March 2023 GO Sandpoint Magazine

MARKETING

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

Allyia Briggs | 208.620.5444 allyia@like-media.com

MARKETING EXECUTIVE

Haleigh Ackling | 208.620.5360 haleigh@like-media.com

MEDIA MANAGER

Rebecca Baczewski | rebecca@like-media.com

EDITORIAL EDITOR

Jillian Chandler | jillian@like-media.com

DESIGN

CREATIVE DIRECTOR | Maddie Horton

DESIGN DIRECTOR | Darbey Russo

SENIOR DESIGNER | Kennedy Pew

GRAPHIC DESIGNER | Sam Stoke

DIGITAL CREATIVE DIRECTOR | Whitney Lebsock

ACCOUNTING/ OPERATIONS

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS | Rachel Figgins

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | Steve Russo

MANAGING PARTNER | Kim Russo

CONTRIBUTOR

Ben Geanetta

PHOTOGRAPHY

Photographer: Adair Media pg. 1, 12, 14

Courtesy Photos: Schweitzer, Blackbird Digital, Racheal Baker, Bonner County Library

Advertising Agency

Go Sandpoint Magazine is published monthly and distributed freely throughout North Idaho. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Go Sandpoint Magazine is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Go Sandpoint Magazine is produced and published by Like Media, and no part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the permission of the publisher.

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Map, Photos & Information

Can you plan for an unplanned retirement?

Many people plan to take an early retirement, so when that day arrives, they’re ready for it. But what if you were to face an unplanned retirement? Would you be prepared to deal with the financial issues?

It’s something worth thinking about, because any number of factors—illness, a spouse’s illness, downsizing, other issues—could lead to an abrupt departure from the workforce. But taking action while you’re still working may help you make the transition easier on yourself.

Your first move, of course, should be to at least consider the possibility of having to retire earlier than you planned. You can then move on to some concrete steps, possibly including the following:

• Build an emergency fund. Under any circumstances, it’s a good idea to build an emergency fund—but it’s especially important if you want to prepare for an unforeseen retirement. Generally speaking, your emergency fund should contain three to six months’ worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a liquid, low-risk account. But if you suspect an earlier-than-anticipated retirement may be in your future, and you have some time to prepare for it, you should consider an emergency fund that contains a full year’s worth of expenses.

• Consider your portfolio’s asset allocation. If you’re concerned about an unexpected retirement, you may want to consider the equities allocation in your portfolio. If you think you may need to tap into your portfolio sooner than you expected, you may not want to be over-exposed to investments most vulnerable to market volatility. However, these are the same

investments that offer you the most growth potential—which you’ll need to help stay ahead of inflation. So, look for an investment balance that’s appropriate for your needs. As part of this positioning, you may want to shift some assets into income-producing vehicles, while also adding to the “cash” portion of your portfolio to boost your liquidity.

• Evaluate your Social Security options. An unplanned retirement may cause you to consider taking Social Security earlier than you had planned. You can start taking Social Security when you’re 62, but your monthly benefits will be up to 30 percent lower than if you had waited until your full retirement age, which is likely between 66 and 67. If you have sufficient income through other sources, you may be able to delay taking Social Security until your checks will be bigger—but of course, if you need the money, waiting may not be an option.

• Address your health care needs. If you take an unplanned retirement, and you have employer-sponsored health insurance, you’ll have to look for alternatives. You might be able to get extended coverage from your employer, but this could be quite expensive. Of course, if you’re already 65, you can get on Medicare, but if you’re younger, you might be able to get coverage under your spouse’s plan. If that’s not an option, you may want to explore one of the health care exchanges created by the Affordable Care Act. To learn more about these exchanges, visit HealthCare.gov.

Taking an unexpected retirement can certainly be challenging—but the more prepared you are, the better your outcomes are likely to be.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor Caleb Bowman

JED STEPHENSEN

FAMILY MAN, ER NURSE, ULTRA-MARATHONER AND DOG MUSHER

by JILLIAN CHANDLER

Locally Sourced. Expertly Crafted. Reinvigorating farm-to-table, we source our menu items from local farms and use only the finest ingredients. Our menu is dynamic and changes with the availability of seasonal produce.

"I GREW UP ON MY FATHER’S ALASKAN STORIES AND KNEW THAT I WANTED TO BE A DOG MUSHER SINCE I WAS 9. I READ THE BOOK 'DOG SONG' BY GARY PAULSON AND WAS HOOKED ON TAILS OF THE NORTH."

ed Stephensen and his wife Amy moved to North Idaho from Kansas in 2015 “to get back to the mountains,” as Amy grew up in the West and Jed attended college in Idaho. Together, they have built a beautiful life here in Sandpoint with their twin 8-year-old boys.

Jed, who works as an ER nurse, has always enjoyed the wilderness—whether it be backpacking with his family, fishing, running, you name it. He’s an ultra-marathon runner and sled dog racer—and 2023 marks his first Iditarod!

Q.Who is Jed Stephensen?

A. I am a dreamer and an adventurer—and want to show my boys that they too can do hard things. My family is important to me, with my dad filling the role of dog handler, my mom acting as our support team. My boys have helped with dog care from the beginning, learning to love our dogs and developing a work ethic.

Q.You will be participating in the 2023 Iditarod, with race day beginning March 4 (right as this issue hits the streets). What does training for an Iditarod entail? And what goal have you set for yourself when it comes to the competition?

A. I have been building a dog team for six years. Finally, last year, my team was ready to run 800 race miles required to qualify to run the Iditarod (similar to qualifying for the Boston Marathon). I work on keeping the dogs conditioned over the summer months. But the real training starts in early September as temperatures consistently drop below 50˚F. I build up from 2-mile runs up to 50-mile runs over five months. This year, I raced in Eagle Cap Extreme—a 200-mile race—and Idaho Sled Dog Challenge—a 300-mile race—to continue getting the team ready for Iditarod. I took second and third place, while receiving the veterinaries’ “Best Kept Team” award at the end of the first race. As a rookie (first time running Iditarod), my goal is to finish with a happy, healthy team.

Q.What inspired this journey? And when did you make the decision to move forward with it?

A. I grew up on my father’s Alaskan stories and knew that I wanted to be a dog musher since I was 9. I read the book "Dog Song" by Gary Paulson and was hooked on tails of the North.

Q.What are the names of your sled dogs? And how did you know they could be trained for such a race?

A. Sled dogs are usually named as a litter by theme. Our first litter was named after bears: Panda, Kodiak and Grizz. We named another litter after the dogs from Shakleton’s expedition: Sadie, Boomer and Sampson. There is also Loki and Freya. The rest of the dogs were acquired from other dog mushers: Seabiscuit, Addie, Kyle, Rio, Rajo, Muskox, Tigris, plus Marian.

The dogs all have Alaskan husky bloodlines, which are bred to be sled dogs. However, we have rehomed a couple of dogs who enjoyed dog mushing but did not have the stamina to run the longer distances. After the race I finished [the beginning of February], my entire team still had tons of energy and could have easily kept going.

Q.Your day job is that of an ER nurse. How do you maintain a successful work-life balance while still being able to pursue your passions?

A. As a nurse, I work four days straight and then have a few days off at a time that I dedicate to training. However, on days that my wife works, I make sure my kids get on the school bus, rush off to run the dogs, and then hurry back before they get home from school. On days that she is home, I get in our longer runs. I definitely would not be able to pursue this dream without her support.

Q.You’re also an avid ultra-marathon runner. How many races have you participated in? And is there any one race in particular that stands out as your favorite?

A. I have run six races. Of those, Tushars 100k stands out the most, with its grueling mountain climbs. I ran it with my brother, and it took us 20 hours to finish. My hope is that my dogs and I are possessed by the same animating spirit that inspires us to run long distances.

Q.You and your family have built a ‘homestead’ here in Sandpoint. What’s an average day in the life of the Stephensen family look like?

A. We have a small flock of Icelandic sheep and currently care for a friend’s goats over the winter. We planted an orchard with a variety of fruit trees a couple of years ago and are hoping to harvest more fruit this year than last. We had to clear enough land to let the sun in before putting in a garden—gardening is something I have enjoyed ever since I was a teenager.

Q.What do you love most about being able to call Sandpoint “home”?

A. I love the community, the snow in the mountains, and the adventurous spirit that so many individuals have here.

Q.As you reflect back and look at where your life and choices have led you to today, what are you most proud of and thankful for?

A. I am most proud of raising two happy healthy twin boys, maintaining a strong marriage, building a house with my own hands, qualifying for Iditarod, and running ultra-marathons. I am thankful for the animating spirit that inspires me to get after dreams, thankful for family, a good job and good health.

I hope that in my journey to achieve my dreams that I inspire others to go after theirs as well.

STOP THE RUST!

THE RIGHT SOLUTION TO ADD LONGEVITY TO YOUR VEHICLE

By JILLIAN CHANDLER

North Idaho Undercoating, a local veteran-owned company that officially opened in 2020, is the result of Justin Offermann’s years of frustration with rust. “I really enjoy working on vehicles, and rust was always frustrating to deal with, repairing, replacing parts, and taking enormous amounts of time. Paint and washing never worked,” he recalls. “It appeared to just be wasted time and effort, and paint requires constant touch-ups and preparation time and chemicals.”

Beginning back in 2016, Justin started researching different rust solutions and products and tested three products that were unconventional non-drying products. “They worked incredibly at stopping rust and preventing new rust—and it was relatively affordable compared to repairing the damage rust caused,” he says.

At North Idaho Undercoating, their team of specialists apply a non-drying, non-toxic and non-hazardous rustproofing undercoating primarily made of lanolin to the undercarriage of cars, trucks, trailers and equipment—stopping existing rust from progressing while preventing new rust from forming.

“Rust never stops, and you can’t really win against Mother Nature,” Justin admits, “so applying a product that soaks into the pores of the metal has major advantages over hard coatings like paint. If it’s scratched, it will self-heal after some time due to the coating never drying. In warmer weather, it also creeps like an oil, soaking into seam welds, hard-to-reach areas and protecting from the inside out.”

With the rising cost of vehicles, parts, delays in shipments, Justin saw that it all added up, which can become overwhelming for the average vehicle owner, as well as automotive enthusiasts, trying to preserve a vehicle for sentimental, professional and hobby use.

Whereas hard coatings chip and crack, and rubberized products trap moisture in the metal, accelerating corrosion, the non-drying alternative is truly a game-changer. Plus, it’s environmentally friendly—which is important to Justin, as he is an avid outdoorsman and wants to do his part in preserving North Idaho’s beauty.

Justin enjoys helping his customers understand his product and service, how it works, and talking about the history of lanolin and its use in other industries. “Everything from cosmetics, dermatology, and skin and makeup products, even the hand cleaning wipes I use at our facility has lanolin,” according to Justin. “Some of the earliest records of lanolin or wool grease is with the Vikings. They applied it to their sails to prevent them from rotting and to waterproof them.”

Justin works with every customer to ensure they create a plan that both protects the customer’s vehicle(s) and is affordable. “They have expenses like everyone else, and I help them ensure their investments in a vehicle just last longer,” he says. “I always encourage customers to understand that undercoating is a maintenance program, just like changing the oil, replacing filters and tires. The bulk of the vehicle will not need to be coated again due to its very viscous (thick quality), but high wash areas like the front suspension and fender areas will need to be touched up.”

He credits the success of his business to a variety of reasons, but most importantly, his customers. “My customers deserve a lot of credit,” he smiles. “When you solve a problem for them, and genuinely care,

they tell others. It’s what I do when I have good experiences with other businesses and what they do from the service I try my best to provide.”

Justin enjoys the opportunity to be able to meet people and help them, from locals, newcomers, business owners, collectors—”just everyday people trying to make a living and have some part in making their lives a little easier by helping their vehicles last longer.”

He is proud to call Sandpoint—the place he was born and raised—home. He joined the military after graduating from Sandpoint High School in 2008 but found his way back home with his wife Stephanie in 2018. He is actively involved with his church through facilitating a men’s group and assisting with middle/high school kids. Justin and Stephanie have also worked with local animal shelters, as well as businesses for fundraisers for first responders. “As a veteran, I am very focused on giving back,” Justin shares.

Got rust? Then it’s time to schedule an appointment with Justin at North Idaho Undercoating. Serving Bonner, Boundary and Kootenai counties, he invites you to call or email him today.

our friends of THE

LIBRARY

It was 1989 when Jim Clarke inspired the creation of Friends of the Library (FOL). He enlisted the help of his wife, Judith Clarke, along with Pat Stevens, Phyllis Burwell, Gloria Ray, Dick Wolf and Jeff Johnson (who would become the organization’s first president).

“Jim was a strong patron of the library at the time, with friendships among the staff working [there],” shares Julie Smith, FOL president. “As a legally blind individual, he utilized the library and became inspired to form an organization of volunteers who could support the library. His wife, Judith, joined him in this pursuit.”

Friends of the Library is a 501c3 organization, and the group serves as library advocates, raises and provides funding for projects that are not normally within the scope of the library operating budget, provides volunteer assistance with library programming, and otherwise promotes library services.

“The Friends of the Library functions as an adjunct in how it supports the library through its book sales and events,” says Pam Webb, FOL member-at-large. “The FOL promotes the library’s mission to meet community needs by serving as ambassadors of the library through its offered programs and events.”

The primary purpose of the Friends of the East Bonner County Library shall be: to maintain an association of person’s interested in libraries, to focus public attention on the library, to stimulate the use of the library’s resources and services, to receive and support and cooperate with the library in developing library services and facilities for the community and to support the freedom to read as expressed in the American Library Bill of Rights.

Today, Friends of the Library has 101 members! When joining FOL, members may choose a lifetime membership or an annual designation, according to Julie. “Our membership year runs January 1 to December 31, so we are actively inviting new members and processing renewals.”

by JILLIAN CHANDLER

Those interested in becoming a member can fill out a membership form, found in the membership brochure on the kiosk in the library lobby. When filling out the membership form, members can select several areas for involvement: book sorting, book sales, hospitality, publicity, program development or serving on the board—many of these activities require only a once-amonth commitment.

Each month, FOL holds its Used Book Sale—with these book sales being their primary fundraiser and service to the community. “The monthly book sale is a treasure trove of reading choices, listening choices for music or books, or viewing choices of all sorts of movies and documentaries!” Julie affirms. “Each month the sale offers different choices among the various reading

SUPPORTING EAST BONNER COUNTY LIBRARY AND SHARING THE LOVE OF READING WITH THE COMMUNITY

THE BARBER SHOP Revolution

WE AREN’T YOUR GRANDPA’S BARBER SHOP. We aren’t a trendy, hipster barber shop either. We are a team of highly trained and skilled barbers and cosmetologists ready to tackle any haircut on any head. From buzzcuts to fades, undercuts and flat tops, to shaves and beard trims, we have you covered. Discounts for veterans, first responders, kids and seniors.

genres or media items. The discovery of this new item that a shopper may be interested in is delightful to see. Which leads to the fact that just the experience of browsing and shopping at the Used Book Sale is a time of pleasure, exploration and, hopefully, discovery of an item that must be purchased. The atmosphere is welcoming, the ‘weather’ inside is warm, and when finished with the sale just a few more steps can take a person into the library for another wonderful experience!”

As Irene Adler, Book Sale chair, adds, “FOL receives books, DVDs, CDs and audio books from the library as they cull their various collections … to make room for new inventory, but it mainly helps to keep their collections fresh, with choices that members of the public are interested in checking out.”

These items are then sold at at extremely affordable prices—$1 for hardback books, $.50 for paperbacks, half price for children’s books, along with some books that are specially priced. “Putting books into the hands of the community has been a constant purpose/theme for FOL and its members,” Irene states.

Members of the community are also welcome to donate items for the sale, some of which may be added to the library’s collection. All materials must be in good condition, clean, dry and mold-free. The library currently accepts three boxes of donations at a time. Accepted items are books (hardback, paperback, children’s), audiobook and music CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray, as well as video games. Financial donations are also gratefully accepted.

“Creating this monthly event offers the community an opportunity to financially support their library,” smiles Julie. Approximately $750 is raised each month from the sale. “Primarily our money is donated back to the library in our matching grants each December. In 2021, we were able to offer $3,500 to be matched by the community and in 2022 the offer was $5,000. That grant was matched by our community to around $18,000.”

Donated books also support The Native Plant Society’s library; several “Little Libraries”; the Juvenile Detention Center and county jail; smaller private schools with non-fiction educational sets that have been weeded; assorted books to the Assisted Living Centers; and various schools throughout the community. “This past fall, our program contributions funded 10 wireless hotspots at $120 each for three years. the Library of Things $3,000, a yearly staff monetary gift, and new flight controls for the flight simulator,” according to Julie.

Not only does attending the book sale support the library through your purchases, Julie adds that one of the greatest benefits is that of the community, meeting up with friends and fellow readers. “The Friends of the Library is more than the monthly book sales,” she says. “Programs and events that benefit and enable the library to reach out to community members is also a vital aspect of FOL. There is also the camaraderie within the group, as we create friendships out of our love for reading, books, and getting books into the hands of others.”

FOL’s Monthly Used Book Sale is held 10am to 2pm the first Saturday of the month, with upcoming 2023 sales as follows: March 4, April 1, May 6, June 3, July 1, August 5, September 2, October 7, November 4 and December 6.

Mark your calendars for March 14, Pi Day, as the Friends of the Library will host a Koffee Klatch in the East Bonner County Library Community

“A LIBRARY CARD IS A LIFELONG PASSPORT TO EXPLORING THE NEW AND ADDING ON TO THE KNOWN."

Rooms, where local book club members and reading enthusiasts are invited to share their favorite reads with other like-minded readers. There will also be opportunities to discuss books in breakout genre discussion groups. In recognition of Women’s History Month, there will be a display table of current women authors.

“The library is a place of community, as well as a place of multiple resources not easily obtained through streaming and electronic access,” affirms Pam. “The library is beyond books in scope. DVDs, video games, audio books, newspapers, magazines—they are free to check out and enjoy. The library gives back to the community and is community-centered in its approach.”

The East Bonner County Library has a variety of other services it provides to the community: the seed catalog and Wi-Fi hotspots; a computer lab and a 3D printer; a Lifelong Learning Center—where youth and adults have access to tutors for school subjects and technology tutoring for those needing assistance with smartphones, tablets, and other technology. In addition, the library offers meeting space for nonprofit groups, a teen space and children’s programs.

If you or your child has yet to secure a library card of your own, there’s no time like the present. “A library card is a lifelong passport to exploring the new and adding on to the known,” smiles Pam. “A library card helps children become independent and helps them to learn about responsibility, providing them the opportunity of selecting for themselves books that spark their imaginations and interests, promoting lifelong reading skills. It opens up a world beyond Sandpoint.”

Show your support to our local library and our Friends of the Library by attending an upcoming Used Book Sale, signing up to become a member, or donating those books and items you and your children have outgrown that will become a new treasure for a reader in our community.

Friends of the Library's Founding Members

REAL ESTATE SANDPOINT, IDAHO

If you’re looking to buy or sell, making sure the right advocate is working for you is more important than ever—so is maintaining our community and preserving the qualities that make Sandpoint, Idaho, such an incredible place to live. With resumes that include careers such as lawyers and psychologists, our dedicated team brings an extra level of professionalism to the table. We pride ourselves in our ability to negotiate and advocate on behalf of our clients, to make sure you are getting the best deal possible, whether you are buying or selling property. Contact us for your real estate needs, and discover why we’ve earned all 5-star ratings!

Louis Lane, Sandpoint

Bed, 2 Bath, 1428 sqft

Schweitzer Mountain, Lot 4A Tall Timber Panoramic Mountain View, .38 Acres, Water Hookup Included

AVOID THESE 5 PITFALLS

WHEN SELLING YOUR HOME

Maximize your profit and minimize your stress

by BEN GEANETTA, REALTOR®, TEAM LEAD

It’s that time of year again—the selling season has arrived. Typically, March marks the beginning of the housing market’s busy season as the snow melts and spring break nears for many potential buyers. However, this year will be different from the past two, as sellers will need to put more effort to prepare their homes for showings.

If you recall, only a year ago, just a mere whisper of a seller putting their house on the market would result in 20 offers, with 19 above asking price, and one offer including the seller’s firstborn child at the asking price.

The current market is more challenging, as it has shifted toward a more natural state. To ensure a successful and seamless transaction, preparation and presentation will play a crucial role.

As you prepare to sell your house in 2023, there are a few things that you should and shouldn't be doing.

1.Don’t turn off the utilities. To ensure a smooth and seamless transaction, it’s imperative to leave the utilities on until the ownership is transferred. This can prevent unwanted surprises and unexpected disruptions during the showing and inspection process. Imagine walking into a home only to find it is too cold or too dark to properly assess its features. This can quickly spoil the excitement of buying a new home and cause stress for both the buyer and the seller. On the other hand, if the utilities have been turned off prior to the inspection, it can cause delays in the purchase process as arrangements need to be made to have the utilities turned back on and the inspector rescheduled for another visit.

2.Do repairs and deferred maintenance.. The second thing you shouldn’t do when selling your home in 2023, ignoring those nagging deferred maintenance and repairs. Neglecting these repairs sends a message to buyers that your house hasn’t been well-kept, and it could dampen their confidence in making an offer.

Fear not, a little elbow grease can work wonders! Spruce up your space by addressing those minor repairs and giving it a fresh coat of paint. While you’re at it, make sure all your light bulbs are functioning and the same color tone. These simple and inexpensive improvements can instantly boost your home’s appeal.

3.Do depersonalize and declutter. As you prepare to sell your home, now is a great opportunity to get a head start on packing and decluttering. You can begin by filling your closets and garage with boxes. Also assess the items you have in your home. Do you really want to transport all the furniture that will be susceptible to damage during the move? This is an ideal time to purge your space and let go of items that have accumulated over the years. By doing so, not only will your home show better in photos, but it will also create a more appealing atmosphere for perspective buyers.

4.Don’t be stubborn and difficult. To maximize your chances of selling your home, it's important to be flexible when it comes to showings. Having potential buyers visit your home is essential; simply viewing online photos is not enough. It's like windowshopping and rarely leads to a sale.

Buyers usually visit three to five homes in one day, so the time slot they are requesting might already be part of their tour schedule. Additionally, there's a high chance that they are visiting from out of town, and this is their only opportunity to see your house. By being

accommodating and flexible, you may increase your chances of securing the best offer and terms. Enduring a bit of inconvenience could pay off in the end.

5.Don’t have a price hangover.. Lastly, don't overlook the significance of market conditions. It's crucial to stay informed about the local real estate market and adjust your selling strategy accordingly. Avoid the temptation to generalize national trends to the local market or to your specific property, as the conditions may be vastly different. This is especially true in North Idaho, where each property is unique and the market is highly localized.

As a resort town, Sandpoint is highly desirable and attracts many buyers. The interplay of supply and demand will influence the real estate market, and it's important to be aware of these trends. To ensure that you're making informed decisions, have your real estate agent analyze the market data from August 2022 to present. And please don’t have a price hangover from the wildness of the COVID period. Overpricing your property could lead to frustration, as potential buyers will simply window-shop and walk on by.

As a resort town, Sandpoint is highly desirable and attracts many buyers.

MARKET REPORT

Market Snapshot

courtesy of BEN GEANETTA, REALTOR®, TEAM LEAD

THE MEDIAN HOME SALE PRICE IN THE THREE NORTHERN COUNTIES OF IDAHO HAVE REMAINED RELATIVELY STABLE OVER THE PAST SIX MONTHS. As inflation improves, mortgage rates have too. With the mainstream media, such as the Wall Street Journal, starting to take notice, it is expected home buyers will reenter the housing market facing more competition than in previous months. Now is the time to team up with the best real estate agent and lender for you to ensure you’re in the best position to make a home purchase.

Are you curious about current real estate trends in Sandpoint, Idaho? See page 32!

Elevating a Step

Adorable and well-maintained bungalow in the prestigious Dover Bay community! This stylish space comes beautifully furnished and sleeps up to 5 guests, with 1 bedroom, 1 bath plus an open loft that functions as a second bedroom. Many updates have been completed throughout, including newer waterproof LVP flooring, new fireplace gas insert, and new appliances. No matter the season, this bungalow will wrap you up in cozy comfort. Located just 5 minutes from Sandpoint and connected by an off-street bike path, Dover Bay is situated on 285 acres on the shores of the Pend Oreille River. With over 9 miles of walking trails through nature preserves and along waterfront vistas, Dover Bay includes 150 acres of park areas, an exceptional community beach, a 274-slip marina, boat launch, the DISH restaurant with riverside dining, a fitness club, a heated outdoor swimming pool, and more. Within a 30-minute drive of Schweitzer Ski Village, Dover Bay is an exceptional place to call home year-round!

MAKING YOUR HOUSE MEMORABLE THROUGH

208.266.6900

Scan for more information!

234 POMRANKEY LN, DOVER BAY

Above the Rest

TIPS FOR NAVIGATING THIS HOUSING MARKET:

As we approach spring 2023, the real estate market is beginning to stir from a slumber that began in the summer of 2022. Although this is a typical seasonal pattern, mortgage rates are also starting to gradually climb back into the 5% range. However, there are indications that rates could potentially drop even further, possibly dipping into the high 4% range. As you navigate through the dynamic real estate market, it’s crucial for your unique needs, objectives, and timeline to be carefully considered and addressed.

EXCEPTIONAL

Scan to learn more!

My top recommendation is to hire a full-time local real estate expert who possesses a deep understanding of the market and can create a personalized plan that caters to your unique circumstances. If you are selling your property, it’s essential to scrutinize the REALTOR®’s past listings’, their marketing startegies, services, and also request their specific strategy for selling your home. For buyers, it’s crucial to engage a real estate agent who actively listens to what you want, has established connections with reputable lenders, title companies, and vendors with a proven track record of working hard for others.

TRENDS

Data collected from Movoto.com

CALENDAR CALENDAR

MARCH 2023

THE FOLLIES: SUPER SWEET SIXTEEN

MARCH 3-4

The Follies, Angels Over Sandpoint's signature fundraiser, returns to the Panida Theater March 3 and 4. This year's theme for the audience is an '80s-inspired "Super Sweet Sixteen." Be prepared for a fun experience like no other, as the event features some of Sandpoint's best in talent. Funds raised from The Follies allows Angels Over Sandpoint to continue their mission of helping those in need in our community. Both nights, doors open at 7pm, with the show starting at 8pm. Tickets are $30 and are available at Eichardt's or online at EventBrite.com.

MEGADEMO DAY

MARCH 4

Ski and snowboard representatives will be bringing gear for the 2023-2024 season for you to try before anyone else. With at least 20 brands represented with over 400 pairs of skis and boards, you get to be the gear tester and let all your friends know what great things are happening next year! The best part is that 100 percent of the proceeds will go directly to the Panhandle Alliance for Education. Your ticket grants you access to the demo area, where you can shop around, talk to reps and pick out the ski or board that you would like to try. Tickets are priced $60 to $135 and can be purchased on EventBrite.com. The event takes place from 7:30am to 2:30pm. The silent auction ends, and raffles drawn, at 3pm at the demo area.

2,400 FEET OF SCHWEITZER

MARCH 25

Don't miss this fundraising event on Saturday, March 25. The Giant Slalom course begins at the Sky House lodge at the summit of Schweitzer and finishes at the Outback lodge at the base of the mountain, 2,400 vertical feet and nearly 2 ½ miles of skiing. Teams will ski and ride for prizes, bragging rights and, most importantly, fundraising for cystinosis research. The race kicks off at 7am. The day also includes a barbecue lunch at the Mountain View patio at 10:30am, followed by awards, and at the end of the day, enjoy an Après Ski Party in Taps. Additional details can be found at 24HoursforHank.org.

RED RIDING HOOD

MARCH 25

Missoula Children's Theatre presents Red Riding Hood at The Panida Theater on Saturday, March 25, offering two opportunities to see the show, at 1 and 4pm (doors open one hour prior to each show). The ever-popular community theater event casts a host of local children for this local production of the fairytale classic; auditions take place 3:30 to 5:30pm March 20 at Forrest Bird Charter School, with approximately 50 to 60 roles available for local students grades kindergarten through 12th. Tickets to the show are priced $5 for children and $15 for adults, and can be purchased online at ArtinSandpoint.org/mct.

*Please note, as of press time, these events were still scheduled to take place as planned. Be sure to visit event websites to stay up to date with current information.

GET READY TO BE INSPIRED!

NIBCA HOME & GARDEN SHOW COMES TO THE FAIRGROUNDS

by JILLIAN CHANDLER

Say goodbye to winter and welcome spring by attending the Home & Garden Show, with 2023 marking the inaugural year of NIBCA's Home & Garden Show here in Sandpoint. “We worked with National to include Bonner County into our territory and were granted this last year,” shares Emily Bradley, executive officer for the North Idaho Building Contractors Association (NIBCA).

From beautiful landscaped gardens and plants to home improvement contractors, there is something for everyone, as the show brings homeowners together with the area's top building experts and remodelers, who will be on hand to share their valuable knowledge that will bring your ideas to life ... or inspire new ones.

At the Home & Garden Show, where all are invited to attend, attendees can expect face-to-face interaction with professionals who can assist you with your home service and improvement needs. “We will have an education stage to give tips on home financing, remodel, safety and improvement,” says Emily.

Emily says the highlight of the weekend for those who attend is having the opportunity to meet the people who could potentially be working on

your home. “It helps build trust and lifelong friendships with members of the community,” she smiles.

When it comes to what NIBCA hopes attendees will walk away with after attending the Home & Garden Show, Emily affirms it’s the contacts they’ll make. “When planning a large renovation, or repair, it’s important to do your homework on quality, professionalism and experience. This event allows for those connections to be made.”

Though the event is free to attend, they are asking those in attendance to donate non-perishable food items to benefit the local food bank.

The NIBCA is an advocacy group that hosts local events, and The Home & Garden show features NIBCA’s Associate members—those who support builders from lending/real estate to the trades such as plumbing, electrical, painting, and much more. “This assists us in our mission of protecting and promoting the building industry in North Idaho,” says Emily.

Show dates and hours are 10am to 6pm April 1 and 10am to 4pm April 2. For additional details, visit NIBCA.com/nibca-home-and-garden-show.

Celebrating National and Local Women

fact LOCAL

On March 8, the world celebrates women, and Bonner County owes so much to the brave, creative, intelligent women that settled and grew with it. One woman to be recognized is Nell K. Irion. She was born in 1889 and moved to Sandpoint in 1906. She earned herself “the first woman” designation for several local and federal positions. She was the first woman to become the county's school superintendent, and about 10 years later the first woman to serve on the Sandpoint City Council. Around the same time, in the 1920s, her talents expanded nationally, as she was the first woman nominated from Idaho to run for U.S. Congress. This was an uncommon honor considering it was in 1917, just a few years before Nell’s nomination, that the first woman ever served in the U.S. Congress. So many women made lasting impressions and changes in Bonner County and set the stage for the women of today. We owe them our gratitude.

Portrait of Nell K. Irion. Courtesy of the Bonner County Historical Society, donor unknown.

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THINGS TO DO

Sandpoint SummerFest

Eureka-Institute.org/sandpointsummerfest.html

Schweitzer Fall Fest Schweitzer.com

The Idaho Club TheIdahoClub.com

Sandpoint Elks Golf Course -

Geo Hali Sandpoint Helicopter Charters

Go Fish! Charters

Lake Pend Oreille Cruises

Bottle Bay Resort & Marina

GeoHeliSpokane.com

GoFishCharters.org

LakePendOreilleCruises.com

BottleBayResort.com

Dover Bay Resort DoverBayIdaho.com

Sandpoint Marina SandpointWaterfront.com

Western Pleasure Guest Ranch

Action Water Sports

Sandpoint Watercraft Rentals

Sandpoint Watersports

TOP 10 ACTIVITIES

Take

Sandpoint is home to four great breweries. Bike to each, or take a walking tour: Matchood Brewing Co., Utara BrewingCo., MickDuff’s Brewing Co., Laughing Dog Brewing.

Spend

WesternPleasureRanch.com

ActionWaterSportsLessons.com

SandpointWaterCraftRentals.com

SandpointWatersports.com

Enjoy fun in the sun at the sandy, grassy downtown public beach on the lake. SandpointIdaho.gov

Shop the Sandpoint Shopping District

Explore the many unique shops in charming downtown. DowntownSandpoint.com

Drive The Pend Oreille Scenic Byway

Experience some of North Idaho’s most scenic views along this 33.4-mile drive.

VisitIdaho.org/things-to-do/scenic-byways-backcountrydrives/pend-oreille-scenic-byway

Relax with a Spa Day

Visit the Wildflower Spa at Seasons Resort or Highlands North Day Spa for a day of rejuvenation.

TheWildflowerDaySpa.com

| HighlandsNorthDaySpa.com

Explore Local Galleries

Walk the downtown and stop in at several local galleries to enjoy local and regional art.

Stop in Cedar Street Bridge

Explore various shops and restaurants in the downtown bridge spanning Sand Creek. CedarStreetBridge.com

Do a Tasting at the Local Winery

Enjoy local sips from Pend d’Oreille Winery. POWine.com

Gain Even More Momentum in 2023!

Momentum now offers open gym time to members only from 5-9am & 2-7pm, Monday-Friday + all day on Saturday & Sunday, so you can work out whenever it suits your schedule.

Sign up for the gym membership and add the optional Momentum massage service to gain even more health benefits for you.

You'll have access to daily workouts, special classes and other specials as part of our membership program. It's a great year to live your best life and gain YOUR MOMENTUM!

Barrel 33’s march calendar

LOCAL EATS

photo taken by Colton Moore

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