Check here for community announcements and reminders, city and county news clips, events to go to, and ways to give back to our county community and spread ripples of kindness.
The America250 and Blackfoot 125 event in February is a World War II-themed big band dance — complete with a live band, swing dance lessons, and Revolutionary Spud Buddies John Tator and Abby Tot Adams. This family event is for everyone — young, old, married, single, dancers or two left foot music lovers. The fun starts at 7 p.m. on Saturday at the Elks Lodge located at 123 N. Ash St. in Blackfoot.
Announcements/RemindersThe AARP is helping with income taxes every Tuesday and Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Bingham County Senior Center at 20 E. Pacific St. This service is free and open to anyone.
The Kiwanis Club is seeking supplies for the Bingham Crisis Center — such as nonperishable food, blankets, pillows, travel utensils, coats, can openers and bottled water. It is accepting donations from today through Friday. The items can be left at 280 Cedar St. or 70 W. Judicial St. in Blackfoot. Let’s keep the center stocked; often those it helps have immediate and unplanned needs, and the center needs to be ready.
The Bingham County Historical Museum is temporarily closed while it does renovations. It will have a grand reopening in the spring — whenever that is this year.
City/county news clips
Wednesdays at 7 a.m. are a rare chance to get a weekly update of what is happening at the Capitol in Boise. This free legislative meeting update is at Dawn Enterprises at 280 Cedar St. in Blackfoot. At least it will be if people show up. Don’t pass up the chance to learn from and express your concerns with our elected representatives.
The North Bingham County District Library is looking for custodial cleaning services. It is requesting proposals to find the best service to keep the library clean and fresh. All details are on its website at https://www.facebook.com/NBCDL/. It will hold a walk-through on March 5 at 10 a.m. or by appointment for those interested. Proposals are due by 6 p.m. on March 20.
The Shelley P&Z meeting is on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall at 101 S. Emerson St. There will be two public hearings about possible annexations.
Community happeningsWednesday:
Ash Wednesday, the beginning of 40 days of Lent before Easter.
St. Bernard’s Catholic Church is celebrating Ash Wednesday with a distribution of ashes at noon. It is located at 584 W. Sexton.
St. Paul’s Episcopalian Church will have an Ash Wednesday service Wednesday at noon. It is located at 72 N. Shilling Ave. in Blackfoot.
The Jason Lee Memorial United Methodist Church is also celebrating Ash Wednesday with an evening of reflection, worship, imposition of ashes and a candlelight vigil. This “holy pause” begins at 6 p.m. and concludes with a potluck meal. All are welcome.
Thursday:
Been wondering what happened with the Downtown Thrift & Gift Boutique? It has been transformed into Thriftopia, still at 123 W. Bridge. Its grand opening is Thursday, starting at 11:45 a.m., when the Bronco marching band will begin the celebration, followed by a ribbon-cutting at noon. Hugo’s will also be there with a street taco bar. Come and see for yourself the new look and bargains.
On the Hook Fish and chips is back. It will be at the C-A-L Ranch Store parking lot at 250 N. Meridian from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Try its double fry fresh cod for just the perfect crisp outside and tender flaky inside.
Friday:
The United Energy Workers Lunch ‘n Learn is Friday at 11 a.m. at El Mirado, located at 620 W. Bridge St. This free lunch is for any former or current Department of Energy or Idaho National Laboratory workers and contractors who want to learn more about benefits and available services.
It’s Food Truck Friday in Shelley at 580 N. State St. from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. or until it is sold out. This week, it will be El Taco Loco bringing its delicious food.
The Knights of Columbus are holding a fish fry (cena de pescado) Friday at 5 p.m. in the St. Bernard’s Church Hall. Costs $12 per person. All are welcome.
Saturday:
The Blackfoot River Bowmen are holding a Polar Bear Shoot, starting at 8 a.m. at its Snake River Arena located at 258 W. 350 N. in Blackfoot. This will be its first 3 D Shoot.
Engaged to be married? You might want to attend the From Yes to I Do! A Décor Experience with Wedding & Party Exchange in Shelley from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The ideas, tips and discounts will be flowing at 230 W. Pine. RSVP at https://www.facebook.com/Weddingandpartyexchange. There is an extra gift for those who reserve their spot.
The America250 and Blackfoot 125 Big Band Dance starts at 7 p.m. at the Elks Lodge at 123 N. Ash St. in Blackfoot. This family event is for everyone — young, old, married, single, dancers or not. Our honored guests will be Revolutionary Spud Buddies John Tator and Abby Tot Adams, who are happy to pose for photos.
The Elks Lodge downstairs restaurant and bar is serving its annual Cajun Seafood Boil dinner at 6 p.m. A full plate costs $65 and is loaded with crab, shrimp and andouille sausage — it says it could serve two. Half plates are $40. All are welcome, whether you are going to the dance upstairs or not. RSVP by 7 p.m. on Thursday at 208-785-1080.
Feb. 23:
Collet’s Pub is hosting its Monday night free bingo night, starting at 7 p.m. at 132 S. Main St. in Firth. Lots of fun and prizes.
RipplesWays to serve the people around you, trusting that positive ripples of goodwill spread out and encourage others to do likewise. Or as President Ronald Reagan said, “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.”
February is Loneliness Awareness Month. With short, cooler days, long nights and a romantic holiday that can be disappointing, loneliness can be too much at times. Bingham County Coroner Jimmy Roberts has been speaking out about the need to connect with, be aware of and have compassion for those around us who may be having a bleak month.
It starts with being aware. Connection comes next, and it can be very simple. Smiles are a great beginning point. A sincere, “How are you?” can come next. Sincere is the operative word here. I remember as a college student walking across campus and being repeatedly greeted with, “Hi, how you doin’?”
At first, it was a pleasant surprise, and then it became a hollow question as it never stopped to hear an answer. It became a game to see if anyone would stop, and I confess to sometimes answering creatively.
Perhaps it’s better to really ask and really wait for an answer — one that you can hear without rushing or judging or “fixing” emotions. When you can do that, you are really listening, which is more than hearing. Listening includes your heart as well as your ears. Hmmm, if you squint, a heart can be formed by joining ears. Could this be a new kind of Valentine?
Until next week.
If you have events or announcements to be included, contact me at jannmmneish@gmail.com. Press deadline for the Bingham News Chronicle is Monday.