Harker Pool opens on May 26, 2007, fully staffed with lifeguards, from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily. As usual, the organized swim programs will be held in the morning hours at Harker.

Please stop in to enjoy your wonderful pool facilities, meet our summer staff, and as always, let us know how we are doing. In order to make our pools even safer for everyone, we will now require non-toilet trained youngsters to wear official "swim diapers" in the pools. These diapers can help reduce bacteria released into water by up to 98 percent and reduce the risk of closing the pool because of an "accident." We will have a limited number of swim diapers available if anyone in need arrives without them.

Some owners have requested a change in our policy of "No flotation devices allowed." The American Red Cross Water Safety Handbook says the following:

"Inflatables, such as water wings, swim rings and other flotation devices, are not designed to be used as substitutes for U.S. Coast guard-approved life jackets or life vests or adult supervision. Swimmers may go beyond their ability and fall off the inflatable, which may lead to a drowning situation. Inflatable materials deteriorate in sun and rough pool surfaces, leading to deflation and leaks."

Watching Children Around Water: "Do not rely on substitutes. The use of flotation devices and inflatable toys cannot replace parental supervision. Such devices could suddenly shift position, lose air or slip out from underneath, leaving the child in a dangerous situation."

Because our insurance carrier requires that we comply with the American Red Cross handbook, our policy will remain the same. We want all of our guests to have a favorable and fun experience at our pools and we kindly request your cooperation regarding these safety policies.

Noxious Weeds on The Rise
Unfortunately, we are falling behind in our War against Noxious Weeds – and we need your help! If you live adjacent to any open space areas that are infested with noxious weeds that we have missed, or if you have been hiking or biking on any of the open space trails or hillsides and have noticed weeds, please give us a call with the locations. Also, take a few minutes and check your own property for weeds. Please contact us if you would like detailed information, including visuals, regarding the three noxious weeds prevalent in Elkhorn: Dalmation Toadflax, Knapweed, and Thistle. Blaine County’s website, www.blainecounty.org, has great information about Noxious Weeds and the Idaho statutes pertaining thereto. A partial quote from their website:

"Noxious weeds affect everyone - they:
Impact our Quality of Life
Decrease Property Values
Devastate Grazing Lands for Wildlife and Livestock
And, can be Actual Health Risks.

State law requires landowners to control noxious weeds on their properties."

Please let us know if you are willing to assist us with person-power to pull weeds to save our neighborhoods and our quality of life. If there is any interest we would be willing to host a SVEA "weed out" party. Please contact our office at 208-622-7420.

Phase III of Elkhorn Springs is expected to start during the fall of 2007. This is the final phase of Elkhorn Springs.

The Elkhorn Springs restaurant has found a suitable tenant and hopes to be opening this August and is optimistic that the Country Store will be opening around the same time. More information pertaining to these openings will be provided as we get closer to the month of August.

Elkhorn Springs would like to thank Sun Valley Elkhorn Association home owners for their patience and cooperation during the construction of this project.

• The Company of Fools presents "A Year with Frog and Toad" from April 18 to April 23, 2007 at the Liberty Theater. Go to www.companyoffools.org or call 208-578-9122 for more information.

• Ketchum Spring Antiques Show will be held from April 20 to April 22, 2007 at the NexStage Theatre. For more info call 208-720-5547.

• The Sawtooth Botanical Garden will present the Bug Zoo Festival on April 22, 2007. Join in the fun with games, creepy crawlies, and more! This festival is the kick-off for the Sawtooth Botanical Garden's Annual Bug Zoo.

• Listen to the Caritas Chorale Mother’s Day Concert on May 13, 2007 at 3pm in the St. Thomas Episcopal Church on Sun Valley Road. This special concert will consist of "Songs My Mother Taught Me", traditional songs with Irish and Scottish roots that the Chorale will take on their tour of Ireland and Scotland. Caritas Chorale is led by Artistic Director Dick Brown. Everyone welcome to attend.

• Visit the Sun Valley Wellness Festival. The five-day Festival will be held at the Sun Valley Resort on May 24-27.  Embracing Positive Change is the theme.  The Festival includes more than fifty presentations and workshops addressing various modalities of body, mind, spirit and environmental wellness. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. will be the keynote speaker at the 20th Annual Festival on Friday, May 25. Other speakers will include Marie Diamond, Sharon Salzberg, Ron Rosedale, and Dr. David Schlim. Special featured musical guest will be WAH! with a performance Sunday evening. For more information visit the web site: www.sunvalleywellness.org

• The Sun Valley Half Marathon will be held on Sunday, May 26. Registration and information can be obtained at www.sunvalleyhalf.com. To participate, see the web site for full information and registration.