Contributions earn Clemons '17 WOW nod

The 2017 Woman of Wisdom, Patti Clemons, is an original. She is an original member of the Women Honoring Women committee that is honoring her. She is also an original member of the Board of Directors of Kinderhaven.

“Patti’s positions as founding member for both WHW and Kinderhaven, and continuing on with those groups to lead new committee members to the success of the organization demonstrates her guiding and leadership abilities,” said Diane Stockton in her nomination letter.

Since Clemons founded the organizations, she has either performed or has first-hand knowledge of each task vital to the success of the committees. From folding napkins for the WOW Gala Luncheon to hanging ornaments for the Kinderhaven Festival of Trees, Clemons has certainly done it all. For years, Clemons hosted Women of Wisdom luncheons at her home.

“She was on hand for the original Kinderhaven Festival of Trees and has continued helping with and donating to that event.” wrote Barb Merritt. “She perfected the art of ‘wrapping trees’ for delivery after the auction.”

Clemons’ kindness draws others to work with her. “There isn’t anyone with a kinder, more giving heart” writes Sue Brooks.

Clemons collaborated with three friends to create, co-author and publish a children’s book. Clemons was a Sandpoint Chamber Ambassador for many years, and was instrumental in the success of the long-time Ultimate Auctions. She’s been active in Panhandle Animal Shelter events. She sings with several groups, always for free.

“Patti is also a very talented singer and performer and volunteered in many charity productions over the years either with Along for the Ride or the Sweet Adelines.” Brooks said. She also said Clemons has lip synched in Lost in the ’50s acts, and helped out at the early Saturday morning car show on that busy weekend.

“Patti is someone who has contributed to making Sandpoint and our community a better place.” wrote Brooks. She is a deserving Woman of Wisdom and recipient of this Lifetime Achievement Award.

The 2017 Women of Wisdom will be honored at a Gala Luncheon hosted by the Women Honoring Women Committee on Saturday, May 13 at 11:00 a.m. at Tango Café in the Columbia Bank Building. Contact Diane Stockton for reservations at 208-290-6362 or at stockton_diane@yahoo.com.

To be nominated for Woman of Wisdom, a candidate must be 65 years or older. She demonstrates vision, collaboration, leadership, grace, courage, integrity and a love of learning. She shows a commitment to the Bonner County community and has had a positive impact on it. She is an inspiration to others and an example for future generations of women.

The 2017 Women Honoring Women committee members are: Kari Saccomanno, chair; Diane Arrants; Kathy Chambers; Kathy Conger; Barbara Eacret; Deanna Harris; Alana Hatcher; Betty Heffner; Julie Jurenka; Pat Lewis; Sally Lowry; Maribeth Lynch, Laurie Mattila, Jeralyn Mire; Marlene Rorke; Sandy Ross; Patty Schwartz; Joyce Smith; Diane Stockton; Kendall Stratton, Sally Transue and Linda Van Dellen.