Youth Awards

Since 2001, Post Falls has recognized young people for community involvement through the Mayor's Youth Commission. On Thursday, hundreds of people came out to the awards ceremony where the winners from over 200 nominees were announced. Photos of the event here.

Start Your Engines!

Tammy Roberts is the Executive Director of the Kootenai Alliance for Children and Families, but last Saturday she made like a NASCAR driver in the Project Filter stock car. The car, with regular driver Tyler Bailey, made a special appearance at Cabela's before taking to the track at Stateline Speedway. Project Filter promotes a tobacco-free program for youth.

Free Ride

To find out who will be riding these brand new bicycles on the last day of school, click here.
Kudos to Camy Popiel / Horace Mann Insurance and Parker Toyota!

Some Gave All

The Robert J. Gordon Veterans Memorial Plaza at the new Hayden City Hall was dedicated on Memorial Day. PFC Gordon served with the US Marine Corps in Vietnam where he was killed in action on April 15, 1969. The plaza is a beautiful place, with water features and a living memorial garden. Tiles on the walkway honor local veterans and flags from all branches of the military are displayed. I hope everyone will take a moment to visit the newest addition to veterans memorials in our community. Photos of some of the local Memorial Day ceremonies here.

Balls of Yarn

The rear view of these unsheared sheep resembled balls of wool yarn as they grazed in a pasture on Honeysuckle Avenue in Hayden.

Glory Days

Coeur d'Alene High School Class of '69 - 40th reunion August 1, Eagles Pavilion, Coeur d'AlenePatricia Richardson pmrichardson24@yahoo.com
Post Falls High School Class of '79 - 30th reunion, July 19, Farragut State ParkRSVP by June 19 Laura (Williams) Harris 208-818-5038 or LauraLinks1@yahoo.com, Kristi (Niles) Asburry 208-687-3625
I'll keep adding to this post if you have information about your upcoming class reunion to include. Use the comment section below and it will be moved up into this comment box or send an email with details to mainstreet@cdapress.com.

Running in the Sun

The Coeur d'Alene Marathon has been a Memorial Day Weekend tradition for nearly three decades. Taking place Sunday morning the course provides many scenic opportunities to cheer on the runners. Marathon info and course map here.

Memorial Day Ceremonies

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. In Flanders Field

Pictured: The 8-ton black marble Killed in Action monument in the Ronald D. Rankin Veterans Memorial Plaza bears the names of Kootenai County military members who died in combat, from the Spanish-American War through Vietnam.

Monday, May 25:

9 a.m., Third Street bell in Veterans Park, hosted by VFW 889.

10 a.m., St. Thomas Cemetery on East Sherman Avenue, hosted by VFW 889.

11 a.m., Forest Cemetery in Coeur d’Alene, hosted by VFW 889.

11 a.m., American Legion Post 143 will hold services at Evergreen Cemetery, 2834 N. Spokane St., Post Falls

11 a.m. The City of Hayden will hold a dedication ceremony for the Veterans' Memorial Plaza and the re-dedication of the PFC Robert J. Gordon Veterans Memorial. Open House noon to 2 p.m. 8930 N. Government Way

11:30 a.m., American Legion Kootenai Post 14 will present the colors give presentation and perform flag-folding ceremony at Creekside Inn, on Kathleen Avenue between Government Way and Fourth Street.

Noon, American Legion Post 14 will present the colors at Fairwinds Coeur d’Alene, 2340 Seltice Way. Honor Guard will present colors at Beehive Homes, 2100 E. Sherman Ave.

2 p.m., ceremonies at Coeur d’Alene Memorial gardens, 7315 N. Government Way, hosted by Pappy Boyington Detachment 966 Marine Corps League.

3 p.m., local observance of National Moment of Remembrance.

Happy Mermaids

The competition pool at the newly-opened Kroc Center in Coeur d'Alene has already become a popular place for residents of all ages to splash about. The pool holds 330,000 gallons of water!

A-peeling Volunteers

When the over 2,000 Ironman Coeur d'Alene athletes finish the swim leg of the competition next month they'll need help in the transition to the cycling course. If you'd like information on one of the more unique volunteer opportunities click here. I've volunteered a few times with Ironman and it's inspiring.

Farewell to Frances

Frances Cox was part of the tapestry of my youth in Coeur d'Alene. As sweet as she was beautiful and with an angel's voice to boot. Hundreds, maybe thousands of youngsters in the 1960s learned to love music at her Merry Melody Musical Kindergarten. She and her well-known and long-time husband, J. Ray Cox, made beautiful music in their 63-year marriage. Frances was a gifted dancer and musician with an angelic solo voice. She was captain of the drill team at Coeur d’Alene High School, and a popular entertainer at the Farragut Navel Base. She sang in Elks Club community musical productions in the 1950s. Frances also sang with the North Idaho College Choir and the Elks Club Dance Band. (photo of the couple circa 1997)
Frances passed away on Monday and her services will be this coming Saturday in Hayden. In recent months I've re-connected with my CHS classmate Steve Cox and his sister, Kathy, on Facebook. Now living in western Washington, Steve shared a beautiful slide show featuring a song of his childhood home of Coeur d'Alene that he wrote and performs here. A fitting tribute to their mother's life song well-sung.

Glory Days

Coeur d'Alene High School Class of '69 - 40th reunion August 1, Eagles Pavilion, Coeur d'Alene
Patricia Richardson pmrichardson24@yahoo.com

Post Falls High School Class of '79 - 30th reunion, July 19, Farragut State Park
RSVP by June 19 Laura (Williams) Harris 208-818-5038 or LauraLinks1@yahoo.com, Kristi (Niles) Asburry 208-687-3625

I'll keep adding to this post if you have information about your upcoming class reunion to include. Use the comment section below and it will be moved up into this comment box or send an email with details to mainstreet@cdapress.com.

Write On!

The winners of the Coeur d'Alene Library's annual Writer's Competition were announced on Sunday. Congratulations to all of the participants. See winner's names here.

Memory Lane

I bet most of us who lived in the Pacific NW can tell you exactly where we were and what we were doing 29 years ago today. It's the anniversary of Mount St. Helens' volcanic eruption.
We were living in Coeur d'Alene and had friends from Portland visiting. I stayed home to get things ready for dinner while everyone took a drive. At some point I dozed off while reading the paper and when I awoke it was pitch black out. Panicked that everyone was still gone, I saw the clock said it was 3, and assumed it was three a.m. Turning on the television I found that it was still afternoon and that a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon of nature had occurred.
It was eery when we awoke the next morning to see familiar landscape covered in gray volcanic ash. There were few cars on the road for days, people wore surgical masks when outdoors and getting the inches of ash off the driveway and sidewalks was nearly impossible. Hosing it down created a clay-like mud and it was too dense to sweep away with much success. It was a pretty big mess for quite some time but I recall the excitement of bearing witness to history.
Where were you when the mountain erupted?

It's Monday!

And a fine, sunny, warm Monday it looks to be. Amy Corbett is celebrating her birthday today along with Vicki Isakson. A great day to play hookey!

Bacon King

John Davis is one of the volunteer cooks for American Legion Post 143's Sunday breakfast. His specialty is bacon. Lots of bacon. In ten months time John calculates he's fried up 1,000 lbs of bacon or the equivilant of 50 hogs.

A century plus two

Lifelong Coeur d'Alene resident, former banker, generous philanthropist and North Idaho College booster, Ace Walden celebrates his 102nd birthday today on May 17. I visited with Ace this week and was reminded of what a great outlook on life and the world he has. A conversation with this centenarian is guaranteed to include laughter and no small amount of irreverence. Last year Ace flew to Seattle for a concert to mark his 101st but this year he plans to stay closer to home. His body might be feeling the effects of 102 birthdays but his mind is as sharp as ever. Although he's outlived his peers by a decade or two, Ace's circle of friends is impressive. He isn't just living, he continues to embrace life with a curiosity for what's around the next corner ... a lesson for his friends of all ages.
*the photo is from 2007, the occasion of Ace's 100th birthday and the announcement of him being named Grand Marshal of Coeur d'Alene's 4th of July parade. Driving Ace in that parade was one of the high points of a lifetime of loving parades for me. My co-pilot, Ruth Pratt is also pictured.

Armed Forces Day

I was honored to spend Armed Forces Day in the company of a few good men at the Marine Corps League Department of Idaho state convention. Dinner was served by the Young Marines, a great group of young men who say "Yes sir" and "Yes maam" like they mean it. At 90 years young, Roy Weaver - USMC Gunnery Sergeant, retired, has seen and survived a lot in his day. Less than a week after the bombing of Pearl Harbor he was captured by the Japanese and spent three and a half years as a POW. Roy Weaver is part of America's Greatest Generation and one of a dwindling number of WWII veterans. Semper fi.

The walls come tumblin' down ...

In between the historic Kootenai County Courthouse and the Justice Building and adjacent to the Ronald D. Rankin Veterans Memorial Plaza stands the Worley Building. Built in the 1920s, it was the shop for the Worley Highway District in the early years but has been the county maintenance shop for decades. Condemned last year, this weekend the building was demolished ... brick by brick. When it will be replaced and with what has not been determined. See more photos here.

Good deed for family in need

Jamie A. Neverdahl, PFHS Class of '95, died on Hwy 95 in an automobile accident on April 29. He left two young daughters and wife, Michelle. Saturday May 16, Designer I Hair Fashions, 701 Spokane Street in Post Falls, is holding a fund raiser, with all proceeds going directly to Michelle. A "parking lot" sale from 9 a. m. to 4 p.m. includes haircuts, chair massage and hand massage with all services "free with a donation."

Succeeding on Main Street

The use of the phrase "Main Street" goes back to 1920 when Sinclair Lewis published his bestselling novel Main Street. From then on, "Main Street" would be a shorthand term for small-town America, with shopkeepers, lunch counters, tree-lined streets where neighbors greeted each other from well-used front porches.
In this day and age, we're inundated with doom and gloom and the decline or death of Main Street values and dreams. I'd like to regularly spotlight local businesses here on More Main Street who are succeeding in these uncertain times.
Brody Mack is a locally-owned retailer of mens and boys apparel on what is most certainly Coeur d'Alene's Main Street, Sherman Avenue. Katie Ogle's store is celebrating a first year in business today, which in light of the economy the past 12 months is no small feat. Join Katie and her family in marking the occassion from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at 513 Sherman Avenue. Fun promotions including "Name Your Price" denim sale and the first 75 shopping bags will filled with discounts and deals to other local businesses. Cocktails, hor d'vourves & live music.
Congratulations to Katie and all of our small businesses for keeping the American Dream alive on Main Street!

Soap Box

Here's your chance to sound off or share what's on your mind with the daily soap box.

Fun in the Sun

There's nothing like blue skies and warm weather to bring people out and about. These last few weekends before the tourists arrive for the season are a great opportunity to enjoy our beautiful communities. See you around town!

Celebrate!

I'm in very good company today for celebrating a birthday.
Williene Gagnon, Stephanie Davenport, Mark Hemenway, Rita Preston, Verla Packer, Randy McKahan, Jake Hobbs, Kathy White, Liz Ricciardi, Breanne Ruff, Kimberly Westrick and Averie Barnes are all blowing out their candles today, too.

Thanks Williene for the yummy birthday cake from Bakery by the Lake!

Retiring Chris Pappas

Chris has been at the City of Post Falls in a variety of capacities for over three decades. Long-time city clerk and passionate overseer of elections, she's also been a good friend for at least two of those decades. She swore me in to a city council seat in January 2008 and since that time has been an invaluable resource as I learned the ropes.
The public is invited to wish her well during a retirement reception at Post Falls City Hall on Thursday, May 14 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Join us!

May Birthday Party

If you've wondered just how many of your friends and neighbors have a May birthday, click here. Today Eric Keck, Charlie Morris and Tim Cushman are blowing out the candles.

Old Glory

On Tuesday evening, one of two American flag retirement ceremonies held each year took place at American Legion Post 143 in Post Falls. Local scout troops took part in the patriotic ritual. Despite the blustery, damp weather it was moving to witness the respect in which the young scouts performed their duties alongside veterans of battles past. Although the wind prevented the flags from being burned at the conclusion of the ceremony, plans are to do just that on Saturday morning. If you have worn or tattered flags, there's a flag receptacle at Post 143 on Poleline Ave. for the public to use. See more photos from the ceremony here. Click for flag disposal information

CHS Tea Party

On Monday evening I had the pleasure of speaking at the Coeur d'Alene High School Mother/Daughter Tea for the senior girls. Erica Latorre, a sophomore member of Student Council, was an organizer for the event and a great hostess. Brought back memories of when my daughters where teenagers. :)

2nd 1st Anniversary Party

When Tom Capone opened his second Capone's in Post Falls, it was a short-lived success. An arsonist gutted the new pub. Now Tom can celebrate what he terms "a whole year without an arson fire," hence the 2nd 1st anniversay. Tonight at 6 p.m.

On angel's wings

Debbie Capaul Copstead's valiant three-year battle with ALS ended on Mother's Day. I will carry in my mind the picture of Debbie and her fellow "Killer Bee" Copsteads sitting on the grass on a sunny summer day, bursting with pride as Chris competed in the 2007 Ironman. I think Debbie's brave race with ALS at the very least qualifies her for Ironwoman honors. Keep the Copsteads in your prayers in the coming days.
Services will be Friday, May 15 at 1 p.m. at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Coeur d'Alene. Obituary here.

It's a bird, it's a plane ...

Over the weekend, a slow-moving, low-flying B-17 bomber could be seen in the skies over the Post Falls and Coeur d'Alene area several times. It was impressive to see. I heard that it's a privately-owned plane, available for hire for excursions. Anyone out there know details of the B-17?
Here's what I found out ... The World War II era bomber the B-17 Flying Fortress was on display at Felts Field in Spokane Valley. The fully restored bomber, Liberty Belle, is part of the "Salute to Veterans Tour" across the nation. The public was invited to take a free ground tour of the plane on May 9 and 10. For $430 people could take a ride in the Liberty Belle.

Soap Box

Here's your chance to sound off or share what's on your mind with the daily soap box.

Happy Birthday!

Two of the busiest ladies I know are among today's birthday celebrants. Sharon Culbreth and Anne Hagman make our communities a better place.

If you'd like to add your upcoming birthday to the club, post it in the comment section below or enter it directly into the birthday alarm reminder here! *See this week's birthday celebrants on the top left of the home page.

It's good to be Jeff

As Executive Director of St. Vincent DePaul, overseeing 75 employees with the focus on emergency shelters, transitional housing, permanent housing, warming shelter, social service, soup kitchens, and thrift stores, Jeff Conroy is a busy man. On Tuesday St. Vincent DePaul was awarded a long-term lease on the old library building on Harrison Ave. and on Saturday Jeff received his Masters in organizational leadership from Gonzaga University. Nice guys do finish first!

Cherry Hill Golfing

In my travels Saturday I stopped to watch the disc golfers in the Cherry Hill Challenge Inaugural Disc Golf Tournament. There were 64 golfers in the Professional Disc Golf Association-sanctioned tournament, all vying for points, trophies and bragging rights. Jack Wardian of Rapid Fire Plastics filled me in on disc golf in the area. To see who the winners were in the Cherry Hill tournament, go here. To locate north Idaho disc golf courses go here. Tournament photos here.
Do you play disc golf?

Murder suspect sought

Sometimes the news on Main Street is not good news. A drive-by shooting in the early morning hours in Coeur d'Alene has killed a 21-year-old college student. The crime occurred just after 2 a.m. near 3rd St. and Indiana Ave. Sgt. Christie Wood of the Coeur d'Alene Police Department is asking the public's help in identifying the suspect. Details are here on the city's blog in the newsreel.
UPDATE: before noon the Post Falls Police Swat team assisted Coeur d’Alene Police with the apprehension of Juan C. Aldana Villanueva, 22 years of age of Post Falls. Villanueva was arrested at his place of employment Rancho Viejo at 2526 E. Seltice Way.

Happy Birthday!

Wish Dave Walker happy birthday today! In addition to volunteering as a reader every week for second graders at Dalton Elementary, Dave creates works of folk art. This is his Rainbrew Trout, on display at Capone's in Coeur d'Alene.
If you'd like to add your upcoming birthday to the club, post it in the comment section below or enter it directly into the birthday alarm reminder here! *See this week's birthday celebrants on the top left of the home page.

Weekend Update

There's something for everyone as this sunshiney May weekend begins. I'll get a sneak peek of the Kroc Center tonight, with camera in hand so look for photos to come. The public grand opening is Saturday afternoon. Tonight is Art Walk in downtown Coeur d'Alene and there's also a free concert at NIC, Jazz on the Prairie. Tomorrow Poe Asphalt on Beck Road in Post Falls will hold a fun fundraising event for Boys and Girls Club. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. kids can ride dump trucks, loaders and all kinds of heavy equipment and the first 200 will get a free hard hat. $8 for kids, parents are free!
Mother's Day Sunday is going to be a beautiful day to be outdoors for the annual Concert in the Park at the Rotary Bandshell and moms get in free at Silverwood on Sunday! You can start the day with a free breakfast for mom at the Post Falls Senior Center, courtesy of the Post Falls Lions Club or at American Legion Post 143 in Post Falls.
Let me know if I've overlooked any other fun things happening in our communities and be sure to say hello if I see you in my travels!

Soap Box

Here's your chance to sound off or share what's on your mind with the daily soap box. Big thanks to recent birthday girl and talented local NIC artist, Brittany Smith for creating original art for this feature! Is this a great community or what!

Star Struck

Chelsea Smith, Skyway Elementary fifth grader, is a big fan of Disney's I Carley show. According to her mom, Gloria Vitagliano Smith, Chelsea was thrilled to meet the stars of the show during a recent trip to Disneyland.
Pictured from l- r: Neville Paperman (plays Neville), Chelsea Smith, Nathan Kress (Freddy)and Jennette McCurdey (Sam)

Fooey on the Flu

Apologies for moving rather slow of late. The bug has bitten me but hopefully it's on the way out the door soon. I haven't been to Mexico, kissed a pig or even eaten a pork chop so I'm confident I've dodged the swine flu bullet. :)
I slept right through the big storm last night but if any of you snapped photos of the lightning, email them my way!

Free Chicken Dinner coupon

Came across this link to print out a coupon for a free 2-pc grilled chicken dinner from KFC. Coupon has to be printed out today but can be used through May 19. Enjoy.

Kudos!

For her commitment to Lewis-Clark State College and distinguished record of achievement and service ~
Congratulations to Melinda George on being named Lewis Clark State College 2009 Outstanding Coeur d'Alene Alumni of the Year at the LCSC commencement ceremonies over the weekend. Melinda completed her BS in Communications at Lewis Clark State College, Coeur d'Alene, graduating summa cum laude in 2005.

Happy Birthday!

Wish Kris Pope and Tamatha Dougall happy birthday today! If you'd like to add your upcoming birthday to the club, post it in the comment section below or enter it directly into the birthday alarm reminder here! *See this week's birthday celebrants on the top left of the home page.

The Eagle Has Landed!

Paul Sohrweide is a patriotic man, the 25' by 20' flag flying in the breeze over his Hope Realty office on Lincoln Way in Coeur d'Alene long offering proof of the fact. Today Paul is as excited as a little kid at Christmas as his newest symbol of American pride was hoisted up in the front of his office building. The 11-foot-high steel sculpture of an eagle has an 18'-wide wing span, the white feathers on the head made from stainless steel. It's a glorious bird, indeed. Paul plans to have lights placed on the eagle in the future. Thank you Paul for sharing your love of country and eagles with us all!

Cinco de Mayo sans Sol

On this chilly and blustery fifth day of May, I'm dreaming of Cabo San Lucas. But when the summer sun arrives in North Idaho, this is my favorite place to frolic. Where's your favorite place to travel for fun in the sun?

Soap Box

We'll include the Soap Box daily for your comments so step on up and sound off in the Main Street Town Square. Don't be shy! We're showing hundreds of visitors already each day and are hoping you'll start a community dialogue at More Main Street. Let me know what you'd like to see & read here. (comment section below)

Happy Birthday!

Robert Cliff and Faith Brodwater are today's birthday celebrants. Robert was named NIC Booster of the Year in 2008 and enjoys starting every new year with a Polar Bear Plunge into Lake Coeur d'Alene. Faith lives in Spirit Lake where she dances and dreams on her 5th of May 5th birthday. If you'd like to add your upcoming birthday to the club, post it in the comment section below or enter it directly into the birthday alarm reminder here! *See this week's birthday celebrants on the top left of the home page.

Are you a Bloomie?

If you ran or walked Bloomsday, let me know. Sophie Adams and Elena Johnson, 8th graders at Charter Academy, are happily exhausted after finishing Bloomsday. Sunday was Elena’s first Bloomsday – she’s wearing bunny ears and a tutu over her shorts. They got several thumbs-up from runners reacting to Sophie’s “free Tibet” shirt. Great picture of you and family or friends bloomin' it? Email to mainstreet@cdapress.com

Soap Box

We'll include the Soap Box daily for your comments so step on up and sound off in the Main Street Town Square. (comment section below)

Happy Birthday!

Brittany Smith is today's birthday girl. Brittany is a talented artist in a variety of mediums. She took top honors at the NIC spring art show recently. If you'd like to add your upcoming birthday to the club, post it in the comment section below or enter it directly into the birthday alarm reminder here! *See this week's birthday celebrants on the top left of the home page.

Run for the Boys & Girls Club

Nearly two hundred people of all ages participated in the Jordan Johnson Memorial Fun Run on Saturday, including three generations of Mikki Stevens' family - daughter Dusty Gelnette and granddaughter, Kennedy Gelnette. Photos from the event can be viewed here.

In My Travels ....

Out in the community today I came across my friend, Jacob Watkins and his lovely wife, Adina volunteering at the Community Food Drive for the Post Falls Food Bank. Jacob is a Special Olympian medalist and for 8 years he's been a familiar and friendly face at the Albertson's (Ironwood) check out lines. Photos from the food drive here.

Places to Go

It's a beautiful sunny Saturday and we're headed out the door ... places we might see you today: Boys and Girls Club Jordan Johnson Memorial Fun Run, Kootenai Humane Society Adoptathon at PetCo., Super 1 and Cabela's for Lions White Cane Day, Trading Company for Spring Food Drive festivities and the Greyhound Park for the run for the roses, Kentucky Derby. I'm sure there are a dozen more fun things happening today so let me know where you spent your Saturday!

Guitar Hero

A budding guitar hero is PFHS senior, Jordan Premo. We came across the talented teen on Friday night during the MoonDollars Uno de Mayo jam session. Very impressive young talent.

Rolling into Summer

A sure sign the season's upon us is opening day at Silverwood. Personally I'm too much of a sissy to ride the coasters so I'll be waiting another month or so until Boulder Beach opens and ride the waves instead. Great deals on admission this weekend.

Uno de Mayo

What a beautiful May Day has dawned! Blue skies and sunshine is always a good thing. Happy Birthday today to Diane Duncan. If you'd like to add your upcoming birthday to the club, post it in the comment section below or enter it directly into the birthday alarm reminder here! *See this week's birthday celebrants on the top left of the home page.

'Tis the Season

The 4th annual Post Falls Community Food Drive kicks off today from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Super One Foods on Idaho and Polston. On Saturday the drive continues at the Trading Company on Seltice Way. Lots to do for the kids while helping a great cause ... the Post Falls Food Bank!