In brief: Donations benefit PF food Bank

POST FALLS – Pinnacle Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine is collecting nonperishable food items through Friday for its second annual food drive to benefit the Post Falls Food Bank.

Community members wishing to donate can drop off items at the Post Falls clinic, 1590 E. Polston Ave., or the Coeur d’Alene clinic, 3322 Grand Mill Lane, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The food will be delivered to the food bank during the week of Thanksgiving.

For more information, call (208) 777-4242.

Cooking class includes soups

BLANCHARD – The Blanchard Community Center, 685 Rusho Road, will host a cooking class on Monday from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The class will include chicken soup with bean sprouts, shrimp and basil; New England chowder; shrimp bisque; and a melon bisque.

Cost is $20 per person. For reservations, call (208) 437-0426.

Cancer center accepting patients

POST FALLS – The Kootenai Cancer Center opened its doors to patients at its new Post Falls location at 1440 E. Mullan Ave. on Nov. 3.

The center was funded entirely by community donations.

Drs. Haluk Tezcan and Brian Samuels are medical oncologists at the center, along with radiation oncologist Dr. Karie-Lynn Kelly and nurse practitioner Sue Herbst. A laboratory and pharmacy also are a part of the center.

In the upcoming year, expansion of the Post Falls center will include massage therapy, yoga, acupuncture, strength training and skin therapy.

For more information, call (208) 666-3800.

Festival of Trees starts Nov. 27

COEUR D’ALENE – As the holiday season approaches, the Kootenai Health Foundation is preparing for the Festival of Trees, “A Cool Yule,” Nov. 27-29 at The Coeur d’Alene Resort. The event is the largest holiday fundraiser for the foundation.

The festival gala Nov. 28 will include comedians and a ’40s-style band. The celebration will feature decorated Christmas trees.

Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase special keys that will open a treasure chest full of prizes including jewelry, Gonzaga University basketball tickets, spa and salon visits and home furnishings.

Coeur d’Alene artist Stephen Shortridge has donated an original painting to the gala auction. Shortridge is the owner of the local Painter’s Chair Gallery.

Proceeds will support the expanded cancer care services at Kootenai Cancer Centers in Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls and Sandpoint.

To purchase tickets to any of the events and for more information, call (208) 666-2345 or go to www.thefestival oftrees.com.

Tree lighting, fireworks Nov. 27

COEUR D’ALENE – The Coeur d’Alene Resort will light its 161-foot grand fir Christmas tree with 1.5 million lights and a 10-foot star in a holiday celebration on Nov. 27, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The festivities will include a lighted parade, Christmas carols, candle lighting and a fireworks show over Lake Coeur d’Alene.

From Nov. 28-Jan. 3, cruises “to the North Pole” will be offered. Cruises board at the Boardwalk Marina each evening at 5:30, 6:30, and 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15.75 per person; $14.75 for age 55 and older; free for children 12 and younger (up to two with paid adults; $9.75 for each additional child).

For more information, call (800) 688-5253 or visit www.cdaresort.com.

Apply for commission posts

POST FALLS – The city of Post Falls is currently accepting applications for city commissions.

Individuals who have filled out applications for city commission positions should re-apply if it has been more than one year since submitting an application.

Applications are available at the clerk’s office at City Hall, 408 N. Spokane St., or online at www.postfallsidaho.org/commissions.htm.

The deadline for submitting an application is Nov. 30 at 5 p.m.