HEROES: Got my power back on

When a tree knocked down my power lines and yanked my transformer pole out of the ground last weekend, the Kootenai Electric repair crew were my heroes.

Doug, Dan, Chad, Lance, Pat and Ryan treated my property and my concerns with ultimate respect and patience. You know good customer service when you see it, and these guys were awesome. Many other companies could learn a lot from these guys about the right way to treat people.

From the first stages of cleaning up the original rubble, all the way through to installing the new pole and new equipment, I knew I could trust them completely because they were so thorough and safety-conscious. Thanks, you guys, for helping me breathe easier through my little disaster on the hill. You really are the good guys in white hats!

SHERIE KLEVEN

Post Falls

BOOKS: School steps up

The Rotary Club of Coeur d'Alene collected books to support the Books for Tots program last month. Of the roughly 500 books our club members donated to the less fortunate kids in our community, Hayden Meadows School donated more than 100! That's really stepping up to the plate, so a special thanks goes out to our Rotary club member and Coeur d'Alene Police Captain Steve Childers, his wife Kristin (fourth-grade teacher at Hayden Meadows) and Principal Lisa Pica. And, of course, thanks to all the other teachers, the kids and their parents.

Thanks also goes to Linda Rohlinger, the North Idaho woman who created the Books for Tots program to support the Marine Corp's enormously successful Toys for Tots program. Linda discovered that entire families were given just one book through Toys for Tots, so her commitment to education and her big heart led her to help make life better for North Idaho kids several years ago. Now, each child receives about three books each Christmas.

Linda Rohlinger, the Rotary Club of Coeur d'Alene, and folks from Hayden Meadows School have enriched the lives of thousands of kids - congratulations to all of you!

LES ATCHLEY

Rotary Club of Coeur d'Alene member

PET: Thanks for care

I would like to thank two groups of people for their help with Liebchen.

First of all I would like to thank Dr. Jerry Ponti and his entire staff at Ponti Veterinary Hospital in Otis Orchards, Wash.

On Friday, Jan. 13, I placed a call to Ponti Veterinary Hospital - knowing neither the condition nor the location of Liebchen at that time. I asked if they would be willing to take over her care. Without hesitation they told me they would be "standing by."

Liebchen spent most of the day at the hospital undergoing minor surgery and various other procedures. Thank you Dr. Ponti, Dr. Schrag and staff.

Secondly I would like to thank the generous people of Kootenai County. My phone was ringing all day with offers to help me pay for her care. I do intend on returning all calls with a follow-up on Liebchen's condition.

Again, I want to thank Dr. Ponti and his staff for the excellent care and concern they demonstrated as well as the people of Kootenai County who demonstrated the kindness of this community.

KATHLEEN REITMEIER

MA, LMHC, CDP, ACADC, ICAADC, DUI Evaluator

ROTARY: Donates to Fresh Start

On Jan. 3, Sunrise Rotary Club made a substantial donation to the Fresh Start Emergency Warming Center.

Club President Dave McDowell made the presentation to Fresh Start. This very timely donation will help cover utilities, food, supplies and overnight staffing for the warming center, which serves the homeless population of Coeur d'Alene.

On behalf of The Fresh Start Board of Directors, volunteer staff and especially the clients, we thank Sunrise Rotary for your generosity. Sunrise Rotary does a great deal of good work in our community and we are very grateful.

Thanks again.

HOWARD MARTINSON

Executive Director