Priest River Times editor named citizen of the year

PRIEST RIVER -Terri Ivie may have been the most surprised person in the room last Tuesday when she was recognized as the 2010 citizen of the year by the Priest River Chamber of Commerce.

Ivie, a longtime Priest River resident and managing editor of the Priest River Times, was covering the chamber's 2010 awards night when she learned she had been selected. Nadine Parker, outgoing chamber president, presented a very surprised Ivie with the award. Parker had also nominated Ivie, who was selected by a committee from seven other nominees.

Known for her volunteer work in the community, Ivie is involved in many clubs and organizations, including Relay for Life, Rotary, and Hospice. "I love being involved and want to give back," says Ivie, who is passionate about volunteering. She considers it an important duty for each member of the community, believing if everyone gives a little, it will lead to great things for Priest River.

Ivie recalled her move to Priest River in 1991 and being inspired by the beauty of the area. Once settled, she noticed the lack of a youth soccer league, a sport her children hoped to play. Never one to sit back and wait for someone else to take initiative, Ivie organized a league. From that start, she has put all her extra energy into serving her community and making Priest River a better place to live.

Gary Bell, a chamber member who took part in the selection process, believes Ivie is very deserving of the award. He describes her as dedicated to Priest River and believes that her dedication comes from the heart. "She is a super lady," Bell said. "When you need something done, call Terri."

Bell recalled this past year's Christmas on Main Street as an example, a project he worked on with Ivie. "Terri ran it all," Bell said, noting that it was one of the nicest he could remember. "She is so dedicated to the community," added Bell, calling her a citizen who gives her heart and soul to whatever she is involved in.

While having a heart for her own community, Ivie also sees the need to help others around the world. Part of Ivie's work with the Rotary involves global projects, which since 2001 have been water wells in Africa. Ivie even visited Kenya for two weeks in 2004, helping put desks in schools and working on a solar oven project. A highlight of the trip was the bond she made with the African children, who enjoyed the soccer balls and candy she brought.

Both shocked and surprised at receiving the award, Ivie considers it a very humbling experience.

She is also encouraged by the award, knowing that she is making a difference in her community.

She points to Nadine Parker and Gary Bell as community members who understand the importance of giving back. She describes them as people who put the needs of others first.

Ivie may have said it best, however, in a Dec. 8, 2010, piece she wrote for the Times titled "Chamber sets sights on 2011." The article included a reminder for the community to submit their citizen of the year nominations to the chamber, followed by a description of the qualities nominees should possess: "The local community member should be someone who has gone above and beyond helping those in the community. This person should be actively involved in the events of the area and someone who makes Priest River a better place to live and work." Unknown to Ms. Ivie at the time, it was an apt description of herself, the chamber's 2010 citizen of the year.

The awards ceremony, which was held at the Ranch Club, also honored Sonny Parker with the president's award.

The Priest River Chamber of Commerce selects a citizen of the year annually from nominations received from members of the community. Last year's recipient was Peggy George.