b'Pristine waters-Unspoiled public lands-RecreationRetiring to Priest Lake over 10 years ago, we had no idea how much thereNewly-presentedresearchhasshown was to do and how involved one can become in the community. During ourthat social contact and regular exercise working years we always looked forward to summer family vacations at theare keys to aging well and living a longer lake. It seemed like no matter where we lived, we wanted to get to the lake aslife. Other research has indicated that often as possible.Many things attracted us to Priest Lakethe clear pristinegiving back to the community, either waters of the lake and its tributaries, the surrounding unspoiled public landsby volunteering or making a financial and all the recreational opportunities the lake and mountains offered. In ourdonation, is one of the things that give case, it was the water sports, hiking, picking huckleberries, golf, and cross- individualstruehappiness.Wehave country skiing, getting away from crowds and traffic, and the time wastedfound true happiness at Priest Lake. at traffic lights or waiting in lines that are a part of life when living in moreTom and Anne Weitzpopulated areas. We like to boast that its 32 miles from our house to the nearest traffic light!When we decided to spend winters at the lake, we had anticipated getting in lots of cross country skiing and spending plenty of time indoors by the wood stove, reading and working on our hobbies. What we found, but did not anticipate, was how much there is to do year around, and how involved one can become in the community. Besides all the recreational activities there are a number of Priest Lake area organizations where one can volunteer and be active year around. These organizations include the Kaniksu and Coolin Lions Clubs, the Priest Lake Museum, the Priest Lake Library, Priest Lake Ambulance, Search and Rescue, three volunteer fire departments, the churches, the food bank, Priest Lake Chamber of Commerce, Priest Lake Hospice, the snowmobile groomer committee, the Nordic Club and several groups that get together to play bridge, cribbage, quilt or engage in other activities. There are also volunteer needs at the Priest Lake Elementary School. The Coolin Civic Organization, which hosts the Spring Festival over Memorial Day weekend, can always use more help. The Kaniksu Lions club puts on the Lions Roar Auction and Dinner, which raises funds to meet the needs of the community. The Lions also host the Lions Health Fair and the Kids Free Fishing Day. More information about these organizations is provided in other sections of this visitors guide. All these organizations welcome new members and need volunteers. This winter, in appreciation for all the work the volunteers do, Hills Resort hosted a wonderful buffet dinner for the volunteers. Living year around at the lake, one can be as busy or active as they want tobe.Forrecreationandfitness,hiking,golf,ridingourmountainbikes, and kayaking are some of our favorites. For the more serious or competitive individuals, there are several golf tournaments each summer, while Priest Lake Multi-Sports hosts a number of fun and challenging events including the Spring fun run, a triathlon, marathon and half-marathon, 50K and 25K runs. 31'