The name “Auntie Lynn” is spoken affectionately by kids at Washington Elementary and the Sandpoint Charter School.  Lynn Guier is the Artist in Residence who teamed up with 3rd and 4th graders from Washington Elementary to create a colorful mural that will be unveiled at the Fountain in Jeff Jones Town Square on Friday, September 2 at ceremonies scheduled for 5-7 pm.

Stop by the event and for a small donation you can participate in the art that will eventually appear on the south wall of this location.  It’s something to show the grandchildren decades from now.   Sandpoint Mayor Gretchen Heller’s appearance will underscore the City of Sandpoint’s appreciation and the Bonner Daily Bee will be on hand to commemorate the event.

 Auntie Lynn’s guilty pleasure is not feeding her bandy chickens, collecting eggs, or struggling in her garden at the Hoodoo Mountain hideaway she shares with hubby.  It’s sneaking away to the Coeur d Alene Casino to play Keno.   She tells me that I would not be impressed with her investment portfolio.

The truth is that I am impressed with her investments.  In fact I can name quite a few.  They attend Washington Elementary School and the Charter School.   She may gamble away a couple bucks on Keno but she is betting the future of art on kids.   Planting an early appreciation for art and creativity will produce a generation of community members who appreciate a value in art that some say is difficult to measure.

I don’t think it’s that tough.  Drop by the Town Square on Friday and you can use my yardstick — add up the smiles and compliments.

What’s next for Auntie Lynn?  By the end of September 2011, she will have a bunch of excited kids working on a “Welcome to Sandpoint” mural that will appear on the backside of Monarch Mountain Coffee.

I don’t know anything about art.  I know what makes me say, “Two grand for that???? You must be kidding”.   But I also know that creative kids, murals that brighten your mood, and caring adults are priceless.    Are you wondering what to do if have some extra cash and love what ya see?

I hoped you would ask.  Join the Arts Alliance as an individual member or cut the fat check and be a superstar member.   Or you can land somewhere in between and still get a virtual swag bag of art goodies.

I know that every time I make a 2:00 a.m. trip to put bubble bath in the Fountain at the Jeff Jones Town Square  I will think about Auntie Lynn.   Her commitment to kids and community.  If the tickling sensation of Mr. Bubble doesn’t make me smile a mural called “Bugs, Butterflies, and Wildflowers” will do the trick.

Thanks Auntie Lynn & Big Hug!

The Sandpoint Lions Club started this egg scramble tradition in the early 1400’s or sometime back.  After all they’ve been behind a lengthy list of community events since 1953.  The long anticipated egg fetching event was under clear skies & pleasant temperatures for the first time in years.

The smiles on the faces of children and parents is the best testimonial to this annual rite of spring and kickoff to Easter Sunday.

Special thanks for Kari & Joe Johnson who own Sandpoint Dental Cosmetics  for providing the dental swag bags for the kiddies.   Kari was so excited that she hustled over to volunteer for the 2012 event.

We can all show our appreciation to the Lions Club by purchasing RAFFLE TICKETS for the big 4th of July party in Sandpoint.   If you really understood how many sheer hours these committed volunteers and community boosters spend hawking tickets … you would buy one every day.

Imagine if one outta four people watching the parade go by or cramming the beach for the fireworks bought just one ticket?  Awesome potential, right? 

I had another terrific year at the exceptional egg hunt.   I missed my Assistant Bunny.  Not just for the memories we make togedder.   I also realized after I departed, did my radio show on K102 Country & drove home …

I cannot get out of the bunny suit by myself.  So far I’ve been down to the parking lot 4 times  looking for a little help with the zipper.

Frankly, this suit is getting a bit warm so it’s time for this bunny to hunt down some help shedding his furry skin.   You would think with more than one lucky foot it wouldn’t be a problem, right?

The pictures on my Facebook page along with albums of past years.  They are free.  Enjoy.  And remember … don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

You remember “Robot” (yep, that was his? name) from “Lost in Space”?  School has come a long way baby since I was learning math on an abacus.   I remember screwing up a birdhouse in wood shop.  I showed it off anyway.

Sandpoint Charter School students will look back on 2011 as the year they started building robots in school.   In the future they will look back and laugh.  The way we do about “Pong”.

Discover Technology founders Dr. Lorna and Dr. Paul Finman gave students at the Sandpoint Charter School a thrill and a challenge.   Their $5,000 grant will fund a robotics laboratory that comes with a dozen robot kits, 12 laptop computers, and curriculum.

A big deal in a small town for sure.  It’s dwarfed by the enormous contribution this couple has made to planting the seeds of science and technology.

Discover Technology (DT) has provided over a half a million dollars in grants to dozens of robotics teams throughout Idaho.  DT makes it possible for over 3,000 students to participate in a robotics program with their funding.

Discover Technology is also providing the opportunity for Sandpoint Charter School teachers to receive training through the prestigious Carnegie Mellon Institute this summer.   We had a different melon institute when I was kid.

There’s plenty more to share so I slapped the entire press release on it’s own page right here at Bashful Dan dot Com.  Check out the amazing story and just imagine how one or more of these young people may contribute to the world down the road.

I may not be able to see that far down the road.  Lorna and Paul Finman see the road, pave it, landscape it, and populate it with dreamers.

Domo arigato,  Mr. & Mrs. Roboto.  You’re an amazing couple.

Skittle colored houses and empty lands brimming with beauty.  The largest island in Netherlands Antilles is Curacao!  This Dutch treat boasts a population marked by cultural diversity and a luxurious history.  Curacao resorts, Curacao beaches, and Curacao diving make this holiday destination popular with travelers from around the world.

I’m surprised the island does not tip over.  One side is populated and the other is pristine.  Both are appealing in their own ways.  A rental car Curacao style is perfect for self-guided adventures.

40 of the top beaches in the Caribbean are within easy access of beach bars, dining fun, shopping, and nightlife.   The friendly people, fun loving spirit of the island, and the lavish resorts combine to ignite your Curacao vacation.

Right now you can take advantage of the Curacao Tourist Board Annual Promotion at Curacao Now!   When you visit http://www.CuracaoCoupons.Info/ you can register for a really cool vacation package (whether you book a deeply discounted vacation or not).

I did it.  I only had to enter my email address and my phone number (if we do not get the email they call us) and that was simple.   Win a $4500 Free Trip including Airfare, Hotel, Diving, New Cressi BC & Regulator at Curacao Coupons from Curacao Now.  Offer Expires 3/15/2011.

Check out Curacao Now by Curacao Coupons for $400 Airfare Credit from Curacao Now!  This is the much anticipated promotion from the Curacao Tourist Board done once a year.

Last year the discount program “sold out” early.  This year 390 coupons are available.  Over 200 people already registered during the Early Bird program prior to the official one month promo starting on February 15, 2011.

Curacao Coupons are the real deal.  I have been associated with this promotion for the past couple years.  This is one of the best ways to enjoy Curacao now.

Instant airfare discount, free nights & free diving plus some great spa and excursion discounts still being hammered out — make this is a popular pick.

2010 has been a transitional and rebuilding year for so many of us.  I am convinced that our service to each other in our communities helps to keep us all strong and optimistic.

The Bonners Ferry 3 on 3 SWISH Basketball Tournament runs Saturday 31 July and wraps up Sunday Aug 1 on the downtown streets.  Visit Bonners Ferry, play, cheer a team, and take advantage of the carnival atmosphere downtown this weekend.

Next Saturday August 7, is the 16th Annual Long Bridge Swim with hundreds of participants from all over the world.  Best viewed from the Long Bridge pedestrian area.  Still time to sign up for this fun and challenging event.

Saturday, August 14, is Celebrate Life, a fun walk/jog/run across the Long Bridge that starts and ends at Dog Beach.   This event raises funds that are 100 percent used to battle Cancer in Sandpoint.

Watch the Bonner Daily Bee for word about the upcoming Fly-in/Airshow and of course we’ll see you at the Fiesta at the Fair in August at the Bonner County Fairgrounds.

Enjoy your Summer!

Dan

Hi friends, relatives, neighbors and all those crazy enough to know me,

This Halloween our animal rescue group is having a Bowl-a-thon to benefit our Second Chance Animal Adoption rescue group.  I have to admit that since moving to Bonners Ferry, ID I am so proud to have met the small group of people that I work with to provide homes and medical care for stray and abandoned animals in our county.  We have worked so hard in the last two years and we just purchased the property that our Thrift store is located on and we are applying for grants to build a small shelter on that property.  This is something that this podunk town has long been in need of and never had.  Our dream of a shelter is finally possible and in sight.

This Halloween the local bowling alley made us a great deal and we are hosting a Bowl-a-thon to raise money for the shelter.  The way this works is that you sponsor a bowler, for any amount of money that you choose.  All donations are most welcome.  I don’t do this kind of thing, asking for cash support but then those who know me know that I will do just about anything to rescue animals in need.  The way it works is that you email me with a pledge amount.  You can mail a check or pay through paypal on our website, either way works.  The PO Box is listed below and our website is www.secondchanceanimaladoption.com (click on the donation button).  Please make check payable to SCAA and mark on the memo bowl-a-thon.  I know that these are difficult financial times for all of us and so please don’t feel that I expect anything.  I just wanted to let you know what I was up to and if you can help in any way, great!

You are all people that mean so much to me in my life and so in no way do I have any expectation so no worries.

Wishing you and your pets a wonderful Halloween!

WAGS,

RhondaRhonda Hamerslough, EdD
Executive Director, Second Chance Animal Adoption
PO Box 1925
Bonners Ferry ID, 83805
208~946~9076 ~ work cell
208-267-2815 ~ thrift store
Secondchanceanimaladoption.com
scaabonnersferry@aol.com

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Talk the talk and walk the walk!   Sandpoint students, parents, teachers, administrators, elected officials, and community leaders participated in the 2009 International Walk to School Day on Wednesday, October 7^th.

The three main goals are to enhance the health of children, improve air quality, and create safer routes for walking and biking to and from school.

I have walked at several different schools over the past years and always in costume.  Usually I go as the highly recognizable six foot bunny and pray for no rain.  (No one appreciates a wet, fuzzy, bunny).

This morning I shared the walk with Janice from U.S. Senator Mike Crapo’s northern Idaho staff.   Mike’s Director for northern Idaho, Karen Reuter, did the Farmin-Stidwell elementary school walk and then joined us at Washington elementary. 

Idaho Representative Gorgeous George Eskridge, Trustee Steve Youngdahl, Superintendent Dick Cvitanich, Principal Dr. Sandy Maras, and many others made it a fun walk.  Bear Youngdahl took pictures which are posted on my Facebook page.

I appreciate all the organizers who planned an executed another terrific International Walk to School Day!  Especially you, Jacinda Bokowy.

Allen McClelland will honcho the 2010 event.   The event was a reminder that we do live inside a postcard.  The word “scenic” should just be permanently attached to the word “Sandpoint”.  They fit perfectly.  Like Bashful Dan and Junk Food.

In 2010 don’t be bashful about participating.  Junk your other plans and feast on food for the soul by putting your best foot forward for the Sandpoint Scenic Half Marathon in 2010.

Photo album is posted on my Bashful Dan Young Facebook site. 

This landed in my email and I could not help but pass it along.

WRITTEN BY A 15 yr. Old SCHOOL KID IN ARIZONA:
New Pledge of Allegiance (TOTALLY AWESOME)! 

Since the Pledge of Allegiance 

And 

The Lord’s Prayer
Are not allowed in most
Public schools anymore 

Because the word ‘God’ is mentioned…..
A kid in Arizona wrote the attached

NEW School prayer:

Now I sit me down in school 

Where praying is against the rule 

for this great nation under God
Finds mention of Him very odd.

If Scripture now the class recites,
it violates the Bill of Rights.
And anytime my head I bow 

becomes a Federal matter now. 

Our hair can be purple, orange or green,
that’s no offense; it’s a freedom scene.
The law is specific, the law is precise.
Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.

For praying in a public hall
Might offend someone with no faith at all.
In silence alone we must meditate,
God’s name is prohibited by the state. 

We’re allowed to cuss and dress like freaks,
and pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks…
They’ve outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible.
To quote the Good Book makes me liable.

We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen,
and the ‘unwed daddy,’ our Senior King…
its ‘inappropriate’ to teach right from wrong;
we’re taught that such ‘judgments’ do not belong.

We can get our condoms and birth controls,
Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles.
But the Ten Commandments are not allowed,
No word of God must reach this crowd. 

Its scary here I must confess,
when chaos reigns the school’s a mess.
So, Lord, this silent plea I make:
Should I be shot; my soul please take!
Amen

If you aren’t ashamed to do this,
Please pass this on.
Jesus said,
‘If you are ashamed of me,
I will be ashamed of you before my Father.’ 

Not ashamed.  Pass this on …