Big Brother, Sis Proud Of Grads

Pat Krug worked eight years on Jessica Dempster’s high school graduation present.

Her first tools were ice cream and small talk with 10-year-old Jessica. Pat proudly watched the finished product last week when Jessica, filled with self-confidence, collected her Coeur d’Alene High School diploma and several scholarships.

Jessica emits admiration for Pat like the sun gives off warmth.

“She’s added so much to my life,” she says, looking into the smoky eyes of the real estate broker who “adopted” her through the Big Brothers and Big Sisters program. “Seeing her so professional, I know you can be a woman in this community and climb the corporate ladder.”

Pat’s male counterpart through the program, Jim Boyer, filled in some blanks for Mike Harris during the past eight years. Mike was the only male in his house, so his mother asked Big Brothers for help.

“Jim told me stories about his past, and they made me think,” says Mike, a smile slowly spreading over his face. “I like to listen, and I’d learn from his mistakes. I’d think about his stories.”

Mike was the first Coeur d’Alene child matched with a big brother. He graduated last week from Lake City High School, chosen by his class as the most likely to keep on smiling.

With Jim, Mike hunted and fished, bowled and shot pool. Mike could talk to Jim about girls, changes in himself, life.

Jessica’s mother was single and working. She enrolled her daughter in the program to give her more opportunities than she herself could give her.

Jessica backpacked and went cross-country skiing with Pat. Pat taught Jessica to set goals and meet them. She watched breathlessly as Jessica, her mind set on the Junior Miss title, earned a spot as a finalist last year.

“It was the biggest pleasure watching her grow and mature, being able to expose her to different things,” Pat says, lighting her young friend’s face with a warm smile. “And it was great to have someone to ride all the rides at the fair with me.”

Mike and Jessica will leave the Big Brothers and Big Sisters program now. But their relationships with Jim and Pat are secure.

Says Jessica, “We’ll be friends for life.”

Cassie saves the day

Bonners Ferry’s Sally Grant appreciates her father’s elderly Weimaraner, Cassie, much more since the pooch caught a mink at Round Lake. The mink was hiding under an overturned boat and attracted the attention of several dogs.

As interested as the dogs, Sally’s dad lifted the boat to see what was underneath. The mink squealed and flew at him. But Cassie nabbed the animal in midair and shook it until its neck broke.

Cassie never was much into hunting, but she could catch a ball or any tasty treats thrown her way. Including mink.

Dr. Write

If kids want to play doctor, the Coeur d’Alene public library and Dr. Ted Fox are behind them all the way. Fox and the library are throwing a summer writing contest for kids in the sixth through eighth grades, with the emphasis on medicine.

Kids will tour Kootenai Medical Center, talk to doctors and hospital workers, read and do research, then write a paper - fiction or not - on their findings. I predict a cure for cancer or AIDS in one of those works.

Doctors will judge the entries and award one $75 prize and two $25 prizes. See, medicine pays. Call 769-2315 before June 25 to register.

Set your sails

School’s out, and so are the boats. I don’t have one, so tell me what’s so great about life on North Idaho’s lakes. Turn me green with envy or red from laughing with your boat stories, and I’ll send you a “Close to Home” T-shirt to wear on deck.

Sail those stories 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 ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo