This is the place to find announcements, things to do, services available, ways to contribute, and “the rest of the story” about events that have happened or updates on those currently happening.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Looking for a job? Elite Restoration and Restore Rite are hiring cleaning technicians. They say that if you are a person you likes to serve and make a difference during difficult times and likes to get the job “done right,” they are looking for you to join their team. You can apply online at elite-restoration.com/careers/ or in person at Restore Rite at 2 N. 580 W. in Blackfoot. Questions? 208-681-0000.

HAPPENINGS: Tuesday, Jan. 21

The Community Dinner Table will be holding a free community dinner at the Jason Lee Memorial Methodist Church, located at 168 S. University in Blackfoot. Dinner is from 5-6:30 p.m. and they encourage everyone to come for a warm meal and good company.

The Elite Retreat in Shelley and the University of Idaho Extension office are holding another free computer refresher course from 11:30 a.m. — 1 p.m. at the senior center located at 193 W. Pine. There will be a snack option to ease the learning for $2, which will help the center with their fundraising.

The Small Business Administration is holding a webinar on Federal Contract Basics. The information starts flowing at 10 -11:30 a.m. If this is new information and you haven’t already registered, no worries. The SBA will be holding helpful webinars every 3rd Tuesday, for which you need to register by the day before. Questions — 208-334-1673.

Wednesday, Jan. 22

Have a wiggly 3–5-year-old child? Bring them to the story time at the Blackfoot Public Library located at 129 N. Broadway. The stories will start at 10 a.m. — do the wiggles ever end?

The Greater Blackfoot Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon will start at 11:30 a.m. at the Blackfoot Elks Lodge located at 123 N. Ash in Blackfoot. The topic being presented will be an update of the I-15 exit 93 interchange project and other I-15 construction plans.

Thursday, Jan.23

The University of Idaho Extension Office will be teaching how to Minimize Consumer Waste, include tips on extending the shelf life of food in the fridge and freeze. There will also be tips on composting foods, another way to minimize waste and fully use our food. The class will be at the extension office at 412 Pacific St. in Blackfoot from 12-1 p.m. Those attending will receive reusable freezer containers and handouts.

Friday and Saturday, Jan. 24-25

Despite all my sleuthing, I couldn’t find anything happening this weekend. Time to cuddle up with a book? Gather with friends and family? Sometimes I think January is like a Sabbath day — a month of rest and recouperation after the whirlwind of the holidays.

If I missed your event, remember to contact me so I can share the information.

Monday, Jan. 27

The monthly CareGiver Support group, a gathering for those caring for ones with memory issues, is meeting this week instead of last week, due to the federal holiday. This will also be true in February — they will also meet on the 4th Monday, Feb. 24. The group gathers from 1-3 p.m. at the University of Idaho Extension office in Blackfoot for “connection, support and fun activities”.

SERVICES:

For businesses, a free source of information and individual support is the Small Business Development Center. Two experts, Ann Swanson and Claudia Allen, can help you with finances, bookkeeping, employees, business plans, and marketing. For more information check https://idahosbdc.org/. Call 208-232-4402 to make your appointment.

Do you have a new year resolution to grow your business or to get started on one you’ve always wanted to do? Now you know where to get help.

WANT TO HELP?

The Village is a foster care closet that serves children in foster care in the 16 counties of Southeast Idaho. They collect and distribute new/gently used clothing, sensory items, blankets, personal hygiene items, shoes, toys, books, suitcases, school supplies, and diapers to help the children and their foster families.

Often the Village needs unglamorous items that are so necessary. Currently these include new bras sizes 36 B, C, D+; boys boxer briefs size 6, 10/12; boys pajamas size 14-16; boys pants size 8 and boys jeans size 4 T and 10/12.

All donations can be left at the Village located at 35 E. Pacific in Blackfoot when they are open: Mondays and Fridays from 10-2 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m. If you are in Shelley or going to Pocatello there are porch drop off locations where you can leave items marked for the Village. In Shelley the available porch is at 787 E. 1500 N. and in Pocatello it is at 2389 Jerome St.

And now for the ”rest of the story.”

The Bless Blackfoot Swap event held on Jan. 11 was a huge success. They had over 5 cargo trailers full of items to share for free. The need obviously is great — there were 40 people waiting in the cold for the doors to open at 7 a.m! Over the next 4 hours there were 500 adults who came and left with items to fill the needs of their homes and families. When the day was done, Bless Blackfoot only had a pick-up load for DI and a trailer of trash and unsellable items for the dump.

This non-profit organization is run by two Moms who saw an aid-gap for those that don’t qualify for low-income help or who don’t want to apply for help — really for anyone needing

something beyond their straining budgets. They gather items and then hold free swap shops four times a year. The next swap will be on Saturday, April 26. If you have a need for furniture before then or for information of how to donate items, Call Melissa Helton at 208-681-3287 or Amber Heer at 208-269-0421.

If you have events or announcements to be included — contact me at jannmmneish@gmail.com by Sunday night.

Until next week.