North Idaho Briefs September 5, 2013

Opera studies class being offered Saturday

Opera Coeur d'Alene is hosting an opera studies class Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Todd Hall in the Molstead Library at North Idaho College.

The class, A Look at Verde's Life and Times, is being offered a week before Opera Coeur d'Alene's presentation of "Rigoletto."

The instructor, Fred Gliena, is an opera expert and an opera lover. His classes provide a depth of understanding that enhances the enjoyment of the opera. "Rigoletto" will be performed Sept. 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Sept. 15 at 2 p.m. in NIC's Schuler Performing Arts Center.

The cost of Saturday's class is $25 and tickets can be purchased online, www.operacda.org or email marsha@operacda.com for a seat reservation and then pay at the door.

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Shelter receives grant from Avista Foundation

The Avista Foundation has awarded a grant of $1,500 to Fresh Start, Inc. to help fund the emergency overnight warming center in Coeur d'Alene.

"As the only warming center in our community, Fresh Start will serve more than 1,500 bed nights over the 60 or so days we will be open this coming winter," said Howard Martinson, Fresh Start executive director. "The support from the Avista Foundation is an important part of our being able to continue to provide this vital, unduplicated service for those in our community."

Patty Shea, Avista regional business manager for North Idaho, said that with fewer public resources available to help those who are homeless or low income, programs such as Fresh Start bring private resources together in ways that strengthen the safety net of services people need to succeed.

"Working together with other community organizations, we are bridging the gaps left by funding cutbacks and an increasing need for services," Shea said.

For the third quarter of 2013, the Avista Foundation made grants totaling $8,500 to services in the Northwest.