[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 6 (Tuesday, January 27, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Pages S281-S284]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
TRIBUTE TO THE SPIRIT OF IDAHO AWARD RECIPIENTS
Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, today I honor over 158 individuals
and organizations working every day to make Idaho a great place to
live. I'm talking about the recipients of the Spirit of Idaho Award. I
created this award almost 3 years ago to recognize and bring attention
to the many deeds of service that happen in local Idaho communities
that are not always recognized by the media or the general public.
Recipients of this award improve lives every day with their selfless
giving and shining examples. I would like to take a moment today and
recognize each of these outstanding individuals.
Kamrud Jacobson delivers newspapers in Twin Falls. While completing
his route one day, Kamrud noticed unusual smoke coming from the chimney
of a nearby house. He quickly asked a neighbor to call 911. The Fire
Department responded and put out a growing house fire. Kamrud's
vigilant actions effectively saved the house from burning to the
ground. Kamrud's efforts embody the qualities of service and
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selflessness the Spirit of Idaho award hopes to recognize.
Alex and Jay Phelps are truly life-savers for one woman. The two, who
deliver newspapers in Twin Falls, noticed several newspapers piling up
at a particular house on their route. Concerned by this development,
the boys explained the situation to their mother, who then contacted
authorities. The boys were right to be concerned; the resident of the
house had had a stroke and was in need of medical care. As a result of
the efforts of these two boys, the resident was rescued and received
medical care.
Ten members of the Wood River Winter Recreation Coalition in Sun
Valley worked together for hundreds of hours on a volunteer basis to
offer a community-based, historic recreation agreement that will be
implemented in the Sawtooth National Forest. The members crafted what
is often extremely difficult to create: a collaborative solution to a
perplexing problem. Both user groups and our forest are the
beneficiaries of the Coalition's outstanding work.
Barbara Dehl of Nampa authored and lobbied the Idaho State
Legislature and the U.S. Congress for passage of ``Cassie's Law,'' a
law intended to prevent abusive dating relationships, as well as assist
victims of such abuse. Ms. Dehl courageously battled for this
legislation at both the State and Federal level after the tragic death
of her daughter Cassie in December of 1999. She has been the catalyst
behind important progress in the fight against violence.
Idaho Working Partners, through Janet Miller their State Chairwoman,
are models of community service, assisting numerous organizations in
and around Boise. The Salvation Army, the Hope House, and the Booth
Family Center, to name a few, have all been helped. Food drives,
donations for flood ravaged areas, and Christmas projects for the needy
have been just a few of the outstanding projects engaged in by Idaho
Working Partners. They are to be commended for their efforts.
Dr. Dan Prinzing, Social Studies and Curricular Materials Coordinator
for Idaho's State Department of Education and a former teacher for the
Boise School District, is Idaho's first contact for projects,
scholarships, and special programs in areas of civics, U.S. history and
government, economics, and responsible citizenship. Dr. Prinzing is
also an advocate for the need to improve international education for
Idaho's students, and works closely with a variety of civic
organizations to promote student involvement in programs focusing on an
understanding of the U.S. Constitution and state and federal laws.
Jackie Phelps has been an exemplary volunteer with Meals on Wheels in
Boise. For many years, she has delivered meals to shut-in seniors who
aren't able to pick-up or prepare meals themselves. Jackie has
benefited many in need through her constant, dedicated service. I
commend her for her caring.
Gail Chumbley and her students at Eagle High School in Boise have
worked diligently to honor Idaho veterans. Ms. Chumbley has spearheaded
a local effort to document the personal histories of a number of Idaho
veterans through classroom assignments where students interview
veterans. Her work has earned the notice of the VFW and the Idaho State
Historical Society Library and Archives, among others. Chumbley and her
students also conducted a drive to raise money for the national World
War II veteran's memorial to be built on the Capitol Mall in
Washington, DC. Through her work introducing so many Idaho veterans to
Idaho school children, Gail Chumbley honors herself, her profession,
and all of Idaho's veterans. In addition, her students have
demonstrated a respect for past sacrifices and service, and in so doing
have enriched their educational experience.
Students at Eagle High School in Boise went the extra mile to help
the less fortunate during a recent Christmas season. The Salvation Army
enlisted the help of local high schools during their Christmas food
drive. Eagle High's generosity was clear as they took in the most
poundage of all the local high schools. These students coupled their
feelings of compassion with actions of kindness.
Kyle Enzler of Eagle completed a cross-country bicycle trip to raise
money and awareness for needy children around the world. Enzler is the
founder and organizer of Trek for Kids, the foundation behind his
cross-country trek. His journey covered over 4,500 miles in 15 weeks,
raising over $1,000 for the cause. Kyle is a great example, choosing to
make meaningful contributions in fighting the world's problems.
Sherrill and James Cooper of Lewiston are saints to numerous children
they have taken in through over 30 years of caring for young people in
need. Children have arrived at their house in Lewiston Orchards at all
hours lonely, frightened, traumatized, angry, sometimes hurt and the
Coopers have opened their doors and hearts. These wonderful people have
also been recognized with the Angels in Adoption award for their work
in this critical labor of love.
Blaine County Senior Center of Hailey was honored for the work of
their senior citizens on behalf of KidShop, an after school program in
the Blaine County School District. The seniors raised $5,000 through
the Festival of Trees to provide healthy snacks to the children. The
endeavor was also very successful in bridging the generation gap and
allowing ``juniors and seniors'' to get to know one another. Each of
these seniors is to be commended for supporting this very important
endeavor.
Pete Mecham of Idaho Falls received the Sammy Award. The Sammy Award
recognizes outstanding scholar athletes based on academic performance,
athletic excellence, leadership, and community service. With over
19,000 applicants and just 25 recipients, Pete's award is quite an
honor. His activities and honors, which are nearly too numerous to
mention, include National Honor Society, High School Seminary
President, Eagle Scout, numerous wrestling championships, and the U.S.
Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award.
Pam Davison of Malad works for the USDA Rural Development office in
Blackfoot and has spent many hours working with Southeast Idaho senior
citizens to improve their homes under a Federal self-help program.
Through the program and Pam's dedicated work, seniors have been able to
winterize their homes and save money on energy bills. In times of tight
budgets and rising energy prices, the help Pam has provided to our
seniors is invaluable.
Jay Heuser of Preston has worked diligently in economic development
for the city of Preston. His outstanding projects include a business
incubator, new water tank, and city industrial park improvements. Jay
has been a dedicated public servant, serving as mayor, and improving
the lives of the residents of Preston.
Rosa Moosman of Montpelier is the editor and manager of The News
Examiner. Rosa has reported on lumber and Forest Service issues in a
professional and polished manner for the community. In a State with a
large lumber industry, this reporting has been an invaluable public
service. She has also been a great example for journalists statewide.
Jensen Lumber Company of Montpelier uses small-diameter timber in
productive ways. A necessary component of healthy national forests is
the thinning of these small trees, and Jensen Lumber has put these
trees to good use. In doing so, they have made great economic
contributions to the community.
Heritage Safe Company is a model to many businesses, and an economic
force in the community of Grace. Heritage Safe started as a small
business in a small town. However, it is quickly becoming one of the
country's largest makers of gun safes. Heritage Safe Company is
recognized for its economic contributions to the community.
After the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, Idaho Red Cross
volunteers responded by the dozens. These selfless life-savers provide
relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for,
and respond to emergencies. In times of need, these individuals have
come forward to help. These volunteers included: Richard Kaylor, Mary
Wolf, Cheryle Andrews, Glenda Loomis, Cindy Bahora, Allison Mallow,
Marlene Bailey, Jim Manring, Marva Barnes, Brooks Mathern, Julie
Benintendi, Gordon McAllister, Robert Bones, Carol McAllister, Steve
Button,
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Linda McGuire, Farrell Byington, Tempe McFarlane, Bonnie Capell, Joseph
Morisette, Sherri Carpenter, Lynette Muson, Ben Cavaness, Roger Olson,
David Chehey, Kathlene Parsons, Richard Cripe, Shirley Perkins, Frank
Dalley, Ray Ragan, Julie Dillehay, Lorraine Roberts, Kathy Dutt,
William Roberts, Germaine Eslinger, Carolyne Rucker, Lynn Farnworth,
Susan Saldin, Sarah Farnworth, Kent Schaufelberger, Sean Farrell, Rick
Sonnenberg, Gloria Fastabend, Cynthia Schulze, Richard Fesler, Barbara
Stevens, Leslie Freeman, Joseph ``Bill'' Stevens, Jim Fulfer, Colleen
Stevens, Michele Gamblin, James Stumpf, Rich Gorman, Jennifer Swanberg,
Jeri Gowen, Donna Taylor, Gina Gridley, Jana Thomas, Jim Grigg, Terry
Tippery, Oreanna Harless, Steve R. Tryk, Susan Hill, Barbara Webster,
Allen Howard, Patsy Walton, Rick Huffard, Daniel Weigel, Ronald
Jacques, Phillip White, Sharon Katz, Mimsi Wise, Rich Kaylor, Stephanie
Witt, Edward Kinghorn, Mary Wolf, and Daunna Kirkham of Boise, Nampa,
Meridian, McCall, Arco, Lewiston, Idaho Falls, Eagle, Coeur d'Alene,
Black Foot, Kimberly, Moscow, Rathdrum, Rexburg, and Terreton.
Mark Langlois, Robert Macfarlane, James Pollard, and David Larson of
Idaho Falls are Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory
engineers who assisted recovery efforts in New York, Pennsylvania, and
Washington, DC, following the tragic events of September 11, 2001. At a
time of great need and obvious peril, these selfless individuals rushed
to help their countrymen.
Dan O'Brien, a name you may know for his Olympic competitions, has
diligently served the cause of youth sports in Moscow. His dedication
not only serves the youth of Moscow, but also the community as a whole.
His hard work and dedication have been recognized on several fronts,
receiving not only the Spirit of Idaho, but also the Sporting Goods
Manufacturers Association Hero Award. I commend Dan on his outstanding
efforts.
Students at Peregrine Elementary of Meridian were chosen by the Red
Cross as winners of the ``Your Coins Count'' statewide campaign not
once, but twice. The ``Your Coins Count'' campaign offers schools
educational programs about Red Cross services and history, then asks
students to collect spare change and donate the money to the Red Cross
in support of local services like disaster relief. These students'
shining example proves that each of us can make a difference in the
lives of others.
The fight against child pornography needs more warriors like those at
the FBI child pornography unit in Pocatello. This unit analyzes illegal
computer traffic in order to find and prosecute those that are
victimizing children. Each of our children are safer thanks to the work
of these dedicated professionals.
Moscrip Family and Bandana's Running and Walking Shop of New Plymouth
have been pillars of support for young people wishing to participate in
the local high school cross country and track programs. For the past
three years these two groups have joined to provide affordable running
shoes to local youth involved in the cross country and track programs
at the New Plymouth High School. As a strong supporter of healthy
living, I applaud the efforts of these two organizations.
Ana Marie Schachtell has served the cities of Nampa and Treasure
Valley well, organizing the Fiesta Idaho events. This event helps
groups with differing backgrounds to come together in a spirit of
understanding and respect. Under Ana's leadership and vision the annual
Fiesta Idaho celebration has blossomed into a major event celebrated
each fall in several locations in and around Nampa.
Jim Olson and George Gorino are Boise American Legion members. In
addition to their service in this organization, and their military
service for our country, these two have gone the extra mile to honor
the victims of September 11, 2001, as well as military personnel
involved in the war on terror. As a result of their dedication, a
monument and flag have been erected on Freezeout Hill in Gem County
honoring these groups. Today, it is Jim and George who are honored.
John Jackson of Nampa owns the successful Jackson Food Stores, and
has used his success to help others. John donated funds to build an
indoor track and field facility next to the Idaho Center. The facility
is very important to the Boise State University track team, as well as
local youth and adult track clubs. The site is also scheduled to host
some significant competitions in the coming years. John's selfless and
important donation has also spurred additional economic development in
the area.
Wiley Dobbs of Twin Falls has served as an Idaho Congressional Award
Board Member since 1993, where he has spent thousands of hours working
as a student advisor, making presentations to different groups, and
talking to parents. Idaho leads the United States in the number of
participants in this prestigious award program and the Twin Falls
region leads the way in Idaho, thanks in large part to Wiley and his
associates.
Sixteen-year-old Jessy Peterson of Castleford saved a man's life in
December 2002. As he headed home late one evening, Jessy spotted a fire
burning in the garage of a house. Jessy was able to successfully awaken
the resident of the house, who escaped without harm. He then went one
step further and helped the resident to extinguish the fire. Jessy's
courageous actions speak to his depth of character.
Bob Harmon of Meridian is a hero in the war on terror, but he doesn't
wear a uniform or carry a gun. Bob owns Harmon Travel and used his
business to support our troops. He donated airline tickets for family
members to attend the burial of a soldier killed in Operation Iraqi
Freedom. Bob Harmon gave freely to help a military family in a time of
need.
Scott Andrews of Blackfoot is the Bingham County Prosecutor. As part
of his efforts to keep his county safe and make the Prosecutor's Office
more accessible, Scott has created a new website. The website:
www.co.bingham.id.us/prosecutor/prosecuting_attorney.htm, provides
people with quick and easy access to important information about
matters handled by the Prosecutor's Office, including information on
victim and witness services, the public record, and legal research
links. Scott has made our judicial system more responsive with his
innovative approach to his office.
Taylor and Alyssa Jenson's story is truly touching. These two
Pocatello sisters literally gave of themselves to help others less
fortunate than they. Seeing the needs of cancer victims, Taylor and
Alyssa cut and donated their long hair to make wigs for those who had
lost their hair as a result of chemotherapy. They are to be commended
for this exceptional act of service.
Jared Helm is a senior at Lewiston High School. He is dedicated to
volunteering and making the community a better place. He is also a role
model for younger children and stresses the importance of volunteering
to them. Last year he volunteered over 450 hours, has a 4.0 GPA, and is
a Lewiston High School Student Body officer. Such commitment embodies
``The Spirit of Idaho.''
``Grandma'' Gay Reese plays an important role for the ``America
Reads'' program every day at Lincoln Elementary School in Twin Falls.
For the past five years, she has helped young students learn to read.
Gay's remarkable dedication has helped to instill a life-long love of
reading within several hundred Magic Valley children. In addition, she
has been instrumental in recruiting new Grandparents to the America
Reads program. ``Grandma'' Reese embodies the selfless service honored
by the Spirit of Idaho award.
The Hospice of Eastern Idaho provides a full range of supportive
services for terminally ill individuals and their families while they
are in the latter stages of a terminal illness. This critical service
depends largely on volunteers. The following individuals have given of
their time and talents for the benefit of others:
Donna Stone has been a Hospice Volunteer for three years. Last year
she provided 195 volunteer hours for one patient, consistently showing
up twice a week to give respite care for the patient's husband for two
to three hours at a time. Her willingness and faithfulness week after
week are inspiring.
Since becoming volunteers in spring 2002, Buck and Debbie Horton have
each worked almost 200 volunteer
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hours for many different families under the care of the Hospice. They
are both retired and have dedicated themselves to helping others in the
community. Those at the Hospice of Eastern Idaho are fortunate to be
able to call upon these outstanding individuals at any time to help
patients and their families.
Larry and Evelyn Miller are Mormon missionaries, assigned to the
Hospice of Eastern Idaho by the LDS Church. They serve as volunteer
spiritual liaisons for patients and families, but also are available to
give families respite care when needed. These volunteers have given
hundreds of hours of respite care to many in need.
Donna Meyer has been a Hospice Volunteer since 1994 and has put in
over a 100 hours helping patients. Since 2002, she has been visiting
and reading to one particular patient who does not speak. Donna reads
to her and puts cream on her face and hands to let her know that
someone cares. Recently she purchased a bird feeder to place outside
the patient's window so she might enjoy watching the birds. Donna
connects with this woman, even though there is not a word spoken during
the visit.
Dorothy Wayne has been a Hospice Volunteer since 1989 and has given
over 100 hours to a variety of patients. She has traveled extra miles
to stay with patients when necessary, often during the evening hours or
even on weekends when needed. She is a retired nurse and uses her
excellent training and experience to the benefit of all involved with
the Hospice.
Fern Jones has been a Hospice Volunteer for 10 years while continuing
to work full time. She has spent over 100 hours visiting patients
during her lunch hour, after work, or on weekends when necessary. Soon
she will retire. I am confident that her self-sacrificing spirit will
continue to shine as she carries on with her important work.
Bob Siedelmann has been a Hospice Volunteer since 1999, and has
volunteered for over 100 hours of service. He is always willing to stay
with a patient, even if he has to change his plans to make the time
work. Recently he attended the early service at his church so that he
could be with a patient by 10:30 a.m. on Sunday. Bob's help and caring
have improved the lives of many of the Hospice's male patients.
Vince Aquino has always been willing to visit with any patient, even
if that patient did not know he was there and could not communicate
with him. He has spent many hours in the secure units of more than one
nursing home to be with patients suffering from dementia or
Alzheimer's. He has been a Hospice Volunteer since 1999, putting in
over 100 hours of service.
Connie Staffel is a professional counselor who works full-time at
Eastern Idaho Technical College. Since becoming a volunteer last
October, Connie has worked many Saturdays to facilitate a support group
for grieving family members. In addition she has been available for
patient care when her schedule permits. With her specialized training
and experience, Connie has been a valuable resource for the Hospice.
Leora Cornia, a volunteer first with District 7 and now with Hospice
of Eastern Idaho, has given 100 hours to a variety of patients. She is
willing to give of her time to any and all that need her, though I am
told her favorite activity is conversing with patients. Leora's service
is invaluable to the Hospice and its patients.
Jim McCue is a volunteer who began with District 7 and now works with
Hospice of Eastern Idaho. Jim has spent countless volunteer hours
listening intently to his patients. He prefers to report on his visits
in poetic form, and after visiting his most recent patient wrote: ``I
can already see it getting harder, I can already see it ending hard. I
can already see it lasting too long, and not long enough.'' The Hospice
Staff appreciates his insight and poetry as they work to assist the
Hospice's patients.
When the Hospice had patients in the St. Anthony, Rexburg area, Barry
Leeck of Chester was, for an extended period, the only volunteer close
enough to be of assistance. He has always been willing to fit patients
into his work schedule, and often visits patients after work or on his
days off. His volunteer hours also include helping the Hospice office
with clerical matters. I commend him for his service.
Domestic violence is a terribly destructive, hurtful thing. The
victims of this horror need help and protection. The Family Service
Alliance of Pocatello provides this support. Many women and children in
southeast Idaho have been the beneficiaries of the safe haven provided
by the Alliance. This organization also provides counseling to victims
of rape. This important organization is truly representative of the
``Spirit of Idaho.''
It was an honor to present the Spirit of Idaho award to a group of
dialysis patients from Coeur d'Alene. This group rides stationary
bicycles to remain healthy during treatment. The group collectively set
a goal to ride the miles equivalent to a biking trip across the United
States. Their journey had a special destination for me--they were
pedaling to Crapo, Maryland. As a result, this group is affectionately
called the ``Crapo Bikers.'' Day after day, these dedicated individuals
biked for miles, moving a pin across the map of the United States.
Despite adversity this group reached their goal. Their resolute
determination stands as an example for all.
Jenny Busdon, a world champion gold medal recipient in cross country
skiing, has worked on multiple fundraising projects over the past
decade to benefit the Harriman Trail system and Galena Lodge in Sun
Valley. She promotes increased participation in cross country skiing
and overall awareness of the sport. As a strong supporter of healthy
living, and an avid sportsman, I applaud Jenny's efforts.
Carol Harlig of Ketchum is a two-time breast cancer survivor who
mentors others with the disease and serves on numerous community boards
for breast cancer awareness. She also serves at the Ketchum Library.
Recently she also put together care packages for Blaine County troops
stationed in Iraq. Even with all of these important responsibilities,
Carol finds time to mentor at-risk elementary school children. She is a
great example for others in Idaho.
I honor all Spirit of Idaho recipients, past and future, for their
exceptional contributions and accomplishments. It is a privilege to pay
tribute to these individuals for their important efforts on behalf of
the citizens and communities of the great State of Idaho.
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