The soul of Jackson Hole

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

By Joseph Schloss

The best side of Jackson Hole shone bright on Saturday when two benevolent organizations held gala events. The Lions Club hosted its fun-filled, annual 49er Ball at the Virginian Lodge. This event has been a mainstay in Jackson since 1896. The festivities began at 7 p.m. and Boondocks, a local band, played throughout the evening. “Casino Night” style gambling was enjoyed by all, and the silent auction of donated items had everyone clamoring for a bargain. The revenue raised by this Lions Club event will be used in support of the Jackson Hole Elementary and Middle schools for the purchase of large band instruments, Uplift of Wyoming, and the Lions Club eye care program.

Other than the dancing and socializing, the highlight of the evening was the crowning of the 2008 Queen of the Ball. The candidates were Lana Crabtree, Patty Navratil, Christie Maurias, and Denise Seherr-Thoss. After much deliberation and anticipation the lovely Patty Navratil was crowned. Patty sold in excess of 300 tickets to the event, perhaps setting a new record. The Lions Club deserves our gratitude for providing this fundraiser to benefit the community. It takes quite an effort on the part of the Lions Club, the volunteers and the community at large to keep an event like this going for 112 years.
The other gala event was the Jackson Hole Rotary Supper Club’s celebration of their third anniversary and the 103rd anniversary of Rotary International.

This banquet was held at the beautiful and prestigious National Museum of Wildlife Art, with members attending from Jackson Hole’s two other Rotary clubs. Master of Ceremonies Richard Tambor presided over the evening’s events. Music included singing by Laura Turner, whose voice never ceases to amaze me. Dr. Jim McBride, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, came all the way from Cheyenne to inform us about the state of affairs of education in Wyoming. Dr. McBride pointed out the consistent successes in Teton County. He applauded our schools’ tremendous success in test scores (SAT) and overall graduation rate. Superintendent of Schools, Pam Shea, and all of our teachers should be commended for their hard work to achieve this accolade.

One of the high points of the evening was the awarding of Paul Harris Fellows to deserving members who had donated $1,000 or more to the Rotary Club in the past year.  There were several tearful moments as Rotarians recalled family members whom they honored as Paul Harris Fellows by donating in their name. Rod Everett, with his daughter Kymber at his side, honored the memory of his deceased son. Ellen Wilson honored her elderly mother, who was present at the banquet. Ellen’s father was also a Paul Harris Fellow and a founding member of the Jackson Hole Rotary Club.

The Rotary Supper Club, affectionately known as the “fun club,” was true to its moniker with friendship and fellowship abounding. The Rotary Supper Club not only has fun, but provides a service to the community. They help fund worthy service projects at the local, state, national and international levels. Without the benevolence of the Rotary Clubs, the Lions Club and the many other service organizations in Jackson Hole, we would be a much lonelier community. It is the very soul of our community’s service organizations that provides the glue that binds us together and makes Jackson Hole the wonderful place that it is.

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The soul of Jackson Hole | Planet JH News Article: Right Wing Local

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