There is more to being a part of a community beyond simply existing in it.
"In every community, there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is the power to do it.."
There is an abundance of opportunity to support and aid communities across the globe. It never fails to amaze us how caring and giving people can be when a need arises. Pam and David support, in various ways throughout the year, some of their favorite causes through donations and participation in events.
"Charity fraud schemes seek donations for organizations that do little or no work—instead, the money goes to the fake charity’s creator. While these scams can happen at any time, they are especially prevalent after high-profile disasters. Criminals often use tragedies to exploit you and others who want to help. Charity fraud scams can come to you in many forms: emails, social media posts, crowdfunding platforms, cold calls, etc. Always use caution and do your research when you're looking to donate to charitable causes. "
It can be dificult to determine what to worthy causes a person should support. Some of our preferred ones are listed and described below. Please give them serious consideration.
"If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States."
Learn more at: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/
"Idaho Coalition For Motorcycle Safety (ICMS) is a state motorcycle rights organization (SMRO)."
Learn more at: https://idahobikerrights.com/
"Hope House exists to provide a home for children between the ages of six (6) and eighteen (18) (and then those youth who turn eighteen prior to or during their senior year in High School) who are emotionally impaired, developmentally disabled, and/or come from disrupted adoptions or dysfunctional families."
Learn more at: https://ahome2come2.com/
"At the American Cancer Society, we’re on a mission to free the world from cancer. Until we do, we’ll be funding and conducting research, sharing expert information, supporting patients, and spreading the word about prevention. All so you can live longer — and better."
The affects and impact of cancer, in all it's forms, is a paticular concern for us. We have lost several family and friends to cancer. The loss is unusually difficult when the desease takes someone very young. Children should always outlive their parents.
Learn more at: https://www.cancer.org/
"For advanced, compassionate care for cancer and blood disorders, patients and their families have trusted St. Luke's for more than 50 years. Today we are a network of five cancer centers dedicated to state-of-the-art treatment close to home; patient-centered care and support; cutting-edge research; and community prevention, education, and early detection initiatives. "
St Luke's Cancer Institute (fka: Mountain States Tumor Institute (MSTI), holds a special place in David's heart. The loss of his baby brother at the age of 9 to Leukemia was difficult enough for an older brother just 15. The efforts and care of the MIST staff were incredible and David often remembers how grateful his mother was to everything they provided.
Learn more at: https://www.stlukesonline.org/communities-and-locations/facilities/clinics/st-lukes-cancer-institute--boise
"The mission of the Idaho Humane Society is to advocate for the welfare and responsible care of animals, protect them from neglect and cruelty, and promote humane education, awareness, and compassion."
We have been fortunate to adopt two rescue dogs from the Idaho Humane Society. Both were very sweet and lovable. Providing them a caring forever-home was our pleasure. They were truly a member of our family.
Throughout the United States there are several animal rescue organizations. They all can use any level of support that can be provided. Some of the things most easy to contribute are:
"We must become bigger than we have been: more courageous, greater in spirit, larger in outlook. We must become members of a new race, overcoming petty prejudice, owing our ultimate allegiance not to nations but to our fellow men within the human community."
"GuideStar is the most complete source of information about U.S. charities and other nonprofit organizations there is. Search our database of more than 1.8 million IRS-recognized organizations to find a charity to support, benchmark your own nonprofit's performance, research the sector, and more."
Due to personal circumstances and the COVID-19 pandemic, we have not been able to attend many desired events. We are hopeful that our phyical health improves and the pandemic comes to an end and allows for a return to normalcy. Some of our typical attended events are shared below.
When: 3rd week of February
This has become one of David's most anticipated events of the year. It is one of the very few events wher Pam has to ensure David doesn't spend too much and blow's the montly mortgage payment on "rocks". Yes, Pam still thinks of David's little treasures as "rocks".
Learn more at: http://www.idahogemclub.com/pages/gemshow.html
When: Mid-March
Another great event where David has to exercise financial restraint. There are always great, friendly vendors.
Learn more at: https://www.owyheerocks.com/?page_id=212
When: Mid-August
"Western Idaho Fair’s history dates back to 1897 when it got started as the Intermountain Fair. Although the foundation is the same for the Fair today as what was started all those years ago, many events have changed over time. The Intermountain Fair sprung out of a need for the community to connect Boise and other larger cities that were 300 miles apart. With Boise’s strong agricultural roots, the first Fair featured three major departments: livestock (sheep, cattle, horses and hogs), products of the soil and a domestic manufacturing/home department. "
Learn more at: https://idahofair.com/
When: Last week of July
"Canyon County Fair’s mission is to be an inclusive celebration for the community, where your experience as a patron is paramount and where you are encouraged to “Find Your Fun.” It is our vision to be the world’s greatest county fair. Each year we provide a never-seen-before experience only offered on our fairgrounds. We are proud of the longstanding presence we’ve had in Canyon County since 1887, and encourage patrons to join us in celebrating our rich heritage."
Learn more at: https://www.canyoncountyfair.org/
When: 3rd Week of July
"The Snake River Stampede in Nampa, Idaho is one of the top 10 regular professional rodeos out of the approximately 600 rodeos in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. This is a long way from its humble beginnings of just after the turn of the century. The Stampede is a direct descendent of the Nampa Harvest Festival which was first staged in Nampa in 1911. During that first year, the "old time harvest festival" featured crop and stock exhibits, prizes for the best products of Nampa farms, orchards and gardens, sports and contests, special attractions, and free amusements. The event was held in late September."
Learn more at: https://snakeriverstampede.com/
When: Mid-September
"The North End Neighborhood Association (NENA) is a non-profit organization serving Boise’s Historic North End since 1976. NENA is Boise's first registered neighborhood association and is volunteer-run. NENA represents, preserves, and protects the historic, social, cultural, and environmental character of Boise’s North End neighborhood. Proud owner & organizer of Boise's iconic annual community craft fair & music fest, Hyde Park Street Fair. "
Learn more at: https://www.northendboise.org/hyde-park-street-fair
When: Mid-August
"The Nampa Festival of the Arts is a celebration of the creative spirit of our diverse community, expressing unique life and cultural heritage through art. The Nampa Festival of the Arts began in 1986 at Lakeview Park in Nampa. This longstanding event was started by the Nampa Parks and Recreation Department and the Nampa Art Guild to provide an opportunity for local artists to show and sell their art."
Learn more at: https://www.nampaparksandrecreation.org/196/Nampa-Festival-of-the-ArtsDue to personal circumstances and the COVID-19 pandemic, we have not been able to attend many desired events. We are hopeful that our phyical health improves and the pandemic comes to an end and allows for a return to normalcy. Some of our typical attended events are shared below.
In the past we have always been explorers and used regional events as a justificatiion to hit the road; as if we really needed a reason.
When: Last week of January through 1st week of February
"You may not know it, but the inspiration for Winter Carnival actually dates back to 1924 when the town created the Payette Lakes Sports Carnival to beat the winter doldrums. Events included dog and snowshoe races, ski jumping, horse ski-jouring, and a tug-o-war where the prize was a box of oranges. In addition to these events, visitors could also take an exhilarating ride across the lake ice on a motor sleigh, a standard sleigh outfitted with and airplane motor for power. As guest lodging was limited in the 1920s in McCall, the overflow of visitors were housed by residents who opened their homes for the event. In addition, a special train with sleeper cars attached was positioned at the train station and reduced rates were offered as another form of accommodation for visitors. The first Sports Carnival was attended by approximately 2,000 people, including then Idaho Governor C. Moore."
Learn more at: https://visitmccall.org/events/winter-carnival/Due to personal circumstances and the COVID-19 pandemic, we have not been able to attend many desired events. We are hopeful that our phyical health improves and the pandemic comes to an end and allows for a return to normalcy. Some of our typical attended bucket-list events are listed below.
It is our hope and greatest desire to be able to travel more extensively throughout North Americal and the globe.
When: 2nd through 3rd week of August
"When Clarence "Pappy" Hoel purchased an Indian Motorcycle franchise in the depths of the Great Depression, he had no idea that he was about to begin the most famous motorcycle gathering in the world. It all began in 1938, when Pappy, his wife, Pearl, and his newly founded Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club decided to host a race in Sturgis. Nine participants and a mere 200 spectators attended. Today the City of Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is one of, if not 'the' largest gatherings of motorcycle enthusiasts in the world.The Rally occurs every August in the Black Hills of South Dakota, home to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse National Memorial and Devil's Tower Monument to name a few of the area's most recognized 'icons'."
Pam has been to the rally in the mid-90's. David has never been, but still has it listed up-top of his buket list.
Learn more at: https://www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com/
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