January 2018 Bonners Ferry Living Local

JAN FEB 2018

LIVING LOCAL

BEST BUCKET LIST STARTING NEW IN THE NEW YEAR

BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

FEATURE

REAL ESTATE OUTLOOK 2018

1

WION! 6AM! E N AT AT C LO OPEN W

NO

Come see what everyone is talking about!

SERVING BREAKFAST

Coffee, Breakfast Burritos Biscuits & Gravy Cinnamon Rolls, Cream Sticks

ALL MADE FROM SCRATCH

Find Us On Facebook!

56

Mon-Fri, 7am-6pm & Sat, 9am-4pm 208.267.9607 Plato Drive, Bonners Ferry (Hwy 95 N. by the Log Inn)

Novinger Music Center

Private Lessons

For All Ages & Skill Levels

Music cLasses

For Toddlers & Preschoolers

Community Orchestra rehearsals begin again Feb. 1st, 6:45-8:15PM in the Middle School Band Room. Come join us!

Novinger Music Center would like to thank the community of Bonners Ferry for their continued support.

ic f

s “Mu

!”

ife or L

eli D t s Large own In T

Novinger Music Center 6426 Kootenai, Suite 101 208.597.1118 novingerpiano@gmail.com

BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

2

North Woods Realty CBBonnersFerry.com

SITUATED IN THE PANHANDLE OF NORTH IDAHO, WE HAVE ABUNDANT WATER, WILDLIFE AND RECREATION. LET US HELP YOU REALIZE YOUR DREAM...IT'S TIME!

MEET OUR TEAM!

CJ Tuma Owner

Contact us today and get ready for your move in beautiful Bonners Ferry!

Chris Clark Associate Broker

Lori Allen Realtor

Sam Testa Realtor

Steven Holly Realtor

208.267.8575

BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

3

Denise Winey Realtor

PUBLISHER 2018 ... Bring it On!

IT HAS BEEN AN EXCITING YEAR at Living Local 360, and looking ahead there are more good things to come in 2018!

We Set the Standard!

First and foremost, as I reflect on the past year and beyond, I feel very blessed to work with such great businesses, organizations and people in each community that we serve.

We are embraced with enthusiasm by not only our clients but by all those who read our publications in print and online. We thoroughly enjoy partnering with our clients to help market and brand their businesses. Seeing their success is inspiring.

Bringing you the “good news” stories of the community and beyond is something about which we are passionate. There is so much good happening right here locally, and it often gets overlooked.

To that end we are committed to working even closer with the nonprofit organizations in our community—those who give tirelessly to make life better for those less fortunate, whether it is those battling cancer, abused and neglected children, people who struggle to put food on the table and more. We are here to help share their mission and educate the community about their needs.

In 2018, we have a lot of exciting things happening. First, you will notice a new design for our magazines. It is always our desire to bring a fresh, new look to our product, and I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Like Media is also launching a new company, Rocket Fish Digital. Through this we will assist your business with all you need to improve your digital footprint. You will be able to track your analytics and even monitor reviews others post about your business.

We look forward to 2018 and thank you for helping us connect the community through our products. Happy New Year!

Steve Russo Steve Russo Executive Director steve@livinglocal360.com

Would you like to receive this issue and future issues in your inbox?

Visit BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com and sign up for our FREE Digital Edition!

JAN FEB 2018

LIVING

6425 South Main Street Bonners Ferry, Idaho

LOCAL

BEST T BUCKE LIST

STARTING E TH NEW IN AR NEW YE

E

FEATUR

TATE REAL ES K OUTLOO 2018

208.267.4000

.com ingLocal FerryLiv

Bonners

BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

4

1

ABOUT THE COVER THE NEW YEAR is leaving us breathless and covered in snow. Our cover this month shows the beauty that comes from winter and inspires us all to get out there and enjoy it, in whatever way that means to you!

In Case You Missed It . . .

3

there may still be time to qualify for health insurance

RADLEY INSURANCE 476653 Hwy. 95, Suite 3 in Ponderay

208 265-1888

You can still enroll in a health insurance plan for 2018 if you have a life event that qualifies for a special enrollment period. Qualifying events include: loss of coverage due to divorce, death or job loss, a move to a new zip code, a recent marriage or new baby. You may also be eligible for short term coverage (1 to 10 months) if you are between jobs, waiting for group coverage to start or have recently graduated from college.

Call us today — our insurance advisors will discuss your options.

Boundary Community

Primary Care

Susan Layeux, MD

Janet Lukehart, FNP-C Beverly J. Yercheck, ANP-C

HealthCARE for Families Infant to Senior

Appointment Reminders by Phone or Text Nurse Advice Hotline for 24/7 Support Anticoagulation Coumadin® Clinic Same Day Appointments Available: Cough, Cold, Flu, Minor Cuts and Injuries

b a r g d n a y b p Sto ! m r a w g n i h t e m o s

Accepting New Patients Participating provider for most insurance S Sliding scale for low income no insurance

Lucero Medical Services Building

6641 Kaniksu Street Bonners Ferry, ID 83805 208-267-3655

6442 Main St Bonners Ferry, Idaho | 208.946.3465 Mon-Fri 6am-5pm | Sat-Sun 7am-3pm

BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

www.boundarycommunityhospital.org/clinics

BFLL_BCC_0118.indd 1

5

1/4/2018 8:42:16 AM

BONNERSFERRYLIVINGLOCAL.COM

MARKETING

Marketing Manager | Alison Henslee 208.610.8806 | alison@livinglocal360.com

EDITORIAL

Managing Editor | Jillian Chandler jillian@livinglocal360.com Senior Editor/Staff Writer Patty Hutchens | patty@livinglocal360.com Staff Writer/Distribution Colin Anderson | colin@livinglocal360.com Staff Writer | Jani Gonzalez jani@livinglocal360.com

DESIGN

Creative Director | Whitney Lebsock Senior Designer | Rachel Figgins Designer & Media Manager Maddie Russo

ACCOUNTING/OPERATIONS

Managing Partner | Kim Russo Executive Director | Steve Russo Operations Director | Jessica Herbig

BONNERS FERRY LIVING LOCAL MAGAZINE

is brought to you by LivingLocal360.com. If you would like to advertise with us, please call 208.661.1597 or email info@livinglocal360.com. To submit articles, photos, nominations and events, email us at events@livinglocal360.com.

Living Local Magazine is published monthly and distributed freely throughout Bonners Ferry, Sandpoint, Dover Bay, Coeur d’Alene, Hayden, Post Falls, Rathdrum and the Spokane Valley. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher.

Living Local Magazine is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine.

Living Local Magazine is produced and published by Living Local 360 and no part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the permission of the publisher.

BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

6

TABLE OF CONTENTS

08

AUNTIE’S FABRICS

Fabric • Notions • Buttons Leanna Wedel

08 Good News

Hope man looks to build special retreat.

10 Essentials

Tips and tricks for living your best life.

13 Life & Community Great local events and stories.

16 In Focus

Dot’s Country Spatterware • Gifts Kitchen

2018 real estate outlook.

Dorothy Unruh

19 Best of Bonners

29

Bonners Ferry’s best businesses.

20 Business Spotlight Art of Redirection Counseling.

64891 Highway 2 • Bonners Ferry, Idaho Mon - Fri 10am - 4pm 208.267.1175

22 Living Local

How you can make a positive impact on the world.

26 Health & Lifestyle

Tips for living a healthy, active lifestyle.

elf

’s tyo

ea #tr

min

sco mer

m

#su

od

Contributors Annie Nye • Sunshine Bartlett • Lindy Petersen • Kenny Markwardt • Marguerite Cleveland

26 29 It's A New Year

o elg e f #

od

kgo

#loo

What's on your bucket list?

38 Travel & Leisure

Whistler, British Columbia: More than just world-class skiing.

42 Arts & Entertainment Local calendar of events.

38 A modern boutique with vintage charm Mon-Fri 10am-5pm | Sat 10am-4pm 7160 Main Street Bonners Ferry | 208.267.8392

BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

7

GOOD NEWS

A PLACE FOR FAITH TO RECHARGE Hope man looks to build special retreat

By Colin Anderson

WHEN DEALING WITH THE LOSS of a loved one, difficulty in raising a family, questions of faith and other stresses in life, many turn to their religious leaders for comforting, guidance and spiritual resurgence.

These pastors, missionaries, youth pastors and other church leaders have chosen a life devoted to helping others and bringing people back up from low moments in their lives. They aren’t in it for the money but for the betterment of society through belief in their faith. What might be overlooked is who these people turn to when they are experiencing personal issues as well.

“Seeing the struggle with my family and friends who are youth pastors and missionaries was very influential to me,” said Nathan Cohick of Hope. Nathan has lived in North Idaho the past six years since moving his wife and children from Indianapolis. Like many, he came here for the tranquility in nature, clean air and more peaceful way of life. Now he’s working on a large-scale project in hopes of sharing that peace and tranquility with those who give so much of themselves to others.

The idea for Agape Ranch came to Nathan in a dream nearly 12 years ago. “I remember it being very vivid, like I was walking through the trees, saw the buildings and crossed the creek that runs across the property,”

BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

he said. After he woke, he sketched out a remote retreat area with cabins and outbuildings, as well as surrounding forest and water. About six years ago, Nathan and his wife Heather hiked four hours into the Coeur d’Alene National Forest and, suddenly, the vision he had was in front of his eyes.

“Walking around the land it felt like I had already been there before,” said Nathan.

The 134 acres are about the only thing for sale for miles, and when they looked at a topographical map of the land and compared it to what Nathan had drawn 12 years earlier, there was an uncanny resemblance.

“The creek that runs through it was in the same location as my sketch, where I put the cabins is the only real flat land that would work, and even where I drew a runway was the only place it would be possible on the property,” said Nathan.

His dream for Agape Ranch is to build eight to 10 small cabins as a retreat for faith-based leaders to come unwind, relax and be able to talk with professionals about their own personal struggles in a safe place.

Heather is an esthetician and would have a spa area on the property

8

where she would be able to give facials and other relaxation treatments.

As fate would have it, when the couple was first dating, Nathan asked Heather what she wanted to do in 10 years. She told him she hoped to open a bed and breakfast with a spa attached to it, and Agape Ranch is a melding of both of their dreams coming true. As they explain their dream to people they meet, they have been overwhelmed with the amount of support they’ve receive to help make their dream a reality. “People have said they’d love to help us build, volunteer, and some even volunteered to live year round and be full-time caretakers.

NOW AT OUR NEW LOCATION! Experienced Dental Care for the Entire Family

With the closest parking lot a four-hour hike away, building the ranch will require many unique challenges. The 134 acres sits atop the Green Monarch Ridge overlooking Lake Pend Oreille with views from Sandpoint all the way to Athol. Building an airstrip would allow guests to fly directly in, but others could choose to take the hike, 4-wheel or potentially come in by packsaddle. No matter how they get there, the Cohicks hope to have a place of peace for those who do so much for their communities.

“We are all human, and we all have our ups and downs, and if they don’t have any support during their down times, they can burn out, which I never want to see,” said Nathan.

Through their connections in North Idaho, the Cohicks have a pretty solid workforce and have the retreat plans fairly far along. The next step is coming up with the finances to make their dream a reality. The price of the land has come down significantly since Nathan first stepped foot on it, but having to fly building materials into a remote location will be expensive. As they don’t want to be a for-profit retreat, they will be relying on a lot of donations from those who see their vision as a worthy one.

“We might possibly run a few camps to offset some of the costs, but I really want this to be a place for those in faith to come with or without family and unwind so they can continue the amazing work they do,” said Nathan.

No Insurance?

Ask us about our savings plans!

Hank Willis, DDS 6674 Main St. Bonners Ferry, ID 83805

www.hankwillisdds.com

There is a Go Fund Me page currently set up as well as a Facebook page where people can find out more information. The idea is 12 years in the making already, and it won’t be a reality in the coming months, but that’s OK with Nathan, as his faith ensures him that his dream will one day become a reality.

BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

(208) 267-6454

9

Practical Living

ESSENTIALS

By Annie Nye, Interior Designer, Selkirk Glass & Cabinets, a division of Ponderay Design Center

SHOP WISELY

WHY TO INVEST YOUR MONEY IN HIGH-QUALITY ITEMS

NO MATTER HOW MUCH something costs, it’s hard to part with our hard-earned money to buy it.

It’s even tougher to fork over cash when we are talking about spending money on something that we can probably live without. The little voice of reason in our heads is saying that we can make do with that old sofa or maybe those kitchen cabinets will last a few more years … but really it boils down to the fact that we want those new things and feel. Ultimately, they will improve the quality of our lives and no doubt improve the quality of our homes as well.

Updating and improving your home’s interiors really can increase your happiness.

It makes your time there more enjoyable.

It makes you happy to entertain guests.

It makes you happy knowing that you’re increasing your home’s worth, and—for most of us—we enjoy the shopping process.

BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

10

WISE PURCHASING DECISIONS

I see it every day; wives pulling their husbands into the stores to look at interior finishes, browsing cabinet door styles, window coverings and furniture. If you haven’t been a part of this, you’ve seen or heard about it from your friends. It is a process. You weigh the pros and cons, take samples home to look at colors, discuss price, get friends’ opinions, etc. It takes time, and although it can be tiring, making all those decisions is kind of fun.

Given this information, there are other things beside budget to consider when you are shopping. Is the product made domestically (USA)? What kind of warranty does it carry?

Does the company you are purchasing it from have good options for what you need?

Do they have a good reputation?

• • • •

Sometimes those decisions are based on budget, and sometimes they are based on desire. More often than not, the budget overrules the desire. But sometimes the budget needs to take a backseat to what really makes sense.

A saying was brought to my attention recently, and it really spoke to me: “It is unwise to pay too much, but it is worse to pay too little. When you pay too much, you lose a little money—that is all. When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you bought was incapable of doing the thing it was bought to do. The common law of business balance prohibits paying too little and getting a lot—it can’t be done. If you deal with the lowest bidder, it is well to add something for the risk you run.

And if you do that, you will have had enough to pay for something better.” (The Lowest Bidder by John Ruskin.)

let’s fnd your forever home •

Associate Broker Accredited Buyer Representative e-Pro, Internet Professional REALTOR, National Association of REALTORS Seller Representative Specialist

Simple law of business … there’s a reason showrooms with experienced professionals and high-quality products are priced higher.

It’s OK to loosen the budget a bit knowing that the purchases are not something we will regret later or that they are of low quality.

Ultimately, all that time spent squeezing the budget could have been better spent enjoying our purchase and the peace of mind we have long after the purchase.

BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

11

Kirsten Madden Associate Broker 208-597-4894 6521 Walker Lane Bonners Ferry, ID 83805

YOUR HOME & FAMILY DESERVES THIS ONCE-A-YEAR OPPORTUNITY!

YEAR END CLEARANCE BEAUTIFUL and COMFORTABLE!

FURNITURE SAVE 30% • 50% • EVEN 70%

WHILE THEY LAST!

BIG PRICE REDUCTIONS ON THESE ITEMS AND MANY MORE!

JUST A FEW EXAMPLES OF THE SAVINGS! BEDROOM

LIVING ROOM

DINING

Was $749! Floor model full size memory foam $ mattress by Englander ..................... Now

Was $369! Huge beanbag chair in a soft microfiber cover OR a Denver Bronco themed $ cover ................................................ Now

Was $329! Downsizer two tone 5pc dining set $ with padded chairs ........................... Now

Was $629! Queen size button tufted upholstered $ bed frame in charcoal grey .............. Now

Was $379! Bright and stylish accent chair available in either a vibrand red, or an exciting $ yellow ............................................... Now

Was $149! “Richmond” dining bench with a back $ ............................................................... Now

Was $649! 2 drawer/2 door funky and fun multicolored accent cabinet $ ........................ Now

Was $599! “Bennox” dining table with 4 side $ chairs and matching bench ............. Now

Was $299! Downsizer microfiber recliner in $ chocolate or mocha ........................ Now

Was $179! 30” padded swivel barstool. $ ONLY 2 LEFT! ....... Now

Was $909! “Zorah Chocolate” full size sleeper $ sofa in a durable microfiber cover.. Now

Was $979! Really cool vintage finished metal dining table with 4 green antique finished chairs $ ........................................................... Now

469 349

Twin size mattresses ........... Starting at Just

99

$

Was $389! Bedside valet in SOLID cherry wood $ ............................. Now

75 SAVE 80%

Was $259! Rustic pine 3 drawer trundle unit, ideal $ for under bed storage .......................... Now

99

Was $269! “Clove” SOLID hardwood two drawer $ nightstand in a light oak finish ............. Now

99

Was $329! Twin/twin metal bunkbed available in $ 5 finishes ........................................... Now

229

Queen size mattress sets....................................... $ ................ Starting as low as

289 A SET!

Was $209! “Zarolina” blinged out downsizer vanity with a pearlized faux crocodile skin finish, and faux crystal accent handles. Ideal Christmas $ gift for the ultimate girly girl ............. Now

169 199

349 SAVE 45% 219 699

Was $1399! Double reclining sofa with push $ button power recline by Stanton .... Now

899

Video rockers for the kiddos, just in time for $ Christmas ............................ NOW ONLY

49!!!

Was $459! Sanded microfiber sofa with a removable back, ideal for tight spaces $ .......................................................... Now

349

Was $3400! FLEXSTEEL power reclining sofa in $ top grain leather ..... 60% OFF! NOW

1359

159

WAS $1838.

FUTONS-DAYBEDS-KIDS BEDS

ALL PRICED TO CLEAR! At our CLEARANCE CENTER!

Matching pair of great looking Rustic wing back chairs NOW $999 for BOTH!

249 99

459

79 SAVE 55% 749

Was $329! “Marlijo” 2 drawer kitchen cart on casters in three finishes to choose from $ ........................................................... Now

259

Was $279! 36” round metal and wood bar table with 2 shelf storage ................................................ $ ............................. Now

99 SAVE 64%

Was $499! 24”x47” counter height table with 4 matching padded saddle seat stools $ ........................................................... Now

389

SELECT BARSTOOLS

1/2 OFF!

We’re unique! We’re different! And we’re worth the drive!

Your hometown furniture store...Since 1945!

(208) 263-5138

BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com www.sandpointfurniture.com www.sandpointfurniture.com 12

LIFE & COMMUNITY HEART AND SOUL

ROCK AND ROLL THE NIGHT AWAY …

COURTESY PHOTO

The Pearl Theater welcomes The Incredible Flying Dookie Brothers. By Jillian Chandler.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 27, ROCK AND ROLL will fill the air as The Incredible Flying Dookie Brothers will make their debut in Bonners Ferry at The Pearl Theater. Doors will open at 6pm with the music starting at 7pm.

The show is Mike Thompson's latest combo featuring John Hampton on bass and Bob Staggs on drums and will include a rock-and-roll lineup of numerous classic covers. The Incredible Flying Dookie Brothers deliver a classic rock show with musical precision, integrity and quality, including classic songs by Rush, Yes, The Police, Jackson Browne, The Who and many more.

“This band is new to The Pearl,” says Val Thompson, head of publicity at The Pearl, “but our recent audience feedback suggests an interest in more rock and classic rock performances, so we sought a band with a great reputation for our first genre-specific performance.”

Val adds that the show is sure to appeal to a wide audience, and they hope to see many students in the audience, as tickets are just $5 for students;

BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

13

$15 in advance or $18 at the door for general admission. Tickets are available for purchase at Mountain Mike’s, Bonners Books, online at ThePearlTheater.org or by calling 208.610.2846.

“We hope to reach out and appeal to a variety of audiences in our area, not just those we currently serve. Season tickets have been available for the past few years, and we seek diverse acts that will bring people out to laugh, play, sing and dance,” says Val. “It’s not often that a rock band comes to Bonners Ferry for a performance, and we hope to see people who love it coming out of the woodwork to support it! We can’t please everyone, but we hope to please most (at least once). It only takes one event at The Pearl Theater to convince folks that the entertainment is first class and the fun is contagious.”

You won’t want to miss out on this entertaining evening with The Incredible Flying Dookie Brothers.

AN EVENING AT THE KOOTENAI RIVER INN Fry Healthcare Foundation’s Festival of Hearts returns February 10. By Jillian Chandler.

FRY HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION will be hosting its second annual Festival of Hearts fundraising event and invites you to join them February 10, at 6pm, at the Kootenai River Inn. Attendees will enjoy an incredible evening while helping to raise funds to support our local community.

This Valentine gala will feature a five-course dinner, with wine, prepared by the Kootenai River Inn’s celebrated chefs, followed by the popular—and delicious—Way to Your Heart Dessert Dash (where tables compete to choose a dessert from an array of locally crafted sweet confections) with the Follow Your Heart Live Auction closing out the night featuring item donations from local businesses and private donors.

“I think people feel good about giving to such a worthy cause,” says Teresa Rae, vice president of Fry Healthcare Foundation. “We were extremely pleased with the fundraising efforts and participation during last year's Festival of Hearts event. The positive feedback was overwhelming.” Last year’s event raised more than $37,000 in one night!

Funds raised during the 2018 Festival of Hearts will go to purchase a couple of muchneeded pieces of equipment for the hospital.

“Our fundraising goal this year is to be able to purchase an Accuvein vein visualization instrument for our ER and Lab to co-use. This

THE MENU First Course Lobster Bisque Second Course Spinach & Butter Lettuce Salad w/ Shrimp Skewers Third Course ~ Intermezzo Huckleberry Sorbet Fourth Course Roasted Beef & Seafood Stuffed Halibut, wild rice pilaf, mashed potatoes, winter vegetables & dinner rolls Fifth Course Dessert of Choice as determined by the outcome of the Dessert Dash

device is going to be our ‘Fund-an-Item’ for the evening, and it costs $6,000,” according to Teresa. “In addition, we are hoping to raise enough money through our sponsorships and live auction items to be able to purchase two

BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

14

surgery gurneys, total cost just over $16,000.

This will replace old equipment and give our hospital increased capability for our surgical and emergent needs. Lastly, any additional donations we receive will go toward a multiyear project of obtaining heart monitors for use throughout the hospital. The hospital's goal is to purchase a total of six heart monitors, costing a total of $75,000. In November 2017, we received a grant from the Redman Foundation in the amount of $5,000 that will be put toward the purchase of heart monitors, and any additional donations received during Festival of Hearts and during our upcoming golf tournament in September will be used to help fund heart monitors.”

Dinner tickets are $60 per person. Seating is limited, and the event is expected once again to sell out, so get your tickets today. For more information and to purchase tickets, contact Lauren Kuczka at 208.267.6912.

Over the past 20 years, the Fry Healthcare Foundation and the Boundary community have raised more than $1.2 million to benefit the hospital, and they are grateful for the community’s continued support.

“We appreciate the community support of this event as well as the support of our community hospital,” Teresa says.

ATHLETES OF THE MONTH

Chris Sabin

Jesse Sandelin

Find something for every room in the house at Beck’s Furniture.

• • • • • • • •

Living Room Bedroom Dining Room & Kitchen Outdoor Living Entryway Home Bar Office Entertainment Room

We recently received a new shipment of:

Victoria Rae

Sam Gorton

• Clocks • Lamps • Area Rugs

Wide range of the best quality furniture available at the best prices.

Kassy Skeen

Julia Cummings

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2017 ATHLETES OF THE MONTH!

www.becksfurniturestore.com f/becksfurniturestore.idaho Bonners Ferry - 6443 Mc Call Street

208.267.7267

Shane Walker

BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

15

Check Out Our Website For Monthly Specials!

IN FOCUS

2018 REAL ESTATE OUTLOOK

BY COLIN ANDERSON 2008 WAS A HORRIBLE YEAR for the American economy. Large companies were laying off employees by the thousands leading to unemployment rates higher than they had been since the great depression. Places like Las Vegas, Phoenix and Southern Florida watched their housing markets go belly up and building come to a complete standstill. It was truly one of the most difficult economic crises in our nation’s history. Tax credits and historically low interest rates were offered to right the ship, and though many places never fully recovered, the overall state of the housing market is vastly more stable 10 years later.

Across the nation, and especially in the Northwest, we watched prices and home

values soar in 2017, and many want to know if they’ve missed out on affordable housing, when interest rates will rise or if they should finally put their current home on the market and upgrade. In this outlook, we sought out advice from realtors in both places rural and urban, small and large, in Washington and Idaho. As all markets are different, it is always best to work with a local agent who is most up to date on your community when making the life-altering choice of buying or selling.

The following is meant as a general look at market trends, what buyers and sellers are most attracted to and advice from experienced agents. This is not intended as a crystal ball into the future!

BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

16

As of November 2017, the median home value in the United States is at $203,400, a 6-percent increase from this time a year ago and a massive increase over a low of $151,000 in 2012. Home buying website Zillow recently polled a group of realtors, economists, lenders and professors who came to a collective agreement of a more modest 3-percent gain in 2018. As home values and listing prices shot up very quickly due to stability in the job market and interest rates under 4 percent, many sought to get in the action because of the fear of rising interest rates. Since many of those buyers have already settled, there is a persistently low inventory, which makes for a competitive market for those looking to purchase a home. In and around Seattle, homes are often gone within 48 hours

“Providing Our Clients with Friendly, Hometown Service.” www.communitytitleco.com

of being listed, and most agents across the Northwest are predicting a larger value increase.

“New construction and condominium sales in 2017 filled a large need for the retirement market,” said Jackie Suarez of Century 21 in Sandpoint, Idaho. “While the residential median sales price in Bonner County is 9-percent higher this year to date than 2016, the majority of buyers are taking advantage of low interest rates, making sales contingent on appraisals. Appraisers look to the past for comparable sales data, which may not support agreed-upon sales prices.

Pricing is important. Inventory is relatively low, and our job as agents is to help sellers realize the highest possible return while keeping in mind buyers are well-informed and not apt to overspend.”

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, has seen a consistent spike in out-of-state residents for much of the past two decades. People from larger communities in California, Colorado,

Washington and Oregon are drawn to the small-town feel, relative affordability, outdoor recreation and as a safe place to raise a family.

“Since mid-2011, home prices in all of North Idaho are up 67 percent and 83 percent since the bottom,” said Raniel Diaz of Professional Realty Services in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

This would be our seventh year of beyond healthy growth—an average of 11 percent year over year. The most common question I get on a daily basis is, ‘Are things slowing down?’ Short answer … nope.”

What are buyers looking for?

Each of us is different in our personal tastes, preferences and what is most important in our home. Location, location, location seems to be at the top of everyone’s list, but that, again, is very subjective. One buyer’s dream location is in the heart of the action downtown, another wants peace, serenity and a water view while others seek the comforts of a suburban setting. The socalled fixer-upper effect has helped influence

BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

17

7184 Main Street Bonners Ferry ,ID 866.996.6500 208.267.6500

IN FOCUS some buyers away from new construction and instead finding an older home for cheaper and bringing it up to date with today’s trends.

The myriad of home improvement shows are usually targeted toward young couples or families with small children who might not have the budget for a custom home but can afford some updates if the bones of the house are in good shape. This style of purchase, however, is not as appealing to many with older children or those who are looking to downsize and want something move-in ready and low maintenance.

“Flip homes are becoming harder to come by without the right connections as the normal buyer would rather invest and stay versus invest and profit, which will drive the margin out of a fixer,” said Diaz. Buyers are still looking for open-floor plans, nice kitchens, main-floor master bedrooms and large garages as a general rule of thumb. “

While there are probably a few remodel projects out there, generally speaking, most buyers are looking for the work to be done already. For those who are considering selling, fresh paint is an easy way to brighten a dated home as well as spending a few hundred dollars on updated fixtures. Buyers tend to gravitate toward an updated kitchen as being high on the priority list, and while spending $20,000 or more on a kitchen you don’t plan on using for long might sound crazy, it will likely make your home much more appealing to buyers and fetch back a higher return.

To buy or to build?

This age-old question continues to come up no matter the market condition. Am I better “Many clients are targeting a move-in ready, off building exactly what I want from scratch? high-quality home with new or updated Or will I find something suitable on the market kitchens and baths, low-maintenance exteriors so I don’t have to wait? According to Geline, and easy access. Guest quarters or room for a typically new home build in Gig Harbor extended family factor in as well,” said Suarez. takes about six to nine months to build or nine to 12 months to build a custom home.

“Buyers like the option of picking out the elevation, flooring, cabinets, etc. The drawback to building a home from the ground up is you may have to sell NORTH IDAHO STATISTICS: your current home to purchase the new one. Timing of this can require $250,000 - This is a very competitive price range in our the buyer to have to move into a market. temporary home [until] their new For a 3-bedroom, 2-bath single family home existing at home is complete.” $250,000, averaging 104 days on market.

Suarez also sees both pros and cons of New single family homes selling for $250,000 range building during the current housing average approximately 1,400 square feet. market. “You get the floor plan and location you want, customizable Condominium sales at Schweitzer are seeing an uptick, with 2-bedroom units closing in this price range for individual needs, and in many averaging 58 days on market. cases in the current market, instant equity when you close as overall $500,000 - The $500,000 price range satisfies the home prices increase during the buyers looking for an existing 3-4 bedroom home on construction period. Drawbacks acreage near Sandpoint. include the current shortage of highly Dover Bay buyers can take advantage of the new qualified tradespeople in the industry.

3-bedroom condominiums offered in this range.

Many builders are challenged to find additional crews. Permitting with $750,000 - Waterfront buyers can expect to find a single local municipalities is taking longer family home in this price range. The Schweitzer market than expected.” offers single-family homes and luxury condominiums in the $750,000 range.

BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

18

Diaz echoes Suarez’ concerns about the lack of quality labor available in North Idaho and also sees builders being more selective on which projects they choose. “Cost per square foot to build a custom home has increased dramatically, and it's surprising those who might have built in the past.”

Should I keep my current home as a rental?

While the housing market is tight, renters are finding a major housing crunch of their own. Across the Inland Northwest, apartment complexes are going up and filling up before they are even completed. In Spokane, the current occupancy rate is above 98 percent, and renters on average are paying nearly one third of their income toward their rent. If you have the means to hold onto your current property and utilize it as either a short- or longterm rental unit, your investment can bring out bigger payouts in the long run, however, there are potential risks you incur as well.

While national forecasters believe there will be only small growth in prices for 2018, professionals in the Northwest aren’t seeing too many signs of the market slowing down. One factor that could could cause a slow down is the Federal Reserve raising interest rates, which, in all likelihood, will happen at least once if not more in 2018. A rise in rates would likely slow home values down, especially if there’s an uptick in available inventory.

Whether it’s a downtown condo, lakefront playground, first home or last home, finding the right one is a difficult process. Work with a local agent that knows your specific market, what you’re looking for, what you can afford and where you will be most happy.

A home is one of the biggest decisions in our lives and one that should be thoroughly vetted.

With a stable economy, now might just be right for you to make the move.

BONNERS FERRY Hair • Nails • Tanning

GLASS & DOOR CO.

OFFERING Mens - Womens - Kids Cuts

Auto Glass All Types of Glass Mirrors

Color Services Waxing Tanning

Vern Wilson

Nails

Glass Glazing Commercial & Residential Rekeying/Lockouts Lock Smithing after hrs. 267-8688

(208) 267-3195 or 1-800-842-0982 Windows Wood | Vinyl | Aluminum Doors Interior & Exterior Garage | Garage Door Operators

Artificial - Shellac gels - Manicures - Pedicures

Your LocaL Hometown SawmiLL 4355 Cow Creek road Bonners Ferry, Idaho 208.267.1330 www.tntbeams.com

Professional Hair Care & Tanning Products available 6451 McCall Street | Bonners Ferry

208.267.1170 FULL SERVICE SALON STOP IN FOR FREE COLOR CONSULTS MONDAY - FRIDAY 10AM-6PM f MANESTREETHAIRDESIGN

The Badger’s Den Cafe & Latte

Iron Mike’s

208.267.5922

208-267-5299

Scan me for Chamber information!

Family Fitness Located on the Three Mile Corner

IronMikesGym.com • 24 Hour Access for members • Personal Training • Private Timed Circuit Room • Free Weights • Cardiovascular Machines • Nursery for Children • Day and Evening Aerobics • Fun and challenging classes for any fitness level at no extra charge!

Spinning, Step And Strike Aerobics, Yoga, Stay Strong, and Body Blast

The Badgers Den Cafe & Latte is a family style restaurant serving breakfast, sandwiches, burgers – including buffalo burgers, huckleberry milk shakes and other American favorites.

Open 6am-2pm daily or drive through for your morning latte starting at 5:30am.

WiFi friendly!

6551 Main Street - Bonners Ferry

208.267.1486

BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

19

Building Healthy

Relationships BEGIN YOUR ROAD TO HEALING WITH

THE ART OF REDIRECTION COUNSELING

BY PATTY HUTCHENS AND JILLIAN CHANDLER BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

20

ROB AND KATHY WENZEL were seeking a wholesome community in which to raise their youngest daughter, and after a road trip through the Pacific Northwest in the fall of 2014, they fell in love with Bonners Ferry. In less than a year, the couple sold their house in Colorado Springs, Colorado, transferred their private practice and moved to Bonners Ferry.

As Rob says, Bonners Ferry has allowed them “to raise our daughter in a beautiful area that shares our values and beliefs of God and country … and to provide muchneeded unique services to Bonners Ferry and surrounding areas.”

Rob and Kathy opened their first practice of Art of Redirection Counseling in Colorado Springs in 2002 and again in an upstairs office suite of the Bonners Ferry Glass building in June 2015. As addiction specialists, the husband-and-wife team focuses on restoring relationships that are hindered by addictions including drugs, alcohol, sexual and electronic addictions.

“We do counseling in a different, nontraditional way, which provides clear understanding of what’s actually going on and focused direction as to what people need to do to get the real results they are looking for,” explains Kathy, who adds they utilize methods anyone can implement for true life-changing, lasting results.

“We teach so much that’s based on reallife experience, not just what we learned in college. We’ve both been married to other people and gone through the pain of divorces. We’ve raised four challenging teenagers in a blended family in the city

and haven’t had a ‘perfect’ marriage, especially through the first 10 years!” they laugh together.

Also unique to the services they offer at Art of Redirection Counseling is that they are able to address more than just addiction issues. They work with individuals and couples and do family counseling more effectively with both a male and female counselor. They do not always meet together; most times Kathy will work with one spouse while Rob works with another. With the two offering similar and consistent techniques, the approach has proven to be very effective for their clients throughout the years.

Healing relationships often takes more than just weekly sessions; Rob and Kathy offer two-, three- and five-day intensive sessions for those local or coming from across the country who are in dire need of help before a separation or divorce occurs.

“The intensives are designed to get the marriage back on track by providing a clear understanding as to what’s happening and clear direction as to what to do about it,” says Rob. They also offer telephone and online counseling for those unable to come to their office.

When it comes to what they find most fulfilling in the work they do, Kathy says, “We are able to truly help people address their challenges and find basic, real-life answers that empower growth and the ability to take care of business.”

BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

21

The Wenzels are grateful for the continual support they’ve received since moving to Bonners Ferry and find it important to give back to the community that has embraced them. Both Rob and Kathy have been volunteer firefighters with North Bench Fire Department since August 2015, and as of June 2017, they also volunteer with the Boundary County Sheriff ’s Department, where they each hold life skills groups in the jail once a week with both the male and female inmates.

In addition, Rob and Kathy have truly embraced the lifestyle here and enjoy hunting, fishing and camping. During the warmer months, you may even spot the couple on their Harleys riding through town. “We are counselors who ride,” says Kathy. “We ride Harleys, and we are very different in respect to what most people think of when they think about counselors. We are old school; we help you understand what is going on and why— more importantly, what to do about it.”

“Our business is unique in that we address the issues head on,” says Rob. “Our goal is to work ourselves out of a job by teaching you (the clients) the tools to be successful and empowered to move forward on your own.”

Art of Redirection Counseling 6821 Main Street, Suite C Bonners Ferry, Idaho 83805 208.267.9228 ArtOfRedirection.com

LIVING LOCAL

THE ART OF

GIVING

How you can make a positive impact on the world

By Patty Hutchens

W

e turn on the news each night to stories of tragedy. Hurricanes and mudslides wiping out people’s homes and life-long memories. People fleeing from forest fires that threaten their safety.

Mass shootings taking away innocent lives. In a world with news at our fingertips 24 hours a day, the constant influx of violence and tragedy can be devastating to our spirit. If we are not careful, we can become so overcome that it can lead to sadness and anxiety.

In a story in the Washington Post a little over two years ago, Political Scientist Shana Gadarian noted, “Media competition means that journalists and editors have incentives to use emotionally powerful visuals and story lines to gain and maintain ever-shrinking news audiences.”

But what effect can all of this have on our own mental health? According

BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

to British psychologist Dr. Graham Davey, exposure to violence through the media can either intensify or trigger stress, anxiety, depression and, in some cases, post-traumatic stress disorder.

We can find ourselves feeling helpless and wondering what we can do to help those who may be thousands of miles away from us. Our minds automatically go to monetary help, but one does not have to have an excess of disposable income to make a difference. And the beauty of it is that it not only benefits those who we set out to help but also blesses those who contribute.

Getting involved and giving back While much of the tragedy that has recently taken place is distant from our own backyard, it is a perfect opportunity to teach our children the importance of giving back to others.

22

WINTER CHECK LIST

SNOW TIRES CHAINS SIPING BATTERIES

Personal and corporate income tax FULL SERVICE CPA FIRM INCLUDING: • Corporate and Individual Tax Returns • Payroll Services • Bookkeeping Services • QuickBooks Consulting • Preparation of Financial Statements • Non-profit Tax Returns

NEED CHAINS? STOP IN AND SEE US TODAY!

VISIT US IN OUR NEW LOCATION! The Plaza Downtown 7177 Main Street Bonners Ferry

208.267.1665

J.B.’s TIRE & AUTOMOTIVE

“Best Tire Value In Bonners Ferry!”

South Hill 6804 Denver Street Bonners Ferry 208.267.2411

Monday - Friday 8:00am - 6:00pm Saturday 8:00am - 5:00pm

Brakes Shocks Alignment www.LesSchwab.com BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

23

1211 Michigan Street, Suite B Sandpoint, Idaho

208.265.2500

HutchensCPA.com info@hutchenscpa.com

We can find ourselves feeling helpless and wondering what we can do to help those who may be thousands of miles away from us. Our minds automatically go to monetary help, but one does not have to have an excess of disposable income to make a difference. And the beauty of it is that it not only benefits those who we set out to help but also blesses those who contribute.

While we often talk about the importance of giving and being thankful for our blessings around the holidays, it is a lesson we can all put into action year round. And what better time to start than right now—at the beginning of a new year?

Be selective on what your child sees on the news, as you do not want to instill fear in them. Share the positive stories of heroism; people taking boats and trucks door to door to help evacuate some of the hurricane victims; total strangers helping families go through the rubble after a wildfire, mudslide or flooding has taken their home. Then share with your child or children how they, too, can be an everyday hero.

Kids identify most closely with money. They stock their piggy banks only to empty them out and count how much money it will take to buy their new favorite toy. When donating money, remember to give to reputable organizations and remember, every little bit helps.

Children and families do not always have to give their own money; they can hold fundraisers that will bring the community together to help collect donations of money and items. Fundraisers can be a big undertaking, so maybe partner with a school or church and make it a community event!

Approach the fundraiser thoughtfully, keeping in mind what the goal is.

Is it an opportunity to collect toys for those children who lost theirs due to a natural disaster? Are you collecting money for a food bank to help with those who need it? Do those whom you seek to help need clothing?

BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

If you want to keep your fundraiser on a smaller scale and witness firsthand the impact your donations are making, consider adopting a family. You may even find you’ll make some new friends along the way.

As adults, there are many ways we can help depending upon time and talent. During the recent Las Vegas shooting, the greatest need was the donation of blood. While one can pray that a tragedy like this never happens again, much less in our own communities, we can do our part to help in even the smallest of circumstances. Donating blood does not cost anything and can ultimately give someone the greatest gift of all— the gift of life.

Another way that teens and adults can help is through mission trips to the areas that were impacted by the hurricanes or other natural disasters.

For years after Hurricane Katrina, people flocked to New Orleans to help rebuild homes and lives. They are doing the same after the impact of hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

If you are interested in such a trip, check with local churches and community groups, such as Rotary, to see if there are any planned trips to help out. Often times, they will have sponsors for the trip so the cost to you is minimal, and the reward is great!

Altruism displayed in many ways The benefits of giving back to others not only gives one a good feeling emotionally, but it is reported that altruistic behavior actually promotes

24

positive physiological changes in the brain that are associated with happiness. In fact, when we give to others, our body releases endorphins that help activate areas of the brain associated with trust, pleasure and social connection.

In addition, when we help those in need, it can provide perspective on our own daily lives. Those things that may have been a source of stress for you may not seem so bad after witnessing the losses that others have experienced.

What does it mean to be altruistic?

There are many behaviors that can be defined as altruistic, and the best part is that they are easy to implement into our daily lives.

Generosity: Being generous can be a simple act such as helping a neighbor with lawn care or snow shoveling. Offer your talents to help someone in need. Are you handy around the house? Check out your local Habitat for Humanity to see what you can do to help a family building a new home. Do you love to cook? Offer to bring a meal to someone who may be struggling financially or emotionally. A little bit of generosity can change how we perceive others and can help bring joy to others at the same time.

Kindness: Have you ever heard someone tell you that if you smile when you speak to someone on the phone, they can “hear” that smile on the other end? We all have good and bad days, but a smile and a kind gesture

BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

25

can go a long way to brightening someone else’s day as well as your own.

Compassion: Being compassionate requires a willingness and ability to enter into the feelings and experiences of others. For people who are seeking to provide compassion, the greatest thing one can do is to simply be with that person and listen to and validate their feelings. Remember to keep your own well-being in check as well. It is easy to become overwhelmed with another’s problems, so maintain your own emotional, physical and spiritual health.

Volunteering: Giving back to others through donations of our time and talent is beneficial to not only those who volunteer but also the community they serve. It is also a wonderful way to connect with people, leading to new relationships that will hopefully be a blessing to us for years to come.

As we enter this new year, let’s each of us also think about how blessed we truly are and consider sharing some of our gifts, whether it is time, talent or financial, with others who are hurting. The feeling you receive will be the greatest gift of all.

Health & Lifestyle YOU MIGHT BE SURPRISED

5 Facts About Heart Attacks

By Sunshine Bartlett, RN, Boundary Community Hospital Emergency Department FEBRUARY IS “HEART MONTH.” Stores are filled with heart-shaped candy. We send heart-shaped cards to our Valentines.

Here are five facts about your heart that may surprise you. Knowing these might just save your life: In the medical field we have the saying, “Time is muscle!” According to the CDC, “About 15 percent of people who have a heart attack will die from it. Almost half of sudden cardiac deaths happen outside a hospital.”

The sooner a person is treated for a heart attack, the better the chances

of a good recovery.

The type of chest pain from a heart attack can vary widely from person to person. People experiencing a serious heart attack describe their pain as severe tightness, pressure or indigestion. For some, the discomfort is only in the chest, or there may be none in the chest. For others it might radiate to the neck, jaw, left or right arm. Some may only have shortness of breath.

Not all heart symptoms are heart attacks. There are two major types of

H E A LT H Y T I P

Gain Weight Muscle weight, that is. If two women both weigh 150 pounds and only one lifts weights, the lifter will more likely fit into a smaller pants size than her sedentary counterpart. Although a pound of fat weighs the same as a pound of muscle, muscle takes up less space. Do you even lift, bro?

BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

26

When Every Second Counts Studies show that organized systems of care improve patient outcomes, reduce the frequency of preventable death and improve the quality of life of the patient.

Time Sensitive Emergency

Boundary Community Hospital in Bonners Ferry has been designated as a Level IV Trauma Center by the State of Idaho.

The designation for the Hospital is part of the Idaho Time Sensitive Emergency System (TSE) and is reserved for Hospitals that meet the stringent criteria established by the State as part of the TSE system of care that includes three of the top five causes of death in Idaho: trauma, stroke, and heart attack.

Emergency Open 24/7/365

Caring for Our Community, Every Day

6640 Kaniksu Street Bonners Ferry, Idaho

www.boundarycommunityhospital.org BFLL_BCH_0118_ED.indd 1

12/26/2017 2:08:36 PM

STAND OUT?

Call or email me today to get creative about your marketing

Alison Henslee Marketing Manager

www.BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

208.610.8806 alison@livinglocal360.com

BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

27

CREATING. CONNECTING. LIVING LOCAL

Alpine Family Medicine Our office is fully equipped to manage your family practice needs.

Sandpoint’s Newest Hometown Family Medical Clinic

Accepting New Patients • • • • • •

Chronic disease management Wellness exams for the entire family Sports physicals Acute care Minor surgical procedures Gynecology

And more!

provider.kareo.com/katie-sweeney f alpinefamilymed7b Alpine Family Medicine PLLC 1013 Lake Street, Suite 102 Sandpoint, Idaho

208.597.7910

Any symptoms of chest pain, fainting, dizziness or shortness of breath should be taken seriously.

A call to 911 is warranted. heart problems: plumbing problems and electrical problems. A plumbing problem means that the heart blood flow is blocked or abnormal. This includes issues such as heart attacks and congestive heart failure.

An electrical problem means the heart’s electrical system is malfunctioning. This can cause problems like atrial fibrillation. It may be tough to figure out which type of problem you are experiencing as the symptoms can be very similar. Any symptoms of chest pain, fainting, dizziness or shortness of breath should be taken seriously. A call to 911 is warranted.

BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

28

Stopping smoking is one of the most important things you can do to prevent a heart attack. According to a 2016 study published in the journal Heart, smokers under the age of 50 are eight times more likely than non-smokers to have a heart attack. The state of Idaho offers a plan called Project Filter with free “Quit” coaches and nicotine replacement (800.QUIT.NOW or 800.784.8669).

If you have heart disease, don’t despair. A great life is still possible. It is normal after a diagnosis of heart disease to feel sadness or depression. You are not alone. Be kind to yourself. Enlist the support of your family and friends. Talk to your health-care provider.

They can be an excellent resource. They can provide recommendations to reduce your risk for future problems. They can help you build a plan for a heart-healthy diet, exercise, and treatment of high blood pressure and cholesterol so you can live a full life.

Happy Heart Month!

It’s a NEW Year ...

i

what’s on YOUR bucket list?

By Lindy Petersen

I AM WILLING TO make a wild assumption about everyone reading this article right now. Are you ready? I’m willing to bet that you have a bucket list. While I don’t necessarily know what is on it, I’m willing to bet that I know what isn’t! Weight loss. Reorganizing something.

Writing more thank-you notes. You know, the kind of thing that I would usually put on my list of New Year’s resolutions. In reflecting on 2017, I suddenly realized that my list of resolutions looks totally different from my bucket list, and that neither of them had much crossed off from year to year. I still didn’t shed those 10 pounds. I still don’t have an organized garage. I wrote exactly zero thank-you notes (emails don’t count!).

So how is 2018 going to be different? How can it be more fulfilling for all of us? Maybe instead of concentrating on resolutions for the New Year, it’s time we start concentrating on that list. What’s on yours? If you haven’t thought about it in a while, or maybe it’s only full of pie-in-thesky type dreams, it could be time to start adding a few new items to the list. Adventure and new experiences, big and small! More travel, less TV, more faces and fewer screens.

Here are a few ideas that I’m adding on for 2018: Travel OK, I know this seems broad, but hear me out. Travel doesn’t have to mean visiting Rome or Paris or some exotic locale. It can mean going anywhere, even if it’s just over to the next city. Many cities and states have websites dedicated to adventurers who don’t have the time or the resources to go too far from home, and there are most likely hidden gems all over your home state that you’ve never been to. Maybe there is a national landmark a few miles outside of town you didn’t know was there, or maybe there is a city with some rich history that would teach you something new and entertain you and your family for an afternoon.

Of course, if you can make it to Rome or Paris, go for it! Just try to include smaller experiences with the big ones!

BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

29

Take a Train Ride Did you know that one of the best ways to see the country, and one of the most budget friendly, is to take the train? There are scenic train rides that go along the length of the Pacific Coast in a matter of days and cross-country rides to take that will whisk you away to places you didn’t even know were on the map. Or, if you are more of a city mouse, there are trains that go from one large city to another in a few hours, and you can save your hard-earned cash to spend on shopping and dining experiences in a new city, rather than spending it on plane tickets or gas for the car. All in all, this is a safe, inexpensive and fun way to see the world!

Check it off your list! A bucket list 

If we doesn’t have to be complicated. a sudden start with the end in mind, all of eriences you’re packing memories into exp and that’s the best place to be!

Live Truly e You f i L e th e v r e s e D

Take Note:

Make Something

Take a Trip! Who cares if it’s  out of town, out of state or out of country. The destination isn’t as important as the journey.

Learn a skill. Have you always  wanted to throw pottery?

Paint? What about driving a race car? Defensive driving is always a good idea. Go do it!

Experience ... Something! If  we run our days planned to the max and leave no time to just experience and savor, we’ll miss out. Slow down, relax and just experience what’s around you!

BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

Have you ever gone down the rabbit hole of Pinterest and ended up looking at DIY projects to build a wall of bookshelves or a kitchen table, or re-tile your bathroom, and convinced yourself that you don’t have the skills or the tools to do the job? There is much satisfaction to be gained from creating something with your hands, even if you think you’re not any good at it. Many home-improvement stores such as Home Depot or Lowe’s offer free classes on DIY home improvement projects, like installing a tile back splash in the kitchen. Or, if home improvement isn’t your thing, sitting down to paint a piece of pottery or art that you can display in your home is easy at one of the many pop-up pottery shops you might find in your town! With a little bit of research and a sense of adventure, you can find the resources you need to complete a project, large or small, that you can be proud of.

30

You Are Cordially Invited

to benefit Boundary Community Hospital

Kootenai River Inn Bonners Ferry, Idaho

Saturday, February 10, 2018 6:00 pm Dinner Tickets Y $60 Each

Seating is limited. To check ticket availability call: (208) 267-6912.

Open Your Heart Fund donations for Fry Healthcare Foundation will be collected at the Hospital Outpatient Services Desk until February 9, 2018

Fry Healthcare Foundation

6640 Kaniksu Street Y Bonners Ferry, ID 83805 www.boundarycommunityhospital.org/foundation Fry Healthcare Foundation is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization.

FOH-BFLL-JanFeb.indd 1

BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

Y Platinum Sponsor Y Elk Mountain Farms Boundary Community Hospital Board of Trustees Y Gold Sponsor Y Bonners Ferry Veterinary Clinic Log Inn of Bonners Ferry Y Silver Sponsor Y J.B.'s Tire & Automotive Kootenai Health Y Diamond Donor Y Janice Claridge & Rick Lozoya LifeFlight Network Michael DiBenedetto, MD Y Bronze Donor Y Yellowstone Insurance Exhange Idaho Forest Group Foust’s Inc. Logging Contractors Medicine Man Pharmacy Mountain West Bank Bonners Ferry Living Local Bonners Ferry Herald Mike & Polly Melendez

Y Copper Donor Y

Edward Jones Investments Columbia Bank Riverside Auto Center Auburn Crest Hospice Michael & Phyllis Karnes Autohaus Carquest Sandpoint Oriental Garden Restaurant Frederickson’s BF Garbage Boundary Abstract Company 1/5/2018 2:00:44 PM

31

Tourist Activities I’ll admit it. I drive around the downtown area of my city and see those people taking personal riding tours, and I purse my lips and inwardly think that they look ridiculous—and so would I. I live here; why the heck would I want to be seen in that little helmet zipping around the city on that thing? Then I see the tour group duck into an alley that I never noticed before and disappear around the corner and wonder, “Where are they going? And what is so interesting down there?”

The fact is, I have lived in my city all my life and don’t know very much about it. When I go to visit friends in another city, particularly those on one of the coasts, I am awestruck by the beauty and potential for fun, and they are indifferent to it because they see it every day. A challenge I have given myself for 2018 is to re-examine my city through the eyes of a tourist.

There are a million ways and types to choose from, all there to teach even residents like me something new and fascinating about the place I have been living my entire life. It makes me feel proud of where I live and excited to learn more about it.

Eat Something New This one might sound simple, but some people are more inclined to go skydiving than they are to try something exotic from another country. Food in many cultures is a way to bridge the gap between generations and connect one country to another. Food can remind us of home or give us some insight into a way of life we aren’t familiar with. It is easy to stay in our comfort zone when it comes to cuisine and never venture far from what you are accustom to. Another challenge for 2018 is to find a person from another country, or a restaurant featuring food you’ve never heard of or tried before, and try an offering. It’s a great way to expand your understanding of the world or make a connection to the past.

Of course, maybe all of these ideas don’t sound like what you would find on the traditional “100 Things To Do Before You Die” type list. The way I see it, most of us have so many commitments to our friends, families and jobs that some of those ideas might not be realistic for everyone. That’s why my 2018 will be centered on ways I can expand my understanding of the world, have new experiences and connect with others in new and profound ways. I truly hope you will join me.

BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

32

Come see us in our new location on Main Street!

www.universalwelldrilling.com

7180 Main Street Downtown Bonners Ferry Tues-Fri 10:30am-5:30pm

Scott Hittle

208-267-7280

208.290.1069 | 406.293.1151 FREE ESTIMATES Licensed in ID & MT

yoursnoursdesign Badger Wear - Signs - Custom Tees Stickers - Spirit Items - Gifts Custom 1, 2 or 3 Color Logo applications from $

5!

(Quantity Discounts apply! Just ask!)

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS WITH US!

Boundary Tractor & Yamaha 6632 S. Main Bonners Ferry | 208.267.5571

RENTALS

Wink Inc. Crushing • Hauling • Civil

Yamaha: We feature a complete line of Yamaha fun toys, lawn care products, riding mowers, generators, etc. for the home.

Wade Winkelseth - 208.290.1379 Alan Winkelseth - 208.290.1378

208.267.5804

Excavating | Utility Work | Land Development Septic & Road Building | Hauling

P.O. Box 1163 Bonners Ferry, ID

wink_317@hotmail.com BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

33

NEW YEAR NEW OPPORTUNITY

By Kenny Markwardt Owner, Crossfit Sandpoint

iT p 1

Stick to a Schedule!

It helps maintain healthy body weight.

Waking up, eating meals and going to bed at the same time each day can help you lose weight, because it allows your body to anticipate the next activity and find the perfect balance.

You stayed up too late last night?

HOW ARE YOU GOING TO CHANGE TODAY? BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

34

SO IT’S JANUARY, the first month of a brand new year. The holidays of November and December are past, and it’s time to look forward to new beginnings.

In my experience, this represents a time of guilt and corresponding penance in regard to the behavior in the months leading up rather than an opportunity for a fresh start. It’s the time to balance out what we feel is “bad” by making an attempt at what is “good.” Interestingly, this mindset is almost always destined for failure. Swinging the pendulum aggressively in the one direction only means that it will eventually swing right back instead of just carrying the momentum forward. Ironically, the five to six weeks of “bad” is almost exactly represented in fitness facilities around the nation by five to six weeks of “good.” For those of you who’ve been in the gym in January, February and March, you’ll recognize the decline that begins mid-February.

Lewiston

Livestock Market Where your cattle always bring more.

This year, instead of reflecting on perceived transgressions of diet and exercise with remorse and guilt, just recognize that they are neither good, nor are they bad. Those actions just are.

Trying to contextualize them in the past doesn’t make sense, and there’s a thousand ways in which “bad” things are actually “good.” (Two pieces of pie for lunch the Sunday after Thanksgiving is significantly better than an entire pie.)

Those things are in the past, and in truth, you’ll probably follow a similar behavioral pattern next year. It’s OK, and I honestly encourage it with clients. There is but one Thanksgiving and one Christmas throughout the year. Enjoy them and indulge in them, year after year.

So accept the recent past, the holidays and their transgressions for what they are and move forward with your head held high and grand dreams of accomplishment on the horizon.

This brings me to my next suggestion for this time of year—resolutions. It’s been tradition to create New Year’s resolutions for the upcoming year for 4,000 years (seriously, look it up). I think this is awesome. It would be convenient to be cynical about this practice since most of us are all too familiar with the commonality of failing at these resolutions. You won’t catch

1.800.473.3406 Clay Bickford 208.791.5090 Tony Seubert 208.305.7172

Have trees damaged by winter storms?

LET US HELP!

Make sure your trees are safe during the unpredictable winter months!

CALL NOW

FOR YOUR

ATE!

FREE ESTIM

FRUIT TREE PRUNING View clearing Tree & hazard Fire prevention removal Stump grinding Crown thinning Brush chipping & Root injection & piling fertilization

DirksTreeCare.com f Dirks Tree Care | 208.290.3180

BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

35

Benefits of Yoga me in that position. I think that setting goals, no matter how grand they are, is fantastic, regardless of outcome. After all, this great country is founded on people reaching high, occasionally succeeding, but more often failing, then getting up and doing it again, over and over. After all, the soul who is capable of daring greatly is better than being one of those timid souls who neither knows victory nor defeat.

Struggling to make it to the gym?

Yoga is the solution! Although it’s a slow-paced exercise, you’ll be getting all the benefits you need to get in shape!

So you might fail. So what. Get up next year and do it again. But how do you give yourself the best shot at succeeding? How do you ensure that your grand plans have a chance?

Heart Health Lower Blood Pressure

First, you need to make your goal—or goals—crystal clear. It should be exactly what you want to achieve; not just a rough sketch or a foggy vision but a precise vision of what will happen for you. Pretend you’re an architect designing a house. Just as you wouldn’t run out to the hardware store, grab a handful of 2x4s and some nails and pray it eventually turned into a house, you are going to have a hard time starting down the path to success without knowing where that path is headed.

Stronger Bones Lower Stress Levels

From there, it gets kind of easy actually. All you have to do is work backwards.

Break it down by month, by week and by day. Establish what that means for your monthly goals, your weekly goals and your daily goals. Focusing on the long-term goal will be too daunting to stick with long term. If your path involved climbing Mount Everest, you’d know that you shouldn’t get frustrated by the fact that you haven’t made the top when you’re sitting in the plane on the ride over. However, if you mapped out exactly how you were going to summit the top, you’d know that you were doing exactly what you needed to do to get there.

Cardio & Circulatory Health

For example, if your goal involves losing 20 pounds by next year, you should realize that number represents less than a half a pound per week (or about an ounce a day). So getting on the scale every day and growing frustrated that you aren’t there yet is going to make life hard for the next year. Inevitably, without planning for this, you’ll get frustrated and quit, thinking how it’s mentally easier to just stay the same than to get better slowly (or seemingly not at all).

With that in mind, it’s important to realize that there are going to be fluctuations, ups and downs, and the occasional roadblock that will pop

iT p 2

school benefits

A+ Grades Here We Come!

More sleep = better concentration and memory.

Be sure to get 7 to 8 hours of good sleep each night. This will increase your concentration levels and improve your memory!

Hello A+ grades!

BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

36

iT p 3

Choose SEVERAL SMALL MEALS over a few big meals a day. This balances out your energy distribution throughout the day. In general, EAT WHEN YOU FEEL HUNGRY, and STOP when you’re full.

up along the way. This is the way it is. Every overnight success, or seeming rocket ship to victory, actually took a ton of work, mistakes and failures that no one saw. No one is paying attention when things aren’t going well, but that’s when just sticking to the plan and accepting the setbacks as normal is invaluable to your long-term success. Try and recognize that there are things you can control, things you can’t control and things you just shouldn’t worry about.

Giving energy to things you either can’t control or shouldn’t control (remember the holidays), is just robbing you of the energy that will keep you moving forward with momentum.

Winning a race is hard to do when you’re looking backward.

Focus on the task at hand and stay the course as best you can.

You don’t need to wait until official meal times before you start eating.

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY and what it tells you.

Lastly, don’t be so hard on yourself. I find that the internal monologue that is nearly constantly running in people’s minds is one of the most negative influences in that person’s life. That really stinks, and it makes everything harder. The voice in your head should be encouraging, not discouraging.

Imagine you had a fitness coach who just rode around on your back telling you how poorly you were doing at what you were doing or how much you failed that day. That would be horrendous, and you’d do everything you could to get rid of that coach. Yet, I find that most people have that going on in their heads at all times.

Work on that voice in your head. When you hear something negative, take a deep breath and try and rephrase it in a way that your best friend would say it to you. And try not to beat yourself up for beating yourself up. That’s a long spiral downward.

This year and onward, accept the past and anticipate the future, but most importantly, celebrate the journey.

BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

Eat small meals

37

TRAVEL & LEISURE

Whistler, British Columbia MORE THAN JUST WORLD-CLASS SKIING

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS

BY MARGUERITE CLEVELAND

WHISTLER VILLAGE IS A MODERN UPSCALE RESORT with all the luxury amenities packaged as an old-fashioned European town with plazas and pedestrian-only thoroughfares. Whistler Blackcomb is consistently rated as one of the top ski destinations in North America. Ski Magazine rated it No. 3 in the 2018 “Best in the West,” a reader-ranked survey. But there is so much more than skiing at Whistler. Tour museums you would expect in much larger cities, enjoy an eclectic dining scene on a culinary tour, try winter ziplining or relax at a Scandinavian-style spa.

Tourism Whistler offers a Visitor Centre in Whistler Village (604.932.3928), as well as an informative website to help you plan your trip at Whistler.com.

Skiing – Whistler Blackcomb’s reputation as a top ski destination is well deserved with an average snowfall of 461 inches and one of the longest ski seasons in North America. Whistler and Blackcomb mountains are connected by the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, which is the longest and highest lift in the world. There are more than 200 marked runs accessed by 37 lifts with a capacity of almost 70,000 skiers per hour. Both mountains’ longest run is 7 miles. Combine that with terrain parks, family play areas and 17 mountain restaurants, and there truly is something for everyone. Insider Tip: Make sure to make reservations for the Fresh Tracks Mountain Top Breakfast. This gives you early access to the Whistler Village Gondola and a hearty buffet breakfast at the Roundhouse Lodge. Why get an early start? So you can enjoy the first run of the day with fresh powder or groomed corduroy. This special event is available to only 800 skiers per day.

For more information on vacation planning to include lodging, lift tickets, lessons, rentals and activities, visit WhistlerBlackcomb.com or call 888.403.4727.

Winter Ziplining – For an exhilarating adventure, check out Ziptrek Ecotours. The company offers a choice of three guided zipline tours during the winter on Ziptrek’s network of ziplines, which are suspended between Whistler and

BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

38

Blackcomb Mountains over Fitzsimmons Creek and through old-growth temperate rainforest. Ziptrek takes ecotourism and the environment very seriously. Their tours combine the adrenaline of ziplining with an educational component that delivers awareness and appreciation of the natural environment of the area. With the winter air crisp and cool and trees blanketed in snow, it’s a completely different experience as you zip across the creek than taking a warm-weather tour.

For those who prefer not to zipline, take the TreeTrek Canopy Walk. It is a fun, informative, guided trek across suspension bridges, suspended stairways, boardwalks and trails with breathtaking scenery. You’ll learn about the ecology of the area and may even hear and see the whirl of zipliners overhead as you climb high into the old-growth trees.

Ziptrek works hard to ensure the health of the trees used in their tours. Rather than clear-cut a path through the forest, each cable is carefully moved through the branches by hand to help preserve the tree. The company consulted with Dr. Reese Halter, an expert in tree physiology, on the best ways to utilize living trees for the decks and anchors. The results are structures that vanish into their surroundings without

harming the growth of the trees. The company also uses solar panels to harness energy for use on the course. When possible, they try to use environmentally friendly options in the business such as using recycled paper for marketing materials.

Insider Tip: Ask to borrow a GoPro from Ziptrek at no charge for use during your tour. To keep your footage, just purchase the SD card for $29.99 CAD. Ziptrek.com or 604.935.0001.

Scandinave Spa – As you wind your way from the parking lot on a snow-covered trail with cedar and spruce trees towering above you, there is a sense that this is going to be something special. The Scandinave Spa’s architecture blends seamlessly into the natural surroundings. Upon entering, a warm lobby welcomes you with a crackling fire and cozy seating areas. Plan to allow at least two hours—or even more—as this is not an experience you want to rush. This is not a beauty spa but one focused on health and wellness. Scandinave offers massages but not beauty treatments. After checking in and changing in the locker room, head outside to begin your hydrotherapy experience.

Your experience starts at the top, which overlooks the 20,000-square-foot outdoor day spa, overlooking a mountain vista and surrounded by a scenic forest. The first thing you notice is the silence, which is strictly enforced. The lack of chatter and electronic devices forms an oasis of calm. The spa consists of cycles of hot/cold/relax. The rotations are designed to relax and soothe tired muscles, eliminate toxins and improve circulation. A eucalyptus steam room, a woodburning finish style sauna, a dry sauna and outdoor hot baths are available for the hot cycles. The cold cycles are really cold—as in icy—but are a necessary step in the hydrotherapy process. The bracing cold is pleasantly packaged as a gushing Nordic Waterfall, rain showers and cold pools where guests tend to plunge in and out versus swim. The final stage of each rotation is relaxing.

There are quiet rooms gently warmed with comfy chairs, an outdoor fire pit and a solarium. It

WHY GET AN EARLY START? SO YOU CAN ENJOY THE FIRST RUN OF THE DAY WITH FRESH POWDER OR GROOMED CORDUROY. THIS SPECIAL EVENT IS AVAILABLE TO ONLY 800 SKIERS PER DAY. BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

39

BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

40

is easy to find yourself drifting off. Your body will let you know when it is time to leave.

Insider Tips: Arrive when the spa opens for the day; it is less crowded than later in the day. Admission includes two towels, but spring the extra money for the robe. It is well worth it and keeps the chill off as you rotate through the outdoor stations. Scandinave.com/en/whistler or 604.935.2424.

Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre – This is a must-see venue when visiting Whistler. The Squamish and Lil’wat Nations came together to create this 30,400-square-foot complex to share their living cultures with the world, not the Hollywood stereotypes. The guides are very knowledgeable and share personal accounts of their culture. Guide Travis Billy, his colonial name, and A7xwil, his ancestral name, begins his tour with a song. “It is the dearest song I treasure and was taught to me by my father who would sing it for 20 minutes when he would take me fishing. It is a prayer and represents the beating heart of the animal who gives up his life for us,” he said. It is a very moving experience to observe such a personal narrative.

The tour shows how both the Squamish and the Lil’wat tribes lived and examples of clothing, artwork and other cultural information. The centre has a café and a well-stocked gift shop with beautiful offerings of tribal art. SLCC.ca or 866.441.7522.

Whistler Tasting Tours – As you walk through Whistler Village, restaurant after restaurant comes into view, and it can be a challenge to select one, especially with so many highly rated options. That’s where Whistler

BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

41

Tasting Tours comes in with the option to explore the best restaurants in Whistler with each course at a different dining establishment.In 2012, the company was officially designated a Canadian Signature Experience by the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC). The CTC rates these as once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences that show the world what Canada’s tourism brand is all about. Tour options include two different guided dinner tours, a dessert tour and both a guided and self-guided lunch tour option.

Insider Tip: The lunch tour is a good value because it includes wine and beer pairings. At dinner, this is an additional cost. Each stop at a restaurant includes a full-size course, and you won’t go hungry.

WhistlerTastingTours.com or 604.902.8687.

Whistler Village makes a fun winter getaway. The current exchange rate is $1 USD = $1.29 CAD, which gives you almost a 30-percent discount on everything. It is around a 10-hour drive from Sandpoint, depending on traffic. Crossing the border into Canada is fairly easy with a U.S. Passport or Passport Card. Children under 16 years of age just need a birth certificate with both parents present or a notarized letter from the other parent authorizing travel. Those 16 and older require the same documents as adults.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Spaghetti Feed & Auction

JAN

20

Enjoy an evening of food and fun at the Aiming High for Abigail Spaghetti Feed and Auction. The event takes place at Boundary County Middle School at 6pm with proceeds going to help local eighth-grader Abigail Blockhan and her family with medical expenses for dysautonomia. To find out more or to donate auction items for the event, call Steve Ussher at 208.267.4647.

JAN

JAN

Five Alarm Funk at The Hive

Graft Your Own Apple Trees

KPND and Low Country Boil Productions present Five Alarm Funk at The Hive 7pm to 1am. The Vancouver-based band has released five acclaimed albums and burned up stages across the country on six national tours. Don't miss their maiden voyage to The Hive. Tickets can be purchased online at LiveFromTheHive. com.

Join the Boundary County Extension Office 1 to 3pm for this two-part class and learn about collecting scion wood from your favorite apple trees while they are dormant (Part 1) and then graft the scions onto hardy rootstock later this spring (Part 2). Course fee is $15. Call 208.267.3235 to register.

25

26

JAN

FEB

Rocking & Rolling the Night Away

Quilts Beyond Borders

27

Rock and roll will fill the air as The Incredible Flying Dookie Brothers make their Pearl Theater debut. The music starts at 7pm. The Incredible Flying Dookie Brothers deliver a classic rock show with musical precision, integrity and quality, including classic songs by Rush, Yes, The Police, Jackson Browne, The Who and many more. ThePearlTheater.org

05

10am to 4pm, the Boundary County Extension Office hosts the Quilts Beyond Borders Sew Date. Bring your own sewing machine; thread and material are provided, and fabric kits are available. To get yours or to learn more, call Bev Hokanson at 208.267.5355 or Carol Jean Hubbard 208.255.6980.

Upcoming Events February/March

24 FEB

25

RUNAWAY SHE JUMPS @ SYMPHONY SCHWEITZER CONCERT @ FEB THE PEARL BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

28 FEB 42

INDOOR SEED STARTING AND SEED SWAP

01 MAR

OPEN MIC NIGHT @ THE PEARL

Fresh.Cool.Green

The newest all suite property in beautiful Coeur d’ Alene!

Staff Service • Cleanliness of Suite • Maintenance & Upkeep Healthy Breakfast • Indoor Pool • Spacious Jacuzzi • Splash Pad 9-hole Putt Putt • Outdoor Patio with BBQ, Fire Tables and Heat Lamps

Catering to:

Corporate Travelers • Sports Teams • Wedding Room Blocks Family Reunions • Government Travel • Family Get-A-Ways

Idaho’s First LEED Designed Hotel

www.marriott.com/COESH • 2250 West Seltice Way • Coeur d’Alene, Idaho • 208.667.2212 • fTPG

the pearl theater ...is available for rent!

MONTANASHEDCENTER.COM

Do you need a shed, garage or cabin?

• Weddings • Parties • Reunions • Special Events • Meetings & More!

We have FREE Delivery With A SMILE!

OWN RENT TO CK DIT CHE NO CRE

7160 7160 Ash Ash St. St. Bonners Bonners Ferry, Ferry, ID ID Call: Call: 208.610.2846 208.610.2846

BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

208.627.9971

f MONTANASHEDCENTER

BUILT IN BONNE RS FER RY, ID

Sagle lot 208 946 3006 | Bonners Ferry lot 208 627 9971

43

FEB

FEB

2018 Ladies Night

Sara Evans Acoustic at Northern Quest

09

09

Ladies Night is here again! The event will take place at Pro-X Home Center, 510380 Highway 95, from 6 to 9pm. The event is free, though registration is required. Call 208.267.7561 or stop by the store to register your spot on the list and invite some guests. Help Pro-X make this another great event!

Don't miss the Sara Evans Acoustic Tour on February 9 at Northern Quest Resort and Casino's Pend Oreille Pavilion. A country music singer and songwriter, Sara takes the stage to perform an intimate acoustic set of her most prolific songs. Tickets are priced $45 to $75 and can be purchase at NorthernQuest.com.

FEB

FEB

Gun and Horn Show

Festival of Hearts at Kootenai River Inn

09

10

9-11. The weekend of February 9, head to the Boundary County Fairgrounds for the Kootenai Valley Sportsman Association Gun and Horn Show. Event hours are noon to 6pm each day and features a horn contest, Boone & Crocket certified scoring, raffle for a rifle and more!

Admission is $5; free with membership sign-up.

KVSportsman.com

Help raise funds for the Boundary Community Hospital’s Outpatient Surgery Department by attending this year's Festival of Heart at Kootenai River Inn. The event features a fivecourse dinner, Dessert Dash and live auction.

Tickets are $60 each. Call 208.267.6912 for more information.

FEB

FEB

Diabetes Education Support Group Meeting

Winter Carnival

14

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes, it’s important to have support from other people with the disease. Anyone is welcome to join the group. Meetings are on the second Wednesday of each month September through May at 1pm in the Panhandle Health Meeting Room. 208.267.3141 ext. 4235

16

16-25. Sandpoint’s annual Winter Carnival includes fireworks and fun at Schweitzer, live music all over town, parties galore plus other traditional favorites including the Parade of Lights, the K9 Keg Pull, Taste of Sandpoint and so much more. Don’t miss out on the family friendly fun. Visit SandpointWinterCarnival.com to see the lineup of events.

Upcoming Events February/March

16 MAR

17

18

16-17. MCT'S "THE VERTICAL LITTLE MERMAID" EXPRESS FOR MAR AUDITIONS @ THE MAR MS @ PEARL SCHWEITZER BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com 44

20

BINGO: WORD CARD BONANZA @ KOOTENAI MAR RIVER INN

CONCERT W/ JAZZ CHOIR @ BFHS

Protecting Your Interests Since 1915

POWERING YOUR DIGITAL MARKETING

GET ON THE ROCKET

We’ll turn your dreams of owning real estate into a reality... www.boundaryabstract.com

RocketFishDigital.com BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

P.O. Box 749 | 6977 S. Main | Bonners Ferry, ID 83805 | 208.267.3129

45

Counter Tops • Sinks Fireplaces • Granite Signs • Fountains Monuments • Interior & Exterior Fire Pits • Custom Designs

Check off your home improvement bucket list with new granite!

Sagle: 208.263.1884 | Naples: 208.267.1347 | www.IdahoGraniteWorks.com

Moose Valley Farms BEST PRICES - BEST SELECTION

•

SHOP LOCAL - BE LOCAL

Come see our expanded gift shop!

Get your loved one the perfect Valentine’s gift A Moose Valley Farm gift certificate!

Premium Dog Food Specials (valid until 2/20)

www.MooseValleyFarms.com

Highway 95 Milepost 495.5 | Naples, Idaho

208.267.5108 | OPEN DAILY for your convenience!

info@moosevalleyfarms.com to stay updated on deals and events!

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK to stay up to date on current happenings!

BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

46

TWO OF BONNERS FERRY’S

FAV O R I T E B U S I N E S S E S , UNDE R T HE SUN & SOULSHINE,

ARE COMBINING FORCES!

LAKEN’S SOULSHINE WILL NOW BE OPERATING OUT OF UNDER THE SUN FOR

B R E A K FA S T

LUNCH

M O N D A Y- S A T U R D A Y F R O M 8 A M - 3 P M .

FEATURING FLAVORS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

AT UNDER THE SUN BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com

7178 Main St, Bonners Ferry Mon-Sat 8am-5pm

47

208.267.6467 UnderTheSunIdaho

Riverside

RAC AUT O CENTER

Bonners Ferry, Idaho

RIVERS AUTO CENTE ears Y w e Happy N ide rs e v i R m fro c! n I , r e t Auto Cen

(8452)

2014 Chrysler Town & Country $16,999

2011 Chevy Silverado 1500 LTZ $19,989

2012 Jeep Wrangler Sahara $23,999

(8373)

(8393)

20153 GMC Acadia $15,999

2008 Buick Allure $5,999

2011 Toyota RAV 4 $11,999

(8420)

(8427)

(8438)

2010 Ford F150 Platinum $19,999

(8458)

2007 Ford F150 XLT $12,999 (8342)

2010 Toyota Tacoma $18,999 (8374)

CHECK OUT OUR EVER-CHANGING INVENTORY AT WWW.RIVERSIDEAUTO.COM 208.267.3100 6437 Bonner St. Bonners Ferry, Idaho BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com 48 Sales: Mon-Fri 8-5:30 | Sat 8-3 Service, Parts & Detail: Mon-Fri 8-5