New Director Hired for DayBreak Center in Sandpoint

Care taking adults with memory impairments is an arduous task; a labor of love that takes a very special kind of person.  Its demands are endless, so re-fueling and re-energizing are priority.  In a nutshell, that’s what the DayBreak Center in Sandpoint does; it gives Caregivers time for a mental reprieve.

The DayBreak Center, an adult daycare program operated by Sandpoint Area Seniors, Inc. is excited to announce a new member to their team.  Liz DeWolfe, CNA, a seasoned professional in the adult daycare business has accepted the position as the Director of Daybreak Services.

Ms. DeWolfe is no stranger to adult daycare.  She comes to the DayBreak Center with 18 years of adult daycare management experience, especially with seniors with memory impairments like Alzheimer’s and Dementia.  She designed and implemented an advocacy and daycare program for the Skagit, WA Adult Daycare Center and oversaw the creation of a second site in 2009.  “Ms. DeWolfe’s experience is a blessing for our Daybreak Center,” said KC Rokstad, DayBreak Committee Chair.  “She has the experience and expertise to promote and manage this essential service for our community.  We are excited to see how the program will evolve under her direction.”

When asked what her future plans for the program hold, Ms. DeWolfe commented, “Building the program so that we can offer more days and expanded hours will be my first priority.  It’s a matter of finding the right volunteers and staff to continue to create an environment that supports our high standards of care as well as the warmth and understanding of the special needs of this population.  I look forward to networking with area agencies and businesses to build a program that is vital and flourishing and ready to meet the needs of the families of our community.”

For more information about DayBreak Services or volunteering please call Liz at 208-265-8127.  

Pictured from Left to Right: Julie Rowland, DayBreak Activities Assistant, program participant George, New DayBreak Director, Liz De Wolfe, program participant, Lela and volunteer Carol Keller.  

Chamber Welcomes Cathy Gibson Home Staging

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome Cathy Gibson Home Staging. After spending 28 years as a physical therapist and doing remodels on the side, Cathy received certifications as a Certified Staging Specialist (CSS) and a True Color Expert. Cathy has been in business for 2 years and provides home staging, color consultation and redesign for the Sandpoint area.

Home staging means to put the very best face on a house before or when it is listed for sale. Each home and situation is different, which can mean anything from painting the front door to decluttering rooms and removing and re-arranging furniture to moving and re-hanging art. 

“I often do a consultation and provide the homeowner with a detailed priority list, and other times I do some or the entire list for the owner,” explained Cathy. “I also have collected quite a supply of staging accessories, and can use them to add to what the owner has to help make a home look fresh.”

If you have questions like “what color furniture should I buy?”, “what color should I select for my floors, countertops, backsplash, sink, cabinets?”,  “what paint color do I choose if I want to use just one?”, or “if I want to have green walls and white trim, which fireplace stone should I choose?” Cathy is your go-to contact. The color consulting part of Cathy’s business has expanded from specifying interior and exterior paint colors to assisting clients with all things color related.

“A renovation always includes a long list of color choices, each one affecting the next, and I love helping people navigate through that,” said Cathy.

Redesign is “home staging” for when you are staying! 

“Many times people have rooms that aren’t being used because they aren’t comfortable, or they are downsizing, or they want a new look and need advice regarding what to get rid of, what to re-use, what to buy, and how to arrange it all. Again, sometimes that means just a consultation and other times I spend half a day with the client and get it all done.”

If you’re thinking of selling, repainting, building, remodeling, renovating or need a hand creating a room or rooms that will make you happy, Cathy is excited to meet you and loves meeting clients at their home.

“I think it is often thought that it is extravagant and expensive to get help from an expert when it comes to staging, color and design- but it is amazing how many decisions can be made and problems solved in just a few hours.”

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce wishes Cathy Gibson Home Staging continued success in our community. For more information, contact Cathy at 509-481-3142 or by email at cgibsonhs@gmail.com. Like her on Facebook and view her work, www.facebook.com/Cathygibsonhomestaging.  

Photo: Left to right Corrie Greene, Cathy Gibson and Kate McAlister cut the ribbon with Gibson’s staging supplies in the background. 

Chamber Welcomes Carousel Emporium

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome its newest member, Carousel Emporium!  Carousel Emporium was ppened in 2011 by Lynda Gillham who has lived in Sandpoint for the last 34 years and practiced physical therapy for the majority of that time. She always had a secret love of fashion and color and decided to act on her dream to have her own shop. Carousel Emporium offers an array of merchandise that appeals to everyone regardless of age or gender. It's often described as "Disneyland for women" where you'll find everything from fashion, toys, home decor and gifts.

Lynda decided on the name Carousel because of the imagery the word invokes: a twirling array of fun and whimsy. You'll lose track of time when you come to visit us.

"It’s like a party when you come into Carousel," says Lynda.  "Everyone remarks on how beautiful it is and how much they enjoy being here.  Many people come in for their Color Therapy Fix."

Along with its array of merchandise, Carousel also offers patrons the services of a friendly, knowledgeable staff.  Carousel employees are very experienced and enjoy helping customers put together outfits that are both flattering and unique. You can call (208) 263-4140 and make a personal appointment with any of our Fashion Experts.

Carousel Emporium is located upstairs on the Cedar Street Bridge.  Shop our Valentine's Day Sale and receive 25% off Jewelry from February 7th - 14th. (Excludes Consignment and Sale Items). We also have 20% to 70% off selected merchandise throughout the store. Hey Guys, mention this article and get free beer and pretzels while you shop.  So hurry up, get in here and buy something!

Photo: left to right Bala Bishop, Corrie Greene, Krissy Rosedale, Mindy Peterson, Lynda Gillham, Kim Queen, Kate McAlister, Carol Warren.

January's BonnerBIZ Article - Sandpoint B.I.D.

By Kim Queen, Manager at Sandpoint Business Improvement District

“I cannot sing, dance or act; what else would I be but a talk show host.” 

-David Letterman

Things are moving quickly for all of us now that 2014 is underway, and in the BID, we are working on several new projects to keep that momentum progressing in the right direction.

In December, the Sandpoint Business Improvement District team launched a new monthly local radio program entitled the Downtown Dialogue. The show airs on 1400AM/KSPT, as well as 1450AM/KBFI, and is hosted by the B.I.D. manager (me) and Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce Communications Manager, Mack Deibel.  The show airs at Noon every third Monday, with our next airing slated for Monday, February 17^th.  

Our goal with this program is to create a forum for open discussion on events, issues and general topics-of-interest pertaining to downtown Sandpoint.  We will be working with our constituents in all areas identified and represented in the BID: Restaurants, Education, Real Estate, Professional/Banking/Law, Health Care, Retail, Arts/Entertainment, Lodging, and At Large/Miscellaneous businesses and organizations. We will also host future conversations with our partners at the City of Sandpoint, Bonner County Economic Development Corporation, and many others.

This is where YOU come in! 

We are seeking 2 professionals to interview every month on the Downtown Dialogue. If you are a BID member in good standing, and would like the opportunity to present yourself as an expert of your industry and promote your business and/or services to the audience, then please contact me directly at kim@sandpointchamber.com.  

For future programming, we would also like to have input from our listeners: what business, organization or individual in the BID would you like more information on? Is there an event or project you want to know more about, or get more directly involved with? Again, please contact me at kim@sandpointchamber.com.  

For the February program, we will mostly be focusing on the highly-anticipated 40^th Annual Winter Carnival, taking place this year from Feb. 14 – Feb. 23^rd, with numerous events being hosted around greater Sandpoint and up on Schweitzer.  The BID has been asked to bring back an old favorite, the Parade of Lights, and we just couldn’t say no! The Parade will be held on Friday night, February 21 in the downtown core, and will end its route at Jeff Jones Square. There, we will be announcing the Parade’s award winning floats, and then enjoying a jaw dropping performance by Cirque de Sandpoint.  For an entire list of Winter Carnival events, and to download a registration form for the parade, please visit sandpointwintercarnival.com. 

Did I mention things are moving quickly in the BID? 

Impactful Leadership

by Kate McAlister, President and CEO of Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce

Over the last several months our communities have lost some amazing human beings and it has caused me to reflect.  After the last celebration of life I attended, as one of a certain age commonly does, I took a long look at my life. Every celebration ceremony showed an individual who had made a tremendous impact on those around them, no matter their age.  I was impressed by each individual’s inspiring leadership, yes, leadership, and I hope to carry on those qualities I admired most.

Beautiful Kayle Porter was a tremendous role model to young people in our community.  She gave herself large goals and worked very hard at achieving each one.  From working three or four jobs, to going on a mission to serve those less fortunate, she was always moving forward.  At her celebration there were many stories from friends and loved ones who described Kayle as always supportive and encouraging others to reach their goals. Kayle’s leadership will help me be a more encouraging leader.

The Wake for John Conlan gave yet another pause for thought when from 2p to 11p downtown at the Hive, on a play-off afternoon, a continuous revolving crowd of 300 plus paid homage to a great friend.  From his time in the Marines to his time spent as a business owner in Sandpoint, he lived a full life.  The stories were about a man who gladly fought for his country and fully enjoyed his life. Making people happy was always in the forefront of his mind. He was always quick with a joke or a story to make a person smile. His leadership example was to always find the humor even in difficult situations, and continue on.

Mayor Marsha Ogilvie was certainly the most well-known leader and I am honored to have known her. She started making a difference as soon as she moved to Sandpoint. Being a foster child spurred her idea for Kinderhaven, a safe-haven for children in crisis. She was also a successful businesswoman and experienced first-hand what it was like to do business in Sandpoint. Marsha’s leadership example for me was two-fold; it’s about the people and don’t be afraid to change things up because change is not only good, but often necessary to move forward.  

Captain David Lyon (Lissy) was the ultimate example of leadership; selflessness. Stories of his young life included always reaching out to help others and being someone you could always count on.  Out of the four mentioned individuals, Captain Lyon was the only one I didn’t know personally.  However, I have always had a deep respect for those who serve in the armed forces.  I was in high school during the Vietnam War and it was a very emotional time.  The thought of someone who doesn’t even know me, who is willing to die for me, was, and still is, an overwhelming concept.  Thank you for the example of selflessness Captain Lyon.

A wonderful thing about our community, among many, is how we are full of inspiring leaders.  Look around you at those who are offering solutions and positively affecting change.  As a leader do you offer solutions, or add to the problems?  We have over 150 non-profits in our surrounding communities. That is amazing.  I want to thank all of you who are working hard for our community.  I know it’s not always easy to keep going, but think about these amazing people and all the others who have gone before.  Strive to be encouraging; see humor even in the darkest times; it IS about the people; don’t be afraid to make changes and always, always think about the bigger picture, the good of the whole. Together, let’s continue to be inspiring leaders.


See you around town.

Lovin’ Sandpoint is 40th Annual Sandpoint Winter Carnival

The Sandpoint Business Improvement District is honored to announce the 40^th Annual Winter Carnival, and the return of the Parade of Lights at 5:30pm, Friday, February 21 in downtown Sandpoint.  The Winter Carnival celebration starts Friday, February 14 and runs through February 23, offering a jam-packed week of family fun and activities throughout Sandpoint and up on Schweitzer. Theme for this year’s Winter Carnival and Parade is Lovin’ Sandpoint. 

The downtown Parade of Lights, sponsored by the Business Improvement District member businesses, has returned after a 5-year hiatus. The parade offers businesses, organizations and individuals a chance to show off their local pride, creativity and the whimsy. They are seeking themed floats, groups, marching brigades, snowplows and tractors – if you can move it and decorate it, you should register it and show it!  There are four categories which will be awarded honors at the end of the parade: Best Business, Best Civic Organization, Best Youth Organization, and Grand Champion.

Deadline to enter your float is Friday, February 14^th. Cost to enter your float is $25 or free if you are a B.I.D. Member in good standing or a 501c3 non-profit.

Come downtown and line First Avenue and Cedar St, up to 4^th Ave, to watch the parade and all the wonderful floats. The Parade concludes at 3^rd and Oak, where winners will be announced and then the jaw-dropping Cirque de Sandpoint, sponsored by Pend d’Oreille Winery, begins.  Starting at 7:00pm, the Cirque de Sandpoint presentation includes fire dancing and a silk aerial performance, as well as a local dance troupe that will thrill onlookers of all ages.

For a full calendar of Winter Carnival events, and to download a Parade registration form, please visit sandpointwintercarnival.com, or call Kim with the Sandpoint B.I.D. at 263-2161 for more information.

Chamber Honors Bonner County Daily Bee

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Bonner County Daily Bee as January’s Business of the Month. As a community newspaper, the Daily Bee is dedicated to providing local news, from what happened at the Bonner County Commission meeting to how the Bulldogs and Wampus Cats did the night before, said publisher David Keyes.

“People want local news and crave to be active and in the know in their communities, this is where we come in,” Keyes said. “The Daily Bee staff does an outstanding job of keeping the Bee relevant.”

The Bee and its staff works hard to give community residents the information they need — through stories and advertising — to be connected to each other and their community through a variety of means, from print to Facebook to online.

“We work to deliver a product that is uniquely important and intimately local,” Keyes said.

Being a community newspaper means getting involved in the community, both on an individual level by staff members and as a newspaper, Keyes said.

Among the biggest partnerships the paper is involved in is Toys For Tots, where the Bee works with the Sandpoint Lions to raise money to ensure every child in the community has a merry Christmas. Each year, the drive provides toys for 700-plus children as well as 150-plus gift certificates for teens and food boxes for about 500 families with money raised by the community.

The newspaper also works in partnership with the Bonner Community Food Center on its turkey drive, running a regular column in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. Like Toys For Tots, the column tracks donations and helps the food bank give families in need a turkey for the holiday.

Each May, the newspaper's staff hits the streets to raise money for a local charity. Last year, the staff gathered at North Boyer Avenue and Cedar Street during Lost in the ’50s seeking donations for Jacey's Race.

In addition, the newspaper has published numerous books on the history of the community, both to celebrate its people and places and preserve its past; and works in partnership with local business and the school district to get newspapers into the schools as part of its Newspapers in Education program.

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Bonner County Daily Bee for their success and thanking them for their commitment to our community. For more information and local news, visit www.bonnercountydailybee.com.

A portion of the Daily Bee staff poses with Chamber CEO Kate M. Left to right, Theresa Alderman,Sheri Jones, Renee Tibbetts, David Keyes, Amber Bangeman and Melanie Till.

Chamber Honors Clint Gunter

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce honored Clint Gunter as January’s Volunteer of the Month. Clint’s hard work and willingness to get involved in the community is one to be honored.

“When I spoke to people about this month’s nomination for the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce’s Volunteer of the month, one word came up over and over again. That word was DEDICATED,” explained Ken Wood. “People told me that he was DEDICATED to his family, DEDICATED to his career, DEDICATED to his friends, DEDICATED to whatever cause he gets involved with.  And this dedication shines through on his commitment to our community.  This DEDICATED individual and this month’s Volunteer of the Month is Clint Gunter of Sandpoint Furniture.”

Clint is involved in the Bulldog Financial Fair, a one-day event held for local high school seniors to understand the in and outs of finances and life after high school. In addition, Clint volunteers a great deal of time to Bulldog Bench, an organization geared at helping our local school athletic departments. Due to his ongoing dedication to our community, Clint has been asked to be on several local organizations Board of Directors and is recognized as a leader in our community. Clint has been involved in all of this, while at the same time serving as the youngest President ever of the Pacific Furniture Dealers. 

“Having grown up in Sandpoint, many of the opportunities that were available to me when I was young came from volunteers who love this community as much as I do,” explained Clint Gunter. “Like most folks in the greater Sandpoint area, my passion for helping with local programs is not driven by recognition, but to pass along opportunities that were afforded to me. While our community needs change from year to year, all of us here at Sandpoint Furniture Carpet One are committed to an active role in keeping this a wonderful place to work, live, and play for future generations.”

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Clint Gunter for being honored as the Volunteer of the Month and thanking him for all of his contributions and dedication to our community. From the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce, as well as the whole community, Thank You! 

Left to right: Ken Wood presents Clint Gunter with Volunteer of the Month Award.