Recent Transplant to Idaho Falls (Pocatello, Rigby: transplants, school district, universities)

[LizzieWatson]

Our family is in the process of moving to Idaho Falls with the INL. We had to quickly select a school and find a place to live in just a couple of days. It is a big adjustment here. I found a good coffee drive-through and the Fred Meyers health foods section. The next thing is to plug in and meet people that are outdoors-oriented and open-minded. Where do I go to find these folks?

[cleosmom]

Welcome to Idaho Falls You're sounding as if you're liberal minded and lean towards a healthy lifestyle? Do you have pets? If so, I can recommend a holistic vet in the area.

There are loads of outdoor enthusiasts, what is it you enjoy? Hiking? Fishing? camping??

[Mtn. States Resident]

Originally Posted by LizzieWatson

Our family is in the process of moving to Idaho Falls with the INL. We had to quickly select a school and find a place to live in just a couple of days. It is a big adjustment here. I found a good coffee drive-through and the Fred Meyers health foods section. The next thing is to plug in and meet people that are outdoors-oriented and open-minded. Where do I go to find these folks?

Hi Lizzie,

Welcome to our part of Idaho! Many other new residents are headed our way, or are already here, as shown by the undercalculation for District #91s student body this year. So hopefully a lot of people will get involved with forums here.

I'm glad you checked in to ask where to meet folks and get involved in the community. Just curious, which local coffee drive through did you like? I'm not sure everyone is going to be a huge Starbucks fan for different reasons, but I'm still glad they finally got that long-overdue store opened. For fun, you might want to enter that thread as you may make some new friends discussing coffee, funny as it may sound.

When you say open-minded, can you expand on that a bit? If it is more comfortable for you, send me a PM with that info. I have some links that may or may not be a good fit for you.

What school district are you in? There are LOTS of ways to meet other parents/kids etc. through school and other activities.

While some of these are out-dated, given that we're almost to Sept., you may want to look at the http://www.city-data.com/forum/idaho...things-do.html thread. There are many links in that thread to on-going activities through the Arts Council, Jr. Arts Council, annual activities etc.

There's another volunteer day working on the Equal Access Playground on the 8/27. If you haven't read about it yet, it's in the top 10 things to do. It's really cool, IMHO, of what adults are creating for children with disabilities. Also, this is their website: Equal Access Playground. Sometimes, volunteering to help others, whether or not it directly benefits your family, leads to lasting friendships and meeting more people, as I'm sure you know.

Also, with some posts in the top 10 things to do and elsewhere, is another new area resident, CWallace. You may want to read one of the Idaho Falls threads to find her exacting posting then send her a PM. You two may have a lot in common. I don't know if that is ok with her or not, so you may just want to quote one of her comments in something you write and ask if you two can connect somehow.

My gut tells me that both you and CWallace would probably benefit from getting to talk, but I never answer for another person, as that is violating a personal boundary. Also, off of the top of my head, I recall at least 3 others who have asked questions here who have recently relocated or still relocating in Idaho Falls. Some of their threads are a little difficult to find, but if you search for "Idaho Falls" at the top of the page, you may bring up more categories than you knew existed here.

A few people may not sound like a lot of ways to meet those with similar interests, but it only takes getting to meet some people who may know others or share your interests. Why not start with people in a similar place as yourself and exchange some ideas.

Another resource I personally use a lot and encourage others to do so as well, is the website at Idaho Falls Magazine: Idaho Falls Magazine - The Magazine for Eastern Idaho's Way of Living. The magazine is one thing, but they have developed a wealth of links about various activities, clubs, organizations etc. in Idaho Falls. Just click on the left hand side of their web page, or even enter their forum and ask some questions.

Please tell us a little bit more about ages of your kids, general interests etc. and we'll see if we can get you connected with others who have similar interests.

Nice to have you here and I personally hope you (as well a CWallace and everyone else new to or experienced with the area) will post often.

[rigbymomof3]

Welcome! I live in Rigby. I think the first yar of living somewhere is always a little tough. But if you want to get involved you could become a member of the arts council. They do a lot of stuff. Also, a good place to eat that you might enjoy is the Snake Bite in down town. Great salads. Good Luck!

[line_design]

Hi there, we too, just moved here due to my husband's relo w/INL. I come from a "big city" and am looking for the same I found this website, can anyone tell me if you're familiar w/this "club"?

Newcomers of Idaho Falls, Idaho

Welcome Lizzie - maybe I'll run into you at the drive thru coffee, take care and good luck! Let's keep reading these posts and learn more about what to do in IF.

[cleosmom]

Glad that you both made it here finally

I'm not too certain of the Newcomers Club, had a friend that belonged to it years ago and she wasn't impressed, although right now I can't recall why

[cleosmom]

Originally Posted by line_design

Hi there, we too, just moved here due to my husband's relo w/INL. I come from a "big city" and am looking for the same I found this website, can anyone tell me if you're familiar w/this "club"?

Newcomers of Idaho Falls, Idaho

Welcome Lizzie - maybe I'll run into you at the drive thru coffee, take care and good luck! Let's keep reading these posts and learn more about what to do in IF.

After my previous post I checked out the link and discovered that one of my clients is on their board. I can get some more information if you'd like.

[Mtn. States Resident]

Originally Posted by line_design

Hi there, we too, just moved here due to my husband's relo w/INL. I come from a "big city" and am looking for the same I found this website, can anyone tell me if you're familiar w/this "club"?

Newcomers of Idaho Falls, Idaho

Welcome Lizzie - maybe I'll run into you at the drive thru coffee, take care and good luck! Let's keep reading these posts and learn more about what to do in IF.

Hello, again, line_design! So glad to hear you made it safely to eastern ID.

You were one in I was indirectly referencing with my post about others moving and I hoped some of you could get connected with each other.

From what I've been told by others (no personal experience on my part) the Newcomers Club was "lacking" by those who went a few years back. I have no idea how often board members change and maybe it is an entirely different experience now.

For professional women working in Idaho Falls, there is a brand new organization to get involved with whose goal is to network and promote working women. The organization has a website.

In just looking at the Newcomers Club, it looks like it has been redone some. Cleosmom may be able to obtain a lot of useful information. In the meantime, you might want to contact some of the folks and see what they say.

line_design, I hope I don't have you confused with someone else and sincerely apologize in advance if I do. If I remember correctly, you had asked how minorities are accepted in Idaho Falls. If you haven't seen it yet, please take the time to look at my post on the http://www.city-data.com/forum/idaho...things-do.html about the Synergy Drumline at Idaho Falls High School. CafeDelSol also posted info. Watching that a less 3 minute video may relieve some concerns you had.

Glad to have both of you line_design and Lizzie. I'm sure you both will bring much to the area and add to the community milieu. I hope you will post here and other Idaho Falls-area posts often. It's one way to get to know more people and to suggest new ideas that might help the community. .

I would love to have you post some fun or unique things to do on the Idaho Falls Top 10, at any time. I'm still trying to learn if the local tea shop that sold and served specialty teas is still open and servces high tea. In being new residents, you are likely to discover businesses, services, observations about the area etc. than some of us take for granted, don't know exist or have forgotten.

I'm looking forward to more chats, line_design! And of course, any PMs for info needed, and all information shared or requested by any new or folks thinking about residing in the Idaho Falls area.

I am curious, if either of you, line_design or Lizzie, if either of you can tell us what your family members do at INL. I do understand many missions are classified, so no problem if you can't talk about it. What I'm specifically wondering is if either family is involved with CAES or potentially even the international programs to be awarded next year.

No problem if you can't say anything. If you can, I think it is always interesting for locals and those wondering about the Idaho Falls economy to know what programs may be increasing at INL.

I look forward to the discussions I hope this thread and others generate from all residents and potentially residents of the area.

[line_design]

Cleosmom - yes, if you can find out more about the Newcomer's Club, then that would be great, thank you. Please don't go to too much trouble, I will probably end up emailing them myself. But, if you have a minute to ask around, then cool.

Mtn States Resident: as far as what does my spouse do at INL - um... I don't know!? No, really, I don't think it has anything to do w/CAES or any international projects..... Sorry to be so vague.

Well, I've been in IF for 2 days now. All I can say is, "it's windy" and so much for mainting my hairstyle - hahaha!

I'll be "lurking" the posts and reading up on IF. Thank you to all the kind and helpful residents of IF for your replies.

Take Care Lizzie - we are lucky to be here!

[Mtn. States Resident]

Originally Posted by line_design

Cleosmom - yes, if you can find out more about the Newcomer's Club, then that would be great, thank you. Please don't go to too much trouble, I will probably end up emailing them myself. But, if you have a minute to ask around, then cool.

Mtn States Resident: as far as what does my spouse do at INL - um... I don't know!? No, really, I don't think it has anything to do w/CAES or any international projects..... Sorry to be so vague.

Well, I've been in IF for 2 days now. All I can say is, "it's windy" and so much for mainting my hairstyle - hahaha!

I'll be "lurking" the posts and reading up on IF. Thank you to all the kind and helpful residents of IF for your replies.

Take Care Lizzie - we are lucky to be here!

line_design,

Great to hear from you again. No problem about your hubby's work.

No need to ever apologize about vagueness and INL. I do think because so much is classified, that is one reason Idaho Falls is a different city that other areas of comparable population etc. You don't need to apologize to me or anyone else in the area for not being able to talk about INL work! It's a given, in Idaho Falls, that not everything can be freely discussed.

Perhaps, in some ways, for those who are relocating to Idaho Falls for non-INL reasons, that is part of the confussion of who is "friendly" or "doesn't talk" as neighbors. Maybe sometimes recents transplants need to volunteer where their employer is located and neighbors will do the same. That unofficially establishes some boundary issues that have to be followed by many.

line_design, in no way are my comments meant for or about you - and I apologize if it comes across that way. I just read various posts and wonder why people have such different experiences. Something just clicked in my head about how tired INL workers are M-TH and why some are much more guarded than others. It doesn't have to do with religion or new neighbors. We're use to people moving in from CA, MA, NM, SC etc. - places similar research or work is occurring. I apologize if my comment offended you, I'm simply trying to break this down better of why some think they aren't "accepted" when that may be very far from the truth. Neighbors may not be able to talk about work, may not have kids or just be shy. I say trying to say hi as a new neighbor works as well as the established ones coming by (sometimes better, if you're not unpacked and don't want guests yet )


line_design, you did give me an idea though and it is now posted on the top 10 things to do.

Both because many in the area, regardless of their years living in Idaho Falls, may never have done this, and secondly, because so many new economic programs and expansion areas are currently being developed at INL, I wrote about taking a tour of INL as one of the top things to do.

I do realize many programs are classified and I'm not trying to go there. But, not everyone realizes INL is working with MIT, U. of Ohio and many other universities on various projects. How things do or don't workout with GNEP, well have to wait 10 more months to learn.

But, CAES is in town and from what I know about it, it sounds like information can freely be shared. Already guaranteed to create more jobs, those who are thinking of opening a new small business - something they couldn't do in their previous location, such as catering or a coffee shop close to where CAES is being built etc., may have entirely new opportunities now.

And, I laughed about your wind comment. Some believe it is the curse of ID, yet when clocked in Idaho Falls, it doesn't even come close to what portions of Salt Lake County have, let alone Pocatello and elsewhere.

Hmmm, maybe I could coax you and other residents to help me with the top 10 things to do, and maybe finding the "DOO" - as in "Idaho Hairdoo to withstand the wind," is something to write about But, there is an interesting program at INL that revolves around wind. It may be hard to think of sacrificing your hair for science, but, maybe INL lists beauty shops that can manage Idaho wind and the INL Science .

Ooh, that reminds me, we really should post about day spas etc. in the top 10, now that school is back in session.

A really great place to check what is going on is at the website of Idaho Falls Magazine: Idaho Falls Magazine - The Magazine for Eastern Idaho's Way of Living. They have worked extensively this last year to list all sorts of connections to Idaho Falls, that are sub-divided, by service, activities, clubs etc. and how to reach those people. Plus, there are live forums on that website so you can talk to local people about questions. It's been useful for me and may be for others.

And, wow, I just realized another top 10 that must be posted. Taylor's Crossing may be the best recipient of those who have newly arrived. Feel free to check the top 10 on that one tomorrow as I'll post it. But, briefly, let me just say, T.C. wants NEW ideas.

Are you ? Good - read tomorrow about T.C. and the Top 10.

PLEASE - yes I'm begging - PLEASE post to the top 10 list of things you do that are helpful to you and any family members. It's so good to have others share their views and experiences. Let us know if there are sports, arts, symphony, judo etc. programs you never thought would exist in Idaho Falls.

Take care and when you get a chance, please drop me a PM and let me know if there is anything I can do for you