Young speakers and their teacher inspire

Having a fear of public speaking is something most adults would admit. Even people like me who speak to organizations and present ideas in public settings still have a butterfly or three when stepping out in front of an audience.

So last Thursday when — along with Wayne Cofield, Devin Weeks, Chris Guggemos and Marvin Sears — I served as a judge for the LAM Christian Academy speech meet, I was in awe. These elementary school age children, 1st through 5th grades, each presented a memorized poem, scripture or story on stage in front of family and faculty.

Sure there were some nerves showing for a few, but for the most part, more than 100 children displayed poise and presence far beyond their years. Becoming acclimated to a soft skill that is vital later in life — both in school and in the work world — is a real gift.

Their instructor, Daniel Connelly, deserves high praise, not only for providing the training in advance of the meet, but in the way he encourages and supports each one of these children. It was an inspirational day for all of us judges. At the end of the meet after placements were announced and ribbons presented, each of the participants came down a receiving line to shake the judges’ hands. Which by the way is another great lesson to impart, being comfortable with a handshake.

The entire group was truly exceptional but there was one student who won my heart. Fourth grader Olivia Smith passionately and flawlessly recited the Gettysburg Address, doing Abraham Lincoln proud.

Kudos to LAM Christian Academy and Mr. Connelly for preparing these young people for future success.

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My first Valentine was my dad and throughout his life he never failed to give a card or candy to his daughters. It’s fun to receive candy and flowers and enjoy a nice dinner out, but I’ve come to really value being loved 365 days out of the year. On Valentine’s Day 1986, my husband arrived in Idaho from North Dakota to take a giant leap of faith to marry me and my three daughters a month later. He left his family and lifelong friends to make a life and a home here where I had family and lifelong friends.

For 33 years Valentine’s Day has held a special meaning for me. So celebrate love however it appears in your life. Celebrate today and every day if you’re blessed to be loved.

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Longtime friend Barbara Renner lost her sweetheart of 65 years last week. Harlan Renner’s obituary (Yate’s Funeral Home) is a beautiful story of Harlan’s wonderful life. When a Hospice nurse asked him recently the secret to a 65-year marriage he replied, “keep saying I do!”

Much love to Barbara, your sweetheart was definitely a special guy.

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Alas, we’re having to do without a Huddy burger for three weeks while the 117-year-old business is undergoing repairs and remodeling through the end of the month. The focus of the repairs is the floor and it will retain the same iconic look and lunch counter feel when the dust settles and the doors of Hudson’s Hamburgers re-open, including the pickle cutting board! Single, cheese, both.

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Everyone has been shoveling and plowing copious amounts of snow in recent days. If there’s a fire hydrant on your street, take the time to shovel a few feet around it. Imagine how important a few extra minutes could be if your house was on fire and the firemen had to clear the hydrant before the hoses could be used!

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Things to Do Highlights: Thursday through Sunday, final performances of Aspire Community Theater’s production of “Mamma Mia” at the Kroc.

Friday, Habitat for Humanity’s 10th annual Hearts for Homes, dinner and auction at the Coeur d’Alene Inn, 5 p.m.

Mardi Gras Krewe d’Alene at the Resort Plaza Shops, 5:30 to 10 p.m. on Saturday. The Coeur d’Alene Arts and Culture Alliance brings the best of New Orleans to downtown Coeur d’Alene. www.artsandculturecda.org.

Also on Saturday, Improv Co-Op at Lake City Playhouse, 7 to 9 p.m., 21 and over, $10 per person.

On Sunday the 22nd Annual Frosty Bunz Run, 9:30 a.m. at Lawrence’s Motorcycles in Coeur d’Alene, ride ends at Curly’s Hauser Lake.

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Happy birthday today to Elmer Currie as he celebrates his 99th, sharing the date with Rachel Fehling, Sam Crawford, Ron Vieselmeyer, Jim Prussack, Sherry Adkins, Ken Martin and Toby Flood. Happy Valentine’s Day birthday tomorrow to LaDonna Beaumont, Don James (89!), Joe Doellefeld, Jason Hayes, Tripp Rogers, Jan McDaniels, Susan DuBois, Sarah Hansen, David Lunceford, Jean Bledsoe, Mike Shepperd, Kaelyn Bingham and Sarah Schell. Feb. 15 is a special occasion for Jeff Conroy, Linda Jagars, Mindy Hatcher, Tracy Dickinson, Craig Smith, Art Sullivan, Sandi Hall and Donna Montgomery. On Saturday Stephanie Smith, Paula Rehrmann, Tom Thompson, Diana Farquhar, Adam Averill, Craig Bronson, Deanna Goodlander, Morgan Dickinson, Bruce English, Quinn Kennedy and Jim Wilson take another trip around the sun. Sunday’s birthday revelers are Mike Kennedy, Dorene Russell, Dewey Berndt, Helen Pischner, Lisa Ortize, Steve Mills, Don DuBois, Chuck Ethridge and Leslie Anne Spencer. Big birthday wishes on Monday to Jill Monroe, Howard Gould, Steve Shepperd, Susie Bingham, Pershia Moser, Abbie Nowland and Diana Raugust. Celebrating birthdays on Tuesday are Amy Boni, Teri Nipp, Rebekah Newbry, Samantha Kraack, Helga Wernicke, Julia Jaworski and Rob Colvin.

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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.