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Island Park Community Achievement AwardsIsland Park News Publishers John and Elizabeth Laden-Losch won a first place state award and a second place national award for the paper's Community Service Award campaign in the 2002 Idaho Press Women and National Federation of Press Women communications contests. "If you're interested in fighting evil, do some good. Show some compassion to a neighbor in need. Be a mentor to a child and say, I 'love you a lot. ' My call to Americans is to help someone in need." President George W. Bush, in a speech to the National Cattlemen's Association, February 8, 2002, Denver, Colorado How to nominate for the 2003 awards The Island Park News started the Island Park News Community Achievement program in 2000 as a way to kick off the new millennium with a commitment to annually recognize outstanding members of the community. Beneficence is a quality that marks a person of goodwill, and strong communities have abundant service-minded citizens. Our intention is to foster pride in our community and in the people who work unselfishly and undividedly to make Island Park a better place. We think that we have succeeded in this because the awards program has received widespread positive feedback throughout the county. The AP ran our award announcements, which sparked other newspapers to start similar programs. Awards have been given in the following categories: Island Park Man of the Year: Island Park Woman of the Year; Island Park Youth of the Year; Island Park Community Organization of the Year: Fremont County Man of the Year; Fremont County Woman of the Year; Fremont County Organization of the Year. This year, we are dropping the county awards in hopes that another organization will carry the ball and so that we can focus more on Island Park. We're adding one new category and establishing an Island Park Community Service Award Fund that will be able to accept donations from anyone who wants to become a sponsor of the program. Here are all of the categories for 2002 nominations: Man of the Year, Woman of the Year, Youth of the Year (two people will be awarded) Organization of the Year, Business of the Year. Island Park is defined as the area from and including Pinehaven to the Montana borders on U. S. 20 and Hwy 87. Awards are made only if there are nominations. A person or group can be a recipient more than once, but not in two consecutive years. The 2001 recipients are: Island Park Man of the Year: Glade Gunnell; Island Park Woman of the Year: Annie Stephens; Island Park Youth of the Year: Chance Cannon; Organization of the Year: Fremont County Emergency Services, which includes the Island Park Ambulance. Anyone can make a nomination, including members of the organization and family and friends of individuals. There is no limit to the number of nominations you make— nominate members in all categories if you want. Names of those who make nominations remain anonymous, but no unsigned nominations will be accepted. Island Park News staff, regular columnists, and members of the community will read the nominations and make the selections. Nominations will be accepted of people who are summer or winter residents as long as their service is to the Island Park community, and as long as they live in Island Park a minimum of four months. We also encourage summer residents to make nominations. If you do not have access to the Internet, use the Island Park Library's free computers, or make your nomination by sending a letter or e-mail to the Island Park News. Include your name, address, and phone number in case we need to contact you for clarification. Include the nominated person's or organization's name, address, age or founding date if known, and list why you think the person or organization should receive the award. Include specific examples of service to the community, frequency of service, and whatever other information you think is pertinent. Mail to Island Park News, PO Box 410, Island Park, ID. 83429. Island Park News pays tribute to community super stars Island Park News publishers John and Elizabeth Laden-Losch this week announced the Island Park News 2002 Community Achievement Award winners selected by nominations made by members of the community. They are: Island Park Man of the Year: Bill Ashton, Mack's Inn Island Park Woman of the Year: Alma Whitaker, Rancho McCrea Island Park Youth of the Year: Tressa Bishop, Mack's Inn Island Park Organization of the Year: Henry's Lake Foundation, 500 plus members from all over the nation Island Park Business of the Year: Elk Creek Station and Sporting Goods- owner Gordon Zollinger All recipients meet the award program's criteria for being positive and motivating role models; for giving selfishly of their time and skills to a large cross-section of the community over long periods of time; and for expressing differences of opinion through positive dialog sharing facts rather than negative behavior supporting factions. Man of the Year: Bill Ashton Bill Ashton's experiences serving the Island Park Caldera, Fremont County, and his country could fill a book. If he did the writing, the book would be peppered with his great sense of humor and wonderful way of describing life. It would have a patriotic side, too, in chapters reviewing his 21 years of service to his country in several branches of the military, including Air Force Special Forces. Bill and his wife Pat moved to Island Park from Idaho Falls almost 20 years ago. He currently works at the Island Park Village Resort, and owns and operates a locksmith business. Bill's community service record includes interaction with every age group and segment of the community. He is a founder of the Island Park Kids Fishing Day at Mill Creek Pond, a body of water he dredged to make more suitable for the big trout kids love to catch. For many years, he prepared hot dogs and other treats for the kids on that day. Bill is Island Park's most popular stand-in for Santa. When he and Pat managed Lakeside Resort for several years, they hosted Halloween and Christmas parties for area children, gifting them with treats and making sure that everyone had a great time. They have also hosted and cooked for other community get-togethers that raised money for charitable organizations. Bill is a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician for the Island Park Ambulance group, and a volunteer for both the Island Park Search and Rescue Unit and the Island Park Fire Department. He is a member of the Island Park Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and serves on the chamber's snowmobile promotion committee, for which he will offer winter survival training to snowmobilers this winter. One of the most important things he has done in recent years is run twice for a seat on the Fremont County Commission to represent Island Park and Ashton. Although the Island Park area does not yet have enough voters to put someone in the seat, his messages about Island Park concerns were heard by the successful candidates and other members of the commission. One of the eight people who nominated Bill wrote, "if Bill is not an actual member of an organization that needs help, he is the first to volunteer his help. He is an effective and positive member of the Island Park community and has helped us all grow by his great example. However, any award he would be given should also shine on his wonderful wife Pat." No one knows how many other "random acts of kindness" Bill has bestowed on others because they were done outside of his work in organizations. A few include making sure young children had coats and other winter clothing, giving overworked friends a free trip to a Nevada resort, and not charging travelers who locked their keys in their cars or needed other help. Woman of the Year: Alma Whitaker Folks who know her even slightly share that they cannot say enough good things about Alma Whitaker, 78, a long time resident of Rancho McCrea. Alma, presently working as the janitor at the U. S. Post Office at Elk Creek, has the spiritual gift of encouragement. She is always ready to offer healing words, meals, and little homemade gifts to people in need. That's not all. When cattlemen needed help driving livestock off the caldera several years ago, Alma jumped on a horse and drove the doggies home with the crew of seasoned cowboys. "People like Alma provide the positive energy that gives a community a solid foundation," wrote one of her nominators. Alma shines in two very interesting areas of caldera life. She has long volunteered for the John Sack Cabin Preservation Society, and in recent years has been in charge of ensuring that volunteers staff the cabin as guides in the summer months. On the National Register of Historic Places, the cabin is a treasure to the people of Island Park and all of Idaho. The second area where she shines is as a regular rider on a team entering the annual 'Ol Ladies Snowmobile Rally hosted by the A-Bar and Supper Club. She will most likely be a participant in January 2003, and, as in many other years, will finish with a smile on her face and an award waiting, at the very least, for being the oldest rider. Island Park Youth of the Year: Tressa Bishop It takes a whole lot more than good looks, glowing health, and creativity to be chosen for a Junior Miss title, as anyone who attends a Junior Miss competition knows. It takes the same level of service to others and devotion to positive living that fills the criteria for recipients of an Island Park News Community Achievement Award. Tressa Bishop, daughter of Richard and Susan Bishop of Mack's Inn, is the reigning Ashton Junior Miss at North Fremont High School and a senior at the school Even at her young age, Tressa's life story motivates people of all ages. Before she started high school, one of her legs was horribly shattered when a tree fell on it in a logging accident. Doctors prepared her and her family for the very real possibility that she would lose the leg, but Tressa was determined to walk again without prosthesis. With will and faith, she overcame the pain of several surgeries, battles with infections, and struggles with physical therapy to achieve a complete healing. She lettered in basketball and track in her first year of high school. In March, the Ashton Rotary Club Junior Miss Competition judges gave her two scholarships totaling $1050. In May, Tressa was the recipient of a $2500 Discover Gold Car Tribute Award Scholarship for her excellence in overcoming obstacles. In the state Junior Miss competition last summer, she was the recipient of a Spirit of Junior Miss Award. All of the candidates for the state title vote for the recipients of this coveted award given to a young woman who is an outstanding motivator and encourager. Organization of the Year: Henry's Lake Foundation The Henry's Lake Foundation (HLF), a nonprofit organization, celebrated its 20th anniversary in July 2002, with a long list of accomplishments in the fishing creels and vests of its 500 members. The fishing is great in part because of HLF's devotion to the fishery. The organization does not have an office or a paid staff so that it can channel all the money it raises into conservation projects to preserve and enhance the world class fishery of Henry's Lake. Projects focus on fish and fish habitat. Most of the willows people see growing along Targhee Creek, Howard Creek, Duck Creek, and other tributaries to the lake were planted by HLF volunteers. Volunteers have also constructed fences to protect habitat from overgrazing by livestock, and have given money for many projects managed by the Idaho Fish and Game Department. Just last summer, HLF funds helped the IDFG install fish diversion screens on Howard and Targhee creeks to stop fish from entering irrigation ditches. In presenting this award, the Island Park News gives special recognition to HLF members Col. Bill and Gloria Walker. The couple was in charge of the HLF's 20th anniversary fundraiser last summer that brought in more than $18,000 for conservation projects— the most successful fundraiser ever. Business of the Year: Elk Creek Station and Sporting Goods "When I see the lights of Elk Creek Station, I know I will be greeted with smiles and good service. I smell the fish I am going to catch and I start to relax and leave the 'real' world behind," writes a Utah resident who was among the dozen people who nominated Elk Creek Station for the business award. "It's a landmark, has been for years. Check in at the station, get your beer, paper, and marshmallows, and head for the cabin. Used to be in a snowplane. Now it's an SUV. Always a friendly face at Elk Creek to let you know all is well in the world, now that you're in Island Park," wrote a Shotgun cabin owner. Gordon Zollinger, a retired school teacher and former Island Park City Councilman, has worked at Elk Creek Station since his parents built the business in 1961 on a portion of their property and guest ranch, Elk Creek Ranch, that borders U. S. 20. The staff is known for its hospitality and for fulfilling well the station's motto, "Free information anytime." At Elk Creek Station, you will learn where the best fishing spots are, what the weather ought to be, who else is up for the weekend, and what some of the more interesting locals are up to. For many sportsmen and women, an annual ritual is to purchase fishing and hunting tags at the station, and nowhere else will do. Over his many years at the station, Gordon has given generously to all community organizations that need a helping hand, including raffle prizes for fund-raisers. More nominations for awards than ever before were received in all but the youth category, where no young men were nominated. Selections were made based on the most nominations received in each category that fit the overall criteria. Award winners will receive cash prizes and a framed certificate during the Island Park News Sixth Annual Open House, set for 6 p. m. on Thursday, June 5. All of the paper's writers and photographers will attend this event. Anyone wishing to donate prizes or cash to the award program should contact the Island Park News at 558-0267. You can add your name or your business name as an award sponsor, and you can earmark an award for a particular recipient. More information and a list of past recipients is on line at www.islandparknews.com/awards.htm • Island Park Man of the Year: Glade Gunnell Chosen for his long service to scouting, to his church, and to his family. Owner of Island Park Electric. • Island Park Woman of the Year: Annie Stephens Chosen for her service as a teacher, gardener, musician, and hardworking member of the summer recreation industry, as well as volunteering for Fremont County Search and Rescue and the Island park Fire Department. Ashton Elementary School teacher, Pond's Lodge front desk. • Island Park Youth of the Year: Chance Cannon Chosen for being an encouraging, supportive friend, and for his exemplary athletic ability in wrestling, karate, and other sports. Ashton High School student. • Fremont County Man of the Year: Charlie Sperry, Ashton Chosen for his tireless, consistent, and brilliant work to conserve the Henry's Fork of the Snake River and its habitat, and foster responsible management of water resources in the Henry's Fork Watershed. Works at the Henry's Fork Foundation in Ashton. • Fremont County Woman of the Year: Mary Chriswell, Ashton Chosen for being an exemplary employer, instilling a winning work ethic in her employees; for her inspiration to all during almost three years of waiting for a liver transplant; in gratitude for having served many years as the organizer of a holiday giving drive and free Thanksgiving dinner; and for always contributing what she could to countless community organizations and events. • Fremont County Organization of the Year: Fremont County Emergency Services under the direction of MaryLou Davis It's a small county with a BIG HEARTED staff of highly trained and devoted volunteer EMT's, thanks to the leadership of Ms. Davis in overseeing training programs and working hard to obtain the best facilities and equipment possible so the EMT's can do their jobs. 2000 Island Park News Community Service Award Winners • Island Park Man of the Year: Ray Stratford and Dirk Buehler Ray was chosen for his service to the community through his work on the Island Park Gem Community Team. Dirk was chosen for his service as an Island Park City Councilman, for donating many beautiful trees to the Island Park Cemetery, and for being an all-around helpful guy to people in need. • Island Park Woman of the Year: Janice Brown and Genny Prahasto Jan was chosen for her service as the leader of the Island Park Gem Community Team and as the executive director of the Henry's Fork Foundation, a group that is devoted to conserving the Henry's Fork. Genny was chosen or her tireless work in getting the Island Park Library organized and open, from over-seeing construction projects to writing grants. • Island Park Youth of the Year: Rachel Biorn and Porsche Iverson Chosen for being encouraging, supportive friends and good students. Rachel was recognized for her volunteer service to the Island Park Library and her devotion to karate, and Porsche for her work with Operation Christmas Child and devotion to the rodeo. • Island Park Organization of the Year: Island Park Library Friends, Inc. and Targhee Women's Club IPLF is the founding organization of the Island Park Library, a much-needed service in the community. The IPLF board turned a dilapidated mobile office unit with no restroom into a lovely library facility with handicapped-accessible ramp and restroom, a plethora of great books and reference materials, programs for children, and public computers with Internet access. The Targhee Women's Club raises money every year to help a variety of Island Park organizations, including the library. They are also an important social group in the community, where many friendships have been made and nurtured. • Fremont County Man of the Year: Neil Christiansen, Ashton Chosen for his service to all people in the county, but especially to Island Park, as a two-term Fremont County Commissioner. Also for his decades of work to preserve the industry of logging and encourage the National Forest Service to continue and be true to its multiple use management policy. • Fremont County Woman of the Year: Mickie Funke, Ashton Chosen for her volunteer work to help needy people in the county, to promote economic development, and for her devoted service to the government as the Fremont County Clerk and Auditor.
Print out this form and mail it to Island Park News, PO BOX 410, Island Park, ID. 83429, by the deadline December 10, 2003. You can also write a letter or e-mail and fax or e-mail to (208) 558-0269, [email protected] Call (208) 558-0267 with questions or to nominate by phone.
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Island Park News PO Box 410 Island Park Idaho 83429 208-558-0267 E-mail