Stories

TEAM CONKLIN - REED NAMED

COLDWELL BANKER

INTERNATIONAL DIAMOND SOCIETY TEAM

SUN VALLEY, IDAHO – 2/28/12 – Coldwell Banker Distinctive Properties team of Todd Conklin and Stephanie Reed of Sun Valley, have been recognized as an International Diamond Society Team.  This prestigious membership will be presented in conjunction with the International Generation Blue Convention in New Orleans and is awarded to the TOP of all teams nationally.

“Team Conklin & Reed’s dedication to hard work and customer service led to great success in 2011,” says Jim Gillespie, chief executive officer, Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. “Todd and Stephanie represent everything the International Diamond Society Award is about. I’m grateful to work with and learn from great leaders like Todd and Stephanie.”

Stephanie Reed has been in the business for nearly 15 years and holds certifications in the international marketing program, Previews International, as well as Short Sale and Foreclosure specialties.  Todd Conklin is the owner and... (more)

The Ketchum Sun Valley Ski and Heritage Museums are pleased to announce the 2012 Sun Valley Ski Hall of Fame Inductee’s.  The Alpine Committee has selected:  Dick Durrance, Warren Miller, Janette Burr Johnson, Pete Patterson and Michel Rudigoz.  The Nordic Committee has selected Bill & Annie Vanderbilt, Ntala Skinner, Charley French, Hans Muehlegger and Jenny Busdon

The 2012 Induction ceremony will be at the Ski and Heritage Museum on Wednesday, February 1

^st, at 4:00 pm.  The celebration includes live music, drinks, and a brief presentation and speech by each athlete.

The Ski Museum has dedicated an exhibition area in the Ski Museum to house the laser engraved plaques of The Sun Valley Ski Hall of Fame. 

The process for nomination is done by committee and nomination, one for Nordic and another for Alpine.  Each committee has several members, all dedicated athletes who continue to work in their sport areas.  Each committee member works to find the top inductees... (more)

SONORA, AND THE EYE OF THE TITANS: ACTION-PACKED AND HUMOROUS FANTASY NOVEL

 Debut Novel from Travis Hall Explores Historical Folklore, Unexplained Phenomenon and Cultural Popularity

SUN VALLEY, Idaho – Sonora, and the Eye of the Titans dives into historical folklore, unexplained phenomenon and cultural popularity in this action-packed and humorous fantasy by author Travis Hall, available NOW!

After a malicious prank at cheerleading tryouts, Allora’s embarrassment turns to anger. Suddenly, her hands spontaneously burst into balls of flames. Unbeknownst to the 16-year-old, her erratic outburst transmitted an energy signature attracting otherworldly assassins who have been searching Earth for an integral group of rebels hiding in the small town of Sandy, Ore.

Allora and her friends train under the guidance of a sage named Sumatra, and a bumbling warrior, infamously known as Sasquatch. Together, they learn the ways of combat, master the art of the sword, and harness the ability to focus energized... (more)

Ketchum’s Chuck Abramo has become a life master in bridge, a rank described by the American Contract Bridge League as “the most highly sought level of bridge achievement.”  

He won the final points needed to be a life master at a recent bridge tournament in Reno, where he played on a four-person team with Jo Murray of Ketchum and Deanne and Jerry Drake of Hailey.  

Abramo and Murray also placed in three other events, and the Drakes, in two other events, at the tournament. Two additional Wood River Valley Bridge Club players, Cunnie  McGowan and Judith Baer, also placed in two events.  

Abramo is certified as a bridge teacher and club director by the American Contract Bridge League.  

For information about bridge lessons and bridge games, including games for newer players, visit http://www.sunvalleybridge.com and http://www.woodriverbridge.com, or call  (208) 720-1501. 

Have you started making your New Year’s resolutions?

Equally important is figuring out what will motivate you to keep the resolutions, points out Connie Love, a certified life coach. And remember, she reminds her clients, that it’s all right to start keeping resolutions now instead of waiting until Jan. 1. 

Here are some of Love’s suggestions:

1. Break goals into small parts.
2. Make it as easy as possible to succeed. If your goal is to exercise more, lay out the appropriate clothes before you go to bed. If you want to go on a diet, plan menus and shop appropriately.
3. Remember that success breeds success. When you achieve small steps, you have more occasions to celebrate.
4. Reward small steps. Just be sure that your “reward” is not undermining your efforts. Don’t celebrate losing 5 pounds, for example, by going out to dinner. Buy yourself a new pair of slacks instead.
5. Recognize that there may be setbacks. Consider what might cause a setback and how you are going to get back on track if one occurs.
6. Realize that we all can...

Dave Stoecklein was a ski photographer until he fell in love with the heritage and people of the West. Today, some magazines call him the greatest living Western photographer. He calls himself a preservationist.

The Cowboy Photographer from Visit Sun Valley on Vimeo.

Silver Pony Designs is currently in the process of big changes

1. New name - Lesley Martin Designs

When I named my company Silver Pony Designs I didn't realize another artist back east was also using that name, hence  the reason for the name change

2. New website and website address - LesleyMartinDesigns.com

I have met so many wonderful people while attending the various shows that wanted to see my jewelry designs online that my husband and I decided to make the internet a major part of the business. As part of Silver Pony Designs, I had a basic website named SilverPonyOnline With the name change we changed the website address to LesleyMartinDesigns.com

My husband George is currently in the process of taking photos and building my new site. New features will include a shopping cart, new and featured  products, wish lists (share your wish list with friends, spouse and family for birthday ideas, anniversary's, etc. - You need to subscribe to activate this cool new feature ) plus much more.

3. New logo... (more)

One At A Time . . .

A physics teacher in high school, once told the students that while one grasshopper on the railroad tracks wouldn't slow a train very much, a billion of them would.

With that thought in mind, read the following, obviously written by a good American . . .

This probably sounds crazy, but just yesterday I was in Wal-Mart looking for a wastebasket. I found some made in China for $6.99. I didn't want to pay that much so I asked the lady if they had any others. She took me to another department and they had some at $2.50 made in USA. They are just as good.

Same as a kitchen rug I needed. I had to look, but I found some made in the USA and they were $3.00 cheaper. We are being brain washed that everything that comes from China and Mexico is cheaper. Not so. That is also why I don't buy cards at Hallmark anymore. They are made in China and are expensive. I buy them at Dollar Tree....50 cents each and made in USA.

Check this out.

I can verify this because I was in Lowe's the other day for some reason and... (more)

The Ketchum Sun Valley Ski and Heritage Museum’s Brown Bag Lunch Series continues this fall with exhibition talks every Wednesday from 12:30 to 1:30 pm. The topics will change each week and relate to the current exhibits in the Ski and Heritage Museums. The talks are formatted for a brief twenty-five minute talk with fifteen minutes of question and answers.

Diane Josephy Peavey and Heather Hammond from the Trailing of the Sheep will be in the Heritage Museum speaking about the festival, its roots, its importance to the community and the history of sheep ranching in the West.  Peavy writes stories about her life on a sheep and cattle ranch in southcentral Idaho - its people, history and the changing landscape of the American west. These pieces have aired weekly on Idaho Public Radio for 15 years and many are collected in her book Bitterbrush Country: Living on the Edge of the Land.  Her writings also have appeared in numerous magazines, journals and in anthologies. Diane has been an invited poet at the... (more)

Oh, what a night we all had! How can I adequately express our gratitude for such a profound display of love and support? I do so hope that each of you who came had a wonderful time, reconnected, and made a few toasts to friendship. To those who came and weren't able to gain entry, I apologize. To those who found room and joined in the festivities, that was flabbergasting! Phil absolutely enjoyed himself and seeing all of you. Yes, he was overwhelmed - for a bit! He was truly taken aback. I don't think he realized how much he is still adored. Over the course of that evening and over the past few days while thinking back over the party, so many rich memories and warm thoughts hit his heart, and they will continue to do so. The parts each of you have played in his personal story will remain with him always. Thank you.

This party was a success because so many people put forth their time and effort to make it happen. I must extend a huge thank you to Jim Kuehn for assisting me with this endeavor and... (more)

Death Notice Charles Hall

Charles Hall, 58, retired Hailey postal employee, died on March 3, 2011, at his home in Hailey.

Cremation will be under the care of Farnsworth Mortuary of Jerome, ID.  

The coffee at the Golden Elk is going to have to get stronger.  No, it's not that there is anything wrong with the coffee- they always have great coffee and great service. The fact is, the coffee is going to have to get stronger to keep owner, Noelle Clark,up and going since she has just turned 40 years old today!

Out with the old grounds and in with the new - but we think we'll keep Noelle around! We love her service to the Blaine County 4-H Youth Programs and her efforts as the newest Blaine County Fair Board member, her time and help given to the Girl Scouts, and all the other local groups she works with.  Thank you for all you and your business continue to do for our community!

HAPPY 40TH  BIRTHDAY NOELLE!

On Tuesday February 15, 2011 the Idaho House of Representatives State Affairs Committee agreed to send to the House floor a proclamation, introduced by Representative Wendy Jaquet from District 25,  to honor the Sun Valley Resort for their 75th anniversary, Mr. Earl Holding for his contribution and building of Sun Valley as well as his induction into the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame, and Muffy Davis a great Paralympic skier for her induction into the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame.

Under the employment of Averell Harriman, Sun Valley was located by Count Felix Schaffgotsch when he set out in search of the perfect spot for the grand American resort. On December 21, 1936 Sun Valley officially opened its doors to the public and we now commemorate the 75th birthday by declaring the 21st of December Sun Valley Day. On April 2nd we are given a unique opportunity to host the induction of Mr. Holding and Ms. Davis into the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame for their individual outstanding achievements... (more)

Hear ye, Hear ye, Hear ye ....

It's time to gather together and have a toast!

Let's lift our glasses, To Our Host.

“Our Man” Phil Gillis, is enjoying his 80th year.

What better time to celebrate and have a beer,

Than with this Bartender from - The Pioneer.

Skiing, football and open containers were the craze. His time spent Bartending was part of the Good Ole Days.

Etch it in your calendars without procrastination. February’s the month for this celebration!

Monday, February 28th, 2011

Time: 7:30pm

Place: The Pioneer.

Please, Your greatest gift is your being present and signing my Guest Book.

Phil's Email: psgillis@yahoo.com

In memory of Sarah Adicoff

Jack's friends just couldn't pass up the opportunity to say Happy Birthday to the talented and generous Jack Williams on his 80th birthday.  And, we invite you to join us.  Jack is retired now but spent  most of his life as a renowned photographer, teacher and, of course, Santa.  He is the real Santa as far as most of us are concerned.

Jack has done so much for the Ketchum community promoting peace and harmony in city government, business and community relationships and always has a positive solution to challenging issues.  His commitment to friends who are iin need inspires all who know him well.

His birthday is Wednesday, January 5th, but Jack's friends are planning a gathering at the Sawtooth Club on Friday, January 7th from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm or so to raise a toast to Jack Williams, a great friend of this community.  No host.

The Bead Shop, in both downtown Hailey and Twin Falls, is exicted to offer 25% off all Semi-Precious Gemstones.  Stop in and get some of your shopping done early.  Making personalized gifts is the greatest way to tell someone you were thinking of "them", even if you are talking to yourself! 

We are also excited to introduce new product lines, such as Pandora Style Beads and Bracelets, Twa-La Rings, Polymer Clay, Glass Fusing product and 3D Crystal Lacquer Kits!  Great way to actually make your own bead or pendant and then string it on a strand of beautiful sapphires or emeralds! 

The Bead Shop welcomes all levels of jewelry enthusiats.

We are here to "Go and Grow" with you!

Ketchum, ID –

Now that fall seems to have arrived a bit ahead of schedule, you, too, can get a jump on the holidays by starting a wreath now. Wreaths have been a favorite form of decoration for centuries. Join Sarah and Lorna Kolash and create your own wreath to complement your own personal tastes and décor throughout your home in an economical way. Use your eco-friendly wreath to brighten your home for the holidays or keep it up year round to create the universal sign of hospitality. 

To register for the class, go online to www.sunvalleycenter.org. The cost for the two night class is $40 for Sun Valley Center for the Arts members and $50 for nonmembers. Registration deadline is Friday, September 24. Registration can also be done by phone (208.726.9491 ex 10) or in person at The Center in Ketchum at 191 Fifth Street East.

For more information about classes and programs at The Center, visit www.sunvalleycenter.org.

On September 11th I completed my Heart Surgery Adventure.  I posted my first blog entry on January 10th of this year explaining that I would be going in for open heart surgery.  I had created a list of things to do before going into the hospital.  At the top of my list was to set the goal of riding the LOTOJA Classic 2010 bike race.  There was no way that I could ride the 206 miles solo this year, so I asked three friends if they would be willing to ride with me as a relay team.   When Heather, Liza, and Cheryl said “yes” to my request, I think they were just humoring me.  It was only January and the race was not until September and I had not even had the surgery yet. So that meant there was a lot of time for me to change my mind.

What they did not know then, but do now, is that getting back on my bike with this goal in mind probably saved my life.  No matter how bad things got or how many tubes I was connected to, I got out of bed knowing I had to walk before I could... (more)

J.B. Howard is pleased to announce that his son Mike Howard and his fiance Mary Johnson are to be married at the Howard Preserve in Bellevue, Idaho Saturday, September 25, 2010.

The Howard Preserve holds a special place in the heart of both Mike & Mary, and it seemed a natural fit for them to share such a special occasion with family and friends here in the Wood River Valley.

For those that may not know, the Howard Preserve was created in 2004 thanks to a partnership between the Howard family, Wood River Land Trust, the City of Bellevue, Friends of Howard, and many interested organizations and individuals. The Howard family had owned the parcel since 1972 and, in order to protect it in perpetuity and keep it as a natural preserve with public access, they approached Wood River Land Trust to facilitate a bargain sale with the City of Bellevue. Mike Howard owns and operates the Inn at Tres Pinos restaurant in Tres Pinos, CA. and helps organize and cook for the Howard Preserve Community Picnic that is held... (more)

A funny thing happened when I went in for my six month follow up appointment with the doctor after having open heart surgery in February.  The purpose of this surgery was to rebuild a blocked subclavian vein, by pass other veins, and remove a rib to fix my thoracic outlet syndrome issues.  Because the veins that they needed to rebuild were so large the doctors used donor aorta tissue. 

Anyway, the funny part is that it turns out my body did not like the donor tissue and has closed the rebuilt veins.  I am now having difficulty breathing when exercising and am kind of back to square one.  This is where it gets hilarious:  Prior to the surgery I wrote that I just needed an inhaler and it was probably just asthma.  As it turns out the doctor just prescribed me an inhaler and said I currently have medically created asthma. Is anybody else laughing?

There are additional tests and surgery they would like to perform, however due to the number of major surgeries I have had this year,... (more)

Under beautiful blue skies both those local and those from afar gathered to watch another spectacular parade meander down the colorful streets of downtown Ketchum. Here are a couple of the photos I took of the parade. I will post an extensive "High Definition" full screen slide show on my personal website (www.GeorgeMartinJr.com) of the event within the next 10 days, earlier if time allows.Thanks to all those who participated to make this event another extraordinary "Sun Valley" event.

Our son Eric Flattery got married August 21st to Jennifer Weber. This is a picture of them" taking the plunge" into married life