Community Thanks August 14, 2011
DONATIONS: All help appreciated
My 16-year-old daughter recently spent seven weeks in Honduras volunteering at the pediatric hospital and the government run orphanage. It was an incredible learning experience for her - and for our entire family.
Thank you so very much to local vendors, such as the Patchwork Pony in Hayden; and local persons, such as Bobbi Rollins - who selflessly donated clothes, toys and funds for shipping the donated items to Honduras.
As bad as some have it here, the conditions of the orphans there are deplorable; and I am thankful for those who care enough to try to make their lives a little better!
RAMI AMARO
Hayden
HUGHES: Birthday was unforgettable
Our family would like to thank the Post Falls community, the Kelly Hughes Band and the volunteers at the Post Falls Community Picnic for making my daughter Shelby's 8th birthday one of the most memorable ever.
She has loved the Kelly Hughes Band for years and listened to their CD until it wore out. This was her first time getting to see them playing live and it was very exciting for her. We got to dance and sing as well as interact with the band. Since our old CD wore out, we asked if they had any with them and gave her one and wished her a happy birthday.
In addition she got special gifts and the opportunity to be on stage and play the tambourine with the band. The band along with the crowd sang the happy birthday song to her. We got to sit, eat and visit with some of the most wonderful people.
We would also like to thank Rita for taking great pictures that she has offered to send us. Debbie (friend of the band) for the kindness and generosity to help Shelby participate in the experience of hearing the band, and last but not least the sweet lady who gave my daughter money knowing it was her birthday and for holding and loving my tired 5-year-old Jack, the while I danced with Shelby.
With love from,
ALICE, SHELBY and JACK WESTRAY
Coeur d'Alene
MEMORIAL: Thanks for support
From the family of Cynthia Jean Condie, we would like to thank everyone for your help and support and attendance of her memorial on July 31. We appreciate all of your warm wishes and support.
JACQUELINE REICHERT
Spokane
SUMMER ARTS: Thanks to all involved
We thank you and The Press for publishing the articles about the Summer Arts for Youth Program, sponsored by the Coeur d'Alene Arts Commission. We appreciate Harding Family Center for welcoming our program in their wonderful facility. This program has just completed its 13th year offering an assortment of outrageously fun art classes at low cost to the children of our community.
Our talented instructors present children with a variety of art forms and projects that encourage creativity and provide skill development in the making of art. Older students interact with working artists as they experience the creative process in a choice of arts classes. Students are invited to exhibit their work at the Coeur d'Alene library throughout the program and attend a closing reception with their parents.
Enrollment was up and the number of classes taken by students reached an all-time high this year, including 28 students receiving scholarships or discounts. We appreciate the help received from our community for this nonprofit program, especially Tim's Natural Meats, Flour Mill Natural Food Store, McIntosh Family Eggs and Rawpower.com contributions to our Kitchen Kids and Kitchen Tweens classes.
Coeur d'Alene School District No. 271 assists with distribution of information and community volunteers assist in our classes. We have occasionally received grant funding but the program is currently self-sustaining. Its success is due to the cooperative efforts of groups and individuals in our community, and our excellent arts instructors. We appreciate and thank all of them.
Thank you for your continued support of this program in your newspaper.
YVONNE BENZINGER
Summer Arts Program for Youth director