It's a small world on the Oscar stage

The year was 1963 when Anna Pearce aka Patty Duke became the youngest thespian to be presented an Academy Award. Patty Duke received the honor for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Helen Keller in "The Miracle Worker."

In a "small world" story one of my favorite friends, Katie Brodie, shared that moment with Anna 50 years ago. Katie's uncle, Thomas Kalmus, invented Technicolor and served as the CEO of the company. Katie's aunt, Elanore King Kalmus, a syndicated columnist, invited Katie to come to Los Angeles for spring break and attend the Academy Awards.

"So prior to the ceremony starting we were standing in a group and I was introduced to this petite teen and someone took our photo," recalled Katie, who was 17 at the time. "Only later when they announced the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress and she went up on the stage did I realize she was Patty Duke!"

What I find fascinating is that Anna and Katie both eventually came to live in Coeur d'Alene and in the past two-plus decades their paths haven't crossed. My goal is to re-introduce them, I think they'll be pleasantly surprised just how much alike they are. Laughter will ensue. And yes, the photo of the two from that brief encounter at the Oscars exists and is a classic!

I attended the annual Kootenai Fire and Rescue Awards Banquet last weekend and was inspired by a room filled with men and women who risk their lives for the safety of their community. In a departure from a gold watch or a plaque, Lt. Todd Amende was recognized for 25 years of service to the department. He received an engraved three-foot-tall speaking trumpet that was used in the 1800s for shouting orders on the scene of a fire. Best award I've ever seen.

While it's still February and Heart Health Month I'd like to acknowledge what I refer to as my other birthday. Seven years ago on Feb. 24, 2006, I was near death and received a second chance at life in the Kootenai Heart Center and coronary care unit.

When I think of how full life has been in these past seven years I'm overwhelmed with gratitude. Seven more years to love and be loved by my family and friends. Seven years of adventures including celebrating my 25th wedding anniversary, being elected to the city council, trips as close as Hells Canyon and as far away as London. An unexpected foray into radio and interviewing interesting people at the crack of dawn. Finishing my first Bloomsday alongside my daughters and sisters. Celebrating my 60th birthday.

I take not a single moment of a single day for granted and make a conscious effort to make a difference and be a blessing. Life is good my friends. Listen to your heart, literally and figuratively.

This weekend ... the Post Falls Education Association's 17th annual Wine, Stein and Dine, the Hayden Chamber of Commerce awards soiree at Resort Aviation, and Make-a-Wish banquet at North Idaho College. So many great events to choose from!

Happy Birthday today to Karen Cocoran, David Sheridan, Tawny Brown (30!), Camille Carleton, Steve Lux, Eddie Jerome and Mary Herrick will blow out the birthday candles. Don Pischner, Bridgette Lowry, Gary Dagastine, Bob Flowers, Al Telles, Maurie Bruce, Dean Walsmith, Allison Gerzina and Robin Gerzina celebrate their birthdays on Feb. 28. If there were a Feb. 29 this year Nancy DiGiammarco would be celebrating but she'll just need to wait until the next Leap Year. On Friday, March 1, Faye Griffiths, Connie Chalich, Bud Kobs, Megan Aker and John Billetz will enjoy another trip around the sun. LeeAnn Cheeley, Lisa Honnell, Sharon Menti, Rhonda Shippey, Ginny Easterly, Alexander Endo, Randy Hurt and Nickolas Aker were all born on March 2. Sunday, March 3, is the birthday of Rebecca Kilmer and Gail Kinlock. Next week starts with birthdays for Michael Ward, Chris Guggemos and Jon Newcomb on Monday and Natalie Eckstein (30!), Jim Riley, Amy Tolzmann, Paula Ryan, Nicole Barnhart, Kelly Lattin, Hailie Gennett, Allison Mehan, Carly Hall and Matt Matthews on Tuesday.

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 2012 by the readers of the North Idaho Business Journal. Main Street appears every Wednesday in The Press and Kerri is on the air Mondays and Wednesdays on 1080 ESPN AM (KVNI). Find her on Facebook or via email mainstreet@cdapress.com.