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Nampa Elks, Eagles donate to Veterans Therapeutic Garden

Idaho Press-Tribune - 4/15/2017

One year ago on Saturday, the Veterans Therapeutic Garden in Nampa broke ground at 304 N. 16th Ave. Since then, I’ve been happily announcing donations and garden help as it poured in from around the community.

This month, the Nampa Elks Lodge No. 1389 and Nampa Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 2103 have given more help to the garden.

The Elks donated an Elks National Foundation$2,000 Beacon Grant, and that money has purchased two 16-foot rolling gates.

As for the Eagles, I already reported their $3,527 donation. The new news is that after hearing about it, Eagles Idaho state conductor Terri Warren decided to make a couple calls.

First was to Eric Scott, of Boulder Creek Fencing, who agreed to donate chain-link fence mesh for the garden fence.

Second was to Larry Carruth, branch manager of Nampa’s Silver Creek Supply. Larry donated the hardware needed to put up that fence.

Community teamwork for the win!

Terri said in an email that the goal date for the fence to be up is April 30. Along with the two gates from the Elks, this is really coming together!

Caldwell Elks appoint new officers

The Caldwell Elks Lodge No. 1448 installed a new set of officers on March 25. These officers are (so you can congratulate them appropriately when you see them):

n Thomas Marmon, Exalted Ruler

n John Michael “Mike” Rogers, Leading Knight

n Leonard LaTour Jr., Loyal Knight

n Donald Bell, Lecturing Knight

n Raymond Wilson, Esquire

n Karen Smith, Chaplain

n Charles Roberts, Inner Guard

n Lee McCreary, Tiler

n Paul Farwell, Secretary

n Archie Stradley, Treasurer

n Daniel Murphy, Trustee

n Donald “Lynn” Bittick, Trustee

n Benjamin Schneider, Home Association

Along with the installation of officers, the Caldwell Elks took a moment to honor some members. Traci Roberts Marmon was named Elk of the Year, Donald Bell was named Officer of the Year, Tony Megran and Sue Megran were recognized as outgoing officers and Charles Roberts was honored as the outgoing Exalted Ruler.

My congratulations to all.

American Legion supports veteran roof fix, Wyakin Warrior fundraiser

As fun as it would be to have a completely fraternity-themed Front Porch column, this next tidbit breaks the trend. But only a little.

The American Legion Nampa Post has donated $200 to help Delwin (no last name given), a local member of Disabled American Veterans, with his roof problem. The group is requesting that anyone who would also like to help this veteran visit gofundme.com/helpveterandelwin.

The site includes a venue to donate and more information about Delwin’s situation. In short, his roof has been leaking for seven months, and his insurance won’t pay for the repair since it was “mostly due to factory default.”

The American Legion has also given $100 to Tommy Montgomery, a member of the Meridian Post. Tommy, an Army Veteran, is fundraising and raising awareness for the Wyakin Warrior Foundation by participating in an Iron Butt Challenge, wherein he will ride a motorcycle from one end of the U.S. to the other.

If you have ever ridden a motorcycle for a long period of time, that challenge name will make perfect sense to you.

Tommy plans to stop and share fellow veterans’ stories during his ride. He will also showcase the companies that help sponsor him.

Again, if you would like to support, visit gofundme.com/wyakin-foundation-awareness-ride. If you want to stay up to date with the latest from his ride, keep an eye on facebook.com/wyakinwarriors.

Last of all from the American Legion meeting, Allyn Palmer was given a 50-year continuous membership certificate, and Herb Carlson was given a certificate for being in the organization for 70 years.

On March 22, Nampa Elks Lodge No. 1389 presented a $2,000 Beacon Grant to the Nampa Veterans Therapeutic Garden. Pictured here, from left to right, are Carol Westphal (Lodge secretary), Carla Berg (Garden secretary), Gayle Strack (Garden president), Robert Westphal (Lodge exalted ruler), Mike Waltermire (of the Boise Rescue Mission), Andy Rodriguez (Lodge grant writer) and Marcia Carr (Lodge leading knight).

Hill Street Studios

On March 22, Nampa Elks Lodge No. 1389 presented a $2,000 Beacon Grant to the Nampa Veterans Therapeutic Garden. Pictured here, from left to right, are Carol Westphal (Lodge secretary), Carla Berg (Garden secretary), Gayle Strack (Garden president), Robert Westphal (Lodge exalted ruler), Mike Waltermire (of the Boise Rescue Mission), Andy Rodriguez (Lodge grant writer) and Marcia Carr (Lodge leading knight).

Hill Street Studios

Allyn Palmer, Nampa American Legion Post finance officer, was presented with a 50-year continuous membership certificate at the Post's recent general meeting.

Submitted by Cordell Cropper, Nampa American Legion Post adjutant

Allyn Palmer, Nampa American Legion Post finance officer, was presented with a 50-year continuous membership certificate at the Post's recent general meeting.

Submitted by Cordell Cropper, Nampa American Legion Post adjutant