Nina Culver

Bloomsday Perennial Paul Chapman blames his friends for getting him involved in Bloomsday and, years later, convincing him to run marathons.

Greg Wright ran the first Bloomsday in 1977 at the urging of his brother, who had been a runner in high school.

Brian Kenna, 63, was in junior high when the first Bloomsday run was held in 1977. He remembered race founder Don Kardong doing well in the Olympics and was inspired to sign up. He never stopped.

The Bloomsday Perennials who gathered Saturday for a luncheon in honor of the 50th running of the race greeted each other with hugs and handshakes as they said hello to people they may not have seen since the last Bloomsday.

Bob Thornton was a high school cross country runner in Tonasket when Bloomsday race founder Don Kardong showed up to speak at an awards banquet and invited the entire team to participate in his upcoming road race.

East Valley Online senior Elizabeth Miller felt lost in large public schools but has blossomed since beginning online classes in her freshman year.

Andrew Bota was excited to be starting at Ridgeline High School four years ago because he expected interesting classes. He got them, and this year he’s signed up for six Advanced Placement courses.

Valley Christian School senior Aubre Hopson has thrown herself into school and community activities in the Spokane Valley area despite living just across the Idaho border in Benewah County.

Meagan Heyden arrived at the Coeur d’Alene Pride in the Park event Saturday holding a homemade sign that said “Free Mom Hugs.” Strangers eagerly approached her, arms outstretched, ready for a warm hug.

Rob Curley, who has served as the executive editor of The Spokesman-Review since 2016, was placed on administrative leave Friday. Publisher William “Stacey” Cowles says an outside investigator and outside counsel will be brought in to examine the circumstances preceding the decision.