STORY AND PHOTOS BY KAREN BOSSICK

Rebecca Cox looked out across a room filled with women in frilly white blouses sitting around tables boasting vintage teacups rescued from the Gold Mine and delicate cucumber sandwiches.

“A society grows great when old women plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in,” the executive director of the Blaine County Historical Museum said, quoting a Greek proverb. “The women we honor today have spent a lifetime planting seeds—of kindness, courage and wisdom. Because of you, our communities are stronger, deeper and richer. We thank you for the shade you have a provided—and the example you continue to set.”

Cox is the executive director of the Blaine County Historical Museum in Hailey. As such, it is her duty to preside over ceremonies honoring four women each year who have contributed to the fabric of the Wood River Valley.

And, on this particular day, it was The Community Library’s turn to fete the women, serving up tea, chocolate and lemon cakes boasting bouquets of frosted flowers on top and iced sugar cookies shaped like teacups.

“Honoring you women is so important because those coming up behind you have your examples to witness and learn about,” said Mary Tyson, executive director of The Library’s Jeanne Roger Lane Center for Regional History.

This year’s honorees are

…Ketchum’s Jeanne Cassell, who has been involved in numerous efforts, including the founding of The Advocates, the Sawtooth Botanical Garden’s building of the Garden of Infinite Compassion and an unsuccessful effort to start the Croy Canyon Ranch independent and assistive care facility for seniors

…Hailey’s Diane Cordes, who helped with girl’s sports programs

…Bellevue’s Lorna Kolash, who spent four decades catering events around the valley via Lorna’s Catering

…Carey’s Laura Fiscus who grew up on a quarter horse and sheep ranch and has been a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.

The women will receive their tiaras at the 22nd Annual Heritage Court Coronation Ceremony at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 8, at the Community Campus in Hailey. The ceremony, open to the public, will feature live music and dancing. A reception will follow.

Cox quoted Harriet Beecher Stowe, who called women the real architects of society.

“These are the keepers of stories, the hands that held generations, the quiet warriors who made our towns kinder, wiser and more beautiful. They’ve taught us how to make do, stand tall, laugh freely and love without measure. They’re the ones who knew when to speak up, when to listen and when to bring a casserole,” she said.

“They remind us that growing older is the opposite of fading away—it’s about glowing brighter with the warmth of a life well lived.”