Community Thanks April 11, 2010

BUSINESSES: Helped robotics; SPINNERS: What a great event!; SUPPORT: People help in many ways

BUSINESSES: Helped robotics

Skyway Elementary's NIRD Herd (North Idaho Robotics Dudes) would like to thank some businesses who helped us have an incredible experience this school year. We participated in the First Lego League, a robotics program that in addition to programming and competing with our robot, we had a large community involvement project. It was an experience we'll never forget.

First and foremost, thank you to Dr. Lorna Finman for sponsoring our team, hosting the world's largest FLL competition in Post Falls, and bringing FLL to the level it is here in the Coeur d'Alene area. We would also like to thank Pioneer Title for our wonderful T-shirts, and Hecla Mining for additional materials needed; we certainly appreciate their support of our team.

Our project turned out to be much larger than we ever expected. We researched traffic congestion in front of our school and determined that a new bike rack would help this situation. Although we had the data to show the bike rack was needed, we learned about the reality of finances and that the school did not have the money for a bike rack. Hecla Mining very generously granted our team $1,000 and local welder Harry Voves donated his time in the construction and installation to help our dream come true. We are happy to announce that this week a 20-foot bike rack was installed at Skyway Elementary.

Thanks again to Dr. Finman, Pioneer Title, Hecla Mining and Harry Voves Welding for their support of children in our community.

TRACY OBERMAYER

Coeur d'Alene

SPINNERS: What a great event!

What a great event Log Cabin Spinners put on at the Red Lion Templin’s on the river! If you were a knitter, spinner, weaver or some type of fiber fanatic, this was the place for you.

A wonderful variety of vendors, day long demonstrations and a huge number of raffle items, I thought this event was a truly enjoyable and educational experience.

Thanks to all the volunteers who made it possible for so many of us to come in, relax, shop and learn.

This was a wonderfully professional event.

Thank you!

ROSANNE ANDERSON

Cheney, Wash.

SUPPORT: People help in many ways

Our family is extremely grateful for the outpouring of support in conjunction with the recent Press article — written by Maureen Dolan — about our family. It has been overwhelming that so many people desired to help us in so many ways — food, financial and notes/cards. The “well wishes” have truly lifted Gail up and given her hope and encouragement as she battles cancer.

Financial help has greatly reduced the stress of our medical situation. Little Ellie recently had all her dental work performed, and she travels to Shriner’s/Portland in two weeks for much needed cleft palate surgery.

We are so thankful to God for providing for our needs through generous readers of the Coeur d’Alene Press. Even those who chose to remain anonymous, we hope will read our letter of thanks and know how much we appreciate your generosity. And, those who wrote notes and cards, thank you for taking the time to encourage and support someone you may not know. God works through the hearts of others. God bless you all.

GAIL AND MIKE SMITH AND CHILDREN

Dalton Gardens