The joy of giving is noticed by young

It's been duly noted that our communities are filled with prolific volunteers and generous hearts. I bear witness to many examples and shine the light on a lot of those people in this column through the year. The people I'm drawn to and admire are givers of their time, talents and treasure.

But on Saturday morning, it was a group of elementary school-age youngsters who caused my throat to catch as, with my fellow volunteers, we enjoyed our tradition of bringing up the rear of the Post Falls Festival Parade to thank the spectators for coming out. As has also been duly noted, it was the swan song for Bert and I organizing the parade for 25 years, so the routine had a touch of melancholy.

The smiling kids with candy bags overflowing, in unison called out, "Thank you, Kerri!" I realized at that very moment that what we've done, and what so many others do every day in our communities, is model to younger generations the joy of contributing and involvement. When we least expect it or, perhaps as in my case, not even thinking of how for a generation the actions of our merry group of parade volunteers was being observed by others, there it is ... in the simple but enthusiastic thank you of the young and old along the parade route.

I have no doubt that those children one day will be joyful volunteers giving back to their community. Full circle.

It's the time of year when classmates reunite to mark the decades since graduation. I encourage everyone to attend theirs, especially those of you who still live in the area. Often the locals take a pass, thinking that they see many classmates regularly, but there are just as many who are traveling back to their hometown in hopes of reconnecting for a weekend. So if you haven't already signed on for your reunion, do it! And to those of you who've taken on the sometimes thankless job of organizing, kudos.

Ed Stevenson posed this question on his Facebook page: Why are there no B batteries? I haven't a clue.

Highlights of summer fun: This afternoon at 4 p.m. is Cecil's Summer Splash at the North Idaho College beach. Free to all, with barbecue for the first 300 people. What a great opportunity to try the outdoor pursuits at Sunspot. There will be stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, canoes and catamarans to enjoy.

Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Jacklin Arts and Culture Center is the Vision Seekers Workshop for kids ages 7 and older, just $10. Featured artist Andrew Morrison (Haida/Apache) will lead a modern art workshop teaching the art of graffiti.

That evening there's an Upcycled Show reception from 5 to 7 p.m. at the JACC with artists Abby Henning and Jeff Manderville.

On Saturday is the 21st annual Steve Omni One Mile Open Water Swim, 9 a.m. at Sanders Beach to benefit 3rd Grade Swim. Also on Saturday it's Heritage Health's Muddy Miles from 3:30-7 p.m. at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds, appropriately billed as a family mess fest! Check out www.muddymiles.org.

Then stay at the fairgrounds for the St. Vincent de Paul annual Steak Fry from 5-10 p.m. with Kelly Hughes performing.

Happy 99 years young to Ralph Ward of Post Falls, who celebrated yesterday but I'm thinking Michael Ward's pops celebrates every day!

Main Street Birthday wishes today to Sandi Morrison, Yvonne Smith, Marcy Clutter, Loretta Lyon, Angela Olson, Andreas John, Rich Doughty, Cindy Wiedmer, Patrick Ryan and Doug Jaworski (50!).

The same tomorrow to Terry Werner, John Malloy, Erik Nelson, Rick Souza, Janet Brock, Belinda Rowe, Amber Flinn and Emily Crawford.

On Friday, Eric Wurmlinger, Jessica Ohlig, Annette Davis, Kathy LaTourrette, Dustin Peacock, Lori Nelson, Sandie Husby, Joanne Anglin and Cody Jones blow out the candles.

July 19 birthdays belong to David Kilmer, Vic Grilli, Bill Noordam, Hillary Main, Sherri Dust (60!) and Micheala Corcoran. On Sunday, Louise Gillespie celebrates.

Monday salutations to Jim Lien, Cathy Meeks, Todd Jenicek, Janet Allen, Shane Bell and Matt Gardner.

Taking another trip around the sun on July 22 are Joe Malloy, Debbie Brown, Jennifer Schmidt, Tina Vandenheuvel and Sam Paul.

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 at mainstreet@cdapress.com. Follow her on Twitter @kerrithoreson.