Community Thanks

PLAYHOUSE: 'Mattress' was the best time

Sunday afternoon I went to the CDA Playhouse to see "Once Upon a Mattress." Oh my gosh, so fun. All, and I mean all, the players were extraordinary, the choreography (especially "soft shoes") was exceptional, the singing perfectly done and the live music was rara avis. The audience was a hoot as well. I had the greatest time and was inspired to buy season tickets. Great direction, performances, laughter and awe. Well done.

GERI HAGLER
Coeur d'Alene

MEALS ON WHEELS: Thanks to Spring Gala supporters

I want to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who supported our Spring Gala. Because of your generosity, kindness, and commitment to our mission, we raised nearly $52,000 to support Lake City Meals on Wheels. This success reflects the strength of our community and the shared belief that no senior should go hungry or feel forgotten.

This event would not have been possible without our sponsors, donors, volunteers, guests, and community partners who gave their time, resources, and energy to make the evening a success.

A very special thank you goes to our Presenting Sponsor, Dave Smith Motors, for their extraordinary support of $25,000. We are also grateful to our Silver Sponsor, Dave Knoll of Black Sheep ($2,500).

Our Bronze Sponsors ($1,000) include Coeur d'Alene Eagles, Home Instead, and First Interstate Bank.

We also extend appreciation to our Community Sponsors ($500+) including CDA Powersports, Hayden Auxiliary Eagles, Candlelight Church, and North Idaho Sparklers. Your partnership helps us continue to serve local seniors with dignity and care.

We are equally grateful to the many businesses, organizations, and individuals who donated auction items and gifts for the gala. Your generosity made the evening a true success.

A heartfelt thank you also goes to our generous paddle raise donors. Your support directly strengthens our ability to provide meals and hope to older adults in our community.

From all of us at Lake City Meals on Wheels, thank you for standing with us. Your generosity ensures that no senior is left behind and that we can continue delivering meals, care, and hope throughout our community.

VARUNEE "NANCY" PHILLIPS
Executive Director, Lake City Center
Coeur d'Alene

WEEKS: Thanks for former Press reporter

My friend Devin Weeks is off on a new adventure in life. I’ve always enjoyed her writings: honest, accurate and mostly caring.

She loves her hometown, it’s apparent in the way she writes. I wish her all the best in her new start. Please ask Kaye to fill in the blanks.

All my respect Devin,

RUSS McLAIN
Hayden

WEEKS: Impressed with her dedication, recognition of others

I would like to express my tremendous respect and admiration for Devin Weeks, the photo-journalist who is leaving the Coeur d'Alene Press to pursue a new opportunity managing a nonprofit organization.

Her recent full-page farewell article was both inspiring and uplifting. In a time when gratitude is sometimes overlooked, she took the opportunity to sincerely thank the newspaper, her colleagues, mentors, and everyone who helped her grow during her time at The Press. Her words reflected humility, professionalism, and a genuine appreciation for the support she received throughout her career there.

She covered stories both large and small, helping keep our community informed about the issues, events, and people that shape our daily lives. Local journalism is essential to a strong community, and her work contributed greatly to that mission. Through her reporting, she helped connect residents to one another and provided valuable information that many of us relied upon.

What impressed me most was not only her dedication to her profession, but also her willingness to recognize the contributions of others. Her farewell article served as a reminder that success is often built on the encouragement, guidance, and support of many people along the way.

While the Coeur d'Alene Press will certainly miss her contributions, it's encouraging to know that she will continue serving the community in her new role with a nonprofit organization. I have no doubt that she will bring the same passion, commitment, and positive spirit to this next chapter.

I send her my best wishes, positive thoughts, and sincere thanks for her excellent work and for the inspiration she provided through her heartfelt message.

DAN BRONK
Post Falls

WEEKS: Light of success for Garden Tours

Dear Devin,

A big thank you for all of the many articles you've written about our talented community members, and the beauty of this area. Your unique vision of garden design, especially the gardens pictured on the Garden Tours over the years, have been extraordinarily written, always loving and introspective. You've been a shining light in the success of our many garden tours.

Many thanks! With much appreciation, we wish you success and happiness in your future.

BONNIE WARWICK, Garden Tour Chairman Emeritas
Coeur d'Alene Garden Club