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Changes and challenges in Shoshone
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Location: Blogs Jim's Blog |
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| Posted by: Jim Hansen |
7/28/2006 |
In the rural community of Shoshone, I spoke with many people about what it is like to become a commuter community 75 miles from Sun Valley, the challenges of getting health care, and the necessity of being dependent on driving and the cost of fuel. Shoshone has a strong community of seniors who shared their concerns and their humor.
I was in the community of Shoshone on Tuesday. This is the county seat of Lincoln County in the middle of the Magic Valley. Shoshone has population of about 1,500 but is experiencing a growth rate of about 12 percent, much higher than the state’s average. Many of the new folks moving in work in the Ketchum-Sun Valley area but cannot afford to live there, so they commute 150 miles round trip. Shoshone is also the main route between Sun Valley and Twin Falls (26 miles to the south) so they see a lot of traffic pass through.
I had lunch with seniors at the Golden Years Senior Center and heard about their experiences living and working most of their lives in Shoshone. Frustration with the Medicare prescription drug deal was also a common topic of conversation – as it always is among Idaho’s seniors – as is concern about access to health care in rural Idaho. The nearest medical facility for Shoshone is St. Benedict’s in Jerome or Gooding Memorial. Some folks are concerned that if their health makes it harder to get around, they may have no alternative but to move to Twin Falls or Boise.
I heard lots of stories about the old days in Shoshone. Everyone remembered when the railroad that runs through the middle of town included passenger service. If a family did not have a car or preferred not to drive, they could take the train. Nowadays, to live in rural communities like Shoshone, families must own a car and a growing share of the family budget goes into keep it running and fueled. The price of gas is always a topic of conversation, regardless of one's age.
I had a great visit with Mayor J.R. Churchman at the senior center. Like many small town mayors, he wears many hats and is recognized by everyone in town, particularly the seniors. Lunch also was memorable because it was the first time I’ve had liver and onions in many years! I cleaned my plate and then stayed after lunch to play bingo. These seniors are eager to gamble with quarters over bingo, but are frustrated that their government gambles with their health care.
The glue that helps keep the Shoshone community of seniors together with love and humor is a gem of a guy named Rich Bowerman. Because he knew I was coming, he found a marvelous joke on the internet to tell everyone before I spoke:
An old country preacher had a teenage son, and it was getting time the boy should give some thought to choosing a profession. Like many young men, the boy didn’t really know what he wanted to do, and he didn’t seem too concerned about it.
One day, while the boy was away at school, his father decided to try and experiment. He went into the boy’s room and placed on his study table three objects: a Bible, a silver dollar, and a bottle of whiskey.
“I’ll just hide behind the door,” the old preacher said to himself, “and when he comes home from school this afternoon, I’ll see which object he picks up. If it’s the Bible, he’s going to be a preacher like me, and what a blessing that would be! If he picks up the dollar, he’s going to be a businessman, and that would be okay, too. But if he picks up the bottle, he’s going to be a no-good drunkard, and, Lord, what a shame that would be.”
The old man waited anxiously, and soon heard his son’s footsteps as he entered the house whistling and headed for his room. He tossed his books on the bed, and as turned to leave the room he spotted the objects on the table. With curiosity in his eye, he walked over to inspect them.
Finally, he picked up the Bible and placed it under his arm. He picked up the silver dollar and dropped it into his pocket. He uncorked the bottle and took a big drink.
“Lord have mercy,” the old man whispered, “he’s going to be a Congressman!”
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