Living her life to the fullest
There isn't enough space in this column to do justice to the life and times of beautiful Marie Whitesel, who attributes her longevity to staying busy. Considering she's 95 years young, I'm taking her at her word. Marie received an honorary PhD from the University of Idaho in 2002, more than a half century after earning her first bachelor's degree in art from the university.
Through the years the artist has created a tapestry of community service, most notably a two-decade crusade that successfully convinced the state to move the Interstate 90 route away from the lake. Because of her efforts thousands and thousands of people each year enjoy the Centennial Trail all the way to Higgens Point on Coeur d'Alene Lake Drive. Art and education are her passions, and now through Sept. 8 you can see Marie Whitesel's inspiring watercolor landscapes on display at the University of Idaho-Coeur d'Alene Harbor Center. I count making her recent acquaintance as a high point for sure.
***The passing of Mark and Raelene Fisher's 16-year-old daughter Mary on Sunday was heartbreaking. The teen had long-term coronary issues but the heart attack that claimed her young life was unexpected. What has also been unexpected is the grace and faith of her father. Many of us didn't know Mary personally but do know Mark. Throughout the days in the hospital this past week, Mark has professed an unwavering faith and a love for a daughter he adored and a determination that we know what a special young woman Mary was. Powerful stuff in the most trying of times for a parent.
These are the times that not only define but change a person as well as a community.***
When the local Marine Corps League, Pappy Boyington Detachment hosted vintage aircraft including a Corsair from Pappy's military era, there was an unexpected fourth plane on the tarmac on the south side of Coeur d'Alene Airport. The 737 dwarfed the smaller planes. Turns out the big jet belongs to MGM and was fully crewed on Saturday afternoon.When the Corsair pilot headed out around 4 p.m. the 737 pilots and cabin crew came out on the field to enjoy the final passes of the scrappy World War II plane. No word as to who was aboard the MGM 737 but have heard a film crew is working in Hayden this week ...
***Rest up ... the hydroplanes are coming to town! Kudos in advance to the Hydromaniacs for their hard work and dedication to reigniting the excitement of this part of Coeur d'Alene's history for a new generation. Also happening this weekend is the Third Friday Art Walk and the Italian Festival in Post Falls. ***
Birthday wishes today to Cynthia Raynor, Brandee Peacock, Linda Mannschreck, Lugene Broadsword and JP Conrow who's turning the big 3-0. Tomorrow Jaqueline Dickinson, Julie Pierce, Jake Medlock, Toni Prince, Althea Carpenter and Jim Hail III will celebrate. Friday birthdays are being marked by Amy Elder, Scott Noordam, Vicky Jo Carey and Peter Woods. Sunny Saturday celebrants are Nancy Scofiel, Art Elliott and Elaine Carda. On Sunday Crystal Shofner turns 30 and along with Betsy Bullard, Matthew Behringer and Kelly Chadderdon will blow out the birthday candles. Starting next week off with birthdays are Brett Seright, Cathy Smith, Erica Curless and Lilliana Raynor on Monday and Pam Campbell, Eileen Mann, Beth Dagastine and Debbie Berger on Tuesday.***
THERE'S MORE: New stories and photos at More Main Street. There's a link also for adding your birthday to the Main Street Birthday Club! Access at cdapress.com, under the columns tab.***
Kerri Rankin Thoreson is a member of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists and the former publisher of the Post Falls Tribune. She was voted Best Local Writer for 2010 by the readers of the North Idaho Business Journal. Main Street appears every Wednesday in The Press. More Main Street blog is at http://moremainstreet.blogspot.com. Listen to Main Street Monday on KVNI AM1080. Kerri can be reached at [email protected]