dbryce@journalnet.com

BLACKFOOT - Originally from Miami, Annick Kittleman came to Idaho in 1980 to chaperone float trips on the Salmon River.

She moved to Blackfoot in 2001 and started volunteering at Bingham Memorial Hospital a short time later. Kittleman said staff and volunteers at the hospital are a tight-knit group who feel more like family than co-workers.

"No matter what is going on in my life, I always have my Bingham Memorial family," she said.

Kittleman started volunteering in the health care field when she was just 12 years old. Her experience as a candy striper led her to a career as a registered nurse.

At age 16, Kittleman also studied language in France.

She went onto to earn a degree in philosophy but said the demand for philosophers was not great.

"You just don't see them listed in the phone book," she joked.

Her quest for adventure has taken her around the world, but her commitment to giving back to her community remained strong. Kittleman volunteers in the hospital gift shop three hours each week and also serves as the historian for Friends of the Library in Blackfoot.

She and her husband, Marvin Kittleman, have been married eight years.

An avid gardener, Kittleman also owns seven birds including a talking parrot.

"I used to raise white doves for weddings," she said. "But I found out that the couples were setting them loose and I didn't think that was very humane."

Kittleman collects antique buttons and is a regular at the Eastern Idaho State Fair. Out of 16 entries this year, she earned ribbons for 14 of her fair exhibits.

Staying fit and active is also important to Kittleman, who swims six days a week.

She plans to expand her hospice training and just completed a six week workshop titled "Living Well" aimed at managing asthma.

Kittleman said she's found her niche in Blackfoot and at Bingham Memorial Hospital, and she encouraged others to get involved, as well.

"I won't leave Blackfoot," she said. "I will always be volunteering at the hospital, I make that a priority."