of asthma and make additional problems (asthma flares) less likely to occur. If this as-needed use of both inhalers is not enough to control symptoms your provider may want to increase use to once or twice daily. Considering we are on iPhone 11 now these new guidelines have been anticipated for some time and have started to change how we prescribe inhaler mediations. Thankfully most insurance plans and Medicaid cover these anti-inflammatory inhalers with minimal or no co-pays.
As we head into the latter part of the year when infection rates and asthma flares rise it is a good time to talk with your health care provider or asthma specialist. Talk about how often inhalers are used and the asthma symptoms you see. Pay close attention to cough, especially at night, and to problems during activity or exercise as these may indicate asthma that is less well controlled than it should be.
A wonderful free resource for asthma information is the Asthma and Allergy Network (AAN)– a group started Nancy Sander. In 1985, Nancy was the mother of a young child with asthma. She was frustrated that she could not find patient friendly material on asthma so she started the AAN. They are now one of the most important sources of easy to understand asthma education and free material. You can see their material at allergyasthmanetwork.org n
Brian Bizik is a Boise area Physician Assistant with almost 20 years’ experience treating pediatric and adult asthma and can be reached at brianbizik@yahoo.com.
References
United States Environmental Protection Agency. Asthma Facts. March 2013. http://www.epa.gov/asthma/pdfs/asthma_fact_sheet_en.pdf
Asthma Surveillance Data https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/asthmadata.htm
Tips For Saving Money on Groceries
By Mary Ann Wilcox
With the sky rocketing cost of groceries, it is important to conserve your resourc es. As Americans we throw away 25 to 50 percent of the food we buy. Just eliminating the waste will save each of us a thousand or more dollars a year on groceries. I set a goal of recycling all the food in the refrigerator and not throwing anything away. In eight months, I threw three items away. I thought that was pretty miraculous. Here are some ideas that might help you do the same. The most important step is to clean your refrigerator every week as you plan menus. That way everything gets rotated, and you don’t grow science projects. I found that I could make two or three new meals from what was left-over from the week before. I would either serve them the coming week or freeze for later.
Other Hints For Saving Money: Make your own TV dinners out of leftovers.
2. Cook in quantity and freeze. This takes less time and less fuel. And when time is limited, you can put a meal in the microwave and have dinner ready in just a few minutes. Check my blog on Cooking in Quantity at maryannscupboards.com for detailed information.
3. Save dabs of this and that and when you have enough, have a buffet. On date- night I would often pull everything out and let the children choose what they wanted.
4. Make baby food by putting small quantities of food in a baby food grinder or blender, pour into ice cube trays and freeze for individual servings. When frozen put in plastic bags for easy storage and use.
5. Keep a container in the freezer for leftover gravy, vegetables and meat. When it is full—make a stew
6. Melt down various kinds of Jell-O salad and mix together; reset for a tutti-frutti salad. Or mix leftover Jell-O salad or Jell-O in with a fruit salad for a little color and variety of taste.
7. Cook leftover pancake batter or waffles or French toast and freeze in a tightly sealed container. When you want to use them, put them in the toaster or microwave and reheat. Left-over waffles and French toast also make great breakfast sandwiches.
8. Use leftover egg whites or yolks for French toast batter or add to scrambled eggs.
9. When you have scraped your shortening can as clean as you can, melt the rest and pour it into your new can of shortening.
10. Accordion wrap meat in individual slices with plastic wrap and freeze. You can take slices out one at a time without defrosting the whole bulk of meat. Use as an extra treat at breakfast or lunch
11. Use everything in your fridge within 2 weeks
12. Dehydrate fruits and vegetables that cannot be used before spoiling
13. Compost items like egg shells that cannot be eaten
14. Dry stale bread, blend into a fine powder to use for coating mix.
15. Freeze leftover soup in ice cube trays. Store in plastic bags, use 3 or 4 cubes per serving. Handy for lunch box meals.
16. Freeze slices of leftover cooked meat in gravy for hot sandwiches. Or cut meat in cubes, add gravy and cooked vegetables and freeze.
17. Use good recipes instead of prepared mixes. You pay a lot for the convenience of instant, precooked or prepared foods. Take a little time to fix these yourself. You can make just add water cake mixes and save 1/2 the cost. (Mixing it up with Grains cookbook.
18. Save fruit juice for punch or popsicles
19. Save leftover juice from vegetables and meat broth for soup stock. n
For more information, go to maryannscupboards.com or contact Mary Ann Wilcox at wilcoxfun@aol.com
LOCAL POOLS
Top Picks in the Boise Area + Water Safety!
By Adrianne Goff
The sad truth about drowning is every kid is at risk even if they can swim. Go over a few of these livesaving tips with your kids to prevent tragedy from striking. Water safety isn’t just about keeping kids safe in a pool. Bathroom water safety is also very important. And things you might not think about like: catchment ponds, drainage ditches and runoff areas in your neighborhood can be a dangerous hazard.
Supervision is the #1 Rule - All kids should be watched by an adult whenever they are around water. This is true whether the water is in a bathtub, a wading pool, a front yard fish pond, a swimming pool, a spa, an ocean, or a lake.
Young children are especially at risk. They can drown in less than 2 inches of water. That means drowning can happen in a sink, toilet bowl, fountain, bucket, inflatable pool, or a small body of standing water around your home, such as a ditch filled with rainwater. Always watch children closely when they’re in or near any water, no matter what their swimming skills are. Even kids who know how to swim can be at risk for drowning. For instance, a child could slip and fall on the pool deck, lose consciousness, and fall into the pool and possibly drown.
Young kids and weak swimmers should have an adult swimmer within arm’s reach to provide “touch supervision.”
Pool Rules:
If you have a pool, please insist that the following rules are followed:
• Keep toys away from the pool when the pool is not in use.
• Empty blow-up pools after each use.
• No tricycles or other riding toys at poolside.
• No electrical appliances near the pool.
• No diving in a pool that is not deep enough.
• No running on the pool deck.
Boise Area Pools:
Boise Aquatic Center: Indoor Swimming Pool
5959 N Discovery Way (208) 377-9622
Partnered with West Valley YMCA, this pool is entirely indoors. Open all year round.
Hours: Mon-Fri 5:00 am to 10:00 pm. Saturday 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. Sunday 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Entry Fee: Day Pass – Youth $4.13, Adults $9.01. Family month pass $54.60 (family of 5). Adult month pass $32.75. Youth month pass $16.40.
Borah Pool & Borah Park splash pad
801 S. Aurora Dr | (208) 608-7675
Borah Pool is open from May 24th to August 18th.
Hours: Daily 1:30 to 5:30 pm and 7 to 9 pm. August 19th to August 30th 3:00 to 6:00 pm (The shallow area is also open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:35 to 6:35 pm).
Lap Swim (16+ years): Daily 12:05 to 1:30 pm. MonFri 5:35 to 6:35 pm. August 19th - August 30th, Daily 1:00 to 3:00 pm and 6:00 to 7:00 pm.
Entry Fee: 11 years old and under $2.00, 12-17 years
$2.50, adults $3.75, 65+ free.
Season Passes: 17 and under $20 (Boise resident), $31 (non-residents). 18 and older $38 (Boise resident)
$58.90 (non-residents).
Fairmont Pool
7929 W Northview St. (208) 608-7680
Fairmont Pool is open from May 24th to August 11th.
Hours: Daily 1:30 to 5:30 pm and 7 to 9 pm.
Lap Swim (16+): Daily 12:05 - 1:30 pm. Monday, Wednesday, Friday (two lanes only): 4:30 to 5:30 pm Mon-Fri 5:35 to 6:35 pm.
Entry Fee: 11 years old and under $2.00, 12-17 years
$2.50, adults $3.75, 65+ free.
Season Passes: 17 and under $20 (Boise resident), $31 (non-residents). 18 and older $38 (Boise resident)
$58.90 (non-residents).
Image by Pexels from Pixabay
Ivywild Pool
2250 S Leadville Ave. (208) 608-7675
Ivywild Pool is open from May 24th to August 18th.
Hours: Daily 1:30 to 5:30 pm and 7 to 9 pm.
Lap Swim (16+): Daily 12:05 to 1:30 pm.
Entry Fee: 11 years old and under $2.25, 12-17 years
$2.75, adults $4.00, 65+ free. Family Swim, Wednesday Evening/Weekends: Per family rate of $10.00.
Season Passes: 17 and under $20 (Boise resident), $31 (non-residents). 18 and older $38 (Boise resident)
$58.90 (non-residents).
Lowell Pool
1601 N 28th St. (208) 608-7675
Lowell Pool is open from May 24th to August 11th.
Hours: Mon-Sat 1:30 to 5:00 pm and 7 to 9 pm. Sun 1:30 to 5:00 pm.
Lap Swim (16+): Mon-Fri 12:30 to 1:30 pm and 5:05 to 6:35 pm. Sat-Sun: 12 to 1:30 pm.
Entry Fee: 11 years old and under $1.50, 12-17 years
$2.00, adults $3.25, 65+ free.
Season Passes: 17 and under $20 (Boise resident), $31 (non-residents). 18 and older $38 (Boise resident)
$58.90 (non-residents).
Natatorium Pool and Hydrotube
1811 E Warm Springs Ave. (208) 608-7680
The Nat is open from May 24th to August 18th.
Hours: Mon-Sat 1:30 to 5:30 pm and 7 to 9 pm. Sun 1:30 to 5:30 pm.
Lap Swim (16+): Daily 12:05 to 1:30 pm. Mon-Fri 5:35 to 6:35 pm (limited space). June 10th to July 26th, Mon-Fri 6:30 to 8 am.
Entry Fee: 11 years old and under $2.00, 12-17 years
$2.50, adults $3.75, 65+ free.
Season Passes: 17 and under $20 (Boise resident), $31 (non-residents). 18 and older $38 (Boise resident)
$58.90 (non-residents).
Roaring Springs
400 W. Overland Road (208) 884-8842
Partnered with Idaho Family Magazine for $10.00 OFF Wednesdays
Hours: Daily 11:00 to 8:00
Entry Fee: Full-day admission: $26.99 and $31.99, depending on height. Kids 3 and younger are free with an adult. Kids must be 12 or older to be on their own.
Season Passes: Check website
South Pool
921 S Shoshone St (208) 608-7680
South Pool is open from May 24th to August 10th.
Hours: Mon-Sat 1:30 to 5:00 pm and 7 to 9 pm.
Entry Fee: 11 years old and under $1.50, 12-17 years
$2.00, adults $3.25, 65+ free.
Season Passes: 17 and under $20 (Boise resident), $31 (non-residents). 18 and older $38 (Boise resident)
$58.90 (non-residents). n
KNIFE RIVER CONCRETE Cementing A Great Career With Hard Work And Determination
By Adrianne Goff
Have you ever wondered who mixes, makes and delivers your concrete? It’s a bit more complicated that you may think… it requires the correct temp of water, a mix of rock and sand and pressure tests to ensure that the right amount of air bubbles will form so that it does not crack in cold temperatures. Not to mention the people that load it, process it and deliver it. I spent a day at the Nampa Knife River concrete plant with the Plant Manager, Todd Harpole. I was fascinated at the process and learned so much that I think I had brain dripping out my ears when I left.
Todd Harpole started working at KnifeRiver 6 years ago as a fresh new truck driver with zero experience and after taking a 40 hour CDL training class he received his license. Before Knife River he was a logger for almost 20 years in northern Idaho, so he was used being around and running the heavy equipment and
treating it with respect. After a relatively short period of time he received a brand new concrete truck to drive.
“To say I was very excited about the opportunity, is an understatement. I really enjoy working with these people and I try to get to know each driver on a personal level, it builds trust and productivity. ” Says Harpole.
After showing consistent willingness to learn new things and a very strong work ethic with excellent organizational skills, he was given the opportunity to start running the Nampa Knife River concrete plant. Which is currently one of the top producing plants that Knife River has in the Treasure Valley.
All of these trucks are loaded from a rather complex command center, that has a thousand buttons and even includes cameras to watch the mixing and pouring inside the machines. On any given day he will supervise at least 20 truck drivers, and has loaded up
Above Left: Plant Manager Todd Harpole hard at work at Knife River Concrete in Nampa, Idaho. (Courtesy photo) Right: A Knife River Truck on Parade (Courtesy Photo) Below: Knife River Supporting Nampa Fire and Police (Nick Wall Photography)
to 1,200 yards in one day. Each load of concrete is calibrated differently for the break strength, for example: a house foundation can be 3,000 lbs per square inch. A driveway can be 4,000 lbs. A bridge could be up to 5,000 - 6,000 lbs.
Knife River does a very good job of training their employees to perform their jobs at the highest level of performance. They sent Harpole to training for every aspect of his job. He is ACI certified with the American Concrete Institute for being able to test concrete. Certified with the National Ready-Mix Concrete Association for plant management and was sent for training with Masterbuilder’s, Knife River’s admixture supplier to better understand the different chemicals and their uses. Knife River has a very impressive quality control division with a strong drive to make sure the customer is getting the best product possible. They are constantly striving to develop the best concrete mixes for whatever the job may be.
“I feel a sense of pride as I drive around and see all the jobs that we produced concrete for and knowing that I was part of it. They also offer a CDL training
course for people with no driving experience and I would suggest that for any man or woman who is trying to decide on a good trade to make a career out of it.” Says Harpole Todd Harpole is a concrete example of how hard work and determination even with very little to no experience can work your way up in a company and follow in Todd’s footsteps.
A Few Fun Facts about Concrete:
1. The Ancient Romans were the first to develop concrete as a building material. They accomplished this by mixing lime, water, and volcanic ash.
2. Cement is one of the main ingredients in concrete, and more than 2 billion tons of cement are produced each year.
3. Each truck can hold up to 10 yards.
4. They can add chemicals that make it dry in 2 to 6 hours.
5. They can add accelerators to make it so that a semi truck can drive on it in less that 8 hours. n
Dedication: Wearing Your Long Handles
By Chuck Carpenter
The meaning of Dedication is the quality of being dedicated or committed to a task or purpose.
Well folks, the Wildlife Specialist that I worked with and that was in my District - when I became Supervisor - for the most part was the most dedicated individuals that I ever met.
It didn’t matter what tasks was that they was asked to do they were going to do their very best to resolve the problems no matter what.
When I became a District Supervisor I was required to attend a week long Supervisors Training. I was sent to San Antonio, Texas for my week of training. When I arrived at the training I discovered that I was the only person from Wildlife Services. Everyone else was from sister agencies such as the USDA.
things going AJ, How’s things up country”? The sheep and cattle were coming out of the high country and coming down to the lower country for the winter. “Well, pretty good,” he replied. “But I was wondering if the outfit could maybe get me a pair of hip boots or chest waders”? He continued, “I’ve got some beavers that built a dam across a creek and the water is backing up and flooding out a cow camp and horse corral”.
Chuck Carpenter
I thought about it a bit, most of the guys had chest waders or hip boots when they were working around creeks rivers or boggy areas.
During the training we would divide up into groups and discussed how to handle different personel problems. Everyone was discussing how to get their employees to show up to work on time and to do a satisfactory job, and etc. The discussion moved around the table from one person to another until it was my turn. Everyone was looking at me wondering what I was going to tell them about how I would get my guys to work and do their jobs. I just told them the truth. I don’t have any trouble getting my employees to work. I have trouble getting them to shut down. They would work weekends, Holi days, seven days a week and probably even 24 hours a day. Everyone looked at me like I was crazy. None of them believed a word I said. It’s just the way it is. These folks are as dedicated as anyone I ever Met!
I was working on some reports at my District Office at Gooding, Idaho one cold late October day when one of my Wildlifer Specialists, (trappers) stopped in at my office. This happened often when one of my guys needed equip ment or had questions regarding some thing that was happening with Wildlife Services.
I stopped what I was working on and AJ and I got a cup of coffee and set down to visit. I asked, “ How’s
I told him, “Yes , we can probably do that, what happened are your old ones wearing out or do they have holes in them”. AJ replied, “Well no, I never had any”! I thought about it a second and asked, “Well how did you get all those beaver traps set”?
AJ, had a couple of sips of his coffee and said, “Well, I just stripped down to my long handles, waded out into the creek and set my traps, that’s all I could figure to do to get my job done. “That ice Floating in the creek makes it a little chilly,” he remarked with a shiver.
I thought about it a moment and smiled from ear to ear and said, “Heck yes AJ, we can get you some hip boots or chest waders’. We headed to the nearest sporting goods store and got AJ a pair of chest waders.
He was smiling all the way back. I was smiling too! I was thinking about a Ole trapper back in the 1800’s stripping down to their red long handle underwear with the flap in the back and wadding out in the icy water to catch a beaver. They didn’t have anything over my guys and they weren’t anymore dedicated than my trappers either. n
Chuck Carpenter, who now lives in Idaho, likes to hunt, fish and trap. He worked on a farm as a boy; then, as an adult, he took a job with the Department of Interior’s Animal Damage Control, now called USDA Wildlife Services. He ultimately became a district supervisor. He retired in 2011.
