“I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.” - Maya Angelou

Giving back to the community is something that all of this year’s Women of Wisdom honorees have done throughout their lives. And that is just one of the traits that has earned Loris Michael the honor of being named as one of this year’s Women of Wisdom and receiving the lifetime achievement award.

Loris moved to Sandpoint in 1999 and did not waste time getting involved in her new community. Described as a soft spoken, unassuming, kind and gentle lady with a smile that warms the heart, Loris has given back to her community in many ways and enriched the lives of so many while doing so.

She is a Court Appointed Special Advocate and is said to represent the children with enthusiasm. According to Leslie Marshall, Loris does her due diligence to make sure her recommendations are in the child’s best interest.

“Not only does she represent the children in court, but she also takes a personal interest in the children,” wrote Marshall in her nomination letter. Loris’ commitment to CASA includes taking her charges on special outings and remembering them on holidays and birthdays. To be a CASA takes a special commitment, and it is clearly one that Loris embraces.

In addition to CASA, Loris is also a member of the board for the Sandpoint Senior Center, Inc. and has been the chair of the fundraising committee for two years. She takes time to personally write a letter of thanks for all the donations and is active with the clients of the Day Break facility, even taking her dog to interact with them.

Loris is also a member of Community Assistance League and serves on their hospitality committee, a perfect fit for someone who is so outgoing and has such a warm personality.

It is said that one’s true character comes through when faced with adversity. Eight years ago, Loris was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer. But she did not dwell on the negative, instead she rallied her friends and family to help her get through it. “Her attitude was full of her signature tenacity and spunk,” said Loris’s daughter, Anna Fruehling, of her mother’s journey through cancer. “I can only hope I exhibit these amazing qualities myself!”

It was Loris’s experience with cancer that also lead her to become a Hospice volunteer, something that has blessed many lives.

Always eager to learn new things, Loris is involved in a writing class, plays bridge and even takes annual lessons to improve her game and also enjoys playing golf. She is also one to answer the call whenever anything is needed at her church.

“It is impossible not to respect and admire this person,” said Leslie Marshall about Loris. “She opens her door to anyone and everyone without expectation of anything in return.

These are just some of the many extraordinary qualities that have earned Loris Michael the honor of being named one of this year’s Women of Wisdom. Thank you, Loris, for your part in making Sandpoint such a special place to live.

In addition to Loris, the other Women of Wisdom 2018 honorees include Rose Chaney, Helen Newton, Jennifer Leedy and Terri Albertson. This year’s Women of Wisdom Gala will take place on Saturday, May 12, beginning at 11am with a welcome reception followed by a luncheon and program from 11:30am to 1:30pm at the Columbia Bank Events Center, 414 Church Street in Sandpoint. Tickets are $30 each. You can reserve your seat by calling Diane Arrants at 208.255.6194 or by emailing [email protected].

To be nominated for Woman of Wisdom, candidates must be 65 years or older. She possesses vision and achieves goals through collaboration. She exhibits a love of learning through the pursuit of knowledge by study or experience. She shows a commitment to the Bonner County community and its members, and has had a positive impact, such as in the areas of art, music, theatre, dance, sports, education and service. She demonstrates dedicated leadership that results in admiration and respect from others. She is an inspiration to others and an example for future generations of women. She faces life’s challenges with grace and courage, and lives with dignity, integrity and honor.

The 2018 Women Honoring Women committee members are: Kari Saccomanno, chair; Diane Arrants, Robin Bianco, Kathy Chambers, Kathy Conger, Barbara Eacret, Deanna Harris, Alana Hatcher, Patty Hutchens, Julie Jurenka, Pat Lewis, Debbie Love, Sally Lowry, Laurie Mattila, Jeralyn Mire, Marlene Rorke, Sandy Ross, Marilyn Sabella, Tina Sleyster, Kendall Stratton, Sally Transue and Linda VanDellen.