Business of building a community
On Saturday night, the celebration of the past half-century of business was a real walk down Memory Lane for the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce: a glimpse at who we were before I-90 ... 25,000 people ago.
It's also a great reminder that it's not the buildings or the brick and mortar that make a community, it's the people. Each generation has those who embrace opportunity and brave the obstacles to open a business, investing in a dream. We've been fortunate to have our share of visionaries.
It's fitting that two exciting pieces of business news hit the grapevine in recent days, the first regarding the former Hot Rod Cafe, which closed Oct. 5, 2011. That was a sad day for the community but now the property is being prepared to re-open. I'm not privy to all of the details, but I do know that PFHS alum Josh Hissong and his HDG design firm will be working their magic on the highly visible I-90 location. It's safe to say that the spinning car on the roof is likely to disappear but with HDG's track record of creating unique eateries, it will no doubt be spectacular and popular right out of the gate. Among its recent projects are Fire Artisan Pizza, Crafted Taphouse, The Cellar, NUDO and the Vault.
The second news also involves a home-grown talent, Jeremy McComb. The popular country music entertainer has been touring all over the country from his Nashville base. An opportunity presented itself via Kelly Hughes, in whose band Jeremy got his start. Later this month the doors will re-open on the famed former Kelly's Grand Ol' Opry at Stateline. Jeremy's Nashville North will bring again a regional venue attracting big names in country music.
Theresa Hart's Newby-ginings has been in operation for one year and has made a genuine difference in the lives of many of our local veterans. One of its services is to provide household items to those in need. Right now the supply of pots and pans has been depleted so if you have extras you're not using, consider donating. Its address is 147 E. Aqua Circle, Unit 2, Dalton Gardens, open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., M-T-W. Phone: (208) 610-9996
Highlights: Today is the Women's Wellness Fair from 4-7 p.m., free and open to public at Best Western Coeur d'Alene Inn. On Friday is the Post Falls Historical Society's 20th Annual Oktoberfest at Q'emiln Park in the Lions Grand Pavilion from 5 to 8 p.m., with live music, food and a silent auction.
The Cardboard Box City for Family Promise of North Idaho will be at Fernan Elementary and the Pro-West Rodeo Finals are at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds.
On Saturday, the Straight from the Heart foundation will provide free heart screenings for youth at the Boys & Girls Club of Kootenai County from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wish a first day of October happy birthday to Casey Irgens, Jill Gardner and Kathi Southland.
Tomorrow, Wendy Medlock, Jack Sjostrom, Dana Kinsey, Rebecca Armstrong, Millie Eylar, Linda Harris, Renee Mullan, Karla Derton and David Tabakman are celebrating another trip around the sun.
On Friday, Andy Stidham, Dave Bobbitt, Dave Priano, Maddison Morrow, Darcy Johnson, Shylo Deubner, Meilee Anderson and Jeff McLean blow out their candles.
On Saturday, Mary Wolfinger, Michael Hillman, Teri Grubbs, Valerie Queen, Ami Manning, John Beebe, Mike Bryan, Tommy Lynn, Barbara Lovett and Nicole Sobelman celebrate birthdays.
On the fifth day of October, Jan Lindquist (60!), Pat Riley, Amber Butler, Margie Basaraba, Jonalyn Clayton, Debbie McEnespy, David Kamka, Joe Eatherton, Steve Staaben and Tim Turrell will put on their party hats.
On Monday, Brooke Miller shares a birthday with Gary Marian, Katrina Slater, Ricky Blaski, Kyle Messier, Rochelle Seher and Kate Bennett.
Tuesday is a special day for Midge Smock, Vicki Gehring, Mark Michalak, Nancy Harlocker and Erin Paisley.
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 [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @kerrithoreson.