Summer brings hot weather, boaters, celebrations
Summer is finally here, and as usual, abruptly. In addition to the traditional Bayview Daze Celebration, which it appears will be blessed with clear skies and temperatures in the 80s, the boaters are out in force. With temperatures in the high 90s all week, Bayview’s population has grown by leaps and bounds. All those vacation homes and float houses have people in them as folks flee the city searching for cooler weather. From where we sit in the south end of Lake Pend Oreille, sails and powerboats obscure the water in places.
Don’t forget, the Bayview Daze celebration is Friday, Saturday and Sunday with the main activities slated for Saturday including the fireworks extravaganza that evening. We understand that we will be graced with a U.S. Army band for the parade this year, which starts at 11 a.m.
The Bayview Community Council held its annual meeting last week with the election of officers, and presentation of the second annual “Communitarian Award.” This year’s recipient was Terry Shepherd, owner of Terry’s Cafe. Shepherd has long been the heart of Bayview, caring for shut-ins, taking meals to people who were in need and always thinking of others. Just recently, she organized and held a raffle to benefit Amber Newton, which raised more than $1,500. Bayview salutes her.
The Bayview Community Council is two years old now, and has evolved greatly since its rocky beginning. Due to a few injudicious remarks that were interpreted as being critical of the Bayview Chamber of Commerce, the first year was marked by some acrimonious attitudes on the part of some members of both organizations. It appears that with time and efforts of members of both organizations, they are working in harmony with each other. Congratulations on your second year of community service.
Most, if not all activities of the BCC do not appear to be in conflict or competition with other organizations in the community. Currently, picking up trash along Highway 54, cultural outings to plays and concerts, fundraising for beneficial uses and charitable causes are the bulwark of the activities, along with educational programs. Support for various school activities isalso in the forefront. It has been repeatedly stated by officers of this organization that they are not, nor do they intend to be, in conflict with other worthy community groups.
Bayview is rightfully proud of the involvement of its citizens. Kootenai County Council president Rick Curry once remarked that per capita, no other area of the county turns out more people for meetings and community issues. Remember, however, that all costs of our celebration including the fireworks display are funded by donations from the hundreds that arrive to enjoy the show.
The entire program is put on by the Bayview Chamber of Commerce, through which the donations are channeled into reality. A first will occur at this year’s Bayview Daze parade. Liz Justus and Lorraine Landwehr, parade directors for the last 21 years, will see their first parade as spectators this year. They both retired from this activity, passing the baton to Ralph Jones. Also retired from previous years is Jackie Orth, who formerly ran the street bazaar. Taking over from Orth are two very involved, capable people: Kathy Ellis and Cindy Post.