THANK YOU ...
... to prison farm, donations
On Sept. 17, the Prison Farm at the Southwest Idaho Correctional Institution began harvesting potatoes in what will likely be the biggest yield in the farm’s three-year history at more than 150,000 pounds. This record year, which already includes over 4,300 pounds of green beans, could not have been accomplished without crucial donations from Idaho businesses and the generosity and expertise of two retired farmers from Kuna: Boyd Anderson and Lavar Thornton.
From the dedicated staff at the prison, to the Roundup donated by Monsanto, to Sonny McCray, Powerage Custom Farming, who prepped the field, this public-private-nonprofit partnership was a success because a lot of people gave more to get more for Idaho’s hungry.
Simplot Grower Solutions donated fertilizer and soil testing. Kevin Boggs, GSI Water Solutions, did an evaluation of the water supply. Betsy Roberts, CH2M Hill, helped redesign the road to the farm, and Idaho Sand and Gravel is providing material to do some of the work. Walters Produce in Newdale donated the potato seed, and many others have committed to helping the project in the future.
All of you are outstanding partners and we cannot thank you enough!
JULIE PIPAL, Food Resource Manager, The Idaho Foodbank, Boise
... for Honor Flight of Idaho
We are so grateful to Lance Stephensen for establishing The Honor Flight of Idaho Hub, making it possible for the first group of World War II veterans to visit their memorial in Washington, D.C. Thank you to Sue Paul of the Warhawk Air Museum, for all you have done for the veterans in Idaho and helping Lance with the Honor Flight. Our thanks to Southwest Airlines for flying all World War II veterans free. Thank you to Shilo Inn for rooms for out-of-town veterans and Applebee’s for the food. A grateful thank you to Boise Valley POW MIA Corp., Patriot Guard Riders, Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, Christian Motorcycle Association, Boise-Nampa Police Color Guard and Idaho National Guard Honor Guard, for the memorable sendoff at 6 a.m. Thank you to those who donated money to the organization, which paid for the hotels, food, transportation and other essentials. Thank you to the Guardians, who pushed wheelchairs and met all the needs of the veterans.
To complete a perfect day, we went to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to watch the changing of the guard and were allowed to place a beautiful wreath on the tomb from the Honor Flight of Idaho.
HELEN AND BULL DURHAM, Boise
... for airport reception
Thank you to Boise, the local TV and newspaper media, and the Treasure Valley for supporting and showing up to the Boise Airport Sept. 7, for the return of the inaugural flight of 24 (89 to 93 years old) World War II veterans. I was one of 12 guardians for these precious men and one female veteran who experienced that they are truly the greatest generation.
As a daughter of a World War II veteran, it was my honor and privilege to journey with these veterans to their monument for their war and share this very special time for them, serve them and enjoy the moment they will never forget.
We traveled to Washington, D.C., in a whirlwind three-day trip; in addition, saw all the service monuments our veterans represented, and even laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery.
Thank you also to the Boise Airport, TSA, Shilo Inn, Applebee’s, Southwest Airlines and Holiday Inn-Dulles for providing the veterans’ airfare, hotel, meals and bus transportation, the Denver USO and the Honor Flight Dulles for taking care of us once we landed. Honor Flight of Idaho welcomes donations. Our next trip is spring 2013. Contact Lance Stephensen, director, at 283-9651.
CHAR BOYD, Eagle
... to Karney firefighters
Thank you to the Karney firefighters.
Words cannot express the appreciation and gratitude we feel for the brave and dedicated firefighters, men and women,including our own Wilderness Ranch Fire Department, who saved our house here in Wilderness Ranch. Thank you for everything you did.
ANDREW AND LAUREL CHASAN, Wilderness Ranch, Boise County
GARDEN CITY GREENBELT
Eagle, Star allow bikes
As I see it, Garden City says that Eagle and Star aren’t currently spending any money on their Greenbelt. Difference is, Eagle and Star allow bikes on their path! Dollars are not the issue.
JAY CAMP, Eagle
MITT ROMNEY
Candidate has good qualities
Ladies, how would you like to find a handsome, highly intelligent man, who would be a faithful husband and father, a self-made man, who is completely out of debt? Can’t find him? I found one, he is Mitt Romney, and I’m voting for him for the president of the United States.
MARY CALLISTER, Boise
