Local luminaries display surprising talent
It’s hard to recall when I’ve had as much fun and laugh-out-loud moments as was found on Saturday evening at the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort for the second Dancing with the Celebrities. The sold-out show to benefit Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre featured local luminaries teamed up with professional dancers to perform in front of an audience. Needless to say there was no shortage of pre-show jitters.
But when the curtain came up, every single “celebrity” brought their A game to the delight of the audience. The official results of mirror ball winners include People’s Choice winner Heidi Rogers with partner Daniel Connelly, who performed a country swing that had more intricate arm moves than a calf-roping competition. Second place in the People’s Choice category was the irrepressible Amy Bartoo and her partner, Joseph Lyons who brought a touch of vaudeville with an energetic tap dance.
Judges' Choice mirror balls went to Jeff Crandall and pro partner Monica Newall for a NASCAR-themed hip hop that was well-choreographed and executed. Second place was earned by the star-studded team of Kiki Miller and Mikki Stevens who jived through a ‘50s rock 'n' roll routine, despite Kiki’s earlier-in-the week knee injury that required bracing under her pantaloons and a note from her orthopedist.
While these four couples took home the coveted mirror balls, the other six performers were hot on their heels with some of the best dances this side of the official Dancing with the Stars studio. Ben Tran, sporting faux tats, with partner Lynda LeBlanc hip-hopped believably to "Gangsta’s Paradise"; Steve Roberge, in tux and tails, and Crystal Reiber brought the glamour with a tango/waltz; Tom Torgerson and partner Bri Gilge were in the era of the lindy and charleston with their dance; Michelle Johnson and Harry Wheeler performed a two-steppin' country swing and LaDonna Beaumont aka Lady in Red and Syafiq Fuller danced a saucy tango.
Last but not least Mike Kennedy channeled John Travolta, white suit and all, to perform a show-stopping disco routine to "Boogie Shoes" with partner Amy Reneau. Mike’s belly slide at the end brought the crowd to their feet.
I think every one of these local luminaries deserve a good sportsmanship trophy!
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It comes as no surprise to long time readers or people who know me that May is my favorite month. What’s not to love about turning the corner on a soggy spring, planting flowers and seeing those first buds and blossoms? Getting outside without a coat or sweater, the wonderful aroma of fresh-mowed lawns and the breeze in your face on a bike or with the convertible top down. Too early for biting bugs to be out but the birds are abundant and happy.
And birthdays ... yes, birthdays. I love birthdays, even when they’re not mine but May happens to be the month of my birth and through the years I’ve gathered an abundance of names of people who share this birth month. No matter the month of your birth, birthdays are the one thing we all have in common. That one day of the year when we can embrace the simple fact that we’re alive and with any luck at all surrounded by family and friends. I’ll never tire of celebrating life and the blessings of these past 65 years!
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Mother’s Day in 1952 fell on May 14. That day, my 20-year-old mother, Alice Rankin, gave birth to her second daughter — me! So as happens every so often I’m celebrating my birthday while celebrating my mother with my Mother’s Day birthday. Happy Mother’s Day to all!
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Randy and Kim Haddock are visiting Italy. While walking to a Tuscan village the couple got up close and personal with a wild boar that ran out of vineyard across the road. Says Kim, “I think he was mad because we ate his brother for dinner last night. Looked just like you've seen in pictures, tusks and all!”
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Things to Do Highlights:
Friday, 1-5 p.m. Post Falls Rotary Golf Tournament at Prairie Falls. Sid Armstrong, 773-1658.
ArtWalk, downtown Coeur d’Alene, 5-8 p.m.
Saturday, Dog d’Alene 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sixth and Sherman.
North Idaho Veterans Stand Down, day of appreciation for veterans and their families at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Post Falls Distinguished Young Women, Saturday, 7 p.m. at Post Falls High School
Sunday, Post Falls Lions Mother’s Day Breakfast at the Post Falls Senior Center, 7-11 a.m. Moms, and kids younger than 5, are free; others $5 per person. Mothers are treated to breakfast at American Legion Post 143 from 8-11 a.m., Poleline and Syringa. The Coeur d’Alene Eagles are also treating mothers to breakfast from 9-11 a.m., 209 E. Sherman Avenue.
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Happy Birthday today to Coltan and Cadan Virgil (13!), Shelly Servick, Don Smock, Shelly Matthews, Pearl Bouchard, David Dickinson, Margie Adams, Zena Baltzell, Bonnie McDowell (87!) and Ginger Cutler.
Tomorrow Anne Hagman, Jason Mealer, Debra Altman, Anthony Skarisky, Stephanie Knox, Ginger Cutler, Margie Adams, Chad Todd and Sharon Culbreth (75!) put on their party hats.
Mary Rawlsky, Allison Cook, Lynette Walsh, Bob Hoskins, Jason Penzkover, Craig Ziegler, Olivia Jacobsen (13!), Wyatt Dickinson and Jon Brewer blow out the birthday candles on Friday.
Lucky May 13 birthdays for Kathy Hlebichuk, Butch Marks, Steve Pollard, Tim Cushman, Judy Brooks, Charlie Morris and PJ Christo.
Sharing my May 14 birthday on Mother’s Day are Williene Gagnon, Stephanie Davenport, KJ Torgerson, Jaime Cornwell, Macy Ducoeur, Mark Hemenway, Tyler Krieg, Rita Preston, Randy McKahn, Jake Hobbs, Kathy White, Liz Ricciardi, Breanne Ruff, Kimberly Westrick, Kristi Messinger, Caren Easterly, Bill Ohlfs, Linda Green, Katie Bane, Mitch Bevacqua, Chrissy Johnson and Averie Barnes.
On Monday Suzanna Spencer, Al Harrison, Lorri Gum, Patricia Braddock, Jack Wheir and Barbara Welch take another trip around the sun.
May 16 birthdays belong to Diane Wahl, Wednesday Walton, Kari Malkovich, Cindy Barnes and Michelle Richter.
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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.