Classes, stuff for babies, parents all be available at Mother’s Haven
Finding items to put into this space is never a problem. Narrowing the list as to what to include can be. Even with the economy struggling nationally, printing positive business here is not a struggle. Simply notice “coming soon” and “sold” signs around town.
One example is the “Mother’s Haven coming soon” on the 1890 farmhouse at 2112 Government Way. New owner Margaret Hildahl is remodeling the former Country Porch store into retail spaces on the main floor and classrooms upstairs. She hopes to be open by the end of the month.
The shop, at 1034 Third St., since 2002, offers items for parents and babies, both for “baby on the way” and “baby arrived.” These range from baby-feeding and remedy items to clothing, journals and even artsy belly casts to preserve the bulge baby created.
Class topics include breastfeeding, infant massage, sign language, nutrition, first-aid and twin support. Mother’s Haven also has a baby shower and gift registry.
Originally from Vancouver, B.C., Hildahl came to North Idaho 22 years ago and is a massage therapist. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, 11 to 4 Saturdays and Wednesday evenings in the new location. Phone (208) 676-1300. Check www.mothershaven.com.
New tire, battery store a few blocks up
Just a few blocks north, Government Way Tire and Battery has opened at 2420 Government Way,
Owner David Pennington also offers a variety of second-hand tools and other items. One shelf has a skipper-style “Coeur d’Alene”-embossed cap, and runner sleds hang from the ceiling.
Originally from Portland, Pennington first came here in 1979 and started Best Tire farther north on Government Way. This time he returned from Salem, Ore., and temporarily has that phone of (503) 851-9685. Hours at the new store are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays.
Big Country builds new facility
The two-story building under construction at 128 Locust Ave. will be the new home of Big Country Communications. The 4,000-square-foot showroom-office-warehouse combination will open in late August to replace the business’ previous building that collapsed with heavy snow.
Big Country offers complete equipment, rental and service for two-way radio communications for business and government.
Owner Jim Van Sky was raised in the Chicago and Los Angeles areas and came to North Idaho from Tulsa in 1975. He also owns Big Country Helicopters, where the communications division is temporarily operating at 10183 N. Aero Drive in Hayden. He has three employees. Phone (208) 765-0620. Check www.bigcountrycommunications.net.
This week’s tidbits
•The streetside construction at Kootenai Medical Center is for an offroad bike lane and landscaping.
•Downtown Coeur d’Alene monthly artwalk is so popular that the sidewalks are crowded enough to close Sherman Avenue for a few blocks. That would also encourage patrons to both sides of the street. But it may discourage the colorful line of choppers and patrons parked in front of the Iron Horse.
•The “Trespassing Yes” signs on wooded school district property on Thomas Lane originally said “No Trespassing,” which they should still say, according to school office personnel. The popular dogwalk area is surrounded by three newer housing developments.
•Zanetti Bros. Inc. evidently is filling the old gravel pit in the northeast corner of Ramsey Road and Appleway for a future Winco Grocery complex. More on that later.
•Happy Flag Day and happy birthday to Rep. George Sayler.