MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Happy 10th Anniversary to
Bizarre Bazaar!
 

Dear CAL Gals,

At the last meeting Cindy and Joyce did a nice job of refreshing everyone on where we had come from as an organization. I’m sorry that something was wrong with the projection system in the auditorium which made the pictures too dark to be effective. I would like to single out four people without whom we would not be running one of the most successful businesses in town.

Tracy Gibson, who had the guts to take the organization into the often difficult world of daily retail, Barbara Eacret, who saw opportunity in the financial chaos of the recession and moved us to an empty storefront downtown, and Joyce Spiller and Cindy Chenault who have had their hands on the helm for 10 years, setting the tone and doing whatever was necessary on a daily basis. And thanks to the rest of us who have contributed time, talent, and support to the store and each other for ten years. We rock!

Last week Diane Arrants and I went to the Priest River Ministries Open House in Priest River. CAL has supported this group through our grants program for several years. We were so impressed by what this little cadre of people have done in a small town. Diane and I were aware that they operate the only two emergency women’s shelters in the county, offering safety to women and children fleeing abusive situations. What we did not know is that they have provided a place where women can access computers get their G.E.D.’s or complete job training courses. There is also a day care facility for these women as they study, go to appointments, or interview for jobs. They also have a distribution area which can provide emergency formula, diapers, clothing, bedding, and toys for those in need. I felt so moved by the kindness that we saw there towards those in need. We were also told they are trying to provide service in the Sandpoint area; they are often called in the middle of the night by police trying to help women in bad situations.

Tomorrow begins Easter week. Thank you to all of you who reaffirm the God in all of us everyday.

Love to you all,
Sherry