Restorium Friends brighten facility's interior, exterior for residents

In 2011 the Friends of the Restorium were busy again helping raise funds to make significant improvements to the Restorium facility.

Founded in 2004 there are about 450 members of the Friends of the Restorium according to member, Donna Jo Dirks.

Last year the Friends of the Restorium raised $26,800.77 from fund raisers and grants to benefit the Restorium which has 32 residents and a  waiting list.

“It is about half the cost than other facilities of this type,” said Dirks.

The improvements the money went to over the past year include the Adopt-a-Room project. This project allows members or anyone who wishes to help to adopt a room. The room can be sponsored n someone’s name or in memory of a family member. The room received new windows, lighting, ceilings, floors and drapes.

 People donate time, money or material to the Adopt-a-Room project.  So far there have been six rooms completed.

The grounds of the Restorium were also improved. Bookcases were built and set up in the hallways for easy access .

“A lot of the improvements made were to make it a more safe place for the residents as well,” Dirks said.  “Such as steps built in the vegetable garden for easier and more safe access.”

A 92-year-old man helps maintain the raised garden beds. 

The residents can grow their  own vegetables and cook and have fresh vegetables for meals. Some of the residents also can the vegetables.

Dirks said the Restorium is a Boundary County owned facility. The Friends of the Restorium are always on the lookout and applying for grants. They recently applied for a grant to have an elevator built to allow for more safe transport Boundary Community Hospital which is across the street. 

Residents have to be directed around the building and down a hill to go to the hospital and can be quite risky during the winter months, Dirks said.

The elevator will help residents and employees make a safer trip.  Garvin Lyle another member of the Friends of the Restorium said they are still in the beginning stages and he hopes that they will receive grant money and begin building before next winter.

Dirks also said that when applying for grants the state considers membership of the Friends of the Restorium. 

“When a community the size of Boundary County has as many members as we do it shows community participation which they like to see,” said Dirks.

By receiving grants it keeps the cost down to the county which in turn saves the tax payer. Dirks said the Friends of the Restorium work close with the county to apply for as many grants as they can..

The Friends of the Restorium also hold an annual barbecue and picnic for the residents and is a major fundraiser. They are currently underway with their first raffle which is a Valentine’s Day gift basket. 

The tickets are available at Akins Harvest Foods and another raffle will be held Friday, Feb. 10 and Saturday, Feb. 11. Tickets are $1.

To become a member it cost $5 a year.  Anyone interested in finding out more can call Judy Dirks at 267-3859 or Donna Jo Dirks at 267-3916.

The Friends of the Restorium also have a website at www.boundarycountyid.org/friendsoftherestorium/index.htm.