Want to help local seniors, and get rid of that decaying Halloween pumpkin while you're at it? Chuck it, at the second annual Punkin' Chunkin' festival (one of hundreds nationwide each fall) at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds Saturday, Nov. 2 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Just imagine those orange Cucurbita maxima (species, plural) catapulted through the air by a trebuchet or a giant slingshot. Hear them land with a gooshy "kersplat!" to a chorus of hurrahs and giggles. If you've never seen punkin' chunkin' ("chuckin," while more accurate, doesn't rhyme), try it. It may appeal to the frustrated child within - the one who acted doe-eyed and obedient for Mom but secretly wanted to toss and smash things. You know, just to see what would happen.

The adult in you will feel good about the altruistic element: proceeds go to ElderHelp of North Idaho.

ElderHelp is a community of volunteers who donate time and resources to help local, low-income seniors live safely in their homes. Founded in 1995 by real estate pro John Corcoran (now board president) and the Coeur d'Alene Association of Realtors, ElderHelp began with painting and home repairs. Corcoran, a former plumber, once fixed a water heater for one woman who hadn't had hot water in two years. She couldn't afford the repairman. Imagine all those cold showers on aging bones and aching joints ...

ElderHelp serves 350 qualifying seniors (60 or older, or 55 and disabled) in Kootenai County each year. They install handrails and wheelchair ramps, fix roofs, floors, and other safety hazards, cut and deliver firewood, and even do yard work. All free of charge to those who can't afford it (maximum $1,200 monthly income for single, or $2,000 for a family).

Most hope to stay in their own homes throughout life's journey. The longer the journey, the more the body and dwindling resources can make that difficult to do alone. Not everyone has younger or more able relatives who live nearby and can (or will) help. That's where nonprofits such as ElderHelp come in.

Beyond the upcoming fundraiser, donors and volunteers are always needed. Call executive director Jerry Boggs at (208) 661-8870 or see Elderhelpofnorthidaho.org for more information.

My thanks to Charter Academy's National Honor Society chapter for their assistance with this fundraiser and topic.

Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Contact her at sholeh@cdapress.com.

Sholeh

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