History
In
1982, two men who had enjoyed the great outdoors of the Pacific Northwest
were helping two boys with disabilities fish, boat, and enjoy the wilderness.
The idea struck; why not find a place to help those who are physically
less fortunate learn about the outdoors and experience nature at its best?
Three years later, the two men joined with others to form a task force
which studied, planned, and established a framework for a recreational
facility for terminally/seriously ill or disabled children and their families.
Their vision was not for a “specialized” camp, but rather
a facility that could be a “setting” for individuals and their
families to enjoy the beauty of the mountains.
In 1986, Prime Time was incorporated to establish and direct a camp facility.
The group obtained an existing unused camp near Clear Lake in the beautiful
Wenatchee National Forest. The camp is approximately seven miles east
of White Pass, Washington, on Highway 12. The Prime Time staff and volunteers
continue to remodel, update, and maintain the facility so that it can
accommodate these special families.
Board Members
Dick Haapala, President
Yakima, Washington
Agricultural Engineer and Project Manager for CH2M HILL, Yakima, WA.
Dick specializes in evaluation, design, and construction management of
municipal, industrial, and agricultural water and wastewater projects
in the Northwest and overseas. Member of the American Society of Agricultural
Engineers. Past Scoutmaster for Boy Scouts of America. U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers with service in U.S. and Vietnam. President of the Maribee
Acres Water Company.
Mike Burnam, Vice President
Yakima, Washington
Mike has been a cabin sponsor and dedicated volunteer since 1996. He
is a Yakima native and works locally in the jewelry industry. Mike is
knowledgeable about all aspects of Camp Prime Time and is committed to
engaging new volunteers to join in the Prime Time family.
Leanne Antonio, Treasurer
Yakima, Washington
Leanne is a Senior Vice President at Yakima Federal Savings and Loan Association with nearly 30 years of service to the Association. She is an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Yakima and currently volunteers with Student Ministries and serves on the First Presbyterian Church Foundation Board. Leanne is a member of the Yakima Rotary Club and serves on several committees. In the past she has served on the boards of the YWCA of Yakima and the Yakima Youth Symphony Orchestra. Leanne joined the Prime Time Board in 2010.
David Berthon Sr., Secretary
Yakima, Washington
Dave is a charter member of the Prime Time board of directors. He retired
from his position as a Sales Representative for Van Well Nursery in Yakima.
Dave is Past President of the Naches Recreation Association, affiliated
with the Red Cross Blood Service, regional and national, and past member
of the board of directors, of Northwest Counseling Services (alcohol and
drug treatment agency in Yakima).
Ralph Berthon, Member at Large
Yakima, Washington
Ralph is a co-founder of Camp Prime Time and charter member of the Prime Time board of directors. He has over 30 years of experience working with non profits in his community. He has served as president of a four wheel drive recreational club, been an active volunteer in the maintenance of Camp Fife (Boy Scout Camp) for over twenty years, served six years as a member of St. Paul's school board, and two of the six years as President of the Board. He is presently an active member of Yakima Sunrise Rotary and has served on the Sunrise Rotary Board, and various Rotary committees. He has been a member of the Knights of Columbus for over 30 years. Ralph is an accomplished musician, having played for church programs, helped with music at Camp Prime Time. Ralph has been employed in the field of community corrections for over 40 years. Ralph is currently assisting Camp Prime Time in the area of development; concentrating on the lodge remodeling campaign, membership, and the campership program.
Gale Benoit, Board Member
Yakima, Washington
Gale is from Yakima, where he was the coordinator of the “New Vision”
economic development fund drive for Yakima County. He retired from Cascade
Truss, which he owned and operated. Previously, he was Business Manager
of J.M. Perry Technical Institute and President of Northwest Wines of
Tacoma. Gale is a member of Yakima Rotary and has served on several civic
leadership committees.
John Mahaney, Board Member
Yakima, Washington
John lives in Yakima with his son, Mark, who has special needs and is a motivating factor regarding John’s involvement with developmental disability organizations at both local and state levels. John became involved with Camp Prime Time first as a camper, later as a weekend volunteer, and subsequently as a cabin sponsor with the Washington State Father’s Network and Parent to Parent. John has served on various boards and committees, both local and state wide, dealing with developmental disabilities issues. Those organizations include Washington State ARC Board of Directors, Washington State Developmental Disabilities Advisory committee, Washington State Father’s Network, appointment by Governor Gregoire to RHC/Community Placement Feasibility Study, ARC of Yakima County, Friends of Yakima Valley School, and many more.
Betty Jo Murray, Board Member
Selah, Washington
Betty Jo is a bank vice-President and a commercial loan officer with 25 years of experience in the banking industry. She also has served as an office manager and controller. Betty Jo is currently a board member for Yakima Specialties, Inc., a sheltered workshop for adults with special needs. She is an active member of Yakima Downtown Rotary and serves on various Rotary committees. Betty Jo is a member of St. John Church in Naches and works on the Parish Council and Finance Committee. She is a chair for United Way Allocations and has served United Way in several capacities. Betty Jo is an active member of the community and has volunteered to use her talents with Camp Prime Time’s auction and fund raising. She joined the Prime Time Board of Directors in 2010.
Dr. Dennis Clark, Board Member
Yakima, Washington
Dennis is an osteopathic physician who has practiced in Yakima since 1975. He is currently Head of the Department of Internal Medicine and Director of Clinical Rotations at Pacific Northwest University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Yakima. Dennis spent a number of years on the board of trustees for New Valley Osteopathic Hospital and one year as chairman of the board. He joined the Prime Time Board of Directors in 2010.
Sheri Smith, Board Member
Yakima, Washington
Sheri has been the Administrator for Avail Home Health, Inc. for 13½ years. She is an active member of the Leadership Yakima Executive Committee at the Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce, a board member of the South Central Work Force Council, and a member of Yakima’s Downtown Rotary. She loves volunteering with her family for a weekend each year at Camp Prime Time and co-sponsors cabin J with the Mullenhoff family. She is an active parent volunteer with Freestyle Team at White Pass. Sheri joined the Prime Time Board of Directors in 2010.
Key Staff
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Diane Eilmes, Executive Director
Cowiche, Washington
Diane came to Prime Time in August of 2006. Previously, she served as
Administrative Vice President of Programs for the Greater Yakima Chamber
of Commerce. She is a member of the Yakima Rotary, Zonta Club, and serves as a volunteer
in her church. |
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Shirley Thietje, Camp Manager
Naches, Washington
Shirley is the Prime Time Camp Manager, which is a seasonal part-time
position. Before assuming the position, she served as a volunteer for
Camp Prime Time for many years. |
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Debbie Armstrong,
Office Assistant
Yakima, Washington |
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Jackie Hertel,
Bookkeeper
Yakima, Washington |
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
This institution is operated under special use permit with the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
