Annual Friends Of Restorium Barbecue Counted Another Rousing Success

by Judy Dirks
298-267-3859
1888 Crossport Rd.
Bonners Ferry, Id 83805
judydirks@nidaho.net

A mark of "true community" is the turnout for the Annual Friends of Restorium Barbecue.

On June 27, a picture-perfect summer day, nearly 400 people were fed the traditional barbecue fare of grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, salads by the dozens, and the ever-popular pies made by the Church of God in Christ Mennonite ladies of Mountain View and Woodland churches. Ladies of twelve other churches furnished their favorite salads. Music drifted from the gazebo, a special background for all the happy conversation of neighbors from throughout the community. Entertainers were Jeannie Robinson, the Kootenai Valley Church Singing Youth Group, Orthodox Christian Church A Cappella Choir, Mormon Church Adult, Youth, and Children's Choir, and Cindy Horton and Matthew Gallatin Celtic Music. One newcomer to the event shared that this event was what community is all about, why they live in Boundary County, and wanted his children to experience it.

Tours of the facility were offered to showcase upgrades of the past year including total refurbishing of several resident rooms by the County. The Friends and County Advisory Board are now encouraging "Adopt-a-Room" to allow for more rooms to be completely redone. This can be "in memory" or "in honor" of a person of the donor's choice. Double entry doors at the main entrance and west side entrance including gable ends were installed recently with funds donated to the Friends. All who visit the Restorium are now welcomed by a beautiful granite sign purchased through memorial money. An array of colorful flowers grace the courtyard and now the west side has been beautifully planted with flowers by staff with donations from the Friends. The generosity of the community through the Friends have enabled the Restorium to remain known as "the jewel of our community." All donations are used to enhance the lives of the residents such as with the new greenhouse purchased by the Friends and erected by a resident, Ray Olson, with his son, Steve. The $2,677 raised by this year's barbecue will provide funds for further projects. It has been said that the Restorium is "county-owned, community cared for" as is evidenced by the homey atmosphere and furnishings, many of which have come through donated dollars.

While the 2010 community barbecue is a memory now, the residents will continue to enjoy barbecues throughout the summer, an example of "Restorium Family" activities, with a grill purchased by donation.

Memberships currently number 469, more than double that of 2009, according to membership chairman, Judy Dirks. The $5 annual dues represents support for the Restorium through the Friends of the Restorium, a 501(c)3 organization which meets the third Thursday of each month at the Chic-n-Chop Restaurant at 12 noon. All are welcome to attend and share ideas. Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 1362, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805.

The next major endeavor of the Friends is seeking a grant to secure an elevator for the facility.

Manager Karlene Magee welcomes visitors and will gladly show the facility.

Barbecue chairman Judy Dirks thanks all who contributed to the success of this year's event.

See you at the next barbecue!