Meet Cindy Mead, who was born in Coeur d’Alene and grew up in rural Post Falls with sisters Susie and Edie until age 10 when she and her parents, Wilbur and Florence, moved to Oregon.

Cindy earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics at Southern Oregon University. Wilbur and Florence had moved back to their property in the Pleasantview area, so after graduation, Cindy moved back to Post Falls as well. Her first job was as a computer programmer for Itron. She is a member of the Post Falls Chapter of Royal Neighbors of America, the Pleasantview Community Association and Idaho Forest Owners Association. Cindy enjoys making biscuits twice a year at the fundraising breakfasts for the Pleasantview School, watching Gonzaga basketball and attending His Place Church.

1) How did you come to be involved with the Post Falls Historical Society — your parents were charter members?

My parents were charter members of the historical society and preserving history was important to them. Both my mom's and dad’s families have a long history in Post Falls. When I moved back to Post Falls, I also became interested in helping out the Society and I have been a volunteer since 2009.

2) What are a few historical surprises you and your team have uncovered through the years — any exciting connections to famous people, solved mysteries, archaeological finds?

If you stop by the museum at 101 E. Fourth Ave., I will tell you my favorite story involving the dugout canoe.

3) Why do you feel history is important to learn, preserve and share?

I have found the older I get the more interested I am in history; we cannot go back to learn more about it if that history has not been preserved. History also teaches us how to examine and evaluate society values and trends.

4) What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

I only weighed 2 pounds, 10 ounces at birth. I lived in Senegal, West Africa, for two years.

5) If you could go back to any time in history, when would you visit and what would you do while you were there?

I would go back to when I was young to spend more time with my grandparents and get to know them better.

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Do you know someone in Kootenai County who makes our community awesome? Send Fast Five suggestions to Devin Weeks, [email protected], to highlight locals who contribute their time and talents to make North Idaho such a special place.