Crib becomes treasured keepsake
Earlier this year, Mindy Hatcher donated her now-grown daughters’ beautiful wood crib to Inland Northwest SIDS Foundation. The circa-1982 crib with rails is no longer considered a safe style of crib. Foundation director Liz Montgomery was inspired to repurpose the crib into an even more beautiful bench.
The bench became an auction item at this month’s Night Under the Stars fundraising event, which was attended by Mindy’s longtime friend, Pam Houser. Pam covertly bought the bench and this past weekend delivered it to Mindy’s oldest daughter, Marissa Fuher in Bozeman, Mont. In June, Marissa and her husband, Corey, welcomed Wesley, their first baby, so the timing was perfect.
Pam had a poem inscribed on the crib turned bench: “A bed for a baby, this used to be — for two little girls, Marissa and Bre. Now it’s a bench, refurbished like new, for a special family — that would be you!”
Friendship and generous hearts.
- • •
Late Monday afternoon I spent some time on the poolside patio of my friend Katie Brodie’s beautiful Hayden Lake home with Katie, her husband Pete and her big brother John. Lovely and relaxing way to begin the week.
John has been visiting from San Diego for a few weeks so it was a treat to see him before he headed home. John, 82, is 11 years older than his adored baby sister and their mutual admiration is fun to witness. John Brodie is also the famed former NFL quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers, where he spent his entire 17-year (1957-1973) pro career. The two-time Pro Bowler retired as the third most prolific passer in NFL history.
I love that he’s been married to his wife, Sue, for 60 years. I love that he defied the odds after he suffered a major stroke 17 years ago that would have permanently incapacitated most people. I love that he not only knew my first childhood crush, Dodgers pitcher Don Drysdale, but he and Don at one time shared ownership in a race horse.
And I love his candor when I asked him his thoughts about former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick. John, who is honored with a statue at Levi Field in San Francisco, said he removed all of his memorabilia from the stadium during the controversy, but does plan to return it now. He expressed regret that Kaepernick, a great athlete with a lot of talent, politicized his career.
I love people who make me laugh, and an afternoon with Katie and John is like winning the laugh lottery.
I’m still shaking my head, though, that this football legend is not in the NFL Hall of Fame.
- • •
My solar eclipse viewing was rather low key at Mill River Park. There was a lot of boat traffic on the Spokane River and a few dozen people enjoying the view from the shore.
There wasn’t much to see from where North Idaho was on the path of totality, but it was fun to experience the experience. I made a trio of new friends who’d brought their lawn chairs and viewing glasses. Wayne and Trudy Logan and Rita Hanson were enjoying the sunny morning. The temperature definitely dropped for a few minutes, though.
I think my favorite phenomenon was the way the leafy shadows on the sidewalk were in the shape of crescent moons. I may have to road trip to Texas in 2024.
- • •
Nothing signals the homestretch of summer like the North Idaho State Fair and Gem State Stampede, which opens today and runs through Sunday. We’re fortunate to have so many who are dedicated to celebrating the farmers, ranchers, crafters, gardeners, bakers and artisans who are our neighbors. A special nod to all of the 4-H kids and their families who’ve worked so hard on their projects and who make such a commitment to participate.
Final week of Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre’s Million Dollar Quartet at the Kroc Center, Wednesday through Sunday. www.cdasummertheatre.com.
Thursday, 7-9 p.m. Inland Northwest Milestones at the Coeur d’Alene Library with Robert Singletary and a look at the history of farming in North Idaho. This series is presented in partnership with the Museum of North Idaho.
Saturday is the annual Post Falls Police Department’s Cops & Kids open house and car show, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
IronKids half-mile or 1-mile fun run on Saturday at McEuen Park. Info mmccully@cdaid.org or www.ironkids.com.
Sunday, the final full Ironman Coeur d’Alene. All day. To volunteer contact Dani Zibell-Wolfe, www.ironman.com/coeurdalene.
- • •
Happy birthday today to Art Flagan, Chad Chalich, Beth Dagastine, Debbie Berger, Eileen Mann, Bobby Bunch, Donnie Goodnature and Rod Robins.
The same tomorrow to Mike Dodge, Linda Fox, Lori Chissie, Sarah Rasmussen and Eric Burgeson.
Taking another trip around the sun on Friday are Jeff Selle, Ali Shute, Angie Penzkover, Rhonda Budvarson, Staci Anderson, Cindi Carlson, Mack Mannschreck and Lydia Myers.
Putting on their party hats on Saturday are Sofia Armstrong, Andrew Evenson, Pam Grenny, Cam Crollard, Juilianne Rinard, Perry Peterson, Warren Bakes, Irene Watkins, Troy Blood, Lita Balbin and Phil Higgs.
Silda Pollard turns 95 years young on Sunday, sharing the day with Jan Berry, Peggy Sawicki, Ed Mitchell, Mike Wood and George Forgacs.
On Monday Freya Jensen, Jack Reiswig, Marissa Leupold, Steve Slaney, Michelle Garcia, Dirk Scott, Samantha Dirks, Becky Fletcher, Darlene Johnson, Judy DeTar, Karen Huber, Laurie Sutton, Loretta Richards, Pearl Brown and Spencer Messina blow out the birthday candles.
Best wishes on Tuesday to Jeannie Peugh, who shares the date with Ashley Smart, Stacey Holley, Randy Marmon, Cindy Foulk, Bob Myklebust, Lori Barker, Cody Jewell, Merle Bartlett and Arvada Schmacher.
- • •
Kerri Rankin Thoreson is a member of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists and the former publisher of the Post Falls Tribune. Main Street appears every Wednesday in The Press and Kerri can be contacted on Facebook or via email mainstreet@cdapress.com. Follow her on Twitter @kerrithoreson.