Sandpoint Magazine Winter 2013

M A G A Z I N E

BOUNDLESS BACKCOUNTRY 3 TRIPS TO GET WAY OUT THERE Small Town,

BIG IDEAS Entrepreneurs take root

Interview with Outside Senior Editor Grayson Schaffer, Sandpoint as College Town, Nordic Ski Explosion, Artist Nan Cooper, Schweitzer Goes Techie, Backcountry Backyard Photo Essay, Old-Time Architecture, Calendars, Dining, Real Estate â&#x20AC;Ś and so much more

WINTER 2013

SANDPOINT

CindyBondWin13SptMag_Layout 1 10/3/12 10:34 PM Page 1

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www.CindyBond.com Please visit my website to view a showcase of FEATURED LUXURY PROPERTIES including waterfront, acreage, resort properties and more! Serving all of North Idaho.

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Cindy Bond Associate Broker, Owner, GRI, CRS

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208.255.8360 | Cindy.Bond@SothebysRealty.com | 200 Main | Sandpoint © MMVII Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Claude Monet’s “Red Boats at Argenteuil,” used with permission. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a licensed trademark to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Inc. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated, Except Offices Owned And Operated By NRT Incorporated. Sandpoint office: 208-263-5101, 200 Main Street, Sandpoint, ID 83864.

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For recorded information or to speak to the listing agent, call 208.449.0071 and use the 5-digit property code.

Beautiful Lake Pend Oreille and mountain views from 5 acre parcel at Ravenwood Estates, within minutes of downtown Sandpoint. All utilities available for your new home. Private well and septic installed, CCR’s apply. $238,000 #11721 | Susan Moon 208.290.5037

Gorgeous Lake Pend Oreille & mountain views in Hope. Holiday Shores Upper floor condo, 1,300 SF, 2 bedroom + loft, 2 baths, sleeps 8. Fully furnished. Close to 3 marinas & restaurants. $349,900. #11411 | Susan Moon 208.290.5037

Immaculate custom log home. Using old world craftsmanship this 4 bedroom, 3 bath home will delight all. Spacious loft, hand made doors and trim, huge shop with living quarters, barn with water/power all on over 13 acres for only $424,900. #16861 | Allan Knight 208.659.6434

This absolutely stunning property features a nearly 4,000 sq ft home built with the finest craftsmanship, a huge shop, 14.5 acres and the most amazing river & mountain views imaginable. The owner will carry a contract. $499,000. #12601 | Beth 208.610.5858

2880 sq. ft. home on 15 acres with mature trees, seasonal creek, and agricultural land with potential for farming and horses. Newer 3 bed, 2 bath house has large deck, covered porches, oversized 2-car garage, barn, 3 shops, gazebo, and sizable woodshed. Country privacy only 5 miles from town. | Beth Hall 208.610.5858

Panoramic lake and mountain views from this peaceful end of the road waterfront home. Immaculate home perched above Lake Pend Oreille. Dock w/boat slip on 100 feet of frontage, state of the art tram system. 3-car garage/shop w/ lake view. Private Glengary community. #10641 | Bill Schaudt 208.255.6172

KootenaiValleyViews.com – Breathtaking panoramic views! Premium quality custom cedar • 5 acres • 2,528 square feet • Main floor master • Gourmet kitchen • Additional acreage #11231 | Karen Battenschlag 208.610.4299

Approx 2000 ft of Pack River frontage and end of road on 45 acres. Peaceful & private w/sandy beaches & trail system w/remnants of historic trail from Gold Rush days. Well-built cabin w/mtn views & matching workshop/studio. Close to town. Easy access all year round. $369,000. #12781 | Linda Tolley 208.561.1234

High quality commercial building with excellent traffic exposure on Hwy 2 West. 6,634 SF with 2 story building, hydraulic elevator, log entrance, fully leased. Financials available upon request. Ample paved parking area. $900,000 #10361 | Mickie Caswell 208.290.5116

Beautiful WATERFRONT lot with clear, pristine water. This parcel offers spectacular water frontage on the Pend Oreille River. The mature trees provide privacy and shade. Power and community water already installed on the land. Recreational use ok with the CCR’s. #11651 | Carrie LaGrace 208.290.1965

Very private RIVERFRONT log home with 150’ frontage with a dock. Over 2800 square feet and only 10 minutes to town. Seller asks $575,000. #10421 | Carrie LaGrace 208.290.1965

Lake Pend Oreille WATERFRONT Log Home with 153’ frontage and dock. This in-town home is surrounded by mature evergreen trees for privacy on 1.36 acres. Seller asks $495,000 #12831 | Carrie LaGrace 208.290.1965

© MMVII Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Claude Monet’s “Red Boats at Argenteuil,” used with permission. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a licensed trademark to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Inc. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated, Except Offices Owned And Operated By NRT Incorporated. Sandpoint office: 208-263-5101, 200 Main Street, Sandpoint, ID 83864.

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coNTENTs SA N DPOI NT MAGAZINE Winter 2013, Vo l. 23, No . 1

FEATUREs

62 Cover Story: Backcountry 3 Ways

Terrific trips to Roman Nose, Caribou Mountain and the Wild West Side

31 Sandpoint, College Town

NIC’s move to downtown helps fulfill destiny to become a college town

33 Making the Town Tick

Behind the scenes with Carol Deaner, Sandpoint Arts Commission chairperson

35 Safe and Sound

Kinderhaven group shelter nurtures, helps raise children in crisis

37 Knowing Nan Cooper Multifaceted artist thrives in sharing 40 Small Town, Big Ideas

The story of entrepreneurs Allen Mangum, Elizabeth Turley and Charles Manning

47 The Show Goes On

Theater scene: Sandpoint Onstage, 7B Productions, POAC rack up successes

55 Nordic Explosion Sport growing, evolving in the region as Selle Valley ranchers jump on board

59 Times, They Are a Changin’

Skiers, boarders, Schweitzer dialed into technology

DEPARTMENTS

Almanac Who, What and Why in Greater sandpoint Calendar With Hot Picks and PoAc calendar Interview Grayson schaffer, outside magazine senior editor Photo Essay Backcountry Backyard Real Estate High-Performance Homes: Good sense, technology drive smart trend Historic Architecture: Modern American with classic tradition Restoring Sacred Space: Former church to become lively community center Marketwatch: Sales are up ... and that’s a good thing, right? WINTER 2013

10 21 25 68 72 72 77 81 82

Natives & Newcomers Winter Guide Lodging Eats & Drinks Dining Guide Sandpoint of View

85 90 97 99 106 114

On the cover: Sandpoint native and relative newcomer to photography, Nikki Anderson, 27, captured Tahoe, Calif., native and Sandpoint transplant Jessy Earle, 26, on the outskirts of Schweitzer last season. Launching from the resort is just one way snowsports enthusiasts may access the boundless backcountry. See cover story, page 62. Top: Scotchman Peak is photographer Jim Mellen’s “Backcountry Backyard,” the theme of this issue’s photo essay. See page 68. Above: Nan Cooper, inspired by the morning light and ground mist off Wrenco Loop, painted “6:30 August.” See more, page 37. SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

ConTRiBuToRs editor’s note You could say inspiration is the theme of this issue, starting with the inspiration skiers and boarders get in the backcountry. More and more snow junkies are seeking out fresh lines away from developed slopes. Two of them, Bob Legasa and Matt Gillis – veritable skiing celebrities in northern Idaho – write about exploring the Selkirks backcountry three ways: by snowmobile at Roman Nose, via a backcountry ski lodge at Caribou Mountain and by snowcat on the west side of Schweitzer. If that doesn’t motivate you to take up backcountry skiing, then maybe our coverage of the exploding Nordic skiing scene will lead you to don skinny skis. Zach Hagadone’s feature on three local entrepreneurs may, likewise, inspire you to launch a startup company. They are inspirational people indeed, those entrepreneurs, and so is Carol Deaner, who is “all things art” in Sandpoint and the subject of this issue’s “Making the Town Tick.” Another inspirational story is Beth Hawkins’ feature on Kinderhaven, a group shelter for children. One former resident is now grown up and helping families herself. Artist Nan Cooper has made a life in art and shares her immense talent by mentoring and teaching others. Her gentle, quirky, animal-loving spirit is inspirational to me and to my mom, one of her best friends. By the way, one of my best friends inspired me to go skijoring again last year – and I came in last place, again. For the third annual Sandpoint Skijoring, I may try riding my horse instead of skiing behind a horse. May you, too, find inspiration this winter. – B.J.G. 8

SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

Bob Legasa

took his skiing passion to the next level when he became a professional freestyle skier more than 35 years ago. Having spent thousands of days on skis, Legasa’s cup overflows with out-of-the-ordinary ski travels. Besides the 45-foot-tall ski jump in the 1989 Rose Parade, he has had plenty of insanely deep powder ski adventures with like-minded friends. He writes about one of them – the “Roman Nose Redneck Rendezvous” following last year’s epic Selkirk winter – in “Backcountry 3 Ways,” page 62.

Matt Gillis

Rookie writer has spent 15 years enjoying all the perks of life in Sandpoint. In recent years, when fresh tracks are lacking within Schweitzer’s boundaries, Gillis can be found in the 7B backcountry. He describes his newfound passion, backcountry skiing, as “amazing,” “rewarding,” “exciting” and “a guaranteed adventure!” He hopes that through his contributions to the cover feature, “Backcountry 3 Ways,” page 62, readers will be able to understand his passion and one day join in the fun.

Zach Hagadone

is a longtime regional journalist who used to be an entrepreneur – as copublisher of the Sandpoint Reader newspaper from 2004-2012. He wrote about three of the area’s up-and-coming entrepreneurs for this issue in “Small Town, Big Ideas,” page 40. He has also dabbled in dramatics, writing about the theater scene for last winter’s issue, and reprising his role with an update on theatrical goings on in this issue (“The Show Goes On,” page 47). Hagadone is also a proud new papa. Sandpoint Magazine is published twice yearly, in May and November, by Keokee Co. Publishing, Inc., 405 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864. Phone: 208-263-3573 E-mail: inbox@keokee.com Publisher Chris Bessler Editor Billie Jean Gerke Assistant Editor Beth Hawkins Advertising Director Clint Nicholson Art Director Laura Wahl Ad Design/Production Ben Robinson Office Manager Beth Acker

WINTER 2013

Contributors Ralph Bartholdt, Sandy Compton, Erica Curless, Trish Gannon, Matt Gillis, Zach Hagadone, Cate Huisman, Jennifer Lamont Leo, Bob Legasa, Heather McElwain and Carrie Scozzaro ©2013 by Keokee Co. Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Subscriptions: $12 per year. www.SandpointMagazine.com. Printed in USA. BACKGROUND PHOTO By BOB LEGASA

(208)255.1962 255.1962 (208) 308 First Avenue 308 N.N. First Avenue Sandpoint, 83864 Sandpoint, IDID 83864

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Museum debuts at a creek near you Stephen Drinkard, left, and Dann Hall amid the outdoor museum erected along the Sand Creek boardwalk. PHOTOS By BILLIE JEAN GERKE

andpoint has a new museum – and it’s all outdoors. The City of Sandpoint completed the Sand Creek boardwalk in 2012 and turned a handicapped ramp and railing into a historical showcase for downtown’s scenic waterway. Erected late last summer, the project consists of an overview sign, two massive panoramic photos, circa 1909 and 1912, and a series of 12 photos covering the creek’s history from 1900 to the present. Examples include a 1906 Dick Himes photo of Humbird Mill and a Ross Hall image of the last Indian stick game played in Sandpoint, in 1931. The city’s former project coordinator, Stephen Drinkard, says the idea popped into his head to use historic photos to create a point of attraction at the north end of the 1,000-foot-long boardwalk. “It’s an opportunity to say there’s some remarkable things in history that happened on the creek,” Drinkard said. “It adds a vertical dimension to town.” The city’s Historic Preservation Commission, and particularly its chairman, Dann Hall, seized the opportunity. “We thought it was a great idea, and I was eager to contribute because of my position on the board and my access to the Ross Hall Collection,” said Hall, who curates the vast photographic collection mostly taken by his father beginning in the 1930s. The outdoor museum is perfectly situated between two bridges over Sand Creek – reminders of history that add another depth of understanding, according to Drinkard. Phase I of the boardwalk in 2000 came about because of Ralph Sletager, a local businessman who owned both The Old Power House and Gunning’s Alley at the time. He had commissioned a plan for a

SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

WINTER 2013

boardwalk and applied for a permit to connect The Old Power House and Cedar Street Bridge. After seeing the drawings and discussing them with Sletager, Drinkard applied for and won a $100,000 grant from Idaho Parks and Recreation Waterways (IPRW). “Stephen did a really good job of corralling a lot of different landowners (to secure riparian rights). Each of those people deserves credit. They caught the vision to see what could happen there,” Sletager said. He is pleased whenever he sees folks on the boardwalk or watercraft on Sand Creek, as it draws people into the downtown core on what had been an underutilized asset. “What distinguishes Sandpoint from other towns in the Rocky Mountains is our con connection to the lake,” Sletager said. Phase II of the boardwalk from Bridge Street to Main was funded by a $250,000 grant from Sandpoint Urban Renewal Agency and an additional $60,000 IPRW grant. Benches, trees, lighting, a kayak dock and the history project face the Sand Creek Byway and its adjacent path that opened July 27, 2012. Ransom Weller of Mountain Metal Works, who fabricated the metal and installed all the Sand Creek history panels, summed it up nicely: “It adds some life to this concrete-and-metal jungle.” Sletager, meantime, keeps envisioning greater potential for Sand Creek, such as a floating performance stage. That certainly would add even more life to Sandpoint’s already vibrant waterfront. –Billie Jean Gerke

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Invasion of the snow bikes

f you’re looking for an exciting wintertime adventure, and want a good workout to boot, check out the latest craze at Schweitzer Mountain Resort: snow bikes. They look a lot like regular mountain bikes, except for the intentionally flat, fat tires that help keep the snow bike from sinking into the snow. (While a mountain bike tire is filled with 25 to 40 pounds of air pressure, a snow bike tire is filled with just 7 to 10 pounds). The tires resemble motorcycle tires, and the bikes are a little heavier in weight than a regular mountain bike. According to Jon Harding, Schweitzer Mountain Resort’s retail and rental manager, the snow bikes won’t be ridden on the downhill runs; instead, riders will access the resort’s snow-packed cross-country ski trails, although the exact routes hadn’t been determined by press time. The fleet consists of two Surly Pugsley snow bikes available for rent at the Ski and Ride Center. Cost is estimated to be around $30 for two hours; that includes some staff instruction, plus key tips and tricks. There’s no chairlift to climb on, but folks who are in ski-worthy physical shape should have a good endurance level for the snow bikes. “It’s a good workout,” said Harding, who tried one out last winter. Jacob Styer rode a Pugsley last winter, and is a fan of the snow bikes. “I’m excited about hitting the trails at Schweitzer,” he said. “The bike is really fun to ride, and the recreational riding possibilities are virtually endless.” Styer used his bike over the summer, as well: “It’s really transformed North Idaho’s year-round biking potential.” The new sport is quickly catching on at ski areas around the West, and the excitement level is building, according to Harding. In fact, some resorts are even scheduling snow bike races. Tour de Freeze, anyone?

Shown last year on the road between Musical Chairs and the lower parking lot at Schweitzer Mountain Resort, Jacob Styer looks forward to riding his fat-tired Pugsley on the resort’s Nordic trails this winter. PHOTO By ALAN LEMIRE

–Beth Hawkins

Clinic helps fill health care gap

hile the national debate rages on over how to deal with escalating health care costs, there’s a quiet little clinic in Sandpoint – staffed by volunteers – that’s more action than talk. One night each week, Bonner Partners in Care Clinic (BPICC) opens its doors to residents – free of charge – who are uninsured and in need of a doctor. BPICC was formed in 2003 by concerned community members and used to be open two nights per week before the economy foundered. The clinic could use that extra night. According to Director Amy Topp, the need is endless. “It’s really hard to turn people away,” she said. BPICC admits eight patients on a firstcome, first-served basis at the Panhandle

Health District building per week. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., alternating between Tuesdays and Thursdays; folks oftentimes arrive by 5 p.m. to stand in line and ensure a spot. When things get really busy, mostly during the winter, the clinic goes into “triage” mode: “We separate those who should be seen and those who can wait,” Topp said. Volunteers include a doctor or nurse practitioner, plus a nurse and office staff each week. Nicole Grimm, a nurse practitioner in Sandpoint, volunteers at the clinic because she believes in providing high-quality medical care to an underserved segment of the population – oftentimes residents who are working but don’t have insurance. Grimm enjoys her time at BPICC and says those who come in are some of the most grateful WINTER 2013

Amy Topp, nurse practitioner Nicole Grimm and nurse Nita Allard gather at the free clinic

patients she sees all day. Funding relies on community resources such as the Community Assistance League – not government. To learn more or to volunteer, call 255-9099 or look up www. BonnerPartnersInCareClinic.org. –Beth Hawkins SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

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SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

reserving open space is a major undertaking, and for a local land conservancy, its name wasn’t making the effort any easier. “ ‘Clark Fork-Pend Oreille Conservancy’ is a mouthful, hard for people to remember, even harder to remember correctly,” said its new director, Eric Grace. That’s why the name was changed in September to Kaniksu Land Trust, a simpler moniker that supporters hope will bolster the organization’s ongoing mission of conserving undeveloped land in Bonner County, Idaho, and Sanders County, Montana. The trust seeks to make its resources available to landowners who want to protect their land but don’t know how

The new Kaniksu Land Trust director, Eric Grace, enjoys the outdoors, which ties into his group’s mission to conserve land. COURTESy PHOTO

or don’t want to give up use of it. “We use a number of different tools to partner with private landowners to make sure that their property stays

Buying locally has its rewards

uy locally. It’s a creed that

spearhead the initiative, which includes the

carries extra weight during the

Genuine Sandpoint campaign to promote

winter season, when dollars

buying local. He’s excited about the launch

spent within the city limits

of the gift card, and even more pleased about

of Sandpoint have a tremen-

the benefits.

dous impact on local businesses’ bottom line

“It’s as good as cash,” Rivers said about

throughout the entire year. And this year,

the card, which is pre-loaded with money

shoppers will have a great new reason to shop

from the gift-giver and works just like a

local: the Genuine Sandpoint gift card.

VISA or MasterCard when shoppers pay for

The card will launch in time for holi-

purchases. “And it’s perfect for gift giving:

day shopping and is good at more than 20

for Christmas, birthdays, graduation, plus it

downtown Sandpoint businesses. And just

encourages local businesses and contributes

like a rewards credit card, this one has a perk

to the arts.”

as well: 1 percent of the value will help fund local arts programs in Sandpoint. The gift card program was launched by the Downtown Sandpoint Business Association

Genuine Sandpoint is DSBA’s campaign for buying locally, and the group came up with the title through firsthand experiences. “When people would visit Sandpoint

as part of its Sandpoint Forward economic

from out of town, we would hear people say

revitalization initiative. Consultant Mark

that folks here are so genuine,” said Marcy

Rivers of Brix and Company is helping

Timblin, DSBA’s manager. “We thought

WINTER 2013

ALMANAC

undeveloped in perpetuity,” said Grace, who arrived a year ago to take over as director after 13 years with the Genesee Valley Conservancy in western New York state. Kaniksu Land Trust may buy land, but a more common approach is a conservation easement, in which a landowner sells or donates development rights to the organization. This type of conservation doesn’t mean not using the land; it can be protected from development while allowing for sustainable timber harvest, ranching or recreation. Since its founding as Clark ForkPend Oreille Conservancy in 2002, the land trust has protected seven properties, including the Wood family’s working forest property and cattle ranch on Grouse and Gold creeks. It currently holds easements for and monitors the use of 1,764 acres in Idaho and Montana. Another half dozen are in the works. www.kaniksu.org, 263-9471 –Cate Huisman

Ernie concluded his new son-in-law had the makings of a real chowderhead….

Kitchen art with a smile by Sandpoint artist Jan Welle

You’ll find whatever pops your corn at

Get your Fry On with Our Quality Cookware! Corner of 1st & Cedar Street Downtown Sandpoint 208-255-1863 www.fritzsfrypan.com Open 7 days Mon - Sat 9 - 6 p.m. • Sun 10 - 4 p.m.

‘Genuine Sandpoint’ would be a great way to market that.” While the Genuine Sandpoint gift card will only be honored at participating downtown merchants, Rivers expects that the program

Assisting you with Care and Compassion

will help boost spending at local businesses – year-round. And that would be a merry thing, indeed. To find out more about the Genuine Sandpoint gift card and where it’s available for purchase, visit the DSBA website at www. DowntownSandpoint.com.

www.SandpointSuperDrug.com A family owned, independent pharmacy serving the area for over 36 years.

–Beth Hawkins

WINTER 2013

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SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

ALMANAC

Alpine shop changes guard

t age 5, Brent Eacret bought his first pair of skis from the Alpine Shop, Sandpoint and Schweitzer’s landmark ski, board and boat store. In July, Eacret and his wife, Nicole, bought the business – the first new owners since its founding in 1966 – and are excited to continue the tradition of fabulous customer service, quality and a love for the area and its recreational offerings. “We’re just carrying the torch and moving forward for our generation,” Nicole Eacret said. “We want to keep what everyone loves about it and move it into the now.” After 46 years, Bob and Linda Aavedal are glad to turn over their lifetime work to the thirtysomething couple. “It’s time for the next generation and some new energy,” said Bob Aavedal, who after two months of retirement was still getting up early, but at least today he’s puttering on his tractor and actually enjoying the

outdoors instead of selling outdoor clothing and equipment. The Alpine Shop is going high-tech – adding a website and joining Facebook. It also added Armada skis and a few other retail lines in addition to expanding the kids ski equipment program. As the parents of two young boys, the Eacrets know the difficulty and expense of outfitting growing children. What customers will find at the downtown store on Church Street and the Schweitzer shop in the Lazier Building is the same brand of consistency. The business also includes a boat storage facility on Boyer Avenue, housing up to 150 boats. Bob Aavedal opened the Alpine Shop in 1966, just three years after Schweitzer Basin fired up its first mile-long double chairlift. Aavedal, who had worked at Schweitzer since opening day doing everything from parking cars to ski patrol, saw the need and opportunity for more ski services.

...where you’ll find your new favorite things! A twirling array of unique fashion & accessories, colorful housewares & gifts, furniture, fine art & more! (208) 263-4140 334 N. 1st Ave. Suite 201 Visit us online at Join our email list: carousel.sandpoint@gmail.com www.fhcsandpoint.com

or on “Like” us Facebook on Facebook! Located upstairs on the Cedar St Bridge

SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

WINTER 2013

Brent and Nicole Eacret, left, take Alpine Shop’s reins from founders Linda and Bob Aavedal. COURTESy PHOTO

In 1971, Aavedal expanded from the mountain to downtown and added boat services and storage. In the early 1990s, Aavedal bought out partner Terry Merwin. “I’m happy to have someone keep it going,” said Bob Aavedal. –Erica F. Curless

ALMANAC

new director, old history

he Bonner County Historical Museum welcomed in September a new director, Olivia Luther, who recently moved to Sandpoint from San Diego. She had served as museum director and chief curator for the Museum at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido, where she curated more than 30 exhibitions and published four museum catalogs. Luther holds a bachelor’s degree in art history from San Diego State University and a master’s degree in art history and connoisseurship from the University of Glasgow. She joins her mother and twin brothers in Sandpoint, acknowledging that the area is very different from San Diego, “but in a good way.” Looking forward to getting married next July, she enjoys reading, art, history and travel. The historical museum is a rich resource of artifacts and information

about the often roughand-tumble heritage of Sandpoint and Greater Bonner County. Founded in 1972 and operated by the Bonner County Historical Society, the museum offers exhibits on archaeological finds, early exploration and settlement, railroads, mining, timber and more, plus a research archive. This winter, the museum is installing an exhibit of early-Sandpoint artifacts unearthed prior to construction of the new Sand Creek Byway. Future plans may include a new facility on historical society-owned land in Kootenai, which would expand exhibit options, especially for large artifacts such as antique tractors and vehicles. Volunteers are available by appointment to assist with genealogical and other archival research. Located

Bonner County Historical Museum’s new director, Olivia Luther, near the David Thompson exhibit

in Sandpoint at 611 S. Ella Ave., in Lakeview Park, the museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults, and $1 for ages 6 to 18. www.bonnercountyhistory.org, 263-2344. –Jennifer Lamont Leo

We’ll take care of you when you are black and blue

So you can get back to the Blacks and Blues

www.BonnerGeneral.org 208-263-1441 520 North 3rd Ave. Sandpoint, Idaho

(or maybe the Greens)

Also serving you at

BONNER GENERAL IMMEDIATE CARE 400 Schweitzer Plaza Dr. Ponderay, ID • 208-263-0649 Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. • Sat & Sun 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. WINTER 2013

SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

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local authors, books proliferate

FREE ADMISSION

of Desire Whatever you might be thinking, you might be wrong.

Compton avers that he doesn’t create his characters; they come to him and ask to be written. In The Friction of Desire, he lets them tell the story. “They have done a much better job of it than I might have,” Compton says.

With humor, compassion and unflinching self-exposure, Doctor Miller details her relationship with Larry as he tells her about his odd relationship with life and the ironic gifts it gives him. The Friction of Desire is a Blue Mobius Book from Blue Creek Press of Heron, Montana www.bluecreekpress.com

First in Fashion

Visit us downtown and pamper yourself with unique, carefully chosen apparel collections and accessories to complement you and your contemporary lifestyle. 326 North First Avenue, Sandpoint 208.263.0712

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SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

ISBN 978-1-886591-11-0

9 781886 591110

Sandy Compton

Sandy Compton’s fifth book is, he admits, “somewhat auto-biographical,” but it spills far over into the world of his protagonist and narrator, “whom I met quite by accident while trying to write a book one day.”

Desire

Larry Longquist — world traveler, depressive, recovering addict, and freshly 60 years old — cashes his tiny 401K and engages the services of Mary Magdalene Miller, Psy. D. Object — clarity. Dr. Miller has never had a client quite like Larry, who admits to being afraid to get out of bed some days. At the risk of finding out he’s insane, Larry tells her not quite all there is to know about himself. In a series of tender, crazy, funny meetings — paid for in advance — Larry walks and talks his way into her heart. And, she listens her way into his.

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The friction

The Friction

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or a world supposedly becoming “paper free,” many books are still getting published. In spite of the electronic revolution – and partly because of it – a phalanx of local writers have published books recently. Peruse Vanderford’s and The Corner Bookstore, for example, to see more than a dozen local books published in a variety of different genres and in a variety of different ways since 2010 – from Robin Helm and Gail Lyster’s “The Land of Starry Night” (2011) to Sandy Compton’s “The Friction of Desire” (2012). “I can still publish books for myself and my clients,” said Compton, 61, “because of the printon-demand revoluThe friction tion. A minimum of esire print run eight years ago might have been Sandy 1,000 books. Print-onCompton demand will produce a 200-page book – just one – for about $3.25.” Notably, “A Third Grade Guide To Sandpoint” was created with the help of teachers and createspace.com, one of a growing number of print-ondemand “presses” that operates via the Internet. This illustrated collection was written by the 2011-12 third-grade class at Farmin-Stidwell School. Sandpoint’s Jim Payne used print-on-demand for “Discovering England from One Inch above the Thames” (2012). Payne, 73, who has traversed many rivers by kayak, also writes extensively about politics; he published “Six Political Illusions” in 2010. His first kayaking book, “One Inch Above the Water,” came out in 2008. It’s gotten easier to pub51295

Blue Creek Press

WINTER 2013

lish, but the selling part is still hard work. Ann Clizer took years to write “Selective Abandonment,” a study of three troubled souls living at the end of the road in northern Idaho, self-published in 2011. “I did eight signings in 2011 and sold a respectable number of books,” she said, “but it takes constant effort to continue selling books.” Self-promotion is hard for most authors, but independent bookstores are willing to help, according to Marcia Vanderford: “The first step is to let us know you have a book.” Three children’s books are part of the “new” collection. Amy Tessier’s fanciful illustrations and storyline grace “Sugarbell, the Lovable Kitty” (2011). Dr. Robin Helm and illustrator Gail Lyster collaborated on “The Land of Starry Night,” both published The Land of with the help tarry ight of Keokee Company, publishers of Sandpoint Magazine. “A Smidgen of Sky” – released Nov. 6 – was written for middle-schoolers by Dianna Winget of Sagle. Other new volumes in the “local” section include Diana Murdock’s “Souled” (2012), a thriller about a Sandpoint High student who makes a deal with the wrong spirit. “Bridge to Justice” (2011) by Carol AuClair was published by Rocky Point Press. “Four-Eleven!” (2010) is Rich Falleto’s memoir about Forest Service adventures in the 1960s. A local history of 1920s bad guy Mike Donnelly is “Hunted” (2012), by Dale Selle, a history hound wellknown in the research room at Bonner County Historical Museum.

Robin Helm Illustrated by

Gail Lyster

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Museum. After Selle died in 2009, Bonner County Historical Society published his book. H.K. Petschel also delved into writing a true crime story, “Stamp Counterfeiting: The Evolution of an Unrecognized Crime” (2011), which won second place for nonfiction from the American Philatelic Society. “Celebrating the Art of Writing: A Collection of Poems, Essays, Memoirs, Free Writes and Short Stories” (2010) is by members of the Sandpoint Chapter of the Idaho Writers’ League. Acadia Press recently published “Priest River and Priest Lake: Kaniksu Country” (2012) by Marylyn Cork, Jeanne M. Tomlin and Diane E. Mercer as part of the “Images of America” Series. “A Smidgen of Sky,” the newest book – and arguably the most successful – was published by Harcourt Children’s Press, an imprint of big-time publisher Houghton Mifflin, which is a serious coup for an author. The book was chosen as an IndiBound ABC New Voices Pick. Author Winget, 45, admits it was a not-so-overnight success. “I looked for years for an agent specializing in middleschool books before finding Mary Kole, who sold the book to Harcourt,” she said. Is there a book tour in the future for “Smidgen?” “No,” said Winget, “I’m not quite well-enough known to justify that.” But she is doing a Q&A and signing at Vanderford’s, adding another book to the growing “local” section.

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Bikers aim to change lives

onnie Jones is on a mission. He wants to change the public’s image of bikers by showing they have heart and a spirit for community service – and not the type of community service ordered by a judge. Along with fellow motorcyclists, he founded Ironhorse Riders Association, a nonprofit organization, to award scholarships to Lake Pend Oreille High School students and to donate to other charitable causes. “We formed because the public looks at bikers negatively. Our main objective is to create a positive image toward people who ride motorcycles,” said Jones, who owns a cellulose insulation business. The group’s main fundraiser, Bash

for Cash, celebrates its fifth year Nov. 16, 2012, with concerts and a raffle at the Panida Theater in Sandpoint. Jones’ band, The Adjustables, performs along with other musicians who donate their time, including the Shook Twins, who headlined in 2011. Since forming in 2004, Ironhorse Riders Association has raised and given away about $40,000, including two $500 scholarships a year. A lifelong biker and 12-year Bonner County resident, Jones, 52, says every penny raised goes back into Bonner County; all 38 members are unpaid volunteers. “Our main deal is to change a life. Change one child’s life and we’re a success,” Jones said. The decision to benefit students at the alternative high school came after

Members of Ironhorse Riders Association gather to celebrate donating to the animal shelter

a teacher told him they are bright kids but don’t have any support. The group also donates to food banks in Priest River, Clark Fork and Sandpoint; a battered women’s shelter; and the Panhandle Animal Shelter. For the animal shelter, the group raises money through Rachel’s Ride, held to honor a friend’s 18-year-old daughter who was studying to be a veterinarian when she died unexpectedly. The Older Than Dirt Run is another annual fundraising ride. “I think it definitely helps our image. Over time people have watched us give stuff away, and they support us,” Jones said. “When people are down, we like to show them a little love.” –Billie Jean Gerke

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Tragedy spurs swim lessons initiative

eeply touched when a teenager drowned at the confluence of the Kootenai and Moyie rivers in 2009, Jim Zuberbuhler, the assistant race director of the Long Bridge Swim, was roused to action. “He was 16 years old and had been playing in the water on the river’s edge with a buddy. He stepped into a deep hole and drowned. He did not know how to swim and his friend did not know how to help him,” Zuberbuhler said. “I decided then that we should leverage the Long Bridge Swim to raise money for swim lessons.” Zuberbuhler was surprised to find that a significant percentage of young people and adults, perhaps as many as 30 percent, can’t swim well, and even more don’t know how to rescue someone from drowning. (Throw something – anything – victims can grab and pull them to safety.) In spring 2010, he met with Dick Cvitanich, former superintendent of Lake Pend Oreille School District, who supported creating a long-term plan to have no child get past third grade without learning how to swim and/or participate in drown-proofing classes. “Don Helander and Mike Brosnahan at SWAC were equally supportive,” Zuberbuhler said. Since September 2010 the Long Bridge Swim, an annual open water swim across Lake Pend Oreille, has funded swim lessons and drown-proofing classes for more than 500 children,

Long Bridge Swim’s Jim Zuberbuhler celebrates at Sandpoint West Athletic Club with students who helped raise funds for this year’s swim lessons, from left: Kate Bokowy, 9, Miles Luce, 12, Logan Sanborn, 12, Payton Bokowy, 12, and Chandler Sanborn, 9. PHOTO By BILLIE JEAN GERKE

working with teachers in the district and instructors at Sandpoint West Athletic Club. The Long Bridge Swim has also provided financial aid for three Bulldog swim team members, sponsored two students to take the Red Cross Lifeguard Training course to become City Beach lifeguards, and provided lessons for the 2011-2012 school year for more than 30 special education students throughout the school district. “With the support we have received, we anticipate serving as many as 600 kids this coming school year,”

Zuberbuhler said. Sponsors have been generous. Parsons, the contractor that built the Sand Creek Byway, donated $2,500, the first major contribution to the swim lessons program, and many local sponsors have written checks three years in a row. “The unfortunate stories about the two teenagers who drowned this summer, one at Spirit Lake and another in Moyie, have just reinforced my resolve to build the program,” Zuberbuhler said. To learn more about swim lessons, contact Zuberbuhler at 263-2010 or look up www.longbridgeswim.org.

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See even more events in the big fat calendars at SandpointOnline.com

NOVEMBER 2012

2 Teton Gravity Ski Films. Annual ski flicks

at the Panida, 8 p.m. 263-9191

3 Sandpoint Film Festival. Local filmmak-

ers’ works at Panida’s Little Theater. Film blocks begin at 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. 290-0597

3 Lukas Nelson and the Promise of the Real. Southern rock concert at the Panida,

8 p.m. 263-9191

9 Annual Harvest Dinner. Memorial

Community Center in Hope plans traditional Thanksgiving feast at 5:30 p.m. to benefit Christmas Giving Program. 264-5481 10 Songwriter’s Circle. Annual Panida con-

cert benefits Foundation for Human Rights Action and Advocacy, 7:30 p.m. 263-9191

15-17 Turkey Bingo. Bonner Mall fundraiser benefitting Toys for Tots; 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, noon Saturday. 263-4272 16 Bash for Cash. Panida hosts benefit con-

cert at 7 p.m., sponsored by Ironhorse Riders Association. (See story, page 18.) 263-9191

17 Holly Eve. Annual gala fundraiser featur-

ing hors d’oeuvres, silent and live auctions, and entertainment including a fast-paced fashion show, at Sandpoint Events Center. 263-8956

17-21, 23-25 K&K Thanksgiving Fishing Derby. Lake Pend Oreille Idaho Club’s annual

fall fishing contest. 264-5796

23-Dec. 24 Santa at the Mall. Bonner Mall in Ponderay welcomes Santa every weekend through Dec. 23 along with live local entertainment. 263-4272 23-Jan. 1 Holidays in Sandpoint.

Traditional tree-lighting ceremony, caroling and Santa with cookies and cider Nov. 23 at Jeff Jones Town Square kicks off Downtown Sandpoint’s special events. 255-1876 29-Dec. 1 Festival of Trees. Sandpoint

[Hot Picks]

Compassion at Christmastime. Founded

by the local VanderWal family, The Luke Commission is a medical mission that aims to save the people of Swaziland, in southern Africa, from the pandemics of TB and HIV/ AIDS. To support this endeavor, the 5th annual

Christmas for Africa gala benefit is Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m.

at the Sandpoint Events Center. Enjoy dinner, an auction, singing and mission updates from the VanderWals. www.lukecommission. org, 263-9311 Northern lights, Schweitzer style! On

top of the snow-laden slopes, Schweitzer Mountain Resort kicks up the firepower with a Torchlight Parade, followed by its biggest fireworks show of the season for MLK Weekend, Jan. 19. More fun happens inside the lodge later with music and festivities in Taps. www. schweitzer.com, 263-9555 Cool times. Celebrate all things snow during Sandpoint’s weeklong Winter Festival, Feb. 15-24. All of the action begins downtown with the BioLuminesce Fire Dance Show and the popular Rail Jam Feb. 15. From there, head to the Bonner County Fairgrounds for the third annual Sandpoint Skijoring

competition, where skiers team up with horses and riders,

Events Center hosts three-day event including Family Night for the community Nov. 29 with decorated trees, music, cookies and Santa; Holiday Luncheon Nov. 30 with silent auction; Gala Dec. 1. Proceeds benefit Kinderhaven. (See story, page 35.) 610-2208

food vendors, live entertainment and a visit from Santa. 263-8414

30 Classical Christmas Concert. Hope’s

2 Christmas for Africa Gala. See Hot Picks.

Memorial Community Center brings pianist Del Parkinson, at 7 p.m. 264-5481

DECEMBER 2012 1 Christmas Fair. Bonner County

Fairgrounds hosts festive shopping event from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring local craftspeople,

3 The Nutcracker. See POAC calendar. 7-8 Artists Market. Sandpoint Center for

the Arts event from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Shop affordable goods by local artists and artisans, plus enjoy a children’s craft workshop. 265-2787 WINTER 2013

Feb. 16-17. And then get your taste buds

ready for a real treat when Sandpoint’s restaurants, breweries and winery host the annual Taste of Sandpoint Feb. 21 in the Events Center. In addition, businesses ‘round town host a passport competition plus Dine Around Sandpoint, where folks have the chance to win lots of prizes. Finally, bring your dog – and camera – to the K-9 Keg Pull Feb. 24 behind Eichardt’s Pub. A howling good time! www.sandpointwintercarnival.com Get wild and crazy … for a great cause.

Raunchy fun is the name of the game when The Follies rolls into the Panida Theater March 8-9. This Angels Over Sandpoint fundraiser is an evening when anything goes … the audience dresses up in their craziest, and dare we say risqué, eveningwear, in perfect sync with the mature-themed variety show on stage. Patrons must be age 21 and older. Get your tickets early (they go on sale Groundhog Day) as they always sell out; all proceeds benefit the community-minded nonprofit. www. angelsoversandpoint.org Get lost all weekend long. Locals and visi-

tors alike step back in time to the days of hot rods and poodle skirts during the Lost in the ’50s celebration, happening May 16-19. Events include a parade and street dance, shows featuring ’50s-era music and more at the Panida and the Bonner County Fairgrounds, a car show that fills nearly every street in downtown Sandpoint, plus a fun run and car rally. Whew! It’s a lot of nostalgic fun packed into one fabulous weekend. www.lostinthe50s.org, 265-5678 7-9 Holiday Arts and Crafts Show.

Annual shopping event at the Bonner Mall in Ponderay. 263-4272 14 Journeys. POAC opening reception for

multimedia art show, 5:30 p.m. in The Old Power House. 263-6139

23-24 Ski with Santa. Schweitzer Mountain Resort hosts Santa as he throws on his ski boots and hits the slopes, handing out treats along the way. On Christmas Eve, he stops in the lodge for last-minute wishes. 263-9555 SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

CALENDAR

Dentists Lewis and Hawn Break Out New Technology

31 New Year’s Eve Parties at Schweitzer.

JANUARY 2013

INTRODUCING SANDPOINT TO CEREC–ONE VISIT DENTISTRY

root canals or extractions and produces EREC dentistry is the new buzz less post-operative sensitivity. in the dental community. For those who aren’t familiar with this, it is an innovative Computer Drs. Lewis and Hawn are extremely Aided Design (CAD) machine that allows impressed with the accuracy BUSINESS and SPOTLIGHT dentists to fabricate exceptional quality of the restoration crowns, caps and that the CEREC unit designs and mills. fillings in theLewis office They are able to fabricate porcelain Dentists and Hawn Break Out New Technology while the patient is restorations with more accuracy than INTRODUCING DENTISTRYrestorations. Through being treated.SANDPOINT TO CEREC–ONE VISITtraditional extensive training provided by CEREC, both and have become This is EREC a jump dentistry is the new buzz in the dental Drs. LewisLewis and Hawn areHawn extremely impressed with the community. For those familiar accuracy and exceptional quality of the restoration that the experts in CAD dentistry. forward in dentistry aswho wearen’t know it. with this, it is an innovative Computer Aided Design CEREC unit designs and mills. They are able to fabricate Patients do not have to have a temporary (CAD) machine that allows dentists to fabricate porcelain restorations with more accuracy than traditional crown (along withinfrequently associated With this advanced technology, Drs.byLewis crowns, caps and fillings the office while the patient is restorations. Through extensive training provided problems) and Hawn are able to provide a higher being treated. and then wait 2 to 3 weeks to CEREC, both Lewis and Hawn have become experts in CAD any increase in costs get their permanent crown back from a level of care without dentistry. This is a jump forward dental lab. The restorations are designed, to the patient. This has made the transition in dentistry as we fabricated chair-side, and bonded all in to this theadvanced new CEREC unit a win-win situation With technology, know it. Patients do have to appointment. have a Lewis anddoctor Hawn are ablepatient! CEREC anotsingle This convenience Drs. for both and temporary crown has to provide a higher level of to the patient one-visit dentistry (along with frequently care without any increase in received fantastic is rapidly becoming associated problems) costs to the patient. This has praise thethe standard ofthe care made transition to and then since wait 2 toDr. 3 weeks to get their new unit a win-win Lewis and Dr. Hawn inCEREC the dental field.Ifsituation for both doctor and permanent crown back from a dental lab. The restorations patient! CEREC one-visit dentistry is rapidly becoming the implemented CEREC you are interested in are designed, fabricated chair-side, and bonded all in a standard of care in the dental field. dentistry. convenient, exceptional single appointment. This convenience to the patient has received fantastic praise since Dr. Lewis and Dr. Hawn quality, one-visit If you are interested in implemented CEREC dentistry, you are convenient, exceptional quality, The CEREC unitdentistry. allows dentists to dentistry, you are invited to call Drs.one-visit Lewis and Hawn be more conservative in their Themuch CEREC unit allows dentists to be much more invited to call Drs. Lewis for and more informationHawn about Drs. treatment planning. It allows for CEREC. more information conservative in their treatment planning. them It allowsto them about CEREC. Drs. Lewis and to “save” considerably considerably more more tooth structure there Lewis and Hawn General and Advanced “save” toothbecause structure Hawn General and Advanced is no temporary phase. This lowers the patient‘s risk of restorative Dentistry, 2025 Pine Street, because there is no temporary phase. restorative Dentistry, 2025 Pine future root canals or extractions and produces less postSandpoint. 208.265.4558. This lowers the patient’s risk of future Street, Sandpoint. 208.265.4558. operative sensitivity.

Parties for all ages including the rockin’ concert in Taps, the teen tubing party and the ever-popular “tween” party for kids. Tickets on sale Dec. 1. 255-3081

4-25 Starlight Junior Race Series. Local race series at Schweitzer takes place on Friday nights in January. 263-9555 17 Matt Andersen in Concert. See POAC

calendar.

19 Schweitzer MLK Celebration. See Hot

Picks.

24-26 Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour. Panida hosts three-day screen-

ing event featuring the world’s best mountain and culture films. Proceeds benefit Satipo Kids Project. 263-4283 26 Cougar Gulch Cross-Country Race.

Schweitzer hosts Nordic event. 263-9555 26-27 USASA Races. Schweitzer hosts sanctioned competition; alpine and slopestyle events for snowboarders and skiers. 263-9555

FEBRUARY 2013

1-March 1 Starlight Racing. Friday night

races at Schweitzer, followed by parties in Taps. 263-9555

7 International Guitar Night. See POAC

calendar.

15-24 Sandpoint Winter Carnival. See Hot

Picks.

James B. Lewis, D.M.D. Mark W. Hawn, D.D.S. Cerec Dentistry One-Visit Dentistry

Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sandpointdentists or scan the QR code with your smart phone!

2025 West Pine Street Sandpoint, Idaho 83864 Phone: 208.265.4558 Fax: 208.263.5721 drjamesblewis@gmail.com www.sandpointdentists.com

MARCH 2013

3 Tortoise and the Hare. See POAC

calendar.

4 Deschutes Base Camp for Beer Fanatics. Fun competitions and activities

for this hilarious “base camp” put on by Deschutes Brewery at Schweitzer. 263-9555 7 Laurie Rubin in Concert. See POAC cal-

endar.

8 Annual Student Art Show. POAC opening

reception for multimedia art show by local students, 5:30 p.m. in The Old Power House. Exhibit runs through April 9. 263-6139 8-9 The Follies. See Hot Picks. 13 On Ensemble. See POAC calendar. 22-23 24 Hours of Schweitzer. All-night

ski relay to benefit cystinosis research, at Schweitzer. 263-9555

TBA Grom Stomp. Schweitzer hosts a grom-sized slopestyle and boardercross competition for ages 6-11. 263-9555 TBA Stomp Games. Region’s best riders compete for serious cash prizes while spectators are treated to phenomenal stunts at Schweitzer. 263-9555

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WINTER 2013

See even more events in the big fat calendars at SandpointOnline.com

CALENDAR

[POAC] World-class entertainment arrives at the Panida’s door with the 29th season of the annual Pend Oreille Arts Council (POAC) Performance Series. This year’s performers hail from as far away as Scotland and New Brunswick, Canada, and present a variety of entertainment including big band music and Japanese drumming. To purchase tickets with a credit or debit card, head to the POAC office inside The Old Power House, 120 Lake St., call 263-6139 or go to www. ArtinSandpoint.org. Other ticket outlets in Sandpoint accept cash or checks only: Eve’s Leaves, 326 N. First Ave., Eichardt’s Pub, 212 Cedar St., and Winter Ridge Natural Foods, 703 Lake St. Family Fun Package: Purchase two adult tickets and one youth ticket at regular price, and receive an additional youth ticket for free! All performances are in the Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave., and are ADA accessible. Doors open 30 minutes prior to each performance. Eugene Ballet’s “The Nutcracker,” Monday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m.

A Sandpoint tradition! The Nutcracker Ballet features colorful sets, spectacular costumes and wonderful dancing. Young, local dancers get in on the action, making this an unforgettable holiday treat. Get your tickets early – this one always sells out! Adults, $25; youth, $10. Matt Andersen, Thursday, Jan. 17, at 7 p.m.

Canadian singer-songwriter and guitarist Matt Andersen hails from a rural, blue-collar village in New Brunswick, Canada. His imposing voice and slashing slide guitar skills have earned him numerous blues awards in Memphis and beyond. Adults, $20; youth, $10. International Guitar Night, Thursday, Feb. 7, at 7 p.m.

Audiences cherish the informal ambiance of International Guitar Night, where four masters will take the stage in an unforgettable acoustic performance. Musicians hail from all corners of the world: the United States, Scotland, Madagascar and Brazil. Adults, $20; youth, $10. “Tortoise and the Hare,” Saturday, March 3, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Missoula Children’s Theatre is back for another splendid production featuring the timeless tale of a race between reptiles and mammals at West Sandy Bottoms. Important lessons will be learned, no matter who wins, in this play featuring local students. Adults, $10; youth, $5. Laurie Rubin, Thursday, March 7, at 7 p.m.

Mezzo-Soprano Laurie Rubin delivers a powerful performance of song and heartfelt memoir as an opera singer who has challenged “the norm” and beaten the odds. Blind since birth, Rubin takes her audience on a journey of self-discovery through music. Don’t miss it! Adults, $20; youth, $10. On Ensemble, Wednesday, March 13 at 7 p.m.

Infusing the powerful rhythms of ensemble Japanese drumming with elements of hip-hop, rock and electronica, On Ensemble’s unique sound takes the ancient instruments of taiko into a whole new realm. Adults, $20; youth, $10.

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APRIL 2013

6-7 Tropical Daze. Schweitzer’s annual

wacky and wild end-of-the-season party includes Downhill Dummy Derby, PondSkimming Contest and more fun. 263-9555 26 Festival at Sandpoint Wine Tasting Dinner and Auction. Gala event is the

concert series’ largest fundraiser, at the Bonner County Fairgrounds. 265-4554

26 Give Us Shelter. POAC opening recep-

tion for multimedia art show at 5:30 p.m. in The Old Power House. Exhibit runs through June 14. 263-9555

Tastings and tours daily Wine bar and Bistro Rouge Café Live music Friday night

27-May 5 K&K Spring Fishing Derby.

Lake Pend Oreille Idaho Club’s annual spring fishing contest. 264-5796

MAY 2013

16-19 Lost in the ’50s. See Hot Picks.

WINTER 2013

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Interview

grayson schaffer

Embedded at Mount Everest Base Camp, Grayson Schaffer was on assignment for Outside magazine when he shot this self-portrait in May 2012

Outside magazine senior editor

BY RAlph BARTholdT hen Grayson Schaffer says a Colorado elk hunt he documented “ended tragically,” your mind flashes to the story of Hendrik Coetzee, a South African kayaker who died when a crocodile dragged him to the bottom of a Congolese river. The story, written by Schaffer, appeared in Outside magazine (March 2011). The word tragedy sends your mind on a roller coaster to the deaths on Mount Everest in 2012 when Schaffer was embedded with climbers, and it ticks off his experience ice-locked in frigid Chilean waters, or a brush with the reaper while kayaking in Madagascar. Tragic means someone died, terribly perhaps, as deaths occur on Everest, in darkest Africa, or at the bottom of the world. You don’t consider a bull elk, pierced cleanly with an arrow and trailed without being recovered by the hunters as the kind of event that registers as a tragedy for Schaffer. He is an outdoor journalist after all, who covers extreme, often death-defying sports as senior editor

of Outside. Yet, it is this perspective in which Schaffer understands the moment in real time and gives it the respect it’s due, that makes him the level-headed voice of the edge. His is the calm and observant narrative in a place where often prevails a seeming carefree abandon in the face of danger; where the practitioners of extreme sports, to the layman, seem mostly nuts. The 32-year-old Schaffer grew up in Sagle near Dufort Road. His father, Matt, had carried out U.S. trade policies for the Carter administration and later worked for private firms arranging foreign trade before moving the family – Grayson, his older brother, Ethan, and mom Christine – to northern Idaho from Washington, D.C. The family farm was a place where the nearest kid lived a mile away, so Schaffer made due with childhood adventures of his own. He spent most of his free time outdoors and grew to love the sports many Bonner County residents enjoy. He skied at Schweitzer, rock climbed, kayaked and fly fished. Hunting came later, and bird hunting is a recently developed passion. Schaffer attended Sagle Elementary and Sandpoint Middle schools and then enrolled at a New Hampshire boarding school for high school. He returned to northern Idaho each summer to spend the days fishing,

WINTER 2013

SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

Interview Fabulous flowers, unique plants & clever gifts

W E D ELIVER ... an old-timer out of Sandpoint named Harlan Walker taught me to fly fish. ... He and my dad and I would drive to Bozeman, and to Hardin, Mont., to fish the Big Horn, the Yellowstone and the Clark Fork.

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kayaking, sniffing the Selkirk air and writing. After earning a degree in economics at Pomona College, his journalistic ambitions and photography prowess blended with his Idaho-outback skills and the combination of grit, know-how and talent led to journalism internships at National Geographic Adventure and, later, Outside, where he has worked for almost a decade. You got your basic taste of the outdoors from your formative years around Sandpoint. Tell us about that.

Dad was a Carter guy, and we moved from D.C. in 1989. He ran a consulting shop out of his office on First Avenue in Sandpoint for 10 years, helping U.S. companies expand overseas. He made a run for the U.S. Senate in 1992. I believe it was the open seat vacated by Steve Symms and won by Dirk Kempthorne. Dick Stallings ended up being the Democratic nominee. We lived on a bend in the road at Sagle; there’s a pond on it. I grew up on the farm along Highway 95 where the nearest neighbors with kids were a mile away, so we entertained ourselves with BB guns, forts, anything else kids in North Idaho do to entertain themselves. I got interested in kayaking when I was 15. I got a job as a swamper at River Odysseys West and worked for them summers swamping at Hells Canyon and the Salmon River Canyon, the Lochsa and Moyie. And I kayaked the creeks around Sandpoint, spending a lot of time kayaking the upper section of the Pack River. Idaho is the whitewater state. There are creeks and rivers with WINTER 2013

Shown fly fishing in Colorado’s Gunnison River, Grayson Schaffer grew up in northern Idaho, where his love of the outdoors was nurtured. PHOTO By RyAN HEFFERNAN

drops to run everywhere you look. You eventually combined your journalistic ambitions with your outdoor pursuits. What was the progression?

After earning an economics degree from Pomona College, I spent a year in D.C. and a year back in Sandpoint. For most of 2002, I was in Sandpoint freelancing and doing kayak expeditions and just writing. So by the time I was done with college, I spent most of my time kayaking. I went to Ecuador and Costa Rica during college semester breaks, to go kayaking. In ’02, I spent a month in Kyrgyzstan with a group of kayakers out of Missoula. I was writing for Paddler, or Canoe and Kayak, and I think it was around that time that I did the kayaking story for Sandpoint Magazine. I interned first with National Geographic Adventure Magazine in late 2001-2002 in New York, and after I was done with that, I went back to Sandpoint for most of the following year, hanging out and writing. Then I interned at Outside in the fall of ’03 and never left. What other outdoor sports did you pursue growing up around Sandpoint?

I started climbing in Laclede, toproping out there. I spent more time seriously climbing while attending college at Pomona in Southern California, climbing at Joshua Tree and the more famous climbing areas around Bishop.

Interview In Sandpoint (as a boy) I spent a lot of time skiing. We had season passes to Schweitzer. I spent every day that I could up there. I would get a ride into town and hitchhike from town, or the bottom parking lot. Somewhere around this time, when I was 15 or 16, an old-timer out of Sandpoint named Harlan Walker taught me to fly fish. That’s something I have kept up with this whole time. He and my dad and I would drive to Bozeman, and to Hardin, Mont., to fish the Big Horn, the Yellowstone and the Clark Fork. Around Sandpoint we would drive up to fish the creeks around the Kootenai Valley and into the Moyie. One summer I got a float tube and spent most of the summer kicking around Round Lake and Jewel Lake. What is the most memorable piece you’ve written, which still comes back to haunt you?

That would definitely be a story I wrote for Outside (titled) “Consumed.” It’s the story of Hendrik Coetzee, a kayaker and world traveling man who did a lot of long solo kayak missions down dangerous rivers, especially in Africa. In December 2010, on a trip in the Congo with a couple guys from the Pacific Northwest, the three were kayaking side-by-side down the Lukuga River when a 15- to 20-foot crocodile came out of nowhere and took Coetzee. The story culminated in the croc attack, but it’s more about the amazing life he had bouncing all over Africa. The time I was writing that story was a really intense experience. I was working 18 to 20 hours a day trying to get into this guy’s head. I was speaking with close friends, family and the girlfriend and trying to process this really intense incident, figuring out how to internalize that, and keep it at arm’s length, so I could write clearly about it. It was a difficult exercise. You spent two months at Mount Everest Base Camp covering this year’s expeditions for Outside magazine (“Take a Number,” October 2012). Before going did you ever entertain aspirations to climb Everest? WINTER 2013

SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

Interview I hadn’t given the mountain much thought in the real sense. I rock climbed a fair amount in college but hadn’t really climbed much in the last two years. When this opportunity came up, I was more interested in being at Base Camp and finding interesting people who had sacrificed so much to be there. There are people who climb for its own sake, people who climb for charity, people who climb as a publicity stunt. They all coexist there, and there are a ton of incredible stories to be told at Base Camp. I hadn’t much thought of it before the assignment, never having been there, all the different types of people who go to climb that mountain. What did you glean from that?

When I first got there, everything seemed fairly orderly. Even though a lot of the uncertainty of climbing the mountain

had been removed, it was still an orderly enterprise run by professionals. There are mostly competent people there. After the whole disaster thing struck, I started to think that a lot of the lessons that should have been learned since the 1996 disasters really hadn’t been learned or absorbed by and large by local outfitters and the Nepalese government. You have recently become a bird dog-owning pheasant hunter. Tell us about that.

Growing up we always had a chocolate lab that we found at the Dufort dump. She was never much of a hunting dog, so I never hunted much growing up in Sagle. A local guy from Sandpoint took me up to the Kootenai Refuge at Bonners Ferry to hunt. I don’t think we shot a single duck that day, but it kind of put the bug in me, to get into it. While at Outside, Mike Stewart of Oxford, Miss., introduced me to a different mentality of raising dogs. These British Labradors are smaller, more docile dogs – there’s one sleeping under my desk right now. They are also

In the garden at home in Santa Fe, N.M., Grayson Schaffer pets Danger, one of his two British Labrador retrievers. PHOTO By RyAN HEFFERNAN

totally capable of picking up ducks and flushing pheasant. To me, hunting is mostly about the dogs: having a nonhuman … having an animal that can run

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Interview once you get it, but really difficult while you’re working on it. How is your family? Do you get back to Sandpoint much?

The Schaffer family, circa 2002, at home on the farm in Sagle, from left: Grayson, Christine, Matt, and Ethan. COURTESy PHOTO

We lost dad in 2006. He always managed to make a lot of time helping to coach our baseball team. He took us to tournaments and dragged me all around between flying all over the world working with big companies, so he definitely managed to achieve an amazing work/life balance. That is defi-

nitely something I aspire to. He definitely had an influence. I don’t think too much about it. I am more critical than sentimental. My mom, Christine, and brother, Ethan, live in the Seattle area. My brother and his wife run an organic farm called Viva Farms in the Skagit Valley. It’s a partnership with the University of Washington to help migrant farm workers become farm owners. I haven’t been back to Sandpoint in three or four years. I need to get back there.

faster, smell better, hunt harder, yet who is actually willing to work with you. There’s something gratifying about that. We’ve been going up to North Dakota (to hunt pheasant) for the last couple years. Does working at Outside give you an outlook or philosophy that you didn’t have before your tenure there?

What strikes me the most is how accessible a lot of this stuff is to anyone who wants to do it. For a lot of this stuff, the only thing required is to commit to learning basic skills. Whether it’s sports or travel, the stuff we write about is very attainable for most people; it’s just a matter of making time and making fitness and travel part of your lifestyle and pursuing work that allows this sort of thing. We run a story on the best companies to work for each year. It turns out there are ways to earn a living that also offer a great lifestyle. Where do you go from here, and what would you tell aspiring journalists who want what you’ve got?

In the immediate future I’m making the transition from being an editor where most of what I do is work with other writers, to the writing side. I’m transitioning to writing mostly my own stories and taking pictures. I would tell aspiring writers to write every day and to really love it. Most of what I see coming from younger writers is that they have fallen into the trap of trying to impress people. Write something that is true, like reporting facts. Condense true stories into a nice narrative. It’s one of those things that’s really simple

Left to right: Jim Zuberbuhler, Cheryl Seifert, Nancy Hadley and Tom Gibson.

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Sandpoint, college town NIC’s move to downtown helps fulfill destiny

lthough Sandpoint has often been described as “a college town without a college,” it did have a college – for a while. At the turn of the millennium, Stephen Drinkard, then an instructor at North Idaho College (NIC) in Coeur d’Alene, convinced the city and the county each to contribute $25,000 to open a satellite campus of NIC in Sandpoint. He and then-Mayor David Sawyer personally remodeled a space off Second Avenue to serve the purpose, and Sandpoint made its debut as a seat of higher learning. Changing administrative priorities and a perceived absence of adequate parking space caused the town to lose its satellite campus just three years later, when NIC moved to the Bonner Mall in Ponderay. More recently, however, it started to outgrow this space, just as Sandpoint planners were thinking that having the college back could be an important part of their strategy to revitalize and energize the downtown. Meanwhile, in 2008, Brad and Lynda Scott had purchased the classic school building at the corner of Euclid and Pine that had been the “new” Sandpoint High School back in 1923. The red brick structure had stood empty and festering for many years before they rescued it from imminent dissolution and reawakened it as the Sandpoint Business and Events Center. Coincidentally, in 2011, the city’s Sandpoint Forward economic revitalization initiative had identified attracting a college to downtown as a prime goal. The Sandpoint Forward team, including Drinkard, proposed NIC move into the historic building. Jamie Green, NIC’s director of e-learning and outreach, remembers when she and her colleagues first toured the refurbished school. “The moment we walked in, we knew we were home,” she said. WINTER 2013

Sandpoint’s original high school is now a center of higher education as a budding campus for North Idaho College. Photo by Marie-DoMinique VerDier

NIC President Joe Dunlap added, “The new location gives us space to add a science lab, more flexibility to offer professional-technical programs and a better location for community education classes.” The college now occupies 8,200 square feet of the old school and its annex, giving NIC a third more room than it had in Ponderay. College officials spent much of the spring in discussion with the Scotts, the city and the Sandpoint Urban Renewal Agency, which is helping fund the initial years’ lease. The Scotts are delighted to see their building returning to its educational roots. “We’re very happy that they’re bringing higher education to Sandpoint,” said Brad Scott. The deal was signed at the end of May 2012, and classes commenced Aug. 27 after a flurry of summer activity to get the building ready. SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

E D U C AT I O N The northern satellite campus now has an interactive videoconferencing classroom on the second floor; another classroom, testing center, tutoring rooms and offices fill up most of the third floor. The classic auditorium, also on the third floor, will remain available for public use. NIC staff members hope to use the auditorium as well for the college’s musical and theater events. The building’s annex, facing Pine Street, has a room for yoga, zumba and similar classes; a 16-station computer lab; and a suite of rooms for its nursing program, including a classroom, lab and clinical stations. Upstairs another large classroom and a collection of small offices and study spaces are for NIC’s Adult Basic Education program. A second classroom upstairs has some fixtures in place that would make it an ideal science classroom – a major near-term goal. A science classroom in Sandpoint would spare northern students the drive to the main campus at Coeur d’Alene to use science facilities.

In addition to considerations of size, NIC staff likes the location because of its proximity to two affiliated programs, the Area Agency on Aging and Head Start. “All of NIC’s services – we like to say from cradle to grave – will be represented,” said Green. NIC sponsors the Area Agency on Aging, which helps older citizens stay independent and contribute to their communities. The local affiliate serving seniors in Idaho’s five northern counties has relocated to NIC’s Sandpoint campus. The other end of the age spectrum is represented at Head Start; it serves preschoolers and their parents and is housed right across Euclid Street in another historic building. “The new (NIC) location provides a close connection for the families we serve at Head Start,” said LouRinda Buttrey, Head Start Family and Community Partnership coordinator. NIC at Sandpoint has 15 faculty and five staff. Students can complete an associate’s degree in town through

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a combination of face-to-face classes, interactive video conferencing and online classes. The vision is to expand class offerings to Bonner and Boundary county students, eventually filling the whole building. “We would like to grow the Sandpoint site from an outreach center to a branch campus,” said Dunlap. Green is particularly interested in input from citizens of Bonner and Boundary counties about the classes or workforce training they would like to see the center provide. Some non-college tenants will remain in both buildings, and both the Scotts and NIC staff are enthusiastic about the potential this provides for collaborative undertakings. The Scotts are also looking at bringing in a new tenant to serve both students and the public. “We always planned a coffee bar or eatery on the second floor,” said Brad Scott. Spring registration begins Nov. 26; classes begin Jan. 14. Phone 263-4594 or 877-404-4536; www.bit.ly/nicsandpoint.

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behind the scenes

Making the town tick

Story and photo by Billie Jean Gerke

Carol Deaner, Sandpoint Arts Commission chairperson

in her dozen years as a Bonner County resident, Carol Deaner has made herself synonymous with art. Upon moving to this arts-oriented community, Deaner immediately joined Sandpoint’s art circles. Soon she was serving on the boards of Pend Oreille Arts Council (POAC) and the Sandpoint Arts Commission, as well as teaching art to Hope Elementary students through POAC’s Kaleidoscope program. Indeed, her life revolves around supporting visual and performing arts, arts education, and artist development. “This is who I am. I love art, both visual and performing, because it evokes emotion in people,” Deaner said. The Southern California native has always collected art, but it wasn’t until she retired at age 55 that she got involved in the arts. “I got bored right away,” she said, so she started volunteering as a docent at Cheekwood, a museum in

Deaner Datasheet

• Serves on the advisory board for Pend Oreille Arts Council; past president (eight years) and vice president of visual arts • Chairs the Sandpoint Arts Commission; coordinated the Bridge Street Bridge art and conservation project, the Boyer

Nashville, Tenn., and later in Minneapolis, at the Minnesota Museum of Art. Trained as a radiologist, Deaner married young, had two daughters and divorced young, which forced her to become an independent woman. She became a professor and clinical instructor of radiological technology and later was in sales and consulting services in medical technology. She remarried at age 42 and credits husband Gary for supporting her in community service. Deaner, 71, is passionate about education, and that’s why she serves on the board of Panhandle Alliance for Education and chairs its Summer Sunset Gala fundraiser that naturally includes an art auction. She appreciates how the Lake Pend Oreille School District supports the arts. “This village is full of great people who appreciate the arts,” she said. In her work with POAC, Deaner is

Avenue roundabout art project, the Sand Creek arch next to Panida Theater, the Second Avenue David Thompson exhibit (still in process), and the granite bear statue at the Sand Creek Byway walking path • Serves on the Panhandle Alliance for Education board;

in charge of revolving art exhibits at Panhandle State Bank’s main office and Mountain West Bank in Ponderay. She laughs as she recalls setting up her first POAC exhibit, at City Hall when Paul Graves, a pastor, was mayor. “The first lesson you learn in Sandpoint about hanging art is ‘no nudes,’ ” she said. Deaner learned another lesson about Sandpoint when she developed breast cancer seven years ago. “This community is very caring. I can’t believe how wonderful people were,” she said. Deaner adds that Sandpoint is lucky to have the Sandpoint Urban Renewal Agency as it funds the arts commission that, in turn, supports local artists. “Sandpoint Arts Commission is a catalyst to put art in front of people,” Deaner said. “It’s paramount that we use local artists.” Indeed, Sandpoint’s public art inventory has grown tremendously in recent years. At the heart of it is Carol Deaner.

chairs the Summer Sunset Gala • Bonner General Hospital Foundation board member; chairs the annual Heart Ball • Past president of Hope Memorial Community Center (six years); coordinated and raised funds for its expansion, coordinated the Bodacious

WINTER 2013

BBQ fundraiser, helped grow its preschool and establish a scholarship program for its students • Named a Woman of Wisdom in 2007 and Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Month in May 2012

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Safe and sound Kinderhaven nurtures, helps raise children in crisis

By Beth Hawkins

t’s the simplest moments that mean the most for Kinderhaven’s young residents: having someone read a favorite book to them; being reminded to brush their teeth; climbing into a warm, safe bed. These everyday childhood occurrences are practically taken for granted in most families but are intentional and important moments within the walls of Kinderhaven – a large home tucked into an ordinary Sandpoint neighborhood that serves as a group shelter for abused and neglected children in Bonner County. “Everything we do has a therapeutic value,” said Phyllis Horvath, executive director of Kinderhaven, as she talks about the staff’s approach to taking care of the children who come to stay at Kinderhaven. “We pay attention to that. Healthy parents do it without even thinking about it.” Nurturing and helping heal the wounds is the facility’s mission, providing a secure environment for children who have nowhere else to turn in moments of family crisis. The 11-bedroom, 6,000-square-foot shelter feels homey, with a spacious kitchen that’s open to the large dining and living rooms. Children often have their own bedroom at Kinderhaven, and there are couches, toy areas, a play set in the backyard – all the things that you would expect to find in a family home. “We try to replicate that home environment,” Horvath said, who stresses the importance of challenging kids to change the way they feel about themselves. The shelter is a haven, and people there know how to love the children, according to Horvath. “When we make them breakfast, the message is that ‘We love you,’ ” she said. “We’re parenting them with an individual, personalized relationship.”

Kinderhaven was founded in 1996 by Sandpoint’s current mayor Marsha Ogilvie, who gathered together a group of friends and started the home. Before Kinderhaven, children were often brought along when their parents were arrested. “The sheriff would pick up the parents, and the kids would sit at the jail,” said Ruth Wimberly, Kinderhaven’s president. Since its inception, more than 1,300 children have stayed at Kinderhaven. Some stay for the night, and others stay for a year or more. “We had a family of six stay for two years,” Wimberly said. Former Kinderhaven resident Sara Cometto, 24, spent her teenage years in and out of the facility and credits the support she received at the home with helping her persevere in life and overcome the challenges she faced. “The people who worked with me at Kinderhaven were a godsend,” Cometto said. “They provided unwavering supWINTER 2013

Staffers such as Jennifer Hoffman, above, strive to make children feel at home and loved while living at Kinderhaven. Photo by billie Jean Gerke

port and empowered me to be who I am today.” Cometto is now a family preservation worker in Michigan, where she helps reunite kids with their families. “This is where I ended up, and it was meant to be.” Kinderhaven’s assistance doesn’t come cheap: Approximately $20,000 per month is needed to operate the home, which does receive some grant funding as well as payments from Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Largely, however, the home relies on the goodwill of the community. In fact, according to Horvath, donations make up 86 percent of Kinderhaven’s revenues. To keep that money coming in, the volunteers and board members of SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

COMMUNITy Kinderhaven host the popular Festival of Trees each holiday season. It’s a winwin situation: The community enjoys the chance to view beautifully decorated Christmas trees – all of which are donated by various groups and companies – during a free Family Night, and then raises the majority of annual funds with a Holiday Luncheon and the Gala. In turn, the staff is teaching the children to be appreciative of the community’s assistance with the intent of

helping them become good citizens. The kids make cookies as thank-you gifts for kind deeds, and the children are expected to follow family rules. All of the community’s goodwill is backed by a dedicated cadre of volunteers – including the members of the board and advisers – who are passionate about their mission to assist Kinderhaven. The instinct to protect the community’s most vulnerable children is obviously strong among this group;

yet the need for more volunteers is ever present. Volunteers go through training to handle children who have been abused, and they also undergo a background check. Duties can include coming in and reading to the children, providing afterschool tutoring, driving kids to their appointments, or even just something as simple as helping with the laundry. “It’s all about sharing with the kids what an ordinary family looks like,” Wimberly said. “It’s a home where we heal and save abused children before giving them back to the community. We let them play, we teach them how to brush their teeth … we want to end the cycle of violence.” When it’s time for the children to leave, they hope they are stronger and more whole. The process is reciprocal. For Wimberly, being part of Kinderhaven is a part of who she is: “It’s one of the most worthwhile things I’ve been involved with in my entire life.”

Events raise funds, awareness

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Kinderhaven’s board hosts two fundraising and awareness events, the Festival of Trees in December and Adopt-A-Buddy in April. Festival of Trees: This annual three-day holiday event takes place at the Sandpoint Events Center, 102 Euclid Ave. The community is welcome to attend Family Night Thursday, Nov. 29, to enjoy the decorated Christmas trees, plus there will be music, cookies, refreshments and visits with Santa Claus. Fundraising events include the Holiday Luncheon Friday, Nov. 30, with a catered lunch and auction, and the Gala Saturday, Dec. 1, with a live Christmas tree auction and dinner. All proceeds benefit Kinderhaven. For tickets, call 610-2208. Adopt-A-Buddy: April is Child Abuse Awareness Month, and Kinderhaven adopts out cardboard “buddies” as part of its Adopt-A-Buddy program. The public can “adopt” a buddy for a specified amount for the month or even the year. It’s all to raise awareness – and funds – for Kinderhaven.

ARTS

Knowing Nan Cooper Multifaceted artist extraordinaire thrives in sharing By Carrie Scozzaro

ike the rescue cats she has taken to painting lately, artist Nan Cooper has lived at least nine lives, each one melding into the next, fluidly informing her personal and creative processes. “We are multifaceted beings,” said Cooper, who pursued dance and art with equal passion as a young girl. “No artist is limited to just one creative outlet, and everything enriches and informs life/art/all the big and little parts of our lives, too.” Dancer, painter, writer, weaver, gardener, designer, student, teacher, Cooper went from California to North Carolina to Washington, D.C., to Idaho, where she’s been since 1992. Drawn to Idaho by intuition, Cooper followed that up with a lot of research. In her 63 years, Cooper has been there, done that, and she continues to view each day as an opportunity to be creative. A member artist for three years at Sandpoint’s Art Works Gallery and a part of Artists’ Studio Tour, Cooper also exhibited this past summer at Redtail Gallery. The show included mostly oil paintings and a few sketches, all gestural and somewhat abstracted. “Three Secrets,” with billowing clouds hovering over an evergreen landscape and distant ribbon of river is typical of her landscape style. Cooper also showed portraits of animals, mostly hers. Esmeralda the cat has “the flirty and silly tail,” said Cooper. Sergeant Pepper, a Scottie-mix from Second Chance Animal Adoption in Bonners Ferry, is a study in contrasts, dark black fur against a vibrant red background. Coop, a white standard poodle, tilts his head, a bright tennis ball at his feet. “It’s the better part of portraiture,” said Cooper of her pet images,

An artist of many mediums and talents, as well as a devoted pet owner, Nan Cooper (top) views each day as an opportunity to be creative. Photo by billie Jean Gerke. The somewhat abstractive paintings above, “Three Secrets” and “Night Mares,” represent her artistic style well.

“graphic, with personality/caricature and full of furry souls insisting that we recognize them.” Cooper also does occasional still WINTER 2013

lifes, such as the watermelons in “Sweet as a Woman’s Lips – Tender as Her Heart.” Titles are important, this one inspired by a roadside fruit stand SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

ARTS

sign from past travels. Cooper turned to pet portraits as a relief from landscape painting. “Better than going to the dark side of frustration and self-castigating despair,” said Cooper, who admits to being somewhat introverted. “I engage the art world in Sandpoint for periods of time,” said Cooper, “and then retreat for long periods.” Previous engagements include almost a decade painting murals with fellow artist Maria Larson. The duo met 12 years ago, said Larson, when an interior designer hired them to do work in a private home north of Newport, Wash. “(Nan) kept coming in to inspect my work,” said Larson, “I think hoping to find fault, but within a few days she decided I was all right and we became fast friends.” Soon they were leaving their mark all over Sandpoint, from public spaces like The Paint Bucket, Bird Aviation Museum and Invention Center, and

Monarch Mountain Coffee to private homes like that of Coldwater Creek founder Dennis Pence. “I think we would still love to work together,” said Larson, “but we both needed to get off of ladders and scaffolds in order to preserve our health. Ah, the joys of aging.” The pair has remained close. “Nan’s intellect, education and experience, which she shared generously, surely enriched my life and my work.” Cooper estimates she and Larson did about 30 murals, including the 3D “Aurora Bearealis.” The customized, cast bear sculpture for the 2001 Bearly There in Sandpoint fundraiser was sold to benefit Panida Theater. Murals were a “time-and-place response to finding an art form that would allow me to eat,” said Cooper, “as well as major fun.” Cooper has also made a living – and

“Sgt. Pepper,” a pet portrait by Nan Cooper, is a study in contrasts

very much enjoys – teaching. This fall and winter, Cooper is teaching five classes at Arts Alliance in pastels, oil painting and drawing. All her classes, including her five-week drawing classes entitled “Taking a Line for a Walk,” are shaped by a fondness for learning that began as a young girl.

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“I read early and had a lot of time to look at the photos and illustrations in all kinds of family books,” said Cooper, whose father was a photographer. Cooper remembers summer painting lessons at age 10 at the Fresno Art Museum. It resulted in her first sale: “a large, simple gesture painting of the rear end of a horse, with its head curiously turned to see the viewer.” Her high school art teacher coaxed her parents into allowing her to study art in college. “They were afraid that I would become a ‘Beatnik,’ ” said Cooper, who ironically dropped out of college and, swept up in the homesteading movement, moved across country to North Carolina. “My (former) husband was a musician, and I wove and quilted,” said Cooper, who through the generosity of an aunt, studied weaving at the prestigious Penland School of Craft. During this 10-year period, Cooper focused on practical arts and subsistence farming.

Then in the 1970s, Cooper returned to California to earn double undergraduate degrees in art and art history at the University of California-Santa Cruz, where she also taught drawing. She picked up an earlier thread – textiles – during an internship at the San Francisco Fine Arts Museum and became intrigued with museum work. In 1984, Cooper relocated to Washington, D.C., to begin her Master of Fine Arts at American University. Her love of art was fed by a range of experiences, beginning with a fouryear stint at The Phillips Collection. Founded in 1918 by Duncan Phillips, the privately funded collection is described as the first “modern art” museum. Many staff members – including guards and supervisors – were artists and were encouraged to converse with guests about the collection. Cooper thrived in such a saturated environment. She lists a wide range of influences: modernists like American

landscape painter Richard Diebenkorn; Avigdor Arika, a Romanian known for his gestural style; photographer Mario Giacomelli; and Japanese-American abstractionist Kenzo Okada; and 1770s plein air studies of England’s John Constable. “Wasn’t it Picasso who said ‘Steal everything’?” asked Cooper, paraphrasing Picasso, whose exact quote was “Bad artists copy. Good artists steal.” She added, “It all becomes pared down and condensed into a stew of life experiences and ... there it is ... never the same and always challenging and changing.” That’s just like the artist herself, who has recently gotten more serious about her writing, especially poetry, another lifelong passion. From her summer exhibition comes the title of a painting and a Haiku-type snippet from the 1980s, when she spent a final summer in northern California’s Sierra foothills: Slip in / Still pool – Cool.

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BUSINESS

Small town, big ideas Three Sandpoint entrepreneurs share their stories By Zach Hagadone backGrounD Photo by Marie-DoMinique VerDier inset Photos by ben olson

andpoint has always been a working-person’s town – attracting a diverse mix of doit-yourselfers, rugged pioneers and entrepreneurs. Long before Lake Pend Oreille and its surrounding wilds were tourism attractions, they were sources of wealth and opportunity for those hearty enough to carve out a living in the remote Idaho Panhandle. Things have changed dramatically in the 111 years since Sandpoint was incorporated; where a century ago natives and newcomers alike found work in the lumber mills, in the mines and on farms hewn from the woods around town, they now labor as merchants and restaurateurs, and in thriving industries like health care and manufacturing (the latter having grown 27 percent from 2000 to 2010, while it fell 26 percent statewide). Indeed, the transition away from natural resources was a difficult one – with thousands of jobs lost in the 1990s through the early 2000s – but Sandpoint, along with the rest of Bonner County, has bounced back with homegrown economic powerhouses like Coldwater Creek, Schweitzer Mountain Resort and Litehouse Foods, among others. Just as important as those heavyweights, though, are the smaller busi40

SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

nesses, those that may employ a dozen workers but look poised to become long-lasting, important parts of the area’s economic foundation. These are the up-and-comers, the small business pioneers who, like those who came in the previous century, had a dream and took a risk.

Allen Mangum: Timbersled Born and raised in the Sandpoint area, Allen Mangum grew up working in his dad’s repair shop – M&S Engine Works – where he fell in love with tinkering and especially with snowmobiles. “I’ve taken apart and put back together everything I’ve ever owned,” Mangum said. Like most natives, the 33-year-old has juggled several jobs at once, alternating between working for his dad, logging and pursuing his own projects. One of those projects turned out to be a life-changer. Putting his mechanical skills to use, Mangum started building suspension parts for snowmobiles in 2002. That was when Timbersled was born. “I started in my parents’ garage and did it part-time,” Mangum said. Three years and a few moves later, Timbersled was a full-time gig. In 2011 the company expanded into snow bike WINTER 2013

kits, a track-and-ski system featuring Timbersled’s patent-pending suspension product that converts motorcycles into spry winter mountain machines. Now, 10 years after he started, Mangum has a fabrication shop in Ponderay and employs 12 workers, shipping snowmobile suspensions and snow bike conversion kits around the world. “It’s just steadily grown every single year,” said Mangum, who runs the business with his wife, Natasha. “She’s every bit as much of this business as I am,” he said. Most of Timbersled’s business is done in the United States, Mangum said, though Canada, Japan, Sweden, Norway and Finland have been robust markets. “Russia is starting to pick up

BUSINESS

a lot,” he added. This year alone Timbersled will manufacture 530 of the snow bike kits, some of which start at around $1,475. “As far as the market around here, I’d say 10 percent of snow motorsport enthusiasts are on them already in Sandpoint,” Mangum said. “They’ve definitely made a huge impact in our town.” Timbersled has made a big impact on the motorized snow sport industry as a whole, too. When Mangum started in the snow bike business there were three competitors out there building similar products. Timbersled’s Mountain Horse, however, put them out of business in 12 months. “I can say this, our products are unique to anybody else’s and a lot of the suspension technology in our snowmobile stuff is in our snow bikes,” Mangum said. “That rear suspension is the heart and soul of the whole product.” If current growth is any indication, Timbersled is set for a leading role in the area’s manufacturing sector. “This thing that we make is something that will eventually be put together on an assembly line,” Mangum said. “I’m going to grow as much as I can.” But just because Timbersled has been successful doesn’t mean there

aren’t challenges to operating a growing business in Sandpoint. Mangum said he hasn’t had any trouble finding skilled workers, but getting supplies has proved expensive. “We definitely spend probably higher shipping costs, versus being in a big city,” said Mangum. He wouldn’t live anywhere else, though. “It helps when you’re born and raised here,” he said. “I don’t know any other way.” As far as advice to budding entrepreneurs, and an explanation of what’s made Timbersled such a going concern, Mangum said it comes down to a few simple things. “I would say you’ve got to have goals, you’ve got to have planning and you’ve got to have organization,” he said, adding that stick-to-itiveness is also a must. “A lot of guys give up too soon if they’re not successful right away.”

Elizabeth Turley: Meesh & Mia Some people just don’t mess around when it comes to going after what they want. Take Elizabeth Turley, for example. In 2004 she was living in Fort Meyers, Fla., where she had worked for seven years as director of marketing and media at national clothing retailer Chico’s. During that time the chain WINTER 2013

had grown from 60 stores to 560; and, while she enjoyed her job, Turley never really felt at home in Florida. She had looked at Coldwater Creek off and on – as a competitor – but one day, out of curiosity, she asked herself: “Where is Coldwater Creek?” Turns out it was in a little town called Sandpoint, Idaho. “I knew nothing about Idaho at all until I looked at it online and said, ‘Oh. My. Gosh.’ ” Turley showed her husband, Ron Fausnight, what she had found, and when he echoed her amazement at Sandpoint’s scenic charms, she set her mind on moving. “Literally I updated my resume over the weekend, contacted (Coldwater SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

BUSINESS Creek) on Monday, sold a house, bought a house and moved across the country in seven weeks,” she said. “I have a tendency to make my mind up and do it.” Turley worked as director of marketing and brand management at Coldwater for four and a half years, but as the economy went soft, it became clear that job cuts were looming. Turley again made up her mind to try something different. “I left Coldwater Creek and was doing some consulting and came up with this crazy idea that women were not able to show their team spirit and their style,” said Turley, a lifelong college sports fan. “A guy might have his favorite jersey that he wears to every game, but the woman wants to wear something different every time, and something that’s stylish. … She doesn’t want to look like a guy.” Turley’s entrepreneurial flash – that makers of fan apparel were failing to tap into an enormous demographic – resulted in Meesh & Mia, founded in

2009 with the express aim of providing female sports fans with fashionable choices for showing pride in their teams. “As an entrepreneur you’re always looking for: ‘What’s the pain, what’s the solution?’ The pain was that women didn’t have anything great to wear and the solution was solving that,” she said. If demand is any indication, she hit on the right formula. After spending that first year doing research, Meesh & Mia came out with its first line of clothing in 2010, featuring colors and logos from 11 universities around the country. At that time Turley herself represented half the full-time work force, while the remainder of her employees were either part-time or subcontractors. “It’s a very difficult market to get into,” Turley said. “For a university to allow you to become licensed they really have to trust you.” Turley brought her marketing and branding skills to bear, traveling from university to university making her pitch. Having convinced 11 universities

to trust Meesh & Mia with their brands, more were soon to follow. By the end of 2011 the company was selling to 68 schools, and in 2012 that number had grown to 150. Meanwhile, Meesh & Mia’s payroll grew to 38 employees working in a complex of buildings on McGhee Road – incidentally, right across the street from Coldwater Creek’s corporate offices. “It’s a rapid-growth company, for sure,” said Turley, excitedly adding that Meesh & Mia may be on the cusp of its biggest coup yet, negotiating licensing for women’s apparel centered on the 2013 Super Bowl and with all 32 NFL teams. “We’re still just hardly scratching the surface,” she said, estimating that if all goes to plan, Meesh & Mia looks set to break the $100 million mark by 2015. That’s more than enough to be happy about, but Turley said living in Sandpoint is its own best reward. “I came here for the quality of life, and it’s my dream world. It’s honestly everything I ever wanted it to be,” she

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BUSINESS said. “It’s an incredible story and here we are in Sandpoint, Idaho. A lot of people said you can’t start a business up there and I said, ‘Just watch me.’ ”

Charles Manning: PlayXpert You don’t run a successful tech company without being super analytical. More so than in other industries, perhaps, the tech sector demands meticulous cost-benefit analysis, longterm thinking and intricate, up-to-thesecond strategy. As founder of software firm PlayXpert, Charles Manning typifies these characteristics. Started in 2006, the firm has grown from an idea with promise to employing 22 highly skilled employees working with clients like National Geographic, Old Navy and Lexus. “The business is larger in scope than when we first started,” Manning said. “In the beginning, we were focused on building software to enable multitasking while gaming. Since then

… we’ve really discovered that our team is uniquely qualified to help other brands and agencies build what we call ‘Engagement Platforms.’ ” What that means, in layman’s terms, is that PlayXpert specializes in changing the way people are entertained. “This is immersive, interactive, trans-media entertainment that incorporates game mechanics, traditional broadcast, engagement features and second screen elements – where your tablet or mobile interacts in a contex-

tual way based on what you’re watching on TV, for example,” Manning said. It’s a revolutionary concept that Manning has termed “Entertainment 2.0,” made all the more unique because the company is based in Sandpoint. True to form, Manning didn’t make that decision lightly, either. “My wife and I did it the other way around. First, we decided to move here and second, as entrepreneurs, it became clear that there was a great opportunity around PlayXpert and we decided to start the company,” he said. The Mannings came to Sandpoint from Washington D.C., where they had been living for four years, and prior to that they called San Francisco home. Sandpoint seems like an unlikely follow-up to those metropolises, but Manning said the small town met a series of “DNA metrics” that he and his family were looking for. “A great reference that we perused when we were planning to move to a small town was Rich Kaarlgard’s ‘Life

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BUSINESS

SUppORT fOR STARTUpS hEATS Up By its nature, entrepreneurship is a risky endeavor. It takes a

a presence in Ponderay, dramatically expanded its offerings in

lot of guts to break off on your own and invest everything in a

Sandpoint with relocation to the Sandpoint Business and Events

big idea, but those risks can be lessened with help from a host of

Center (see story, page 31). That effort was heavily supported by

institutions. The Sandpoint community is rich in groups actively

the Sandpoint Forward group – the economic restructuring com-

working to lend a hand to budding business leaders.

mittee of the Downtown Sandpoint Business Association – working

“We have a unique region in that we

Former Sandpoint Mayor Gretchen Hellar has been helping

egories,” said Karl Dye, who heads the

spearhead collaboration with the college through a private group

Bonner County Economic Development

of business and education stakeholders that grew out of the ef-

Corporation (BCEDC). “But when it

forts of Sandpoint Forward.

comes to our most successful com-

“What we’re trying to do is help NIC

panies in terms of total employment

reach its goals by providing a cooperative

– Coldwater Creek, Litehouse – they

effort between the community and NIC,”

didn’t move here. … Our most success-

Hellar said. Those goals, specifically, are to

ful companies grew here.”

double local enrollment to 500 students in

Whether homegrown or transplanted, Karl Dye

in conjunction with officials at the two-year community college.

attract people who fall into those cat-

all startups need education, non-traditional financing and connectivity, accord-

a broad array of studies. The impacts could be game changing. “It helps people who want to learn and

ing to Dye. Sandpoint is working to expand all three. The connectivity

it helps local businesses – a lot of local

piece is coming from an area-wide fiber optic network in the works for

businesses say we need people who have

four years that could be up and running by next year, Dye said.

management skills, administrative skills.

Non-traditional financing, meanwhile, is increasingly available

NIC can teach people how to do human

through networking and support groups like the BCEDC’s Start Up!

resource management, the skills to being in

program and the newly minted Inventors Association of Idaho.

administration,” Hellar said.

Large-scale projects that enhance the infrastructure for entre-

Dye, at BCEDC, couldn’t agree more: “When you can increase the

preneurs are also in the offing. Aside from the fiber optic network,

level of educational attainment in your community you fix a lot of

city planners are looking at a mixed-use parking structure down-

your other problems. Entrepreneurialism is kind of a side element

town – with funding support from the Sandpoint Urban Renewal

of educational attainment. ... It really is a trickle-down effect.”

Agency – and with opening of the Sand Creek Byway, and forward

Sandpoint Forward, by the way, is also actively engaged in proj-

movement on the U.S. Highway 2 “Curve” realignment on the west

ects such as the Chairlift Pitch Competition, that brings startups

side of town, Sandpoint is eyeing a business/pedestrian friendly

face-to-face with investors; the Genuine Sandpoint buy local

slate of redesigns for its downtown core.

campaign; and Savor Sandpoint, which promotes culinary tourism

The biggest coup, however, comes with the education piece.

in the area.

Coeur d’Alene-based North Idaho College, which has long had

2.0,’ a book about business people who have defected from big cities to run companies or work from small towns,” Manning said. The Mannings made a leap of faith: “My wife and I only knew one couple when we got to town, but it was a great adventure that we were excited to take.” It has been a challenge to find the right kind of employees; all of PlayXpert’s engineering talent has been 44

Gretchen Hellar

SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

–Zach Hagadone

recruited from out of town. “What I’ve found is that there are many people who want the same thing that my wife and I wanted when we first moved here,” Manning said. “The idea that you can do something that is relevant on a national and global scale in mobile and gaming – and live in the best place on Earth – is a great combination.” Judging just by these three entrepreneurs, Sandpoint’s spirit of hard WINTER 2013

work and perseverance has remained, with its natural beauty and quality of life drawing new residents year after year to build new businesses and forge opportunities not only for themselves but for the community as a whole. Whether they hail from just down the road or across the country, they’re all doing one of the most important jobs in any town like Sandpoint: making it more than just a pretty place to visit.

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T h E AT E R

Sandpoint Onstage’s production of “The Music Man” included clockwise from left: Benjamin Thompson as Professor Harold Hill, Director Deborah McShane, Kate Fox as librarian Marian Paroo, and Kate McAlister as Mrs. Paroo. Photos by MarieDoMinique VerDier

the show goes on

Theater scene racks up successes

hen the curtain went up on opening night of Sandpoint Onstage’s production of “The Music Man” this past summer, it kicked off the most ambitious community theater project in years – and cemented the reality of Sandpoint’s theater renaissance. “ ‘The Music Man’ – our first musical – sold out the Panida, upstairs and down, with people waiting outside, hoping to claim any no-show tickets,” said Teresa Pesce, who has held the reins at Sandpoint Onstage for five years now. “It was amazing and a little scary.” True, back in the glory days of Sandpoint theater, when the Unicorn Theatre Players were active from the early 1980s to the mid-1990s, a full season of stage plays – including a musical – were on tap every year. But the theater scene went dormant until interest

seemed to resurface in 2010 and 2011. “I do think that we’re in our little renaissance phase right now,” said Deborah McShane, who directed Meredith Wilson’s award-winning play “The Music Man” and has been active in Sandpoint theater since Unicorn’s first performance in 1978. “It is kind of amazing in life how everything starts to cycle around. I think things are coming alive in Sandpoint in general: music-wise, business-wise. We have a whole lot of people interested in theater again.” That is evident not only considering productions by Sandpoint Onstage, but also with the proliferation of other groups and individuals who have gotten interested in live theater. Local playwright, musician and author Ben Olson wrote and produced two original plays in the past two years (“Death of a Small Town in the West” and “Sperm! WINTER 2013

By Zach Hagadone The Musical”), as well as Chris Herron, another young local writer, who wrote and directed his debut work, “Separate Checks,” produced by Sandpoint Onstage in early 2012. On top of those shows are those put on by 7B Productions, another startup group devoted to arts and entertainment – including, but not limited to, stage shows. Fronted by Robert Moore, Ron Ragone, Dion Nizzi and Madeleine Elliot, 7B Productions presented the hit radio play “It’s a Wonderful Life” in winter 2011, then went on to produce “The Lady with All the Answers,” based on the life of advice columnist Ann Landers, and “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged).” On tap are more productions, including “The Crucible,” “The Foreigner,” “The Odd Couple” and “Mary, Mary.” SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

T h E AT E R

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“All these shows have been wellknown and are Broadway winners,” said Moore. “We want to bring in some thought-provoking material and some comedy.” Following the larger trend in Sandpoint theater, 7B has worked hard to produce top-quality shows – “We don’t just want to throw fluff up on the stage,” Moore said – but stage is just a small part of what 7B Productions has to offer. Short films, promotional videos, educational outreach to area schools and documentaries round out the forprofit company’s endeavors. “We’ve been busy, doing our own thing – trying not to overlap with the other plays,” Moore said. “We don’t necessarily want to do something (on stage) every month, but there’s a healthy balance (between film and stage), as far as what we want to do.” The Pend Oreille Arts Council, Sandpoint’s longtime flagship arts organization, also dabbles in performance theater but doesn’t make it a focus. “We usually try to include some element of that in our season,” said POAC Executive Director Kim Queen. “There’s obviously a want and a need for it. With ‘The Music Man,’ just watching what’s been happening with ticket sales, those are sold-out shows. People seem to really be wanting to go into that arena and not only wanting to go to the theater, but be a part of it. POAC is looking at that, too.” POAC each year puts on a jampacked season of music, dance and arts WINTER 2013

Lula Washington Dance Theatre performed in April 2011 as part of Pend Oreille Arts Council’s annual Performance Series

events, as well as bringing in staples like Eugene Ballet’s “The Nutcracker,” and plays by Montana-based Missoula Children’s Theatre, but, Queen said, adding more live theater to the season gets pricey in a hurry. “Honestly, it’s hard to keep it affordable anymore,” she said. “If we bring something, is it something that’s going to sell out? When we went to ‘The Music Man’ we all knew someone in the play. … It has to have major name recognition. It’s a gamble.” Queen points to the work of Sandpoint Onstage and 7B Productions as going a long way toward meeting

“The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, abridged” presented by 7B Productions starred, from left, Carl Jones, Andrew Sorg and Chris Herron. courtesy Photo

FeSTivAl ATSAndpoinT The

Sandpoint’s demand for theater shows. Like Queen at POAC, Moore said that 7B Productions is happy to let Sandpoint Onstage make theater arts its focus. Indeed, the more the merrier. “Sandpoint wants to be known as an arts community, but with the performing arts it’s hard to keep them consistently coming, so seeing that support is great,” Moore said. “When there’s a good production, like ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’ ‘Separate Checks,’ ‘The Music Man’ and ‘The Lady with All the Answers,’ it has elevated the quality of theater.” Indeed, the resurgence in theater arts has been spurred on in large part by Sandpoint Onstage, and Sandpoint Onstage has been largely spurred on by Pesce. Pesce, a copywriter at Coldwater Creek, got her first taste of the stage from the writing and directing side. Her first plays performed in Sandpoint came in 2009 with “Once Upon a Pizza,” “Inbetween” and “Postcards,” the latter which featured the artwork of A-list actor and part-time-area resident Viggo Mortensen. Those initial efforts led to other Pesce-penned works in 2010 (“Red Tape,” “Hearts Online” and “Murder at the Castle”) as well as “Lion in Winter.” The ball just kept on bouncing in 2011 with a production of Pesce’s “Puppy Love” and long established pieces including “Hospitality Suite,” “On the Verge” and “Escanaba in Da Moonlight.” By 2012, with the addition of “Separate Checks,” written and directed by Sandpoint local Chris Herron, and “The Music Man,” Sandpoint Onstage had successfully produced 13 plays in four years. The little group had definitely arrived. “What I really wanted, when I sort of took up the baton and ran with it, was what we have now,” said Pesce. “I can see it going on and on and on.” The crowning achievement, of course, has been “The Music Man,” which drew 135 thespians to audi-

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tion and featured a cast of 54 – plus a pit orchestra of up to 15 musicians and nearly 40 crew members. Aside from being a major technical accomplishment – running for three weekends, plus matinees, and drawing crowds from nearly 400 to 500 people each night – McShane said “The Music Man” represented a sort of coming-of-age for Sandpoint theater. “It was just an absolute joy for me to work with ‘The Music Man,’ ” McShane said. “One of the most exciting things was the multigenerational aspect of it. We had a great production crew, with Paul Gunter doing the orchestra, Sara Caruso doing the vocals and Taryn Quayle doing choreography. These are all second-generation theater kids who are now moving into positions of leadership in the theater.” Beyond that, enthusiasm for the production spread through the community like wildfire. Entire families performed on stage together, while cast members ranged from 6 years of age to the mid80s. A lot of that enthusiasm, McShane said, stems from the similarities between the play’s fictional small town of River City and Sandpoint. “You could counter-pose the name of River City and Sandpoint,” McShane said. “It’s about small town life, and it’s about trying to be open to experience.” Indeed, the theme of a community pulling together in common purpose resonated throughout the production – not just on stage. “It’s just exciting to see so many people get so excited, and it culminates in something really glorious,” said Julie Berreth, a 20-year Sandpoint resident who has quickly become the communications/organization hub for Sandpoint Onstage. “There’s always something you can do – everybody can be involved, and in this town people just flock to you. The whole town, practically. This is the best place for theater to happen.” With success of “The Music Man” under its belt, Sandpoint Onstage already has its 2013 season lined up. Scheduled for the last two weekends 50

SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

of February (Feb. 15-16 and Feb. 22-23 at the Panida Little Theater) will be “The Mousetrap,” Agatha Christie’s renowned murder mystery that has been playing for 60 straight years – the longest-running play in the world. Just getting permission to stage “The Mousetrap” was a coup in its own right. Copyright holders require an application and a fee in advance, then three to four months for approval. “They’re very particular about who they allow to do it,” Pesce said. “They have to pick you, and they picked us. It’s going to be a big deal – a huge deal.” Following that, Sandpoint Onstage will produce another Pesce original, “The Counselor,” and in June and July the theater company will take on its second musical: “The Wizard of Oz.” The season will wrap up in December with “A Christmas Carol.” As the tagline goes: “Sandpoint Onstage – for the love of community theater,” and as far as McShane is concerned, community theater performs best when it plays to deeply felt themes. “There are so many musicals, but what we wanted was to find something that’s also fitting for Sandpoint; with the whole thematic aspect of Dorothy feeling like when she leaves Kansas and is looking for something else, ‘There’s no place like home,’ well, there’s no place like Sandpoint,” said McShane, who will return as director for “The Wizard of Oz.” “It’s really going to strike a chord with people.” If recent successes are any indication, there’s no doubt that McShane is right. Just based on the amount of community involvement in “The Music Man,” the WINTER 2013

Sandpoint Onstage’s Teresa Pesce presents Deborah McShane with the Lifetime Theatrical Achievement Award. Photo by Marie-DoMinique VerDier

chord has definitely been struck. McShane returns to anecdotes about locals stopping by during rehearsals just to visit, but ending up building sets. Then there’s Ben Thompson, who dropped off his teenage son at one audition and ended up landing the leading role in “The Music Man.” He hadn’t been on stage since his own school days. “It was just a lot of people being so open,” McShane said. “From First Christian Church and the Sandpoint Charter School, which opened their spaces for us to rehearse in, to Steve Holt at the Eureka Center, who gave us his barn to build our sets in. It was people who just really helped make things happen. How I view it, is community theater at its finest.” Pesce couldn’t agree more. “Sometimes the person who’s leading is only up front because everybody else backed up,” she said. “Through five years of perseverance and the mentoring of Deborah McShane, we’re proud of what we have accomplished. We sought to be a trusted source of good theater, to involve both established and evolving playwrights, producers, directors, lighting and stage design artists – and backstage geniuses. And with a great deal of help and a generous, supportive community, we’ve done so. … “If one person did it alone, it wouldn’t mean anything,” Pesce added. “It’s community theater. And it’s wonderful.”

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NORDIC NEWS

Nordic explosion Sport growing, evolving in our private Idaho By Billie Jean Gerke

Tauber Angus Farms is one of two working ranches now grooming family-friendly, beginner Nordic trails in the Selle Valley. Photo courtesy tauber angus Farms

etween new Nordic terrain at two local ranches and the advent of the Sandpoint Nordic Club, the local cross-country scene is gaining steam and drawing hordes of new converts to join confirmed addicts. Add an enthusiastic couple newly settled in Sandpoint from the Nordic mecca of the Midwest, and the stage is set for a winter sports revolution in northern Idaho.

Hark! Selle Valley snowbelt Come winter, cow trails and horse pastures transform into Nordic trails in the pastoral Selle Valley, Bonner County’s snowbelt north of Sandpoint. The valley’s winter wonderland now contains the newest terrain open to cross-country and skate skiers at two working ranches – Tauber Angus Farms

and Western Pleasure Guest Ranch. Both are set up as easy, park-n-ski outfits on Gold Creek and Upper Gold Creek roads and feature beginnerfriendly terrain. “It’s funny to see who comes and goes to our little private Idaho,” said Cassie Tauber, who with husband Tim Reed, worked at the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City. As a groomer for the Olympics, Reed is familiar with the snow quality needed for skate skiing. The couple’s Utah connections came in handy when they scored a used Piston Bully groomer, one that Reed had actually operated at the Olympics. “The grooming at the Taubers is absolutely beautiful,” said Ned Brandenberger, 49, president of the Sandpoint Nordic Club (www.sand pointnordic.com). “The Taubers and Western Pleasure are really doing a serWINTER 2013

vice for the community. It takes wherewithal to own equipment and maintain trails.” Tauber’s Ski the Farm began last year with three miles of trails that follow the same paths their Angus beef cattle tread across pastureland and into the forest. They hope to secure a grant and acquire a full rental fleet so that local schools can introduce K-6 students to the sport at Ski the Farm. “Getting equipment is paramount to the success of the program,” Tauber said. Their goal is to increase the community’s interest in Nordic skiing and nurture the sport in Greater Sandpoint. “It helps immensely getting young people into the sport,” Brandenberger said. “They can go ski on gentle terrain close to town. It’s also good for Schweitzer because it will introduce SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

NORDIC NEWS

more people into the sport, and they will go to Schweitzer for dependable snow conditions and more terrain.” Ski the Farm is now operated as the Selle Valley Ski Club, whereby skiers automatically join the club when they purchase a day or season pass. Rates are $5 per day, $60 for an adult season pass and $35 for a child’s season pass. Phone 263-6400 or find Tauber Angus Farm on Facebook. “We’re just trying to cover costs basically,” said Tauber, who is working with adjoining landowners to add another three miles of trail. On loan from friends, an Airstream travel trailer serves as a warming hut. Tauber said their Nordic trails see a solid two months of suitable snow conditions. One local was able to get seven days of skiing in at Tauber Angus Farms last year, close to the 10 days he had at Schweitzer. Bob Phillips, 73, retired here 10 years ago from Michigan and still skis competitively despite getting “long in the tooth.” “Skiing at Schweitzer is scary for someone new at the game,” he said. “It’s really nice to have a flat place for beginners and for people who want to work on their form. It should provide a venue for folks to try it out at a nice, gentle place.” Up the road a few miles at a slightly higher elevation, Janice and Roley Schoonover, at Brandenberger’s urging, opened their vast horse pasture to Nordic skiers two years ago. Together they created a big loop that runs two

Nordic skiers Sean Stash and Lisa Portune sample the two-mile loop encircling a horse pasture at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch. Photo by ned brandenberger

miles around the whole perimeter of the field visible from the county road. “Ned encouraged us to try it and came up with his own equipment and set tracks the first year,” said Janice Schoonover, who operates Western Pleasure Guest Ranch on land that has been in the Wood family since the 1940s. Last year the ranch took over trail maintenance with a four-wheeler that can set tracks and the groomer that maintains its sleigh trails. The cost is $5 per person or $25 for a carload per day. Season passes may be available. Phone 263-9066 or find Western Pleasure Guest Ranch on Facebook. “It’s really great that we can all work together and get more people involved in it,” Janice Schoonover said.

Brandenberger agreed: “It’s good for the community as a whole. We have the lake in the summer, but really skiing is the draw in the winter.” He adds that expanding the Nordic ski terrain in and around Sandpoint will bring more people here, and that will benefit retailers, restaurants and Schweitzer. “Plus, it’s good for people. It’s healthy, outdoors and affordable,” he said.

Nordic skiing ambassador Ned Brandenberger has been Nordic skiing since he was a little kid. He grew up in Missoula, Mont., and raced for the Nordic team at Montana State University in Bozeman. A Sandpoint resident for 20 years, Brandenberger said of the Nordic scene here: “It keeps

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NORDIC NEWS

2003

Ned Brandenberger, president and founder of the Sandpoint Nordic Club, is an avid skate skier who is a tireless promoter of the sport. Photo by ed VanVooren

getting better and better. The sport is growing, but it’s not inexpensive to run a groomer around the trails. We are so grateful and lucky to have Schweitzer support Nordic skiing.” In the old days, Brandenberger said they just used to shuffle off to Picnic Point and not see anyone, but now they see a lot more people on Schweitzer’s Nordic trails. “It’s just a great sport – an endurance winter sport. I hardly ever alpine ski anymore,” he said. “I don’t know how I’d get through a winter without cross-country skiing.” When conditions are right, the Sandpoint Nordic Club grooms trails in town at the University of Idaho Extension property on North Boyer and

within parks in cooperation with the City of Sandpoint. Director of Parks and Recreation Kim Woodruff says the town’s elevation at 2,100 feet makes it a challenge, however. “You have to be an opportunist. Be ready to mobilize. When it happens, go,” he said.

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Enter the Longhinis Sandpoint’s Nordic scene is sure to see even more momentum build as two proponents of the sport moved to town in January 2012. A couple in their 50s, Ross and Vicki Longhini are passionate skate skiers who moved here from their homes in Minnesota and Wisconsin. They have raced in the sport’s largest, Olympic-length Nordic event in the United States, the

WINTER 2013

SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

NORDIC NEWS

Midwestern transplants Vicki and Ross Longhini are poised to help the Nordic scene here grow

Birkebeiner, every year for the past five years, with plans to continue. The couple brought their grooming equipment with them to northern Idaho and plan to develop trails around their Hidden Valley property, also in the Selle Valley, about five miles north of town. Vicki Longhini was already working on her personal training certificate and gathering troops for dryland Nordic training before the leaves began to fall in September. The couple aims to train and coach a cadre of Nordic skiers and ultimately build a team to represent Sandpoint in competition. “People are coming out of the woodwork. We have a lot of interest,” Vicki Longhini said. “What I find exciting is the more I talk about skiing and dryland training, the more people say ‘I just started doing that’ or ‘I want to try that.’ Having accessible areas to learn and train on is really important.” The Longhinis can be reached via e-mail at vicki.longhini@gmail.com. Sagle resident Rick Price also has several Birkebeiners under his belt. A member of the Sandpoint Nordic Club,

About the Sandpoint Nordic Club The Sandpoint Nordic Club formed five years ago and has about 40 members with a mission to promote Nordic skiing in Bonner County and nurture a junior race team, according to its president, Ned Brandenberger. The team begins skiing in October and often trains in the dark after school. They attend summer ski camps sponsored by the Northwest Professional Skiing Association, such as at Bend, Ore., in June and Washington’s Methow Valley in August, where they can train alongside Olympians. The club also assists the City of Sandpoint on National Trails Day in January to provide a free skiing day with lessons and equipment at Schweitzer, near the roundabout. To learn more, phone 208-255-6839 or look up www. sandpointnordic.com.

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he hopes to take advantage of the Longhinis’ dryland training to get in shape for the Birkebeiner in February. The 54-year-old meets his two brothers at the Birkebeiner so they can race the 50 kilometers from Cable to Hayward, Wis., together. “It’s just a fun sport, and everyone that tries it gets addicted. Physiologists say there’s no better workout than cross-country skiing,” Price said. He has cross-country skied his whole life, but he only took up skate skiing seven years ago. “It feels like it doubles here in Sandpoint every year.” His favorite place to ski in town is on the lake with two or three inches on top of ice. “It’s the most wonderful feeling,” said Price, an elementary school teacher. Moreover, skate skiing helps him get through Sandpoint’s longest season. “It gives you a whole new outlook on winter,” he said. Vicki Longhini agrees and adds that Nordic skiing also gives people an aerobic sport that can keep them in shape and flexible for a lifetime. “We have so much potential here because we have snow,” Vicki Longhini said. “I’m excited to see what will happen this year, to see it grow and be a part of it. To be able to move somewhere and be part of a grassroots movement is super exciting.” Sandpoint will definitely be put on the map for Nordic skiing, if Tauber and Reed, Brandenberger, the Schoonovers, and Longhinis have anything to do with it.

Welcome to Sandpoint Dr. Whitney Henker drhenker@SandpointOptometry.com

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SChWEITZER

Times, they are a-changin’ Skiers, boarders, Schweitzer dialed into technology By Beth Hawkins

emember when you had to count in your head the number of runs you skied in a day? And in order to find out where everyone was skiing, you had to meet up with friends in the lodge? Times are definitely changing. From smartphones and apps to social media, mobile websites and cutting-edge cameras, today’s skiers and boarders arrive at Schweitzer fully armed with high-tech gadgets to help navigate and enhance their experience on the slopes. Schweitzer’s marketing crew is running full-throttle with communication via social media. “We use both Facebook and Twitter for pertinent, ‘real-time’ messaging to our guests,” said Dave Kulis, director of marketing. “We try to keep the information light and fun, focusing on photos, video content and tips to help our fans have a better day. It’s a great tool, for example, to show weather up here – we might be enjoying a sunny powder day on the mountain while it’s foggy and wet in the valleys.” The resort implemented a shopping cart system directly on its Facebook page and will offer “fan-only” specials and deals in the near future. “We like Facebook, in particular, for the ability to have conversations with our guests,” Kulis said. Apparently guests like this avenue of communication, as well; Schweitzer’s Facebook page has more than 12,000 “likes.” Schweitzer has also invested in mobile smartphone solutions, launching a mobile website with data that smartphone users want quickly – the snow report, webcam images, even a link to purchase lift tickets. “You can be on your way up the mountain while purchasing a lift ticket from your smartphone, or book a room,”

Above: Ben Robinson, right, wears a helmet cam to film a day of skiing with brother Sam. Photo by Jenni robinson

Right: Skiers and boarders access Schweitzer Mountain Resort’s conditions, buy tickets and more via its mobile website

said Sean Briggs, Schweitzer’s marketing coordinator. The site’s most popular download is, naturally, the ski report. “When I wake up in the morning, I hit one button, and I can see what the snow report looks like for the day,” he said. Another high-tech feature that’s gaining lots of fans is a popular new smartphone app called Ripxx – it not only keeps count of the number of runs you make, but displays a map of everywhere you skied that day. In addition, it records how many vertical feet you rode and counts how many days you WINTER 2013

ski for the year. “It tracks everything,” said Briggs. “It can tell you who skied the fastest among your friends. You can turn it into a competition.” The app costs less than $5 and plots all U.S. ski resorts. There’s a similar app called Ski Tracks, and try out GPS Ski Maps to locate yourself on the mountain. Another high-tech craze literally popping up all over the slopes are helmet-mounted digital video cameras. The tiny devices record what their users see in amazingly crisp, highdefinition images. SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

SChWEITZER SCHWEITZER MOUNTAIN FACTS 2012-13

Jenni Robinson of Sandpoint is an avid fan – specifically because she used the camera to film her two sons, ages 9 and 11, so that her husband, Ryan, could watch them ski while he was stationed in Iraq with the Idaho National Guard. She simply uploaded the videos to YouTube and Facebook. “He could see how the boys were progressing through the season,” said Robinson. “He loved it. And the view was amazingly good even as you’re bouncing along.” The images of trees, mountains and fresh snow in the background really “got” to him. “I think he loved that just as much,” Robinson said. No matter how much technology changes and evolves to enhance the skiing experience, the important things seem to stay the same.

Acreage: 2,900, 92 designated runs plus two open bowls, three terrain parks, and 32 kilometers of Nordic trails Terrain: 10% Beginner, 40% Intermediate, 35% Advanced, 15% Expert Longest Run: Little Blue Ridge Run, 2.1 miles Vertical Drop: 2,400 feet Top Elevation: 6,400 feet Lowest Elevation: 4,000 feet Average Annual Snowfall: 300 inches Cross Country Trails: 32 kilometers Lifts: 9 total – Three high-speed chairs, the six-pack Stella, quads Great Escape and Basin Express; one triple, Lakeview; three double chairlifts; Idyle Our T-bar; and a beginner’s Musical Carpet Total Uphill Capacity: 12,500 per hour Hours of Operation: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Night Skiing: Fridays, Saturdays and holidays from Dec. 26, 2012, through March 2, 2013, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Season: Late November or early December 2012 to April 2013, subject to conditions Lift Tickets: Adult $68; junior 7-17, $50; children 6 and under, free with adult; college or seniors 65 and over, $58. Night rates, $15 all ages. Cross-country/ snowshoe: $12 adult, $10 junior or senior. Tubing: $15 or $10 for children 6 and under Zip Line: $12 Website: www.schweitzer.com Phone: 263-9555, 877-487-4643 Activity Center: 255-3081

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Backcountry

1 L

ways

roman nose

redneck rendezvous

By Bob Legasa

ate April always leads to the yearly ritual of cleaning out the garage and starting on that long overdue honey-do list that grows through ski season. Last spring, I was going through the routine and organizing the garage when I looked over at my Rossi Squad 7 skis. I just didn’t have the willpower to put them away quite yet. I was constantly reminded of the 12 feet of snow visible on iconic Roman Nose on every northbound trip across the Long Bridge. The winter of 2012 had proved to be one of epic proportions for the Selkirks with La Niña dumping plenty of her precious white bounty on this mountain range we call home.

Throughout the winter I kept getting reports from my good friend Bridger Reid that Roman Nose was going off in grand style. Now if anyone knows the scoop on Roman Nose, it’s Reid as he lives right at the bottom of this winter wonderland. The abundant snowpack made Roman Nose Basin and its steep, rocky faces one huge playground for snow sports enthusiasts. As I banged one lift-serviced run after another at nearby Schweitzer Mountain, Reid had been putting the hammer down on fresh, untouched powder all season long on Roman Nose. It was time to take Reid up on his offer and get after it on Roman Nose. After a few e-mails and phone calls, Reid and I put a plan together for an overnight trip the first weekend of May. Together with a group of 10 good friends, we set out on what will now become a yearly spring tradition. As we all met 62

SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

WINTER 2013

Backcountry

Opposite: Snowboarder Chad Cadnum runs out of real estate and “sends it” above Roman Nose Lakes. photo by bob Legasa. Above: The “redneck rendezvous” campfire emanates a mystical glow into the surrounding trees. Photo by Justin Miller

at mile marker 6 on U.S. Forest Service Road 422, our posse looked like a mix of the cast from “Duck Dynasty,” “A-Team” and “Dumb and Dumber.” We loaded up all our gear and then some on five snowmobiles with trailers and an ATV quad rigged with snow tracks. We brought all the necessities from home – a chainsaw, barbecue grill, lawn chairs, plenty of food and our favorite adult beverages for the infamous Shotz Ski, an inane device with multiple shot glasses attached to it, courtesy of Scott Evans. With plenty of snow on the ground, the 15-mile ride in was fairly easy, even with some gear spilling off the ATV quad. We definitely fit the bill of some backwoods boys on a redneck rendezvous. As we kept gaining elevation, it was pretty evident we were in for a special treat. Roman Nose had been hit with more than a foot of fresh, creamy snow only 48 hours before our arrival. With clear skies in the forecast plus a showing from the biggest full moon of 2012, we set up base camp on the east end of the lower lake around 10 a.m. By posting here we had easy access to our own mini golf course filled with features from wide-open bowls to snags mixed in with some steep, jagged chutes and technical lines. The morning session started off pretty sweet as we hotlapped the blanket of fresh. Everybody got in their fair share of turns as we rotated sled drivers every few runs; remarkably,

the snow held up pretty well as we laid out big sweeping turns underneath the rock bands. We worked the basin over the lower lake pretty well, hitting some great lines before our crew settled in for a late lunch. Kicking back in lounge chairs underneath that warm May sun was “money.” A few diehards like Chad Cadnum and Eric Einhorn, who apparently didn’t get in enough runs before lunch, hiked up the bowl. Cadnum ripped a line that choked out over a nice rock outcropping where he sent it big, to be rewarded with a huge ovation that echoed throughout the quiet bowl. A few groups of snowmobilers came through the basin that day. Propped up in chairs we witnessed some great hill climbs and gut wrenching rollovers as a few sleds tumbled end-over-end down to the snow-covered lake. With plenty of daylight left, we rode for a few more hours. One-by-one our posse retreated to base camp where we relived the day around the campfire, knocking back a few frosty ones with an occasional run on the Shotz Ski. Tommy Frey and Dave Pecha had the grill rolling hot, and we enjoyed the previous hunting season’s rewards of elk backstraps and cheese-filled elk smokies. With our stomachs filled, we kept stoking the fire that was taking on a life of its own. The flames danced higher as the fire slowly sank deeper into the 12-foot snowpack. Between throwing more wood on the fire, we dug out an ever-widening circle. We would throw on the wood, dig and repeat. The Perigee “Super Moon” was rising from the east, but our view was blocked by the basin walls. Even though it hadn’t crested yet, the bigger, brighter Perigee moon lit up the whole basin. We took a few late-night snowmobile rides to the top of the ridge to witness this phenomenon. When the moon finally crested, it looked as if someone had hit the floodlights. It was midnight for some and later for a few others when heads hit the sleeping bags. As I lay underneath this incredible sky, I realized just how lucky I am to live in this area, not only to experience the incredible skiing and riding of Roman Nose but to witness such a sight on a quiet, crystal clear, North Idaho night. OK, the quiet part is an exaggeration. We’ll be back again next spring for the redneck rendezvous!

WINTER 2013

SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

Backcountry

Matt Gillis rides the pillow line photo by bob Legasa

Caribou Mountain Lodge is off the grid and situated amidst fantastic Selkirks backcountry ski terrain. Courtesy photo

SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

WINTER 2013

Backcountry

caribou Mountain boys’ weekend

By Matt Gillis

bout mid-October last year a group of my closest ski pals decided to plan a trip. Three months later, we were headed out by sunrise on the first of three mornings skiing and exploring the various terrain from Caribou Mountain Lodge right in our backyard.

We had talked about taking a trip to British Columbia or maybe to central Idaho for some yurt skiing or possibly cat skiing. It was soon evident that those options either required too much time, planning, money, or a combination of all three. We turned to local options and, luckily, we stumbled upon Caribou Mountain Lodge (www.cariboumountainlodge.com). It is no secret that we live in an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, from incredible days on the lake during summer to unmatched days skiing in winter. When it comes to amazing winter getaways, we don’t have to look to far-flung places for the trip of a lifetime. Caribou Mountain Lodge is located 15 miles as the crow flies north of Sandpoint and sits just a short hike from Caribou Peak, Keokee Mountain and Mount Casey. We had yearned to ski all of these peaks as we gazed north on typical day trips from Schweitzer out to Big Blue and beyond. Our home away from home for a long weekend in January made those peaks accessible. The rustic, two-story cabin offers enough beds to sleep 10, two full baths, and a full kitchen with anything you would need to prepare a post-ski meal to feed an army of overly hungry, grown men who had just spent the day hiking their back halves off. Lastly, we immensely enjoyed a wood-fired sauna that was a saving grace to sore feet, legs, backs, arms and, well, everything in between. Another really neat aspect of the cabin was its electrical system, a series of monstrous batteries charged by a handful of solar panels as well as a wind generator. Ironically enough, watching the power usage meter quickly turned into the blame game, deciding who was the most wasteful when it came to leaving lights on. Offenders were penalized and had to pay up in spirits. The trip began by meeting the lodge owner, Mark Remmetter, and head assistant, Gary Quinn, at the Samuels store on U.S. Highway 95; we then traveled by vehicle on Upper Pack River Road to the trailhead. From there we loaded gear, mostly food and beverages with a little ski gear onto sleds, and caravanned to the lodge. Fortunately our

group was equipped with an armada of sleds, making the seven-mile trek to the cabin a breeze for most of us. A few folks were new to snowmobiling and had a rough time getting used to things on the groomed road to the cabin. Once settled into the lodge, which was mostly calling dibs on rooms with the biggest beds and the best views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Pend Oreille in the valley below, we were able to enjoy a few beverages, an amazing meal, and start making preparations for our first day exploring and skiing. Our group consisted of 10 mostly experienced backcountry enthusiasts. We did a standard beacon and gear check first thing each morning and headed out by sunrise – at least on the first day. We also spent time each day digging pits and analyzing the various conditions of the snowpack prior to descents. That first day was spent skiing from the summit of Caribou Peak. We all thought the views were pretty amazing, right up until we got to the bottom and realized how good the skiing was. Lines down offered a variety of lightly treed terrain to open pow fields lower on the run. The second day brought the awesome trek to the peak of Keokee, a maiden voyage for me. I was not only humbled by the amount of skiable lines that would most certainly result in the “pucker factor” but also the unreal elevation drop to the bottom. Our descent of Keokee resulted in the best runs of the season! From top to bottom we skied open trees on a consistent slope in almost bottomless blower pow. Our final day was cut short a bit as it was time to make the trip home. We did not let that deter us from getting out and making some laps. We spent the bulk of our time picking lines off the ridge of Caribou Peak on what resulted in awesomely fun terrain – a few cliff drops and several pillow features – and some great wrecks. Following each day of skiing we spent a fair amount of time exploring the surrounding area on our sleds – well, actually digging each other’s sleds out of tree wells and fun things like that – to try to find access to different terrain. This was typically followed by a healthy amount of debating who skied the best line, who had the best crash, who set the worst skin trail, and on and on. The trip was nothing less than a success on every possible level. We caught up with good friends, skied amazing lines in fantastic snow, and basically got out and enjoyed some of the best this area has to offer. Plans are already in place for what has become an annual boys’ weekend, and it will always be at Caribou Mountain Lodge.

WINTER 2013

SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

Backcountry

By Matt Gillis

cruising the wild west side with cat power

ver the past few years I have developed a passion for backcountry skiing. A group of 10 or so friends have also experienced the itch to venture into the backcountry as often as time, weather and conditions allow. Now don’t get me wrong, getting out and earning your turns is hard to beat, but there are those handful of days when machine power is a remarkable thing, especially when the machine is a snowcat and you are shredding the Wild West Side! You need not travel much farther than Schweitzer Mountain to find the Wild West Side and its Selkirk Powder crew. I have been fortunate to have skied some of the greatest resorts this country has to offer. Few resorts offer a full-service cat skiing operation off the summit. Fortunately for us, we have Selkirk Powder (www.selkirkpowder.com) right outside Schweitzer’s back door. It operates along the west slope of the nearly three-mile-long ridge of the resort’s boundary and beyond. Over the past few years, we have chatted about trying to swing a midweek trip with the crew at the Selkirk Powder. We all obviously watch the weather religiously and, with our jobs, work tirelessly to be able to swing the potential last minute powder day, especially one with first tracks all day long! After several failed attempts at aligning the all-too-familiar “sick” day, 66

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we were finally able to capitalize to make a trip happen. The successful day landed on a mid-March Wednesday following three days of constant snowfall, which has seemingly become the norm around here. The day started like any other with Selkirk Powder. We all went through the final registration process, the walkthrough of the day’s agenda, and issuing of avalanche beacons in the ground level of Schweitzer’s Lakeview Lodge. Following all of that we geared up for what would ultimately become a day filled with great turns and good laughs. From the lodge our group headed out to the Great Escape Quad and on up to the top where the lead guide of the day gave a brief yet informative walkthrough of the day’s snow conditions, what to watch for and an overview of backcountry safety. His report was just what we all wanted to hear: fresh pow on a stable snowpack and the ability to ski anything we came across! Following the safety debriefing, the real fun kicked off by skiing through the glorious gates into the world of the Selkirk Powder Company. Each day is obviously a little bit different, but one can expect to ski eight to 10 laps ranging in vertical feet of 1,200 to 2,200. Fortunately for us, we were able to log a solid nine top-to-bottom runs, about three times as many runs as we usually log on a normal day in the backcountry. As the day pressed on and the laps tallied up along with the face shots, lunch rolled around with a fresh hot pizza delivered from the boys at Powder Hound Pizza. With our stomachs full but the hunger for more pow turns still present, we hit the afternoon full steam ahead.

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Backcountry

Top: Matt Gillis reaps the rewards of storm skiing in the Selkirks. photo by bob Legasa. other photos Courtesy seLkirk powder

It started a lot like the morning and finished off with nothing short of epic pow turns and endless laughs on the cat ride back to the top. As with any trip to the backcountry, there is certainly bound to be a handful of stories that make it out with the crew. In our case that included accidental collisions that resulted in some tree well acrobatics. The said accidental collision was chalked up as “rubbing is racing” and “I did not want you to steal my line.” Another good one involved a wind drift the size of a Volkswagen bus, way too much speed and a yard sale to compete with some of the best ever. All good crash stories on this trip also come with stories of amazing turns, airs and lines. Some of the more memorable were the variety of pillow lines, a few that seemingly lasted forever with a healthy face shot on each touchdown. Another group favorite was the numerous high speed airs into wideopen pow fields. I think the group favorites were the endless glades full of white-room turns that left everyone grinning from helmet strap to strap. As we made our way back to the front side, we were all certainly sad to see the day come to an end. On the way back through the village, we made the inevitable stop at Pucci’s Pub to relive the ups and downs of the day over some good ol’ brews. The following day, as we were all back at work, it was easy to think how lucky we are to have a place like Schweitzer as our playground. We are that much luckier to have an outfit like Selkirk Powder in the backyard of our playground. No matter what, there is certainly no better way to spend a “sick” day with a group of buddies! WINTER 2013

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Backcountry Backyard :: photo essay

Laura Roady :: Dog Days of Winter

Bob Legasa :: Cold Smoke Karen Dingerson :: Blue on White

Jump!

Backcountry Backyard :: photo essay

Woods Wheatcroft :: Onward. Upward Karen Dingerson :: Little Bear

photo essay

Jim Mellen :: Goat Mountain Grit

Real Estate

R _ E High-performance homes Good sense and technology drive smart construction trend

By Trish Gannon

n 1939, Rose Dudley Scearce wrote to the Rural Electrification News about her farm’s recent connection to the electric grid: “Aren’t lights grand? I am thoroughly enjoying the many things that electricity has made possible, and I am enjoying life more because I have more time to spend visiting my friends, studying and reading, and doing the things that make life richer and fuller.” In the years since, those “things that make life richer” have multiplied in ways Rose Scearce might find surprising. Heating, cooling and lighting are the major energy end-users in residential housing, but “plug-load” has also become a significant factor in energy use – everything from dishwashers to HD TVs, curling irons to computers. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average U.S. home uses around 958 KWh of energy each and every month. In the 1970s, a short-lived oil embargo focused American attention on what had become a heavy reliance on energy use, and this new focus on energy quickly made its way into 72

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housing. Over the next 30 years, energy efficiency became tied to a growing concern with environment. Techniques from passive solar design, to super insulation, to compact fluorescent light bulbs slowly coalesced into a concept of “green building.” Today, taking energy use and environmental concerns to the cutting edge for home building is highperformance construction. None of that was in Brittany Longden’s mind when she bought a house. An area native, Longden, 32, had a good job at Coldwater Creek and, like most first-time home buyers, she was looking for a good investment and something she could call her own. When she saw The Cottage, the first house in a trio built in Sandpoint by Selle Valley Construction of Ponderay, she knew she had found her dream. The Craftsman-inspired design appealed to her so she made an offer. She loved the design so much, in fact, that when another buyer made a cash offer, she willingly stepped out of the deal and, instead, let Selle Valley

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EFFICIENT HOME

Real Estate Homeowner Brittany Longden, (far left) shown with builders Barb and Scott Schriber, loves coming home to her 1,100-square-foot house built with efficiency in mind by Selle Valley Construction. Photo by Laura WahL. Inset, the bright, airy interior and simple landscaping require minimal care. Photos by trish Gannon

Construction build their next house specifically for her. “I wanted to come home to something I loved,” she said, “and that’s what they built for me.” The efficiency of the construction was just an added bonus. “It didn’t occur to me that I could have an ‘efficient’ house,” Longden said. “I would have thought that type of construction was completely out of my price range.” It’s also a type of construction that had little impact on the “look” of her home. At 1,100 feet it’s smaller than some, but small was what Longden wanted. With quartz countertops and bamboo floors, the house is bright, airy and comfortable, with many features found in a high-end home. Two things hint that this home is not your standard newly built house: grass and “HAL.” As for grass, there is no front lawn; instead, the home’s public face features a mixture of gravels and native landscaping. “I’m so thankful there’s no lawn to take care of!” Longden

said, though the home has a small amount of lawn in the backyard, where her dog, Boomer, loves to chase a Frisbee. Just over the front door, almost unnoticed until one leaves, is a contraption Longden likes to call “HAL 9000,” with a nod to “2001: A Space Odyssey.” HAL is not quite a sentient computer, but this ductless, mini-split heat pump continually scans the home to detect temperature and moves heat where it’s needed. Longden says her top electric bill in winter has been $110; the house is all electric with a supplemental gas fireplace. “A nice part of building these homes is being able to support our community,” said Barb Schriber, 38, wife of Selle Valley Construction’s owner-builder, Scott Schriber, 40, and often the more visible half of the partnership, as she often speaks on efficient building. “Think about it. Every dime that someone doesn’t have to send to the electric company is money they have available to spend right here. These savings

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R _ E tend to stay in our community.” “Efficient” is the description for the term “high-performance housing” that has come to replace “green” in the current standards of best building practices. “A home might be ‘green’ but not be efficient at all,” said Scott Schriber. “This is a whole-house approach to building. It’s not just about individual components. As you build smarter, you have to take into consequence each part.” Early attempts at efficient building had mixed results, as with the “Super Good Cents” house. “The science hadn’t quite caught up yet,” Scott Schriber said, “so as these supertight houses were built, they began rotting and molding. There was no air flow in the house.” A high-performance home can be as individual as its owner, but there are six areas that have to be addressed for a home to be certified through the National Green Building Program, and the level of certification – Bronze, Silver, Gold or Emerald – is given based on the lowest level achieved in any of those categories. They include lot site and development; resource efficiency; energy efficiency; water efficiency; indoor environmental quality; and homeowner education. The three homes Selle Valley Construction has built to this standard are among 42, plus one in progress, in Idaho, but the other 39 are all located in southern Idaho. “The certification for what we’re doing is a nice extra,” Scott Schriber said, “because it means we have someone independent who’s coming in and letting the homeowner know that

we’ve done everything we said we were going to do.” All his homes have received at least “Silver” designation, with high scores in such areas as the use of native vegetation in landscaping, the avoidance of environmentally sensitive areas in construction, on-site supervision to ensure green practices are followed, and shared driveways. Resource efficiency covers such areas as the quality of materials and waste, durability and maintenance of materials used, and that all-time green favorite: how often the builder was able to reduce, reuse and recycle. This is where the design of the home – the Craftsman style so admired by Longden – comes into play, as the design itself helps to reduce material costs and waste. Here is also where renewable materials such as engineered wood and that bamboo flooring take star billing, as does Selle Valley Construction’s use of wood and wood-based products that meet CSA Sustainable Forest Management System standards. Water efficiency is an area where Longden’s house really beats the norm. Low flow showerheads are a given, but the double/flush toilets are less than standard; choose your flush (and water usage) depending on the need. A tankless hot water heater, drip irrigation and those native plants all work together to make this home’s burden on the aquifer less intense. And Longden’s neighbor, also a Selle Valley Construction house, took water efficiency even further by incorporating a gray-water management system. A high-performance home also focuses on indoor air qual-

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EFFICIENT HOME The learning curve for living in a high-performance home, however, isn’t particularly high when it comes to energy efficiency, as much is simply built-in. Radiant heat, heat pumps, energy-efficient appliances, argon-filled windows, high-performance lighting fixtures, and insulation, insulation, insulation (including insulated slab foundations) all work together to lessen a home’s energy load. “They put a lot of work and effort into making this house as efficient as possible,” said Longden. For Scott Schriber, that effort stems from four years of education. “I take a lot of classes. The continuing education is huge,” he said. “This new trend in building efficiently is here to stay. Why wouldn’t you build this way? There’s less utility bills, less maintenance, better air quality. There’s no going back from this.” Going forward, then, the Schribers are hoping Selle Valley Construction can land a client who wants to take the next step: a zero net-energy home, or even better, one that’s negative net-energy. The construction process moves from high-performance to actually producing energy – enough to provide all the homeowners’ needs (zero-net) to more than what the home can use (negative-net) via site-appropriate alternative forms of energy production that can be “sold back” to electric utilities. “Your home is likely to be the biggest investment you ever make in your life,” Barb Schriber said. “You want to make it a smart investment.”

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ity, and here the Selle Valley Construction homes earned a Gold rating. Construction materials are carefully considered based on their level of out-gassing; that is, the amount of toxic chemicals they release into the indoor air. Paints, carpet, wood, adhesives, insulation are all chosen with an eye on their individual – and cumulative – effect on air quality. Longden’s home also features a heat recovery ventilator, designed to exchange stale indoor air with healthy, outdoor air, along with a radon mitigation system. Radon – colorless, odorless and tasteless – is naturally produced from granite, gneiss, schist and even limestone and is a killer in the home. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that home exposure to radon is responsible for around 20,000 deaths each year from lung cancer. Bonner County, built along Selkirk Range rock that in some places is more than 600 million years old, is classed by the EPA as an area with the highest potential for radon exposure. Operation and energy are where this house truly shines; both categories earned the home the highest certification available, Emerald. The largest component of operation in the green building certification process is in educating the new homeowner in how to best use features he or she might not be familiar with. For Selle Valley Construction, this also includes lots of tips and tricks outside of the home’s features: instruction in everything from how to use less water and electricity to local resources for recycling waste.

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ARCHITECTURE

Modern American with classic tradition By Sandy Compton

rchitecture is a highly diverse art, rich in definitions of what is what and how they might go together. From abacus to zigzag, hundreds of features indicate dozens of styles from Adam to Victorian. Sandpoint has many intriguing architectural features, especially in our iconic “elderly” buildings. Searching out the best is somewhat like an archaeological dig. Many original features have been buried by time. Given that, many Sandpoint buildings might be described as the North Idaho News did with an architect’s drawing for a new city hall in October 1904: “The design cannot be placed in any definite style. Perhaps it would be called ‘Modern American with classic tradition.’ ” The building depicted was never built, but the City Hall that was built – six years later – still fit the original description. The building at Second and Main still looks much like it did back then, with arched windows and corners delineated by white stone and a south doorway topped with a stone and brick arch and a cement capstone with an inscription – City Hall Sept 1910. One original window on the west wall was replaced by a door that at one time served the police and fire departments. Missing is the cupola directly above the main door that housed the fire bell. It was removed in 1952 – not a minute too soon – relieving the roof of 8 ugly tons. City Hall was designed by S. Willis Foster and H.L. Mountjoy, who worked together and separately on many Sandpoint buildings. I have forgiven Mountjoy the cupola (it must have been Foster’s idea) because his design of Community Hall in the 200 block of South First is a beautiful example of a log building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was finished in 1936, built by the Works

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Historic architecture

County Clerk Ignatz Weil (top row, second from right) built the Bonner County Courthouse, where he was photographed circa 1909 with other county officials in the original entrance facing First Avenue. The wealthy businessman also built the house next door to the courthouse. bonner County historiCaL soCiety MuseuM CoLLeCtion

Progress Administration for use by the Boy Scouts of America. The frame addition on the south end was added by the USO late in World War II. Across the street is the Bonner County Courthouse, designed by George Williams of Coeur d’Alene for County Clerk Ignatz Weil. Weil at first owned the building and rented it to the county after it was finished, finally, in 1909. It was built with arched windows and doors on the ground floor and decorative highlights of white brick. Speaking architecturally, the architrave was decorated with a zigzag, and the frieze and cornice rose at each corner. A taller section of entablature broke the line of the cornice above the front door and emphasized the entrance. Got that? By 1937, after the first of a still-ongoing series of overhauls, the zigzag was all that was left of the original entablature and the arch over the entrance was gone. Now the entrance is gone, as well as most of the original windows. The zigzag below the cornice is still there, but Williams and Weil would probably not recognize the place. WINTER 2013

Mr. Weil would, though, recognize the house he built during the same year the courthouse was finished. It sits conveniently next door, a three-story, frame, many-gabled behemoth featuring leaded glass, straight grain fir trim and a wraparound porch. It spoke to Mr. and Mrs. Weil’s wealth and status in the burgeoning city and was part of a long list of homes finished in 1909, including residences for L.D. and Earl Farmin, Charles Sully and E.R. Edgerton. The Pend Oreille Review proudly proclaimed the collective cost of two-dozen-plus houses as “approximating $90,000.” Public buildings other than Community Hall that escape the “Modern American with classic tradition” style include the Panida Theater; the building formerly known by many names before becoming Sandpoint Business and Events Center; the former Federal Building that now houses First American Title; the old Northern Pacific Depot; and First Presbyterian Church. The Panida was designed by Edward Miller, a Portland, Ore., architect. The high, arched windows with wrought SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

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Notable historic buildings include, from left, the Spanish mission-style, former federal building on Second Avenue; the Queen Anne-style Tanner House with its distinctive turret at Fourth and Poplar; and the original Sandpoint High School at Pine and Euclid. Photos by sandy CoMPton and Courtesy of bonner County historiCaL soCiety MuseuM

iron false balconies on the second floor facade, terra cotta tile and stucco finish are characteristic of the Spanish mission style popular in the 1920s. Miller continued the style inside, and local papers were rich with praise when the building opened on First Avenue in November 1927. The Pend Oreille Review wrote of the theater room, “To even the most expert connoisseurs of art, there is a beauty that seemed too hard to express in words.” The Panida, a great example of its original self, was cutting edge in 1927, the first building in Sandpoint of reinforced concrete. Another mission-style building was built at 419 N. Second Ave., in the same year to house federal offices and the post office. Without a neon marquee, it provides a better example of the style. Sandpoint architect Bill Klein declares this building both his favorite and the most unusual built in the city before 1940. The façade, largely unchanged, features terra cotta decorations, a tile roof and a tower at each end. High, arched windows and entries face a buildinglength porch below a large balcony. The building still sports the only gargoyles in town, as well as architecturally famous acanthus leaves, brought forward from the Corinthian Order of Greek architecture. The acanthus, a flower representing long life, has been used as a building decoration for 25 centuries. Also finished in the 1920s was the building that has become the Sandpoint Business and Events Center. Occupied 78

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as Sandpoint High School in 1923 (the cornerstone says “1922”) the building in the 100 block of South Euclid endured life as a school for nearly 70 years. After sitting empty for more than a decade, its slow, spectacular rebirth was begun by Brad and Lynda Scott, and is now nearly complete, coming full circle as North Idaho College’s Sandpoint Center (see story, page 31). The building was designed by Waterhouse and Price of Spokane with three floors, the first of which was sunken and made up mostly of a twostory gymnasium and attending locker rooms. A banked running track hung on the second floor of the gym. Above the gym is a 400-seat auditorium with a beautifully arched ceiling and faux pillars decorated with classic Greek designs. The designers used terra cotta on the exterior to delineate the floors and to decorate the arched entryways and the entablature. Thanks to the Scotts, much of the building still looks as it did in 1923. The last examples of non-ModernAmerican-with-classic-tradition buildings are First Presbyterian Church at Fourth and Alder and the railroad depot just across the bypass from the east end of Cedar Street Bridge, itself a newer architectural feat. Neither the depot nor the church was designed by local architects but by those laboring for Northern Pacific Railway and the national church, respectively. The church design, in fact, is one of several “standard” designs of the era provided for free to congregations ready to build. WINTER 2013

The Gothic-style depot – the only one of its kind in Idaho – was finished in 1916. Built of brick and stone, its style shows in pointed, arched windows and a guard-tower-like entablature below steep gables with round stone finials, the finishing object on the roof peak or gable end. The church sanctuary is also Gothic in style. Though it has been added onto by succeeding generations, the east end of the building reflects the original design, particularly the arched and pointed windows fronting on Fourth and Alder, the east gable and the retired bell tower at the northeast corner. The sanctuary is also a fine example of timber

The Gothic-style railroad depot was designed by the Northern Pacific Railway and built in 1916. Efforts are under way to restore the building (www.sandpointtrainstation.com). bonner County historiCaL soCiety MuseuM CoLLeCtion

frame construction. Architecture has so many elements, it is often hard to make a declarative statement about a building’s style. The turreted, Victorian-age house at Fourth and Poplar has undergone a remarkable

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rebirth. “It’s not a Victorian house,” said James Harvey. “ ‘Victorian’ is an age. The style is Queen Anne.” Harvey, 77, began his project in February 2012. He has been somewhat obsessed with the building since he first saw it. “My wife (Carol) and I got lost driving through Sandpoint 10 years ago and found this house. My conscience told me that this house deserved better than it was getting,” he said. When he and Carol moved to Sandpoint in 2006, the house was not for sale, but when it did come on the market finally, they figured out a way to buy it. Once they did, his goal became to restore the building so it becomes a useful part of the town. Why Queen Anne? “I spent a lot of time on the Internet learning about the style,” Harvey said. “Can’t call it a Queen Anne if it doesn’t have a turret.” Check. Add an asymmetrical roofline, a well-presented entry door on the gable end, Palladian windows on each gable end, and a bright metal finial on the peak of the turret. “It’s a ‘poor man’s Queen Anne,’ ” Harvey pointed out, “but there is nothing to contradict the Queen Anne style.” Harvey’s enthusiasm for the project is boundless. He identified as closely as possible where the original walls were and has completed the restoration of the lower floor including a reengineered porch that had been badly rotted. Harvey has no definite plan for the building when he’s finished with it; he will probably try to sell it. “If anybody will be able to afford it,” he said pensively. I get the idea that he may not really want to. Standing in the single, nearly finished, huge room that makes up the third floor, he said, “Since we started, people have been stopping by and telling us how much they like what we’re doing.” Looking at a city through its architecture changes how one sees it. Older buildings represent personal choices of folks who came before. “Modern American with classic tradition” allowed builders and designers to be practical and flamboyant in the same façade, which suited the time and the place well and still serves us today.

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Former church to become lively community center

By Beth Hawkins

he word “devotion” takes on new meaning when you walk through the doors of the former St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at Oak and Sixth. Not in the religious sense, but more along the lines of “Wow, this is a big commitment.” The chapel has been stripped down to its bare, but beautiful, bones – revealing brickwork that needs mending, paint that’s peeling, and a long list of other cosmetic fixes. Undaunted by a restoration of epic proportions are owners Mark and Susie Kubiak, who are turning the 1907 church – standing vacant for several years after the church moved into its new sanctuary on Lincoln Avenue – into the elegant and lively Heartwood Building. It will be a community center that’s perfectly appointed to house music events, weddings, plays and more. “We saw an opportunity to save something that needed to be preserved,” Mark Kubiak said of the building. The Kubiaks have experience in turning an empty church into something new: They purchased the former Episcopalian Church across the street in 2007, turning it into the Redtail Gallery and Sandpoint Center for the Arts/Arts Alliance. And with their newest acquisition, the couple envisions this corner of town as a future “arts district.” While Mark Kubiak grew up in Spokane, Susie moved to Sandpoint with her family, Jim and Joyce Fenton and two siblings, in 1972. She has always loved beautiful buildings and architecture. “I’d love to see more of Sandpoint’s buildings restored,” she said. At least her family is doing their part – Susie’s sister, Julie Meyer, recently purchased the former Belwood’s Building in downtown Sandpoint with her husband Steve, and the couple is in full renovation mode. “My sister has a similar interest in old buildings,” Susie said. “It’s a good thing.”

As for the Heartwood project, a few structural issues have been revealed during the renovation process, but the couple says they knew there would be a few surprises along the way. Architect Bruce Millard and contractor Pucci Construction are guiding the project, and notable changes are already taking place with the removal of the chapel’s balcony and a new roof over the annex. Over the winter, work moves indoors where the barrel-shaped ceiling in the chapel – the Kubiaks call it the “hall” – will be painted, and new bathrooms and a commercial kitchen, ideal for a caterer, will be added in the annex’s basement. Mindful of energy efficiency, the couple is replacing the old boiler with a high-efficiency gas unit and plans to add rain gardens into the landscaping to collect runoff. In addition, the couple ensured that the tranquility of the neighborhood was kept intact. “We saved all the trees we possibly could, and are adding a few more,” Susie said. The historical significance of the project is important for the community, according to Marilyn Sabella, a trustee WINTER 2013

Real Estate

Restoring sacred space

Mark and Susie Kubiak are renovating the original St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, a 1907 building, into the Heartwood Center. Photo by biLLie Jean Gerke

for the northern region of the Idaho Heritage Trust as well as an adviser for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “The Kubiaks’ sensitive restoration of the original St. Joseph’s Catholic Church is a huge gift to our community today, and also for those who came before and built, consecrated and worshipped in the church from Christmas Eve 1907 onward,” Sabella said. “They are saying, ‘This place matters.’ ” When the project is completed, projected to be fall 2013, the hall will seat up to 165 people. With a new stage and cosmetic improvements on tap, the space will be ideal for weddings, performances and more. “It’s fun to think about it when it’s all finished,” Susie Kubiak said, as she envisions the Heartwood Building at its completion. “I look forward to the music and the theater and the life.” SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

R _ E

Real Estate

R _ E Marketwatch: Sales are up … and that’s a good thing, right?

ooking at the latest sales data,

Realtors. And if you’re looking for a loan, it’s

which includes the summer of 2012,

ideal to have a near-flawless credit history.

you might think that the worst

Chris Chambers, president of the Multiple

“The process with banks seems to take twice

Listing Service, concurs: “Correctly pricing

is behind us and we are emerging from a

as long, and only the most credit-worthy

a home is one of the toughest challenges

years-long slump in the housing market.

borrowers are being approved,” Barta added.

for today’s seller,” Chambers said. “It is very

Residential sales are up 26 percent in the

And with a lot of inventory – including

difficult to accept where the market has

greater Sandpoint area between April and

distressed properties – still flooding the

September 2012, as compared to the same

market, it’s a tough go for traditional sellers.

time period in 2011.

“There are just so many choices for buyers

the housing surplus will eventually correct

right now,” Barta said. “It’s a horrible time to

itself, and that now is a great time to make

be a seller.”

a purchase. “The interest rates along with a

So, is it time to celebrate? The answer is complicated. If you’re a buyer who has cash in hand, the market’s a gold mine of great deals.

Barta explains that with such a large

If you’re a first-time home-shopper who is

inventory sitting for long periods of time,

employed, housing is the most affordable it’s

listings get “shopworn.”

been in a generation. But if you’re already a

“It’s a price war as well as a beauty con-

homeowner, and would like to sell your cur-

test for sellers,” he said. “You have to look

rent home to move up to another home, this

great, and you have to be priced right.”

is where things get a little more difficult. “We are seeing some challenges, because

the list price.”

adjusted to over the past few years.” Chambers said that buyers understand that

good selection are a wonderful combination.” “Bless the Canadians for having faith in our market!” Barta added, as a nod to one group fueling current sales. Sandpoint is a great place to live; positive factors will eventually outweigh the

Barta said banks are able to unload fore-

bad. Barta believes as a community, several

closures for up to a 50 percent discount, and

important steps need to happen: job growth,

the market weakens considerably for homes

that’s extremely difficult for typical sellers

high-tech entrepreneurs, and full-time resi-

priced above $200,000,” said Raphael Barta,

to match. “How do you compete with that?”

dents. But that’s another story altogether.

president of the Selkirk Association of

he asked. “Almost every offer comes in below

SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

WINTER 2013

–Beth Hawkins

market trends Residential Sales By Area

Schweitzer

All Areas

2011

2012

% Inc/Decr

Sold Listings

Volume - Sold Listings

$2,118,000

$3,393,200

-5

Median Price

$205,000

$220,116

-13

Average Sale Price

$235,333

$242,371

188

Average Days on Market

224

182

-19

2011

2012

% Inc/Decr

Sold Listings

288

363

Volume - Sold Listings

$73,121,758

$79,902,122

Median Price

$178,950

$170,000

Average Sales Price

$253,894

Average Days on Market

164

Bonners Ferry

Sandpoint City 2011

2012

% Inc/Decr

2011

2012

% Inc/Decr

Sold Listings

Volume - Sold Listings

$11,715,759

$14,586,498

Volume - Sold Listings

$6,486,565

$10,292,534

Median Price

$172,000

$159,000

-9

Median Price

$140,000

$129,500

-8

$154,442

$160,820

167

219

2011

2012

% Inc/Decr

Average Sale Price

$198,572

$189,435

-5

Average Sale Price

Average Days on Market

150

156

Average Days on Market

2011

2012

% Inc/Decr

Sold Listings

190

214

Sold Listings

108

Volume - Sold Listings

$50,772,869

$51,385,348

Volume - Sold Listings

$ 4,954,300

$8,278,000

Median Price

$191,750

$192,500

Median Price

$167,500

$178,500

Average Sale Price

$267,225

$240,118

-10

Average Sale Price

$412,858

$331,120

Average Days on Market

163

173

Average Days on Market

190

231

Real Estate

Selkirk Multiple Listing Service Real Estate Market Trends

Hope/Clark Fork

Sandpoint Area

Based on information from the Selkirk MLSÂŠ for the period of April 21, 2011, to Sept. 21, 2011, versus the time period for April 21, 2012, to Sept. 21, 2012. Real estate statistics for Bonner and Boundary counties. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed!

R _ E

WINTER 2013

SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

The river is the source of our drinking water, the rivers and lakes together are the foundation of our lifestyle. r To ke e p o u w a t e r p u r e.

Photo by Woods Wheatcroft

Keeping it PURE.

• Resist Fertilizing within 25 feet of the River.

• Keep Hazardous Materials Away from Flood Zones.

Fertilizer in the water promotes algae blooms and aquatic plants.

Gasoline, oil, antifreeze, pesticides, paint, etc....

• Cover All Bare Soil Immediately. Mulch and seed to prevent valuable top soil from entering the rivers.

• Keep Native Plants on the Shoreline. Native plants are low maintenance and prevent property loss from erosion.

• Watch Your Ash. If you are going to burn on the beach, burn in a container and remove ash.

• Boat Responsibly. Prevent fuel spills, follow no-wake zone rules, and clean, drain, dry all boats and gear.

• Maintain Your Septic System. Have tank inspected annually and pump routinely.

A message from Dover, Laclede, and Priest River Water Districts.... working together to protect your drinking water source. Funding and support provided by Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, Lake*A*Syst, and the Bonner Soil and Water Conservation District. www.plrcd.org/lakeasyst/ (208) 263-5310

NATIVES and newcomerS

By Billie Jean Gerke Photos by Marie-Dominique Verdier This edition of Natives and Newcomers, a department that compares the thoughts of two native residents with those of two new residents, profiles a middleager who runs a business dependent on the timber industry, a female civil engineer fresh out of college, a Nordic skiing enthusiast and a mobile veterinarian. They all share a love of the outdoors, and they have some unique ideas on how to make Sandpoint an even better community.

NATIVES Jim Olson

This native has had a lifelong connection to the timber industry and to Schweitzer Mountain Resort. Jim Olson, 62, runs Wes Olson Trucking, a company his father started in 1961, and enjoys a lifetime pass at the local ski hill where he served on Ski Patrol for 22

years. His paternal grandparents were Swedish immigrants who moved to Sandpoint in 1942. The divorced father of two daughters got his chauffeur’s license at age 17 and started hauling logs for his dad in the summertime and working at Schweitzer in the winter. What are some of the things you like about living in Sandpoint?

I like all of it. I’ve snow skied, snow-

mobiled, fished, waterskied, flyfished, camped – I’ve done it all. Working here has been great, and I like the people who have moved here and the people who grew up here. Skiing’s been a big part of my life. It’s a great place, and the lake is pretty awesome. I’ve left here quite a few times, but I’ve missed it and come back.

Real Estate

Natives and newcomers

What would you change if you could?

It would be nice to see more attention paid to the people who built this town – the loggers and the miners and the railroaders. I think sometimes people forget how this town came about. What’s your solution to getting through the long winters here?

Have an outdoor hobby. Go skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, whatever. You’ve got to get outdoors and do something. If you sit indoors all winter, it’s going to be a long winter. What would make you leave Sandpoint?

I just can’t think of anything. I don’t know why I would leave here. I’m too connected here at this point. All my friends are here, and I’ve got this business to run. Even if I retired, I don’t know where else I would go. I was born here. I’ve been so long here. If this is where my life ends, that would be great.

Courtesy Photo

What do you wish Sandpoint had that it doesn’t have now?

Less people, but I know that’s not going to happen. I can’t blame anyone for wanting to move here.

R _ E

Do you have any advice for people who want to move to Sandpoint?

Just relax and enjoy it and try not to change it. We’ve had enough of that. A lot of people would like to make it like where they came from. It’s OK the way it is. Have fun with it. WINTER 2013

SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

NATIVES and newcomerS Every time I go to my parents’ (house on Baldy) and take a walk after a snowfall, I fall in love with winter again. Everything is just peaceful and the whole world is covered with a blanket ... it’s beautiful. If you take the time to slow down and take a walk in it, then you get that feeling of peace from walking in fresh snow. What would make you leave Sandpoint?

My husband and I are planning on getting our master’s degrees eventually, so we would leave to get a master’s degree or if the job market changed. What do you wish Sandpoint had that it doesn’t have now?

Hailey Woodruff Olson

Born in Sandpoint in 1990 to Kim and Gina Woodruff, Hailey Woodruff Olson grew up sailing, skiing and camping. Last year, she graduated from the University of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, married her college sweetheart, Nicholai Olson, and landed her first professional job at Suarez Engineering. Her husband was hired as a mechanical engineer at Tamarack Aerospace. She says they were pretty lucky to find engineering jobs here. For their first summer together in Sandpoint, she and her husband, an Alaska native, participated in the Long Bridge Swim and attended the Festival at Sandpoint. What are some of the things you like about living in Sandpoint?

What would you change if you could?

I didn’t really appreciate Sandpoint as much until I went to Moscow. Here it’s so much easier to be outside and active, get on a trail or go to the beach swimming, or go ski. There’s something to look forward to in every season. My family sails a lot so we do that in summer. In the fall, that’s my favorite; there’s the changing of the colors.

Before I went off to college, I would have said less tourists, but now I understand about economics. What I would change would be a combination of two towns. At Sandpoint you have the mountains and lake. In Moscow you have the vibe that you get with more young adults and a college town. What’s your solution to getting through the long winters here?

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A food coop like Moscow. I know it’s not something big or life changing, but that was my favorite thing in Moscow. It’s more than just selling the local and organic produce; it’s where you can get lunch and meet friends and get coffee. It’s where I could walk to on Saturdays and get my favorite loaf of bread. Any advice for people who want to move to Sandpoint?

You need to invest in the community and really make it your own. Find the thing that you love about it. You move here and find what you love about it and you contribute to it and make it better. Don’t come in here and try to glam it up or make it more commercial. Come here and take our town for face value and ask yourself what you really love about it, and volunteer, attend events and go to local businesses. If you find something you’re passionate about, you’ll want to help it grow and make it better.

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What are some of the things you like about living in Sandpoint?

The biggest thing is the hiking. It’s just so easy to access. It’s great to be able to drive a short distance and hike in the mountains. And the people we’ve met so far have been just great, with similar interests. We go to the Panida and do things outdoors.

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What would you change if you could?

I would have even more trails accessible to only bikes and people. What they’re doing with the Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail is fabulous. I think we could have even more. Sandpoint could be on the forefront of pedestrian and biking trails. What’s your solution to getting

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NATIVES and newcomerS through the long winters here?

Just get outside. We ski and hike, and my job is outside. As long as you’re prepared with the right clothes, it doesn’t bother me at all. The winters were pretty darn gray where we were, so we’re used to the gray winters as well. What would make you leave Sandpoint?

characteristics as that, which is a good thing. As far as scenery goes, I don’t think anything can compare to Sandpoint.

Ross Longhini

An active 51-year-old with an engineering background, Ross Longhini moved here from the Midwest in

January 2012 with his wife, Vicki. They are avid Nordic skiers who enjoy playing with their two German shorthairs, Buck and Gus. They still own a home in northwestern Wisconsin, where they plan a sojourn to race in their sixth annual Birkebeiner, a 50k Nordic ski race, in February. The father of two sons, he was born in Milwaukee, Wis.,

If neither one of us had jobs, but right now we love it. What do you wish Sandpoint had that it doesn’t have now?

Better recycling. I know in the town of Sandpoint itself you can do some plastic recycling. We’re just out of town limits, so we can only recycle aluminum cans and cardboard. How does Sandpoint compare to other places you’ve lived?

We came from a small town, and one of the really nice things was the community looked out for everyone else. We feel that Sandpoint has the same

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but grew up in Michigan’s rural Upper Peninsula. He is a strategic and leadership consultant for early stage medical device companies. What are some of the things you like about living in Sandpoint?

We wanted to have a place with milder weather that still had snow and winter sports opportunities. We both like paddling sports. This had that. We have found it pretty easy to get integrated into the community. People are more inclined to get to know who you are as opposed to what job you have or what kind of car you drive. What would you change if you could?

For an area that has a lot of winter sports, it’s very much an alpine skiing community, and the Nordic scene is a little bit underdeveloped. I’d like to see that increase. I like that the weather is mild, but I wish it was a little sunnier. What’s your solution to getting through the long winters here?

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I’ve always been a winter fan. Most of my life I’ve really enjoyed outdoor sports and winter sports in particular. We’re not winter escapees. What would make you leave Sandpoint?

Sandpoint could be Coeur d’Alene down the road, maybe not in my lifetime. If it ever got to the point where it got really crowded and busy and changed in its culture, I suppose that would make me not want to be here. What do you wish Sandpoint had that it doesn’t have now?

Probably a bigger college campus. It would be cool to see a bigger infrastructure around education. How does Sandpoint compare to other places you’ve lived?

It’s really interesting to observe how much Sandpoint has to offer for the size of town it is. We still have this newbie’s disease. We want to do everything. One of the biggest stressors we have is, “What are we going to do today?” WINTER 2013

SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

Clark Fork

Map ÂŠ TerraPen Geographics. Purchase full-size maps at Idaho Rustic | 100 Cedar St. at First Avenue | (208) 265-8883 | www.SandpointMaps.com

OUTDOORS Cross-Country Skiing. For groomed and maintained trails, you can kick and glide or skate on 32 km of scenic groomed trails at Schweitzer (2639555); Round Lake State Park has 3 miles of various groomed trails for diagonal stride (263-3489); Farragut State Park (683-2425) has more than 7 km of groomed trails, 25 miles south of Sandpoint on Lake Pend Oreille. Groomed trails (15 km) are also maintained at Priest Lake Nordic Center (443-2525) and connect to Hannah Flats for more than 40 km of trails. Right downtown, locals often ski or snowshoe the two miles of flat lake shoreline alongside the Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail. It’s accessed north of City Beach just beyond Seasons at Sandpoint. Just a mile away, groomed trails may be found when conditions are favorable at the University of Idaho Extension property on North Boyer Avenue. Plus, two ranches in the Selle Valley now offer groomed trails. See story, page 55.

Backcountry and Snowshoeing. For terrain that’s pristine and un-

Winter Guide

Winter Guide 2013

NOrdIC TrAILS AT SCHWEITzEr. PHOTO By dOUG MArSHALL

groomed, nearly unlimited options exist on public lands surrounding Sandpoint up national forest roads: Roman Nose, accessed outside of Naples, about 22 miles north of Sandpoint; and up Trestle Creek, about 12 miles east off Highway 200. For info on those or other areas, call the Sandpoint Ranger District (263-5111) or the Bonners Ferry Ranger District (267-5561) for maps and current conditions, including avalanche advisories. For a backcountry experience with guided

know-how, take an excursion from Schweitzer via snowcat with Selkirk Powder (866-464-3246). For rental gear, try Schweitzer’s Ski & Ride Center (255-3070); or in downtown Sandpoint, the Alpine Shop at 213 Church (2635157); Mountain Essentials, 206 N. First Ave. (263-4453); or Outdoor Experience, 314 N. First Ave. (2636028). More snowsports information online, at www.SandpointOnline.com/rec or www.fs.fed.us/ipnf. See story, page 62.

DOWNHILL SkIINg AND RIDINg High in the Selkirk Mountains above Sandpoint, Schweitzer Mountain contains 2,900 acres of terrain beckoning skiers and snowboarders to ride 300 inches of powder, the average annual snowfall. The Inland Northwest’s largest ski resort, Schweitzer is a mere 11 miles from downtown. Uncrowded slopes offer 2,400 vertical feet among the 92 named trails, two open bowls, treed glades and three terrain parks. Select slopes are lit for night skiing part of the season. Three high-speed chairs serve the mountain: “Stella,” Idaho’s only six-pack chair and quads Great Escape and Basin Express. The mountain also has one triple chair,

three double chairs, a T-bar, a beginner’s Musical Carpet, tubing, and snowshoe and cross-country trails. www.schweitzer.com (800831-8810 or 263-9555). See story, page 59. Other downhill ski choices exist within a couple hours of Sandpoint. Serviced by a gondola, Silver Mountain Resort is in Kellogg, about 85 miles southeast of Sandpoint. Open ThursdayMonday and holidays, Silver features five chairs, one surface lift and tubing. Top elevation is 6,300 feet; vertical is 2,200 feet; and there’s 1,600 skiable acres with 73 named trails. About 98 miles northwest of Sandpoint sits 49 Degrees North,

PHOTO By BOB LEGASA

outside of Chewelah, Wash., open Friday-Tuesday and holidays. The top elevation is 5,774 feet, with 1,851 vertical and 2,325 skiable acres. The mountain features 75 trails, six chairlifts, a surface lift and the brand-new Nordic Center. And finally, for an experience off the beaten path, there is Turner

WINTER 2013

Mountain, 80 miles northeast of Sandpoint near Libby, Mont. Turner is a small, little-known ski area admired by many skiers for its steep runs. Open Friday-Sunday and holidays; top elevation is 5,952. The mountain has one surface lift and 25 runs, with 2,110 feet of vertical.

SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

Winter Guide

Sleigh Rides. Western Pleasure guest Ranch, 16 miles northeast of Sandpoint on Upper Gold Creek Road, offers sleigh rides in a rural setting for groups and couples. www. WesternPleasureRanch.com (263-9066). See story, page 8. Stillwater Ranch also provides sleigh rides in a country setting for groups and weddings, south of Sandpoint in Sagle on Dufort Road. www. StillwaterShires.com (263-0077). Snowmobiling. It’s one of the most popular and fun ways to reach the wondrous wintry backcountry. Snowcat trails around Sandpoint and Priest Lake in the Selkirk Mountains are renowned; for more information, contact Winter Riders, www.SandpointWinterRiders. com (263-1535) or Priest Lake Trails & Outdoor Recreation Association, www.priestlake.org (443-3309). For guided rides at Schweitzer, contact Selkirk Powder. www.SelkirkPowder. com (263-6959 or 888-Go-Idaho).

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We’re There. Perk up with informative articles on Sandpoint and the surrounding area. For home delivery call (208) 263-9534

State Parks. Three state parks are within close range to Sandpoint – Farragut, Round Lake and Priest Lake. Farragut is located four miles east of Athol, with 4,000 scenic acres alongside the southern tip of Lake Pend Oreille. Camping and groomed cross-country ski trails available (683-2425). Round Lake is located 12 miles south of Sandpoint just west of Highway 95 on West Dufort Road. Round Lake is a small, scenic lake; camping, fishing, sledding and cross-country skiing are all available (263-3489). Priest Lake State Park is located north of Coolin alongside the clear waters of Priest Lake. Camping, cross-country skiing, ice fishing and snowmobiling available (4432200). www.IdahoParks.org.

Walking. For a two-mile walk on cleared paths with dazzling views, the Pedestrian Long Bridge runs alongside Highway 95 over Lake Pend Oreille. You’ll also find paved, cleared paths along the new Sand Creek Byway, at Travers

KOOTENAI NATIONAL WILdLIFE rEFUGE. PHOTO By JErry PAvIA

Park on West Pine Street; City Beach downtown; and the Dover Bike Path along Highway 2 west. Paths are also at Lakeview Park, through and around the Native Plant Society Arboretum, and overlooking Sand Creek at the Healing garden next to Bonner General Hospital.

Wildlife Refuge. kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, 30 miles north of Sandpoint near Bonners Ferry, has more than 2,000 acres and abundant wildlife

THE SPOT BuS From Dover to Kootenai with stops in Sandpoint and Ponderay, the SPOT bus route serves residents and visitors who are commuting or enjoying a night out on the town. The bus circles its route hourly every day, 6:24 a.m. to 6:27 p.m. with one late run Sunday through Thursday, and three late runs Friday and Saturday. Stops are marked with the SPOT bus sign – many at or near motels in Sandpoint and Ponderay in order to provide rides for their guests. The best part: It’s free! When ski season is under way, catch a connector to the Schweitzer bus. Check schedules online. www.seespotroll.com. (597-7606).

just Sandpoint isthe Start ...of an amazing 280-mile scenic loop. It’s North America’s only 2-state, y! 2-country National Scenic Byway!

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4318 South Regal Street Spokane, WA (509) 443-6500

including elk, deer, moose and bear, plus migrating birds. Hiking trails to a waterfall and around a pond, auto tour routes. www.fws.gov/kootenai (267-3888).

Sandpoint WaterLife Discovery Center. On Lakeshore Drive, the center offers interpretive trails and self-guided tours of fish habitat and an educational interpretive area on Pend Oreille River. www.fishandgame.idaho.gov (769-1414).

Fishing. Dedicated fishermen don’t let a little cold weather stop them. When the water freezes, there’s great ice fishing on Lake Pend Oreille at the north end of the Long Bridge in front of Condo del Sol. Main prey is perch, though bass and trout also are caught. Ice fishing is also popular on smaller lakes: Cocolalla, Mirror, Gamlin, Shepherd, Round, Antelope and Priest. Lake Pend Oreille’s deep waters rarely freeze and even in midwinter charter fishing boats pursue its trophy rainbow trout and mackinaw. Try Diamond Charters (265-2565), Eagle Charters (2645274), Pend Oreille Charters (265-6781) or Seagull Charters (266-1861).

Ice Skating and Sledding. It takes several days of sustained below-freezing temperatures without too much snow, but when conditions are right, local ice skaters flock to Third Avenue Pier, where the street terminates at Lake Pend Oreille. Another favored skating spot is the Sandpoint City Beach

Jan 30 La Rosa Club

105 S. First Avenue, Sandpoint, ID (208) 263-0211

Feb 6 TBA Feb 13 The Foggy Bottom Lounge Mt Spokane, Spokane, WA (509) 238-2220

Feb 20 Trinity at the City Beach

58 Bridge Street, Sandpoint, ID (208) 255-7558

Feb 27 Capone’s Pub & Grill

315 N Ross Point Rd, Post Falls, ID (208) 457-8020

Mar 9 Boomtown Bar

49 Degrees North, Chewelah, WA (509) 935-6649

Mar 13 Tap’s

Schweitzer Mountain, Sandpoint, ID (208) 263-9555

Mar 20 Capone’s Pub & Grill

9520 North Government Way, Hayden,, ID (208)-667-4843

Mar 27 Jalapeños

Your Adventure Starts Here

MOUNTAIN GEAR

314 North 2nd Ave, Sandpoint, ID (208) 263-2995

or Sand Creek below the Cedar Street Bridge. Or head out to Round Lake State Park, south of Sandpoint, where there is often a bonfire blazing. Park staff maintain both regular and speed-skating rinks. To get there, drive 10 miles south on Highway 95, then west two miles on Dufort Road (263-3489). If it’s sledding you want, Schweitzer maintains its Hermits Hollow Tubing Center; sessions last 1.5 hours and reservations are recommended (255-3081). A second fine sledding hill is at Round Lake State Park, with a 1,000-foot run to the lake. WINTER 2013

INDOORS Art Galleries. Truly an arts town, Sandpoint has numerous galleries and artists’ studios in the area. Downtown make a walking tour of galleries; on First Avenue check Art Works, Hallans, Hen’s Tooth and the Cedar Street Bridge. Swing west to Sixth and Oak for Redtail gallery and Sandpoint Center for the Arts. Art lovers may also visit revolving art exhibits in year-round gallery locations sponsored SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

Winter Guide

SHOPPINg Sandpoint’s Complete Family Fitness Center 25 Meter Pool Personal Training Hot Tub & Sauna Group Exercise Classes Racquetball Nursery Massage Therapy

Downtown retailers are going all out in the Sandpoint Shopping District, where shoppers will discover a fine array of eclectic shops and galleries with clothing, art and gifts galore. www. DowntownSandpoint.com. Highlights include the Cedar Street Bridge Public Market with retailers such as Carousel Emporium and MeadowBrook Home & Gift, art, and food such as Cedar St. Bridge Café, all in a beautiful log structure spanning Sand Creek. www.CedarStreetBridge. com (255-8270). Just down the street is Coldwater Creek in its flagship store at 311 N. First, with a wine bar upstairs and live music on Fridays and Saturdays. www.coldwatercreek.com (263-2265). Antiques abound at Foster’s Crossing, a mini mall with lots of collectibles, on Fifth between Cedar and Oak streets (263-5911); and MarketPlace Antiques & Gifts, open daily, at Fifth and Church (263-4444). Just out of town, Bonner Mall in Ponderay has many stores large and small, and often hosts events; it’s on U.S. Highway 95 two miles north of Sandpoint (263-4272). PHOTO By GAry LIrETTE

Sandpoint West Athletic Club DAY PASSES

and short term membership available

1905 Pine St.

263-6633 www.SandpointWest.com

SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

by the Pend Oreille Arts Council. Locations include The Old Power House, 120 E. Lake St.; Panhandle State Bank, 414 Church St.; Northern Lights, 421 Chevy Street in Sagle; Mountain West Bank, 476655 Highway 95 in Ponderay; and STCU, 477181 Highway 95 in

WINTER 2013

Ponderay. www.ArtinSandpoint.org (2636139). Up at Schweitzer, the Artists’ Studio in the White Pine Lodge is a gallery for local artists who participate in the Artists’ Studio Tour (265-1776). Museums. Enjoy many fine displays depicting old-time Bonner County at the Bonner County Historical Museum. Featured exhibits include “Canoes for the Journey” about fur trader David Thompson and a Salish style “sturgeonnosed” canoe unique to this region. Other exhibits tell the stories of communities with an emphasis on homesteading, logging and railroads. An extensive research archive has information helpful to genealogists and those curious about the area. Open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Saturdays in summer only). Located in Lakeview Park, 611 S. Ella. www.bonnercountyhistory.org (2632344). The Bird Aviation Museum and Invention Center was founded by Dr. Forrest and Pamela Bird, Ph.D. Dr. Bird invented the medical respirator and many other inventions. The museum is the home to original patent models from the 1800s; inventors’ products and prototypes that have changed the world; authentic signatures from Howard Hughes, Amelia Earhart, Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, Orville Wright and Charles Lindbergh; a gift shop and exhibits on aviation including a rotating collection of 21 aircraft, as

Movies. The Bonner Mall Cinema is a six-plex theater inside the Bonner Mall on Highway 95, featuring new releases daily (263-7147). The historic Panida Theater downtown at 300 N. First shows foreign and independent films most weekends (263-9191). Check www.SandpointMovies. com for movie listings. Athletic Clubs. Sandpoint West Athletic Club, 1905 W. Pine St., has a 25-meter indoor pool; courts for racquetball, wallyball and basketball; a weight room with various machines, a sauna and spa. Open daily. www. SandpointWest.com (263-6633). Also, Natural Fitness at Superior and Ella

Yoga. Sandpointâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s active

BIKING IT AT SWAC. PHOTO By CLINT NICHOLSON

has cardiovascular, weight and circuit machines; open weekdays (263-0676). Curves at 110 Tibbetts Ln. in Ponderay (255-1661) caters to women, as does Evolution Fitness, 30736 Highway 200, Ste. 104, in Ponderay (255-7010). 2nd Wind Fitness, 1527 Baldy Park Dr., offers a pay-as-you-go system and personal trainers (290-2081). 360FIT, 606 N. Fifth Ave., (263-7174), and cor24fitness, 400 Schweitzer Plaza, Ste. 5, in Ponderay (290-4046) are both 24-hour fitness centers. Dover Bay Lake Club Fitness Center in Dover features a year-round

yoga community is well-represented by the number of studios, practitioners and types of yoga offered. The following offer classes regularly: Dover Bay Lake Club Fitness Center in Dover (263-5493); Downtown Yoga, 119 N. First Ave. (255-6177); Hope Memorial Center, 415 Wellington Pl. in Hope (2645481); gardenia Center, 400 Church St. (255-4450); Mudita Yoga, 525 S. Florence Ave. (610-8470); Natural Fitness, 1103 Superior St. (263-0676); Sandpoint West Athletic Club, 1905 Pine St. (263-6633); Twisted Root Yoga, 323 Pine St. (9639642); and Zest Inspired Living, 100 N. First Ave. (290-3812). See listings and links to all local yoga studios at www. sandpointyoga.com.

Winter Guide

outdoor hot tub (263-5493). Xhale Pilates Studio, 225 Cedar St., has classes, including zumba (755-2687).

well as antique cars. Located in Sagle about 17 miles southeast of Sandpoint off Sagle Road on Bird Ranch Road. Open year round Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from mid-May to mid-October. Admission is free (donations welcomed). www.birdaviationmuseum. com (255-4321).

[ Closest Hotel to Schweitzer Mtn Ski Area ] Newest Hotel in Sandpoint Indoor pool/hot tub

Fitness Center Meeting Rooms Available

477326 Hwy 95 N \\ Ponderay, Idaho 83852 // Phone: (208) 255-4500 WINTER 2013

SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

DRIVINg TOuRS

Winter Guide

If you watch the weather forecasts to avoid storms and hazardous conditions, a winter drive offers the special beauty of snowy landscapes. Most well-known is the International Selkirk Loop, a 280-mile National Scenic Byway wending through the majestic Selkirk Mountains of Idaho, Washington and British Columbia. Budget time to enjoy the small towns along the way. www.SelkirkLoop.org (888-823-2626). The Pend Oreille National Scenic Byway, 33.4 miles of lake and mountain views on Highway 200, meanders east to the Montana state line along the rocky shores of Lake Pend Oreille. To make a 150-mile loop, continue east into Montana, then north on Highway 56 through the Bull River Valley to Troy, then back east and south on Highway 2 through Bonners Ferry. The Highway 2/41 Pend Oreille River scenic route goes west on Highway 2 through historic Priest River and Newport/ Oldtown; then south on Highway 41 through the Blanchard Valley. Brochures with maps are available at the newly remodeled Sandpoint Visitor Center operated by the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce at 900 N. Fifth Ave., alongside Sand Creek on the northbound route out of town.

Spas. Get pampered at The Spa at Seasons, in downtown Sandpoint, www. SeasonsatSandpoint.com (263-5616); Wildflower Day Spa, www.thewild flowerdayspa.com (263-1103); Su geé Skin Care, 324 S. Florence Ave. (2636205); or Solstice Well Being Spa and Wellness Center at Schweitzer Mountain. www.SolsticeWellBeing.com (263-2862).

Saturday at 1109 Fontaine Dr. www. LaughingDogBrewing.com (263-9222). Downtown, see brewing in action at Sandpoint’s own craft brewpub, MickDuff’s, open daily at 312 N. First. www.mickduffs.com (255-4351). Not a brewer but noted for its regional selection is Eichardt’s Pub, 212 Cedar St. (263-4005). Sandpoint’s northern neighbor, Bonners Ferry, has its own brewery now, too: kootenai River Brewing offers tours, a tap room and family dining at Riverside and First (267-4677).

Winery & Wine Bars. The Pend d’Oreille Winery, Idaho’s Winery of the Year in 2003, features tours, wine tasting, a gift shop, live music Fridays, and Bistro Rouge menu daily, 220 Cedar St. www.powine.com (265-8545). Two more wine bars, all within easy walks downtown, are the Coldwater Creek Wine Bar, upstairs at 311 N. First Ave., also featuring live music and a great menu to complement wines (263-6971); and La Rosa Club, across the street from Ivano’s at 105 S. First Ave., has an approachable wine list as well as craft cocktails, martinis, and small plates and bites. (255-2100).

Brewery Tours. Take a tour and taste handcrafted ales at Laughing Dog Brewing in Ponderay, open Monday-

WINE TASTING EvENT AT COLdWATEr CrEEK WINE BAr

Sweet Magnolia BED & BREAKFAST

Gourmet Breakfast Book Online Events 502 North Fourth Avenue DOWNTOWN SANDPOINT

208-263-2425

www.sweetmagnoliabandb.com

SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

WINTER 2013

Meeting Rooms

Kitchen

Bar or Lounge

Pool on site

Restaurant

Spa or Sauna

Beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-bath waterfront condos on Lake Pend Oreille in Hope. Discount ski and golf tickets available. See ad, page 49. www.10kVacationRentals.com/sandpoint/

877-982-2954 / drarchers@msn.com

Best Western Edgewater Resort

Downtown Sandpoint on the lake. Indoor pool, sauna, fitness room, hot tub. All rooms with lake view. Dine at Trinity at City Beach. Also 22-site RV park. www.SandpointHotels.com

208-263-3194 or 800-635-2534

Coeur d’Alene Casino

Lodging

Archer Vacation Condos

No. of Units

Lodging

300

Whether you prefer rustic elegance or Manhattan chic, you’ll find a room that suits you along with a casino that boasts the area’s most machines, and the most winners. See ad page 51.

800-523-2464

CdACasino.com

Dover Bay Bungalows 208-263-3083

guestHouse Lodge

Waterfront bungalows at beautiful Dover Bay in Marina Village. Fully furnished with lake and mountain views. Fitness center, marina and hiking/biking trails. See ads, page 34. www.DoverBayBungalows.com

Free breakfast with waffles. 24-hour hot tub, free wireless Internet. Family suites. Schweitzer ski packages. At the base of Schweitzer Mountain, two miles from Lake Pend Oreille.

208-263-2210

Holiday Inn Express

The newest hotel in Sandpoint. 100 percent smoke-free. The Ponderay location is at the base of Schweitzer Mountain next to the new location of Sweet Lou’s, close to Walmart. See ad, page 16.

208-255-4500 / Fax 208-255-4502

www.HIExpress.com

La Quinta Inn

Lodge at Sandpoint

250

Indoor pool and hot tub. Close to downtown Sandpoint. 5th Avenue Restaurant and Mitzy’s Lounge on property. Kids stay and eat free. www.SandpointHotels.com

208-263-2111 or 866-519-7683

Sandpoint Vacation Rentals

Fully furnished condos and on-site athletic club on Lake Pend Oreille. Stay and play packages. See ad, page 56. www.POSResort.com

208-264-5828

Sandpoint Quality Inn

Northern Quest Resort & Casino is the Inland Northwest’s only AAA-rated 4-Diamond casino resort. Complimentary Wi-Fi, and valet and overnight parking. See ad, page 54. www.NorthernQuest.com

509-242-7000

Pend Oreille Shores Resort

Accommodations for weddings, retreats and banquets. Lakeside with swimming and docks. Views of lake and mountains for an unforgettable Idaho vacation. www.LodgeAtSandpoint.com

208-263-2211

Northern Quest Casino

Downtown location, high-speed Internet. Free breakfast, themed spa suites. Silverwood, ski and golf packages. Kids stay free. See ad, page 96. www.Hotels-West.com

208-263-9581 or 800-282-0660

75 luxury homes and condos in Sandpoint and on the lake. First-class properties at affordable rates. Plan your perfect vacation. Boat rentals, tee times. See ad, page 5. www.

208-263-7570 or 866-263-7570

SandpointVacationRentals.com

Selkirk Lodge

167

Sleep’s Cabins

On beautiful Lakeshore Drive. Sleep’s Cabins consists of six log bungalows decorated with original furnishings and collectibles. See ad, page 58. www.SleepsCabins.com

208-255-2122 or 866-302-2122

Sweet Magnolia Bed & Breakfast

Mountain accommodations, stay-and-play packages. Spectacular mountain and lake views. Outdoor heated pool and hot tubs. See ad, page 115. www.Schweitzer.com

208-265-0257 or 800-831-8810

Beautiful Victorian home with unique rooms and antiques. Located in downtown Sandpoint. Within walking distance of many local shops and businesses. See ad, page 96.

208-265-2425

www.SweetMagnoliaBandB.com

Talus Rock Retreat 208-255-8458

Waterhouse B&B

Chic romantic getaway on 30 acres, less than 2 miles from Sandpoint. Hot tub, pool, bass pond. Spectacular views and secluded ambiance with first-class amenities. Perfect for a couple’s escape, reunion or corporate meeting. SandpointRetreat.com Deluxe spa suites with private, jetted tub for two in bath. Gas fireplace, AC, kitchenette, free wireless Internet. www.WaterhouseBedandBreakfast.com

208-263-0828

Western Pleasure guest Ranch

available. See ad, page 18. www.WesternPleasureRanch.com

208-263-9066

White Pine Lodge 208-265-0257 or 800-831-8810

Private cabins sleep 2-8. Lodge rooms with private baths, rec room, horseback riding and meals

New accommodations, stay-and-play packages. Spectacular mountain and lake views. Outdoor hot tubs, access to heated pool. See ad, page 115. www.Schweitzer.com

WINTER 2013

SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

EATS & DRINKS

Soups that’ll warm the soul Story and photo by Beth Hawkins

h, winter … blustery days offer a perfect excuse to get cozy with a steaming bowl of soup – filled with equal parts nutrition and comfort. It’s like therapy, really – just you, the spoon and savory warmth all around. In our quest to find the most delicious soups in Sandpoint’s restaurants and eateries, we start with one basic requirement: It must be made from scratch. A well-known source for inventive and delicious soups is Spuds Waterfront grill, 102 N. First Ave., where its popular Alaskan Amber cheddar potato soup pretty much screams “comfort food!” with its northerninspired blend of beer, potatoes and cheese. Spuds co-owner Gail MicoAnderson said another top pick is the butternut squash soup. “It has pure maple syrup in it and some spice … it’s delicious,” she said. “Soups are very popular in the wintertime, and we have six soups to choose from every day.” A vegetarian soup option and the black bean soup are on the menu daily. An up-and-coming star in the world of stellar soups is Monarch Mountain Coffee, 208 N. Fourth Ave. Owner Sherrie Wilson always has two batches of homemade soup ready to serve, although she has been known to run out of the immensely popular Hungarian mushroom. “It’s out of this world,” said employee Laurana Walsh, who likens it to a mushroom stew. Made with cremini mushrooms, the secret is in the rice flour that gives it a creamy texture. Other customer favorites include the chicken potato soup (with a lemon twist that’ll “knock your socks off”), and the Gypsy soup – an exotic blend of turmeric, paprika, basil, garbanzo beans, sweet peppers, fresh tomatoes, celery, winter squash and garlic. The Readery, 209 N. First Ave.,

The immensely popular Hungarian mushroom soup often sells out at Monarch Mountain Coffee

is a newcomer to the Sandpoint scene and provides a welcoming atmosphere for meeting up with friends while indulging in a bowl of homemade soup. Owner Michael Boshka serves up a variety of soups daily; his favorite is the Southwestern chicken and corn chowder. “I give the corn a little char on the grill before adding it in,” Boshka said. “It’s a true meal on cold winter days.” Boshka’s a stickler for technique when it comes to proper soup-making, saying that it’s all about preparation, order of ingredients and using homemade stock. “The great thing is that once you learn the basic formulas – chowders, bean soups, pureed soups, etc. – you can take them in any direction you want,” he said. Spoken like a truly super soup trooper.

Another addition to the soup – and food – scene is kokanee Coffee, 509 N. Fifth Ave. Besides a stunning lineup of coffee concoctions, owner Angela Reese dishes up plenty of homemade soup – made fresh daily. “We have a good following,” said Reese. The top sellers tend to be those that are more difficult to make at home such as the cheesy broccoli soup. The creamy tomato bisque, served Fridays only, “always sells out.” Details about what goes into Kokanee’s soups are scarce – “I’m not gonna say,” Reese said with a tight-lipped smile. Someone who’s ready to “spill the beans,” so to speak, about what goes into his soups is Brad Vogler, chef at Tango Café, located inside Panhandle Continues on page 103

WINTER 2013

SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

& Drinks Eats

Sidle up for winter drinks

top the cold northern wind in its tracks by sidling up to the bar with a hot alcoholic drink – something that warms you twice when you think about it. With a flair for unusual names and great-tasting combinations, Sandpoint’s bartenders know a thing or two about mixing up liquor for wintertime – hot or cold. Connie’s Lounge, located at 323

Cedar St., warms the senses with a drink it calls Libbey’s Coffee – named after owner Dave Libbey. Bartender Joan Pucci said the steaming-hot concoction includes amaretto, Frangelico, crème de noyaux – an almond-flavored liqueur made from apricot kernels – and whipped cream. Another popular drink is called Hot Apple Pie, but the name is a bit deceiving because this drink is Popular winter drinks at Trinity at City Beach include the Trinity Toddy, above, likened to therapy in a glass, and the Winter Martini, left, a holiday-inspired combination served with shaved cinnamon. PHOTOS By BETH HAWKINS

Sandpoint’s Landmark Restaurant

102 N. First Ave, Downtown Sandpoint

SpudsOnline.comx265-4311 Vegetarian & Gluten Free options Abundant!

Bar Menu MenuxDinner MenuxDessertsxHappy Happy Hour 100

SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

WINTER 2013

actually served cold … the “hot” part happens later. Pucci said the combination of cinnamon whiskey and sourapple Schnapps “warms your innards, and makes you feel hot when the cinnamon goes down.” Soothe your senses with a Trinity Toddy, served warm and lovely at Trinity at City Beach, 58 Bridge St. It’s kind of like the hot lemon water with honey that mom used to serve you, except all grown up with muddled lemon, honey and cinnamon whiskey. It’s therapy in a glass, and it’s delicious. Another seasonal favorite at Trinity is the Winter Martini, served cold but which imparts a certain joy-to-theworld warmth with its holiday-inspired combination of eggnog liqueur, vodka and amaretto – shaken and served with shaved cinnamon. It’s what grandma would make if she ran the bar. Finally, the hotter the better applies to more than just the Mexican food at Jalapeno’s, 314 N. Second Ave. The bar serves a tantalizing array of warm alcoholic drinks including a Morganberry Cider – made with Captain Morgan rum, hot apple cider and huckleberry syrup that’s made of pureed berries, as well as the alwaystempting Hot-Buttered Rum and Peppermint Patty. –B.H.

& Drinks

hose in the know already realize that Sandpoint’s blessed with great restaurants. Now it’s just a matter of getting the word out to the rest of the world. Cue the newly formed Sandpoint Independent Restaurant and Bar Association (SIRBA), whose members aim to keep the town’s restaurants and bars filled year-round. “For 25 years, Sandpoint has tried to put together a restaurant association,” said Gary Lirette, a member of the group. “SIRBA is empowering the restaurateurs to create better environments so people will go out and dine.” Lirette said SIRBA aims to help provide better training for servers and cooks, as well as to support big community events such as the Taste of Sandpoint. This past October, Lirette said attendance at Oktoberfest tripled thanks (208) 597-7499 in part to increased marketing efforts. And the www.littleolivefood.com new Harvest Wine Walk, also held in October, 124 S. 2nd Ave, Sandpoint helped fill area restaurants with 32 tastings held in 30 days.

Eats

SIRBA helps spread the word

r ro lls ee n 12 of ou e ro ll! Ch oo se be tw th at 's ho w w now ur yo or ro ll

And in 2013, Lirette said SIRBA is eyeing a two-week Spring Fling event to take place prior to the popular Lost in the ’50s weekend. Savor Sandpoint is an initiative to help promote the town’s image and includes the website: www.SavorSandpoint.com. “It was 'just offered arm of SIRBA,” roll withas it'... an sushi your way NEXT DOOR TO LITTLE OLIVE Lirette said. The Downtown Sandpoint Business BigTunaRoll.com • (208) 597-7498 Association is helping to promote the Savor Sandpoint concept by posting restaurant events

eat me

Big tuna BIG TUNA sushi Sushi

The new Sandpoint Independent Restaurant and Bar Association helped make Oktoberfest 2012 a big success. PHOTO By GAry LIrETTE

on the website and assisting in making the area’s restaurants profitable. “It’s nice to see it happen now,” Lirette said. “We really want to make Sandpoint a food town.” –B.H.

ro ll s n 12 o f o u r e e tw be se o ro ll ! Ch o at 's ho w w e th nw o r u o r ro ll yo

eat me

(208) 597-7499 www.littleolivefood.com 124 S. 2nd Ave, Sandpoint

Big tuna BIG TUNA sushi Sushi 'just roll with it'... sushi your way

NEXT DOOR TO LITTLE OLIVE BigTunaRoll.com • (208) 597-7498

WINTER 2013

SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

101

Restaurateur Q&A with Cassandra Cayson and John Akin Owning a restaurant in Sandpoint isn’t for the faint of heart, or for those who don’t like to put in 80 hours each week at work. That’s what both FortyOne South/Shoga’s Cassandra Cayson, 28, and Little Olive/Big Tuna’s John Akin, 30, say they average running their respective businesses. Ambition, and a love of food, is the name of the game in the restaurant industry – but both Cayson and Akin take time out (once in a while) to enjoy the great outdoors.

Eats

& Drinks

Serving Sandpoint

PHOTOS By BETH HAWKINS

Background

CaSSaNDRa CaySoN

JohN aKiN

Cayson grew up in Southern California, graduated

Akin is a native of Spokane and proudly served in the U.S.

in business from University of Southern California, and

Coast Guard. From there, he bartended and also opened up

landed a desk job in New York City before discovering

some new bars in Seattle, then attended an art school to

the world of restaurant management. How did she find

study fashion, and worked at Zumiez as a fashion developer

Sandpoint? “My parents dined here during their trips. My

for youth gear. John and wife Tullaya are self-declared

dad talked me into looking at the restaurant, and within

“foodies.” “It’s our passion, and it’s one of the many reasons

weeks I was putting it together. I wasn’t planning on mov-

we fell in love.”

ing to Idaho, but Sandpoint’s now home for me.” What’s the best-selling dish at your restaurant?

What’s the biggest challenge of running a restaurant in Sandpoint?

“We have a few signature items on the menu, and I

(kebob, chops, rack). I think our lamb is some of the best I’ve

may never be removed from the menu (crab bisque and

ever had. We start with a superior product and finish it with

smoked filet mignon). Our most popular, and also one of

great tasting marinades and fresh herbs – gotta have those

my personal favorites, is the honeycomb salmon – grilled

fresh herbs!” At the Big Tuna, it all revolves around the flex-

wild sockeye filet, topped with raw honeycomb, frizzled

ible menu. “You can pick what you want on your sushi roll,

leeks and whole grain mustard sauce. Delicious!”

and that tends to be what everyone opts for.”

“Preparing for the economic seasonal fluctuations. We

102

While the off-months are difficult for business, John says

depend on a strong summer season but also need the sup-

summers have their own challenge: “We have the best sum-

port of the locals throughout the colder months.”

mers here, and it’s hard for me to work indoors all day!”

“What do you mean, like have a social life?!” Cassandra Hobbies (other than work) quips. When she’s able to pull herself from work, she

What would you do if you weren’t running a restaurant?

“At the Little Olive, it has to be any of our lamb dishes

have been instructed by many guests that certain items

“I’m a restless soul, so outdoor activities are a must. It’s hard to live in this area and coop yourself up indoors. If my

enjoys swimming, attempting to snowboard, and hiking

wife and I are going to stay indoors, you’ll catch us watching

with her dog.

sports. Go Seahawks!”

“It’s hard to imagine doing something else, but I would

“Have children and a family (ha ha). The restaurants are

probably still be involved with the hospitality industry in

our children but otherwise, something related to customer

some way, maybe event planning. I would love to travel

service. Desk jobs are not for us – we need to be moving and

and explore different cultures around the world at some

talking with customers.

point.”

SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

WINTER 2013

Soup continued from page 99

• Fresh juice & smoothie bar • Local meat, eggs, veggies & more • Organic produce • Supplements • Beer & wine 703 W. Lake at Boyer St. • 208-265-8135 in Sandpoint www.WinterRidgeFoods.com

• Bulk foods

Open every day: 8 AM – 8 PM

& Drinks

State Bank at 414 Church St. Vogler is writing a cookbook that’s all about soups – and he’s including “80 or 90” soup recipes that he’s created over his four years as chef at the popular eatery. “There are no bounds with soup. I made one that tasted like eggs Benedict and another that tasted like lasagna,” Vogler said. Creativity isn’t all that’s inspiring Vogler to pen a cookbook – he also wants to help people learn the science of cooking without being daunted by exotic ingredients. “Everything in my recipes you can buy at the local grocery store,” he said. One ingredient readers may want to stock up on is sweet chili sauce – it’s a favorite. Curry is the go-to staple at Winter Ridge Natural Foods, 703 Lake St., where it plays a dominant role in the soup offerings, made fresh from scratch in the grocery’s deli. Assistant Manager Julia Neil says the curry soups are popular, especially the Indian curried red lentil. Another must-try is the West African peanut soup: “We use peanut butter, kale, free-range chicken, sweet potatoes … it’s just delicious,” Neil said. Winter Ridge uses just about all organic products in the soups and tends to follow Mother Nature’s cue on menu choices. “We go with the seasons. We try to mix it up so everybody gets something,” Neil said. And what’s a local soup roundup without a nod to Di Luna’s Café, 207 Cedar St., and its exceptional seafood chowder? Served Fridays only, this favorite has been around for decades. “I wanted to do something different,” owner Karen Forsythe said about creating the seafood chowder back in the ’80s to take the place of traditional clam chowder. “I replaced the clams with shrimp and imitation crab, added a little dill, some garlic and Tabasco, and the seafood chowder was born.” Other top soup picks at Di Luna’s include the tomato bisque, chicken noodle, and split pea and winter squash bisque. And that is how Sandpoint does soup.

• Organic deli with glutenfree & vegan choices

Eats

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Bulk FooDS-Deli-BakeD GooDS Breads Scones Pastries Cookies Pies Cinnamon Rolls Coffee Teas Canned Goods Spices Beans Rice Pasta Flour Nuts Dried Fruit Christian Books Housewares

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208-263-9446

1326 Baldy Mt. Rd., Sandpoint, iD 83864

MillersCountryStoreSandpoint.com

WINTER 2013

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& Drinks

The Local Dish

News and events foodies need to know

Eats

GOUrMANdIE AT SCHWEITzEr. PHOTO By HALEy SOrBEL

gourmandie, the specialty foods market in the Schweitzer Village that features fine groceries, craft beers, cheese and wine, has doubled in size. The larger storefront, located in the White Pine Lodge, includes additional seating to accommodate the growing popularity of its relaxing après scene and wine tastings. Just in time for winter, Forty-One South, located at the south end of the Long Bridge at 41 Lakeshore Dr. in Sagle, has expanded its food offerings in the bar. The restaurant is serving simple dinners aimed at bringing in folks who are looking for reasonably priced comfort food without sitting down to a

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formal meal; prices are $10 to $20. For those with food allergies or sensitivities, the pizza crusts at Second Avenue Pizza, 215 S. Second Ave., are gluten-free (and have been for eight years now). In addition, vegans can order their pizza pie with soy mozzarella. While you’re there, give a shout out to owner Carolyn Gleason for all she does as the founder of the Lost in the ’50s celebration, which takes place every May in Sandpoint. Thanks, Carolyn! Over at Pine Street Bakery, 710 Pine St., big changes have already taken place with new owners, a new front seating deck, and this winter, additional indoor seating on the second

WINTER 2013

level. The bakery serves steamy hot coffee drinks and espressos, as well as incredible pastries, bagels and breads. Everything’s fresh and homemade, right down to the filling that goes into their sumptuous Danish and croissants. If you love homemade pie (OK, that includes everyone), mark your calendar for Thursdays. That’s the day Miller’s Country Store, 1326 Baldy Mountain Rd., sells fresh, made-from-scratch fruit pies. Owner Nanette Miller’s flaky homemade crusts, a recipe from her great-grandmother, are paired with homemade fillings such as apricot and apple. The store also serves hot soup with homemade rolls or corn bread, deli sandwiches, and other bakery treats. Breakfast pitas, fresh salads, free delivery … these are some of the things to discover at downtown’s Pita Pit, 116 N. First Ave. Of course the eatery is well-known for serving up mouth-watering pita sandwiches – and the local fave in Sandpoint, according to co-owner Tasha Walker, is the Tango Beef with seasoned meat hot off the grill, plus hot sauce and teriyaki sauce. Customers select their choice of fresh vegetables, cheeses and other condiments. And did you know any pita on the menu could be turned into a salad? Numerous options exist for vegetarians, including the falafel and spicy black bean. In addition, Pita Pit offers free delivery, so it’s salads to go! Across Bridge Street at The Loading Dock, 202½ N. First Ave., it’s all about the delicious wood-fired pizza. Owners Jeff and Tasha Walker are keeping the restaurant open year-round, and the menu includes hot dogs, salads, sandwiches (meatloaf sandwich lovers, don’t pass this place by), and of course the most popular item on the menu: the Margherita pizza – served Italian style with a thin, hand-tossed crust that’s topped with buffalo and shredded mozzarella cheeses, Roma tomatoes and fresh basil. Cheese, please. Joe’s Philly

polenta, and other savory dinner combinations. Owner Gary Peitz said the bar is offering a new daily happy hour this winter from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Wednesday nights enjoy a rack of St. Louis ribs along with any beer for $14. It’s hard to get your fill of Ivano’s Ristoranté, 102 S. First Ave., so the news that they’re opening this winter for sit-down lunch is a great addition to Sandpoint’s restaurant scene. The former deli area is becoming the lunchtime restaurant, according to Ivano’s manager and owner Jessica Lippi: “It will be a served meal, instead of a deli.”

WINTER 2013

& Drinks

ST. LOUIS rIBS AT dISH

Menu items include panini, salads and, of course, pasta. Treat your family to a gourmet meal at home (even on a weeknight!) with take-home dinners from Pend Oreille Pasta and Wine, 476534 Highway 95 in Ponderay. Owners John and Valerie Albi are increasing the variety of vegetable and meat lasagnas, plus re-introducing the popular chicken cacciatore. New soups and stews offered include the pork tomatillo stew and navy bean prosciutto soup, plus check out the gnocchi filled with Gorgonzola and pear, as well as the blue cheese pasta purses. As usual in the fall and early winter, Pend Oreille Pasta makes seasonal fresh pastas including those made from butternut squash and pumpkin/sage. New crackers making their way into the store include cranberry hazelnut, fig and olive, and a gluten-free cracker made from oats and raisins. The store is known for selling some hard-toget cheeses such as Cypress Grove’s Humboldt Fog goat cheese, French Langris and Belgium Mimolette, which goes along nicely with one of the new Caymus wines. Back downtown, the Coldwater Creek Wine Bar, 311 N. First Ave., is making it easier to try out an assortment of wines with the introduction of wine flights. Offered daily except Fridays, the wine flight includes three half-glasses of wine. “The wine flights will be different every week, and they will share a commonality such as region or variety,” said manager Dave Vermeer. “It’s a great way to try out some expensive, hard-to-get wines.” Prices begin in the $10 range, and no reservations are necessary. Speaking of wines, the locally owned Pend d’Oreille Winery, 220 Cedar St., again took home awards from the prestigious San Francisco International Wine Competition this past year with the ’07 Cabernet Sauvignon winning Double Gold and the ’09 Petit Verdot taking Silver. Well done! Sip some for yourself with tastings held daily in the winery’s Tasting Room; the $5 cost for five tastes is waived when you purchase a bottle of wine. A win-win deal, for sure.

Eats

Cheesesteak, 102 Church St., serves up the popular Philly Cheesesteak sandwich with a choice of five different cheeses (Sandpoint’s top pick is pepper jack … go figure) and veggies. The popular eatery offers salads, as well. “It’s basically a Philly Cheesesteak on top of a salad,” said owner Pam Lueck. Litehouse salad dressings add the finishing touch. And for an extra dose of comfort food, try Joe’s homemade chili along with a grilled cheese sandwich. New this fall, Lueck is trying out a create-your-own-fries special from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., aimed at the high school students (although adults may be willing to try it out). Start with basic fries, then load them up with a variety of toppings. Cheesesteak fries, anyone? Dish at Dover Bay, located in the Dover Bay resort, is open this winter for dinner, and offers a new harvest menu that includes root vegetable cakes in a pretzel crust that’s topped with pesto, lamb shank osso buco on creamy

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g an dinin i l a t I in e

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Dinner served 7 nights a week Corner of First and Pine

208-263-0211

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105 S. First Ave. SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

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Downtown Sandpoint Dining Map & Drinks

1 Evans Brothers Coffee 2 Kokanee Coffee 3 Monarch Mountain Coffee 4 Pine Street Bakery 5 The Loading Dock 6 Miller’s Country Store & Deli 7 Mojo Coyote 8 Pita Pit 9 The Readery 0 Winter Ridge Natural Foods - Joe’s Philly Cheesesteaks = Chimney Rock Grill q Connie’s Café w Di Luna’s Café e Dish at Dover Bay r Forty-One South t Spuds Waterfront Grill y Sweet Lou’s u Trinity at City Beach i Eichardt’s Pub & Grill o MickDuff’s Brewing Co. p Tango Cafe [ Bangkok Cuisine ] Ivano’s Ristoranté & Caffè \ Jalapeño’s Restaurant a The Little Olive/Big Tuna s Pend Oreille Pasta d Second Avenue Pizza f Shoga at Forty-One South g Coldwater Creek Wine Bar h La Rosa j Laughing Dog Brewing k Pend d’Oreille Winery l 219 Lounge

To Bonners Ferry Canada

Map not to scale!

Schweitzer Cut-off Rd

To Schweitzer

Eats

Elks Golf Course

Bonner Mall

Baldy Mountain Rd.

Pend dʼOreille Bay Trail

Larch

Fir Healing Garden

Poplar

Alder

Main

Cedar St.

Main

Pine St.

l [-9 5 Bridge St. 8 t ] h

S. Second Ave.

Lake St.

\ g oPanida Theater First Ave.

Town Square

Third Ave. PARKING

S. Fourth Ave.

Division

Farmin Park

Boyer

Fourth Ave.

Fifth Ave.

Cedar Street Bridge

Second Ave.

Cedar

Pine

Bonner General Hospital

u City Beach

Marina

rf To Sagle

To Dover e Priest River

Coeur d’Alene

WINTER 2013

LAKE PEND OREILLE

Sand Creek Byway

Visitor Center

Church

SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

Kootenai Cut-off Rd

Oak

106

To Hope Clark Fork

Coldwater Creek Wine Bar

Connie’s Café q

Di Luna’s Café w

DINING GUIDE Restaurant index by type of cuisine Locate alphabetically in listings Bakeries, coffee & desserts

1 Evans Brothers Coffee

524 Church St. Since fall 2009, the Evans brothers have developed an artisan coffeeroasting business that is not to be missed. The highest quality organic and direct relationship coffees are roasted daily at a unique location that has been the center of the revitalized Granary Arts District. Connected to the roastery, Studio 524 Coffee Lounge features the region’s best baristas, latte art and limited Roaster Reserve coffees dripped to order on the brew bar. Local gluten-free pastries and burritos, lots of free parking, Wi-Fi. Enjoy the artistic, neighborhood atmosphere of this iconic spot. Freshly roasted Evans Brothers Coffee also available at Super 1, Yoke’s, Winter Ridge, and many of Sandpoint’s finest restaurants. Visit on Facebook for upcoming events and tastings. www.EvansBrothersCoffee.com. 265-5553

2 Kokanee Coffee

509 N. Fifth Ave. Kokanee Coffee’s mission is to serve outstanding coffee - or a perfect shot of espresso in every cup. Kokanee blends and roasts its coffee in small and tasty batches using organic beans, plus offers homemade soups, wraps and pastries every day. Open 7 days a week! Wi-Fi available. Daily specials featured on Facebook. www.KokaneeCoffee. com. 597-7831

3 Monarch Mountain Coffee

208 N. Fourth Ave. Sandpoint’s original coffee roastery serving Idaho’s freshest coffee since 1993. Bring all your friends for the very best espresso drinks, real fruit smoothies made with all-natural ingredients, handcrafted milkshakes, granitas, iced or hot tea, yerba mate, and fresh lemonade. Enjoy Monarch Mountain’s halfpound breakfast burritos or homemade soup. Monarch Mountain Coffee is the community gathering place, with a relaxed environment,

= number on Dining Map (p 106)

summertime sidewalk café and free wireless. Located in the heart of Sandpoint, next to the post office and open daily at 6 a.m. Monarch is a specialty and gourmet coffee roaster, offering the finest, top-grade beans from all around the world for retail or wholesale. Expect a perfect cup every time. 265-9382

4 Pine Street Bakery

710 Pine St. Specializing in European pastries, breads and cakes made using fresh butter and cream, farm eggs and fine chocolate. Enjoy a complete line of coffees, espresso drinks and Tazzina teas. Custom order birthday, specialty and wedding cakes; fine French pastries; and a complete line of tarts, cookies and bars. The bakers create several varieties of breads every day. Open Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. until 5 p.m., Saturdays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Plenty of parking and outdoor seating. 263-9012

Delicatessen & Market

5 The Loading Dock

200 N. First Ave. (corner of Bridge and First). Now open all year. Come try the thin-crust wood-fired pizza with fresh gourmet ingredients. Also featuring hot dogs, hot wings, and a gourmet deli case filled with an assortment of salads, pasta and desserts. The Loading Dock’s convenience store is filled with favorite beers, wine and soft drinks. Come down to The Loading Dock as it has seating for all seasons and the patio overlooks Sand Creek. Now offering free delivery. 265-8080

6 Miller’s Country Store & Deli

1326 Baldy Mountain Rd. Wholesome goodness is what Miller’s Country Store and Deli is all about. Check out the selection of fine deli meats and cheeses, extensive selection of bulk food items, and delicious fresh-baked pies and breads – or bake your own pies at home with Miller’s pie fillings. Miller’s is sure to be a favorite new store in town! Sandwiches-to-go have become a local favorite. 263-9446

7 Mojo Coyote at Schweitzer

10000 Schweitzer Mountain Rd. Located inside

W I N T E R 2 0 1 3

Dining Guide

Chimney Rock Café =

Bangkok Cuisine [

the Selkirk Lodge. Enjoy a fresh Tully’s espresso and treat your sweet tooth to a warm scone. The menu features fresh-baked pastries, breakfast burritos and lunch specials as well as beer and wine. www.Schweitzer.com. 263-9555

8 Pita Pit

116 N. First Ave. “Fresh Thinking, Healthy Eating.™” A place with great tasting food that’s healthy, fresh and still served fast. The pitas have lean, savory meats that are grilled to perfection, a large choice of crisp, fresh veggies, and exotic toppings, including the zesty signature sauces. Come in and try a Gyro, Chicken Souvlaki, a vegetarian Falafel or one of the breakfast pitas. PitaPitUSA.com. 263-8989

9 The Readery

209 N. First Ave. Feed your body, mind and soul at Sandpoint’s favorite cafe and bookstore, featuring fresh, local and organic fare, coffee and espresso drinks, new and used books, and free Wi-Fi. The zucchini bread French toast is quickly becoming famous, and the unique salads, sandwiches and soups are made with love daily. The coffee is locally roasted, fair-trade, organic and delicious! Come eat, sip, and read to your heart’s content. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. 597-7866

0 Winter Ridge Natural Foods

703 Lake St. Since 1997, locally owned Winter Ridge has provided Sandpoint and all of northern Idaho with the finest natural and organic foods, local free-range meat, and a diverse selection of supplements. Winter Ridge Natural Foods is not only a natural foods grocery store but a great place to pick up a hot meal at the Grab and Go Bar featuring hot dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Meat dishes are all-natural, with no antibiotics or hormones, and many of the ingredients are organic. Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. www.WinterRidgeFoods. com. 265-8135

- Joe’s Philly Cheesesteaks

102 Church St. Joe’s proudly serves authentic Philly cheesesteaks and MORE. Each cheesesteak is made from a generous portion of grilled steak and your choice of onions, peppers and mushrooms with choice of cheese from Whiz to pepper-jack, all served on an Amoroso roll from Philadelphia. In addition,

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Dining Guide

Dish at Dover Bay

Eichardt’s Pub & Grill

Joe’s expanded its menu to include hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, BLTs, vegetarian options, grilled-cheese sandwiches, smoothies and hand-scooped, old-fashioned milk shakes. New this year – fresh-made salads. Open Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Call ahead for carry-out. A complete menu is available at www.JoesPhillyCheesesteaks.com. 263-1444

ECLECTIC OR FINE DININg

= Chimney Rock grill

10000 Schweitzer Mountain Rd. Enjoy the warm fireplaces, comfortable lounge-style seating in the bar, and a diverse selection of cuisine – from high-quality steaks and hearty pasta dishes to scrumptious salads and exquisite seafood. Located inside the Selkirk Lodge at Schweitzer Mountain Resort. www. Schweitzer.com. 263-9555

q Connie’s Café

323 Cedar St. Historic hospitality! Connie’s Café, the landmark Sandpoint restaurant, is known as ‘a coffee shop with dinner house quality.’ The eatery’s wholesome, made-from-

Sandpoint’s Best Thai Food • Peanut sauces • Curry • Stir frys and soups • Wine and beer • Vegetarian choices • Now Catering

Eat in or take out

208-265-4149 • 202 N. 2nd Ave. Artisan Coffees Roasted Daily

The roastery and studio 524 coffee lounge 524 Church, Sandpoint OPEN 7am–5pm Monday–Friday; 8am–2pm Saturday

brothers

EvansBrothersCoffee.com | 208-265-5553 find us on facebook!

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Evans Brothers Coffee

Forty-One South

scratch menu is filled with mouth-watering breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes of the highest quality, while the relaxed, beautifully restored 1950s decor makes everyone feel right at home. 255-2227

w Di Luna’s Café

207 Cedar St. Di Luna’s is an American bistro café offering hand-cut steaks, homemade soups and vegetarian cuisine. Open for breakfast and lunch, Tuesday through Sunday, serving breakfast all day. Working with local farmers, Di Luna’s prepares Farm to Table Dinners every month. The restaurant also houses a gift shop with items from local artisans and craftsmen. Specializing in themed catering menus, Di Luna’s catering staff works with customers to take the hassle out of special events so they can enjoy the experience along with guests. At Di Luna’s they love good music, so they host dinner concerts and bring in the best acoustic musicians from around the country. www. DiLunas.com. 263-0846

e Dish at Dover Bay

In Dover Bay Resort. Fine dining on the water in Dover Bay just 2 miles from Sandpoint on Highway 2. Award-winning chef Eddie Sneva has released the Harvest Menu with favorites like the Buffalo Meatloaf, Braised Lamb Shank, 14 oz. Angus N.Y. strip and Seafood Udon. On Wednesdays enjoy a Rack of St. Louis Ribs and any beer for just $14. Happy Hour daily from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Full liquor bar, extensive wine list and beer selection. Snuggle up next to the fireplace and enjoy the best Sandpoint has to offer. www.dishatdoverbay.com. 265-6467

r Forty-One South

41 Lakeshore Dr., Sagle. Upscale, waterfront dining located at the south end of the Long Bridge near Sandpoint. An elegant lodge setting and exquisite service paired with innova-

Wines by the glass & the best ambiance in town

Happy hour Monday – Thursday, 5-7 Live music every Friday and Saturday Gourmet appetizers every day

WINE BAR Mon-Thurs 11-9 Fri & Sat 11-11 Sun 12-5 208-263-6971

Upstairs at 311 N. First Avenue, Sandpoint

WINTER 2013

]

Ivano's Ristoranté & Caffé

Jalapeño’s

tive, classical cuisine make for one of northern Idaho’s premier dining experiences. A popular spot for locals, tourists and business travelers. Whether you are looking to enjoy a casual evening in the cozy, fire-lit bar/lounge or a romantic four-course dinner in the main dining room, it’s the perfect place to catch the beautiful Sandpoint sunset over Lake Pend Oreille. Full bar and extensive wine list available. Check the website for the live music schedule. Open for dinner Tuesday – Saturday. Off-site catering available. Reservations highly recommended. www.41southsandpoint.com. 265-2000

t Spuds Waterfront grill

102 N. First Ave. Located on the beautiful Sand Creek, Spuds Waterfront Grill (originally Spuds Rotisserie & Grill) offers the freshest of lunch and dinner entrees specializing in American regional recipes. Situated next to Starbucks looking over the marina, the Waterfront Grill has been a landmark restaurant in Sandpoint since 1995. Lunch 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily; dinner 4:30 p.m. to close. For updates, visit www.spuds online.com. 265-4311

y Sweet Lou’s

Two locations: In Ponderay, 477272 Highway 95, open every day 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 2631381. Sweet Lou’s proudly serves hand-cut steaks, freshly ground burgers, wild salmon and smoked ribs. Come in to quench your thirst or feed your hunger. In Hope, 46624 Highway 200. Overlooking Lake Pend Oreille in the Holiday Shores Marina. Check the website for winter hours. 264-5999. Both locations offer a family-friendly environment, full bar and tasty items for everyone to enjoy. Come hungry, stay late, eat well. www.sweetlousidaho.com, www. facebook.com/sweetlous

u Trinity at City Beach

58 Bridge St. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner on

Kokanee Coffee

the shore of Lake Pend Oreille. Waterfront dining with an outstanding view and menu featuring seafood, steaks, salads and appetizers. Full bar serves an extensive selection of wines, beers and cocktails featuring a daily happy hour. Enjoy local music and a great atmosphere overlooking Lake Pend Oreille. Open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Located at the Best Western Edgewater Resort adjacent to Sandpoint City Beach. www.trinityatcitybeach.com. Visit Trinity on Facebook and Twitter. 255-7558

Pub-style

i eichardt’s Pub & Grill

212 Cedar St. A comfortable pub and grill, Eichardt’s is located downtown in a charming, historic building. This relaxing pub mixes casual dining with seriously good food. There’s something for everyone - more than a dozen beers on tap, good wines including oak cask local red wines, and regional touring live music. Upstairs you’ll find a game room with a fireplace, pool table, darts and shuffleboard. Eichardt’s has been nationally recognized and locally supported since 1994. Open daily at 11:30 a.m. for smokeless dining. www.eichardtspub.com and find us on Facebook. 263-4005

o MickDuff’s brewing Co.

312 N. First Ave. Enjoy MickDuff’s fine handcrafted ales in a family dining atmosphere, offering a variety of top-of-the-line beers ranging from fruity blonds to a seasonal porter. MickDuff’s also brews a unique-style root beer for those young in age or at heart. The menu is packed full of flavor with traditional and updated pub fare. You will find toasted sandwiches, hearty soups, gourmet hamburgers and much more at this cozy brewpub located in downtown Sandpoint. www. MickDuffs.com. 255-4351

= number on Dining Map (p 106)

La Rosa Club

The Little Olive

The Loading Dock

MickDuff’s Brewing Co.

p tango Café

414 Church St. Located in the atrium of Panhandle State Bank. Tango has become a favorite among locals for breakfast and lunch creations, including signature omelettes and original lunch specials. Other highlights include fresh soups and salads, scrumptious baked goods and a full barista bar featuring Evans Brothers Coffee. In addition, Tango has a dinner takeout menu for a skiers’ weekend or a family sit-down. Tango also offers extensive catering for that special event. Wi-Fi connected and space for private meetings. Open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.TangoCafe-Sandpoint.com. 263-9514

ReGional/ethniC

[ bangkok Cuisine

202 N. Second Ave. Enjoy authentic Thai food in a welcoming atmosphere. All of Bangkok’s dishes, including a wide variety of vegetarian, are cooked to order using the freshest ingredients with no added MSG. Bangkok offers a fine selection of wine and beer as well as Thai tea and coffee. All desserts are made on-site. Takeout also available. Enjoy your meal on the sidewalk dining area. Open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner Monday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Closed Sundays. 265-4149

Dining Guide

Joe’s Philly Cheesesteaks

Hoagies, Hamburgers, Fries Shakes, Fresh Salads & more JoesPhillyCheesesteaks.com 102 Church St. Sandpoint. 263-1444

] ivano’s Ristoranté & Caffè

102 S. First Ave. Serving the community for more than 28 years, Ivano’s Italian dining accompanied by classic wines and gracious atmosphere add to the enjoyment of one of Sandpoint’s favorite restaurants. Pasta, fresh seafood and steaks, veal, chicken and vegetarian entrees round out the fare. Gluten-free menu. Dinner served seven nights a week starting at 4:30 p.m. Off-site catering is available for weddings, family get-togethers and

Great Mexican Food Awesome Atmosphere 314 N. Second Avenue Sandpoint, Idaho 83864 Phone: 208-263-2995

Di Lu n a ’s CAFE

~ Eichardt’s Serves up the Best of Northwest Microbrews, Food and Local Live Music ~

American Bistro Dining & Catering For delivery call

208.263.0846

www.DiLunas.com 207 Cedar Street

Full Lunch and Dinner Menu

Winter Hours: Wed. - Sat. 4-9 p.m. Happy Hour 4-6 p.m.

208 265-6467

16 Micros on Tap • Oak Cask Red Wines Upstairs Game Room Open Daily From 11:30 am

www.DishatDoverBay.com

212 Cedar St. • Sandpoint • 263-4005

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Dining Guide

Miller's Country Store

Monarch Mountain Coffee

Pend Oreille Pasta & Wine

Pita Pit

large gatherings. www.IvanosSandpoint.com. 263-0211

\ Jalapeño’s Restaurant

Organic Beans Coffee Espresso

Homemade Soups Wraps Pastries

509 N. 5th Avenue

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

(208)597-7831 www.kokaneecoffee.com Bridge & 1st Ave., Sandpoint

265-8080

314 N. Second Ave. Authentic Mexican food in a fun and friendly environment serving traditional and unusual south-of-the-border specialties, plus even a few gringo dishes! This popular dining establishment also boasts a full cantina bar with traditional frosty margaritas that complement any dish. The banquet room seats up to 35 of your closest friends. And when the weather’s warm, Jalapeño’s invites guests to dine on the outside deck. Conveniently located in the historic Elks building in the heart of downtown Sandpoint. 263-2995

a The Little Olive /Big Tuna

124 S. Second Ave. One of Sandpoint’s newest restaurants welcomes its guests to enjoy Mediterranean cuisine. Enjoy lunch and dinner in a quaint, comfortable setting. The menu is a mix of Greek-inspired dishes that are made with the freshest ingredients available. Dressings and sauces are made in-house daily. The beer and wine menu is one of the most extensive in the area, featuring more than 45 beers. Right next door is Sandpoint’s newest sushi restaurant, The Big Tuna, where you can order a sushi roll from the menu or roll your own. www.littleolivefood.com. 597-7499

s Pend Oreille Pasta and Wine

476534 Highway 95 (one block south of Walmart). John and Valerie love to help their customers select from their outstanding selection of fine wines and artisan cheeses. Market food items include international wines at competitive prices, ravioli and olives, and many gourmet grocery items. Fresh homemade pastas

The Readery

Second Avenue Pizza

and sauces made on-site may be purchased as part of a complete dinner package including salad and fresh, daily-baked artisan bread. Custom quality catering for large and small events. Also offering custom wine tasting at your home paired with delicious appetizers. www.PendOreillePasta.com. 263-1352

d Second Avenue Pizza

215 S. Second Ave. Try the piled-high specialty pizzas at Second Avenue Pizza loaded with fresh ingredients on homemade dough, or one of the excellent calzones, specialty salads and sandwiches. Beer and wine also served. Rice crusts, soy cheese, and gluten-free now available for specific dietary requirements. Takeand-bake pizzas also offered. For an outstanding pizza experience, Second Avenue Pizza is the Sandpoint favorite. Open Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Free delivery available 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Complimentary Wi-Fi. www. SecondAvenuePizza.com. 263-9321

f Shoga @ Forty-One South

41 Lakeshore Dr., Sagle. Sandpoint’s premier sushi restaurant, located adjacent to Forty-One South at the south end of the Long Bridge. Sit at the sushi bar for one-on-one service with the chef or sit back and enjoy dinner at a table overlooking Lake Pend Oreille. Magnificent sunset views set the tone for this stunning location. Offering delicious nigiri, sashimi, traditional and signature rolls, as well as Asian-inspired entrees. Plenty of options for those non-sushi diners, as well. Open for dinner Wednesday – Sunday. www.shogasushi.com. 265-2001

Gourmet Deli • Convenience Store • Free Delivery

208.265.9382 • Open Daily 208 N. 4th Avenue • Sandpoint, ID

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International Wine Selection Artisan Cheeses & Breads Fresh Pasta Dinners To Go Gourmet Deli

www.pendoreillepasta.com 476534 Hwy 95 Sandpoint • 208.263.1352

Complete carry-out fresh pasta dinners

fresh baked breads • cheeses • olives

Space available for private parties

wine • beer • gift baskets • catering

sausages • ravioli • gourmet sandwiches

Shoga

Spuds Waterfront Grill

WINE BARS & LOuNgES

g Coldwater Creek Wine Bar

311 N. First Ave. An upscale wine bar with more than 35 wines by the glass, gourmet appetizers, lunch, scratch-made desserts and soup, full coffee bar, local and regional microbrews and free Wi-Fi. A cozy atmosphere with a central fireplace and great views of downtown Sandpoint. Live music every Friday and Saturday night. Located right above the Coldwater Creek clothing store on First Avenue. 263-6971

h La Rosa Club

105 S. First Ave. La Rosa Club is a casual gathering place featuring craft cocktails and martinis along with an innovative food menu with plates and bites designed to be shared among friends. La Rosa utilizes fresh, seasonal, local ingredients, and offers the perfect social environment to kick back and relax in a comfortable setting. With a unique beer list and approachable wine list, La Rosa is open Tuesday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. www.Ivanos-Sandpoint.com/ la-rosa. 255-2100

j Laughing Dog Brewing

1109 Fontaine Dr., Ponderay. Take a tour and taste handcrafted, award-winning ales at Laughing Dog Brewing. Open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The brewery produces ales, IPAs, stouts and many more, including the hoppiest beer you’re going to find anywhere, Alpha Dog. During spring and summer, enjoy the Huckleberry Cream Ale. Join Laughing Dog on the first Friday

Sweet Lou’s

Tango Café

Winter Ridge Natural Foods

k Pend d’Oreille Winery

220 Cedar St. Sandpoint’s winery produces local, award-winning wines. The tasting room is open daily, plus a gift shop with items for home, garden and life. Quality and elegance in vinting is the trademark of Pend d’Oreille Winery – Idaho’s 2003 Winery of the Year. The winery hosts frequent special events, has live music on Fridays, and offers its new Bistro Rouge menu daily. www. POWine.com. 265-8545

Tango-Cafe-Sandpoint.com Mon-Fri • 7am-5pm • 263-9514

l 219 Lounge

219 N. First Ave. Full-service bar offering beer, wine and cocktails. No trip to Sandpoint is complete without a visit to the historic 219er, a “locals” favorite, proudly serving Sandpoint for more than 75 years. Enjoy a cocktail or frosted cold glass of national award-winning “219er Pilsner” brewed by local brewery Laughing Dog Brewing. Open seven days a week, 365 days a year, from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. 14 beers on tap. Pool table, flat screen TVs and free jukebox. Dollar 219er pints all day Tuesday. Karaoke Tuesday nights 10 p.m. to close. Stop in for a coffee, a drink, a game of pool, good times and experience Idaho’s only “5 Star Dive Bar.” 263-9934

Inside Panhandle State Bank

Continuing a Sandpoint tradition... Made fresh daily!

710 Pine Street • Sandpoint

208.263.9012

Rice crusts & soy cheese now available

Now Serving Beer & Wine!

“Out of this W orld”

116 N. First Ave • 208.263.8989 PitaPitUsa.com

of every month for “Firkin Friday” to taste a specially fermented flavor of beer. Sample all the ales on tap and view the 15-barrel PUB brewing system. www.LaughingDogBrewing. com. 263-9222

= number on Dining Map (p 106)

Free Delivery

Trinity at City Beach

Dining Guide

• Delivery • Sandwiches • Calzones • Specialty Salads • Homemade Dough • Beer/Wine • Take & Bakes

The Carolyn

215 S. 2nd Ave.

263-9321

WINTER 2013

CAFE & BOOKSTORE Salads Espresso Sandwiches Breakfast Soups Used Books Coffee Free WI-FI

(208)597-7866 Open Daily 7am - 5pm

209 N. 1st Ave.

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Advertiser Index Affordable Home Care 80 Air Idaho Charters 18 Albertson / Barlow Insurance 88 All Seasons Garden & Floral 46 Alpine Shop 24 Anderson’s Autobody 22 Archer Vacation Condos 49 Art Works Gallery 46 Barry Fisher Custom Homes 74 Bird Aviation Museum and Invention Center 16 Bonner County Daily Bee 92 Bonner General Hospital 15 Bonner Soil and Water Conservation District 84 Botanica Salon and Tanning 60 Carousel Emporium 14 Century 21/RiverStone 45 CO-OP Country Store, The 43 Coeur d’Alene Casino 51 Coldwell Banker Resort Realty 83 D.A. Davidson & Co. 29 Dan Fogarty Custom Builder 80 Davies, Dr. Tom D.D.S. PLLC 32 Dover Bay 34 DSS Custom Homes 76 Evergreen Realty 6 Eve’s Leaves 16 Family Health Center 17 Festival at Sandpoint 49 Ferrara Wildlife Photography 46 Finan McDonald Clothing Company 27 Forty-One South 103 Fritz’s Frypan 13 Hallans Gallery 46 Hesstronics 79 Holiday Inn Express & Suites 95

Idaho Rustic (formerly Maps & More) 57 International Selkirk Loop 92 Ivano’s Ristoranté 105 Jensen, Brian C. CPA PA 88 Keokee Books 112 Koch, Dr. Paul E., Walmart Vision Center 60 KPND Radio 93 La Quinta Inn 96 Laughing Dog Brewing 23 Lewis, Dr. James D.M.D. 22 Litehouse Bleu Cheese Factory & Gift Shop 28 Little Olive/Big Tuna Sushi 101 Local Pages, The 94 MeadowBrook Home & Gift 39 Meyer’s Sport Tees 87 Miller’s Country Store 103 Mountain Essentials 57 Northern Quest Casino 54 Northwest Handmade 9 Old Church in Hope, The 48 Paint Bucket, The 86 Panhandle State Bank 20 Pend Oreille Shores Resort 56 Pend d’Oreille Winery 23 Petal Talk 26 Pucci Construction 17 Redman & Company Insurance 89 ReStore Habitat for Humanity 87 River Journal, The 42 Sandpoint Building Supply 75 Sandpoint Business & Events Center 30 SandpointMovers.com & Miller Handyman Services 80 Sandpoint Online 113 Sandpoint Optometry 58 Sandpoint Orthopedics 61

Sandpoint Photo 46 Sandpoint Property Management 36 Sandpoint Sports 56 Sandpoint Storage 87 Sandpoint Super Drug 13 Sandpoint Vacation Rentals 5 Sandpoint Waldorf School 48 Sandpoint West Athletic Club 94 Scherrhaven Studio 46 Schweitzer Mountain Resort 115 Sears 38 Selkirk Powder 57 Selle Valley Construction 79, 80 Shoga Sushi Bar 104 Silver Wing 26 Sleep’s Cabins 96 Spuds Waterfront Grill 100 STCU (Spokane Teachers Credit Union) 89 Suarez Engineering 86 Subscribe 58 Summit Insurance 12 Sunshine Goldmine 48 Sweet Lou’s Restaurant & Bar 98 Sweet Magnolia Bed & Breakfast 96 Taylor Insurance 19 Ted Bowers Construction 80 Timber Frames by Collin Beggs 80 Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby’s 2, 3, 52, 53, 116 Trinity At City Beach 4 219 Lounge 105 Western Pleasure Guest Ranch 18 White Water Creek/Schweitzer Ranch 82 Wildflower Day Spa 60 Winter Ridge 103 Zany Zebra 42

Go Exploring with Keokee Guide Books 800-880-3573

www.SandpointGeneralStore.com

NOW IN PRINT!

$26

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Marketplace your Buick, GMC truck dealer. New and used sales and leasing. Full service, parts and body shop. Highway 95 N., Ponderay, 263-2118, 1-800-430-5050. www.AlpineMotors.net

North Idaho Insurance

The best skin care Sandpoint has to offer! Extensive menu of facial and body treatments. Full-body waxing. Serene, relaxing environment. Geneé Jo Baker, certified esthetician. sugeeskincare@yahoo.com, 324 S. Florence Ave., 263-6205.

Over 26 years of rental management experience. Tenant screening, rent collection, accounting, maintenance and marketing. residential, commercial and mini storage. Friendly, prompt service. 204 E. Superior, 263-4033. www.rLPropertyManagement.com

See what life is like with alpacas! Shop for wonderful alpaca fiber hats, scarves, sweaters, rugs, throws and yarn. Open year-round, closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 1635 rapid Lightning rd., 265-2788. www. FromTheHeartranch.com A marketing communications firm providing Web design and hosting, search engine optimization and marketing, graphic design, public relations, editorial and media consultation. 405 Church St., 263-3573, 800-880-3573. www.keokee.com

Log on to Sandpoint’s

remarkable community web site Events • Visitor Guide Movies • Lodging & Dining Recreation • Job Center FREE classified ads Weather & Travel Info • News Sandpoint Q&A Forums

A full-service, independent insurance agency serving northern Idaho since 1978. Business or personal risks: property, liability, workers comp, bonding, home, auto, life and health. 102 Superior St., 263-2194. NorthIdahoIns.com

Scandinavian countries represented in this specialty shop. Kitchen items, table tops, candles, electric candleholders, books, cards, rugs, pewter vikings, mugs, danish iron candleholders and year-round Christmas. 319 N. First Ave., 263-7722.

get in the Marketplace!

Free pickup for quality furniture donations. Find treasures, weekdays 10 to 5, Saturdays 10 to 2. Proceeds benefit LPOHS students, senior citizens. volunteers welcome! 101 N. Boyer, 263-3247. Special gifts for special people. vera Bradley bags, Big Sky Carvers, Baggallini, Tyler and BeanPod candles, souvenirs, balloon bouquets, Hallmark cards, books, gift wrap, stationery. 306 N. First Ave., 263-2811. Offering the latest bestsellers, office supplies, machine supplies and free delivery in Sandpoint. Order online. 201 Cedar St., 263-2417. www.vanderfords.com Go to www.shopsandpoint.com, for web links to trusted services, merchants, artists, craftspeople, farmers and green building. Fun reading about government, recycling and more! Complete local information source with no pop-up ads.

To advertise here, call or e-mail: 263-3573 ext. 123 or adsales@keokee.com

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www.SandpointOnline.com WINTER 2013

SANDPOINT MAGAZINE

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Sandpoint of View

Magnetic attraction

By Heather McElwain

andpoint is one of those towns where people come, people go, people come back and people leave again. It’s a revolving door of transients: Hometown kids leave for bright lights and the big city, and reappear with dreams of bright futures and big opportunities. Others set off for fresh starts and a faster pace and return for retirement and a simpler lifestyle. I’ve wondered why this area is such a portal for the wayfaring. When I first moved here, I met a few self-proclaimed seers who insisted the area sits amid crystals that vibrate energies, which in turn draw in those who are needed here and propel those who are needed elsewhere. According to them, the local geology created some sort of unique magnetic force field that attracts and repels based on divine placement theory, or some such. Historically, those geological and other resources did indeed attract. Then depletion of those same resources repelled once again. Today, proverbial gold rushes still continue to hasten people to either come or go. The bornand-raised-here often leave to seek education, love and maybe themselves, to heed a call of duty, to explore other cultures, to follow a passion, or just to inhabit an “otherness” for a while. Many return to be closer to family again, to share newfound knowledge with their hometown community, to show old haunts to new loves, or to heal and rejuvenate. After exploring warmer climes and escaping the haze that shrouds us so often, many come back for that singular Northwest pow that blankets the Selkirks, usually after waiting in lift lines elsewhere for shorter runs on hardpack. I currently have several friends who

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have left to learn new skills or to make use of their existing skills where they can more gainfully employ them. One friend left but returned within months – she didn’t find another community like this one in her travels. Some have followed new lucrative prospects in hopes of returning to start their own ventures here. One friend just embarked on a volunteer mission to Ethiopia with the Peace Corps, but she will be back with tales and images to share. Another dear friend recently left for specialized treatment when she wasn’t feeling well and returned to the embrace of her friends and family for her final days. For years, the Clash has rung in my own ear (“Should I stay or should I go now?), yet I have not mustered that first step in any direction away. Something keeps me here: Maybe it’s the reflection of a winter full moon rippling on the big lake, or the alpine glow over the Selkirks while enjoying an après-ski nip. Perhaps it’s just the small-town authenticity. Of course, I cannot rule out the possibility of influence from magnetic crystal

“Origins.” IllustratIon by lucy West bInnall (WWW.lucyWeststudIos.com)

vibrations. While writing this and contemplating these comings and goings, I heard a ghostly sound from the past echo off the lake – the distinct whistle of the Sunnyside Queen, a twin-engine steamboat that used to grace these shores each summer. The Queen’s captain passed away many years ago now, and I didn’t know if I would ever again hear that drawn-out, resonant whistle blow. But there it was, like a beacon signaling the way for others to return. Maybe it will guide our friends and loved ones back this way again. I do think that those Sandpoint diviners were right on at least one thing: The friends who leave probably are needed elsewhere more – at least for a while. And if they feel anything like I do after being away, they’ll be glad to come back.

WINTER 2013

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