The community was out in full force to support the S.A.V.E.S. the Day “Putt for Life” miniature golf contest Saturday in downtown New Meadows.  S.A.V.E.S., which stands for Support All Volunteer Emergency Services, helps buy needed equipment for the all-volunteer fire and ambulance service in Meadows Valley.  Sue Schaffer, board member for S.A.V.E.S. the Day, Inc., the non-profit that organizes the fundraiser, said that the event is close to her heart, “I think that these men and women of New Meadows who provide services for rural America do make a difference.”  “They’re America’s heroes,” she said.          

Steve Berry became an EMT two years to help his community.  “There have been times when I’ve needed help and somebody was there to help me,” he said.  He is also grateful for the community’s reciprocal support, “I’ve never lived anywhere that had this much community outreach before and I’m glad to be a part of it.” 

Shanna Roff became an EMT four years ago because she saw a need in the community.  “It’s all volunteer so we definitely need people all the time,” she said.  “I think it’s great,” she said of the   S.A.V.E.S. fundraiser.  “It helps us get a lot of needed equipment.”        

In years past, the event has been held at the MeadowCreek Golf Resort, but it was unclear if the resort would open this year due to financial difficulties.  Instead of moving the event to a golf course outside New Meadows, organizers decided to promote the local economy by setting up putting greens at 12 Meadows Valley businesses, “Why not set it up here and promote our local businesses?” said EMS chief/city clerk Mac Qualls.  “It’s also saying thank you to businesses that have supported us all these years,” he said.        

Brad McGarry, whose business, McGarry, Inc., does custom home building said that the event has given visibility to area businesses, “The best thing is people are learning where all the businesses are,” he said.  Kelly Nelson of Nelson Machining and Manufacturing agreed, “It’s helped people recognize what’s here.”  “Most of the people who’ve come around had no idea this was in New Meadows,” he said.    

Dillon Martin of L&L Custom Meats said that the event even brought him business.  “We sold one pig and a pound of salami,” he said.  Dillon was happy to participate in the event.  “Got to support your community if they’re going to support you,” he said.  Jeff Lund who manages Roadhouse Java and the Meadows Valley Hotel agreed, “We want to be a part of the community and help the community.”     

Not only did the event help raise awareness of local businesses, it also brought the community together.  Carolyn Swanson, an employee of the Kahili Club saw quite a few Meadows Valley residents come through and play.  “It’s a pretty cool idea, something to actually make people get out,” she said.  Kelly Nelson agreed, “I think it gets people out into the community.”  “We need to build our community,” he said.

Participants enjoyed themselves as they visited putting greens decorated for the “Animals in Idaho"-themed event.  “I’m having a good time,” said city council member Chuck Flores.  “It’s a good fundraiser,” he said. 

The event even got some out of town visitors.  Hailey Vik of Pullman, Wash., was in town visiting a friend.  “It’s been really fun,” she said.  Ludges Dominic Bracht of Munster, Germany is in New Meadows for three weeks with his family as part of a home exchange.  “I’ve come to the United States a lot, but I’ve never seen this kind of thing.  Maybe we bring it to Germany,” he said smiling. 

The visible symbiotic relationship amongst community members continued into the evening as folks gathered for a BBQ dinner at the Emergency Services Building in honor of the volunteers.

“We are so grateful to our emergency volunteers who give their time,” said Sandy Dryden who has been involved with S.A.V.E.S. for about five years, and recruits local youths to serve at the dinner.   

Randi Smith who will be a sophomore next year said that she volunteered to serve dinner to honor all the people who’ve contributed to the community.  “I think that it’s giving back to the EMTs and firemen,” she said.  “They don’t really get recognized that much and this day is for them,” added Baylee Moore who will be a freshman.        

“It’s special that a town this size has the quality fire department it does.  When you get the chance, it’s nice to support that,” said music teacher Jeff Barnett who golfed with his grandson and attended the dinner.  “In such a small town everybody has to work together.” he added.  “Everybody supports everybody else.”

The sentiment was shared by school principal Dion Flaming, “Because I’m a part of this community, I feel it’s important for me to be a part of whatever’s going on.”      

S.A.V.E.S the Day board members will look at possibly doing both a miniature golf contest and golf tournament in the future, Sue Schaffer said.  “I was really pleased to see people embraced the new format this year.  I’m excited that the businesses of Meadows Valley came together.  Everybody I’ve talked to have enjoyed meeting the business owners and getting to see what’s here,” she said.