Long time UUCS member Jane Bowen will turn 100 on September 24, 2026. While talking with Judith, one of Jane’s daughters, we agreed it would be an extra special treat if congregants that know Jane would write a birthday card including a meaningful memory they shared with Jane over the years. Mail your cards to the following:
Jane Bowen c/o Betsy Bowen
1394 Kicking Horse Lane
Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814-9146.
The cards will be shared with Jane at a small birthday gathering.

As you may be aware, due to a fall during a hike on July 2, my right hamstring muscle (back of leg between knee and hip) completely detached from my hip bone (think sitting bone). This past Monday, August 10, I had arthroscopic surgery to reattach the tendon, connecting the 3-4 muscles back onto the bone. There is a long road of very slow progressive PT to become functional again while not again pulling the tendon off the bone. The surgeon is pleased with the repair. Generally speaking, there is some ‘fabric’ placed on the bone to which the tendon is pulled onto this area and secured by a couple of plastic screws into the bone to hold things in place while the body works to long term secure the tendon to the bone. Maybe there was some surgical ‘super glue’ involved. Now, it is up to me. Of course, I will not be my normal “self”’” for a while.

Tom Mosher

Thank you to those friends of Jan Strobeck’s for informing me that Jan had indeed left her home because of the fires. Jan emailed after her return that she was happy to find her cat doing well. We are happy your home survived the fires Jan. Carol and Dave Canterbury have happily returned to their home which survived the fires. I also got an email from Mary Benham. If you remember, she and John lost their home to the fires. Mary said, they are psychologically well and their UU roots are holding them strong.

Has anyone been in touch with Barbara Rodriguez to know how she is doing after her recent surgery? I know her son was tending to her right after the surgery.

The Building and Grounds team has been overseeing new landscaping along Whistalks Way in front of our church. Along with a face lift, the change will provide ease of care and fire mitigation. Watch for further changes in the coming months to enhance fire suppression surrounding our church.

At the Spokane County Commissioners hearing on Tuesday, August 11, the room was packed with people opposing data centers. Our own Linda Greene was there to share her testimony which was televised on Channel 4 news! Thanks for walking the talk Linda!

Please share your news in the Wheel of Life by contacting Sue Stiritz at sstiritz@yahoo.com or 509-475-1376