Doing it Cliff's way for farewell

The Celebration of Life for Cliff Hayes is Saturday, Dec. 21, from 2-5 p.m. at the Lions Grand Pavilion at Q'emiln Park in Post Falls. Cliff was a founding member of the Post Falls Community Volunteers and for many years helped organize barbecues, Oktoberfest, concerts and picnics at the park.

While he was adamant in life and in passing not to want a big fuss or somber funeral, it's perfect that Cliff will be remembered and celebrated with grilled bratwurst and a beer garden. In honor of Cliff's prolific contributions to law enforcement, the Emergency Vehicle Owner & Operators Association is planning to be well represented with police cars. Cue Frank Sinatra singing, "My Way."

Tonight you can see those talented up and comers Colby Acuff and Justin Sherfey at the JACC in Post Falls for a holiday concert, starting at 7 p.m. All ages are welcome. Enjoy special guests Karen McCormick and Dani Jo Meeks, too. Tickets just $5!

Best event promo of the week for the Jingle Bell Run Thursday at Fleet Feet Sports starting at 5:45 p.m. ... "Be there with bells on or lights or candy canes or reindeer antlers or sugar plums or any other accessories that help you get your holiday cheer on, for the Umpteenth Annual CDA Jingle Bell Run. This is a free, loosely organized, 1 to 2-mile ramble around Coeur d'Alene to take in the many amazing downtown holiday light displays. Expect a pre-run costume contest, Santa on the run, and post-run refreshments at Fleet Feet. We'll also have Lake City Tri Club's Toys for Tots drop-off box handy for donations."

And the Lake City Triathlon Club also is planning its first Trot for Tots, running a 5K in lieu of its regular Saturday run at 9 a.m., starting from Calypsos to collect toys for the Toys for Tots program. Wear your best/worst Christmas sweater to make a statement. They're collecting unwrapped toys as the entry fee.

On Sunday you can really make a difference in the life of little Madison Galloway. The 6-year-old lost her mother, Hannah, in a car accident over the summer and the family is struggling. From noon to 3 p.m. in Bay 1 at The Coeur d'Alene Resort come by and buy raffle tickets, bid on silent auction items (all have a buy now price, too) with all proceeds going to Making Magic for Madison. Donations for the family are also being accepted at any Wells Fargo branch. For information contact Abbi Sonesen, 755-8233.

Happy Birthday today to Brenda Young, Randy Shaver, Tami Banker, Catherine Witham, Laura Harvey, Kris Wold and my grandson Jared Gonzalez, who's turning 17. Tomorrow Terry Cooper, Carol Prosser, Ray Potter, Judy Cronin and Rick Monroe will party. On Friday Will Kennedy, Jim Sharp, Dean Swanson, Holly Miller, Lisa Turpin and Rick Blaski celebrate. On Saturday Chris Costa, Jeremiah Hazard, Angela Wilson, Brad Miles, Lily Ann Carpenter, Debbie Tull, Jann Chatters and Muni Kumar will blow out their birthday candles. Saturday Kelly Hughes, Brad Penske, Michelle Neal and Rita Sims Snyder will kick up their heels. On Dec. 23 Jake Pereira, Samantha Peugh, Monica Hillard and Wayne Reichenberg (50!) mark the date of their birth. Christmas Eve birthdays for Sarah Wilhelm, Diane Higdom, Beth Edwards, Angie Spleis, Sarah Herbst, Sara Fies and Robbie Schoener.

"When it seems that we have lost our way... we find ourselves again on Christmas Day. If you just believe."

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 2013 by the readers of the North Idaho Business Journal. Main Street appears every Wednesday in The Press and Kerri can be contacted on Facebook or via email mainstreet@cdapress.com.