New senior housing opening in Sandpoint
In a sluggish real estate market, there is one place in Sandpoint that is sure to not have a problem operating at full occupancy. Luther Park at Sandpoint is a newly developed senior housing facility that is owned and operated by First Lutheran Church.
The three-story structure, which is scheduled to open Dec. 15, is on the south side of Sandpoint and is creating talk not only locally, but throughout the country.
First Lutheran Church’s Pastor Dave Olson coordinated and led the Sandpoint project and was recently retained by the diocese to assist in the planning of a similar facility in Boise.
“We have broken new ground in senior housing,” said Pastor Olson. “Now many other churches across the country are following our lead and seeking to develop senior housing as part of their congregation’s ministry.”
What makes Luther Park unique is that it is physically linked to First Lutheran, which will go a long way to facilitate interaction between the two entities.
“The relationship between Luther Park and First Lutheran is envisioned to be one of interrelated, intergeneration, relationships and communities,” said Olson. “The hope is to create a senior living community that is not isolated, but integrated into the activities of both First Lutheran Church and also the larger community.”
According to Olson, a project such as Luther Park has been the dream of his congregation for more than 50 years. That enthusiasm and dedication, coupled with the fact that Sandpoint has increased in population significantly over the past decade, have resulted in a response that far exceeded expectations. According to Olson, this type of response is virtually unparalleled in the senior housing industry.
“The entire building was pre-leased by groundbreaking,” said Pastor Olson.
The building has 87 units, 60 of which are independent living suites and the remaining 27 are enhanced and memory-care apartments.
Olson attributes the immediate success of Luther Park to several factors.
“Being a ministry of the church, Luther Park received a lot of word of mouth publicity and marketing through members. It is a state-of-the-art facility,” said Olson. “Also, many were drawn to Luther Park precisely because it integrates a senior housing community with the church.”
Before the congregation could make its dream a reality, much research had to be done. A market feasibility study confirmed what Olson said everyone thought to be true – there was a significant unmet need in the community.
“Certain things make Sandpoint unique, not the least of which is its growing popularity as a retirement community,” said Olson.
Pottery in Motion gives kids chance to create gifts
If you are looking for a unique Christmas gift, Lisa Hall, owner of Pottery in Motion, has just the answer.
Today and next Saturday, Hall will hold workshops at Petal Talk, 120 West Cedar St. in downtown Sandpoint from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. People can come and pick out unique items to paint. Hall will then fire them in her kiln and the completed projects will be available for pick up the following week.
“Along with the usual gifts like mugs, bowls and plates, there will also be holiday items such as ornaments, lighted ceramic Christmas trees, gingerbread man plates and assorted vessels that you can paint and then have Petal Talk fill with gorgeous flowers,” said Hall.
Pottery in Motion usually operates as a business that brings the pottery to one’s home. But the workshops at Petal Talk will enable moms and dads to bring the kids to create gifts for the holiday season. The prices typically range from $5 to $30.
“A hand-painted creation for mom, dad and the grandparents are always popular projects,” said Hall. “Family celebration plates make great gifts.”
To learn more about items available to paint, or how you can host a party in your home, visit Hall’s Web site www.potteryinmotion.com. All items on the Web site will not be present at the workshop, but Hall said people may contact her to request a particular item.
Schweitzer offers lift tickets to benefit cancer patients
For the third year in a row, Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort is hosting A Day for Heather on Dec. 12. The ski resort will offer lift tickets for $10 all day for all ages and donate the day’s proceeds to Community Cancer Services, a local nonprofit organization that assists cancer patients and their families with financial and emotional needs.
The event is named in memory of Heather Gibson, founder of Community Cancer Services, a member of the Schweitzer ski family and an advocate for cancer patients.
For more information visit www.schweitzer.com.