WOW honored despite luncheon’s cancellation
SANDPOINT — By this time, Women Honoring Women had hoped to be putting the finishing touches on plans to honor the five women selected as Women of Wisdom for 2020.
The quintet — Debra Heise, Carol Warren, Judy Dabrowski, Diane Green and Nancy Lewis — had been announced this spring when it looked like the annual luncheon gala would be held in late May. As the novel coronavirus pandemic showed no signs of abating, the luncheon was pushed back to late September.
Now, organizers said it was with “much regret” that the luncheon has been canceled for 2020 and a date of May 8, 2021, set to honor the women. “Hopefully the pandemic will be under control,” said WHW member Leslie Marshall said. “At this time there will be no new nominations for 2021. If you meet any of the 2020 WOW’s congratulate them on all their wonderful achievements.”
• Debra Heise
Serving for many years as a magistrate judge in the county, Debra Heise’s community involvement and achievements are widely known. Throughout her career she championed children’s issues, strongly supporting CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) program and fifth graders were always welcome in her courtroom to observe and participate in mock trials.
She started the Bonner County Drug Court program, volunteered her time and facilitated weekly meetings with local medical and business personnel and serves on several community committees, with a deep-rooted commitment to Kinderhaven, Panhandle Alliance for Education, Panida Theater and Panhandle Health District.
• Diane Green
Inspiring others through her long-term commitment and positive impact to Bonner County in the field of agriculture, Diane Green has been collaborating with fellow farmers, University of Idaho Extension faculty and other community members to strengthen our the and regional food system for over 25 years by developing new farmer educational programs, leading multiple organizations and fostering partnerships.
Green, who owns Greentree Natural Certified Organic Farm with her husband, has worked with the University of Idaho Extension to help create the Cultivating Success programs for small acreage sustainable farming. As co-founder of Rural Roots, a nonprofit sustainable ag program, she raised awareness and built understanding of the relationship between healthy soil, plants and people. She has taught hundreds of workshops and been a keynote speaker at several conferences through Idaho and the Pacific Northwest.
• Carol Warren
Carol Warren and her family moved to Sandpoint in the early 2000s from the Chicago area where she worked in the educational diagnosis field and special education.
One of the most significant aspects of her life that says much about her caring nature is that Warren has been a host mother to 17 Rotary foreign exchange students from all over the world.
Warren has many interests in the community: She serves in Sandpoint Rotary as the club assistant secretary, the club weekly newsletter editor, volunteer SAG support for the CHAFE 150 ride and WACANID ride, served on the chamber board of directors and Ambassador Committee chairman for eight years, served on the Rotary Club Board and was a Rotary Club Youth Exchange counselor. She also volunteers her time on SPOT transportation and the Festival at Sandpoint. She also serves on the Bonner Community Food Bank Board, plus volunteers 28 hours a week.
Judy Dabrowski
Judy Dabrowski is known as a doer, a leader, a giver and an individual who never seems to run out of energy and enthusiasm. She never hesitates to give assistance where needed without seeking acknowledgment.
Judy grew up in Sandpoint, a farm girl at heart, and no matter where she lived over the years she loved her hometown the most. She has been married for 53 years and raised two sons. She is an avid gardener and helps tend to their livestock.
Being active in the Lions Club has been a passion for Judy. She is a past president of the club and she works tirelessly on their community projects like “Toys for Tots”, the 4th of July parade and raising funds for the annual fireworks display. Last year she spearheaded the national Lions Organization to come to Sandpoint and work with the sixth graders. Along with her husband they place the American flags in the community on the recognized holidays and then make sure they are taken down, folded and stored.
The Community Assistance League also has benefited from Judy’s enthusiasm. As a volunteer she collects outside large donations items from the community and keeps the shop stocked with upscale merchandise.
Nancy Lewis
Nancy Lewis has dedicated her energy, efforts and time to serve the community. And, if that’s not enough she also serves as the mayor of the city of Kootenai.
Lewis is serving her second four-year term and also served as a member of the City Council. Working in collaboration with commissioners, law enforcement, schools, retail businesses and citizens has been important for her and she is highly regarded for all her work. The Sandpoint Lions Club has been a focus and dedication for many years, working tirelessly to help raise funds for “Toys for Tots” each year.
Lewis serves on the Selkirk-Pend Oreille Transit board and she is involved with CAL, Bonner County Fair Board and PEO Chapter CA in Sandpoint.
The Women Honoring Women organization was formed to recognize Bonner County women who have contributed to the betterment of the community through their service and leadership. The committee looks for women who have vision, achieves goals through collaboration, the love of learning, a commitment to the community, leadership skills, grace, courage, integrity and an inspiration to others. The organization has recognized over 115 women since 1999.
The organization got its start 20 years ago when former Sandpoint mayor and longtime volunteer Marsha Ogilvie decided to do something to pay homage to the many women who work to make the community a better place through volunteerism and leadership to improve the quality of life for others.
Information: email, womenhonoringwomen@gmail.com; or on Facebook, Bonner County Women of Wisdom
