Northern Rocky Region (RFO 525) - Chapter Activity of the Month

The Asotin-Garfield Thirvent Financial for Lutherans Chapter became a Disc Golf Sponsor when Judi Wutzke, Records Director for the chapter, presented information about the possibility of a new course and the need for sponsors. She has been actively involved in promoting a healthy life style through their USANA Health Sciences Distributorship since 2000. She was working with the Lewiston Orchards Kiwanis Club to coordinate the project as her President’s project during her term as president for that organization. She made her first presentation to her Kiwanis Club and later to Thrivent by talking about “Judi’s Dream” of having a course where her sons, her husband Gary and she could play together as a family when they visit and the families in the region could also play at a free course. Her Kiwanis Club embraced her dream and a Disc Golf Committee was organized to put together the funding for the course. The committee, comprised of members from the Lions Club, disc golfers and Lewis-Clark State College, has been meeting since September 2008. Along with the Asotin-Garfield Thrivent Chapter, holes are also sponsored by Thrivent members: Chip Wahlberg, Twin Rivers Physical Therapy; Judi Wutzke, …and BOOKS, too!, Sandra Spears, Talk of the Town; Mike Spears, Sign Up Signs (this business made the signs for the course). The Lewiston Parks and Recreation Assistant Director, Tim Barker, is also a Thrivent member. Tim has been the staff coordinator for this project since the beginning and has been an active committee participant. He coordinated the design phase, working with two other disc golfers to test the holes and make modifications where needed. He also coordinated the construction, working with a Boy Scout who chose the course as his Eagle Scout Project and his committee who did the construction.

Although the entire 9-hole course was built for under $10,000, funding is still needed for two benches and two garbage cans ($400 each for a two-year sponsorship) one set of which is to be placed at the Thrivent hole. [Judi would love to have other Thrivent members join her in this endeavor.] Fundraising is on-going with plans for additional courses in our valley. The Asotin-Garfield Chapter distributed discs and pens at the first tournament held April 17, 2010. Participants were given Thrivent pencils to use in scorekeeping. Everyone involved felt the tournament was an incredible success, with 50 players having a great time and winning prizes as well. A Thrivent social event is planned for September at Sunset Park with lessons given to those wanting to learn the sport.

Kudos to the Asotin-Garfield Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and the many members who helped with this disc golf project!