NOV NIBJ: To give is to receive

Heidi Rogers could be spending her days on a Hawaiian beach, watching the sunset with a mai tai in hand.

Sandi Bloem could be doing the same.

Instead, both retired professionals remain deeply involved in the community they call home, volunteering with numerous organizations and continuing to make a difference.

“I really enjoy being out in the community and staying connected,” Bloem said.

“I've retired from my day job, but I haven't retired from my dedication to the community,” Rogers said. “Idaho runs on nonprofits. They are an essential part of our community, and we need to support them.”

The two women are among the many retirees who serve on boards, volunteer with nonprofits and provide leadership to civic organizations.

Linda Coppess, president and CEO of the Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber, is quick to praise their contributions. She cited Bloem and Rogers, along with Sandy Patano, Mary Sanderson, Sue Thilo, Dena Naccarato and Lora Whalen, as examples of people who built successful careers and, rather than slowing down in retirement, stepped forward to continue serving others.

“They love this community so much,” Coppess said. “In addition to the incredible roles they played in the organizations they led, each of them is a remarkable community leader who is deeply committed to service and giving back.”

Sandi Bloem

Bloem, a fourth-generation Coeur d'Alene resident, former educator and business owner, became the city's first female mayor and first three-term mayor, serving from 2001 to 2013.

Before entering public office, she taught in the Coeur d'Alene School District for about a decade. She later helped lead her family's Dingle's Hardware business and became owner and operator of Johannes & Company Jewelry.

Her commitment to civic service began long before she was elected mayor. She co-chaired the Downtown Revitalization Committee, chaired the CdA 2020 strategic-planning effort, served four years on the Planning Commission and held leadership roles with organizations including the Chamber of Commerce, EXCEL Foundation and North Idaho College Foundation.

One of the projects most closely associated with her leadership is the Kroc Center.

When Coeur d'Alene pursued the opportunity to bring a Kroc Center to the community, Bloem and the City Council assembled a 30-member team representing civic, business, religious, youth, recreation and service organizations to prepare the application. The community ultimately secured a $65 million award, despite competing against much larger cities. Bloem chaired the effort and helped lead the local capital campaign.

Bloem points to people such as Louise Shadduck, Don Johnson and Mary Lou Reid as lifelong examples of community service.

“They were role models for me,” she said.

With so many newcomers moving to the area, Bloem said it is important to help them understand the region's history and culture, giving them a sense of place and connection.

She believes Coeur d'Alene is fortunate to have so many people willing to share their time and talents.

“We are very strong in volunteerism in our community across all ages,” she said.

Bloem credits her family's commitment to volunteerism for shaping her own outlook.

“I grew up in a family that believed in giving back,” she said.

She also believes volunteering is one of the best ways for older adults to maintain their mental and physical well-being.

“I'll probably always be looking for an opportunity to support my community,” she said.

Heidi Rogers

Dr. Heidi Rogers has built an extraordinary career spanning education, technology, nonprofit leadership, philanthropy and community service. While her professional work extended across the nation and beyond, she has remained deeply engaged in Coeur d'Alene civic life for decades.

Professionally, Rogers spent about 20 years leading the Northwest Council for Computer Education, beginning in 2002. NCCE helps educators effectively integrate technology into teaching and learning. Under her leadership, the organization expanded far beyond the Northwest, developing partnerships with companies such as Microsoft and Google while supporting educators across the country.

Earlier in her career, Rogers spent 25 years with the University of Idaho, working in educational technology. In the early 1990s, she helped launch Classroom 2000, an initiative designed to introduce students and teachers to emerging classroom technologies.

Her volunteer service is equally impressive.

She has served as president or chair of numerous nonprofit and civic organizations, including the Coeur d'Alene Rotary Club, Coeur d'Alene Rotary Foundation, EXCEL Foundation, Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce, NCCE and the International Society for Technology in Education. She has also served with the Kootenai Health Foundation and many other local nonprofits.

Today, she is a member of the Coeur d'Alene Rotary Foundation Board and serves as vice chair of the Idaho Community Foundation Board.

Rogers credits two key mentors: her grandfather, Paul Fowler, who served as mayor of a small Oklahoma town, and the late Jack Dawson, former dean of the University of Idaho's Coeur d'Alene campus.

Her grandfather's example left a lasting impression.

“He was a kind soul, and I watched him volunteer for whatever needed to be done,” Rogers said.

Whether serving meals, taking tickets at rodeos or helping behind the scenes, Fowler always found ways to contribute.

“He gave to others,” Rogers said. "I took that to heart."

Dawson offered advice she still follows today: don't limit your volunteer efforts to a single cause. Become involved with a variety of nonprofits and community organizations.

“I just hope I can be a mentor to others the way Jack and my grandfather were mentors to me,” Rogers said.

Like Bloem, Rogers sees clear benefits to staying involved. Volunteering has helped her build lasting friendships while keeping her engaged and intellectually active.

“It's rewarding,” Rogers said. “The joy it brings to people.”

She describes Coeur d'Alene as “a very giving community” and believes that generosity will benefit future generations.

“We are blessed in this town,” she said. “It's who Coeur d'Alene is. We help each other. It's what small towns do.”

    Rogers