Local P.E.O. chapter supports young women with scholarships

By Reader Staff

After being postponed or canceled for the past three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, fundraising events have resumed and enabled awarding scholarships through one of two local chapters of P.E.O. — the Philanthropic Educational Organization, an organization founded in 1869 at Iowa Wesleyan College focused on providing opportunities for women.

Since then, the P.E.O. Sisterhood has awarded educational loan funds amounting to $243 million, $48 million in International Peace Scholarships, $70 million in Program for Continuing Education grants, $34 million in Scholar Awards and $20 million in P.E.O. STAR Scholarships.

The organization operates two chapters in the Sandpoint area: Chapter CA and Chapter V, which have been active for more than 50 years.

The nonprofit has benefited a total of 122,000 women in that time, helping them pursue their

Kubiak designed and crafted the bell, paying homage to the natural and historic heritage of the area.

“All of the work that has been done on the bell is referencing the flora and fauna of the area and things that might be seen or experienced in the woods around here, plus a little bit of Native American mythology,” he said. “I call it the legacy bell, referring to the ongoing legacy of Pine Street Woods.” building a larger timber frame structure. The cost for KidsBuild is $25 per day. All supplies and tools are provided. the community of Sandpoint, which I love.” educational goals. The Sisterhood also owns and supports Cottey College.

Throughout Saturday, attendees will have the opportunity to visit exhibitors and take in demonstrations. Master craftspeople will be demonstrating tool sharpening techniques and care, hewing, and more. Participants in TimberFest may also wish to try their hand at the ax throwing or hewing competition.

Chapter CA in the Sandpoint area recently awarded scholarships to two local high-school seniors, “who personify the organization’s ideals of faith, love, justice, truth, and purity in heart and spirit,” according to a news release.

Adeline Henney, of Sandpoint High School, received support from P.E.O. Chapter CA, assisting her attendance in the fall of 2023 at Utah Tech University in St. George, Utah, where she will study environmental sciences.

Emily Myers, of Clark Fork High School, also earned an award from P.E.O. She will attend the University of Idaho in the coming fall, majoring in biological engineering.

“The sisters of P.E.O. Chapter CA salute these fine young women from our community as they head out into the world to make a positive difference,” the organization stated.

Before closing out the weekend, engineer Jennifer Anthony and architect and designer Mira Steinbrecher will share their perspective on the design and engineering of timber frame structures.

Guild members and Kaniksu Folk School instructors will lead KidsBuild, a woodcraft and timber framing workshop for children of local families and visiting guild members. Younger children will build a timber frame bench and table. Older youth can participate in a two-day collaborative project

“This event has been over three years in the making, starting with the gift of the commemorative bell designed and cast by Mark [Kubiak]. Then, we pulled local timber framer Collin Beggs into the project knowing that the bell needed a very special structure to house it,” Egland Cox said. “Collin’s idea to incorporate the Timber Framers Guild and the greater community in the creation of this space is such a fitting culmination of the project.”

According to Beggs, “For many years I’ve dreamt of an opportunity to bring the Timber Framers Guild to Sandpoint for a community workshop. When I found out that the bell was being created I saw an opportunity to have world class craft training and cultural exchange, while serving

Allison Aurand, of the Timber Framers Guild, noted the significance of building relationships with communities for the organization: “Guild members are all about learning together and sharing their craft, and these kinds of workshops and events offer an opportunity not just to connect with one another but with new friends in new places. We’ve been lucky to join with Kaniksu Land Trust and the Sandpoint community thanks to Collin Beggs, and can’t wait to see how this friendship develops.”

Participation in TimberFest is open to the public. Registration is available through kaniksu.org/ happenings. For more information about the Timber Framers Guild, visit tfguild.org.

Rotary Club of Sandpoint awards local scholarships

By Reader Staff

The Rotary Club of Sandpoint has awarded 15 scholarships to area high-school seniors for academic excellence and community service. In the spirit of Rotary’s motto of “service above self,” the local club “selected students who already have this spirit kindled in their hearts,” according to a news release.

This year’s scholarships were awarded to graduating seniors who not only achieved academically, but also have a heart for service, and who the club believes will continue to give back locally and globally in a meaningful way — “placing service above self as a way of life,” the club stated.

Recipients from Sandpoint High School included: Payton Betz, Ara Clark, Maren Davidson, Emory Feyen, Jacob Gove, Lance Hendricks, McKinely Jensen, Haleigh Knowles, Brady Packer,

Parker Petit and Kimberly Yarnell. Clark Fork High School scholarship recipients were Hank Barnett and Bethany Holderman.

Finally, from Forrest M. Bird Charter Schools, scholarship winners were Jason Colegrove and Margaret Russell.

“The Rotary Club of Sandpoint salutes these fine young students from our community as they head out into the world to make a positive difference,” the club stated.