GENERAL INFORMATION
IDAHO EXPANDS LIEAP HELP
Idaho is expanding its low income energy assistance program this winter. Governor Butch Otter says the state has 54% more funding than it did last year. The $17.9 million available could increase the average benefit to eligible households by more than $100. More than 32 thousand families got help last year.
Under the expanded income guidelines, a family of four with an income up to $2,827 per month can still be eligible – a threshold $177 per month higher than last year. The change should provide more help for Idaho seniors on fixed incomes. This year’s income guidelines for LIHEAP eligibility are:
Family Size Monthly Income Annual Income
|
Family Size
|
2008-2009 Idaho LIHEAP Income Guidelines
|
|
Monthly Income
|
Annual Income
|
|
1
|
$1,387
|
$16,640
|
|
2
|
$1,867
|
$22,400
|
|
3
|
$2,347
|
$28,160
|
|
4
|
$2,827
|
$33,920
|
|
Each Add’l. add:
|
$480
|
$5,760
|
People who meet income guidelines can contact their regional Community Action Agency to apply for assistance. People can find the nearest Community Action Agency office online at www.idahocommunityaction.org, or by contacting the 2-1-1 Idaho CareLine.
ATTENTION: IDAHO VICTIMS OF ABUSE/STALKING
Idaho Secretary of State, Ben Ysursa, says victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking who have relocated to escape their abuser can seek a confidential address through the office of the Secretary of State. This address will be used on all state and local agencies correspondence and records so that the actual physical address cannot be obtained through public records requests. For more information visit: http://www.sos.idaho.gov/ACP/ACP.htm
ATTENTION: IDAHO SMOKERS
Idaho’s Project Filter is offering free Nicotine Replacement Therapy to smokers looking for help in kicking the nicotine habit. Nicotine patches, gum and lozenges are available by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW or logging on to www.idaho.quitnet.com. Smokers who call the QuitLine or log on to Idaho QuitNet can request 4-weeks of their choice of nicotine patches, gum or lozenges. To learn more about Project Filter go to www.projectfilter.org.
ARE YOU READY FOR DIGITAL T.V.?
On February 17, 2009, television stations all over the country will begin broadcasting exclusively in a digital format, ending analog broadcasts that come through conventional television antennas. After February 17, 2009, to continue receiving free, over-the-air signals, a television set must have either a digital tuner or a set-top converter box that converts the new digital signal into the old analog format and the set to continue receiving broadcast-only signals. Congress established the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program. Through this program, every U.S. household is eligible to receive up to two $40 coupons to purchase converter boxes. You can now request your coupons online at www.dtv2009.gov, by calling 1-888-DTV-2009, or by mail. It’s important to remember that coupons expire 90 days after they are issued. (This information provided courtesy of Congressman Mike Simpson.)
CARIBOU TARGHEE SELLS CHRISTMAS TREE PERMITS
The Caribou-Targhee National Forest announces the availability of Christmas Tree cutting permits for the 2008 season. The Caribou-Targhee National Forest will begin selling Christmas Tree permits on October 14, 2008. Permits will be available at each Ranger District Office and the St. Anthony and Idaho Falls Visitor Centers. The following local vendors will also sell Christmas tree permits although sales dates may vary. Vendors will also be added as the season progresses. Please inquire locally.
Driggs – Peaked Sports and Yostmark
Preston – Bob’s TrueValue Hardware
Montpelier – Broulim’s Grocery Store
Island Park – Elk Creek Service Station
Ashton – Dave’s Market and Lenz Electronics
Rexburg – Valley Wide Farm & Ranch
Swan Valley – Rainey Creek Country Store
Palisades – Huskeys
Christmas Tree Permits will be available as follows:
$10.00 for a tree up to 12 feet tall.
$15.00 for a tree 13 to 20 feet tall.
Information such as where trees may be cut, restrictions on off road travel to access trees, and other important details will be placed at each ranger district office and vendor’s business. Proceeds from the sale of Christmas Tree permits partially goes to vendors selling permits, the Resource Advisory Council to fund projects, and to the National Forest where trees are being cut. If you have any questions, please contact your local Ranger District office.
NOVEMBER
ATTENTION IDAHO MILITARY CHILDREN---
Idaho 10th, 11th and 12th graders who are children of Army Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve families may compete for an expense-paid trip to an Americanism Youth Conference slated for March 5-8 in Philadelphia and Valley Forge, Pa. By Dec. 1, competitors must submit 500-word essays on “Standing on the Shoulders of Giants—How American Veterans Have Shaped the World” to Sue Philley, Idaho’s Operation: Military Kids coordinator.
The University of Idaho’s Extension 4-H Youth Development staff,will lead Idaho’s selection process for the conference, which is sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary.
The 4-H/Army Youth Development Project will pay for program fees, dormitory room and board, and travel to and around Philadelphia for a single participant from each state.
The conference, which includes several field trips, focuses on discussions of current issues from a historical and global perspective and involves participation in simulated democratic activities and a moot court. Students are challenged to articulate their views and perceptions about their constitutional rights and responsibilities as citizens while interacting and working collaboratively with their peers on various projects.
Applicants must be students in good standing who have demonstrated leadership potential through extra-curricular activities and community service.
For more information, call Philley at (208) 334-2328 or write her at sphilley@uidaho.edu in Boise.
NOVEMBER 8—NOVEMBER 22
UPPER VALLEY IDOL
If you like to sing and perform here is the chance for you. The third annual Upper Valley Idol is coming soon. Auditions will be held Saturday, November 8, from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. and again on Saturday, November 22, from 1- 3 p.m.
Auditions will be held at the Westwood Theater on Main Street in Rexburg. All contestants should plan on preparing a song of their choice to perform in front of a panel of judges. Please either bring a CD with backup music or plan to sing A cappella because there will be no piano available. More information is available at www.rexburg.org
The contest is split into two divisions where contestants will compete for either the Junior Idol or the Upper Valley Idol award. The Junior Idol category is for ages 4-15, and the Upper Valley Idol category is for those 16 and older.
Upper Valley Idol is an event that will offer contestants the opportunity to win monetary awards and to perform at future events held in the community.
Come out for a great experience and get involved in one of Rexburg’s most exciting events of the year!
NOVEMBER 17-22
RIGBY LIBRARY: USED BOOK SALE
The Friends of the Rigby City Library will be holding their Fall Used Book
Sale from November 17th - 22nd 2008, We have a huge selection of used
books. The Book Sale will be held in the basement of the Library during
library hours. Library hours are from 11:00 A.M.- 7:00 P.M. Monday-
Thursday, 11:00 A.M.- 5:00 P.M. Friday, and from 11:00 A.M.- 3:00 P.M.
Satrudays. The Rigby City Library is located at 110 North State Street in
Rigby. For More information call GaeLynne Hinckley at (208) 745-8637
NOVEMBER 20-24
MHS---“BYE BYE BIRDIE”
Madison High School presents the musical “Bye Bye Birdie” November 20, 21, 22 and 24 beginning at 7 p.m. each night in the Madison High School Auditorium. General admission is $5 and $3 for students (including BYUI students).
NOVEMBER 21-22
ISLAND PARK CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
5th annual Island Park Historical Society Christmas Festival. Crafts and food sale, a Christmas tree, gift, and decoration auction, an elegant holiday luncheon, singing, dancing, and a visit from Santa Claus at the Mack’s Inn Theater on Lower Big Springs Road. The theme is An Old World Christmas.
Crafts booths open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday. Homemade chili, soup, wassail, and baked goods will also be on sale Friday.
Crafts booths will also be open Saturday from 9 a.m. until before the holiday luncheon at noon, which will be catered by Boondocks, and include entertainment.
Auctioneer Bill G. Smith will begin the auction immediately after lunch.
Santa Claus will appear at 10:30 a.m. Saturday morning to talk to children and give them small gifts.
To sign up to donate items to the auction, call IPHS President, Nancy Stratford, at 558-7875 or IPHS board member, Diane Sielinsky at 558- 7609.
To sign up for a crafts booth, call IPHS Secretary Kari Dalton at 558-0229. Space is limited to 12 booths, so call soon to reserve yours.
Set up time for auction items and crafts booths is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, November 20.
Make reservations for the Saturday luncheon by calling Nancy Stratford, 558-7875.
NOVEMBER 25
BLOOD DRIVE
The city of Rexburg is holding a Blood Drive November 25th from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. It will be the last drive of the year. To make an appointment contact Pam Wren at city hall (208) 359 3020 ext 340 or Dot Legan at (208) 359-6245.
NOVEMBER 27
REXBURG TABERNACLE CONCERT
A great way to start of the holiday season is by attending the Thanksgiving morning program at the Rexburg Tabernacle. The program features the “Turkey Choir” and is an hour-long program beginning at 10 a.m. The choir is part of the Arts in Rexburg council, which helps host the event. The concert is free of charge, but donations are accepted and appreciated.
The choir is made up of experienced choral singers in the community, plus local guest artists. Kendell Nielsen, along with his wife Elaine, have directed and accompanied the choir for 12 years. This Thanksgiving celebration has been a 35 year tradition in this area and draws participants from Ashton to Idaho Falls. Three generations have been represented in the choir as families have made singing in the choir a part of their holiday tradition.
NOVEMBER 28
CHRISTMAS IN REXBURG!
Thanksgiving is around the corner and Christmas decorations are already in stores. After the big Thanksgiving feast, The Rexburg Area Chamber of Commerce will sponsor the annual Hometown Festival of Lights, held Friday November 28, 2008.
Events include Santa lighting the Christmas tree on Main Street at 6 p.m., a Christmas caroling parade down Main Street at 6:30 complete with candy canes and glow sticks. At 7 and 8 p.m. there will be Christmas concerts at the Westwood Theatre and Rexburg Tabernacle. All events are free to the public and cookies and hot coco will be provided!
Santa will be at The Rex Theatre on Saturday, November 29 and December 6, 13 and 20 from 1-4 p.m.
NOVEMBER 29
SANTA IS COMING TO REXBURG
Santa is coming to Rexburg on Saturday, November 29th from 1 to 4pm at the Rex Theatre located on the north side of Rexburg. Rather than being outdoors in the cold like years past, this year Santa will be INSIDE with the kids so don’t miss it.
WINTER
PARKING RULES ENFORCED
The city of Rexburg prohibits all Off-Street Parking between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m. thru March 1st to assist in snow removal efforts. If you park on the street you will be cited. If snow plows are running you will be towed at owners’ expense
DECEMBER
OBAMA INAUGURATION TICKETS
The historic inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama has generated a lot of questions from Idahoans about attending inaugural events in Washington, DC, in January 2009. Therefore, Idaho Senator Mike Crapo has set up an informational page on his website to provide answers to many of those questions, along with a way for Idahoans to request tickets to the swearing-in ceremony via email. The page, http://crapo.senate.gov/services/Inauguration2009.cfm, contains details about the January 20, 2009, swearing-in ceremony, the Presidential Inaugural Parade, media credentials information, details about past Inaugural balls and other touring information. Links to the official Inaugural website and parade coordinators are also listed on the webpage.
The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies has printed approximately 250,000 tickets to the January 20, 2009, swearing-in ceremony at the west front of the U.S. Capitol. The tickets are provided at no charge, and Idahoans should be wary of any organization offering to sell tickets to the swearing-in ceremony. The viewing area for the ceremony is large, extending from the Capitol down the National Mall, and tickets are not required for every section of the viewing area. It is expected that large video screens will be provided at the more distant sections of the viewing area. The Presidential Inaugural Committee, which has yet to be formed, handles all other aspects of the inaugurals, including the official parade and balls. Crapo’s website will be updated with information regarding inaugural events as soon as they become available.
DECEMBER 5
CRAFT FAIR
The St. Anthony Chamber will be hosting a craft fair on December 6th from 10am to 5pm at South Fremont High School. If you would like to reserve a booth, please call 351-2590. The Craft Fair will be held Saturday, December 6th from 10am to 5pm at South Fremont High School in St. Anthony.
REXBURG AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2008 COMMUNITY CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Phone: (208) 356-5700
November
20-21 BYU-Idaho Symphony Orchestra featuring Jenny Oaks/7:30 p.m./BYU-Idaho Barrus Concert Hall/ For tickets call BYU-Idaho ticket office at 496-2230 or visit the online Web site at www.byui.edu/tickets
22 Santa’s Workshop/ 1-4pm
27-28 Thanksgiving – Rexburg Chamber Office Closed
28 Santa’s Workshop/1-4 pm/The Rex
29 Santa’s Workshop/ 1-4pm/The Rex
December
6 Santa’s Workshop/ 1-4pm/The Rex
6 Christmas in the Snow/7:30 p.m./BYU-Idaho Hart Auditorium/ For tickets call BYU- Idaho ticket office at 496-2230 or visit the online Web site at www.byui.edu/tickets
10 Chamber Forum/ Noon/ CottonTree Conference Center/ RSVP at 356-5700
12 BYUI Graduation Commencement
13 Santa’s Workshop/ 1-4pm/The Rex
20 Santa’s Workshop/ 1-4pm/The Rex
24 Christmas Eve
25 Christmas – Rexburg Chamber Office Closed
ST. ANTHONY CHAMBER’S CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR 2008
Nov. 6 Monthly Meeting – Noon – El Jaleciense
11 Veterans Day Activity
20 Work Meeting / Elections – Chamber office – 5:30 pm
Dec 4 Monthly Meeting – Noon – Relay Station
6 Tree Lighting / Craft Fair
18 Work Meeting – Chamber Office – 5:30 pm
20 Christmas Decorating Contest
