Lions Club an important party of community

If anyone has a doubt that the Lions Club Toys for Tots is an important and permanent part of life in and around Sandpoint, just take a look at the photograph accompanying this column.

The photo shows Sandpoint Lions Francis Rainey, left, and Ike Drier delivering food to a needy family on Dec. 23, 1954. The Lions Club used to deliver food to the homes of needy until the Toys for Tots drive really caught on and members couldn't physically make it to homes from Priest Lake to Clark Fork.

Several thousands of families have been helped by the Lions since 1954. This year the men and women of this great organization will help a record number of children and families.

This nearly 50-year-old photo was discovered recently by Francis Rainey's daughter, Janice Johnson, as she was going through some old boxes at her house.

"I was thrilled when I saw this photo (the first time in my life, actually, it was buried) and thought that it has such charm and beauty that it should be shared with the community," wrote Janice Johnson.

The note attached to the photo doesn't name the recipients but has a stamp that says "return to the Chronicle Northwest Desk."

For Johnson the photo is also a Christmastime reminder of her Dad, who died two years ago at 89.

The Lions Club was chartered in 1953 and it is entirely possible the Toys for Tots annual drive is celebrating its 50th year, according to Lions' historian Lee Mahler.

I look to the south of us and watch how much the big cities raise in their holiday drives and I have to believe the Sandpoint Lions Club raises more money per capita than any other drive, anywhere.

Merry Christmas Sandpoint Lions. Because of your selfless acts, many children and families will have a happier holiday.

Pete Thompson signed the Bee up to help get the word out about Toys for Tots years ago. The former publisher/owner of this paper was also a Lion. I wouldn't dare change a thing and I'm proud to report, Bee employees donated $350 to Toys for Tots this year and as long as I'm publisher, Toys for Tots will always get front-page billing.

It is nice to see the Thompsons staying here during the winter weather. For many years they headed south. It sounds like family and friends have finally persuaded Pete and Delli to stay here year-round. If your paper shows up late, though, don't call the Thompsons they are retired and all they will do is turn around and call me.

The Bonner Partners in Care Clinic offers too much of a good thing. The clinic opened on July 22, 2003, and treats up to 10 patients a night. These are patients who would otherwise use the emergency room as their primary care physician at a great cost to them and all taxpayers.

Clinic coordinator Lora Cartelli has helped to coordinate the Panhandle Health District, Bonner General Hospital, local doctors and volunteers to help. Many businesses and individuals have donated to make this the success it is.

The clinic is bursting at the seams and needs to grow to support the need.

Cartelli and her can-do board of directors will find a way.

Yes, that was Super Bowl MVP Mark Rypien at the Bonner County Courthouse. He was there on Wednesday to pay a $108 fine for speeding on Highway 95 on the northern tip of Ponderay. He was going 71 in the 45 mph zone in his 2004 Nissan Armada.

He was initially going to fight the ticket he received on July 24 and sent back a copy of the ticket to the courthouse. He changed his mind, showed up with his Super Bowl ring on and signed autographs including the autograph on his check for $108.

In case you are wondering, the former NFL quarterback who wasn't known as being very speedy, has three speeding tickets in Bonner County during the past two years.

My search for a uniquely North Idaho gift continues. I received this note recently:

"When I read of your search for a uniquely North Idaho gift, my first response was a hand-painted tile plaque personalized with the glorious images of our snow capped mountains, lake and high clouds, or the view from the top of Schweitzer, Gold Hill, or any slice of country. Tiles are fired at 1800 degrees to last freezing winters or blazing summers.

"This locally hand-made gift is found at Fine Art Tile 305 1/2 First Ave. in Sandpoint. Come on upstairs and browse. Order your own specially made tile with your name, numbers, or greetings! If your interests in tile are on a larger scale choose a mural of any size to be custom made from your wildest imagination! There is always a project in motion. Tempt yourself- watch art in the making!

This note was from Gail and Kate Lyster, who would never miss a chance at some free advertising.

Speaking of…this is the last plug you will see here for the Bonner County Memories book. The reason is there are only 50 left for sale at the Bee. On Saturday my son Austin and I spent a few hours at Yoke's selling books and signing some. Yoke's sold 150 books that day. Austin has been a big help in this whole book publishing business.

I have asked Sandy Chalupny to let me know who buys the last history book at the Bee and my guess is it will go this week.

The skiing at Schweitzer was great Saturday and crummy Sunday, I was told. The ski resort desperately needs snow. Mark and Mary Berryhill, who are regulars at Schweitzer, reported that as long as a person stayed on the top part of the mountain everything was fine.

Even though the Christmas decorations around the county could use a little snow to spruce them up, it looks to me like there are more decorations up this year than any year previous. Drop the Bee a line if you see a home or business worth seeing and we will put together a tour in the Bee on Sunday.

I have been a fan of John Snedden since I first met him several years ago. The Sandpoint native is a very successful businessman. He owns Unicep, which is the fastest-growing company in Bonner County.

When Snedden spoke at Kai Luttmann's service Saturday, he made sense and had answers for something that didn't make sense in a church full of people who were searching for answers.

There wasn't a person there who wasn't touched by Snedden's insight, thoughtful delivery and his ability to speak from his heart and brain at the same time.

Baby Kai passed away after six weeks of life. Snedden, Pastor Steve Nickodemus, and Kai's father, Ryan, all shared unique and personal perspectives about an infant who brought out the best of a community and will be remembered in many ways by many people.

David Keyes is publisher of the Bee.