At NIC, love is the answer

COEUR d'ALENE - The Beatles may have been onto something when they said, "All you need is love."

Lots of love and good vibes will surround the third annual "Choose Love over Fear Day," taking place Friday on the North Idaho College campus.

"One of the reasons for the whole day is to illuminate the good in unexpected places and the talents of unexpected people," said event co-organizer Kathleen Lamanna.

Lamanna and her good friend Jackie Gedeik are the parties behind Coeur d'Alene's "Choose Love over Fear Day." They want to promote positivity in the community and encourage people to not just be kind to one another, but to celebrate each person's wonderfulness.

"So much focuses on the fear and there are so many incredible people out there doing so many incredible things," Lamanna said. "If we can just honor them, that would be wonderful."

This year's event will be a bit different. It moved from the Human Rights Education Institute to the Edminster Student Union Building at NIC.

"We thought we'd follow the energy of the kids," Lamanna said. "The best part of the day for us is when they come back from giving hugs. Just listening to their stories energizes us and lets us know we're on the right track."

The guest speakers, including human rights champion Tony Stewart, will share first-person experiences of kindness that have had positive impacts on their lives.

"It's more personal this year," Lamanna said.

Lamanna and Gedeik have also engaged NIC students in a contest to see how many reader boards throughout town they can commandeer to advertise for the event.

The free hugs, however, are here to stay.

Participating NIC students and anyone who wants to join will be wandering downtown to hug strangers and brighten someone's day. Mayor Steve Widmyer will read a proclamation recognizing May 1 as the city's official "Choose Love over Fear Day," which occurs in conjunction with Global Love Day, the universal recognition of humanity's interconnectedness through love.

People can participate in their own unique ways by volunteering at a retirement center, hospital or school, paying for the next person in line's meal or coffee, complimenting at least five people, giving to charities or anything else that promotes love and makes someone smile.

"We can give someone the precious gift of time," Gedeik said at the first event in 2013. "We can buy a lottery ticket for a complete stranger. We can put some coins in someone else's parking meter. Sincerely compliment at least five people today, including a stranger. Leave an encouraging note on someone's car window, or your child's lunchbox, or your husband's briefcase."

"Choose Love over Fear Day" will begin at 3 p.m. Friday at the SUB. It is free and open to the public.

Info: www.thelovefoundation.com