Teen Film Festival screening March 5 at Cd’A library

The videos submitted as part of Teen Film Festival 2011 will be screened and judged Saturday, March 5, at 7 p.m. in the Community Room at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library, 702 E. Front Ave.
Festival competitors and film buffs are welcome to attend this free “Red Carpet Event” wrapping the competition sponsored by the Community Library Network in partnership with the Coeur d’Alene library. Refreshments will be served.
Individuals or groups submitted videos in one or both of two categories: Short Film, 3-5 minutes, or Public Service Announcement (PSA), 30-90 seconds.
The local competition is being held in conjunction with a video PSA contest sponsored by the Idaho Commission for Libraries. Cash prizes for the local contest have been provided by the Friends of the Library for Post Falls, Hayden, and Coeur d’Alene. The top winning entry also earns the right to display the Teen Film Festival Traveling Trophy in the library of their choice.
Information: Nick Madsen, Young Adult Librarian, 208/772-5612 Ext. 120, nickm@cin.kcl.org.

Patrons who need accommodation to participate in library programs or services are asked to contact the staff prior to the activity by calling 208/769-2315. More news and information about the library is available online at cdalibrary.org.

Landscape Care Workshops to be Held March 11th

Spring is coming and two landscape care workshops have been planned for Friday, March 11th. They are designed for anyone who makes decisions about, or participates in, the maintenance of landscapes, from professional landscape contractors to church trustees or homeowners’ association board members.

“Insects and Diseases” will be held in the morning. John Schwandt, Forest Pathologist for the U.S. Forest Service, and Tom Eckberg, Forest Health Specialist for the Idaho Department of Lands, will provide information on common insect and disease pests of native trees. They will also discuss how, in community environments, these problems can be made worse by tree location and maintenance issues. They will also address how to identify hazards in large trees. Mike Bauer, Horticulture Educator for the University of Idaho Extension, will talk about a variety of insects and diseases that are either new to our area, could be spreading in our direction, or are otherwise becoming big problems. These could affect non-natives as well as native trees. Examples are the Emerald Ash Borer, the Spotted Wing Drosophila, and Green Alder Sawfly.

“Planting for Success” will be presented in the afternoon. Chris Boza, Community Forester for Hayden, will introduce this session with a local instance of trees that failed because of poor planting practices. Jeff Perry, Arborist for the City of Spokane, will present examples of good and bad nursery stock and results of proper and improper planting practices. The workshop concludes with tree planting demonstrations for three types of trees.

Both workshops will be held at the Trailhead building at Q’emiln Park in Post Falls. A $10 registration fee per workshop helps cover workshop costs. Besides instruction, attendees will receive related educational materials, snacks, and door prizes. Lunch will be served to those attending both workshops. Pesticide applicators credits for Idaho and Washington will be available. Both workshops have been approved for PLANET Landscape Industry Certified recertification and Certified Arborists can also earn ISA Continuing Education Units.

The workshops are sponsored by Community Canopy, a tree care education partnership working toward sustainable community forests. Pre-registration is encouraged since there is limited room. A workshop brochure and registration form is available on-line at www.communitycanopy.org or call Katie at 208/415-0415. For further information: Karen Haskew, Urban Forester, 208/769-2266.

Mayors Coalition Provides Regional Forum for City Leaders

At 10:00 a.m. on February 17th, city leaders from as far south as Lewiston and as far north as Bonners Ferry came together to share concerns and discuss ideas to meet common challenges. The 2011 Idaho Legislative Session was the first item on the group’s agenda.
One topic has been the threat to reduce revenue sharing, or as Association of Idaho Cities (AIC) Executive Director Ken Harward more succinctly stated, “state collected city revenue.” Due to budget shortfalls, certain members of the Idaho House of Representatives were looking at diverting as much as $30 million from Idaho cities and counties. Coeur d’Alene would have seen its share of revenue reduced from $557,493 to $258,965 – or by more than half (based on FY 2010 figures). Thankfully, Harward said, new economic reports from Idaho’s budget office seem to have put that idea to rest.
“It’s been great to have Ken at our meetings to keep us updated on legislative issues,” said Mayor Sandi Bloem. “It’s especially important to have this information when it involves funding from the state, and he’s right on top of it.”
Legislative efforts to overhaul, restrict, or completely eliminate urban renewal agencies and/or their districts have also been of great concern to north Idaho mayors. Urban renewal agencies are one of the most powerful economic development tools in Idaho. “On the side of accountability, transparency, and local citizens having a voice, mayors are elected,” said Harward. “When voters chose a mayor and council, they are making a decision about public policy positions such as urban renewal.”
Almost nine years ago, mayors from all over northern Idaho responded to an invitation from Mayor Sandi Bloem to participate in what was to be the first of many meetings to develop common goals for the region’s cities. At the end of this meeting, mayors decided to form the North Idaho Mayors Coalition (NIMC) and they elected Mayor Bloem its chair. The group meets regularly to discuss issues and to provide educational forums so they can make informed decisions.
“There are many issues that challenge us,” said Bloem. “Before we can effectively act on them, we must first gain knowledge.”
In the years that followed, the North Idaho Mayors Coalition would have presentations on Idaho’s railways and the rails-to-trails program, the State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP), Water Conservation and Xeriscaping, The Idaho Rural Partnership, Affordable Housing, the Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer, the P.O.S.T Academy, and a Regional Public Planning Transportation Authority (RPTA), among many other subjects.
Bloem believes that the NIMC has really broadened the number of people from north Idaho who have involved themselves at the state level and have a presence on state committees. She says it’s because they believe they now have a voice.
“These meetings are a time to come together and better understand our common opportunities and challenges,” said Bloem. “The best meetings are the ones when mayors get to share some good news.”
For more information about the North Idaho Mayors Coalition, please call 769-2204.

Library Closed for Presidents Day

The Coeur d'Alene Public Library, 702 E. Front Ave., will be closed Monday, Feb. 21, for Presidents Day. Normal hours resume Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 10 a.m.

The library's databases - witha variety of of study and research resources - are available 24-7 by visiting the library website at cdalibrary.org. To obtain the user names and passwords needed for most of the databases call 208-769-2315 or visit the library in during open hours.

ReTool Box Sessions Expand for Job-Search Skills

ReTool Box – computer literacy help sessions at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library – will broaden their scope during March and April to include information about online job searches, filling out online applications, and creating resumes.
ReTool Box is a joint project of the Coeur d’Alene Public Library Foundation and North Idaho College. Help sessions, using volunteer trainers are offered in the library’s Community Room at 702 E. Front Ave. Seating is limited. To reserve a space call the Foundation office at 208-769-2380.
Upcoming sessions are:
►March 8, Tuesday, 12:30-2 p.m.: Online job search/application.
►March 10, Thursday, 6-7:30 p.m.: Resumes/saving documents.
►March 15, Tuesday, 12:30-2 p.m.: Setting up and using email accounts.
►March 17, Thursday, 6-7:30 p.m.: Review, practice, Q&A.
►April 12, Tuesday, 12:30-2 p.m.: Basic computer operation 1.
►April 14, Thursday, 6-7:30 p.m.: Basic computer operation 2.
►April 19, Tuesday, 12:30-2 p.m.: Setting up and using email accounts.
►April 21, Thursday, 6-7:30 p.m.: Review, practice, Q&A.
ReTool Box makes uses of the library’s portable laptop lab that was funded through a major grant from the Women’s Gift Alliance with support from the Idaho Community Foundation and Waste Management of Idaho.

Patrons who need accommodation to participate in library programs or services are asked to contact the staff prior to the activity by calling 208/769-2315. More news and information about the library is available online at cdalibrary.org.

City Hall Closed for Presidents’ Day

On Monday, February 21, 2011, Coeur d’Alene City Hall will be closed for the Presidents’ Day holiday. Other city offices and facilities will be closed as well. Emergency calls for Police, Fire, and Streets can be made by dialing 9-1-1. Other city facilities have emergency numbers and can be reached if the need arises: Sewer Back-up 769-2241 and Water 755-9729.

City Hall and other city facilities will open Tuesday, February 22nd, at 8:00 a.m. For more information, please call 769-2204.

Camp All-Stars “School Day Off” Day Camp, February 21st

Specialized Needs Recreation (SNR) will hold Camp All-Stars “School Day Off” Day Camp Monday, February 21st, at the SNR facility in Coeur d’Alene (1323 East Sherman, Suite E).

Day camps are filled with six (6) hours of meaningful and memorable activities such as community outings, crafts, and games and are held from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. The cost is $12.00 per day. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.

For campers coming from the Post Falls area, transportation is provided from the Trading Company. Morning pick-up will be at 8:30 a.m. and afternoon drop offs will be at 3:30 p.m. Campers coming from the Coeur d’Alene/Hayden area will meet at the SNR facility at 9:00 a.m. and will need to be picked up by 3:00 p.m. Please bring a sack lunch and dress warmly. Limited space is available, so sign up today. Pre-registration is required.

Unfortunately, SNR is not able to provide 1:1 assistance, but individuals who require 1:1 assistance are still encouraged to participate with their care provider or assistant.

SNR, an award-winning program and sole provider of sports and recreational opportunities for disabled children in Kootenai County, was created in 1997 by a group of concerned citizens and parents when state funding was no longer available to Coeur d’Alene’s Therapeutic Recreation Program. SNR initially offered recreational outings to 50 handicapped youngsters. The program now serves over 650 children (and adults) – who suffer from head injuries, Down’s syndrome, autism, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, developmental disabilities, etc. – and offers them a chance to “just be kids.” Instead of focusing on all they cannot do, they gain confidence through camping, doing crafts, swimming, playing baseball, sleeping in a tent, boating, fishing, hiking, cooking, and being with other disabled children in a non-threatening environment.

The program has been so successful, in fact, that in 2001, the Association of Idaho Cities gave SNR the coveted “Award for Excellence” for Camp Allstars. More recently, Angie Goucher, SNR Director, was presented the prestigious National Therapeutic Recreation Society (NTRS) Jean Tague Innovative Program Award. The award is presented to programs and individuals who have demonstrated significant contributions to the field of NTRS at the local, state, or national level.

Specialized Needs Recreation also offers summer, winter, and spring-break day camps as well as school days off throughout the year. If you would like more information about Camp All-Stars, or would like to register your child for camp, or if you are interested in volunteering, please call Angie Goucher at 755-6781 or e-mail her anggou@aol.com.

Specialized Needs Recreation is a non-profit organization. For more information, please visit the SNR website at www.snr.bz.

Live the Dream Witht the Teen Film Festival

Reach for stardom with the Teen Film Festival. Entry forms and rules are at your local library. Click on the photo for a video update of activities at the Coeur d'Alene Public Library produced for CDA-TV by Jeff Crowe. Cable Channel 19 provides live and recorded coverage of public meetings and other information of interest to the citizens of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. For more about the library visit cdalibrary.org.

Specialized Needs Recreation Receives Grant from Panhandle Kiwanis Club

Specialized Needs Recreation (SNR) received a grant of $500.00 from the Panhandle Kiwanis Club to go toward sponsoring the annual SNR Shining Stars Talent Show Fundraiser, “Lights, Camera, Action.” This year, the talent show will be held May 14th at Real Life Ministries in Post Falls.

The principle core of the Kiwanis mission is the belief that the most effective way to enhance a community is to support its children. When you give a child a chance to learn, experience, dream, and succeed, great things will happen.

If you would like more information about the talent show, or other programs and activities SNR provides, or would like to volunteer for this event, please contact Angie Goucher at 755-6781.

Specialized Needs Recreation is a non-profit organization that provides recreational opportunities for youth and adults who have disabilities or special needs. For more information, please visit our website at www.snr.bz.

Specialized Needs Recreation Presents Valentine's Day Dance!

This Friday, February 11th, Specialized Needs Recreation (SNR) will hold a Valentine’s Day Dance at the Prairie View Elementary School in Post Falls (2478 East Poleline) from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. There will be snacks, prizes, and a DJ to play your favorite tunes. Come on out for a night of fun!

Please call and register for this event. There is a $5.00 entry fee per person. If you would like more information about the dance, or other programs and activities SNR provides, or would like to volunteer for this event, please contact Angie Goucher at 755-6781.

Specialized Needs Recreation is a non-profit organization that provides recreational opportunities for youth and adults who have disabilities or special needs. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.snr.bz/.

McEuen Park Forum to be held February 10th

A forum for the proposed McEuen Park Project will be held this Thursday, February 10th, at 6:00 p.m., at Woodland Middle School. Various elements of the plan presented in earlier meetings will be open for comment in the larger setting provided by the middle school, located at 2101 Saint Michelle Avenue. There will be opportunities for public input and discussion at this forum.

“We’ve received a lot of comments,” said Parks Director Doug Eastwood, “and these comments and issues are being addressed as they come up.” Eastwood explained that citizens are being asked if they like the proposed plan. If there are issues that need to be resolved, the city, with assistance from the Design Team and Steering Committee, will work on those issues. “People who give their time to see the presentation come because they have an interest in their parks and open space,” said Eastwood.

In May of 2010, the McEuen Steering Committee began meeting to discuss possible visions for the McEuen Field area. In July 2010, they selected Team McEuen to express and articulate that vision. Team McEuen is comprised of an architectural firm, landscape architect, and engineering firm. The Steering Committee and Team McEuen have been meeting regularly since July and are presenting the plan to solicit input for the proposed reconstruction of McEuen Field.

For more information, you can access the project web site at www.mceuenpark.com or contact Parks Director Doug Eastwood at 769-2252.

Library Writers Competition Begins 23rd Year

The Writers Competition at the Coeur d'Alene Public Library began its 23rd year this month. Entry forms and rules are available at the library or by download from the library website. Click on the photo for a video update of activities at the library produced by Jeff Crowe for CDA-TV. Cable Channel 19 provides live and recorded coverage of public meetings and other information of interest to the citizens of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. More library news is available online at cdalibrary.org.