Takin' care of business

Willie and I learned just yesterday that we'll be teaming up for a book event Saturday, Aug. 11 (Willie and Debbie's sixth anniversary) at 2 p.m. at the new Borders Bookstore in the Boise Town Mall. We may have a couple of other events over the next three days also, but this one is firm. So, in a "taking care of business" mode this morning, I'm asking all Boise-ites to spread the word. We'd love to see you there.

I know we'll do something mother-and-sonish for our program, and I feel secure that Willie will do his assignment this time. It should be a fun gig, and it's one part of the next few weeks of book promotions. I'll also be doing a reading at the Bonner County Centennial Celebration at the fairgrounds Saturday, July 21, probably late morning. There's a signing at Hastings Books in Coeur d'Alene on Saturday, July 28 at 2 p.m., and I'll be reading and signing at Auntie's Bookstore in Spokane on Friday, Aug. 17 at 7:30 p.m.

Thanks go to Amie Wolf from Keokee who has been meticulously setting up all these events. Once we get the Boise events set up, we'll probably work on some activities in the Seattle area, maybe following the Auntie's reading. So, of course, as any author who wants to sell books would do, I'll keep passing the word and hoping kind folks will do the same.

In other news, I'm noticing that the class reunion activities have meant a significant bump in www.sandpointhigh.com participants. This morning the head count was just three shy of 800. So, it would be nice to see the site surpass another milestone here in the next couple of days. The organizers have added a new feature, citing every time someone updates a profile, so there's usually something new any time you visit the site.

Again, pass the word. The site is well done and is proving to be more interesting and effective in reconnecting people. Two days ago, I received a letter out of the blue from Karren Williams, Class of 1977, who has earned a doctorate and has done post-doctorate work. She works in pharmaceuticals on the East Coast.

Karren was a Ponderette and one time forgot her part in a "Hogan's Heroes" drill. I guess it has stuck with her all these years. Funny how we all have those moments in life that we never seem to erase. Anyway, Karren represents another outstanding success for Sandpoint High grads, and the www.sandpointhigh.com website presents a great venue for showcasing all realms of success among our alums.

Finally, I received a note yesterday from a lady I interviewed a few years ago for the Appaloosa Journal. She conceived and runs a wonderful program in West Philadelphia called "Work to Ride." Basically, she rescues kids from gang-infested settings, puts them to work at a horse stable and teaches them the sport of polo. They compete up and down the East Coast. Lezlie Hiner has done amazing things with these kids.

Her program has been featured on HBO and will receive additional recognition on NBC's "Today" show during the week of July 2. Additional information about the program and updates on the exact time of the Today showing can be found at the WorktoRide website: (http://www.worktoride.net/)

Guess that's all the business stuff for today. Happy Thursday, and Happy late birthday to Erik Daarstad who's latest cinematic work about the medical teams working to save lives of war casualties in Iraq will show at the Panida this weekend. I've heard this is a riveting and emotional film.