This has been a busy, exciting, and productive 2009 season. Utilizing the Fairground Stock building proved how much difference shade makes. Had we not had the shade we would have had 3 weeks of quality ice. (50-degree weather does not fair well for outdoor ice.) Fortunately, the building, shade tarp, and hundreds of hours of volunteer flooding and sweeping produced 8 weeks of quality ice. The Elementary Winter Sports Programs from Victor, Driggs and Tetonia were all able to complete there 7-week season. TBIR also ran skating clinics for the Community School and an all ages “open skate”. Our “Stick & Puck” program was successful for the 6-9, 10-14, and adult programs. In addition, the Broomball Club ran a successful 8-week season on the ice. In total, we averaged 350 user days per week. That’s approximately 2450 individual user days this season. AWESOME!!

This winter, TBIR made a valiant effort to listen to the community and find a permanent land option central valley. After 3 months of discussions, neither the Fairboard nor the County Commissioners made a land offer; rather the City of Victor opened up their arms wider “didn’t look the gift horse in the mouth” and has welcomed us w/ continued respect, hope, and opportunity. TBIR shall not look back. Thanks to the City of Victor for the vision. It’s great to have clear direction again.

Our 4th Annual Spaghetti Dinner was another great success. We served 220 individuals and net $2,500.00. A huge thanks goes out to Glen from Tony’s Pizza for donating the sauce, meatballs, and cheese. What a great show of generosity and Community support. I’ll also need to mention Glenda Bagley and Charles ? from the Victor Elementary who donate they’re time and work to keep the school open and help make the event a tremendous success. There were over 40 local businesses that donated to the raffle and auction. Thank you!!! Last but not least, thanks to all the volunteers who helped set up, serve, and clean.

Although the ice is done for the season our work is not. Currently, we are working closely with the Teton Valley Foundation in a collaborative effort through interlocking boards and a likely merger. With overlapping missions, our two organizations feel strongly about sharing grant writers, executive directors, volunteer efforts, and other resources. Together we could evolve into one strong and effective non-profit organization. Stay tuned for more details.

In the meantime, TBIR has scaled down the Phase I aspect of our project, received strong construction bids, and is 82% secure financially to begin the construction. We need only to raise $40,000.00 to complete Phase I and secure a 99-year lease at $1.00/year w/ the city of Victor. During an economic downturn we have the capacity to build and establish the beginnings of a community recreational facility. Your continued support is needed. Every dollar counts! Please mail donations to: TBIR, P.O. Box 65, Victor, Id. 83455. We are a 501c3 tax-deductible organization and a receipt will be sent to you.

That’s the News! Thanks!
Respectfully,
Ari Kotler, president