The Annual Friends of Restorium Barbecue raised $2,677 for future projects.

 All donations are used to enhance the lives of the residents such as with the new greenhouse purchased by the Friends and built by resident Ray Olson assisted by his son Steve.

On June 27, nearly 400 people enjoyed grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, salads  and the ever-popular pies made by the Church of God in Christ Mennonite ladies of Mountain View and Woodland churches, according to Judy Dirks BBQ and membership chairwoman. 

Music was provided by Jeannie Robinson, the Kootenai Valley Church Singing Youth Group, Orthodox Christian Church A Cappella Choir, Mormon Church Adult, Youth, and Children’s Choir, and Cindy Horton and Matthew Gallatin Celtic Music.

Tours of the facility were offered to showcase upgrades of the past year including total refurbishing of several resident rooms by the county.  Manager, Karlene Magee welcomes visitors and will gladly show the facility.

The Friends and County Advisory Board are now encouraging “Adopt-a-Room” to allow for more rooms to be completely redone.  This can be “in memory” or “in honor” of a person of the donor’s choice. 

Double entry doors at the main entrance and west side entrance including gable ends were installed recently with funds donated to the Friends. 

A beautiful granite sign purchased through memorial money greets visitors at the entrance. An array of colorful flowers grace the courtyard and now the west side has been beautifully planted with flowers by staff with donations from the Friends. 

The generosity of the community  through the Friends have enabled the Restorium to remain known as “the jewel of our community,” Dirks said.

The residents will continue to enjoy barbecues throughout the summer,  with a grill purchased by donation.

The next major endeavor of the Friends is seeking a grant to secure an elevator for the facility.

Memberships currently number 470, more than double that of 2009, according to Dirks.

Friends of the Restorium meets the third Thursday of each month at the Chic-n-Chop Restaurant at noon.  All are welcome to attend and share ideas.