This weekend I'm visiting brother-in-law Rob Stark in Bozeman, Mont. I usually manage to visit Rob when an athletic event is happening on the Montana State University campus, from which his place is across the street and he was the track coach. I go on a rockhounding expedition, have good meals out and visit other friends. It's also Rob's 60th birthday.

And I'll use my minimal assumptions to ascertain that Rob is OK. He has very severe multiple sclerosis.

He can't walk. He's a big guy and was a college and professional athlete (the Green Bay Packers briefly, then injured). Now his legs mostly get in the way. He gets around in an electric cart, and the disease has minimized use of his fingers and he has poor eyesight.

He grudgingly needs help, but he's pleased with what he has. Every day someone gets him from his bed to his chair and back again at night. They help him with physical needs, make sure he is clean and isn't hungry. And they're a pleasant visitor, someone to chat with about news, sports and people. He likes to hear and tell stories.

This brings us to Home Helpers, which moved last week from Coeur d'Alene Avenue to 109 W. Kathleen (next to Lake City Hair Studio).

Its 30 caregivers offer non-medical, in-home care for seniors, new and expectant mothers, working parents and people facing life-long challenges. The U.S. company is 15 years old, and Connie Clark started the Cd'A branch in 2008 after moving here from South Florida. She writes a monthly column for The Press and hosts "The Senior Moment" 4 p.m. Saturdays on KYMS 89.9 radio.

With the motto of "Let our family help your family," office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, and care is available 24 hours daily. Phone 769-9560. Check www.coeurdalenehomecare.com.

Cd'A Dog Co. in Harbor Plaza

A retail store for pets with everything from flotation devices to premium dog food, Coeur d'Alene Dog Co. is now open in the south corner suite of Harbor Plaza on Northwest Boulevard at Hubbard Avenue.

Coming to North Idaho from Peachtree, Ga., Steve and Catherine VanKeirsbulck had Invisible Brand Fence for boundary and avoidance training for dogs since 2003. They have four employees, hiring students to help with seasonal business.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 10 to 5 Saturdays. Phone 664-9111. Email [email protected].

Star Cuts to open on East Sherman

No-gender-bias affordable haircuts are the specialty of Star Cuts, opening this Saturday at 1520 E. Sherman Ave.

"It's fuss-free cuts for the guys and the latest styles and multi-dimensional color for the ladies," says owner Ti Sommers, coming from southeast Portland, where barbershops cater to a mix of people. "Relax, shine like a star and enjoy art, fashion, music and life. The spray-paint art on the wall is a must-see for everyone."

Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 10 to 3 Sundays. Walk-ins are welcome, and reception hours to book appointments are noon to 3 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Phone 449-1280. Check www.starcutshair.com.

Big R expanding out front

A "squeeze shoot" is fencing to funnel farm animals into a certain area. This and all kinds of fencing, primarily for livestock, will be sold and stored in the 20,000-square-foot "yard" under construction in front of the Big R Store on Government Way at Kathleen Avenue. With the current yard moving from the south side of the store, it will also expand parking and possibly the building.

With the new yard opening at the end of the month, Big R hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays with 28 employees. If you've never checked it out, this store is quite interesting. Phone 666-0506. Check www.bigrstore.com.

Now for the Tidbits

• Spies say Famous Dave's BBQ will open a restaurant near Cabela's in March.

• Watches By Gosh has closed in the Resort Plaza Shoppes.

• Relic Moon, a body-piercing business, has moved to the north end of Silver Lake Mall.

• Watch for news on the building of a large assisted-living complex near Woodland Middle School.

• Style note: Avoid the 0's on writing times and money. It's just 5 p.m. (and note the p.m. is lower case), and $500. The extra 0's such as $500.00 makes it looks as though it costs more. And you don't need the word "dollars."

• Nostalgia isn't what is used to be.

• Contact Nils Rosdahl at [email protected].