In a way we should be thanking Ali’s mother, as she was the one who instilled an ethic of community service in Ali. Growing up, her family has always been involved in their community so it’s natural for Ali to seek out ways to help. The Bayview Community Council was in dire need of a Chairperson and Ali accepted the task in 2018. She is a great leader. She is not in it for herself but in the true spirit of serving her community. Ali always welcomes new people to join our Council organization. She genuinely wants the Council to thrive and believes in its mission to serve the public. As a former Chair Person for the Bayview Water and Sewer Board, Ali understands the challenges and needs of the community. Often Ali writes articles for the Council newsletter, Shore Lines, where she addresses multiple subjects in a non-biased fashion. Ali is not one to sit on her laurels.
Who doesn’t love Margaret Nelson? She is a long-time resident and raised four boys in Bayview. Margaret and her husband owned the Captain’s Wheel during the early 80’s. She is instrumental in helping the Council come up with preparation ideas for events. She is a loyal member and always offers to help with supplies that are needed for our social occasions. Margaret is a gem to have on the board.
In 2004 Gregg Mauser, Laurie’s husband, came to Bayview to look at a boat for sale and bought a house instead! Laurie remembered Bayview’s scenic view coming down into town as amazing from visiting Bayview when they lived in the Coeur d’ Alene area before, so they moved back north from Boise. Laurie grew up in Idaho Falls and while attending U of I in Moscow, met Gregg. For the past 30 years Laurie has been a professional archaeologist She is currently serving her third term as Kootenai County Historic Preservation Commissioner and was instrumental in investigations and finally designation of Pen d’Oreille City on the National Register. She volunteers in the Anza Borrego State Park in California as a site steward for the Colorado Desert Archaeology Society and is now (proudly) a certified botanist for the Colorado Desert Botany Society. Laurie keeps the Council in line when it comes to our budget. We are delighted she remains as our treasurer over all these years.
Judi White and her husband first came to Bayview in 1972 camping at Farragut. She worked at Farmers and Merchants Bank in Cheney, WA; the last five years as Manager. She was active in the Cheney Chamber and was the first woman President. After 18 years in banking she took time off to get her two sons thru high school and college and then got her Series 7 Brokers license and worked 15 years at Smith Barney, Morgan Stanley. Upon retiring, Noel and Judi traveled 8 years full time in a motorhome, visiting all 49 states. In 2015, when it was time to sell the motorhome, they chose Bayview to buy a home and live the good life. We are lucky to have this powerhouse!
Marlys Blagden was one of the founders of the Bayview Community Council and has continued to play an integral role since its start. She has been an important liaison between the Bayview community and the Lakeland School District where she’s been the Administrative Assistant for 25+ years. According to Bayview resident, Francie Miller, “As a new person to the community, Marlys offered me a warm and sincere welcome.” Volunteers such as Marlys are the glue that holds community organizations together. She has been the cashier at our community wide yard sales and Oktoberfest fundraiser, and the grill cook for many years during our Bayview Daze fundraiser booth. Whenever you see a poster or a well decorated announcement, you can bet it’s Marlys’ handiwork. She is currently a Council board member serving as the Communication Director’s position. Prior to this she was secretary. Marlys is truely the heart of this group.
Sheryl Puckett moved to Bayview in 1978 and raised two children. Upon retiring Sheryl became involved in the Bayview community and became one of the founders of the Bayview Community Council. She has held the position as Community Action Director for 16 years. Issues that affect Bayview are brought to our attention by Sheryl. The Council’s latest cause was creating an online petition to have the Farragut Park East Gate reopened. The petition garnered over 1,000 signatures and because of the Community Council’s involvement we succeeded in having the East Gate opened to the public. Sheryl is a force to be reckoned with and we are privileged to have such a passionate and dedicated member.
The Bayview Community Council is always in search of great talent. And boy, did the Council hit the jackpot with Jennfier Birds! Jennifer was born and raised in Southern California. She met her husband, Michael, while working as the hardware manager at Builder’s Emporium. She also taught art to high school students for 18 years. Jennifer and Michael purchased their Bayview property in 2017 and officially moved into their new home in 2020. These days you can find Jennifer passing the time in Bayview playing pickleball, mahjong, jigsaw puzzles and she still dabbles in her art. Jennifer joined the Board in September, 2023. “I really enjoy a lot of the activities offered at the Community Center and giving back to the community. I am a good organizer, problem solver and I’m willing to help,” she stated with confidence.