The Fosdick Gives to the New Meadows Community Again, 2023
The Fosdick came through for our community once again! On October 11, 2023, recipients, volunteers and friends were invited to the Meadowcreek Clubhouse to receive awards and honor Shannon Fairchild and Levi Burden as the ‘Friends of the Fosdick” this year.
First off, dinner and drinks were served. Dinner was delectable little slider sandwiches and several side dishes. Following dinner, Sylvia Tinsley introduced Loretta McConnor who spoke about why Shannon and Levi were chosen to be recognized this year. When they heard that the Intersection BBQ was celebrating its 10th year of business, they knew it was its owners that they had to honor. Levi and Shannon are longtime residents. Levi has served on the school board and literally helped build the town, being in construction. Shannon has served on city council, has been our candle lady, our real estate agent and bartender. Also, all while busy raising four boys, they have held countless fundraisers for the local high school track team, the food bank, our city park, and recently our new skate park and many more. Shannon helps a lot on the Fosdick Golf Tournament weekend and Levi’s company, Burden Enterprises, sponsors holes. They have always supplied food from the BBQ and donated the use of the courtyard. “In short, our little town would be a different place without these good friends/neighbors.”
Tom Anderson (Fearless Fosdick), then gave Shannon and Levi a beautiful plaque and Levi got up to say a few words. He conveyed how appreciative he and Shannon are. They never did anything for recognition. They were just inspired by being part of this wonderful community. He thought everyone involved should be recognized and they were proud and thankful to be part of it. Levi ended with, “It’s a beautiful place to be.” Some comments from the audience were “They’re wonderful!”, “Thank you!” and “We appreciate the work he’s done on the depot over the years!”
Syvia Tinsley then announced that there will be an ongoing plaque in the Pro Shop honoring local heroes. She also expressed the worry the Fosdick has every year: if they would raise enough money to meet the requests; if they would have enough golfers; have enough food or beer; whether it would rain at their dinner or tournament; have enough volunteer help. For 38 years they have been able to work through all these challenges and have had funds to put back into the community. Sylvia professed, “My heart is warmed and I get tears in my eyes when I dwell on all the work that each of you volunteers donate to this event.” Sylvia then handed the microphone back to Tom Anderson.
The Fosdick has donated over $700,000 to the community over these years. This year the event raised almost $40,000. Two memorial funds raised $1800. One was for Mona Anderson, the other for Roberta Fields. Tom stated, “I would like to honor two people, that I guarantee you, this tournament and all the money that’s been raised, would not be here unless they were here.” Tom also recognized Roberta’s husband John, Lea Linville and her deceased husband Bob who were also instrumental in starting the Fosdick.
The awards were then handed out. Jeff Parnett was called up to receive $1000 dollars for repair and upkeep of musical instruments at school. Jeff was a big hit at the gathering because his hair and beard were pink. There was a “Pink Out” at school because of a senior project honoring a local cancer patient. Aaron Ingle was next. He brought three of his golf students with him. He received $1500 for tournament fees and travel, $2000 to pay referees and $2000 to build a playground fence. Randall Annunziato received $2000 to build a support structure for a water tank and $3150 for the Science Field Trip. Dan Graff received $2375 for flooring and window blinds for the Community Center. Penny Steadham received $3000 for Planet Youth. Sandy Dryden received $3000 to install track lighting in the P&IN Railway Depot Lobby. Jen Dummar accepted $3375 for the After School Ski Program at the Little Ski Hill. Scholarships are available for the ski program. All the runs on the ski hill will be lit up this year for the first time ever. Jen is also a board member on the Skate Park Committee. She announced that earlier in the day they received a surprise $50,000 donation in the mail which brings them over $500,000 for the Mehen Memorial Skate Park. Kayrene Brown accepted $5300 for a self-checkout system and better security at the library. Loretta McConnor received $5300 from Fosdick and $1745 from Roberta Fields Memorial Fund for second semester scholarships to be given out in May. Loretta listed Roberta’s many accomplishments and contributions and read a very touching letter that she had written for Roberta’s 80th birthday in 2019.
Tom thanked the many Fosdick volunteers and closed with one last Congratulations to Levi and Shannon.
