TETON VALLEY NEWS • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2021
TETON VALLEY NEWS
WOMEN’S EDITION 2021
RECOGNIZING WOMEN IN AN UNPRECEDENTED YEAR By JEN PIPERNO TREC PROGRAM DIRECTOR AND TETON ROCK GYM DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
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s Teton Valley grows, so too does the pool of creative women ready to share ideas, collaborate, solve problems, and put in the work to make this valley more equitable and supportive. In the fall, I began to compile a list of female community leaders and entrepreneurs in an attempt to map out the ecosystem of services spearheaded by women in this valley. The list is astounding. Before I knew it, my list was 100 names long. It consisted of entrepreneurs, executive directors, nonprofit employees, mothers, freelance artists, farmers, health workers, athletes, and more. I started having conversations with these women to learn about their work, their goals, and the obstacles that they face. At the end of each conversation, I’d ask if there were any other women who I should speak to. Their answer was always, ‘yes’. My list continued to grow. Teton Valley women are navigating the challenges of living here with grace, fortitude, and unparalleled creativity. This year exacerbated existing challenges; isolation and relationship-building in a transient community, and introduced myriad new ones; the inability to connect in person, having our lives and businesses shift online, and living with children or partners at home all day, in addition to so many more. Nevertheless, the women I’ve had the privilege to meet with have not just persisted, they’ve evolved. They grew businesses, ideated new ventures, and identified gaps in services elucidated by the pandemic. Some of these women pivoted to new careers, boldly left situations that didn’t serve them, and identified areas where they want to grow as parents, friends, colleagues, and community leaders. The resilience that these individuals showed in the face of our lives being upended gave me hope. Imagine what these women can do when some of these obstacles don’t exist? As an alumna of an all women’s college, I was indoctrinated to believe that if I’m in a position to help other women, that I’m obligated to lift them up--that it is my job
to clear the way for them to do their best work and contribute their best selves. As I worked my way down my list of names and listened during these information-gathering sessions, I was curious if this same ethic existed in the valley. What I discovered was a universal hunger to share, a desire to learn, and an eagerness to support other women. A consistent and obvious need emerged in each conversation, a need for mentorship and connection. The network of potential partnerships, collaborations, and mentorship opportunities continues to grow as I map out who these women are, what they are passionate about, and what knowledge and skills they have to lend to this growing and inspiring community. I am thrilled to start the work of introducing them all and clearing the way for them to bring their most creative, healthy, and whole selves to the work of making this place the best that it can be. We should all be in awe of their collective power and eager to help them realize their capacity to enact positive change in this place that we are all lucky enough to call home.
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JOCELYN JENKINS This past year has been constantly throwing curveballs to everyone. Going into the end of last school year, I had a full summer agenda planned. I was going to be working two jobs, being a vice-president for a Venturing Cedar- Badge Scouting crew, representing Teton at Girls State, auditioning for Allstate Choirs and All-Northwest Ensembles, and many other activities. I was so excited for all these events leading up to my Senior year. It seemed like the perfect summer. But, in early March, things started getting a little wild. Covid entered our valley and surrounding areas and school went virtual in early March. I, as well as other students, persisted to maintain our grades and keep up with college courses. Summer arrived and I was happy that I could work my two jobs. I got to meet some neat people and tried to make the best of a difficult situation. I still had fun floating the river, playing games, doing crafts, practicing music, and enjoying the more simple things of life. I came to understand that life is truly what you make of it. This last year, I have learned that things are not always going to be easy, or go as planned. I had a schedule that didn’t go anything near what I had thought it would
be like. I had to adapt and make the most of my time. To keep myself busy, I made masks and experimented with new mask designs. I dropped them off at the hospital and sewed a bunch for my church to distribute. It made me happy to be able to help others in need. I even spent more time in the kitchen. I started making hot chocolate bombs to sell so that I could save more money for college. One year ago, if someone would have told me that things were going to get a little crazy, I couldn’t have imagined the things that we have experienced together. No one will truly be prepared or be able to understand what the future looks like but, in the end, everything will be alright if you can look for the positives in every situation. I’ve definitely been able to see my growth throughout the year. I’ve always been comfortable with doing independent activities and not needing a lot of social interaction. I have four siblings so I got plenty of social interaction arguing over who gets to do the dishes or take out the trash! This year has been interesting but, in the end, I’ve come to know that everything will work out in its own way.
teton valley news
Welcome as a bluebird in spring COURTESY PHOTOS
Local jewelry-maker crafts thoughtful and unique pieces
LEFT: Local jewelry maker Idelia Labra creates distinctive wearable art that is deeply rooted in her love for Teton Valley. BELOW: One of Labra’s most iconic themes is a simple representation of the Teton mountain range — from the Teton Valley side.
By MELISSA THOMASMA
Especially as winter fades into spring, residents of the Mountain West herald the sight of a bluebird as a sign of renewal and returning warmth. Perhaps its status as harbinger of the changing seasons is one reason Idaho selected it as the State Bird. It’s certainly one of the reasons that inspired Idelia Labra to name her custom handcrafted jewelry company Blu Bird & I. “As someone who was born and raised in Idaho, we know that the bluebird is our state bird and represents us. The more I looked into it, I realized that it also represents joy and hope. I loved that sentiment. And the ‘I’ stands for my name — Idelia,” she explained. Blu Bird & I offers a distinctive lineup of necklaces, bracelets, keychains, and dog tags. Perhaps the most unique and popular among her hand stamped images is that of the Tetons. The silhouette of the iconic mountain range holds special meaning for Labra, and she’s discovered that she’s far from alone. “I was born in Driggs and raised here, and lived in the area my whole life. The valley has always been my favorite place, especially in summertime,” she said. Labra too her first steps on her jewelry-making journey when she took a ring-making class in the summer of 2019. “I was looking for an outlet, something different for myself, outside of my career,” she reflected. Labra was seeking an artistic endeavor to balance her work life; as a develop-
mental specialist, she works as a therapist in the Idaho Infant & Toddler program, helping children with developmental delays. “In that first jewelry class, I was introduced to hand-stamping. I bought myself some tools, and it has evolved into Blu Bird & I.” “I had a Teton stamp custom made, and that was because I wanted people who grew up here to have a little piece of home if they were no longer in the area; that’s how it started out. As I started selling these pieces, I realized that a lot of people have made treasured memories here, and feel connected to the Tetons, so it is a reminder of this place for them, too.” Also, Labra noted, she had historically had a difficult time finding jewelry that represented the Teton mountain range from the Teton Valley side — a distinction that felt important to her connection to the unique place. After perfecting her style and technique, Labra started making sales in the spring and summer of 2020, including collaborating with small businesses like Penny Lane in Jackson and Tribe Artist
CELEBRATING
Collective. “It’s taken off a lot! I was kind of surprised, especially because I had to cancel events because of Covid. All things considered, it’s growing and I’m really excited for it.” “I have so many ideas, and it’s just a matter of sitting down and working on them, teaching myself how to come up with the product that I want. I have plans to expand beyond jewelry, but they’re still in the works,” says Labra, considering the future. To peruse the beautiful offerings of Blu Bird & I, visit the Etsy shop, Facebook page, or Instagram. Labra welcomes custom requests, as well as orders for already-designed pieces. She hopes that her jewelry — both elegant and comfortable enough to wear every day — can help more people deepen their connection to the skyline and the valley that we all treasure so much.
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teton valley news
JANE LINVILLE HOW HAS THE PAST YEAR GONE FOR YOU?
It has been interesting. I actually was able to embrace the lockdown. Since I was working less, I had time to ski more (I’ve never done so much crust cruising!) I baked bread, worked on art projects, and took online guitar lessons. It was good for me to slow down. Luckily we live in a place where we could get outside. WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU FACED?
I haven’t been able to work as much as I would have liked so I have had to be more careful with finances. I actually had a lot of trouble sleeping and felt in general very uneasy most of the time especially when I watched the news. I also contracted Covid in December and had to isolate from my family, the biggest challenge of all. Luckily I didn’t pass it on to anyone.
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED?
I learned that it is so important not to take anything for granted Live life to the fullest and cherish every moment because things can change in an instant. I also learned that food is so much more pleasurable when you can smell and taste it. WHAT SURPRISED YOU?
How easy it is to get used to wearing a mask and how naked you feel when you don’t have it on. WHAT POSITIVE CHANGES HAVE COME ABOUT?
Appreciating life more and being able to take it easy and slow down and enjoy the moment. Also appreciating the connection you can have with friends even if you can’t hug. IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOURSELF IN JANUARY OF 2020?
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ABI HALE HOW HAS THE PAST YEAR GONE FOR YOU?
It’s been a hard year academically. I am not sure if this is because I have hard classes and a busy schedule, but the pandemic has definitely made it harder emotionally since I don’t get to have the fun activities that make up the stereotypical, senior year (such as dances). I have really enjoyed the time that I’ve had with my friends and family though. I think that makes up for all the difficulties. WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU FACED?
Like I said before, my classes are pretty hard as well as college applications and scholarships and a job. My days tend to be long, hard, and boring because of my responsibilities. Then the pandemic on top of all of that makes it harder to deal with mentally. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED?
Relationships are key. I don’t know how I could have gotten through the past year without my friends and family. But more
importantly, I have learned when to take a break and take time for myself. WHAT SURPRISED YOU?
How well I have liked some of the adjustments that we all have needed to make because of Covid. For example, I really actually like wearing a mask and having an excuse for distancing myself from people that I do not know. Of course, these are only some good things. It has been hard not being able to travel as much or see distant family.
39 W Little Ave, Suite 1 Driggs ID 83422 (208) 354-2285
WHAT POSITIVE CHANGES HAVE COME ABOUT?
I have grown even closer to those in close proximity to me, and, as I said before, I know myself better than I did before. IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOURSELF IN JANUARY OF 2020?
To enjoy the free time as much as possible. Enjoy the sun more. I also wish I had started on my college necessities sooner, so I would tell myself to get on that too.
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NOEMY MARTINEZ The past year has been an interesting one for sure, it came with its struggles, lessons, and blessings. Over all we feel very fortunate to have made it through 2020 with a new business (Valle del Sol). The biggest challenge for us was opening a few weeks prior to Covid hitting our valley. We had to let our newly trained staff go in order to keep our business afloat. After that we had a hard time getting restaffed.
We have learned so much from our amazing community. At times we’ve adjusted our schedule to fit our business needs and our amazing customers have supported us through it all. The biggest surprise for us was seeing how busy it got as soon as the shut down ended. It was very interesting to see how so many people sought out our beautiful valley as an escape. Something positive that we
can take from all of this is that it has in a way forced us to slow down and value the small things in life. We realize how fortunate we are to live in a place that others dream of. If I could go back I’d tell myself that worrying and stressing wasn’t going to change anything. I’d tell myself to enjoy the quiet shut down time because we’d be wishing for it during the crazy summer rush.
MEGAN CHRISTIANSEN HOW HAS THE PAST YEAR GONE FOR YOU?
This past year has been filled with so many unexpected trials and celebrations. Not knowing what is going to come at me every day has been a huge learning experience, and I now know how to regulate myself better to help others because of it. This year has brought about a vast array of emotions from adults and students, and it has opened my eyes to the necessity for support and communication. All in all, I am proud of our work because children are in school. They are learning. They are cared for and loved.
Wellness Center
WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU FACED?
I think the greatest challenge has been figuring out how to support adults with varying levels of need, worry, and emotion. Everyone comes to school with different life situations from COVID-19, and it has been so important to understand and be sensitive to their needs. I am very lucky to have strong relationships with my staff and parents, as this has helped me to help them (I hope). The kids, on the other hand, have been very resilient. We have such loving staff at VES and TES where any social or emotional need is tended to immediately. The staff is what makes each school such a strong community. They deserve all the credit.
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WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED?
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I have learned not to take most things personally, but I
am human. Like I said before, adult emotion can wear on you if you do take it to heart. Being empathetic yet firm with our purpose is key. I always go back to the “why”, and focus on what is best for our students. I have found it is very hard to argue that point.... WHAT SURPRISED YOU?
The strength of our staff and students has surprised me. We made a lot of changes at the beginning of the school year, and change is very hard for some. The changes were made to ensure our schools were safe and healthy. We are skipping through our days without missing a beat now. I am proud of how everyone has adapted to the changes and is always willing to discuss how to be better. WHAT POSITIVE CHANGES HAVE COME ABOUT?
The positive changes have definitely been learning to be flexible, learning to utilize our awesome new technology, and being more supportive of one another. I feel closer to the staff and students at both schools because of the hard stuff. We all look at teaching and learning differently because of being thrown into the unknown, and technology has played a huge role in this. Think of that combination and how powerful it is. IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOURSELF IN JANUARY OF 2020?
Put on your big girl pants and get to work.
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Jordan Burns Sales Associate 307.413.5888 jordan.burns@jhsir.com
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teton valley news
CLAIRE VITUCCI HOW HAS THE PAST YEAR GONE FOR YOU?
Time can be an especially slippery value and definitively becomes so when working and living remotely. Moments of this year were met with stress, big decisions, and so many unknowns — like time was moving at a freight train’s pace above me, while I sat in the comfort of my over-crowded home office trying to reimagine systems at work and home. News changed daily, affecting all aspects of life. Other moments have been met with a trusted sense of calm, security, and community — even if from afar. I’m incredibly grateful to live in Teton Valley for a multitude of reasons and the effects of the pandemic bring them all further to light. From neighbors supporting neighbors through volunteer services to the strong outpouring of donations that came in during the 13th Annual Tin Cup Challenge, this community knows how to care for each other. I greatly appreciate the flexibility of my workplace and am grateful for my home, daughter, family, friends, and community. We’re also lucky to be well positioned for ready local and regional adventures that help keep everyone sane. WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU FACED?
Working as the Marketing and Communications Manager for the Community Foundation of Teton Valley meant working as a remote team to restructure a 12-year-old tradition into a new, virtual event late last spring. I’m incredibly proud of the work we did as a team to shore up resources, feature nonprofits prominently, highlight vital nonprofit work, and encourage giving to make it the most successful Tin Cup Challenge to-date. In a moment when nonprofits were re-inventing their modes of service, programing, and fundraising due to the pandemic, this annual fundraiser helped provide continuity, funding, and moral support for local organizations. I’m grateful to have been a small cog in the wheels
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that turned this success. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED?
It became even more apparent to me what great leadership can accomplish over the last year. Though stalwart leadership and concentrated teamwork it’s amazing what can be undertaken and realized. Health, safety, education, and community can all be elevated with the right guidance and team effort. It’s exciting to think how all of these subjects might be enhanced, over time, in light of the recent pandemic. WHAT SURPRISED YOU?
A puppy! Sadly, we lost our 12-year-old dog in early November. However, in mid-December we were serendipitously united with a foster puppy from the Teton Valley Community Animal Shelter. Luna Moon Boots wiggled herself right into our lives when we were definitely not looking.
Celebrating the strong ladies of our beloved Teton Valley!
Kathryn Kaufman Haga
WHAT POSITIVE CHANGES HAVE COME ABOUT?
I think there are many silver linings to being kicked more officially into the 21st century. While I look forward to in-person meetings, there’s no longer any doubt that we can all Zoom when necessary. Hopefully this virtual meeting place will simultaneously help reduce unnecessary travel and create greater connection. Future events and programing will likely have both traditional and virtual components – opening up reach and becoming more inclusive. We’ve all been forced to think outside the box, reimagine our services, how we educate, market, and interact. These questions have generated ingenuity, adaptability, and more awareness across the board that will inevitably lead to a brighter future.
Book 32 pages of fun & games to help keep the mind active.
IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOURSELF IN JANUARY OF 2020?
The theme of the coming year is perseverance, again. Also, travel NOW, for soon you will be sheltering in place.
Building Girls’ Hockey
COURTESY PHOTO
Last weekend the Teton Valley Foundation hosted the second annual Teton Valley Girls Jamboree of hockey clinics and scrimmages at Kotler Ice Arena. Coaches included Price Gilroy, Lisa Brown, Lacey McNeff, Josh Adams, John Brooks, Dustin Smith and Matt Somers of JHYH Girls U12/14, and Jo Golub of the Sun Valley Suns.
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teton valley news
CHELSEA PHELPS HOW HAS THIS PAST YEAR GONE FOR YOU?
Certainly many obstacles but more business opportunities faced in 2020 for Chelsea Pottery Co. After solely relying on summer markets and fairs as my main income and most of them being cancelled in response to covid-19, I was crushed. Summer as I used to see it looked a little different but I was grateful it pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me think differently about how to share my work.
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WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU FACED?
Balancing motherhood and a growing business has been more than difficult. A toddler “helping” to ship fragile pottery really doesn’t mix well. Moving from markets/ fairs to online has been challenging too. I’ve been telling customers for over 3 years now that I was going to get a website up and running. Starting at square one in building a website seemed daunting but 2020 was the push to get me there! I never imagined I’d be shipping my pottery all over, but it happens monthly now. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED?
I’ve learned how to build a website (it’s no way near perfect but functions), how to ship pottery
to insure no breakage, to make pottery that makes me happy, and to ask for help. Rolling with all the punches last year and making it all work, not seamlessly but still in working order. WHAT SURPRISED YOU?
The unconditional support from near and wide. I’ve received such a positive response and I’m so thankful for the people that support this mom potter dream. I’m still in shock every time a shop update sells out in a matter of minutes. It’s truly unbelievable. WHAT POSITIVE CHANGES HAVE COME ABOUT?
Being able to sell from home has given me the flexibility to choose my sale dates, work during nap times, and make more time for my family. My customer base increases everyday and the ways I connect and share my pottery (mostly virtual these days) has helped tremendously. IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOURSELF IN JANUARY OF 2020?
Deep breaths, even if it’s behind a mask. Slow down, live for being present over perfect. Also, make time to make work that makes you happy because in the end, your customers want that too!
‘Trailblazing women’ honored in new Idaho State Museum exhibit strong By IDAHO PRESS STAFF
Just in time for Women’s Month, the Idaho State Museum is inviting the public to celebrate women in Idaho. A new exhibition featuring women who have left a significant mark on the state’s history, along with their stories of breaking down barriers and leading cultural, political or social change opened Saturday, March 13. The “Trailblazing Women of Idaho” exhibition illustrates the stories of more than 100 Idaho women, including 20 living trailblazers, who have influenced Idaho’s past, present, and future “through their courage, creativity, tenacity and values,” said a press release about the event. From Sacajawea to Olympic medalist Kristin Armstrong, the women highlighted in the exhibit — and in programming planned throughout the year — are proven trailblazers. The exhibition runs through November. “It’s an honor and delight to celebrate the unique and exceptional
women who have played an integral role in shaping Idaho, its history and evolution,” said Liz Hobson, museum administrator with the Idaho State Museum. “Each of the barrier breaking women selected had a profound impact on Idaho’s cultural, political, business and academic worlds.” Sarah Phillips, curator of Collections and Exhibitions at the museum, said there is more to the exhibit than the artifacts represent.“The other takeaway from this experience is an understanding that anyone, regardless of background, can be a trailblazer,” Phillips said. “The exhibit features women who, through their skill, conviction, empathy and determination, have clearly demonstrated the characteristics and capacity to overcome challenge and adversity to affect change.” The exhibition was developed in collaboration with a statewide advisory committee of women who helped identify and select each trailblazer. The exhibition features more than 100 artifacts,
including 64 that have never been on display before and were curated from 22 different individuals or institutions. The museum is also planning in-person and virtual programming throughout the year that will be centered around these women, including a virtual book club, film screenings and a series of panel discussions. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The museum requires face coverings to be worn by visitors and staff to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The museum allows public visitation in limited numbers, and timed entry will be available for 50 visitors per hour. Group sizes are limited to a maximum of 30 people. Go online for more information or to purchase tickets for admission: history.idaho. gov. Jeanne Huff is the community engagement editor for the Idaho Press. You can reach her at 208-4658106 and follow her on Twitter @goodnewsgirl.
BRIAN MYRICK / IDAHO PRESS
The entrance to an exhibit honoring trailblazing women at the Idaho State Museum in downtown Boise Monday.
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teton valley news
BRITTANY JOHNSTON My name is Brittany Johnston and I am the Director of Special Education for Teton School District.
WHAT SURPRISED YOU?
I always used to think about all I would do if I had more time, but now I know I would just watch more Netflix. I was also surprised by how much the little things matter in a time like this and the check-ins and sweet messages from my family and friends when we have been apart have helped me stay positive.
HOW HAS THE PAST YEAR GONE FOR YOU?
I am lucky all of my loved ones stayed healthy and safe. My fiancé and I made the most of the situation and enjoyed hiking and skiing and exploring more of the valley. Like many, we also got our quarantine puppy, Murphy, who has been a very sweet and fluffy addition to our family. There were some ups and downs but overall I am grateful for what I have and learning to enjoy the little things.
WHAT POSITIVE CHANGES HAVE COME ABOUT?
I think society was reminded of how amazing teachers are in witnessing their resiliency and adaptability and were able to see all they do for students beyond academics. I also think this year highlighted for schools the importance of striking a balance between academic development and meeting our students’ social and emotional needs. Students dealt with more stress and changes in school and at home than ever before and we were forced to prioritize the basic needs and mental health of our students to help them survive this year.
WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU FACED?
It was challenging to support the Special Education Department in adapting to the overwhelming tasks and challenges linked to the Covid-19 pandemic. My focus remained on ensuring equitable access to learning and resources for students with disabilities. While it was challenging to accommodate the needs of our students with changes to the delivery of instruction and the learning environment, I am grateful that the events of this past year have sparked ongoing reflection and communication around educational equality. In the field of special education, we are constantly analyzing the school structures and systems that may serve to marginalize students with disabilities, but this year I witnessed more people in education and in the community collaborating to challenge the inequalities imposed on students of various backgrounds. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED?
I’ve learned over and over this year that you
IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOURSELF IN JANUARY OF 2020?
never know what someone is going through behind closed doors. I learned to listen more and to give people the benefit of the doubt they are doing the best they can with the circumstances. I also learned that adversity can bring out the best or worst in people. I was inspired by how some responded to the challenges, especially those who were able to adapt and stay positive.
I would tell myself to prioritize self-care so I can be my best at home and at work. I would tell myself to check in with my coworkers and employees more often because some of them are not going to be ok. I would tell myself to take more breaks from the news and social media. I would tell myself that you’re not going to see eye to eye with a lot of people and that’s ok, just try to listen and learn from others’ perspectives and truths and pick your battles!
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The women of Peaked Sports have 49 years of combined Pictured from left to right: knowledge to outfit you in Amanda Conner, Kara Pankratz, the correct gear! Tricia Hoesel, Heidi Clabaugh-Marquart
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teton valley news
U of I project wants to hear from Idaho farm and ranch women By RYANNE PILGERAM University of Idaho
Women are essential to Idaho farms and ranches, and a new University of Idaho online survey explores opportunities and challenges they face. The “Women Farmers and Ranchers on the Rise in Idaho” project asks women involved in agriculture to participate in the statewide survey. The project is the first of its kind in Idaho. The
Idaho Women Farmer & Rancher Survey remains open until April 30. Women producers can take the anonymous survey at http://tinyurl. com/id-women-in-ag. A Spanish version is available through the same link (Usar el mismo enlace para Español). Responses will help the U of I better understand Idaho’s women in agriculture. The survey seeks ways U of I Extension educators and other technical assistance providers
can better support the success of women farmers and ranchers in Idaho. The “Women Farmers and Ranchers on the Rise in Idaho” project is funded by a grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Agriculture and Food Research Initiative grant No. 2019-68006-29325. More information is available from Project Manager Ryanne Pilgeram at rpilgeram@uidaho. edu or Colette DePhelps cdephelps@uidaho.edu.
Education Foundation welcomes new E.D. By MELISSA THOMASMA
With the official retirement of Pam Walker, the Education Foundation has formally welcomed Kristin Livingstone as their new Executive Director. Livingstone moved to the valley in February from Jackson, where she was the Associate Director of the Teton Literacy Center. “My whole life has been in service of education and children,” Livingstone said. “My passion is providing opportunities to students.” She is thrilled to take the helm at the Education Foundation and continue her work supporting and expanding the impacts of public education. “It’s abundantly clear how much this community values public education and want to support it.” Livingstone cited the recent success in fundraising for the foundation’s endowment as evidence of the community’s enthusi-
asm and dedication. “Public schools are the fabric of the community, and it takes a whole community to support them,” she said. At this point, she explained, her primary goal is to listen to the community. With an energetic sense of optimism and possibility, Livingstone is welcoming any community members to connect and share their thoughts, concerns, or ideas. “Right now, my biggest focus is listening to the community — getting a lay of the land. I want to understand where folks are at currently, and where they want to be in the future. There are opportunities for building out our current programs, and ways to set ourselves up for potential growth. I also have ideas for new programs to support students, and expand into a more
thorough cradle-to-college framework.” Livingstone encourages anyone interested in the conversation to reach out and set up a time to chat. “My door is open — a lot of people say that, but mine really is,” she laughed. “I am exploring and learning all I can in order to support our public schools, and fill needs that we can’t even see coming. The schools prepare our students for the future, and ensure that they’re equipped for unexpected challenges.”
Kristin Livingstone
GABRIELLE MACHADO HOW HAS THE PAST YEAR GONE FOR ME?
Wow! What a difficult question. For me, it was kind of like Charles Dickens’ Tale of Two Cities, it was the best of times…it was the worst of times. In the face of a pandemic, wildfires, protests over racial and economic inequities and a divisive political climate, many families like my own were faced with unexpected challenges that demanded courage, tested our resolve, and required sacrifices that at times made it difficult to cope. There were days when we wondered if it would ever end or if some type of dystopian future might not be in store. But then, in the midst of these unprecedented “worst of times”, the “best of times” were paradoxically ushered in during the summer solstice when our family welcomed not only one, but two healthy, smart and beautiful little twin girls. Braylon (age 3) surprised us by being the best little big brother we could have wished for. WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU FACED?
My, where do we begin? Being pregnant let alone with twins among a global wide pandemic was extremely challenging. Navigating and instilling safety guidelines within our family and son on top of hospital policies and constant updates was terrifying and added additional stress that otherwise would not have been there and we took for granted. The stress of carrying two babies to full term was something we consistently had on our brains. Secondly, the lack of communal and family support during this
time. We appreciated the space that was given due to the times but have also had to grieve the support we missed out on. Lastly, the isolation as a postpartum mother. I truly believe it takes a village to raise our littles and without the support of our willing neighbors, friends and family. I wasn’t always in a healthy mental state. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED?
I’ve learned also that I am more resilient than I first thought. I was reminded that change is constant and how I respond to that change is what’s important. Some days if I simply stop, take a breath, listen intently and look deeply into each challenge, I can respond from place of calm with a small smile on my face for those I care about. That no matter how bad the situation is, the sun always rises on a new day. The blue skies will always return. A full moon appears every month and begs us to look up and simply take it all in. I’ve also learned it’s probably better to not expect anything and to appreciate everything. WHAT SURPRISED YOU?
How divisive the American people became over something so simple as wearing a mask. Public health should not have become a partisan issue. What COVID-19 has taught all of us, is how truly interconnected we are as a community, a state, a nation and a world. What happens to one of us happens to all of us. And being able to respond with care and compassion for your neighbor is the basis of living in a civil society. More MACHADO | C9
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Machado/from C8
DR. MCKENZIE STEINER WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU FACED?
It has been an especially challenging year for women in business. As a working professional and mother to small children, it has been hard to juggle the needs of my business and of my family. The health and safety of my family occupied much of my attention last year, at the same time I also wanted to maintain and even grow my practice as a Naturopathic Medical Doctor. An unexpected development during this pandemic has been the inclusion of TeleHealth as an option for patient care. I will continue to offer a TeleHealth option even after the pandemic has resolved since I received such positive feedback from my patients. There is likely to be a wave of chronic ailment as a result of the pandemic and I look forward to helping patients navigate a post Covid world, including managing stress related disorders, investigating ways to treat patients with post acute Covid syndrome, and even using bio-feedback techniques to address mental health concerns. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED?
Achieving any meaningful work/ life balance was nearly impossible last year. Instead, I focused on what I could control as opposed to the many things I couldn’t do anything about. Being aware of how I responded to stressors and attempting
WHAT SURPRISED YOU? WHAT POSITIVE CHANGES HAVE COME ABOUT?
to let go of them was my goal, even if I didn’t always achieve that. Keeping up to date with the news seemed so very important, with constant updates and “breaking news” but despite that I tried to limit my screen time. I also learned that I couldn’t control how other people behaved during a pandemic in regards to mask wearing and risk management in general, but I could take control of my own life and my own reactions. Carving out a little bit of “metime” away from work, family and other responsibilities helped me maintain my physical and emotional wellbeing during this crisis.
My children have surprised me by how resilient they are. For them, stress and moments of hardship are momentary. Their expression of emotions can be explosive and loud, but it’s often brief and once they do that they rebound and move on. My kids have shown me that regularly facing and expressing the fear, sadness, or confusion over the pandemic allow them to be resilient in the long term. As an adult, I see how I hold on to these emotions both physically and mentally and even suppress them, often to my detriment. My children have reminded me how to live in the moment, acknowledge my emotions, and maybe sometimes even enjoy a tantrum of my own. IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOURSELF IN JANUARY OF 2020?
If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to remember to stay engaged in the present and not to focus too much on the uncertain future. Also to keep an eye out for the beautiful moments that are coming, and to remember to celebrate small victories. Even though it will at times be exhausting, I would tell myself to enjoy all the extra time with my family. Also, I would tell myself to invest in masks and maybe get faster internet.
WHAT POSITIVE CHANGES HAVE COME ABOUT?
The biggest lesson learned is that our family has been extremely blessed. We’ve been able to stay healthy in the midst of a pandemic. We’ve been able to maintain employment and pay the mortgage. Our children are not yet school age and the extra time we’ve had at home with them has been precious. We have been present for the first smiles, first new teeth, first rollovers and the first steps taken. We’ve been able introduce Braylon to the wild outdoors and observe him catch his first fish, riding his first snow board and making snow angels in the yard. And in my role as mother, I’ve grown to appreciate the gifts of time and talent that my mother shared with me while I was growing up. The privilege of having her here during COVID to help with the babies has been a true blessing. IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOURSELF IN JANUARY 2020?
I would remind myself that change is constant. Nothing ever stays the same. And when those moments of overwhelming change happened all at once and turn my world upside down, I can shift from chaos into calm, build resilience and learn to live a life guided by my own values and vision. Oh, and most important, I would remind myself to buy some toilet paper!
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Alison first came to the valley in 1999 seeking adventures in the Tetons and surrounding areas. She brings 20 years of sales, marketing and retail planning experience to Century 21 Teton Valley. Alison has dedicated her free time to exploring the lakes, rivers and trails throughout the region and loves to share her local knowledge with friends, both old and new. Her love of this special place has driven her to the Real Estate profession as she desires to help people make their dream of mountain living come true.
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