Reader_October26_2017

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208.263.4005 A SandPint Tradition Since 1994

2 / R / October 26, 2017

"vino" practicing crane pose at north idaho animal hospital

(wo)MAN compiled by

Susan Drinkard

on the street

What do you want to be for Halloween? What was the spookiest costume you’ve ever seen?

“I’m going to be a blue fairy. I have my wand, a tiara and blue tights. I have my costume already. I saw a scary girl in a wolf costume at the pumpkin patch!”

Fiona 5 years old Sandpoint Cora: “A giraffe.”

Taylor: “A cowboy.”

Twins Cora and Taylor 2.5-year-old twins Sandpoint

“Spider-Man!” Kit 4 years old Sandpoint

DEAR READERS,

Bwa ha haa! It’s that time of year again, when grown adults and children alike dress up like demons, fairies, princesses, ax murderers and popular film characters all to fleece their neighbors out of their stashes of candy.

Yes, Halloween is upon us again. Some love this holiday.

Others despise it. I count myself as one of those who thoroughly enjoys dressing up and making a fool of myself. This year, my band is playing the 219 on Saturday, so we’ll see how well I can play music while in full make up and costume. Chances are, not well.

This week, as you may have noticed, there are an inordinate amount of bats strewn throughout the Reader. No, it isn’t an acid flashback from “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” it’s another giveaway contest!

The prize is $25 in dining and drinking bucks from MickDuff’s Beer Hall.

How do you win? I’m glad you asked. It’s simple: Count how many bats you see on all 24 pages of the Reader. Go onto Facebook to find my contest post, then comment with how many bats you count. On Friday evening, we’ll select the winning comments and pick one at random to be the winner of the MickDuff’s dining/drinking bucks. Make sure you check everywhere: the front cover, the advertisements, the nooks and crannies. There are bats everywhere!

On a side note, many of you may know Tom Colstrum, who often works along First Ave. for various businesses doing odd jobs. Tom is looking for a place to live for the winter and is hoping it will turn into a permanent situation.

He wants to avoid being without a home this winter and also wants to express that he is clean and sober and has been for seven years.

To anyone who might be able to help Tom out, he asks that you call him at (435) 531-2253. He said he can afford $250-$300 per month for rent and is also willing to help out with chores if that’s a possibility. If you can’t get in touch with Tom for some reason, email me at the address to the right, and I’ll make sure to pass along the message.

Creep on creepin’ on, Sandpoint.

-Ben Olson, Publisher

208.263.1444 “A Seahawk — number 12.”

Will 8 years old Priest River

Customer Appreciaaon Day “An army guy.

The scariest thing was a skeleton on TV.” Oliver 6 years old Sandpoint “I will be going as a scary black cat. I will be lurking in alleyways and corridors that night. And yes, I will cross your path.”

Jakey Owned by Mary and Greg at Milltown Sandpoint

I appreciate each and every one of you every day... but on this day, I get to really show you the love!

•Philly Cheesesteaks •Hoagies •Burgers •Hot Dogs •50 Flavors of milkshakes 102 Church Street •Sandpoint, ID

Come out and Trick-or-Treat the Truck! No tricks really, just treats like special discounts and prizes including the grand prize of a year subscription of mini bouquets!

Enjoy refreshments and mini classes too!

READER 111 Cedar Street, Suite 9 Sandpoint, ID 83864 (208)265-9724

www.sandpointreader.com Publisher: Ben Olson ben@sandpointreader.com Editor: Cameron Rasmusson cameron@sandpointreader.com Zach Hagadone (emeritus) John Reuter (emeritus) Advertising: Jodi Taylor Jodi@sandpointreader.com Contributing Artists: Jodi Rawson (cover), Ben Olson, Sandpoint Library, NOAA, Bonner General Health, Scott Rulander.

Contributing Writers: Cameron Rasmusson, Ben Olson, Lyndsie Kiebert, A.C. Woolnough, Mayor Shelby Rognstad, Jodi Rawson, Brenden Bobby, Jim Mitsui, Sandra Rasor, Amy Craven, Robens Napolitan, Jeanette Schandelmeier, Ammi Midstokke, Dianne Smith, Erik Daarstad, Marcia Pilgeram, Suzen Fiskin.

Submit stories to: stories@sandpointreader.com Printed weekly at: Griffin Publishing Spokane, Wash.

Subscription Price: $95 per year Web Content: Keokee The Sandpoint Reader is a weekly publication owned and operated by Ben Olson and Keokee. It is devoted to the arts, entertainment, politics and lifestyle in and around Sandpoint, Idaho.

We hope to provide a quality alternative by offering honest, in-depth reporting that reflects the intelligence and interests of our diverse and growing community.

The Reader is printed on recycled paper using soy-based ink. Leftover copies are collected and recycled weekly, or burned in massive bonfires to appease the gods of journalism. Free to all, limit two copies per person.

Sandpoint Reader letter policy: The Sandpoint Reader welcomes letters to the editor on all topics.

Requirements: –No more than 400 words –Letters may not contain excessive profanity or libelous material. Please elevate the discussion.

Letters will be edited to comply with the above requirements. Opinions expressed in these pages are those of the writers, not necessarily the publishers.

Email letters to: letters@sandpointreader.com Check us out on the web at: www.sandpointreader.com Like us on Facebook.

About the Cover

This week’s cover was drawn

by Jodi Rawson. Thanks for another great cover, Jodi.

October 26, 2017 / R / 3

Letters to the Editor COMMENTARY Ode to the Idaho GOP...

Dear Editor, GOP, oh GOP, think about what you’re doing to me.

Almost at the bottom of the nation is your funding for education.

Deregulation and privatization isn’t the answer for a health nation.

Pending giveaway of federal lands to benefit only the richest hands.

Abolishment of clean air and water regulations will put us on our knees, dealing with possible new disease.

For all of us you represent, could some of you show dissent to the corporate takeover element?

Appalling income inequality should not be the continuing reality.

We are at a crossroad of how good we can be or how much the elite need.

Please level the playing field so all can succeed.

David Baranksi Hope

Love Lives Here...

Dear Editor, Many thanks to all the businesses and homes that have placed the “Love Lives Here” sign in their windows. The sign appeared on the back page of the Sept. 21 issue of the Reader. Also, printed yard signs of “Love Lives Here” can be found in front lawns of citizens throughout the area.

Without the support of Sandpoint Indivisible, Bonner County Human Rights Task Force, Progressives – Independents of the Inland Northwest, and 350 Sandpoint.org, this display of community unity would not have occurred.

Love does, indeed, triumph over hate.

Jim Healey Sandpoint

SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL A column about the trials and tribulations of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s Disease 101

By A.C. Woolnough Reader Columnist This is my first regular column in the Reader, and I want to thank Ben Olson for the opportunity to share my journey with PD. Welcome, new readers, and welcome back, former readers, of the River Journal (where these columns first appeared).

Two questions about Parkinson’s Disease immediately come to mind: What is PD? Why should I care? The answer to the second question is the easiest to answer. It affects more than a million people in the U.S., it’s aggregated cost is $14 billion annually and the number of people with PD is expected to double by 2040. Birthdays have been proven to be good for you — the more you have, the longer you live! That’s important because the primary risk factor for Parkinson’s is age. Every day of your life increases the odds that you may be diagnosed with PD. About 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the U.S. So, what exactly is Parkinson’s Disease? To find out, let’s take a short journey in my time machine. Exactly 200 years ago, a rather astute and observant British physician noted that one in several

A.C. Woolnough. hundred people that passed by his window exhibited tremors, a slow or shuffling gait and balance issues. He described this in a manuscript entitled “Essay on the Shaking Palsy.” Although earlier cultures had noticed PD symptoms for thousands of years, Jim (those of us with PD can refer to Dr. James Parkinson informally) furnished the basis for modern diagnosis, research and treatment. For almost 150 years, PD was thought to be a motor disease and only exhibited by elderly people. We now know that people as young as 20 are diagnosed with early-onset PD. In addition, there are more

Sandpoint Film Festival 2017 “My Sister Buggy”

A short film

by Peter Gatch

Editor’s Note: For those who missed the opportunity to cut out their “Love Lives Here” sign from the back page in September, the ad is running again on the back page of this week’s issue. Please cut it out and hang it in your home or business to show your love for our community. -Ben Olson Got something to say? Write a letter to the editor at letters@sandpointreader.com. Under 400 words, and please elevate the discussion.

4 / R / October 26, 2017

Filmed in Sandpoint!

non-motor symptoms associated with PD than movement issues.

Parkinson’s is easier described than explained. As a neurological disorder, it is chronic (it isn’t going away) and it is progressive (it’s going to get worse). Some basic science is now in order. Pay attention, there will be a quiz later! Not really, just kidding. Before motor symptoms appear, about 60 to 80 percent of the neurons (brain cells) in a specific region of the brain (the substantia nigra or black substance) that produce a needed neurotransmitter (dopamine) malfunction and die. These neurons send messages to control movement. Scientists have a good idea how — a protein (alpha-synuclein) misfolds, clumps and cause cell death. What scientists don’t know is exactly why this happens. OK, that’s all the science for today.

As mentioned earlier, researchers have uncovered a myriad of non-motor symptoms. The most common include loss of sense of smell, pain, fatigue, constipation, sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, urinary problems and dementia.

Side effects of medication can include uncontrollable limb movements and compulsive behaviors (gambling, shopping or hypersexuality). Given that each PWP (person

with Parkinson’s) exhibits a different combination of all these possible symptoms, many people say that if you’ve met one person with Parkinson’s, you’ve met one person with Parkinson’s. Before the term was politicized, PD was frequently called a snowflake disease: No two cases are exactly alike.

Diagnosing PD is a challenge—there is no procedure or test — known to doctors as a biomarker — to guarantee an accurate diagnosis. That’s why medicine is an art as well as a science. There is one surefire way to tell if someone had Parkinson’s. It’s called an autopsy. It’s something most of us would prefer to avoid for as long as possible!

The most difficult part of writing this introductory column was deciding what to leave out. In future columns, I will discuss therapies, treatments, current research, participating in clinical trials, political advocacy, care partners and more.

If you have PD or have a family member or friend with PD, please consider attending the Bonner County PD Support Group that meets the second Monday of the month at 2 p.m. in the conference room at BGH. In the meantime, feel free to contact me at acwooly@gmail.com.

Saturday, Nov. 4 • Panida Theater ••Sandpoint Film block starts at 11:30am Kid-friendly films start at 1pm

The annual Sandpoint Film Festival will offer something extraordinary this year. Scheduled for the Panida Theater Saturday, Nov. 4, “My Sister Buggy” is a happy, highly entertaining, upbeat environmental statement featuring Sandpoint’s own Adeline Henney, 12 and sister Violet (Buggy), 7. The girls, a year younger when their uncle Peter Gatch of Park City, Utah produced the video, are soccer-playing daughters of Justin and Angela Henney of Sandpoint. Adeline is a 7th grader at Sandpoint Middle School.

Violet is a 2nd grader at Washington.

S From more than 2,800 entries, festival founder Janice Jarzabek and “mentor” Erik Daarstad chose just 36 short films for the all-day Panida screenings. “My Sister Buggy,” written and filmed locally by Gatch, is the only entry featuring Sandpoint and Sandpoint residents. The Panida’s doors open at 11:30 a.m. Saturday morning for the first of several film categories. After a brief break at 1:15, several short “kid-friendly” films will be screened. “My Sister Buggy” will then close morning program. the mo A conversation with the actors and produce of “My Sister Buggy” will follow the film. Adeline, Violet and producer Peter Gatch will field questions from the Panida stage. Festival leaders Jarzabek and Daarstad invite all friends of Adeline and Violet, and their families, to attend the free Saturday morning festival and applaud our own young actresses in “My Sister Buggy.”

OPINION

Halloween Happenings An open invitation to the public

Part 4

By Mayor Shelby Rognstad Reader Contributor This article is the last installment of a four-part series through October describing my goals and priorities as mayor of Sandpoint.

Those are: 1) Engage the public to address community concerns.

2) Improve the local economy. 3) Sustain quality of life for Sandpoint residents. 4) Keep Sandpoint affordable.

Priority #4: Keep Sandpoint Affordable When I moved here in 1999, I built a garden and an off-grid cabin in the woods. Half of my $700-per-month income went toward my mortgage. Most of my time went into the homestead. I aspired to be like others here: resourceful and gritty. One doesn’t have to make a lot of money to live a good life in Sandpoint. But we must be smart and adaptable if we want to keep it that way.

Tourism is great for local business, particularly those in the service-related industries. Being “too desirable,” however, impacts affordability. We have seen this story played out in nearly every successful mountain town in the west over the last several decades: Vale, Sun Valley, etc. Housing is the single greatest expense for most families. When housing prices become inflated, other costs of living follow. Land use policy has tremendous influence on housing affordability. By keeping housing costs affordable, we will avoid the fate that has befallen nearly every other successful resort community.

The city does this by encouraging increased density. Increased density provides more housing to support job growth, creates more housing choices which translates to more affordability for all income levels, owners and renters and reduces the city’s cost to provide services. It requires fewer miles of streets and limits the cost of utilities, snow removal, police, fire and other city services. Density also reduces transportation costs for residents and creates a

Mayor Shelby Rognstad

more active streetscape, a vibrant community and a healthy economy.

Upon completion of our updated zoning codes in 2012, a number of the changes allow for greater density citywide. Single-family neighborhoods allow for accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Minimum lot size was reduced by 50 percent.

The multi-family zone allows for more units per lot. Commercial zones provide development bonuses for residential development above or behind commercial uses.

Now the city is working to ensure workforce housing is considered in future development of the North Boyer area.

Sandpoint is defining itself as more than a tourist town. It has depth. It has an increasingly diversified economy and knack for innovation. It has historical character, beauty and a tremendous quality of life. So far, it is still affordable. My goal is to encourage more adaptive and creative land-use policies and development which support workforce housing, bolsters the economy and maintains affordability for all homeowners and renters.

Other areas where the city can impact cost of living include utilities, fees and efficiencies in service delivery. On the campaign trail I often heard residents concerned that utility costs are too high. It is true that Sandpoint’s water and sewer rates are higher than typical for many cities.

There are good reasons for this.

We have not one but two groundwater sources, Sand Creek Plant and the Lake Plant. Surface water

requires a higher level of treatment than an underground aquifer or well. Redundant infrastructure comes with a cost. Rate-payers are currently paying off two bonds, one for the lake plant and one for the wastewater plant. Fortunately, the city refinanced the sewer bond last year saving rate-payers $1 million while reducing our payoff period by five years. The city also reduced water and sewer hook-up fees by half in 2016. This has the dual effect of saving money and encouraging more development where the savings are passed on to renters and buyers.

We all want affordability.

Affordability impacts our quality of life, our economy and enables prosperity for all.

Today is the first “Lunch With The Mayor” informal meeting to be held on the last Thursday of the month. It will be held from 12-1 p.m. at the Cedar Street Bistro in the Cedar Street Bridge. I welcome all to join me to discuss the local economy, quality of life affordability and other issues of local concern.

Halloween is always a time of fun and mirth around Sandpoint.

Here’s a quick rundown of events, including family-friendly options (for Halloween events occurring over the weekend, please check our events calendar in the center spread): Scarywood Haunted Nights

Bonner Mall Trick-or-Treating

Arguably one of the most frightening experiences to be had in North Idaho (aside from shopping at Walmart on payday). Don’t miss the new interactive walk-through along with Planet Zombie, a first-ofits-kind immersive experience.

Not recommended for children 12 and under. Check out ScarywoodHaunt.com for more info

For all children 12 and under, this is a safe, family-friendly place to celebrate Halloween.

Come out from 4-6 p.m. on Halloween night and take part in a costume contest with two divisions; 6 and under and 7-12 years old. Cash prizes for scariest, funniest, most original and best overall costumes.

Free Kids Halloween Carnival

Trick-or-Treat at the Museum

The Sandpoint Church of the Nazarene will offer a free kids Halloween Carnival from 5:308:30 p.m. Enjoy free hot dogs, funnel cakes, chili, local cider, popcorn, games and cotton candy. All free!

The Bonner Co. History Museum partners with the Sandpoint Lions Club to offer a safe, fun and festive place to trick-ortreat from 4-7 p.m.. Enjoy cider and popcorn and see the Museum like you’ve never before.

Costume Party and Karaoke

Double Movie Feature

For adults who want to get down, head to the 219 Lounge in costume. Sing karaoke with your friends or just come to watch and listen. Prizes will be offered for the best costume and best singer. The fun starts at 9 p.m.

The Panida Theater will show a double spooky film feature with “Night of the Living Dead” and the remastered original “Halloween.” Admission is $12 for both or $7 for one. The fun starts at 7 p.m.

October 26, 2017 / R / 5

COMMUNITY

Feeding hundreds, uniting community

DAR American History Essay Contest

By Reader Staff

Bouquets: • A bouquet goes out to the Angels Over Sandpoint and Tommy Puckett, who made it possible for the Sandpoint Teen Center to purchase a refrigerator. When the Angels offered an initial $1,000 donation, it got halfway to the mark until Tommy Puckett stepped in to match it. Thanks to both, the Teen Center was able to purchase the refrigerator, which helps continue on its mission to help the youth in our community.

Barbs: •This barb came into our voicemail from a spirited gentleman who had a few bones to pick.

First, the caller said the Ponderay Police Department should keep a better handle on all the “Candadian and Montana drivers that blow through the stop lights” and “race through at high speeds.” The caller also wanted the Sandpoint Police Department to keep a better eye on people that cut through parking lots to avoid stop lights.

Specifically, the issue is that people cut through the parking lots of Fifth Ave. Restaurant to avoid the light at Larch and Fifth (and the same across the street for Gas n’ Go’s parking lot). The caller also wanted to point out that cutting across parking lots to avoid lights is a violation of state law.

•We try to treat every one of our contributors as fairly as we can. They are the lifeblood that makes this paper a true community effort. However, from time to time, a submitted piece of writing or artwork doesn’t fit for one reason or another. It’s always difficult making that call and denying publication. It’s not done out of malice or because we have an agenda — it’s a standard editorial practice for any publication. Trust me, if we published everything that came through our inbox, you’d probably have written us off by now. What I’m trying to say is; if we turned down your work in the past, it isn’t because we don’t appreciate your effort. Try again and keep creating. And good luck.

6 / R / October 26, 2017

By Jodi Rawson Reader Contributor The 65th annual Harvest Dinner was held at Northside Elementary on Saturday, Oct. 21, and it served over 350 community members. Northside’s Harvest Dinner is traditionally a complete “Thanksgiving” with turkey and all of the side dishes.

It has always been a great deal for a great meal. The PTO (the Parent Teacher Organization that orchestrates the Harvest Dinner) often does a little better than break even with this community event, but it has become a well loved tradition that people love volunteer at.

Carleen Pratt has been the lead cook for this event for 13 years. She grew up in Kootenei, graduated from Sandpoint High School and attended North Idaho College. She has worked

Northside’s lunch lady, Carleen Pratt and Principal, Perky Hagadone serve up the 65th annual Harvest Dinner. Photo by Jodi Rawson

with the LPSOD Child Nutrition program in Hope, Farmin and Northside elementary schools for over 20 years. This Harvest Dinner is Pratt’s last one. She is retiring after this school year and plans a traveling life, visiting friends, family and sunshine.

According to Northside Principal, Ms. Hagadone, Pratt is an environmentalist, insisting on real silverware and bowls instead of the throwaway items that most school cafeterias use.

Hagadone was elbow deep in dishes part of the Harvest Dinner, and the other part of the evening she was bussing tables.

Thanks to Pratt, Hagadone, the Northside teaching staff, and dozens of parents and students, the 65th annual Harvest Dinner was a great success.

Synchronized swimming offered

By Reader Staff

Like dancing, gymnastics and swimming? Sandpoint Parks and Recreation and the Sandpoint West Athletic Club are offering a new activity – synchro – that combines the grace of dance and the power of gymnastics to perform fun water skills like somersaults, walkovers, oysters, torpedo sculls and more. Goggles and nose plugs are recommended.

Participants must be nine years or older and have the ability to competently float, submerge in five feet of water, and swim 25 meters each stroke – front crawl and breaststroke.

Classes are at Sandpoint West Athletic Club (1905 Pine Street) on Fridays from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Sessions begin the first Friday of the month in November and the months of January through April.

Registration deadlines are two days prior to session start dates.

Register for the Nov. 3 session

by Nov 1. The class fee is $40 per session ($5 in-city limit discount). There is a minimum of four and a maximum of ten participants for this class, so register early!

Visit www.sandpointidaho. gov/parksrecreation for more info or call 208-263-3613.

Each year the Wild Horse Trail Chapter and the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution sponsor an American history essay contest for students in the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth grades and a Christopher Columbus essay contest for students in the ninth, 10th, 11th and 12th grades.

All students in public school, private school, parochial school and home school are welcome and encouraged to participate. This is an opportunity for budding writers to express themselves in the first person on a topic that is provided to them.

This is a wonderful opportunity to learn something they may not be familiar with and then express

themselves in the first person and share with others what they have learned.

The American history topic is a first-person remembrance of World War I, and the Christopher Columbus topic is on working relationships between foreign parties. Additional information and instructions will be provided to those who would like to participate in these walks through history.

Essay topics and instructions have been sent to the schools and all completed essays must be sent to Robin Rawlings via email no later than Thursday, Dec. 7.

Robin’s email address for essay questions, essay documents, and to return your essays is DAR.Americanhistorycontest@ gmail.com.

Trick-or-Treat at the Museum

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

The Bonner County History Museum will host its fifth annual Trick-or-Treat event from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 31.

This free event, held in conjunction with the Sandpoint Lions Club, is a chance for parents to provide their children with a safe place to trick-or-treat on Halloween Night.

The Museum will be open for trick-or-treating, but visitors will also be able to experience the exhibits decked out in Halloween decorations. Museum volunteers and staff will hand out candy and school supplies to its spooky visitors.

Next door, the Lion’s Den will have warm drinks and sweet treats available for those needing a break from the weather.

Both locations are open to the public and totally free to attend.

The Bonner County History Museum is located adjacent to Lakeview Park and Memorial Field in Sandpoint.

Children’s intro to self-defense

By Reader Staff Sandpoint Taekwondo will be offering children aged 5 through 13 an introductory taekwondo, karate and self-defense class starting Thursday, Nov. 2.

Those interested should pre-register no later than Monday, Oct. 30. Session fees are $52 (those living within the city limits get a $2 discount) and includes a uniform and two weeks of lessons

on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:15-4 p.m. Sessions will take place at Sandpoint Taekwondo, 218 Main St. Each session will teach basic self-defense skills and highlight the importance of self-discipline and character-building in a child-friendly setting.

To register, visit www.sandpointidaho.gov/parksrecretaion or call (208) 263-3613.

NEWS

Conservation groups request permit suspension for mines

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff Hecla Mining Company is facing more opposition from conservation groups in implementing plans to open new Montana mines.

A coalition of environmental groups have requested that the Montana Department of Environmental Quality suspend permits for the Coeur d’Alenebased mining company on the basis of “bad actor” provisions. If successful, the move would hinder the Rock Creek and Montanore mining operations proposed for Northwest Montana.

The proposed Montana mines have long been of interest to Bonner County conservationists, who worry runoff from the mines could affect water quality in local lakes and rivers.

“The Rock Creek and Montanore mines, which are planned in the heart of a spectacular and ecologically vital wilderness, must comply with the laws that protect Montana’s water, taxpayers, and the communities that are most at risk from mining,” said Mary Costello of Rock Creek Alliance and Save Our Cabinets, two organizations involved in the dispute.

The conservation coalition, which also includes Earthjustice, Earthworks, Montana Environmental Information Center and Clark Fork Coalition, argues that Hecla’s permits should be suspended due to company leadership’s history with Pegasus Gold Incorporated. They say the company’s ownership of the Zortman-Landusky, Basin Creek, and Beal Mountain mines produced acid drainage and toxic metals that polluted local streams and groundwater, endangered fisheries and contaminated sacred Native American sites.

Hecla Mining Company officials, meanwhile, argue that the mines will produce a major economic boost for rural Montana and that “protection of the environment and wildlife is paramount.” What’s more, the company may have some friends in high places.

Former Montana Congressman and U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke came out last year in support of the mining projects. And last month, Montana Republican Congressmen Sen.

Rock Lake in Montana, near the site of the proposed Rock Creek Mine. Photo courtesy Rock Creek Alliance Facebook.

Steve Daines and Rep. Greg Gianforte sent a letter to Zinke and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue supporting the project last month.

“Many in the local community are concerned this work will once again

be needlessly delayed, this time by the level of agency prioritization and staffing issues for work on the Biological Opinions,” the letter reads. “We urge you to resolve these challenges as expeditiously as possible.”

The Montanore Mine is proposed to be located south of Libby, Mont., in Lincoln County, while the Rock Creek Mine is proposed to be located in Sanders County.

Gov. Otter makes Ponderay Capital for a Day

By Lyndsie Kiebert Reader Staff Writer Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter fielded the concerns of North Idaho citizens Thursday, Oct. 19, when Ponderay had its turn as Idaho’s Capital for a Day. Otter said Capital for a Day is a way to hear “small community” concerns straight from community members.

The goal in holding the day-long open meeting at the Holiday Inn Express was to hear questions and issues and then to look for solutions or action plans moving forward. The governor has visited every county in Idaho through Capital for a Day. “Those local solutions are always best, but sometimes we have to have that interaction (between the state and local governments),” Otter said.

Several state officials joined Otter on

his trip north, including representatives from the Office of Species Conservation, Department of Lands, Department of Correction, Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Fish and Game and the Northwest Power and Conservation Council. The Department of Health and Welfare as well as the Department of Parks and Recreation had local representatives on hand.

Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter, left, talks to constituents in Ponderay last week with gubernatorial candidate and current Lt. Gov. Brad Little, center, looking on.

Photo by Lyndsie Kiebert.

October 26, 2017 / R / 7

NEWS

City seeks LOR grant

An aerial view of the U of I extension property highlighting nordic trails in the winter. Photo courtesy Google Earth.

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff The Sandpoint City Council is investigating the possibility of obtaining a LOR Foundation grant that could help pay for the University of Idaho property on North Boyer.

Council members voted Friday in a special meeting to move the process forward in pursuing the LOR Foundation grant. While it doesn’t guarantee that the

MALLWIDE TRICKORTREATING Tuesday, Oct. 31 4-6 p.m.

Costume content for 12 and under at 6 p.m. with cash prizes for scariest, funniest, most original and best overall.

Two categories: 6 and under & 7 - 12 years

BONNERMALL.COM | 2082634272 8 / R / October 26, 2017

city will receive the money, it signals to both the LOR Foundation and city staff to advance the process.

“This is seeking funding—a significant amount of funding—so we felt we needed to bring this to the City Council to pursue this,” said Sandpoint City Attorney Scot Campbell According to Campbell, it’s too early to say whether the LOR Foundation will require match funding from the city, what the total grant award will be or whether there’s any guarantee of funding at all. However, the city and foundation have previously cooperated successfully on the Farmin’s Landing project.

A public acquisition of the University of Idaho property could satisfy locals concerned about its future. In recent council meetings and workshops scoping priorities and preferred outcomes, residents worried that a sale to a private developer might diminish the legacy of a property originally intended to benefit the public. Its historic uses include agricultural research, education and recreation.

“We want to be clear that there’s no promise of funding or offer of a grant, but that there are aspects of the property that interest (the LOR Foundation),” Campbell said.

County workshops natural resource plan

By Lyndsie Kiebert Reader Staff Writer

The Bonner County Commissioners held a workshop Wednesday to review the county’s Natural Resource Plan, drafted by the Bonner County Natural Resource Committee.

“This plan is meant to create an interface with federal government agencies to work with county officials in making certain as much as they possibly can that the federal government can coordinate and correlate plans with the county,” said committee chairman Cornel Rasor, who also read the federal coordination clause out loud. Explaining coordination policy, which requires the federal government take into consideration local government plans, was a large part of the workshop.

“We are not advocating this (plan) supersede the federal government. This is simply a strong suggestion that we follow coordination policies,” he said.

Sagle resident Susan Drumheller said earlier this week that while she understands the concept of coordination between federal and local governments, she has concerns about whether this plan accurately reflects the views of everyone in Bonner County.

“My concern is that some of the statements and policies in there don’t really reflect the values of the majority of people who live in this county,” she said. “Some statements are not necessarily protective of our natural resources, in my opinion.

It endorses the public lands takeover movement, which is something that really concerns me.”

Drumheller said a collaborative group like the Panhandle Forest Collaborative, of which both commissioners Jeff Connolly and Glen Bailey have been a part of, is a far better example of a group working to have natural resources managed with everyone concerned at the table.

“This (plan) is just going to create more contention than collaboration,” she said. “Why not put your resources and energy into collaboration instead of some

kind of statement that makes it sound like the county has veto power?”

That sense of “veto power” is something several people at the workshop brought up in public comment. Rasor assured them there was no such power under the county’s Natural Resource Plan. “(The plan) is not saying, ‘you will, you will,’” Bailey added. “It’s saying, ‘we would ask you to…’”

Commissioner Dan McDonald described the plan as a “non-binding document that just ratifies the position the county has had for years with respect to the (federal) coordination clause and can be used as a handout to federal and state agencies when they ask for our plan.”

“Unfortunately, the rumor mill has been in high gear, and we have received a few emails full of inaccurate interpretations of what some are claiming is in the plan along with a perceived power that the plan doesn’t have,” McDonald said.

Idaho Department of Lands Area Manager Tom Fleer said at the meeting that his biggest concern with the plan is the “lumping together” of state and federal lands. He said some state lands do not qualify as public lands. He also questioned the definitive position that the county doesn’t want any more land designated as public.

“This (plan) calls for no more public land in the county. Is that really what you guys want?” he asked. “As a representative of IDL, this document does not work for us.”

Connolly advocated for continued work on the Natural Resource Plan, commending the committee for their efforts but also expressing concerns with the complexity of the document, describing it as “daunting.”

Bailey emphasized that the draft is a “living document,” and that work will continue to be done on the Natural Resource Plan. Read the plan at bonnercounty.us/bonner-county-natural-resources-committee.

Chamber awarded $160,000 state grant for tourism

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce announced this week it received a $160,000 grant from the Idaho State Department of Commerce Tourism Division.

The latest grant in the Chamber’s

12-year relationship with the Idaho Department of Commerce, it will fund advertising campaigns by the Visit Sandpoint Council. The council, comprised of 13 regional, tourism-reliant businesses, focuses on bringing in tourists through advertising campaigns and other promotions targeting

outside areas. The campaigns have encompassed a wide array of media, including print ads, digital media, the Visit Sandpoint website, event promotion and videos. The grant, which grew from an initial award of $50,000, also funds the annual visitor guide.

NEWS

Colder, wetter winter expected in North Idaho

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

This winter could be a good time to be in the north.

The National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA) is predicting that North Idaho will have a colder, wetter winter this season due to a La Niña weather pattern that is likely to develop.

“I’m predicting a snowier than average winter season,” said Coeur d’Alene climatologist Randy Mann. He added that precipitation would be “20-30 percent more than normal.”

NOAA forecast models call for greater-than-average snowfall around the Great Lakes and in the northern Rockies, as well as wetter-than-average conditions that might produce more snowfall.

Translation: possible skier’s paradise this winter.

A La Niña pattern, according to Mann, is “the abnormal cooling of ocean temperatures

near the Equatorial regions.” La Niña changes weather patterns as the Maritime Polar Jet Stream becomes stronger, said Mann.

“Therefore, since we are influenced by that jet stream, we should get more storms and colder temperatures this winter season,” Mann said.

The rest of the country will not fare so well, according to NOAA. The majority of the

country — including Hawaii, most of Alaska and the lower two-thirds of the contiguous U.S. — appear to be in for less-than-average precipitation and warmer-than-average temperatures.

If predictions hold true, this would be the third year in a row that the country will face a warmer winter. The Washington Post ranked last year

the “sixth-warmest winter on record.”

While more precipitation and colder temperatures contribute to an above-average snowpack, Mann said that doesn’t always dictate what type of fire season will follow.

“Our wet spring [in 2017] led to one of the worst fire seasons in history,” said Mann. “The wet conditions had increased foliage

Top left: A map of the U.S. showing the temperature outlook for this winter.

Top right: A map of the U.S. highlighting the precipitation outlook. Courtesy of NOAA.

which then dried out when we had very little moisture during the summer. We really need some kind of moisture during the summer to hold down the fire season, but there are no guarantees.”

Idaho Panhandle LIBRARY TRANSFORMATION UPDATE Council Candidates’ Forum Avalanche Center to offer classes to take place Monday

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff With local elections just around the corner, there’s no better time to inform yourself on the candidates than at a community forum next week.

The Sandpoint Reader and Sandpoint Online are hosting a Sandpoint City Council candidates forum set for 5:30 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 30, at Sandpoint Community Hall. In keeping with previous Reader and Sandpoint Online forums, the evening will be moderated by a panel, which will deliver questions submitted by the audience to each candidate.

For further research on council candidates, check out the

Reader’s candidate questionnaire online at sandpointreader.com/ sandpoint-city-council-candidates-questionnaire. Candidates have also participated in interviews with the KRFY Morning Show, which can be found online at http://www.krfy.org/podcast.

Elections take place Tuesday, Nov. 7, from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Candidates Joel Aispuro, Jeff Bohnhof, John Darling, Mose Dunkel, Robert Jediny and Shannon Williamson compete for three open council seats currently held by Shannon Williamson, Bob Camp and Stephen Snedden.

Framing and roofing of the second-story at the expansion of the Sandpoint Library is under way. Expect a freshly paved parking lot and both entryways open late this week. Parking lot lines will not be painted until spring. Please park nicely.

For weekly updates, visit www.eBonnerLibrary.org and follow us on our 6 social media platforms. Courtesy photo.

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

For winter sports enthusiasts, it’s always best to be prepared before heading out to the backcountry.

To help outreach this winter, the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center will be offering three Avalanche Fundamentals, Level 1 Courses. The classes will teach students about avalanche dynamics, avalanche assessment tools, forecasting and emergency preparedness. Schedules and information is available online at idahopanhandleavalanche.org.

In addition to avalanche awareness courses, the Avalanche Center also forecasts avalanche conditions in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest. For more information, call the Sandpoint Ranger District at (208) 263-5111.

October 26, 2017 / R / 9

Mad about Science:

By Brenden Bobby Reader Columnist Halloween is right around the corner. Ghastly ghouls and ravenous, sugar-filled child zombies are going to be trudging into the streets of Sandpoint. Seeing as it’s one of my favorite holidays (you get to dress up AND you get candy? Sign me up), I figured a festive article could be fun.

Vampires aren’t really scientific. We know that vampirism isn’t an actual affliction.

However, it may have been inspired by an actual affliction called Porphyria.

Porphyria is genetic, and not everyone that has inherited the genes will suffer from symptoms of acute porphyrias. Those that do can suffer from intestinal problems, an extreme sensitivity to the sun, breathing problems and heart palpitations, along with a laundry list of other unfortunate effects. Some of the more prominent amongst them are anxiety, depression, hallucination and paranoia.

Porphyria is kind of a catchall term for a series of ailments from certain genes, and everyone that suffers from it won’t have identical symptoms. However, one thing it does have in common across virtually all forms is that it affects heme production, a major part of hemoglobin, the red cells in our blood. Blood transfusions, and hypothetically, ingestion of blood can alleviate some porphyrias, which may have also given inspiration to the vampire mythos.

Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” (1897) was the beginning of most vampire fantasy (sorry, Twilight fans.). It introduced the titular Count Dracula, that would later be emulated in film by countless

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Brought to you by:

vampires

actors, starting with the famous Bela Lugosi, from the 1931 adaptation of the novel. They, uh … took some creative liberties.

While Count Dracula wasn’t a real person, he was based on a very real, and very scary, human being.

Vlad Tepes, also called Vlad Dracula (Dracula means Dragon) or most famously Vlad the Impaler, was thrice a prince of Wallachia (an area that included Transylvania in modern-day Romania) during the 1400s. This dude was famous for an insane amount of cruelty, with stories of him impaling so many of his foes on wooden pikes that he created forests of the dead.

Ironically, his cruelty managed to create a great deal of order in Wallachia, because nobody likes being impaled, but the authenticity of these claims has been disputed.

As far as historians know, Vlad didn’t drink people’s blood, and he died on the battlefield, so he most certainly wasn’t immortal.

Another prolific figure that may have added to the vampire lore was a woman of unspeakable cruelty: Hungarian noblewoman and famed serial killer Elizabeth Bathory.

Not many people know her by name, but know her by her deeds. Legend has it, she would exsanguinate (bleed out) young, beautiful virgin girls and bathe in the blood to prolong her own youth and beauty.

The authenticity of that claim is suspect, but it was proven that she killed many young women in horrific ways, including cannibalizing them.

Vampirism isn’t restricted to humans, though the actual term is hematophagy (“to eat blood” in Greek)

Vampire bats are the most famous, and probably the weirdest. They evolved from fruit-eating bats, which is where they inherited their piercing teeth.

They initially ate insects that siphoned blood or ate from open wounds, but eventually skipped the middleman and went straight for the blood.

Attacks on humans in developed countries are rare; we don’t often sleep unexposed in outdoor areas. They have the ability to transmit rabies, just as any other rabid creature does, but it’s exceedingly rare. No reason to head outside with a stake and garlic!

Most people don’t think of vampires when you say “mosquito”, but it fits. Mosquitoes are the most prolific blood-drinkers on planet Earth, also acting as one of the largest transmitters of diseases for humans. Any bad juju you’re carrying in your blood is neatly pulled up by their little syringes, stored and carried to the next victim, where your blood mixes with theirs the next time the mosquito takes a drink.

This is how West Nile Virus, Malaria and Zika have spread with such terrifying efficiency.

They don’t do it to be jerks.

The females need the nutrients from blood to produce eggs. While we want to exterminate everything that inconveniences us, mosquitoes are a major food source for bats, fish and countless other important parts of the ecosystem.

Some vampiric creatures live in water. Leeches are a great example, nasty worms that latch onto things to suck their blood.

Their saliva, much like mosquitoes, contains a natural anesthetic, which dulls the nerves in the area that it’s feeding from. This makes it less likely to be noticed

and removed, ensuring a continued survival.

We’ve used leeches in the past to draw blood from sick people, especially those with blood infections. We continue to use them in modern medicine for all sorts of things from their anesthetic saliva to improving bloodflow to reattached limbs.

Lampreys are another aquatic vampire. You’ve probably seen them attached to the underbellies of sharks on TV. There are even vampire birds. The red-billed oxpecker in

Africa will pick ticks (another blood-drinker) from oxen, which would be great for the animal it’s picking from, if it weren’t for the fact that the bird is really after their blood. They will continue to peck and drink blood from their host, consuming far more than the ticks will. These wounds have the potential to become infected as well. Yowch!

Stay safe this Halloween, and be mindful of vehicles. You can see them a lot better than they can see you!

Random Corner Don’t know much about blood? We can help!

• One pint of donated blood can save up to 3 lives.

• The blood you donate is sold on the open market, and it’s a $4.5 billion-per-year industry.

•A newborn baby has about one cup of blood in his or her body.

• It would take 1,200,000 mosquitoes, each sucking once, to completely drain the average human of blood.

• HP Printer black ink is more expensive than blood.

• Only female mosquitoes drink blood. Males are vegetarians.

• There are 100,000 miles of blood vessels in an adult human body.

• Your heart will pump nearly 1.5 million barrels of blood during your lifetime, enough to fill 200 train tank cars.

• Pregnant women have about 50 percent more blood by week 20 of pregnancy than they did before they conceived.

• A red blood cell can make a complete circuit of your body in 30 seconds.

•Coconut water can be used (in emergencies) as a substitute for blood plasma.

• Our bodies contain about 0.2 milligrams of gold, most of it in our blood.

•Eight percent of your body weight is in your blood.

•Mosquitoes prefer blood type “O” more than any other.

SPORTS

It’s SARS Ski Swap time again

Check out our new location inside the Bernd Building in Downtown Sandpoint!

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

You can tell it’s getting close to ski season when Schweitzer has a dusting of powder on the summit and the Sandpoint Alpine Racing School (SARS) Ski Swap announces its annual sale.

The annual swap, which has been put on for more than three decades, will take place Saturday, Nov. 11, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Bonner County Fairgrounds.

The Ski Swap features a little bit of everything for sale: skis, snowboards, poles, boots, bindings, helmets, hats, goggles, gloves, jackets, pants and socks. Outfit the entire family, or purchase a much-needed single item to complete your winter gear for the 201718 ski season.

“It’s a great place to get barely used or never used but two-year-old gear at a great price,” said SARS Program Director and Head Coach Jamie Landwehr.

“It’s also a great way for the community to take part in a pretty expensive sport at below-retail value.”

Admission is $2 per person or $5 per family but parking is free. Cash, Visa, Mastercard and Discover cards are also accepted.

The money generated at the Ski Swap and the annual Dinner Auction in February help generate thousands of dollars for the nonprofit SARS to offset

Hundreds of pairs of skis wait for a new home at the SARS Ski Swap. Courtesy photo.

costs such as tuition and infrastructure of the program.

More than 150 local and regional athletes age 5 and up participate in ski racing and freeriding programs that SARS offers. Aside from their duties on the mountain, each member is required to do a certain number of volunteer days depending on how old the child is.

For those of you who haven’t picked up your ski pass yet, Schweitzer Mountain Resort will be on hand to purchase or pick up passes.

While the Ski Swap is useful to stock up on gear, it’s also the inaugural social event for ski bums to kick the icicles off their summer selves and prepare for another winter on the mountain.

Those interested in selling their used gear can show up at the Fairgrounds on Friday, Nov. 10, from 12-7 p.m. Consignment fees are $0.50 per item and 20 percent off items sold. Checks may be picked up for items sold and/or unsold items on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 5-7 p.m. Any items not picked up at that time will be donated to SARS or the North Idaho Mountain Sports Education Fund.

For more information about the Ski Swap or about SARS in general, check out their website at sars.snowproportal. com.

See you on the mountain!

www.meadowbrookhomeandgift.com

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Dollar Beers!

8pm @ Eichardt’s Pub Good until the keg’s dry

‘War of the Worlds’ Radio Stage Play 7:30pm @ Panida Theater The Panida Playhouse Players take audiences back in time to the first true on-air thriller – the Orson Welles and Mercury Theater broadcast of H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds. Directed by Robert Moore. $10 adults, $8 seniors and students

Live Mu 9-11pm @ A new S making t Scarywo @ Silver Haunted

Live Music w/ The Somethings Live Music w/ Ron Kieper Trio Music by DJ Jos 6-8pm @ Cedar St. Bistro Wine Bar 5-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery 9pm @ 219 Loun A new Sandpoint duo featuring Me- Enjoy a night filled with great Monster Mash w gan Turner and Chris Lynch jazz music by this talented team 8pm @ The Hive The 3rd annual Live Music w/ BareGrass Live Music w/ Harold’s IGA 6:30-9:30pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall 5-7pm @ Idaho Pour Authority Hive featuring E Indie folk rock trio, with special guest Enjoy a night filled with great There will be no jazz music by this talented team General admissio on fiddle, Jenna Bowers Boo 219 Anniversary and Halloween Party Halloween Bash with Sir Mix-A-Lot 7-10 12pm-close @ 219 Lounge 9pm @ The Hive Show some love for 83 years of the Best known for “Baby Got Back,” this Lear 219! Throw down for Halloween with rapper is always a big draw when he ing f Harold’s IGA, who will play fun dance comes to Sandpoint. Wear your costumes Ced 10am covers and drink whiskey all night long. and win prizes! 21+ $25/adv $30/dos Com Live Music w/ Ken Mayginnes Music from 9 pm to midnight span The Best ‘80s Party Ever 6-8pm @ Cedar St. Bistro Wine Bar Prie 7pm @ Eichardt’s Pub A great Sandpoint musician and his guitar 10am Break out that day-glo from the closet Live Music w/ Devon Wade A fu and come listen to DJ Jodi. Come in cos- 8pm @ Ol’ Red’s Pub Org tume and celebrate Haloween with your Kick your heels up to some great country 1pm friends at the Pub music. Great Halloween fun!

Live Music w/ Mobius Riff orga 6:30-9:30pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall Free Sandpoint Chess Club Game Night at the Niner 9am @ Evans Brothers Coffee 9pm @ 219 Lounge Meets every Sunday at 9am.

All are welcome Monday Night Blues Jam w/ Truck Mills KPND Monday Night Football Party 5:30pm @ 219 Lounge 7:30pm @ Eichardt’s Pub Host Bob Witte will have tons of prizes to giv Costume Party and Karaoke Mall-Wid Free Kids Halloween Carnival 4-6pm @ 5:30-8:30pm @ Spt. Church of the Nazarene 9pm @ 219 Lounge Enjoy free hot dogs, funnel cakes, chili, lo- Come out in costume, sing A costum cal cider, popcorn, games and cotton candy! your heart out or just enjoy the 6 p.m. w All FREE! Invite friends for a warm and safe show! Prizes for the best cos- two diffe tume and best singer (208)-263 trick or treating environment Magic Wednesday Open Mic Project 7B fund 5-8pm @ SKåL Taproom 6-8pm @ Jalapeño’s Restaurant 5-7pm @ Idaho Musicians and comedi- Magician Star Alexander amazes guests at the Live music, raf ans welcome! Open mic dinner table and in the bar with up-close, in- mentary appetiz is held every Wednesday teractive magical entertainment for all ages! ect 7B. Founders Dollar Beers!

8pm @ Eichardt’s Pub

Clean Energy Public Hearing Intro to MIG weld 6pm @ Idaho Conservation League Office 6-9pm @ MakerPo Join ICL staff for a public phone conference This class is a fu with Idaho Public Utilities Commission to MIG welding and w advocate for clean energy. RSVP to Matt Ny- the basics to get sta kiel at mnykiel@idahoconservation.org project. $71 charge

ful

October 26 - November 2, 2017

Live Music w/ Party Mountain 9-11pm @ 219 Lounge A new Sandpoint “garage band” making their debut at the Niner Scarywood Haunted Nights @ Silverwood Theme Park Haunted attractions all weekend

A weekly entertainment guide to keep you on your toes. To list your event free, please send an email to calendar@sandpointreader.com.

Reader recommended

Robotics with Lego Mindstorm 3pm @ Clark Fork Library Learn to build or code during this Robotics class for boys and girls age 8-plus. Held every Tuesday.

Teen Writers Club 3:30pm @ Sandpoint Library Teens who write ... unite! Enjoy collaboration, peer reviews, brainstorming activities; writing supplies and refreshments provided

Opening Art Reception Live Music w/ Miah Kohal Band

by DJ Josh 5:30-7pm @ POAC Gallery 8pm @ Ol’ Red’s Pub 219 Lounge er Mash w/ Mr. B Have a Wildly Spooky Halloween Check out the opening reception for The Hive downstairs at Ol’ Red’s with Miah Kohal a series called “Dialogue” by Tom d annual under 21 event at The Lakes Commission Meeting Kramer and Robens Napolitan, preaturing EDM power DJ: Mr. B. 9am-12pm @ Bonner Co. Admin Bldg. sented by Pend Oreille Arts Counwill be no alcohol at this show. Check out the agenda on their website at cil. If you can’t make the opening, admission $10. Doors open at 7 lakes-commission.com the exhibit runs until Nov. 30 Boo Bash Costume Ball Biological Control of Invasive Weeds 7-10pm @ Sandpoint Community Hall Newer Agents Being Reared Learn the cha-cha from 7-8pm, general danc9:45-11:30pm @ Sandpoint Community Hall his ing from 8-10pm.

Prizes, refreshments, mixers!

This presentation by Paul Brusven will focus on some of he Cedar St. Bridge Public Market the newer biological control agents being reared specifies 10am-2pm @ Cedar St. Bridge cally at the Nez Perce Bio-control Center and where the Come enjoy indoor shopping on the bridge releases are going in the state of Idaho and beyond. FREE spanning Sand Creek Let’s talk about an Organic Farmers/Artists Co-Op 1pm @ SKåL Taproom Priest River Animal Rescue Bake Sale ar Do you organic farm or raise animals and sell the by prod10am-2pm @ Mitchell’s Harvest Foods A fundraiser to add cat condos and dog kennels uct? Do you make handmade things and need a place to Organic Gardening and Seed Saving sell them? Perhaps you just have an interest in promoting y 1pm @ Sandpoint Library the buy local concept and would like to see our communiorganic gardening and seed saving techniques. ty thrive more. Please come discuss the idea of a farmers/ Free and open to the public artists Co-Op in our area. 476930 Hwy 95, Ponderay

Sandpoint City Council Candidates’ Forum 5:30-7:30pm @ Sandpoint Community Hall Hosted by SandpointOnline, the Reader and KRFY 88.5 FM, this forum is open to the public with a moderated Q&A format, with rty audience members submitting questions for the candidates. Get zes to give away informed of what the candidates think of issues that affect you

Mall-Wide Trick-or-Treating 4-6pm @ Bonner Mall A costume contest will be at 6 p.m. with cash prizes for two different age categories.

(208)-263-4272 for more info t 7B fundraiser @ Idaho Pour Authority music, raffle prizes and compliy appetizers to help benefit ProjFounders Brewing Co beer on tap

Trick-or-Treat at the Museum 4-7pm @ Bonner Co. History Museum In coordination with the Sandpoint Lions Club, the Bonner Co. History Museum will offer a safe, fun and festive place to trick-ortreat and enjoy some cider and popcorn.

Sandpoint Photo Club 5pm @ Sandpoint Library Learn and share with other photographers 3D Printing Workshop for Adults 4pm @ Clark Fork Library

Teen space in the Library Nov. 4 A Night to Remember @ Bonner Co. Fairgrounds Nov. 4 Sandpoint Film Festival @ Panida Theater

Nov. 5 Edison in concert @ Di Luna’s Cafe The Kitchin Dwellers / Horseshoes & Handgrenades MIG welding Nov. 11 6:30pm @ The Panida Theater MakerPoint Studio s is a full introduction to A dual headliner show, with The Kitchin Dwellers and SARS Ski Swap @ ding and will give you all of Horseshoes & Handgrenades - Americana/bluegrass Bonner Co. Fairs to get started on your first bands that will get your feet stomping. General admis- grounds

...Doesn’t exist

LET’S MAKE IT HAPPEN www.EBonnerLibrary.org

71 charge. (208) 263-3613 sion $12

CLARK FORK • SANDPOINT • BOOKMOBILE • EBONNERLIBRARY.ORG

Information & Inspiration

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Peace of Mind:

By Lyndsie Kiebert Reader Staff Writer

Pink ribbons mark the month of October with an annual reminder that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

While October is a month of awareness, Bonner General Health mammography team member Cheryl Weisz said being aware of changes in your breasts should be a monthly activity.

Weisz said once a month women should look for abnormalities, including: A lump, hard knot, or thickening in the breast or under arm Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast A change in the size or shape of their breast Dimpling or puckering of the skin An itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple Pulling in of the nipple or other areas of the breast Nipple discharge that starts suddenly New pain in one spot that does not go away.

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Bonner General Health offers tips for self-examination and breast cancer screenings

Sandpoint Women’s Health nurse practitioner Laci Burk said women should get yearly mammograms no later than age 45 and should continue to do so until their physician determines their risk factors. This will determine how often they should receive screenings for the remainder of their lives.

Weisz said women coming to Bonner General Health for a 3D mammogram should be confident because it is the most advanced technology available in breast cancer screening.

“Our technology detects 40 percent more invasive cancers than 2D mammography, allowing for the earliest detection, which is critical in the fight against cancer, and all of our mammography technologists are registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists,” she said.

Weisz said anyone nervous about mammograms should let their technologist know, and they should also remember that a screening takes no more than 10 to 20 minutes.

“Always let your technologist know if you are experiencing pain or discomfort so they can make you more comfortable,” she said.

This October, women should remember that self-examination is often the first step to early detection, and Bonner General is wellequipped to assist anyone with concerns.

“It is more important to see your healthcare provider for evaluation than think to yourself, ‘I don’t have the typical risk factors,’ because more and more newly diagnosed breast cancer patients have no risk factors,” Burk said.

Members of the Bonner General Health Mammography Team from left to right: Cheryl Weisz, Katie Cary, Brittany Winget, Shea Jones, Laura Donnelly, Becky Rasmussen, Amie Wolf, and Kathy Conger. They are standing in front of the 3D Mammogram machine – the most advanced technology available in breast cancer screening. Photo courtesy Bonner General Health.

LITERATURE

evidence

she pressed the flowers

by Sandra Rasor

This open Window

Vol. 2 No. 18

poetry and prose by local writers

edited by Jim mitsui

by Robens Napolitan

into a book of poems by a poet who understood how easily lies, like weeds, can consume the garden of one’s relationship.

When the night closes around me The sky is clear and cold enough to hurt It’s time to look through the window at everything held dear The bones of my life clatter in the chill wind framework of the body no longer hidden by muscle and blood bared at last A steady breeze performs impeccably the satisfying melody noted by me alone Desperation not even a memory now that all pretense is stripped away A smile is the perfect mask -Sandra Rasor Sandra is a Sandpoint native. Her work has been published in Northern Journeys, The Trestle Creek Review and The Ides of Sandpoint.

-Robens Napolitan Robens is a local artist and writer. A landscape gardener, her poetry is often grounded in her relationship with nature.

Send poems to: jim3wells@aol.com waiting for frost

by Jeanette Schandelmeier

the tired optimist The name for this column was inspired by Billy Collins, who said, “What the oven is to the baker and the berry-stained blouse to the dry cleaner, so the window is to the poet.” Ben Olson has provided us with an open window in the Reader to see and feel North Idaho, its landscape and people.

Ben found an ideal picture, complete with a frame, showing a barn-like house that overlooks a valley that’s reminiscent of driving around North Idaho.

Windows make such good metaphors.

I thought this picture would make an interesting idea for a writing prompt. Terry Owens, in an earlier column, came up with a good example when he looked out of his backyard window and wrote about a dilapidated fence that his wife wanted him to remove. I keep saying that creative writing is a process of discovery; you start talking about the fence and its history of memories.

But somewhere the writing jumps to the poem’s central idea – the changes that are happening to the small town of Sandpoint, and along with these changes so does life.

You could use your imagination and speculate about this house: who lives there, and the land that it’s on? Create a realistic narrative (story) that amplifies what is seen through this window.

When I have trouble thinking of something to write about I go to the library to find a large book with great artwork or photography (especially black & white). After writing a stanza or two showing what I observe I run out of description. Then I venture beyond the border of what I’m looking at.

Let your imagination loose; think of something that your picture reminds you of. Try some free-writing; write as fast as you can for several

Every four pages, she laid a flattened dream, its fading fragrance smothered by the weight of the poet’s words that didn’t rhyme.

by Amy Craven

Wind blusters and bullies the plastic I’ve surrounded

there are mornings when I survey the bed and as I muster the energy to reassemble it I sink my eyes into the rumples and the mounds I view the errant pillows and the tossed sheets as something safe and buoyant — like a boat with its sails unfurled in sharked-up waters the underside of a pillow calls me back and my head, redolent with perfumed memory yearns to press down on that coolness again not yet ready for the vibrating world beyond the moss colored valance and the blinds drawn tight

my garden with, tears clips loose, flings them about leaving gaps, but I’ve sequestered tomatoes and squash in their own fortress within, and last night only dropped to 42°. Half today’s sky foreboding and grey in dark frowns, the other half in sunny blue and cheerful clouds, much like this country. Then a brief rage of pelting drops, before

I envision tonight’s re-entry — how I will sleep on my life raft, tossed among the wavy world of dreams

darkness moves on, leaving a few inky grimaces amidst new hope and bright sun.

-Jeanette Schandelmeier -Amy Craven

Amy is a retired voice teacher who loves to write daily, set the table, and travel. She grew up in Baltimore.

minutes without stopping until you fill up a page, just to see what your stream-of-consciousness wants you to say. Ideally this is done the old-fashioned way, using cursive. Show the reader, don’t tell him or her what to think, or how to feel. Stay out of the way of pontificating; avoid preaching or editorializing. Just record what is running through your mind; write until suddenly the ending is there. It just happens on the page, unplanned and unexpected. Look over what you’ve written and highlight useful sentences or phrases, images and ideas, and use them as a base or for a subsequent second draft on your computer. Revision is a very important part of

Jeanette was born in Anchorage, Alaska, and raised on a nearby homestead. She came to Bonner County 38 years ago and taught here for 32 years. She spends her time gardening, writing, wandering in nature, trying to outwit ravens and deer.

the process.

Get some feedback. Show it to someone you trust, or find a workshop. Just be sure that their comments make sense. But remember that the final judge is you.

Let the objective editor in you decide on what is best and write your final draft. It’s a good idea to let what you’ve written, rest. Come back to it later when you’re not so attached to what you’ve written. If you feel it’s ready, consider submitting it to this column. It will be interesting to see what comes out of Ben’s picture.

–Jim Mitsui October 26, 2017 / R / 15

HEALTH

IN FINE FETTLE A healthy kind of donut

By Ammi Midstokke Reader Health Columnist I’m just kidding. There’s no healthy kind of donut. But you’re already reading so you might as well continue. Also, it could be emotionally healthy for you to eat a maple bar. Let’s explore: What is health anyway? Everywhere we look, we are inundated with “better choices” and “heart healthy” and “paleo nachos” (they are amazing!) without ever really asking ourselves, “How does this apply to me?”

Our antiquated definition of health used to be “free from disease.” Maybe I’m biased because I am a nutritionist and don’t exactly attract well people, yet what I see is that most of us actually have some kind of disease process or chronic ailment rather as a reality of having a body with a history.

From autoimmunity to the wear and tear of age (or as some of my more honest patients note: four martinis a day from 19611969), most of us are faced with temporary or permanent conditions that suggest we cannot meet that definition of health.

The CDC now defines health as not merely the absence of disease (because that isn’t challenging enough) but mental, emotional and physical well-being.

I don’t know who those crackpots are or how many therapists they are simultaneously employing, but that sounds like a nirvana state only to be achieved once we have detached from mind and body, having sailed onward to the great thereafter.

As if keeping up with our bodies wasn’t hard enough, now we aren’t healthy unless we’re in fulfilling marriages, exciting work engagements, have a clean house and are practicing yoga instructors?

The magazines and media that surround us are constantly defining a culturally acceptable state of health. It likely involves weird food restrictions, fitting into a size-whatever, dropping 15 pounds after Christmas, or “beating depression forever.” If we continue to stare at these improbable facades of health, we will throw our arms up, declare ourselves incapable of the 16 / R / October 26, 2017

Ammi Midstokke with Freya the Brown Dog. impossible and bury our sorrow in those donuts. Or gluten-free yogurt-covered pretzels — another highly rewarding food but lacking the social stigma of gluten.

Let’s pause for a moment and consider ourselves, our lives, and our own unique definition of health.

Ask yourself this: What is health to me? Is this achievable? And how?

For some of us, in fact many of us, that means living full lives of vitality and impact despite having disease or a bum knee. It means being a strong and happy hiker who lugs an extra thirty pounds up those trails because, well, donuts.

It means running marathons to deal with childhood trauma. It means taking a nap because that is more urgent than the dishes.

Most of all, it means being resilient and finding balance in the reality that is our lives: They are busy, sometimes chaotic, impacted by things out of our control, occasionally involve too much pie, and have conflict in our marriages from time to time.

Health is a reflection of how gracefully we handle these things.

It does not require an absence of them, but the compassion to allow them. Health is the ability to come back to that original question for yourself, to identify and manifest the changes you need and want to create balance again.

And remember, health is not a state at which you arrive and remain. It is more like a teeter totter, with donuts on one side and kale salad on the other. Just try to keep it moving gently.

Ammi Midstokke is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner in Sandpoint. She can be reached at ammi@twobirdsnutrition.com.

Living Life: Calming our mind and thoughts in a busy world a bedroom wall, cook a special meal or clean and organize. Artistic The world itself can can be as simple be an over-stimulating as a completely place, and social media and cleaned and orgaimmediate access to news nized bedroom or can make it seem even more a home-cooked so. Getting bombarded on Dianne Smith. meal. Start to a daily basis from all types identify the things that you find of input affects the mind, body and spirit. For some people, it can calming and make yourself a list.

Often people’s artistic side enjoys affect them more intensely than others, but daily negative input af- music which has a calming effect.

For others, it can be a run along fects us all. Fortunately, there are a trail in solitude or the simply things we can do to decrease the stitching of embroidery. overpowering chatter and barrage of negative emotions and energy.

4. Turn off the news and disconnect from social media.

1. Make time for peace.

Because we are sensitive to Daily practice of meditation, our environment, some more than mindfulness, prayer, yoga, walkothers, we must learn to be able turn ing, hiking or just sitting is what the negative energy off. Not hide, calms the hot spots of the brain and helps us think clearer. For each but limit the amount and frequency.

Bombarding energy from outside person, their journey to finding stresses the body. Being able to step peace is personal, and it doesn’t away from news and the media is a have to be long or complicated. must in order to return to the present There are wonderful apps that can moment. Too much negative energy be downloaded for short mindful, clouds our ability to think clearly meditation exercises. Maybe a and colors how we see things. walk along the Bay Trail enjoying the sound of the water as it laps 5. Be aware of your breathing. upon the rocks. Sitting out on your In a perfect world we would porch in the early morning sun take five minutes every hour to with a nice cup of tea may be one sit or stand and feel the breath of person’s peace. Try YouTube for life go through our body. In the yoga right in the comfort of your rat race of today, try to take every home. Research shows mindfulopportunity to just be conscious ness-meditation can work as well of your breathing and take a few as medication to decrease anxiety. deep breaths. When our body is 2. Be in nature. stressed our breathing gets shallow. The shallow breathing causes People need grounding in the heart to beat harder and faster nature and the outdoors; fresh air which then makes the engine of and sunshine are calming to the our body rev at too high of a rate. brain. Many people find that being By being conscious of our breathoutside helps bring clarity to racing ing we can calm our bodies and thoughts and can clear the mind of slow everything down. its clutter and negativity. A walk outside can help charge and ener6. Drink a good amount of gize our bodies with natural light water, eat on the wiser side and and clear the mind. Finding a shady get exercise. spot and sitting quietly for a few Sensitive people or those who minutes before an appointment can eat in response to stress are prone energize and refocus your mind. to reach for sweet drinks and sodas or starches. Limit caffeine 3. Reach for the artistic, intake, drink water and exercise calming you. regularly, helps the body to better Use your inner talents to calm manage stress. Water helps with the nervous energy. Use time clarity of the mind and replenishes to enjoy what makes you feel the body with the fluids it needs calm knowing you will be more to work better. Exercise works to productive in the end. Draw in a coloring book, take pictures, paint release natural healing benefits

By Dianne Smith Reader Columnist

and to decrease depression and anxiety; with some research suggesting better than medication.

7. Get more sleep.

Lack of sleep creates decreased concentration, anxiety, moodiness, short-temper and depression. It’s important to try to go to bed at the same time every day. Find a way at night to let go of those worried thoughts. People don’t count sheep for nothing. It distracts the mind from the continuous running, worried thoughts. There are tons of ideas on the internet of ways to let go of worried thoughts at night.

What works for one doesn’t necessarily work for another so you might have to try a couple of suggestions to calm those worried thoughts at night to find what works for you.

8. Give positive energy.

Compliment someone every day. See how many people you can smile at and help where you can. Feeling good can start with giving or making someone else feel good. A simple word of encouragement makes the world a better place. When we share kindness, the body reacts with grace and love and happy chemicals flow through our body.

9. Laugh, love and hug.

Every time we laugh, love and hug, toxins and stress are released, leaving us feeling lighter. We need laughter and joy in order to find balance in a stressful time.

Practice your definition of positive reflection and develop the skill of looking for the good in the world.

The more you practice looking for good the better you get at seeing it everywhere. Find time every day to enjoy those important to you and to hug. Have a family routine every day to look for the positive things that are happening around us and what good each family member has contributed to the world in their unique way.

Begin your day with a positive thought, a hug and a smile and it can set the path for seeing the good that is out there, making for a better day.

Dianne Smith, LMFT is a licensed therapist with over 30 years experience. She has an office in Sandpoint and in Bonners Ferry and can be reached at dianne_smith_mft@yahoo.com

COMMUNITY

North Idaho’s 24/7 helper North Idaho Crisis Services looks to expand programs

More than a store, a Super store!

Start your holiday shopping early.

We have the perfect gifts from

Melissa & Doug.

By Lyndsie Kiebert Reader Staff Writer In October 2015, North Idaho Crisis Services program director Catherine Perusse told the Reader, “You’ve got to start out small and prove your value.”

Nearly two years into the NICS’s pilot service, the after-hours crisis hotline, Perusse said the program has proven its value over and over again.

“So far we’ve fielded all kinds of issues, from seniors having problems with the system, to people needing firewood, to suicide, to people with interpersonal relationship problems,” she said. “You name it, we’ve pretty well had it, which was our aim. We didn’t want people thinking their crisis wasn’t big enough.”

While there is a statewide crisis hotline program, Perusse said she sees value in a localized solution like NICS. “We all live here. We know groups and organizations that can help,” Perusse said.

“Not to downgrade the state hotline, but they can’t know the little things we know here locally. I can literally hand-walk people to a counselor.”

So what’s next for NICS? For Perusse, the future is simply an expansion on the success the group has already had — for now, that’s an expansion to a 24/7 hotline service. Right now, eight clinicians, paid minimum wage, staff the hotline from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. Those who try the hotline during the day have the option to leave a message, but Perusse said most don’t.

She said she can’t help but wonder how many of those people could seriously use the help when the hotline isn’t open. To combat that gap in their services, she said she’s taken steps to make the 24/7 hotline a reality.

“We have a location and phone systems ready to move forward, but we have very few volunteers,” she said. “There’s a need in the community.”

That need has resonated with people since NICS’s beginnings, Perusse said.

She said the donations and grants at the program’s start were telling of the community’s desire for crisis services, but that those forms of monetary support are becoming more difficult to come by.

“We’ve been very successful, but it gets harder the further you get,” she said, adding that they’ll need more donations and more volunteers to even begin thinking about becoming the all-hours, multi-service program she envisions. “I really feel we need that level of (24-hour) availability for people.”

Perusse said her priority right now is to find volunteers to man the phones during the daytime, given the hotline expands to daytime hours. She said prospective volunteers should know they will be provided training, the work schedule is flexible and that shifts will likely be 4 and half hours long. She only asks for a yearlong commitment.

“There’s research that indicates helping people is very enhancing for your own life,” Perusse said. “Even just knowing that you’re there, even if you didn’t get a call — at least there wasn’t someone out there alone without anyone to reach out to.”

To utilize the crisis hotline, currently open 5 p.m. to 8 a.m., call 208-946-5595.

To donate or volunteer, visit www.northidahocrisis.org/contact.

MONDAY-FRIDAY 8AM-8PM / SATURDAY 8AM-6PM / SUNDAY 10AM-6PM

October 26, 2017 / R / 17

OUTDOORS

Friends of Scotchman Peaks wraps up Goat Ambassador program

By Reader Staff The Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness have wrapped up a second season of the Goat Ambassador Program on a positive note. In partnership with the Idaho Panhandle National Forest and Idaho Fish and Game, FSPW trained and deployed volunteers to help keep people safe and goats wild. These goat ambassadors went out on Scotchman Peak trail #65 every weekend from early June through early October to do outreach, education and monitoring.

As a result, the goats seem to be less brazen and were not getting up as close and personal looking for handouts. Hikers were overall excellent in helping keep themselves and the goats safe. Both goats and people were usually good at keeping a more appropriate distance from each other when compared with previous summers.

“There was a particularly pesky nanny and her kid who were really looking for salt,” said Program Coordinator Mary Franzel. “She required rocks to be thrown at her on occasion to keep her at least 50 to 75 feet away. But this seemed to work, and most other goats kept their distance.”

According to Sandpoint District Ranger Erick Walker, “The second year of the Scotchman Peak Trail Ambassador program has been of great value in reducing potential conflict between hikers and mountain goats, which has led to an enhanced recreational experience for visitors.”

There were 29 volunteer goat ambassadors this summer who hiked in all sorts of weather. Rain, snow, smoke: You name it and the ambassadors hiked it. Hikers were usually happy to have an “excuse” to take a little break, chat with someone familiar with the area and the trail and receive a map of the Scotchmans.

In addition to one-on-one education, the program collected survey cards. “We greatly appreciate hikers that filled out the goat survey cards; we can’t be there every day, and it helps everyone to know how the goats are behaving,” said Franzel.

The ambassadors noted that dogs have a very positive effect on goat behavior. Most hikers kept their dogs on leashes, but a few had them under good voice control. The goats immediately back away 100 feet or more but do not flee the summit altogeth-

18 / R / October 26, 2017

er. There were no reports of dogs chasing goats, nor any other concerns with canine hiking partners. Hikers are encouraged to bring their dogs along but also reminded it is usually a dry trail and there definitely is wildlife so a leash is a good idea.

If a hiker sees a goat on the trail, we suggest they yell loudly, wave their arms and knock hiking poles together.

If the goat doesn’t retreat over 100 feet away tossing rocks near the goat usually provided the needed motivation for them to back away from people. They can be sneaky and quiet in their quest for salt.

Hikers are encouraged to always keep packs and clothing with them and not to let the goats approach. They have sharp horns, and they can bite!

Overall, there were 29 goat ambassadors who covered 37 days for a total of 388 hours on the trail. The hikers encountered by our ambassadors were very interested in learning about the goats and expressed a desire to keep both hikers and goats safe. The ambassadors enjoyed

interacting with the hiking public, and the people encountered appreciated information about both mountain goats and the area in general.

Top: Program Coordinator Mary Franzel and her friend Morgan enjoy a one of a kind view atop Scotchman Peak.

Bottom: Franzell interacts with two hikers on Scotchman Peak trail.

Courtesy photos.

STAGE & SCREEN

Sandpoint Film Festival:

Pine Street Woods video needs your vote

A global effort right down the street

By Erik Daarstad Reader Contributor

Sandpoint Film Festival started eight years ago with presenting short films for a one-day film festival. A nonprofit organization started by Janice Jarzabek, SFF is an effort to present high-quality short films from around the world.

Sandpoint Film Festival takes place on Saturday, Nov. 4, at the Panida Theater.

This year it consists of 37 films — all but one 20 minutes or shorter — picked from around 3,000 submissions from around the globe, including two filmed here in Idaho.

Beside many films from the U.S., the films originate from countries as diverse as India, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Canada, Afghanistan, Iraq, Qatar, Ukraine and others.

For the last three or four years I have been part of the Sandpoint Film Festival, screening and helping select the various short films that we show for our little festival.

The primary goal is to find the films that excel in telling a story, whether it is in a narrative, animation or documentary category.

This year we selected 37 films that we feel contribute to the art of filmmaking through telling compelling stories and presenting issues that are important to us as human beings in today’s world. They also give us a window into that same world by showing other cultures, lives and environments that are important to us in recognizing our similarities rather than our differences.

Among the many superb films in this years festival is a documentary about the tragic Kent State Massacre that occurred 47 years ago in the middle of the Vietnam War. A comedy from Sweden makes fun of our dependence on smart phones; a U.S. comedy takes on the political realities and issues of the day and another comedy from France explores Muslim relations. “Time of Silence” is a documentary from Afghanistan about girls being able to attend schools. “Adina E - Changing” is a lovely animated film from Israel about a young girl running away and venturing out into the world. “A Walk” is a love story from Ukraine and “Hind’s Dream” from Qatar is about a young woman in a changing desert landscape. “Buttercup” is all about friendship, loss and grief – beautifully filmed in the Camas Prairie area of Idaho a couple hundred miles south of Sandpoint.

“My Sister Buggy” is about climate change and man’s impact on the environment, starring two adorable young local girls and filmed in the Sandpoint area. “What the Waves Brought In” is a powerful, heartbreaking short film from an Irish filmmaker living in the U.S.; “Soneri” from India is a lovely

look at the memories of childhood and whatever place that we might have come from.

Other films tackle the subjects of family, lost love, race relations, climate change and many other subjects.

On Friday, Nov. 3, there is a pre-production party at Café Trinity from 4:30-6 p.m. That evening at 7:30 p.m. the Panida will screen “Liza, Liza, Skies are Grey,” the latest project from two-time Academy Award-winning director Terry Sanders and photographed by Erik Daarstad.

Saturday morning starts with Filmmakers Coffee at Creations on the Cedar Street Bridge at 9 a.m. The Festival films are presented in three blocks starting at 11:30 a.m. The second block starts at 3 p.m. and the third at 6 p.m.. The festival concludes with a Post-Production Party at the Café Trinity Lounge starting at 9 p.m..

The price of admission is $ 7 per block or $ 20 for an all-access pass. Advance tickets are available at www.panida.org or through Sandpoint Films at (208) 290-0597.

Janice Jarzabek, Erik Daarstad and Bernice Webb work together as an all-volunteer board. Becky Revak downloads and prepares the films for screening. Lori Reid created the festival poster. Eric Ridgway will host the event. Cafe Trinity. Best Western and Elsaesser Jarzabek Anderson Elliott and Macdonald have sponsored the festival since 2010.

See you at the movies.

Panida Theater prepares for 90th birthday

By Reader Staff

As part of its 90th birthday celebration, the Panida Theater will be hosting an art show in the gallery of the Little Theater on First Avenue. Artists are invited to submit photographs, drawings, paintings and other works of art depicting the Panida Theater and its associated activities and history. The work may be new or previously shown.

All artwork must be display-ready, priced, and delivered to the Little Theater on Monday, Nov. 13, between 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Ten percent of any sales will go to the Panida Theater.

The birthday celebration is planned for Nov. 18. The festivities will kick off with the art show opening and reception in the Little Theater, followed by an evening of music and fun in the main theater. The art show will run through December.

For further information contact CJ at 208-627-2196.

Scott Rulander, a local videographer, has entered a video into an online contest by the website landismy. org that needs public voting to take it to the finish line. The video, called “Land is My Sasquatch,” is currently ranked third, which is incredible considering other videos hail from larger cities with huge support bases. If the video wins, Rulander will raise $10,000 for Kaniksu Land Trust’s Pine Street Woods project in Sandpoint. Cast your vote by directing your web browser to www.landismy.org, click on “Video Gallery” and enter “Sasquatch” in the search bar. Voting concludes Nov. 16, so let’s help this local organization win some money! Still frame from video courtesy of Scott Rulander .

oct. 26 & 28 @ 7:30pm | Oct. 29 @ 3:30pm

‘war of the worlds’ radio stage play

relive those exciting moments of the live on-air 1938 broadcast of H.G. Wells' phenomenon War of the Worlds

tuesday oct. 31 - halloween! - @ 7pm

‘night of the living dead’ and ‘halloween’ in a double feature! thursday, nov. 2 @ 6:30pm

the kitchen dwellers and horseshoes and hand gernades a double headliner music show with a unique jam grass style

friday, nov. 3 @ 7:30pm

‘Liza Liza Skies are grey’

a young romance film featuring cinematographer erik daarstad and director terry sanders

saturday, Nov. 4

sandpoint film festival

block 1: 11:30 am | block 2: 3opm | block 3: 6pm thursday, nov. 9 @ 7:30pm

andy hackbarth in concert

Award-winning classical/Spanish/fingerstyle guitar virtuoso Andy Hackbarth pays tribute to the “Father of the Classical Guitar,” Andres Segovia

October 26, 2017 / R / 19

FOOD

The Sandpoint Eater

Kitchen Legends

By Marcia Pilgeram Reader Food Columnist

If you’ve been reading this column very long, most of you know that I have two daughters: the one who cooks (Ryanne) and the one who doesn’t (Casey). Casey blames an overbearing mother and a willful sister for her lack of culinary skills and still reminds us, “There was no room in that kitchen for one more female.”

I did not raise idle children, and Casey, knowing she’d need a skillset to keep peace in our home, soon discovered she could stay busy for hours turning napkins and silverware into works of art worthy of any gourmand who dined at our table. To this day, she can turn a simple linen napkin into a bishop’s hat, a rose or a fan and create elaborate centerpieces from items scavenged from the house and yard.

Recently, the one who doesn’t cook and her husband spent an idyllic autumn day gathering apples so they could try my recipe for apple pie (which also came with a lengthy Facetime tutorial from yours truly). Confident that they had the timing and technique perfected, I was anxious to hear all about their first pie project.

The first clue that the pie was done came via a text to her sister and me, along with a photo and a very disparaging remark. The photo revealed evidence of a pie that didn’t look a bit like the flaky crusted pastry I’d envisioned. I learned from Casey that she’d had trouble moving the pie onto the cooling

20 / R / October 26, 2017

rack, so I assumed she’d burned herself and the pie had somehow slipped to the floor. As additional information came forth, I discovered that the pie had not hit the floor, but in fact, once out of the oven Casey had flipped the pie out of the tin and onto the cooling rack. Why, you ask?

That was my first question too.

Apparently, Casey has watched me remove more cakes from the oven than pies and recalled the important step of flipping the just-baked goods onto the cooling rack. I asked her if she remembered the many times she’d sat criss-cross applesauce on the living room floor, polishing off half a leftover pie she’d squirreled away to consume for breakfast with Saturday morning cartoons…straight from the

pie tin. She vaguely recalled those mornings.

For the next few days, Casey was a good sport about being a huge target, and I reminded her that this is how great family anecdotes (or legends, if you’re Irish) are born. I smile, knowing that Casey’s pie story will be shared with her children and probably theirs, too.

Lots of my family tales revolve around food and one of my favorite stars Irma, my grandmother, and Iris, her sister.

Many years ago, Irma and Iris were preparing a large batch of Christmas fruitcakes, to which they added ample whiskey.

After the fruitcakes were baked and cooled, they’d turn them out of the pans, wrap them in whiskey-soaked cheesecloth,

then foil, and put them away to age. Every couple of weeks until Christmas, they’d carefully remove the foil, brush a bit more whiskey onto the cheesecloth and rewrap them.

This was repeated from Halloween until Christmas. Their fruitcakes were baked in large pans that took a couple of hours to bake, so while they waited they partook in a bit of “kitchen nipping.” When it came time to soak the cheesecloth, they discovered they were completely out of whiskey and had to make a quick run to buy more. Then, according to legend, they decided they’d better drink a good amount of the second bottle so the men would not question a nearly full bottle (which surely was larger than a pint), a dead

giveaway to what the ladies had been up to in the kitchen.

If you’re going to whip up a batch of fruitcake, it’s time to get started, as these holiday cakes are best when they’ve had a few weeks to cure. This recipe replaces a portion of the outdated and overly-dyed candied fruits of my youth with a variety of delicious (and less sugary) dried fruits, and lots of toasted nuts. As evidenced by Irma, it’s always more fun to have a helper in the kitchen, so ask someone to give you a hand with the chopping and mixing. But first, a run to the liquor store may be in order. You’ll have some delicious fruitcake to share and who knows, you could end up with a legend or two of your own.

Holiday Fruitcake

Turn this into your own signature cake, by choosing your favorite liquor (whiskey, rum or brandy), fruit mixtures and nuts (chop the fruit and soak in liquor the day before you make the cakes). If using an electric mixer, use it only to cream the sugar and butter, then beat by hand.

Small decorative molds, or paper-lined mini-bread pans make beautiful little holiday giveaways.

INGREDIENTS:

Fruit: (any mix of 6 ½ cups of fruit) Soak overnight.

•1 1⁄2 cups diced dried pineapple •1 1⁄2 cups raisins, golden or regular •1 cup diced dried apricots •1 1⁄2 cups chopped dates •1 cup chopped candied red cherries (plus additional for decoration, if desired •3⁄4 cup liquor Batter: •1 cup unsalted butter, softened (or 1 cup chilled browned butter) •2 cups dark brown sugar •1 tsp salt •1 tsp ground cinnamon •½ tsp ground allspice •½ tsp ground nutmeg •1 tsp baking powder •4 large eggs •3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour •2 tablespoons cocoa powder (black cocoa preferred for color) •½ cup dark corn syrup •Zest of one orange - Juice of the orange and enough water to make ½ cup •2 cups chopped, toasted pecans and/or slivered almonds (save a handful of whole nuts to decorate.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Chop the fruit and combine with the liquor in a glass bowl; cover and let rest overnight.

2. Preheat the oven to 300°F. This recipe makes enough batter for 16 mini loaves or two standard 9” x 5” loaves. Choose your pans, and lightly grease them, or line pans with muffin liners or parchment paper.

Batter: 3. Place the butter and sugar in a very large bowl and beat together until well combined.

4. Beat in the salt, spices, and baking powder.

5. Beat in the eggs one at a time, scraping the bowl after each addition.

6. In a separate bowl whisk together the flour and cocoa.

7. Zest the orange, then juice. Pour juice into ½ cup measuring cup and add water to fill.

8. Add the flour mixture and the corn syrup to the mixture in the bowl, beating gently to combine.

9. Stir in the zest, juice/water mixture, then the fruit with any collected liquid, and the nuts. Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl, and stir until everything is well combined.

10. Spoon the batter into the pans, filling them about 3/4 full. Decorate the tops with cherries and nuts.

11. Bake the cakes on the middle shelf of the oven, about 65 to 70 minutes for the small loaves; or 2 hours minutes for the 9” x 5” loaves. The cakes are done when cool before wrapping in foil, then plastic bags. a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean (or a cooking Store in dark cupboard, at room temperature thermometer registers 180 degrees) for up to 6 to 8 weeks.

12. Remove the cakes from the oven. Fruitcake can remain in the lined pans for stor 14. For cakes that will stay in serving liners, place age or remove cakes from the pan after about 5 minutes, loosening the edges first. a small piece of liquor soaked cheesecloth in 13. Brush the warm cake with rum or brandy. If the cakes are not in liners (which the center of cake (not touching the paper they will stay in while curing), wrap the cakes in liquor soaked cheese cloth, and liner), wrap in foil and store in plastic bags.

MENTAL HEALTH

Opening hearts and minds The Heart and Science of Quantum Happiness

By Suzen Fiskin Reader Columnist What the heck is Quantum Happiness?

I’m so glad you asked.

Around 100 years ago, the world of physics was rocked to its foundation when quantum mechanics took down old-school Newtonian physics. Without going into a bunch of scientific mumbo jumbo, part of the paradigm of this new science is that thought affects physical reality.

Dr. Masaru Emoto, a Japanese researcher and photographer, demonstrated this powerfully with his images of water molecules. In his experiments, he exposed glasses of water to different words, pictures and music. He then froze drops of the exposed water and photographed their crystalline structure. He wanted to see the effect directed intention has.

The photos are amazing. The crystals with words like hate, fear and anger were lumpy, asymmetrical and ill formed.

The crystals created with words like love, joy and peace were geometrical, detailed and beautiful works of art.

Guess what? Our bodies are more than 70-percent water.

Just imagine how our thoughts and feelings are affecting us.

I’m a hypnotherapist and used to go to the American Board of Hypnotherapy convention every year in the ‘90s.

My favorite event was the annual spoon-bending party.

There were over 100 people in a big room at a hotel with great mounds of spoons and forks.

The hypnotist leading the

festivities told us to grab a piece of silverware and try to bend it with our hands. About all we could do was bend it in half with a lot of effort. He’d then get us into a light hypnotic state and within a minute or two, it got very interesting.

It started with one shout in the room, “I got it!” S/he held up a twisted piece of flatware for all to admire. From there it was like popcorn. “I did it!”

“Me, too!”

When I did it, I felt the moment I connected to whatever force was at work. Suddenly the metal felt like warm wax, and I could mold the fork or spoon however I wanted for 10 seconds or so before it hardened. I still keep a twisted fork with curled tines in my desk as a reminder of how powerful our minds are.

The science of what I’m calling Quantum Happiness is about how our thoughts have an impact on our reality. Want to be a happier human? Then change how you think!

The good news is that happiness is a skill that you can learn.

Until age 7, we live in a daydreamy theta state of mind.

As children, we soak up everything we’re exposed to without critical thought. The majority of what we come to believe about ourselves and the world is set in our unconscious minds by the time we’re 5. Until we make a conscious choice to surface those beliefs and bring them up to date with what we know now, they run us for the rest of our lives because 95 percent of our thinking is beneath our conscious awareness.

Odds are that we’d make very different choices in our lives today than we did when we were so much shorter.

This is what the heart and science of Quantum Happiness is. When we get to a point in our lives when we decide that we’re going to be happy no matter what, we can focus our hearts and emotions on that desire.

Then, the process of learning how to pay attention to what we DO want begins. When we stop ourselves from thinking about what we don’t want, and zero in on what we DO want, we begin to rewire our minds to be happier humans.

Old thought patterns form deep neuropathways in our brains. Think of them as wires of electrical currents. When we stop giving energy to the old thought and replace it with the thought we DO want, we literally loosen the neurological glue that held the old thought in place and transfer that glue to the new thought. Keep it up, and the

old thought disengages and the new one takes its place. Voila!

As one of my clients so eloquently put it, “It’s simple, but it isn’t easy.”

This is, of course, a top tier look at the process of rewiring our brains to be happy. There’s more to it than this, and a good Happiness Coach can help guide you.

If you can wrap your mind around the idea that it’s absolutely possible to replace a sense of doom with a heart full of possibilities that light up our neurology, you’re spot on and well on your way!

Suzen Fiskin is an Inspirational Speaker, Happiness Coach and great addition to your next party. She’s also the author of “Playboy Mansion Memoirs: from the Sexual Revolution to Personal Evolution.”

You can find her at: SuzenFiskin@yahoo.com

The vision of panelized, realized.

www.mehomes.net (208)264-6700

Dan McMahon, Gen. Contractor dan@mebldg.com

This week’s RLW by Ben Olson

READ

Instead of the usual Halloween recommendations (see Stephen King, et al.), I’d like to recommend a novel that always puts me on edge.

Cormac McCarthy’s “Blood Meridian” is a book that has always rattled my nerves. It took two or three readings to really get into the pith and heart of this anti-Western novel.

“Blood Meridian” is not a “horror” novel by any description, but some of his characters, such as Judge Holden, are immaculately described by McCarthy as the ultimate evil incarnate.

LISTEN

The 2011 release of “Creep on Creepin’ On,”

by Canadian group Timber Timbre is one of those albums. The methodical, haunting songs are backed by moaning harmonies. The steady beat of the songs gives you a feeling of unease, but not in a bad way. The jarring stops and bleeding violin lines help contribute to this feeling.

It makes me think of what Tom Waits might sound like if he were born 40 years later and started producing music in the indie scene.

I’m not the only one to feel this way, too. Their song “Demon Host” was used in the movie soundtrack for “The Last Exorcism: Part II.”

WATCH

When I first saw the trailer for “The Witch,” a film that follows a Puritan family exiled from their village and dealing with forces of evil in the nearby woods, I said to my girlfriend, “There’s no way in hell we’d ever rent that.”

Some months later, we proved ourselves wrong and decided to scare the crap out of ourselves.

The 2015 film is one of the most uneasy films I’ve seen in recent years. It doesn’t employ jump scares or trickery to scare you. It slowly builds like a pot of blood left on simmer. The acting is amazing and realistic. The ending leaves you confused, yet sated, as you try to figure out just what the hell is going on in the woods.

October 26, 2017 / R / 21

ART

Local Artist Spotlight: Nicole Black of Whiskey Jack Pottery

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

From her cozy downtown studio on Cedar Street, Nicole Black quietly spends another day doing what she loves at the pottery wheel: Making functional art that could last a lifetime.

Black’s Whiskey Jack Pottery has occupied the studio at 223 Cedar St. since June of last year. Since then, she has built the studio into a vocation she loves and a business that helps support her family.

Take a stroll through Black’s studio, and you’ll get a quick idea of her style.

The shelves have displays of mugs, plates, bowls and every other imaginable earthenware with Black’s signature style influenced over years of practice. The colors are bright, the dimensions flawless but human. Her dog Lola sits nearby, offering companionship and silent support. Everything about the studio speaks of a place that gives birth to creations made of love.

Black spun her first pot while attending Sandpoint High School.

“It was in Dan Shook’s art class,” she said. “I always looked forward to it, but I didn’t expect it to turn into a career.”

After graduation, Black headed to college in Durango, Colo. to study sports medicine.

“I didn’t get accepted into any art classes because I had a sports major,” she said. “I remember there was a point when I realized all my notebook pages talking about body systems and stuff were surrounded by sketches. That’s when I realized I wanted to spin pottery.”

Black moved back to Sandpoint in 2002 and began taking adult art classes with her former teacher Shook. When the now-retired art teacher built a pottery studio at his home on Whiskey Jack Road, in 2006, he asked Black to come out and spin with him, and so Whiskey Jack Pottery was born.

“It takes a long time to refine your skills,” said Black. “It’s like 10,000 hours of practice just to get something worthy.”

As Black honed her skills at the wheel, she noted that her individual style had not blossomed yet.

“All those years in Dan’s space, my pottery looked a lot like his,” she said.

“Each potter has their own shape. My shapes were similar to Dan’s. Just moving into this space here, my stuff is different.

It’s been really fun to find my own style.”

Black’s style, as with many artists, has

22 / R / October 26, 2017

emerged out of the collective influences she’s built up over time. While Shook’s tutelage certainly had an impact on her creations, Black further defined herself with the henna-inspired designs that adorn her earthenware. Black has given henna tattoos during Farmers’ Market and other events for years.

“It feels like I’m speaking another language,” she said of her use of henna-inspired designs. “Each triangle and line has meaning.”

For Black, the enjoyment of spinning pottery is only augmented by the reality that she is creating functional art that may last someone a lifetime.

“There’s this misconception that ceramics are more fragile, or that you have to hand-wash them,” she said. “They’re actually really strong. You can buy a mug and it could last your whole life.

And everything I make is dishwasher and microwave safe.”

Also, according to Black, serving on handmade pottery is yet another way to take care of your body and soul.

“People are really particular about their food and how it’s prepared,” she said. “Then they just top it off by serving it on a China-manufactured plate.”

Black’s line includes several iconic designs including what she calls “The Happy Mug,” which is her best seller.

“I’ve made several thousand mugs alone,” she said. “I also make a lot of plates and bowls. I make a plate with a bowl shape similar to my grandmother’s plates, so I call them ‘The Sally Plate.’ I just really like experimenting with what works.”

Black said she often takes custom orders, and her favorite is when someone wants an entire matching place setting.

In fact, my girlfriend, Cadie, recently had

Top left: Nicole Black puts her signature spin on a new creation at Whiskey Jack Pottery on Cedar. Top left: Some of Black’s earthenware featuring her unique design.

Photos by Ben Olson. a consultation with Black after moving into a new place with exposed shelves.

The consultation concluded with Cadie happily ordering a full place setting with her own requests for color and design.

Because pottery takes so much work — sometimes 20 steps go into a single piece — to avoid the feeling of burning out, Black often takes creative breaks to paint with watercolors. Sometimes the paintings inspire new designs for her pottery. And so the creative muse continues spinning.

Now that her former art teacher Shook has retired from Whiskey Jack Pottery, Black carries on the name herself. Her studio is also her showroom, which she said helps give her pieces more value.

“People have a better concept of what went into making it,” she said. “You’re not just buying a finished product. But, even if I didn’t sell a thing, I’d still do this every day.”

Crossword Solution

Extra!

Crossword Solution

To check out Nicole Black’s work, head to Whiskey Jack Pottery at 223 Cedar St. or check it out online www. whiskeyjackpottery.com. It’s always best to call ahead to schedule an appointment as office hours vary: (208) 255-6395.

The other day I got out my can opener and was opening a can of worms when I thought, “What am I doing?!”

So about last week...

To all of you crossword lovers out there, I salute you. Doing the crossword puzzle on a regular basis is a great mental calisthenic routine. It is, however, not a great workout when some moron accidentally includes all the answers to the puzzle without even giving you a chance. Yes, that moron is me, Ben Olson, your faithful publisher-at-large. To make up for last week’s SNAFU, here’s an extra puzzle. This time, let’s see how you do filling out the answers.

-Ben Olson

CROSSWORD ACROSS

1. Hitches 6. Hens make them Solution on page 22 10. Charity DOWN 14. Prankster 15. Not false 1. Curdled soybean 44. Loyalty 19. Absurd 16. Tight milk 45. Lower 21. Paddles 17. Callow 2. Black, in poetry 46. Discussion 25. Dull pain 19. Apprentice 3. Ark builder group 26. Offensively 20. Statement 4. Reducing in rank 47. Entangle malodorous 5. Genuine (Australian 27. Informer 48. Runs in neutral 21. An Old Testament king 22. Relating to aircraft slang) 51. Bit of gossip 28. Got up 23. Fen 6. 1 1 1 1 29. Electrical pioneer 52. Plunge 25. Exhausted 7. Excavated 53. Proven 30. Overgrown with 26. Flying mammals 8. Hot rum drink information ivy 30. Bodyguard 9. Abominable 54. Margarine 31. Not in 65. In the midst of 32. Give forth Snowman 55. End ___ 34. Diplomacy 66. One who colors cloth 10. An alloy of copper 56. Canvas dwelling 35. Hot sauce 35. Cain’s brother 67. Expunge 39. Decipher and zinc 58. Spy agency 36. Not idle 68. Japanese stick 40.

Evil spirit 11. Chordophones 38. A sizeable hole fighting 41. Frosty was one 12. Without company 39. Groundless 43.

Breach 13. Masses of floating 41. Test, as ore 44. Two-piece bathing suit ice 42. Part of a rachet DOWN 46. Female sheep (plural) 47. Second person 1. Stigma /MAWR-uh-buhnd/ singular of shall 2. Naked [adjective] 50.

Volumes 3. “Smallest” particle 1. in a dying state; near death. of the 53.

Car 4. Babylonian goddess 2. on the verge of extinction or termination.

54. Arrive (abbrev.) of healing “The moribund ACA is destabilized by President Trump’s executive orders.”

55. Withstand 5. The male reproductive 60. Anagram of “Wort” cell Corrections: Where to begin? First, obviously, we published the answers al61.

Wildlife warden ready filled in with last week’s crossword puzzle. Then we had the solutions 6. And so forth listed on the wrong page. Then we spelled Pend Oreille “Ponderay” when 63. Sea eagle 7. Lubricating oil it wasn’t referring to the little city with the big future. Let’s just say it was a 64. French for “State” 8. Gunfire

Word Week

Copyright www.mirroreyes.com

1. Care for 5. Of doubtful quality (British) 10. Tell all 14. Double-reed woodwind 15. Accustom 16. Govern 17. Froth 18. Mediator 20. Detaches 22. A Chinese herb 23. Letter after sigma 24. Donkeys 25. Assertion 32. Metal money 33. Variety show 34. Bar bill 37. Suspended 38. Propose 39. Hindu Mr. 40. Antlered animal 41. Passageway 42. Strides 43. Unwaveringly 45. Orbital point 49. Female sheep 50. An adhesive bandage 53. Radioactive dust 57. Deductive 59. If not 60. Arid 61. Kick out 62. Observed 63. L L L L 64. Substantial 65. Classify

Copyright www.mirroreyes.com

ACROSS

Extra! CROSSWORD

moribund

banner week at Team Reader. -BO

Solution on page 22 37. Give as an example 38. 1 1 1 1 42. Nitrify 43. Vigor 45. Usual 47. Filled to excess 48. Be in a rush 49. Redress 51. Startled cry 52. Move stealthily 54. Matured 56. A Greek territorial unit 57. Atop 58. Cleave 59. Therefore 62. French for “Summer” October 26, 2017 / R / 23

9. Bristle 10. Possible 11. Stratum 12. Black-and-white diving bird 13. Got up 18. Calypso offshoot 24. Type of whiskey 25. Forbidden 26. What we sleep on 27. So be it 28. Meal in a shell 29. Snow thrower 31. Wise men 33. Acknowledge 34. Heavy, durable furniture wood 36. Shredded cabbage

fJ Q