Children’s Art Project Extended at Library

       Children can still submit their art to be part of an exhibit at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library in conjunction with the traveling Smithsonian exhibit “The Way We Worked” (TWWW).

Children’s art based on the theme “My Family Works” will be displayed in the library’s Parkside Gallery on the lower level while the Smithsonian exhibit is in place on the upper level Dec. 16 through Jan. 28, 2012.

Children can create drawings on sheets currently available at the library or create a drawing, painting, photography, collage, or other flat-surface art using their own materials. The art should reflect jobs family members do – whether or not they do it for pay. The child’s name and age should be included on the front of the art. Art should be taken to library’s Checkout or Research and Information desks at 702 E, Front Ave.

     The public can get a sneak peek at TWWW during the library’s Open House on Dec. 16, noon to 5 p.m. Other exhibit-related events include:

·         Gary Ellers Folk Music - A Humanities Council Concert - Dec. 17, 7 p.m.

·         Exhibit Reception - Speaker Keith Peterson, State Historian, Dec. 22, 6 p.m.

·         Robert Singletary Lectures - Jan. 4, 11, & 25, 7 p.m.

·         Teen Videos - Jan. 20, 7 p.m. (For information on submitting a teen video contact David Townsend, 208-769-2315, dtownsend@cdalibrary.org.)

 TWWW is part of Museum on Main Street, a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and state humanities councils nationwide. Support for Museum on Main Street has been provided by the United States Congress. The exhibit has been made possible in Idaho by the Idaho Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities “We the People” Program, and the Inland Northwest Foundation. The Museum of North Idaho is the library’s community partner for the project.

  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. The library is a department of the City of Coeur d’Alene and a member of the Cooperative Information Network, cinlibraries.org. For regular updates follow the library on Facebook and Twitter.

NI Reserve Police Academy Goes Online in 2012

The North Idaho Reserve Academy, typically hosted by the Coeur d’Alene Police Department (CDAPD), has undergone some technological updates designed to make it easier, and less expensive, for reserve officers to attend classes. This year, the CDAPD partnered with the Idaho Peace Officers Standards & Training (POST) Academy and all classes for the North Idaho Reserve Academy will be broadcast over the Idaho Education Network (IEN). The IEN is a secure, online network that can be accessed in every community through local, public high schools.

The classes will be broadcast live over the IEN and produced by instructors at the POST Academy in Meridian. Because the broadcasts are live, once students are logged in they will be able to interact and ask questions of the instructor over the network during class.

Online classes eliminate the need for reserve officers to travel to Coeur d’Alene, saving time and money, and limiting the need for travel during winter. Classes will be scheduled after hours and on weekends so there will be no conflict with IEN broadcasts to local high schools. Additionally, this will allow Region One agencies who do not currently have reserve officers due to budget constraints, the ability to take advantage of this training and the Idaho POST Reserve Officer program.

The IEN system is an established system and the POST Academy has been using it for years to broadcast training. There are agencies in central Idaho who have been training Reserve Officers for years through the POST Academy IEN Reserve Academy broadcasts because their budgets will not allow for employees to travel.

There are several “hands on” physical classes and labs that students will need to attend in order to graduate. Physical classes and labs will be instructed by North Idaho Master Instructors and other Experienced Academy instructors who live locally.

This new Reserve Academy format will save the CdA Police Department thousands of dollars in instructor overtime pay. The department’s only cost will be the local “hands on” physical classes where instructors are needed – a significant reduction from past academies.

CDAPD is excited about this new partnership and has plans to become more involved with the IEN and POST in the future. For more information about the online reserve academy, please contact Sergeant Jeff Walther at 769-2320.

Thanksgiving Day Holiday Delays Garbage Pick-Up by One (1) Day

Due to the Thursday, November 24th, Thanksgiving Day holiday, City of Coeur d’Alene garbage pickup will be delayed by one day.

If your garbage is normally picked up on Thursday, it will be picked up on Friday, November 25th – if it is normally picked upon Friday, it will be picked up on Saturday, November 26th.

For more information, please call 769-2227.

Photo Safari Bagged Batch of Baby Critters

      A recent safari by North Idaho residents resulted in a bounty of young African animals – photos, that is – that will be shared Thursday, Dec. 8, at 7 p.m. at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library as part of the Novel Destinations series.

“Babies of Africa” features photos by Mary Anderson and Steve and Dana Wetzel taken during their visit to Kenya and Tanzania. Sponsored by the Library Foundation, the program will be presented on the big screen in the library Community Room, 702 E. Front Ave.

The Novel Destinations series features travelogues by people from the North Idaho Community. Anyone with a slideshow to share is asked to contact Ruth Pratt, Foundation Executive Director, at 208-769-2380.

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. For more library information visit cdalibrary.org. The library is a department of the City of Coeur d’Alene and a member of the Cooperative Information Network, cinlibraries.org. Library Director, Bette Ammon. Library hours: Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m./Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m./Saturday and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. For regular updates follow the library on Facebook and Twitter.

Lecture Looks at Post-Big Burn Refugees

   In the aftermath of one of the nation’s biggest natural disasters – the Big Burn of 1910 – how did the region’s communities, as well as public agencies, respond to the influx of refugees?
   A lecture by Dr. Thomas Krainz at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library, 702 E. Front Ave., will examine the response, Wednesday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m. in the Community Room.
   An assistant history professor at DePaul University, Chicago, Krainz, attended graduate school at the University of Colorado to earn a PhD in history. He worked as a social worker for various social service agencies in the West.
   “I brought this interest in social work, poverty, welfare, and the West to my book, ‘Delivering Aid: Implementing Progressive Era Welfare in the American West.’ While conducting research for the book, I came across several examples of refugees who were displaced due to fires or floods. I discovered at the time that we know surprisingly little about how society cared for refugees; moreover early 20th century residents used a much broader definition of ‘refugee,’ one that included internally displaced people.”
    His current project explores how local communities, including state and federal agencies, responded to refugees in the American West. The massive 1910 forest fire known as the Big Burn or the Big Blowup is one of the case studies used to understand how receiving communities cared for refugees.
    This presentation is funded by a grant from the Idaho Humanities Council, a nonprofit organization that serves as the state-based affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. It is supported locally by the Friends of the Library.
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. For more library information visit cdalibrary.org. The library is a department of the City of Coeur d’Alene and a member of the Cooperative Information Network, cinlibraries.org. Library Director, Bette Ammon. Library hours: Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m./Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m./Saturday and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. For regular updates follow the library on Facebook and Twitter.

City Hall Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday

On November 24th and 25th, Coeur d’Alene City Hall will be closed for the Thanksgiving 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 Monday, November 28th, at 8:00 a.m. For more information, please call 769-2204.

Preventing Frozen Pipes 101

When it gets cold, the city starts to get calls about frozen pipes. Most often the freeze-up occurs on the customer’s side of the meter due to exposed pipes. This is the customer's responsibility. If you have a freeze-up and want to verify where it has occurred, please call the Water Department.

Customers can reduce their chances of having their pipes freeze by taking a few steps as outlined below:

• Make sure you have disconnected all outside garden hoses.

• Check your foundation or crawl space vents – if they aren’t covered, or the vents aren’t closed for the winter, they should be, and they can be insulated.

• Along with foundation vents, check for any other openings that might cause wind to blow into your crawl space.

• Exposed pipes freeze first. If you have a crawl space, make sure these pipes are covered with appropriate insulating material and possibly heat tape.

• On very cold nights, you might want to open the doors on any cabinets installed near an exterior wall. Opening cabinet doors allows warmer, room-temperature air to circulate which helps prevent freezing.

• Be prepared – know where your water shut-off is located in the house or apartment.

If a freeze-up occurs and if the structure is a trailer or a home with a crawl space, go into the crawl space and check the pipe bringing water into the structure. This is most commonly the problem. DO NOT THAW WITH AN OPEN FLAME! The best way to thaw the pipe is to use a hair dryer, although it can also be done with a portable or area heater that does not use an open flame. Any electric devices used to thaw frozen pipes should be placed in such a way so that they do not get wet should the pipe begin leaking water once the ice is thawed.

You can prevent a recurrence by making sure the pipe is covered with insulation (heat tape is best) and ensuring that the vents and openings are closed. The second most common cause of a freeze-up is an outside faucet where a hose has been left in place. You can use the same methods as above to thaw it out.

It is not recommended that people leave water running. While this can be an effective way to prevent freeze-ups, people often run too much of a stream of water and end up with very high utility bills. Utility billing will not adjust bills for customers who choose to do this.

When thawing a frozen pipe, it is a good idea for the customer to know how to turn off the water. Most houses have a master shut off. If ice has split a pipe, the water won't run until it has been thawed out.

Water pipes usually aren’t high maintenance household items until they freeze and burst. With a little preventative care now, you can avoid frozen pipes.

If you have any questions about preventing freeze ups, call the Water Department at 769-2210.

Take a Holiday Break at the Cd’A library

The children’s library at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library offers readings by local authors and free movies along with its regular schedule of children’s reading programs during December.

Linda Konecny will read her book “Dave’s First Christmas” on Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 11 a.m. in the Shirley Parker Storyroom in the Seagraves Children’s Library, 702 E. Front Ave.

On Thursday, Dec. 8, two authors will be featured. Wendy Snodgrass will read her book “Barrett’s Bears” at 4 p.m. Carol Muzik will read her book “Raising Lucy” at 4:30 p.m.

The Holiday Film Festival will offer free children’s movies at these times:

§  Dec. 7, 1 and 4 p.m.: “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”

§  Dec. 27, 1 p.m.: “The Muppet Movie.” 4 p.m.: “The Borrowers.”

§  Dec. 28, 1 p.m.: “Care Bears Movie II.” 4 p.m.: “Bridge to Terabithia.”

§  Dec. 29, 1 p.m.: “101 Dalmatians.”  4 p.m.: “Gnomeo & Juliet.”

Regular children’s reading programs for the month include

§  Book Babies Lap-Sit: Tuesdays, 10:15-10:45 a.m., and Fridays, 10:30-11 a.m. For ages newborn to 2 accompanied by a parent or other caregiver.

§  Tales for Twos & Threes: Tuesdays, 11-11:30 a.m. Stories and other activities for ages 2 and 3.

§  Preschool Storytime: Wednesdays, 10:30-11 a.m., and 1-1:30 p.m. Programs geared for the 3-5 age group.

§  Game Café: Wednesdays, 4-5:30 p.m. Geared for ages 9-13, this activity introduces children to chess, checkers, and other traditional board games. Wii video games are also available.

§  LEGO Club: Thursdays, 4-5 p.m. Free LEGO building time for ages 5-10 with the library’s huge collection.

§  Homeschoolers’ Game & Activity Hour: Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m.

§  Storytime @ the Mall: Friday, Dec. 9, 3-4 p.m. Storytime goes on the road to the Silver Lake Mall. The library staff is reading stories while Santa takes a break.

Children under 6 visiting the library need to be supervised by an adult or a person who is at least 14 even during programs. Children ages 6-9 should be accompanied by someone who is at least 14 who will remain in the building.

Due to staff training the library will open late, at noon, on Friday, Dec. 9. The library will be closed Dec. 25 and 26 for Christmas.

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. For more library information visit cdalibrary.org. The library is a department of the City of Coeur d’Alene and a member of the Cooperative Information Network, cinlibraries.org. Library Director, Bette Ammon. Library hours: Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m./Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m./Saturday and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. For regular updates follow the library on Facebook and Twitter.

Library Closures for Thanksgiving

The Coeur d’Alene Public Library will close at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 23, and will be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 24 and 25. Regular hours resume at noon on Nov. 26.

Library catalogs and databases can be accessed when the library is closed. Call or visit the library during open hours for database user names and passwords.

‘Polar Express’ Stopping at Cd’A Library

The animated film “Polar Express” will steam into the Coeur d’Alene Public Library Thursday, Dec. 1, with a special screening for families at 6 p.m. on the big screen in the Community Room.
A $5 donation is suggested and free popcorn is provided. Proceeds will be used to enhance the library’s DVD collection. The “Moving Books” series – movies based on books – is sponsored by the Coeur d’Alene Public Library Foundation.

Based on the award-winning picture book by Chris Van Allsburg, this 2004 film was directed by Robert Zemeckis and features the voices of Daryl Sabara, Nona Gaye, Peter Scolari, and Tom Hanks. It is 100 minutes long.

Coming attractions in the series are: Jan. 5 – “Sophie’s Choice;” Feb. 2 – “All the King’s Men;” March 1 – “The Lincoln Lawyer;” April 5 (special time for families, 6 p.m.) – “Tangled;” May 3 – “Charlie Wilson’s War.” Unless otherwise indicated, movies start at 7:30 p.m.

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. For more library information visit cdalibrary.org. The library is a department of the City of Coeur d’Alene and a member of the Cooperative Information Network, cinlibraries.org. Library Director, Bette Ammon. Library hours: Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m./Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m./Saturday and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. For regular updates follow the library on Facebook and Twitter.

City Suspends Stormwater Fee Pending Review

At last night’s City Council meeting, council members voted to suspend the collection of stormwater fees until the city’s Stormwater Utility ordinance can be re-examined and revisions considered in light of a recent Idaho Supreme Court decision. On November 7th, the Supreme Court found that the monthly fee charged by Lewiston’s stormwater utility was an illegal “tax” and struck down the fee. Because the City of Coeur d’Alene’s fee structure/utility is very similar to Lewiston’s, the City Attorney’s office is reviewing the court’s decision to determine its impact on the city. Pending that review and possible revision of the city’s Stormwater Utility, the city will suspend the collection of stormwater fees beginning with the November 22nd utility billing.

Following the recommendations of a community steering committee, the city’s Stormwater Utility commenced on October 1, 2004 for the regular, systematic upkeep and repair of city stormwater systems. Stormwater systems within the city include thousands of catch basins that connect to over one hundred miles of underground pipe carrying the stormwater to Lake Coeur d’Alene or the Spokane River. The Clean Water Act of 1972, as amended in 1987, requires that stormwater discharges to surface waters comply with a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. This federal permit mandate outlines how communities must work together to keep pollutants out of the environment.

Several locations throughout the city are prone to flooding in a significant rain event. To reduce flood potential and in response to the growing need to better control “non-point” sources of water pollution carried by stormwater, as well as to comply with the requirements of the federally mandated NPDES permit, Coeur d’Alene joined many communities across the United States when it formed a dedicated Stormwater Utility.

For more information, please contact City Attorney Mike Gridley at 769-2348.

‘Holidays and Heroes’ Program Makes the Season Bright

By Sergeant Christie Wood
Public Information Officer

The holiday season is approaching bringing wonderful events and memories for our community members. Although many of us will be celebrating with our families, others are not as fortunate. Sadly, some in our community do not have the basic necessities, let alone the opportunity to feel the joy of Christmas. This year as in years past, the Post Falls Police Department, Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department, Coeur d’Alene Police Department, Coeur d’Alene Tribal Police, Kootenai County Fire & Rescue, Rathdrum Police Department, Spirit Lake Police Department, Idaho State Police, Spokane County Sheriff’s Department, and numerous volunteers are proud to join together and participate in the ‘Holidays and Heroes’ program.

Police officers and firefighters volunteer their time to make this event special, and are happy to work in partnership with businesses, civic groups, and citizens in the surrounding area to make a disadvantaged child’s Christmas a little bit brighter. The agencies will be following the same format as in prior years in which several police officers and firefighters will take children shopping for the day. Children’s names are provided to the organizers by School Resource Officers, school counselors, patrol officers, deputy sheriffs, or firefighters who have come into contact with a less fortunate child during the past year.

The event begins on December 11th. Children are picked up at their homes by a police officer in a patrol car and then taken to the Wal-Mart in the Spokane Valley or in Post Falls. Police and firefighters take the children through the store picking out Christmas gifts for the children and their families. After the shopping is complete, the children are taken to the Greyhound Park to visit with Santa. The Greyhound Park facility is provided free of charge for the event. While the children are meeting Santa, volunteers wrap their presents, and prepare a large food basket for the children’s families. At the end of the day, the officers load the presents and food into their patrol cars and take the children home. All of the officers and firefighters participating are volunteering their time.

‘Holidays and Heroes’ is now accepting cash donations and food items that can be dropped off at the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office at 1100 W. Mallon Avenue and the Valley office at 12710 E. Sprague, Post Falls Police Department at 1717 E. Polston Ave., Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department at 5500 N. Government Way, Rathdrum Police Department at 8178 W. Main St., the CdA Police Department at 3818 Schreiber Way, and Kootenai County Fire Administration Office at 5271 E. Seltice Way. As more donations are provided, additional children can be put on our shopping list. Citizens are asked to make a food or cash donation at upcoming food drive events in Spokane and Coeur d’Alene where police and fire departments will be participating.

Specialized Needs Recreation Presents 7th Annual Prom Night, November 12th

On Saturday, November 12th, Specialized Needs Recreation (SNR) will hold its 7th Annual Prom Night at Prairie View Elementary in Post Falls (2478 East Poleline) from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Come enjoy a magical night. This year’s theme is “Castle in the Clouds.” There will be a DJ playing your favorite hits, some great snacks, and lots of fun!

Entry fees are $10.00 per person. Pictures will be taken by Maximum Exposure Photography. If you choose to get pictures taken with your date or friends, the cost will be an additional $10.00.

Ladies, if you need help with your hair, nails, or make-up, the terrific beauticians from “Kristi and Charli’s Salon” will be there to help you look wonderful for the event. This is a free service before the prom and begins at 5:00 p.m. You must pre-register for this service by calling 755-6781.

Guys, if you need a tuxedo, “Touchdown Tuxedos” in Post Falls is offering a great deal to SNR participants. Just say you are going to the SNR Prom and get your tux for only $35.00. This price covers everything including shoes.

If you have any questions about the prom, want to volunteer, or would like more information about SNR’s programs, please call SNR Executive Director Angie Goucher at 208-755-6781, or email anggou@aol.com.

Specialized Needs Recreation is a non-profit organization that provides recreational opportunities for youth and adults who have disabilities. Please visit the SNR website at www.snr.bz.

It’s All About Family at the Cd’A Library

It’s a family affair at the Coeur d’Alene
Public Library beginning Saturday, Nov. 12, with National Gaming Day and
continuing Monday with Idaho Family Reading Week at the library.
From noon to 4 p.m. the library – at 702
E. Front Ave. – will host a variety of games for the whole family in the
Seagraves Children’s Library and in the meeting rooms. Featured will be Wii
games, board games, free play, and tournaments. Prizes and refreshments will be
provided. No registration is required.
Monday, Nov. 14, 4-5 p.m., members of the
Christian Youth Theater will be reading “Robin Hood” in the Shirley Parker
Storyroom. Characters from the play coming up at the Kroc Center will sing
read, and meet the patrons.
Family Reading Week will also feature two
special Game Days in the children’s library: Wednesday, Nov. 16, 4-6 p.m., and
Friday, Nov. 18, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
For more information about these
activities contact the Youth Department at 208-769-2315 Ext. 438.

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. For more library information visit cdalibrary.org. The library is a department of the City of Coeur d’Alene and a member of the Cooperative Information Network, cinlibraries.org. Library Director, Bette Ammon. Library hours: Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8
p.m./Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m./Saturday and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. For regular
updates follow the library on Facebook and Twitter.

Tree Fans Sought for “VIP” Program

Tree fans are being sought for a program designed to improve the future of young trees in public places. The “Volunteers In Pruning” (V.I.P.) program trains local tree fans to prune young trees for form and structure. The program targets trees that were planted in parks or along streets within the last three years. This is the best time within the tree’s development to establish good tree form and correct any structural problems that can lead to future hazards or tree failure.

The V.I.P. project is sponsored by Community Canopy, a tree care education program of the cities of Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Hayden, Spokane, and the Spokane County Conservation District. These communities are pooling resources to train volunteers and supply them with the tools needed to do the pruning. Pruning work parties will take place over the winter and next summer. Each community’s forestry program will choose which public trees will be targeted for pruning. Those who take care of other trees in public places, such as church Trustees and Homeowners Association workers, are also encouraged to attend the training.

Individuals who are 16 years of age or older and are interested in the V.I.P. program, are invited to attend a three-hour training session to be held this Saturday, November 12th, at 9:00 a.m., at Hayden City Hall. The training is free in exchange for putting in volunteer hours pruning public trees. Because of limited space, pre-registration is encouraged. Contact Karen at 769-2266 or Katie at 208/415-0415.

Think Snow!

CdA’s Award Winning Snow Removal Program

From Tim Martin
Street Superintendent

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it’s going to snow and soon! Well, relatively soon. But it won’t be long before we need to find our snow shovels and service the snow blower. In a typical winter, there are 7 to 10 good snowstorms. Each one takes a couple of days to fully “mop up.” That’s about 20 snow days to weather. As renowned local climatologist Cliff Harris will tell us, we are in a “La Nina” dominated weather pattern (below-to-normal temperatures/above-to-normal precipitation). With large pattern mood and weather swings, we as citizens should be prepared for anything to happen on any given day.

Our first snowstorm will likely occur sometime early this month. It will be named “Açaí Berry.” This year’s storm names – alphabetically themed after names of berries – were created by Erika Skindlov, first place winner from Ms. Sue Degraw’s fourth grade class at Bryan Elementary. Why do we name storms? In order to track, record, and critique our performance, we give each storm a name. It also helps us communicate a storm’s status to the media and on the city’s webpage. Plus it’s fun and it gives kids something to think about.

We are already planning and preparing for winter. Over 250 lane miles of streets receive nearly 70 inches of snowfall annually. Last year’s total snowfall was 121 inches. With resources that the City Council has dedicated to street maintenance and some process improvements, the average time for us to complete a citywide plowing has been reduced to 37 hours, a 30 percent decrease from a decade ago. A more important statistic is maintaining a low number of accidents involving city snowplows. We are blessed to have a very talented group of equipment operators working for the city, who, as a team, have dramatically reduced the number of snow plowing complaints while maintaining a remarkable safety record.

In 2004, the Association of Idaho Cities recognized Coeur d’Alene with a City Achievement Award for its unique and popular “Snow Gate Program.” Where practical, neighborhood plowing is done with front-end loaders equipped with “snow gate” plows. These state-of-the-art snow machines enable us to reduce the amount of snow you may find in your driveway after we pass by. Despite significant improvements, we still get a few complaints. Our number one snow removal complaint concerns snow berms in driveways. Despite our use of the snow gates, there are times when plows still leave snow berms behind.

You can help us do a better job – after a major snowstorm, please try not to park on the street until after we finish. Listen to KVNI 1080 AM or call us at 769-2233 to see if we are plowing.

While snow removal is improving in the city, it is not realistic to expect all snow problems to go away. I promise you we will do the best job possible. Let’s enjoy the rest of fall, and then start looking for our snow shovels.

City Hall Closed Veterans Day

On Friday, November 11, 2011, Coeur d’Alene City Hall will be closed for Veterans Day. 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 Monday, November 14th, at 8:00 a.m. For more information, please call 769-2204.

Smithsonian Coming to Coeur d’Alene

Children, Youth Invited to Submit Art, Videos

The Smithsonian Institute is coming to the Coeur d’Alene Public Library in December and area youth are invited to create art and video projects to enhance the experience.
“The Way We Worked” (TWWW) will be exhibited at the library – 702 E. Front Ave. – from mid-December to Jan. 28, 2012. The interactive exhibits take a look at how Americans have historically earned a living and their attitudes toward work. The library is one of only six sites in Idaho selected to host the new traveling exhibit.
“This is an exciting opportunity for our community,” said David Townsend, library communications coordinator. “Americans tend to identify themselves by what they do. Everybody has a story about their first job or what their parents did for work. So this exhibit has something for everyone.
“Also, because of changes in the economy and other factors, what it means to work in North Idaho is a constantly changing thing. I think it is important to look at where we have been and how we have needed to adapt and, for the most part, how we have adapted successfully.”
As part of locally developed projects to enhance TWWW, local youth are being asked to share their impressions about work with the library.
For the “Children’s Art Project” children from preschool age to 12 are invited to create art that can be displayed on the walls of the library’s Parkside Gallery on the lower level. The deadline for submission is Nov. 26.
Images should be based on the theme, “My Family Works,” and can depict the jobs the children want to do in the future, or their expression of the work members of their family do inside and out of the home, paid or voluntary. Art pieces can be drawings, paintings, collages, photographs, or bas relief.
There are no restrictions on size, but participants need to be aware that they will be sharing the space in the gallery with others. If more art is submitted than can be fit in the gallery pieces will be displayed on a rotating basis during the two months of the exhibit.
For the “Youth Video Project” middle- and high school-aged participants are invited to submit short videos – no longer than 15 minutes – based on the theme “This is Working.” The deadline for video submissions is Jan. 2, 2012. Videos will be shown at a special program in the library Community Room on Friday, Jan. 20, at 7 p.m.
For entry forms for either project visit the library or contact Townsend at dtownsend@cdalibrary.org to receive a digital copy of the forms.
TWWW is part of Museum on Main Street, collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and state humanities councils nationwide. Support for Museum on Main Street has been provided by the United States Congress. The exhibit has been made possible in Idaho by the Idaho Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities “We the People” Program, and the Inland Northwest Foundation.
The Museum of North Idaho is the library’s community partner for the project.
For more information, visit the IHC website at www.idahohumanities.org or call the IHC toll-free at 888/345-5346.

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. For more library information visit cdalibrary.org. The library is a department of the City of Coeur d’Alene and a member of the Cooperative Information Network, cinlibraries.org. Library Director, Bette Ammon. Library hours: Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m./Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m./Saturday and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. For regular updates follow the library on Facebook and Twitter.

Nationwide Test of the National Emergency Alert System

On Wednesday, November 9, 2011 there will be a nationwide test of the National Emergency Alert System. The test will be conducted at 11:00 Pacific Standard Time (PST).


This test represents the first time that the National Emergency Alert System has been activated for testing across the entire nation at the same time and provides the opportunity to make sure that all equipment and systems are working properly. People should expect to see and hear the test on most major radio and television channels, including satellite and cable broadcasts. Unlike past tests, there may not be the typical scrolling ticker visually announcing that, “This is a test.”

People may see, “This is an Emergency Alert” displayed on their screens while a voice announces “This is a test.” Because of this change from past tests, it is extremely important that people realize ahead of time that what they are experiencing is actually a scheduled test.

The test may last up to three and one half minutes, which may seem like an alarmingly long time to anyone who is not aware that the test is forthcoming and scheduled for such duration.

Of particular concern is that advance warning be provided to those with hearing and sight challenges as well as people who may have cognitive or intellectual disabilities. Persons unable to utilize all of their senses may become unduly alarmed should they not realize in advance that what they are seeing or hearing is only a test.

We ask that this information is given the widest possible dissemination and that as the event date of November 9, 2011 approaches that it be given increased emphasis once again as a “last minute reminder.”

FEMA has provided a website where citizens can view a video explaining what to expect during this test. The video can be viewed here: http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/6407

http://www.fema.gov/emergency/ipaws/eas_info.shtm (Main FEMA website regarding this test)

Recycling Program Celebrates Successful 1st Year

The single stream recycling program in Coeur d’Alene has now been in effect for one year. Since 2010, the city’s contractor, Waste Management, has picked up over four million pounds of recyclable materials and emptied 245,619 carts!

The city is averaging just over 62% participation. Prior to the introduction of the single stream recycling program, the city was averaging approximately 27% participation.

“We’re thrilled with the participation rate,” said Steve Roberge, District Manager, Waste Management of Idaho. For more information about the single stream recycling program, please review the Waste Management website at www.wmnorthwest.com/coeurdalene or call 765-4968.