Another perk of the summer season is the chance to get reacquainted. Of course, we offer plenty of events to do so, but this summer comes with a couple extras: St. Maries High School classes of 1972 and 1992 will host their 40- and 20-year reunions, respectively.
The Class of ’72 will celebrate July 20. Plans are still underway and committee members are still seeking classmates’ addresses. Anyone who would like to help with the preparations or can provide any information, please call 208-568-0072 or 208-245-5188.
The Class of ’92 will celebrate July 20th and 21st. The two-day event includes an open house at the golf course, tours of the schools and a barbecue at the Benewah County Fairgrounds. Organizers are seeking addresses and information for several classmates. Anyone with any information can contact Jennifer (Sumner) Osier, 208-245-2746.
There are towns everywhere.
Communities, however, are different; rare even because they have to be created. They are formed by people and fostered through hard work. It doesn’t have to be something as organized as a recycling project or any type of major platform to make an impact — although those are nice too.
Take Little League, for example.
T-ball coaches Lena Myers and Shasta Olson help their team in the outfield. Photo courtsey of Pam Neff Olson
Dozens of people volunteer countless hours all in an effort to make spring a little more special for a group of kids and their families. Don’t believe me? Walk down to City Park on any weekday afternoon, and you’ll find it swarming with children, decked out in uniforms and matching hats – many of them members of an actual team for the first time. And most of ‘em having the times of their lives.
All because a few people got together and decided it needed to be done.
We don’t need politicians urging us to volunteer. We don’t need public service announcements calling us to action. We do it because we love it. It’s genuine … subtle yet meaningful.
Volunteerism at its finest.
T-ball coach Lena Myers congratulates a player after he made it to first.
**For more examples of our community in action, check out what our Paul Bunyan Days committee does for our annual Paul Bunyan Days celebration over the Labor Day weekend, the St. Maries Elks’ organization does with Elks Christmas Baskets and the way our Chamber of Commerce organizes countless events throughout the year, including one of my favorites, Christmas in St. Maries.
With warmer temperatures settling in and beautiful sunrises like the ones we’ve been witnessing for days now, I think it’s pretty clear that even Mother Nature knows what we’re up to, and each new sprout budding into full bloom is her way of cheering us on. For those of you who may not know, St. Maries is just about to hit her stride with a lineup of events that lasts all summer long. You might want to grab a quick overnight bag and step into sync with us.
Stretching toward the sun. Snapped this morning - April 24, 2012.
But if that doesn’t work with your schedule at least relax, grab another cup of coffee and check out the events we have to offer under our Community Events tab. Pick one – or two or three – you’re interested in and book your stay at any of our hotels or B&Bs. We’d love to see you and show you what our small town can do.
Although we’re all still reeling over the excitement of hosting the Toyota-Weaver Seed World Jet Boat Race Championships, we also know that the fun is just beginning.
Fans of all ages turned out for the 2012 Jet Boat Races on the St. Joe River. Josh and Jochebel Swanson are pictured enjoying the beautiful weather we had the Saturday of the weekend-long event.
Summer is kind of our thing, and we do it in spectacular fashion from now through September. With no breaks, no timeouts and definitely no slowing down.
Next up for us are our motocross racing events that kicks off when summer officially does, Memorial Day Weekend.
Registration for the second annual St. Joe River Marathon is in full swing, and race organizers are already projecting a bigger turnout than last year. Start training and get registered now … http://www.stjoerivermarathon.com/ Have children interested in running too? Sign ’em up for the Super Kid River Run. It’s going to be a blast … not to mention seriously adorable.
Driver Mark Cromie and his Navigator Richard Naunder piloting the boat “The General” and I do mean piloting as their boat hit a large wave in windy conditions on the Lewiston Leg of the race. Their boat was launched completely up in the air in a vertical position and then touched down tail first. After reentry, they and their boat went under a wave and were completely submerge. They went from a screaming eagle across the water to a rocket and then a submarine in a matter of seconds. We are happy that this team didn’t sustain any injuries, unfortunately this cannot be said of the “The General” who sustained damage. Go to facebook and see the entire event taken by photographer Mark Sharley, the photos are spectacular.
