Panhandle State Bank chose Bonners Ferry resident Judy Dirks for its 2009 Community Star.

“This was unexpected,” said Dirks.  There are so many people in this community who do so much.  We are truly blessed in this community.”

Panhandle State Bank will give $1,000  to the charity of Dirk’s choice choice.  She chose an organization that is near and dear to her heart, Youth Crisis and Domestic Violence Hot Line.

Dirks who moved to Bonner Ferry in 1961 started the Youth Crisis and Domestic Violence Hot Line 22 years ago.

Dirks is also the chair woman for Community Coalition for Families. She has been a leader in and remains still involved in the United Methodist Women organization. Dirks has organized mental health volunteers for the community, she has chaired the Friends of the Restorium community picnic, she has been involved in the grief support group and has hosted foreign exchange students and has  been a foster mom, and a 4-H leader.

For the past six years Panhandle State Bank has asked community organizations and their members to submit nominees for Community Star.  A committee at the bank reviews nominations and chooses a person who stands out.

“It is a tough decision every year, “ said Carol Julian,manager for  Panhandle State Bank in Bonners Ferry.  “Every nominee submitted devotes time to volunteer work.”

“I am really grateful for this gift,” said Dirks.  “It came at a really good time for the crisis line; it is like serendipity.”

Ron Sukenik, a volunteer himself, nominated Dirks and was awarded a gift card from Panhandle State Bank.

“There is a reason that Judy deserves the Community Stars.  She is ‘like a star,’” said Sukenik. “She is bright, shinning off in the distance, offering hope and guidance and although you will not always see her, or hear her, she is always there for her community, day or night.”