Thursday This, That; TBTs

 

Christine Moon and Judy Moon Labrie. 

These two lovely ladies AND sisters hosted a meet and greet gathering for Idaho State Senator Jim Woodward last night at Utara.  

He is running for re-election, and is always happy to talk with constituents.  So, Chris Moon and Judy Moon Labrie set up an opportunity, and Bill and I attended. 

It was a fun gathering because the format was more conversational and relaxed as opposed to having candidates stand up on a stage or at a microphone. 

Lots of good questions and lots of informative answers. 

I asked Jim, why, with all the divisiveness, lies, dirty tricks and other craziness that seem to dominate  campaigns these days, does he continue in politics. 

He told us about the generation or two who came before him in Bonners Ferry, whom he admired, mentioning names like Bob Pace, Darrell Kerby and Harold Sims. 

He looked toward them and their efforts and later reflected upon their leadership, example and dedication to the community, subsequently deciding it was his turn to take on community responsibility. 

He also told us about the difference between a weathering a campaign and being involved in actual service as a Senator, noting rather euphemistically that in the latter there is much more truthfulness.

Sen. Woodward also stated that it is vitally important for citizens to vote May 19.  Although our area in the state has higher percentages in voter turnout, he said numbers could still improve substantially. 

For those eligible who have never voted before or for newer Idaho residents, one simply needs to take a driver's license or ID and along with an invoice for a local bill paid to the Elections headquarters in the Federal building.  

Once there, they can register and even now to participate in early voting or on Election Day.  

So, local readers, please pass the word and encourage folks you know to vote in the May 19 primary.  It's a very important election because many races will be determined in the upcoming primary.  

Thanks to Chris and Judy and Jim for an enjoyable and informative evening.    

 And, yes, I fully support and have great faith in Jim Woodward to continue his role as our State Senator. 

In other news, the creeps with nothing better to do than create a nuisance are at it again on Facebook.

 This morning, I thought I was clicking to get rid of a message that said I had an incoming call.  

Suddenly, the alarms and messages suddenly took over with that usual message of "don't turn off your computer.  

So, I turned off my computer.  It took about five minutes before it was back up and running. 

So, beware and scroll on past those messages.  

This was a newer message that I'd never seen before. 

Thursday Throwbacks:  Images of past times from the photo library.  Enjoy. 

Job Well Done, etc.

 

Mo came to our house yesterday.

She and Bridie got along fairly well, with Mo fetching the ball and Bridie eyeing her every move as only a Border Collie could do. 

Mo is an Australian Shepherd.  She's just a year old and comes to work with her owner Dave who was part of the Rival Roofing crew who repaired our deck roof. 

It was fun having Mo around as the crew worked efficiently and with impressive precision to finish the job in a couple of hours. 

All very nice and especially fun visiting with Tyler, the crew boss.  

In our conversation, I learned that Tyler had my sister Laurie as a teacher when he attended Farmin-Stidwell Elementary. He also knew Willie when he was attending Sandpoint High School. 

Those connections are always fun.  

Kalab and Tyler assessing the roof damage. 

Zach and Kaleb did the work on the roof while down below Tyler and Dave prepared the metal. 

Thanks, guys AND Mo.   

You did a great job, and it was a pure pleasure meeting you all. 

Special thanks to Rival Roofing owner Joe Jones. 

Bill and I are very appreciative of your gesture. 

 

Mark your calendars for one month from today and plan to attend a fun event designed to help maintain what has been a beloved meeting place for nearly 100 years. 

My friend and editor Cherry, who has devoted a good part of her life to the Oden Grange Hall, sent me the information below last night.

If you've never been to the Oden Hall, June 6 would be a great time to get acquainted with the facility, help with the cause and meet some of the people who have kept it going all these years. 

That would include the Oden Busy Bees (almost 100 years old), which you'll learn about with the AI generated information below the flier.  

Oden Busy Bees Hall and Club

The Oden Busy Bees Hall is an historic community building in Oden, Bonner County, Idaho, originally built in 1931 by the Oden Busy Bees, a local women’s group formed in 1927.

The idea for a central gathering place came from Mrs. John Lloyd, who presented the concept to the group. Matt Schmidt donated the land, others contributed lumber and materials, and volunteers provided labor — all despite the challenges of the Great Depression.

The hall, located at 143 Sunnyside Road, Sandpoint, ID 83864, has served as a hub for community activities for decades.

It was used for meetings, social events, and educational gatherings, reflecting the Oden Busy Bees’ long-standing role in promoting civic engagement, education, and charity.

Historical Context

• Formation: Feb. 17, 1927, in the home of Mr. and Mrs. A.F. Shields.
• Charter Members: Marie Shields, Genia McGhee, Ameila Zaklan, Vera Fournier, Anna Nohel, Hazel Palmer, with longtime members like Kittie Long, Meta Kluver, and Vera Meeker present at later events.
• Purpose: The group evolved from agricultural extension efforts to support farmers and homemakers, later becoming a social and charitable organization.

Community Role

The Oden Busy Bees Hall has hosted events such as tea ceremonies to honor charter members and has been a meeting place for other local clubs like the Selle Ladies Extension Club. It remains a symbol of community spirit and cooperation in the Sandpoint area.

If you’re visiting, the hall is still in use for community gatherings, and its history is preserved by the Idaho Heritage Trust.