January 2023 Go Sandpoint Magazine

MARKETING

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

Allyia Briggs | 208.620.5444 allyia@like-media.com

MARKETING EXECUTIVE

Haleigh Ackling | 208.620.5360 haleigh@like-media.com MEDIA MANAGER Rebecca Baczewski | rebecca@like-media.com

Map, Photos & Information

*

% APY*

% APY*

Time for New Year’s financial resolutions

% APY*

deposit

It’s that time of year when many of us promise ourselves we’ll go to the gym more, or learn a new language, or take up a musical instrument, or any number of other worthy goals. But this year, when making New Year’s resolutions, why not also consider some financial ones?

Here are a few to consider:

* Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective 12/18/18. CDs offered by Edward Jones are bank-issued and FDIC-insured up to $250,000 (principal and interest accrued but not yet paid) per depositor, per insured depository institution, for each account ownership category. Please visit www.fdic.gov or contact your financial advisor for additional information. Subject to availability and price change. CD values are subject to interest rate risk such that when interest rates rise, the prices of CDs can decrease. If CDs are sold prior to maturity, the investor can lose principal value. FDIC insurance does not cover losses in market value. Early withdrawal may not be permitted. Yields quoted are net of all commissions. CDs require the distribution of interest and do not allow interest to compound. CDs offered through Edward Jones are issued by banks and thrifts nationwide. All CDs sold by Edward Jones are registered with the Depository Trust Corp. (DTC).

rates. If you do carry a balance, you might be able to transfer it to a lower-rate card, depending on your credit score. And if you’re carrying multiple credit cards, you might benefit by getting a fixed-rate debt consolidation loan. In any case, the lower your debt payments, the more you can invest for your long-term goals.

Call or visit your local financial advisor today.

Call or visit your local financial advisor today.

12/15/2022.

•Don’t let inflation derail your investment strategy. As you know, inflation was the big financial story of 2022, hitting a 40-year high. And while it may moderate somewhat this year, it will likely still be higher than what we experienced the past decade or so. Even so, it’s a good idea to try not to let today’s inflation harm your investment strategy for the future. That happened last year: More than half of American workers either reduced their contributions to their 401(k)s and other retirement plans or stopped contributing completely during the third quarter of 2022, according to a survey by Allianz Life Insurance of North America. Of course, focusing on your cash flow needs today is certainly understandable, but are there other ways you can free up some money, such as possibly lowering your spending, so you can continue contributing to your retirement accounts? It’s worth the effort because you could spend two or three decades as a retiree.

•Review your investment portfolio. At least once a year, you should review your investment portfolio to determine if it’s still appropriate for your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. But be careful not to make changes just because you feel your recent performance is not what it should have been. When the financial markets are down, as was the case for most of 2022, even quality investments, such as stocks of companies with solid business fundamentals and strong prospects, can see declines in value. But if these investments are still suitable for your portfolio, you may want to keep them.

www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

•Control your debts. Inflation can also be a factor in debt management. For example, your credit card debt could rise due to rising prices and variable credit card interest rate increases. By paying your bill each month, you can avoid the effects of rising interest

•Prepare for the unexpected. If you encountered a large, unexpected expense, such as the need for a major home repair, how would you pay for it? If you didn’t have the money readily available, you might be forced to dip into your long-term investments or retirement accounts. To prevent this, you should build an emergency fund containing three to six months’ worth of living expenses—or a year’s worth, if you’re retired—with the money kept in a low-risk, liquid account.

These resolutions can be useful—so try to put them to work in 2023.

offered by

are bank-issued and

up to $250,000 (principal

but not yet

per depositor, per insured

institution, for each account ownership category. Please visit www.fdic.gov or contact your financial advisor for additional

Subject to availability and

change. CD

are subject to

risk such that when interest rates rise, the prices of CDs can decrease. If CDs are sold prior to maturity, the investor can lose principal value. FDIC insurance does not cover losses in market value. Early withdrawal may not be permitted. Yields quoted are net of all commissions. CDs require the distribution of interest and do not allow interest to compound. CDs offered through Edward Jones are issued by banks and thrifts nationwide. All CDs sold by Edward Jones are registered with the Depository Trust Corp. (DTC).

BARBARA BUCHANAN Q&A WITH

A LIFE OF SERVICE, PASSION AND LOVE

by JILLIAN CHANDLER

"I HAVE BEEN SO FORTUNATE IN MY LIFE. I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH A WONDERFUL, SUPPORTIVE HUSBAND, A LOVING FAMILY, A HEALTHY BODY, AND A GOOD BRAIN.

IT IS BOTH MY DUTY AND MY PLEASURE TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY THAT HAS GIVEN SO MUCH TO ME."

Athird-generation Idahoan, Barbara Buchanan grew up in a large, blended family in Moscow, attended the University of Idaho for both college and law school, and with the exception of a year at the University of Massachusetts on a student exchange program, she has lived her entire life in Idaho.

While a freshman at U of I, she met Rick Dalessio, a graduate student from Massachusetts and her lab instructor for her chemistry class. “Romance blossomed amongst the beakers and test tubes,” Barbara smiles. The two were married in 1977 and celebrated their 45th anniversary in 2022.

Barbara served as a magistrate judge for 18 years before being selected as the first female district judge for the First Judicial District—the role she’s held for the past decade. After 28 years sitting on the bench, she is set to lay down the gavel at the end of this month.

Q.What brought you to Sandpoint and when?

A. I graduated from law school in 1983. In 1985, I traveled to Sandpoint to interview with a group of four young male attorneys who were looking to hire an associate. It was early October. The tamaracks were turning to gold, the sun was shining, and the lake was glorious. I remember calling Rick and telling him I was taking this job no matter what they paid me. Luckily, they offered me the job and a fair salary. Rick and I and our two young daughters relocated to Sandpoint in July of 1986.

Q.When did you first realize your passion for law?

A. I grew up in a working-class family. Neither of my parents attended college, and I did not know anyone who was a lawyer. Like my mother, I was a passionate reader, and, unlike her, I never stopped talking and arguing my point of view. I loved writing and debating. Teachers, and other adults, would tell me I should be a lawyer. Although my undergraduate degree is in psychology and I intended to become a child psychologist, in the back of my mind, I always thought about being a lawyer. I decided to take the law school entry exams—the LSATs—and see how I scored. I did well, applied to law school, and here I am.

Q.As a lawyer, what area did you specialize in?

A. When I came to Sandpoint, there was only one other woman attorney in town. My partners encouraged me to specialize in family law, as none of them wanted to handle divorce and custody cases and because they believed many women would prefer a woman attorney. Turns out they were right. After a few years, I privately referred to myself as the divorce queen of Bonner County.

Q.What inspired you to take the leap from lawyer to judge?

A. My first job as an attorney was as a law clerk for the chief justice of the Idaho Supreme Court. I loved that job. Working with the justices and the other clerks honed my ability to look at every side of an issue to try to arrive at the best resolution under the law. I decided as a young law clerk that I would try to become a judge someday.

Q.You served as a magistrate for 18 years before becoming the first female district judge in North Idaho. What did breaking that barrier mean to you? And to other women in law?

A. I was so honored when Governor Otter selected me as the first female district judge for the First Judicial District. It was one of the best moments of my life. As an attorney, I practiced in front of Judge Debra Heise. She was the first female magistrate judge in Bonner County and served as a role model and a mentor for me, both when I was an attorney and when, I too, became a magistrate judge. We now have many talented female attorneys practicing in the First District. I hope that, like Judge Heise, I have been a mentor and a role model for them.

Q.What do you believe has been your biggest accomplishment since taking the bench and why?

A. I like to think I was a judicial pioneer in establishing drug courts, using mediation, and in promoting children’s rights.

Q.How do you hope you've inspired the next generation of women lawyers and judges?

A. Between 2013 and 2020, all three of Bonner County’s judges were women. To my knowledge, that has never happened before or since in the state of Idaho. I hope that I and my fellow judges have inspired the next generation of women lawyers to aspire to become judges.

Q.What local organizations/nonprofits are you involved with in the community? And why are these important to you?

A. I have just been elected to the board of directors of Sandpoint Rotary. I also serve on the board of directors of Food for Our Children, a local nonprofit that provides weekend food bags for Bonner County children. For many years, I served on the board of directors for the Festival at Sandpoint. I have been so fortunate in my life. I have been blessed with a wonderful, supportive husband, a loving family, a healthy body, and a good brain. It is both my duty and my pleasure to give back to the community that has given so much to me.

Q.What do you foresee in your next chapter after retirement?

A. My last day in office as a sitting judge is January 31. After a threemonth mandatory break, I will begin serving as a senior judge, filling in for other judges as needed. I also plan to do both civil and criminal mediation. And, of course, I will remain active in community nonprofits. We have a new granddaughter arriving in February, right after I retire. I plan to spend a lot of time with her and with other grandchildren.

Q.When not serving the community, how do you enjoy spending your time? And with whom?

A. My husband is the love of my life. I met him as a college freshman, and we have been together ever since. In addition to Rick Dalessio, I love being active: walking my dog, riding my bike, skiing, swimming, relaxing on our pontoon boat on the lake, and spending time with our kids, grandkids, extended family and friends. And Rick and I plan to finally take that long-dreamed-of trip to Italy.

Q.Is there anything else you would like to share?

A. I want to say thank you to my district court team and to all my co-workers at the courthouse for their dedication, hard work, and for the unwavering support and friendship they have given me over the last 28 years. I want to say thank you to all the wonderful judges I have served with. And I want to say thank you to the citizens of Bonner and Boundary County. It has been my honor and my privilege to serve as your judge.

WORKING HARD FOR CLIENTS and Treating Them Right

SANDPOINT REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE ROOTED IN COMMUNITY

By JILLIAN CHANDLER

Paul Reizen, his wife Julie and their four boys moved to Sandpoint for the same reason so many people do—because it is one of the greatest small towns in the country! After first visiting Sandpoint as a family nearly 10 years ago, they quickly realized that they wanted to be a part of this special community and raise their children here. They officially made the move to Sandpoint in the summer of 2019.

Paul and Julie worked at a local brokerage for three years before opening their own brokerage—48th Parallel Realty—which has flourished since opening in August of 2022. Named after the 48th Parallel, a circle plane of latitude that is 48 degrees north of the Earth’s equatorial plane, it is also home to spectacular Sandpoint, Idaho. “And we think it is the latitude to live in,” Paul adds.

Before venturing into real estate, Paul was a prosecutor for 15 years, in which he handled complex cases. So, what led him to pursue a career in real estate? “I have always loved real estate. I think it is part of the American dream to own property,” he says. “It is one of the few investments you can actually work on and increase its value.”

Years ago, before meeting his wife, he bought a condo, fixed it up, and sold it for a profit, allowing him to purchase a small home. He sold the home when he and Julie married, and the couple bought a distressed home at the top of their budget and began the process of fixing it up. “We stretched a bit financially and actually took on two roommates in order to afford the improvements we wanted to make to the property,” recalls Paul. “After some time, we completely transformed the home and property, and also had our first two boys there. When it was time to move on as our family grew, we sold the home and almost doubled our investment. It wasn’t easy, but our hard work and patience fixing up our home allowed us a great deal of financial stability, not to mention some incredible memories. I love helping clients experience the joy of having their own home and all the benefits that come along with home ownership.”

Growing up, Paul’s father was a contractor and taught him the value of working hard and treating people right. “These are simple

concepts, but sometimes it’s hard to find brokerages that do both,” according to Paul. “At 48th Parallel, working hard for our clients and treating them right is what has made us successful.”

Paul and Julie are joined by real estate agent Ty Hall. Ty’s experience with real estate began in 2007 managing vacation rentals. In addition to his work at 48th Parallel, he and his wife Ailsa own and operate a property management company that services the property owners of Sandpoint. “We are passionate about helping locals find affordable rentals to live in and creating amazing vacation rental experiences for those looking to visit this special area,” Ty affirms.

Paul believes it’s their team’s extensive professional experience outside of real estate that sets them apart from other brokerages. “Both my wife and I are lawyers, with a combined legal experience of 33-plus years. We live and breathe contracts and negotiations. Ty has his doctorate in psychology, and his career required a specialized skill set in identifying and treating problems, which translates easily to real estate.”

Not only does the 48th Parallel team help clients buy and sell properties, but Paul believes one of their greatest services afforded to their clients occurs before and after the sale. “We have teamed up with a great group of service-providers to help sellers get their homes ready for sale, and to help buyers take care of issues that inevitably come up with owning a home. Whether it is a plumbing problem, finding a well driller, or building an addition, our service team takes care of our clients quickly and affordably.”

Helping clients realize their dreams is what 48th Parallel Realty is all about. “Whether it is residential property, waterfront, that unique homestead, or vacant land, we love helping clients find their dream home here in North Idaho,” affirms Paul. “There is no greater pleasure than giving clients the keys to their new home or helping them sell their existing home so they can move on to their next adventure!”

If you are looking to buy or sell, and ready to take on your next adventure, 48th Parallel Realty will help you on the journey.

A Journey THROUGH CANCER

15TH ANNUAL HEART BALL TO BENEFIT MAMMOGRAPHY

AT BGH

by PATTY HUTCHENS, BONNER GENERAL HEALTH FOUNDATION

Sandpoint resident Cassie Watters was living her dream. At the age of 34, she was a young mother to 2-year-old Granger and enjoying life with her precious son. But that all changed in an instant with a cancer diagnosis.

"I felt a lump when I was breastfeeding and sought the advice of the lactation consultant at the pediatrician's office," explained Watters. "We decided that it was a clogged milk duct, and I became all consumed in being a mom and forgot about it. This was in January of 2020.”

One year later, Watters had open-heart surgery to repair a valve that had been damaged during her pregnancy. While recovering, the lump in her breast became more prominent, so Sandpoint Women’s Health ordered a mammogram, which revealed a tumor.

Everything moved quickly forward to her diagnosis of stage 4 metastatic breast cancer that had metastasized to her bones and liver.

Watters' initial treatment involved six rounds of chemotherapy. Afterward, her scans showed no evidence of active disease in her breast or in her bones and liver, where it had metastasized. Then, approximately six weeks later, Watters began to experience headaches. Her oncologist immediately ordered an MRI of Watters’ brain, which revealed four tumors—one very close to her right optic nerve.

“Five days later, I was at Lovelace Hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico, receiving gamma knife surgery. It was an in-and-out procedure, and I was hiking the next day,” said Watters, who credits Hannah Badger of Sandpoint Women's Health for the transition to New Mexico. “Without her, I truly would be suffering.”

She recently began a new treatment that is known to permeate the brain. "I will have a follow-up MRI soon to see how the surgery went and how my tumors have responded to this new treatment," said Watters.

While Watters’ paternal grandmother died of breast cancer at the age of 47, Watters does not carry the BRCA gene—a gene mutation that puts people at a higher risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer.

Watters expressed her gratitude to Sandpoint Women’s Health and the urgency with which they responded to her symptoms. The day after her appointment, she was able to have her mammogram and was scheduled for a biopsy a few days later.

“The schedule was very busy, but the staff at Sandpoint Women’s Health advocated for me to get in immediately. If it wasn’t for their staff, who knows how much more the cancer would have spread,” said Watters.

Unfortunately, not everyone can obtain their mammogram at Bonner General Health (BGH) so promptly.

"Due to our population growth, there are unfulfilled screening mammogram orders in our system. This means there is likely

undiagnosed breast cancer in our community,” said Daniel Holland, Director of Diagnostic Imaging at BGH.

Bonner General Health Foundation is hoping to change all that. The Foundation’s 15th Annual Heart Ball’s primary focus is to raise funds for an additional mammogram machine, which will allow the Diagnostic Imaging department to perform 20 additional mammograms each day.

“The addition of a new mammography machine will decrease wait times and increase capacity for both screening and diagnostic mammograms, which will result in lives saved,” said Holland.

This year’s Heart Ball will be held on February 4, and the Board is thrilled to announce that it will be in person this year at the Bonner County Fairgrounds. It's an elegant evening with a gourmet dinner served by Pack River Store, dancing, and amazing auction items.

“We had an amazing two years hosting the Heart Ball virtually, but everyone is eager to gather together again and celebrate our 15th annual Heart Ball,” said Board Member and Heart Ball Chair Georgia Simmons.

This year's auction items have something for everyone including, but not limited to, international travel, family adventures, and staycations.

The dessert auction has always been a highlight of the night, with tables bidding on the various desserts offered by local restaurants and individuals who donate their culinary skills to create delectable sweets.

There are several opportunities to participate in and support the 15th annual Heart Ball. Businesses and individuals can purchase a table of eight or a table of 10. There are also various sponsorship opportunities available.

“We have people who have stepped forward and would like to have their sponsorship be in memory or in honor of a loved one who had breast cancer. It’s a wonderful way to honor someone,” said Molly Behrens, Community Development and Foundation Specialist for BGH.

The Bonner General Health Foundation Board of Trustees is comprised of a cross-section of various community members whose goal is to ensure exceptional health care for all of Bonner County's citizens and visitors.

“As a foundation, we strive to build meaningful connections and be a liaison between the hospital and the community, sharing updates, triumphs, and challenges,” said Behrens. “We are storytellers of the care and compassion illustrated daily at Bonner General Health.”

Unlike other nonprofits, whose boards are involved in the day-to-day operations of a business, the function of the Bonner General Health Foundation Board is to raise money to enhance the patients’ experiences. Since its revival 15 years ago, the Foundation, with the incredible support of the community, has raised over $1.4 million for BGH.

“The generosity of our donors has led the way to creating healthier futures for our patients and community. These individuals understand the importance and uniqueness of our hometown hospital,” said Behrens. “The excellent care given inside our doors would not be possible without their support.”

Cassie Watters is also grateful for the community support she has received in her ongoing journey. She received her cancer care at Kootenai Health's Clinic, located at BGH, and said everyone was amazing. "The nurses are angels," she said, adding that everyone from the scheduling department to the social workers were instrumental in her getting to where she is today.

In all that she has been through, Watters has also found time to give back to her community. As the treasurer of Community Cancer Services, a local

“IT IS ESSENTIAL TO PRIORITIZE YOUR OWN HEALTH; NO ONE ELSE WILL DO THAT FOR YOU."

nonprofit that assists cancer patients with financial and emotional needs, she has found a fellowship of women and men that support her.

“Being involved in a program like this helps me take the focus off my struggles and toward helping such a great community,” said Watters. “I enjoy the challenges of the position, fundraising where I can, and contributing to events.”

She urges others to advocate for their health and says mammograms are essential to detect this horrific disease.

“I was a busy mom with 10,000 things to think and worry about, and if I had put myself a little higher on that list, maybe cancer would be in my past,” said Watters. “It is essential to prioritize your own health; no one else will do that for you. As a young woman, I believe it is even more important. Breast cancer does not care how old you are, what your finances are like, or who you are taking care of. It's up to you to be an advocate for yourself.”

She goes on to say that what she has learned about cancer and life is not about medicine, science, or technology. It has also taught her a lot about people.

“Some people are scared of cancer and run away. I've lost a lot of friends through this process, but so many people have resurfaced in my life to fill those holes,” said Watters. “So many new people have come alongside me to support, pray, and laugh with me. Cancer is really about the journey and the community that comes around you. It's a beautiful thing to know you are prayed for and thought of when everything in life hurts.”

To learn more about the 15th annual Heart Ball and the Bonner General Health Foundation, go to BonnerGeneral.org/Foundation. You may also contact Molly Behrens at 208.265.1005 or email her at molly.behrens@bonnergeneral.org.

REAL ESTATE

WRAPPING UP 2022

And what to expect in 2023

by BEN GEANETTA, REALTOR®, TEAM LEAD

Nationwide, the real estate market saw some pretty big swings in 2022, and North Idaho was not immune. The unrealistic year-over-year appreciation of homes slowed only to ramp back up … then come to a halt. The main cause: interest rates being volatile due to inflation.

As interest rates spiked, home prices dropped for the first time in approximately 24 months! During this transition, home buyers who didn’t have to buy a home became weary and chose to hold off, and rightfully so. Who wants a high-priced home with a high interest rate? Exactly. No one.

Overall, North Idaho saw homes stay on the market longer, saw price reductions, and sellers gave more concessions to buyers. Knowing how the market wrapped up in 2022, what can we expect to see in 2023?

Here is real talk, are you ready? No one knows. If we knew then there would be more people in the Bahama’s sipping on Mai Tai’s with a little umbrella decorating their drink. But instead, I will give you my opinion on what I expect based on data and what I’m seeing out in the field.

First, let’s start with a trend: Eight out of the last nine years, the number of homes for sale in North Idaho has fallen. In the month of August 2014, there were a total of 3,304 homes for sale. In 2021, that number shrunk to 986 for the month of August! In 2022, we saw the number of homes for sale come up slightly to 1,642 for the month of August, almost back to 2019 numbers but still well short of 2014.

Now, let’s talk about those amazing mortgage interest rates from the past few years; the sub-4 percent rates. Owners are not likely to trade in their 3 percent rate for a 6.5 percent or even a 5 percent rate; unless they have to. It’s basically free money, and renting the home out to cover the rent will not be an issue.

New construction is still down from the 2008 crash, and with the rising interest rates of 2022, many home builders stopped buying material as their confidence was shaken in fear of buyers not being able to afford to purchase.

Here is the last data point I’ll mention, and I hope you’re sitting down for this one. Nearly 40 percent of all homes in America are mortgage free. Let that sink in. Forty percent of homeowners are not paying a monthly mortgage. This all adds up to low historic inventory, and low inventory with high demand equates to prices remaining strong.

I know where you are going next, but the interest rates, what about those? Won’t that bring prices down? With more homes on the market, there is more competition, therefore prices will come down, right?

All good points, however, factor in this. The crash of 2008 we saw 10.4 months of housing supply. In 2022 there was 3.2 months of supply. When months of supply dip below 3, that is considered a seller’s market, and when months of supply surpass 6 months, that is a buyer’s market. Between 3 and 6 months is a balanced market. So, as you can see, inventory is so low, and with no signs of that changing, prices will stay strong.

That doesn’t address the interest rate, and I’m going to cover that

now. The best thing you can do is turn the TV off and stay off media sites. I know they are calling for 8 percent interest rates, and I disagree with them. This is where the Bahamas comment comes into play.

In late November, the CPI report finally had positive news as the Feds were going to tackle inflation. We saw mortgage rates start to fall from the upper 7s and drop almost 1.5 percent. The rates have stabilized and continue to show improvement.

So, what can we expect with the 2023 housing market? Houses will still appreciate—but at a responsible and realistic rate. I’m predicting a 3.5 to 4.5 percent appreciation. Understand, North Idaho is still a destination, and it’s easier to work remotely thanks to the pandemic.

Affordable housing will still be a challenge, but this doesn’t mean giving up. Be sure to hire a great real estate agent who is knowledgeable, full-time, and has an all-star team. Doing so will help increase the chances of you buying the house you want or selling your house—all while lowering your stress of the transaction.

Nearly 40 percent of all homes in America are mortgage free ... low inventory with high demand equates to prices remaining strong.

MARKET REPORT

Market Snap Shot

courtesy of

BEN

GEANETTA, REALTOR®, TEAM LEAD

THERE HAVE BEEN LESS HOMES FOR SALE YEAR-OVERYEAR IN EIGHT OF THE LAST NINE YEARS, which includes all three of Idaho’s three northern counties. I expect inventory in 2023 to remain around 2022 levels or possibly a slight improvement. If you want to own a home and plan on staying for more than 36 months, then you should buy, but if you plan to flip or only hold the house for less than 24 months, you may want to stay on the sidelines.

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

Melanie Geaslin Realtor

"My husband and I relocated to Idaho to be close to our family. We connected with Whitney, and our relationship was comfortable from the first day we met. She is professional and so willing to help us with some uncharted territory. She answered all of our questions, and if she wasn't sure of the answer, she found it out right away! I would really recommend Elite Realty Partners to anyone looking for a home."

- Melinda Johnson

I, along with my family, made Sandpoint our forever home in 2011, and I have been serving the local community's real estate needs since early 2018. With a former 13-year career in senior management, I bring a level of attention to detail and thorough communication to my clients, which has resulted in my unbroken 5-star rating. I have always been driven by excellence, which motivated me to earn my Associate Broker License in 2022. I make it a point to treat each client like family, and the best compliment is when clients become friends, and they trust you to take care of their family and friends as well. When I'm not working, you'll find me leading worship at North Summit Church, working out at Sandpoint Strength, skiing and hiking with friends, and spending quality time with my husband and two boys. Wishing you a bright and healthy 2023!

"Ben and Elite Realty Partners were professional, attentive, and knowledgeable on current market trends. Their work on getting our house ready for sale was outstanding and first class. He was always available and kept us informed of the negotiations with potential buyers. I would highly recommend him!"

- Manny Figueroa

You often hear the words “local expert” in real estate, yet often times they're hollow words. I helped cofound Elite Realty Partners in 2022 with the idea of bringing a better experience not only for agents in North Idaho but also for my community. Having a strong background in training and support, I made the decision to put my skills to work and create a business model geared by hands-on training; learning new strategies, thinking outside of the box and passing along personal experiences to my business partners, which has led to a highly trained real estate team in the North Idaho region. This has resulted in happy customers who receive better representation, along with progressive industry-leading marketing and consistent innovation. Basically, the standardized bar of quality and experience have been raised.

So why do we have the word "Partners" in our name? It was important for me to show the real estate agents that the people I work with are more than team members, or simply a number. Having an established partnership with one another creates stronger unity and trust. Every agent who is part of Elite Realty Partners has a different background, experience and level of education. As individuals, we could have grown and survived, but working together, our growth has exponentially surged—and we have been thriving. Now this could not be possible without our amazing clients, so I want to say thank you and God bless.

J a c k i e S u a r e z

W O R L D - C L A S S R E A L E S T A T E P R O F E S S I O N A L

LET YOUR INNER ARTIST SHINE IN 2023

REGISTER FOR ONE OF THE MANY CLASSES OFFERED THROUGH POAC

by JILLIAN CHANDLER

It was one year ago that Pend Oreille Arts Council unveiled the Joyce Dillon Studio to honor the legacy of Joyce through the namesake art studio.

When Joyce passed away in the summer of 2020, more than a dozen nonprofits in Bonner County were the beneficiaries of her estate—and Pend Oreille Arts Council was honored to be a recipient of her generosity. Thanks to the generous donation left to them, the board and staff of the POAC wanted to find a way to use the funds to ensure Joyce’s name and legacy lived on. They formed the JDS Committee, and planning for the new studio space began. It would make its home in a space at the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint (110 Main Street), upstairs from where the Pend Oreille Arts Council’s office resides.

As Board President Carol Deaner shares on POAC's website, "One of [Joyce's] last wishes was to help POAC continue its mission of providing artistic and cultural opportunities for the citizens of

our community. The first step of this wish is the establishment of a classroom/studio where local artists and students, both young and old, can continue expanding their artistic endeavors.”

Through the Joyce Dillon Studio, students are encouraged to gather, learn and create. If you're hoping to explore your artistic side, or continue to nurture your already established passion for art, it's time to explore all the classes offered through the studio.

From creating glass chimes from recycled material to weaving, urban sketching and wildlife and landscape painting, to pastels, oil painting and kimekomi, as well as photography, there's no shortage of mediums to delve into.

The current catalog of classes (with dates, times, descriptions and costs), can be found online at ArtsinSandpoint.org/jds-student. The schedule currently offers classes January through May.

TAMMY MITZKA CRAWFORD

Frozen Fun

SKATING ON LAKE PEND OREILLE

brought to you by THE

fun fact LOCAL

Before Albeni Dam was constructed, Lake Pend Oreille was much shallower than it is today. When it froze, people could walk a mile out on it. Temperatures would drop, and soon the water would become still and solid. Father Winter’s arrival would turn Lake Pend Oreille into a beautiful new landscape to be explored.

It is known that people used to skate from the Long Bridge to Dover, and the daring would continue to Laclede.

At the time, City Beach was also a lot different. It was just a bare natural beach with a single beach house. The City Beach Road acted as a dike, and water would collect down the middle of the road. When it froze it became a circular ice track. Children would take their skates to school slung over their shoulders, and at the end of the day, when that final school bell rang, they would spend their evening gliding across the frosty glaze.

Your business MATTERS and DESERVES to be recognized. In every edition of Go Sandpoint Magazine, your business can be featured and seen by thousands. Are you ready to be a part of our local guide?

Sign up online today to reserve your spot.

GoSandpointMagazine.com/Sandpoint-Local-Guide-Sign-Up Contact us for more information! info@like-media.com

SANDPOINT’S

Man and woman ice skating on Lake Pend Oreille with railroad bridge and Gold Mountain in the background, circa 1930s. Photo by Dr. John Page. Photo courtesy of Bonner County Historical Society and Museum, donated to the collection by Jim Parsons Junior.

BONNER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY & MUSEUM

Best Western Edgewater Resort

Best Western Plus Ponderay

Bottle Bay Resort & Marina

800.780.7234 • 208.263.3194

BestWesternEdgewater.com

800.780.7234 • 208.255.4500

BestWestern.com

208.263.5916

BottleBayResort.com

Dover Bay Waterfront Resort 208.265.159

DoverBayIdaho.com

208.263.5383

Hotel Ruby Sandpoint/Ponderay

Cedar Street Hotel & Suites

Lodge at Sandpoint

Schweitzer Mountain Resort

Seasons at Sandpoint

Sleep’s Cabins

HotelRubyPonderay.com

208.263.9581

CedarStreetHotel.com

208.263.2211

LodgeAtSandpoint.com

208.263.9555 Schweitzer.com

877.594.3550 Seasons.life

208.255.2122 • 866.302.2122 SleepsCabins.com

Western Pleasure Guest Ranch 888.863.9066 • 208.263.9066

WesternPleasureRanch.com

THINGS TO DO

Art Walk

Festival at Sandpoint

Sandpoint SummerFest

Schweitzer Fall Fest

The Idaho Club

Art / Music Event

Art / Music Event

Art / Music Event

Art / Music Event

Festival

Golf Courses

Summer Summer Summer

Summer

Fall Spring / Summer / Fall

208.263.6139 208.263.6139 208.265.4554 FestivalatSandpoint.com

208.263.2217

ArtinSandpoint.org/arts-crafts-fair

ArtinSandpoint.org/artwalk

Eureka-Institute.org/sandpointsummerfest.html

Schweitzer.com

TheIdahoClub.com

Geo Hali Sandpoint Helicopter Charters

Lake Pend Oreille Cruises

Golf Courses Tours / Charters Tours / Charters

Tours / Charters

Spring / Summer / Fall Summer Summer

Sandpoint Elks Golf Course -

GeoHeliSpokane.com Go Fish! Charters GoFishCharters.org

208.263.9555 208.265.2345 208.263.4321 509.795.1311 208.597.5020

Bottle Bay Resort & Marina

Action Water Sports

Sandpoint Watercraft Rentals

Marina Marina Marina Outdoor / Mountain Activities Water Recreation / Rentals

Water Recreation / Rentals

LakePendOreilleCruises.com

BottleBayResort.com Dover Bay Resort DoverBayIdaho.com

Sandpoint Marina SandpointWaterfront.com Western Pleasure Guest Ranch WesternPleasureRanch.com

Water Recreation / Rentals

TOP 10 ACTIVITIES

Take a Brewery Tour

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

Catch a Show at the Panida Theater

Stop in the historic theater for an independent feature or short film.

Panida.org

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

TheWildflowerDaySpa.com | HighlandsNorthDaySpa.com

Summer Summer Summer Summer Year-Round Summer Summer Summer

208.255.5253 208.263.5916 208.265.1597 208.263.3083 888.863.9066 208.263.9066 208.255.7100 208.265.9672 208.920.9292

ActionWaterSportsLessons.com

SandpointWaterCraftRentals.com

Sandpoint Watersports SandpointWatersports.com

Visit Schweitzer Mountain

Explore the village dining and shopping and enjoy the adventures in summer and winter. Schweitzer.com

Do a Tasting at the Local Winery Enjoy local sips from Pend d’Oreille Winery. POWine.com

You need to get found on Google. We will help you rank near the top without paid ads. Learn more at www.searchmonster.io