Young at heart

COEUR d'ALENE - Art Young likes to create things. He doesn't need a whole lot of direction or help.

"Tell me something that needs to be done and I'll do my best," he said.

Stacy Vahey did just that.

The community director of Affinity at Coeur d'Alene put out a call for someone to build a colorful train as part of the Christmas decorations for the lobby of the 55 and over community.

"I wanted the men to get together and do it," she said.

The men had a better idea. They nominated Young, one of their newest residents, to take it on.

In the true Christmas spirit, he was on board.

Soon, a red and green, four-car train with spiral wheels, dubbed the Affinity Railroad, was greeting guests with the words, "Welcome to Candyland."

A teddy bear conductor was in charge of its load of candy canes, lollipops, a giant cupcake and a Christmas tree.

"I love this train," Vahey said.

All she did was show Young a picture of what she wanted, give him a few supplies, and he took it from there.

"He went to the woodshop and this is what he came up with," Vahey said.

Young, a first-year man at Affinity, was happy to help and pleased with the outcome — kind of. The perfectionist in him believes there's room for improvement.

"I'm never satisfied with what I've done," he said.

He's a jack of all trades, and has designed and built homes despite what he said was a lack of formal training.

"I've been everything," he said.

The train project rolled smoothly along. It was a matter of securing the materials and cutting to fit, which Young did. It measured in at more than eight feet long.

Young saw it as both a challenge and fun, but also, a favor.

"I've got to keep busy," he said, smiling.

Other residents pitched in with decorations.

Affinity is all about Christmas giving. It has collection sites for books, toys and food in its lobby.

"It really makes you smile when you walk in here," Vahey said. "I don't care how old you are."

Or how young.