PROGRESS: Kiwanis dedicated to community, local youth

It is said a picture is worth a thousand words. Yet, we don’t have enough room for all the photos it would take to truly convey the meaning behind the activities, planning, and implementation the Kiwanis Club is either tackling or currently attending to. At present, we have four major focus areas.

Camp Stidwell

The reservation process is time‑consuming, as we are presently handling approximately 8,400 user days per year with the camp in operation.

A brand‑new archery pavilion has been installed, led by Adam Bassols of Trail Life Troop 1613 out of Coeur d’Alene, who ramrodded that project.

A brand‑new bridge crossing Mirror Creek was installed, with Carson Vig from Boy Scout Troop 911 out of Hayden taking the lead.

A new (used) snowplow pickup was acquired after the old truck’s motor failed.

Planning is underway for our annual cleanup day on May 2, which includes a barbecue serving hamburgers, hot dogs, salad, chips, drinks, and yes — ice cream. Last year, we had over 125 participants, making this no small task when it comes to planning food quantities and organizing multiple cleanup areas.

This year also marks the Kiwanis Club’s 100th birthday, and we have planned a major celebration. Speakers from Portland, Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, and the local area will follow a fully catered dinner. Considerable planning is required for tables, chairs, printed programs, and potential weather considerations — but it promises to be a great event.

Lake Pend Oreille School District

Funds have been set aside to provide a new four‑post hydraulic lift when the new CTE building is completed. The opportunity for students to learn a skilled trade through the automotive career pathway is tremendous.

We have also provided grant funding for various school group activities, in addition to supporting a number of youth scholarships.

Creations on the Bridge

We have begun working with Creations, who have allowed us to install a Wishing Well, with funds shared for the benefit of youth.

We have provided funding for additional supplies, such as LEGO sets, and are assisting with an above‑ground open‑space net from the second floor — a one‑of‑a‑kind feature in Bonner County. We know the youth will be excited to use it.

Volunteering for necessities

Our members volunteer by ringing the Salvation Army kettle bell every Saturday from Thanksgiving to Christmas, providing funds for back‑to‑school supplies, providing funds for winter boots and clothing for youth in need, and volunteering at schools through the Art Kaleidoscope program.

And, as the saying goes, “a whole lot more.”

All of this is supported through fundraising projects at Lost in the '50s, the Fourth of July parade, Dave Smith Ice Cream Day, the Pro Rodeo, and the Bonner County Fair.

It is a tremendous amount of work and planning — but it is all worth it.

I wish we could include photos of all the volunteering and activities, but that will have to be for another day.

Dick Vail is a longtime member of the Sandpoint Kiwanis Club.