One of the great things about the annual State of the Scotchmans meeting (Wednesday, May 12 at 6 pm in Sandpoint’s Panida Theater) is the opportunity to recognize the folks who make the wheels go around. FSPW has a great base of volunteers who step in and step up when the needs and opportunities of wilderness advocacy for the Scotchman Peaks appear. This is our one chance in the year to call someone an “Old Goat,” which is the name of our “Friend of the Year” award, and have them enjoy it.
We aren’t telling who this year’s honorees are. At least not here, and not yet. You’ll have to come to the gathering at the Panida on Wednesday night to find out who they are and why we are recognizing their efforts in the past year. One thing to remember, though. If you have been a hike leader, a fair booth sitter, a Fourth-Of-July-Parade organizer, a behind-the-scenes worker or any of the other permutations volunteers appear in for FSPW, it could be you. In any case, it will probably be someone you know.
In addition to the volunteer recognition, we have a great evening planned, including a silent auction with lots of pretty cool stuff; a Patagonia door prize or three; a chance for someone to attend the Robert F. Kennedy Waterkeeper event at Gonzaga on May 20; a no-host bar featuring Mick Duff’s beer, Pend Orielle Winery red and Eichardt’s bartenders; live entertainment from Dawnya Clarine; and the film Forever Wild.
On top of all that, you will get to learn about our efforts to protect the Scotchmans, check out our upcoming summer hike season and, perhaps best of all, rub elbows with our many Friends and volunteers. If you aren’t one or the other or both, yet, we would love to have you on board. Join us on Wednesday.