CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 started teaching at Wood River High School 13 years ago. “Without this, they go from getting taken care of in high school where they get lots of support to, ‘Okay, goodbye.’ You’re setting them up for failure that way,” he said. “They could stay in school until they turn 20, but that’s kind of like spinning their wheels doing the same thing. With V.O.I.C.E., they graduate with their peers and go into their version of college, a program that gives them actual experience in the real world. The high school offered these kids an amazing community but it was a comfortable, controlled atmosphere. Our classroom is now this wonderful community we live in.”
“A PROUD FATHER”
Dacota Ratcliffe not only helped refurbish the former bed and breakfast on Hailey’s Bullion Street where V.O.I.C.E. is based, but he volunteered to water the plants there this summer. Three of the young men have opened a checking account, and two have gotten debit cards. They’ve learned to work within a budget. And they’ve followed Ellison to the supermarket where they’ve learned not to spend all their money on doughnuts and ice cream but, rather, on things like ground beef and onions, which they take back to the V.O.I.C.E. home and cook into tacos and spaghetti. A couple times a week Lago and Moell, who has autism, ride the bus from their homes in Hailey to the Wood River Community YMCA where they take their place next to others on stair climbers and exercise bikes. Both took nutrition classes offered by the Y and both follow health plans prescribed by a physical therapist. Moell, who works at Parts Plus, has lost 25 pounds as he’s learned to exercise and
the way i see it
eat more healthily. He’s also gained the confidence to hold a conversation with a waiter when eating out. Before, he’d freeze in restaurants because there were so many options to choose from. Saldivia, who has Asperger’s, has learned to try new foods. And he’s changed his mindset from not wanting to work to enjoying such work as that of a substitute custodian. “Each has gained a sense of independence—true independence,” Ellison said. “They’re all feeling that sense of freedom you get when you turn 16 and drive a car for the first time. I feel like a proud father watching them.” The program is so cutting-edge that Ellison was invited to speak at a national education conference in May. The conference included the third highest-ranking official in the U.S. Department of Education—an official who, Ellison says, talks to the President regularly. Ratcliffe shared his story at a statewide Tools for Life program earlier this year. Paraprofessional Jennifer Bradshaw, who keeps tabs on the young men, applauded the program. “Dacota, for instance, is coming to work, getting actual experience, instead of staying at home all summer where he would learn absolutely nothing,” she said. Tif Lago, Nathan’s mother, said the program has fueled tremendous growth in her son’s level of independence. “He’s learned to do things we were hesitant to teach him or didn’t have time to teach him, like taking the bus,” she said. “His future has expanded as he strives toward his goal of living independently. A lot of kids coming down the pike are going to benefit from this program.”
W
hile the world mourns the death of a true comic genius, we, here in the Wood River Valley, can look back with fondness at our times involving him. Williams was a frequent visitor to the Sun Valley area and the slopes of Baldy. Locals had been touched by his presence many times and always with his impromptu sense of humor. Once, dressed in allwhite snow gear, Williams ended his run at the bottom of the mountain laughing because he thought he was invisible, and then jumped up on a log and entertained fellow skiers for about 20 minutes. The 17 or 18 lucky ones that day received their own Robin Williams ad lib concert with delight and awe. Several times over the years that Williams spent up here, he would try out new material at The Liberty Theatre and invite members of the ski patrol and Sun Valley workers to come judge his new act for free. As always,
& FUR SALON
TRUNK SHOW Connie Roberson Monday & Tuesday Only! 11am to 6pm
511 Sun Valley Rd., Ketchum | 726.3588 www.sheepskincoat.com | brendaknorton@yahoo.com
tws
Robin Williams Touched Our Valley BY CHRIS MILLSPAUGH
Sheepskin Coat Factory
he was met with enthusiastic applause. Yes, he did, indeed, touch our Valley. Depression is a deadly disorder and affects millions in the world. Here in the United States and the Wood River Valley, we are constantly reminded of how it claims many of our friends and family. Cries for help are heard every day as we struggle to understand why and what went wrong. It seems to reach all of us in one way or another. Silently and suddenly, we are involved with people who are close in our lives deciding to end theirs. For those of us who are left behind, the effect is devastating and yet, we have to pick up the pieces and continue on. The only way to combat depression is to be alert to the moods of your loved ones and get them professional help right away. I learned of its seriousness last week and urge all of you to be aware of its consequences. For Robin Williams, it was too late, but it may not be for someone you love. Get them help right away. Nice talking to you. tws
Sweetwater Community Brand New Townhomes
2475 Woodside Blvd.
$225,000.00
1,286/sf
2BR/2.5BA
2 Car Garage
2477 Woodside Blvd.
$215,000.00
1,326/sf
2BR/2.5BA
2 Car Garage
2479 Woodside Blvd.
$215,000.00
1,280/sf
2BR/2.5BA
2 Car Garage
2481 Woodside Blvd.
$215,000.00
1,232/sf
2BR/2.5BA
2 Car Garage
2483 Woodside Blvd.
$225,000.00
1,334/sf
2BR/2.5BA
2 Car Garage
2527 Grange Way
$323,500.00
1,903/sf
3BR/2.5BA
3 Car Garage
2529 Grange Way
Pending Sale
1,748/sf
3BR/2.5BA
3 Car Garage
T H E W E E K LY S U N •
SUE RADFORD & KAREN PROVINCE, REALTORS 870 Maple Leaf Drive - Hailey, ID (208) 788-2164 • www.trasv.com
Directions: 1 mile south of historic downtown hailey hwy 75 to countryside blvd AUGUST 20, 2014
7