When I first started writing this column for the Tribune and later for The Press in the early 1990s, I would occasionally wish friends a happy birthday, especially if it was a milestone. As the years went by, readers began sending me birthday wishes, and over the past few decades the Main Street Birthday Club has grown to over 2,000 annually. I love birthdays, and being alive is certainly a cause for celebration!
I learned early on that my friend, Art Flaganand three of his good friends had birthdays in August, one after the other. These guys were in their 30s when they started celebrating the occasion together half a century ago.
Eighty-year-old art, Ed Hatter And Warren bakes are still going strong and their birthdays are listed below. Unfortunately Stamps died in 2013.
Over the years, they have taken trips with their wives to places including Glacier Park, Leavenworth, Priest Lake, and even the opening of the Sheraton Hotel during Expo 1974. They have cruised on the Sizzler and celebrated in the Hagadone Suite at the Coeur d’Alene Resort.
This year the “birthday kids” are celebrating at Beverly’s. “Life is easier as we get older,” said Ed.
Art, NancyEd, microphone,Warren and Linda remind us of the blessings and beauty of lasting friendships and to celebrate life while we live it. I look forward to wishing the boys many more happy birthdays.
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To parents who tearfully sent their children off to college for the first time this month, please know that Thanksgiving is just three months away and the Christmas holidays are soon to follow.
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Happy Birthday Crystal Shofner-Moore, Jared Phay, Matthew Behringer, Doris McCaulley And Kelly Chadderdon. Morning, Ed Hatter, Brett Seright, Leanne Campbell, Mary Gomer, Cathy Smith, David Walrath, Cecilia Peterson And Lilliana Raynor blow out the candles. Friday celebrations for Art Flagan, Susie Heitstuman, Debbie Berger, Bobby Bunch, Donnie Goodnature And Rod Robins. On Saturday, Peggy Turrell, Karen Sorbel, Mike Dodge, Linda Fox, Lori Chissie, Sarah Rasmussen And Eric Burgesson blow out the candles. JJ Jaegar, Jeff Selle, Ali Shute, Angie Penzkover (50!), Rhonda Budvarson, Staci Anderson, Cindi Carlson (75!), Jack Mannschreck (80!) and Lydia Myers on Sunday will make another trip around the sun. On Monday Sofia Armstrong, Pam Grenny, Cam Crollard, Juilianne Rinard, Perry Peterson, Warren Bakes, Irene Watkins, Troy Blood, Lita Balbin And Phil Higgs will celebrate. Jan Berry, Peggy Sawicki, Ed Mitchell, Mike Wood And George Forgacs Do the birthday dance on August 27th.
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Kerri Rankin Thoreson is a member of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists and former editor of the Post Falls Tribune. Main Street appears every Wednesday in The Press and Kerri can be contacted on Facebook or by email at [email protected].
