COMMUNITY
Aster Garden Center celebrates local jewelry artisan By Reader Staff Madeline French will showcase her fine jewelry at a special Garden Art Party on Wednesday, July 22 from 5-7 p.m. at the Aster Garden Center (924 West Superior St., in Sandpoint). The evening will connect attendees with the artist herself and give everyone a chance to peruse the collection and enjoy an evening in the garden with refreshments. French grew up in North Idaho, working alongside multiple generations at her family’s lumber yard and spending her free time outside in the area’s forests, mountains and rivers. Today, her regionally recognized jewelry takes inspiration from that nature-centered upbringing. “I wanted to craft pieces that combine the strength I feel in the outdoors with the delicate beauty I find in the world around me,” stated French.
Madeline French. Courtesy photo “Every piece I make tells a story.” The evening, hosted by Kaniksu Land Trust, seeks to build community while highlighting the nonprofit’s connection to local art and nature. Learn more at kaniksu.org and madelinefrenchdesigns.com.
Schweitzer Winefest offers samples from 20 regional wineries By Reader Staff Schweitzer is again hosting its annual Northwest Winefest, with participating oenophiles gathering Saturday, July 18-Sunday, July 19 on the mountain to sip samples from 20 wineries drawn from Idaho, Oregon and Washington. Events start at 11 a.m. both days, with chairlift rides and activities in the village, along with arts and crafts vendors and local food trucks before tastings begin at noon. Sydney Dale will provide live music from noon-2 p.m. on Saturday, followed by The Whags from 2:30-4:30 p.m. and Pancho from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. On Sunday, AP Collective will perform tunes from noon-2 p.m. and The Bed Heads will play from 2:30-5 p.m. Tastings, bottle sales and food vendors continue throughout the day until
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7 p.m. on Saturday and until 5 p.m. on Sunday. Cost of admission to the 21+ event is the purchase of a Northwest Winefest souvenir stemless 15-ounce glass for $45, which also buys attendees five tasting tickets, each good for a two-ounce pour of any of the 80 wines available (while supplies last). Wine glasses are valid for use both days and can be bought on the day of the event or pre-purchased at schweitzer.com through Thursday, July 16. Parking is free at the Lakeview and Gateway lots, with complimentary, no-service RV parking at the fire station near the roundabout. The SPOT bus will also run shuttles from the Red Barn at the base of the mountain to the village every 30 minutes starting at 11 a.m. Last shuttles down will leave at 7 p.m. on Saturday and 5 p.m. on Sunday, arriving at 7:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., respectively.
Bonner County Historical Society remembers America’s 1976 Bicentennial By Reader Staff In honor of America’s 250th anniversary this past July 4, the Bonner County Historical Society and East Bonner County Library District are looking back on the 1976 bicentennial with a special presentation and permanent display. The History Exchange, including a social hour, will take place from 4:30-6 p.m. on Thursday, July 16 at the library’s Sandpoint Branch (1407 Cedar St.). The event kicks off the library’s new permanent display featuring Bonner County’s bicentennial quilt, sewn 50 years ago by more than 40 residents.
The work of art, which has not been displayed in several decades, is made up of vignettes depicting local landmarks and cultural touchstones that make Bonner County unique. Take in the quilt and meet with fellow history lovers from 4:30-5:15 p.m., at which point the evening’s speaker, Susan Moon, will take the stage. A longtime resident and Realtor, Moon knows all there is to know about Bonner County and will share her recollections on how the local community celebrated America’s bicentennial five decades ago. To learn more about the historical society, visit bonnercountyhistory.org.
Protect local public lands with Idaho Conservation League By Reader Staff The Idaho Conservation League will host an informational seminar Thursday, July 16 on the Idaho Panhandle Public Lands Initiative and proposed plans for the Selkirk Mountains at Evans Brothers Coffee (524 Church St., in Sandpoint). The meetup runs from 6-7:30 p.m. and will give attendees the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about local land management while enjoying complimentary drinks and snacks.
“Protecting North Idaho’s Wildlands: An Introduction to the Idaho Panhandle Public Lands Initiative” is a community discussion of “conservation, recreation, restoration and working forest values” facilitated by ICL’s staff. Presenters will discuss work done in collaboration with local stakeholders to preserve area wilderness for future generations. A question-and-answer session will follow the presentations, as well as a free raffle. Visit idahoconservation.org for more information.