Category Chatcolab

CHATCOLAB: Northwest Leadership Laboratory will be celebrating our 75th year with a private cruise on Lake Coeur d’Alene and we want YOU to join us! 

JUNE 14th at Lake Coeur d’Alene Resort
Boarding time: 3:30pm-4pm
Cruise time: 4:00pm-6:00pm

$35 per person includes a 2-hour private cruise around the lake and other fun surprises.  Purchase your tickets HERE. Space is limited so hurry and get your tickets TODAY!

A Mini-Chat is a regional gathering of labbers (old and new) to connect, build community, and participate in activities including crafts, cooking, games, and leadership. A Mini-Chat is also a really good way to introduce friends and family to what a week at Chatcolab may be like.

In 2023 the board has committed to FOUR Regional and ONE virtual Mini-Chat. We hope you are able to attend one or more of the opportunities listed below (bring a friend or two).

~ VIRTUAL MINI-CHAT | August 19th from 12p-2p Central Time

Hosted by Janell Marmon, Mayville, North Dakota on ZOOM

Mary Driskill will be presenting on Inclusion
Explore Chatcolab’s leadership model and brainstorm programming for diverse audiences and interests
Slideshow about Chatcolab

Questions? RSVP. Contact Janell at [email protected] or call/text (863) 969-9272

~ BOISE MINI-CHAT | August 19th from 3pm to 7pm

Hosted by Nel Carver, Betsy Carver & Kevin Laughlin, 6198 West Robertson Drive, Boise, Idaho

Join us in Nel’s backyard for crafts and yard games
Learn more about what Chatcolab is all about
Bring a potluck dish to share for an early dinner, drinks will be provided

Questions? RSVP. Contact Betsy at [email protected] or call/text 310-776-0346

~ PACIFIC COUNTY FAIR MINI-CHAT | August 24th from 3pm-7pm

Hosted by Toni Gwin and Pam Watson, Pacific County Fair, Menlo, Washington

Learn what a Leadership Laboratory is all about
If you have been to Chatcolab – Let’s reconnect
Make a chorded bracelet

Questions? Contact Pam at (360) 425-9634 or [email protected]

~ WESTERN OREGON MINI-CHAT | August 26th from 10am – 6pm

Hosted at the home of Mary and Stew White, 40197 SE Kitmiller Rd, Eagle Creek, Oregon
The setting is a construction zone as Mary and Stew are rebuilding the residence

Bring a friend, your voice, and your hugs!
Water, coffee and tea will be provided
Potluck – bring something good to share for lunch and a snack
Some chairs are available, more would be welcome.

Questions? RSVP.  [email protected] or call Stew at 503-658-3995 or Mary at 503-706-1568

~ GREAT FALLS MINI-CHAT | August 13th starting at 5:30pm – 8:00pm

Hosted by Dave & Annette Chandler, & Sally Heard
Redeemer Lutheran Church, 332 Riverview Dr 3W, Great Falls, MT

All ages welcome
Bring a potluck dinner Item to share
Plates, cups, utensils and beverage included. Bring own beverage if desired. 
Sally will speak of writing a book
Annette will teach Rock Painting
Dave will teach raccoon circles teamwork

Questions? RSVP. Contact Dave & Annette Chandler at [email protected] or (406) 781-2711

By Stewart White

Being on the Chatcolab board as a young man of about twenty-three was exciting. It as the first day of lab, early to mid-May. My partner and I were driving out of Camp Easter Seal under a blue, sunlit sky to set up ‘Burma Shave’ signs to reassure labbers that they were still on the right gravel road, all seven and a half miles of it!
I was expecting to meet Nancy E’s little sister, Patty. After setting the ‘last’ two signs, in reverse of-course, we saw a light-colored sedan approaching. As they passed by, I caught the license plate – those were the Montanans and the driver was Nancy!
Failing to warn my passenger, I spun my truck around in a smooth-but-fast 180 degree turn and pulled over behind the then stopped car. I guess Nancy noticed the truck. Ladies started climbing out of the car and a series of hugs were exchanged.
Out of the rear passenger side of the came a pretty darned short gal. “You must be Patty,” I said. She replied with a definite and somewhat snarky, “No.”
“That’s okay, you deserve a hug anyway,” I replied. I proceeded to a bear-like E-hug. That’s a serious hug that often elicits an “eee” sound.

I guess it was a pretty good hug. We got married a few years later and we’re still together after nearly 41 years. Oh, and we celebrate our “monthaversary” on the 21st of each month.

Stew White wrote his memory stream at 2:14 a.m. on the last day of the Chatcolab Northwest
Recreational Laboratory as he ended another stint on the board, this time as Vice-Chair. He and
wife Mary are integral members of the Chatcolab family, and for those who don’t know, Stew is
still giving hugs to Mary and others who are lucky enough to know this couple of sweethearts at
Chatcolabs during the past 40-plus years.

A firecracker on earth, now shining down from the stars

Dolly closed her eyes for the last time this morning surrounded by 2 of her 5 children. She had her wits about her until the end. Her terms. She was very loved and will be missed. Memorial information in Great Falls, Montana forthcoming. — Betsy Carver

Chatcolab’s Loving Memories of Dolly Dwyer

Dolly Embodied the Spirit of Chatcolab

It was delightful to share lab with Dolly. We remember her as always participating in everything despite having limited mobility these past few years. That never slowed her down. It didn’t keep her from participating in flag raising or lowering, crafts, singing, dancing or the parties at either Black Hill Rec Lab or Chatcolab. We can still see her in her “cruise wear” for a party at Chatcolab this past summer. We always enjoyed sharing a laugh with her and her family; she embodied the spirit of lab! —Ken & Cindy Birgen, Colorado

Such a Great Sense of Humor

I will never forget an improv she did with Brady at Black Hills Lab. Each time they turned out the lights and then turned them back on they were in a different position. It was hilarious. She had the greatest sense of humor. — Liz Hull, Utah

Dolly was a Welcoming Spark

For me as a first-timer, Dolly shared a welcoming spark that I can’t explain. Gracious and proud! — Linda Plenert, Washington

Such an Infectious Smile, so Nice & Encouraging

Last June, Stewart and I returned to lab after 34 years. One of the highlights was reconnecting with Dolly Dwyer. I was so amazed she remembered me. She was a 4-H leader in Great Falls with my mom and Sally Heard. Her daughter Kelly and I are the same age. We reminisced about many events during my 4-H years. Like when she judged county demonstrations or Daily 4 events.

She was tough, but always very nice and encouraging. She humbly shared the story of her being chosen “The National 4-H Leader of the Year” during 4-H’s centennial celebration. Well deserved! Her club was one of the best in the state for years. Her spirit and legacy continue on in her children and grandchildren. How lucky they were to have her for so long in their lives.

I am thankful Stewart and I visited her in September when we were home in Great Falls. I will always treasure the memory of her infectious smile and her enthusiasm for “fun and better living”. — Mary White, Oregon

Bless Her Sweet Soul

I loved Dolly’s wonderful sense of humor. I picture her laughing more than anything else. One memory is from a fairly recent Black Hills lab live auction when she stood up in front of the group next to Nel and shouted, “What will you give for my firstborn?” Everyone cracked up, including her firstborn (Nel) who got her humor gene. Bless her sweet soul. — Jackie Baritell, California

Beautiful Soul

She was a very kind person with a beautiful soul. — Malena Noriega, Utah

A Master of Human Relationships

Besides being a spark to any party or lab gathering, Dolly was a master of human relationships. Several years ago I asked her for pointers on creating a 4-H project group or club. She spent some time with me sharing experiences and guiding me to resources. Later in the Chatcolab week she took me aside again with more ideas. After Lab, she sent me a package of resources. In the coming years, she would check back with me about how it was going. She loved 4-H, she loved youth, and I knew she loved me because of her actions! — Marianne Burton, Washington

She Loved Us

She was funny and nice. She gave us hugs and loved us. I loved how Dolly dressed up in costumes. Everyone could see how much I loved Dolly’s hugs. — Jenalee Sorensen

She Will Be Missed

We loved how great Dolly was with the kids and people. She was so nice to everyone. We will miss her. — Preston & Randee Sorensen

She Was So Much Fun

We always loved having Dolly at Chatcolab. She was always so much fun! — Jadon & Jaron Sorensen