World Arrives At Her Doorstep
The Brazilian boy needed a hug. The German girl didn’t. But the North Idaho families who opened their homes to them didn’t know.
“Two months after the Brazilian boy arrived, his host mother worried that things were a little restrained,” says Skip Kuck, chuckling.
“The Brazilian and Mexican kids - if they don’t get a hug a day, they wilt on the vine. German families are more reserved.”
Skip’s Hayden Lake home is “foreign exchange central.” For 14 years, she has matched Northwest families with hundreds of teens from all over the world.
Her family’s impulsive decision to take in a Dutch boy in 1979 sold Skip on foreign exchanges and began years of armchair world travels for the Kucks and their three children.
Skip learned so much from her young visitors that she wanted others to share the experience. So she became a foreign exchange program representative.
The volunteer work has taught her a lot about cultural differences.
She knows to look some kids in the eye and give others space. She knows a meal and a long drive open up even the most close-mouthed boy and that most girls talk about their troubles while they shop.
She knows lack of communication is the root of most problems and that if world leaders talked together the way her foreign students and surrogate parents do, the world would be a more peaceful place.
“We try to get them to see things from the other party’s perspective,” says Skip, who cloaks her intimidating energy in a gentle voice and pixie haircut.
She is convinced that international friendships promote world peace. And there is nothing she wants more.
So Skip drives from Superior, Mont., to Spokane in search of the perfect family for an incoming Norwegian boy or Egyptian girl. She matches soccer players with sports-minded families and the devout with churchgoers.
When problems arise, Skip flies to the scene. Occasionally, talk doesn’t work and Skip finds a new home for the student.
It’s better to admit some matches don’t work than have students take home a bitter memory of the United States.
“You have to know when to cut your losses,” she says with a knowing look at her husband. “The idea is to bring people together.”
Encore, encore
Coeur d’Alene theatergoers chose “Show Boat” as the best musical of the summer theater’s 1995 season, though I was charmed beyond words with director Roger Welch’s interpretation of “H.M.S. Pinafore.”
The popular vote gave best actress to Jennifer Niederloh for her knockout portrayal of Fanny Brice in “Funny Girl” and best actor to Frank Jewett for his work in “The Unsinkable Molly Brown.”
Perennial favorites Stu Cabe and Bobbi Kotula picked up awards for supporting roles and for making us laugh. And audiences cheered Jack Green’s sets and Kathy Hawley’s costumes.
I give the whole season a standing ovation. Bravo.
Where’s Pugsly?
Judy Thurlow has had no luck finding her dad’s dog, Pugsly. But she’s not giving up. She’s sure the small white pug mix with the squished snoot is safe with someone who doesn’t realize Pugsly is the only thing Judy’s 85-year-old ailing father recognizes.
Remember: Pugsly has a curly tail, short legs, floppy ears and big eyes. Call 773-7856 if he wags at you.
Cheers
Coeur d’Alene’s Mary Lou and Paul Wilson say workers at the Ramsey Road Transfer Station are the unsung heroes of the community. They’re friendly, efficient, professional and helpful.
Who sweetens life’s sourest chores for you? Spit out your appreciation to Cynthia Taggart, “Close to Home,” 608 Northwest Blvd., Suite 200, Coeur d’Alene 83814; or send a fax to 765-7149 or call 765-7128.
, DataTimes