Community projects are good for geezers

Do you remember what a “geezer” is? The word comes from a late 15th century English word for “disguise.” So, according to yours truly, a geezer is an older person with a youthful, hopeful attitude toward life and simply lives in the disguise of gray hair and wrinkles. 

Based on that attitude, we’re always wise to be alert to what is happening in the larger community in which we live. 

Maybe this is one of those times. There are two important projects happening in Bonner County I’d like you to be aware of. And next Tuesday’s Geezer Forum will be a place you can learn more about each of them. 

Dawn Mehra of NAMI Far North will speak about Sand Creek Connections (Sand Creek Clubhouse). Additionally, Clay and Reno Hutchison will speak about Carousel of Smiles on Nov. 12, 2-4 p.m. at the Community Room of Umpqua Bank. 

Dawn wants us to learn about Sand Creek Connections, Sandpoint's new mental health day facility! It will be part of Clubhouse International’s effort to help individuals rebuild their lives through meaningful relationships (People), a supportive environment (Place), and a structured work-ordered day that fosters confidence and skills (Purpose). 

Clubhouse International founders believe everyone deserves the opportunity to recover and lead a meaningful life. At the Geezer Forum, Dawn will introduce you to Sand Creek Connections, opening soon in Sandpoint. 

The clubhouse will create a community where mental health recovery feels like physical therapy for the brain — an essential element often missing in mental health care. See how NAMI Far North’s project can make a real difference in the lives of our community members. 

Clay and Reno Hutchison will introduce us to The Carousel of Smiles. It is a c. 1920 36-horse, 40-foot diameter Allan Hershell traveling carousel that worked the Midwest carnival/fair circuit until 1952. At the end of its useful life, it was essentially left abandoned in a farmer’s field. This intact machine hibernated in its two trailers for 64 years before being unloaded in Sandpoint by the Hutchisons. 

The full restoration started in earnest in 2018 with three named groups of volunteers: The Gear & Grease Gang charged with restoring the frame and mechanicals; The Godfather Squad undertaking the wood restoration of the 36 horses; and The Painters of the Lost Arts bringing it all back to its vibrant and colorful life. 

So far, over 85% of the carousel has been restored. A large enthusiastic talented group of  volunteers from the community have contributed about 20,000 hours into all aspects of the project. 

Plans are in the works for the carousel’s permanent year-round pavilion called The Stable. After years of working with the city of Sandpoint, the Carousel team is now turning our attention to a private location at 502 Church Street. Many remember it as the old Co-Op in the Warehouse District. 

This November, they will fully assemble the carousel at the Bonner County Fairgrounds, and host an invitational event — Bringing The Herd Back Together Again — on Friday evening, Nov. 22. Then on Saturday, Nov. 23, the carousel will be open to the public, free of charge; and also host the not-for-profit “fun fair,” a gathering of about 40 of North Idaho’s non-profit groups.  
Clay and Reno say: “Exciting things are happening, hop on and join the ride!”
Please join the Geezer Forum next Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2-4 p.m. at Umpqua Bank’s Community Room. The time has been expanded to two hours for this special Geezer Forum, so please come by 2 p.m. 

Paul Graves is the lead geezer-in-training for Elder Advocates, a consulting ministry on aging issues. Contact Paul at 208-610-4971 or elderadvocates@gmail.com.