Dental volunteers honored

Volunteer Spotlight

Each year the Idaho State Dental Association honors two local volunteers with the Smile of Excellence Award. The dentists honor volunteers for their extraordinary service in the community. These dentists are Fellows in the International College of Dentists which is a prestigious honor held by only 4 percent of the 6,200 dentists in the United States. This year volunteers Glenda Weaver and Megan Kobrick were presented with the Smile of Excellence award during a breakfast held at the Coeur d'Alene Resort.

Following her retirement from a career both in law enforcement and teaching, Glenda Weaver began immersing herself in volunteerism by serving people who are raising their relative children. Weaver received the Smile of Excellence nomination in recognition of her dedication to the Relatives as Parents Group (RAP) - a support group for relatives raising their relative children - and as a member of the Kootenai County KinCare Committee - a local group that keeps informed on the laws and proposed legislation that impacts kin care givers and children. "Glenda's compassion for helping relatives raising their relative children comes from her own experience as a grandparent raising her grandchildren," said Kelly Sheffield, member of the KinCare Committee. "Glenda is always ready to help provide information to someone who needs to navigate the maze of government agencies and get their questions answered so they are able to take care of their "kin" the best way they can."

Weaver is the editor, publisher, printer and distributor of the monthly RAP newsletter that is provided to all relative families in the region. Among many other responsibilities she organizes fundraisers and programs as resources for the RAP families, and attends community events to raise awareness. Weaver's passion for helping others is apparent through her tireless dedication to the RAP and KinCare groups and the families they serve.

The second recipient of the Smile of Excellence award, Megan Kobrick, is a student from Lake City High School. Besides being a successful student and athlete, she has logged well over 1,000 hours of volunteer work. Kobrick has volunteered for five years at Kootenai Health and served two years as a board member of the high school student volunteer organization. She has volunteered at assisted living facilities and physical therapy departments. Kobrick keeps busy with her continued commitment in serving her community and by selflessly giving of her time to help others.

"Megan has shown tremendous leadership as a volunteer at the high school. She has directed numerous service projects including fundraisers and collection drives," said Don Callister, a teacher at Lake City High School. "It is very rare to have such a self-directed, conscientious student."

Volunteer Opportunity

Community Supported Farm in need of volunteers

Roots CSA is the first Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm in Kootenai County.

The Roots CSA is located in Dalton Gardens. They harvest twice a week on Monday and Wednesday and are in need of help to get the produce ready for shareholders and the assistance facilities they serve. The purpose of The Community Roots Local Food Share Program is to reconnect people with the land that feeds them. They work cooperatively to develop a local food system that:

• Increases local produce donations to food assistance facilities

• Plays a role in reducing greenhouse gases

• Promotes healthy eating habits and engages citizens in sustainable food practices

• Establishes a stronger community

To volunteer with Roots CSA contact Kara Carleton at kara@kealliance.org or 208-771-3151.