WRW 18 November 2020

ELECTION 2020

COVID NEWS

What About The Also-Rans?

PG 4 SUN VALLEY

KETCHUM

Stage 2 Impacts Valley Life PG 2

HAILEY

PET

& ANIMAL SECTION

Valley Pets and Animals PG 7-11

BELLEVUE

PICABO

CAREY

WOOD RIVER WEEKLY YOUR VOICE IN THE WOOD RIVER VALLEY

Free | Nov 18 - Dec 1, 2020 | Vol. 1 - No. 26 | woodriverweekly.com

“The best revenge is massive success.” ~Frank Sinatra

SUPERINTENDENT HOLMES SHOCKS BCSD WITH IMMEDIATE RESIGNATION Middle school principal Fritz Peters named interim superintendent

A

By Eric Valentine

cadre of school district stakeholders in recent years have long wanted it. And in March, the entire district was told it would happen effective June 30, 2021.

But last week, superintendent GwenCarol Holmes tendered her resignation to school board trustees effective right away.

“This letter is to tender my resignation from the Blaine County School District effective immediately,” Holmes wrote. “I am very proud to have been a part of continuing the quest for equity as we redesign the system to serve all students.”

Holmes spent six and a half years leading the district, a tenure marked with significant accomplishment and controversy. The district has an overall rating of A- from niche.com, which ranks it seventh out of 113 districts statewide. But in recent years, some staff and parents began publicly organizing to voice their complaints about what they described as Holmes’ heavy-handed approach in which staff and students would face repercussions if they spoke out against district matters. A number of lawsuits—from students, from staff, and from a trustee—were filed against Holmes in the last few years.

We believe Principal Peters is eminently well qualified to lead the district in this critical period of transition and we look forward to working with him..”

Now former BCSD superintendent GwenCarol Holmes. Photo credit: Blaine County School District

The brief resignation letter submitted by GwenCarol Holmes. Image credit: Blaine County School District

INSID

XC

EL OU

SI DE

E

Our mission is to provide affordable (and safe) access to a state -of-the-art facility and to optimize the health and performance of as many people as we can. And we love it!

N

E

208.788.7669 • 1970 Woodside Blvd. Hailey, ID 83333 Gravityfitness-tennis.com

T

The friction culminated in significant board turnover, both from resignation and election, and ultimately Holmes declared to the board in March that she would not be seeking contract renewal next June. Over the past few months, trustees had been searching for a new superintendent to start in July 2021. That search continues, but the board has appointed Wood River Middle School Principal Fritz Peters as interim superintendent and he will serve in that role until the new superintendent assumes office.

“Principal Peters has for a number of years served as superintendent designee, acting in the capacity of district superintendent when Dr. Holmes was unavailable.

We believe Principal Peters is eminently well qualified to lead the district in this critical period of transition and we look forward to working with him,” board president Keith Roark said.

According to the district, Peters has expressed no interest in the position of superintendent beyond the interim position. Wood River Middle School Vice Principal Rob Ditch will assume the role of interim principal of Wood River Middle School for the remainder of this school year.

Roark could not be reached before press deadline for further explanation behind Holmes’ resignation.

TRA I

Keith Roark, BCSD board president

GRAVITY IS PROUD TO BE OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY A 42k+ square foot, state -of-the-art facility Affordable memberships (as low as $35/month) Activities/training for all ages and abilities

GRAVITY HAS CLEAN AIR AND SURFACES: • • •

Advanced air filtration and cleaning protocols + App for scheduling all activities + lots of space + ...

New and improved: Tennis facility remodel, including new LED lights, and much more!

Gym and Functional Training Room are being improved, including an 8-Stack from Matrix on its way!

2

Wood River Weekly

•

November 18 - December 1, 2020

NEWS

COVID

COVID Uptick Pushes Healthcare, Businesses To Brink St. Luke’s suspends elective surgeries, local businesses organize against mandates

V

By Eric Valentine

alley infrastructure and emotions are being pushed to the brink thanks to the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases being felt locally and across the globe in recent days. Just this past week, St. Luke’s announced temporarily suspending certain elective surgeries, Blaine County School District halted in-person learning at one of its schools, and local businesses hanging on by a financial thread in some cases pushed back against certain pandemic-related mandates.

Blaine County’s average new case rate has been in the critical zone for several weeks and is still rising. The county positive rate remains high at 11 percent, meaning 11 people in every 100 people tested are positive for the virus that has now killed nearly a quarter million Americans.

“It is our hope that everyone takes the necessary steps to curb the rise in cases. Wearing a mask, limiting gatherings, watching your distance and practicing good hygiene can protect you and your loved ones and help us in our ability to add back elective surgeries,” Carmen Jacobsen, chief nursing officer/COO at St. Luke’s Wood River, said.

Surgery Strategy Due to significant and increasing COVID-19 activity resulting in hospitalization in the community, St. Luke’s Health System announced Thursday that in order to proactively manage its capacity for care, it will temporarily stop scheduling certain elective surgeries and procedures that can be delayed 90 or more days. This temporary pause went into effect Monday, Nov. 16, and will be in place until Friday, Dec. 25.

Impacted most severely are St. Luke’s Boise, Meridian, Magic Valley and Nampa medical centers which will cancel all elective surgeries that can be delayed 90 days or more. Currently scheduled elective surgeries and procedures at St. Luke’s hospitals in McCall, Mountain Home, and Wood River will proceed as planned and the status will be evaluated on a weekly basis as well.

In preparation for winter and to accommodate the increased demand for COVID-19 testing, St. Luke’s Wood River is relocating its primary location for COVID-19 tests to the main campus at 100 Hospital Drive in Ketchum beginning Wednesday, Nov. 18. Testing will

be performed Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. via a mobile trailer located near the Physician Office Annex.

Patients will drive up to a window for self-collection under the guidance and direction of a caregiver.

Mask Up Lowdown Blaine County and each city in the Wood River Valley have enacted mostly similar mandates for mask wearing and gatherings both indoors and outdoors. But in the face of little to no recent federal government assistance for businesses and individuals, small business owners are pushing back. As reported, a loose coalition of business owners in the Valley have been meeting since October to petition city councils to drop the one-size-fits-all mandates and instead allow businesses that have taken certain COVID precautions more leniency in capacity limits.

The enforcement of indoor capacities especially for restaurants is extremely alarming.”

Rob Cronin, local business owner

“I suggest every business write a letter to the City Council this week explaining what you think is a reasonable protocol based on your business type ... and what you repudiate relative to mandates and why,” Gravity Fitness owner Oliver Whitcomb wrote to his fellow business owners last week. “Some of you probably need little to no protocols, others may need to be more creative.”

Whitcomb and his fellow business owners have also created alternative signage regarding mask wearing for their businesses. It encourages people to be familiar with the mask ordinance but lets non-masked patrons know they won’t be bullied and it would be assumed by staff they had a medical reason not to abide by the mandate.

School Snafu Meanwhile, at least one Hailey school has had to revert back to fully online learning due to COVID. Alturas

Some Hailey businesses may be posting this alternative signage regarding mask wearing in their establishments. Image credit: Wood River Valley Business Owners’ Alliance

Elementary has been hit with too many staff quarantines to continue the hybrid model the district has adopted since the beginning of the school year. The hybrid model alternates which students are on campus during the week. Students do in-person learning just twice a week, but teachers and staff are there four days a week.

According to the district’s COVID dashboard update the day after the announcement, only one staff member had an active case of COVID-19 at Alturas, but 10 staff and 15 students were under quarantine. Those numbers can change weekly.

Districtwide there are 21 cases between students and staff. The largest number of quarantines are happening at Carey Elementary School and Wood River High School, with 39 and 32 cases, respectively.

You are not alone.

Life is anything but normal right now. If you’re suicidal or in crisis, reach out to someone who understands.

Call or text the Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline: 208-398-4357 or 800-273-8255

Wood River Weekly

• November 18 - December 1, 2020

3

WRW STAFF PUBLISHER Christopher Seldon (208) 788-4789 publisher@woodriverweekly.com MARKETING & SALES Mandi Iverson (208) 721-7588 mandi@woodriverweekly.com NEWS EDITOR Eric Valentine news@woodriverweekly.com ARTS & EVENTS, SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Dana DuGan dana@woodriverweekly.com COPY EDITOR Patty Healey PRODUCTION & DESIGN Mandi Iverson mandi@woodriverweekly.com Christopher Seldon chris@woodriverweekly.com ACCOUNTING accounting@woodriverweekly.com DEADLINES Display & Classified Ads, Monday 5 p.m.

Calendar Submissions — Friday 5 p.m.

CONTACT Wood River Weekly P.O. Box 3483 Hailey, Idaho 83333 (208) 788-4789 woodriverweekly.com

PUBLISHER’S NOTE Dear Valley Residents, As 2020 comes to a close, with COVID-19 making a resurgence, the Wood River Weekly will continue to publish every second week. We wish we could go back to our regular weekly schedule, but that will have to wait until the economic and pandemic environment improves.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

AFFECTS EVERYONE

...even pets.

AT THE ADVOCATES, WE OFFER • CRISIS SHELTER Housing for adults, children and pets (all of our housing opportunities are pet-friendly) • 24-HOUR HELPLINE Online, over the phone, or in person • CLIENT ADVOCACY Housing, food, employment, medical assistance, and more

Call our 24-hour helpline: 208.788.4191 Free and confidential support and resources.

• SEXUAL ASSAULT SERVICES Support and guidance for recovery • SUPPORT GROUPS & COUNSELING Helping survivors with the healing process

ACTION Prevention & Education

EMPOWERMENT Life Skills Programs & Support

FREEDOM

TRANSFORMATION

Crisis Services, Shelter & 24-hour Support

Transitional Housing & Long Term Advocacy

Learn more about our free programs and services: call 208.788.4191 or visit theadvocatesorg.org

FROM ALL OF US AT WOOD RIVER INSURANCE,

Happy Thanksgiving!

We will continue to follow important local news and provide interesting and entertaining content.

Thank you for your continued support.

Stay safe, stay strong, Chris & Mandi

“There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.”

- John Green

www.woodriverinsurance.com 208.788.1100

Wood River Insurance

A Member of Asset Protection Group

4

Wood River Weekly

Worried about the wellbeing of your investment portfolio?

Seek a second opinion.

•

NEWS

208.726.0605 675 SUN VALLEY ROAD, SUITES J1 + J2 KETCHUM, IDAHO 83340 Hazlett Wealth Management, LLC is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc.

Voted “Best Asian Cuisine”

ELECTION

The Valley Has Spoken

Tidwell, Parker lose election, gain awareness

I

HazlettWealthManagement.com

November 18 - December 1, 2020

By Eric Valentine

f you run for office but lose, one sign that you ran a good campaign is whether you’ve “changed the debate”—that is, gotten those in power to consider matters that may have previously gone overlooked. Another sign you ran a good campaign is when someone you don’t know crosses your path on Election Day and stops to say, “Mr. Parker, win or lose, I’m glad you ran.”

For two also-rans in the 2020 election—Kiki Tidwell for county commissioner and Eric Parker for state senator—these are the campaign experience takeaways they’ll be holding onto for a while, and with just as much pride as disappointment.

“I didn’t prevail in the ballot box, but I did get a lot of information out there to the community,” Tidwell said, especially involving the conflict between Blaine County and Idaho Power in regards to the development of a backup transmission line.

“I felt that my momentum was stronger in Blaine County, so I’m a little confused. I thought I could get more like 30 percent (of the vote),” Parker acknowledged. “We ran a good campaign. I’m proud of that.”

Tidwell, who launched her campaign nearly a year and a half ago, lost her bid to unseat chairman Jacob Greenberg, who has held his seat since 2012. Tally? Greenberg: 9,069 to Tidwell: 3,526.

Parker, a novice to the political scene and running formally as a Republican but messaging as an independent, lost his bid to defeat Senator Michelle Stennett, who has been the incumbent since 2010.

Tally? Stennett: 9,647 to Parker: 3,597.

By the numbers, they are both clear-cut defeats.

But in both candidates’ cases, they have changed the political landscape and brought some new wrinkles to campaigning here. Let’s start with Parker.

As previously reported, Parker came into the spotlight for his involvement in the Bundy Ranch standoff with the federal government in 2014. By 2018, Parker ultimately made a plea deal for a misdemeanor obstruction charge for aiming his rifle at federal officers. And by 2020, he was running for state senator. But the leader of the Real 3 Percenters of Idaho organization fell into mainstream political dialogue when National Public Radio (NPR) aired a feature story about Parker’s evolution in an episode of its popular All Things Considered show. However, not mainstream enough for Facebook, Google and YouTube, all of whom would not allow Parker to air his content or buy ads. In the case of Facebook, it removed his political page and personal page entirely.

“That really hampered us. That was our only tool, especially with COVID,” Parker said. “But I had a lot of conversations with a lot of people in the community and I got to explain where I was coming from and hear where they were coming from on a lot of issues. And that’s what I wanted to happen.”

Parker said he remains dedicated professionally to his work as an electrician and vocationally as the leader of the Real 3 Percenters of Idaho, which he says will remain active in emergency preparedness. Politically, he hopes to see headway on legalizing industrial hemp in Idaho as well as abolishing mandatory minimum sentences. He has not

Eric Parker canvassed the streets, especially after Facebook censored his campaign. Photo credit: Eric Parker

Kiki Tidwell spent 17 months campaigning for a county commissioner seat she did not win. Photo credit: Wood River Weekly file photo

decided if he will run for office again.

As for Tidwell, she’s also unsure of any future political run. However, she is 100 percent sure she will be involved with county issues going forward.

In addition to the power line controversy Tidwell shed light on, she also deep-dived county coffers and bookkeeping during her campaign. Tidwell brought light to how much the county was spending on salaries and benefits for staff, among other expenses.

“I think the commissioners need to be more fiscally responsible to the citizens and I don’t think the questioning I did had happened much before,” Tidwell said.

Tidwell said her most immediate next step will be focusing her energy and her family’s foundation on helping to fund loans for putting solar equipment on businesses around the county. Tidwell says there are a lot of cost savings that can be implemented sooner than later when it comes to energy efficiency.

“I think people will be pleasantly surprised,” Tidwell said.

Sponsored by:

City of Hailey

For the safety of the community and to slow the spread,

TAKEOUT & DINE-IN

Mon: 3:00pm - 8pm • Tue-Sat: 12pm - 8pm • Sunday CLOSED Thank you and stay safe!

310 MAIN STREET IN HAILEY

(208) 928-7111

The Chamber is inviting you to join us for the 17th Annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning, November 26th.

Starting times will be staggered to decrease group sizes.

CITY OF HAILEY COVID ORDINANCES MUST BE FOLLOWED. This great community event brings out participants of all ages to run, walk & stroll the beautiful 5K course through the Wood River Land Trust’s Draper Wood River Preserve and the streets of Hailey.

Special Turkey Trot buffs will be given to the first 500 people to register.

Registration is online only at HaileyIdaho.com.

Wood River Weekly

NEWS

•

November 18 - December 1, 2020

5

IN BRIEF

$450K COVID Mental Health Study Under Way

East Fork Chimney Fire Burns Roof

Multiple Valley fire crews responded Monday evening to a call that an East Fork home’s roof was on fire after an apparent chimney malfunction. All occupants were able to safely remove themselves from the property before firefighters and ambulances arrived at the scene shortly after 6 p.m. Crews needed until midnight to clear the structure of any lingering flames and dangerous debris.

The blaze occurred in the 200 block of Canyon Road and is still under investigation as of press deadline Tuesday. The home may be determined a total loss, the Ketchum Rural Fire Department said.

The long-term health impacts from coronavirus are being studied by researchers and healthcare professionals around the world. Now, St. Luke’s Health System will join that important work to focus on mental health impacts of COVID-19 and evaluate which interventions are most effective.

St. Luke’s Behavioral Health and St. Luke’s Applied Research Division were awarded a $450,000 grant from Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) to investigate the toll COVID-19 can take on our emotional and mental well-being and compare the effectiveness of two caring contact interventions.

The title of the study is Mental Health Among Patients, Providers, and Staff (MHAPPS) in the COVID-19 era. St. Luke’s is partnering with the Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline and Empower Idaho (through Jannus Inc.), University of Washington, and a group of community members with lived experience with suicide to undertake this research. The primary goal of the study is to assess the level of mental distress in St. Luke’s providers, staff, and patients and to study the best way for health systems to provide help.

“The pandemic adds anxiety, disruption, financial hardship as well as isolation and loneliness due to social distancing and quarantine at a time when the United States was already experiencing a high prevalence of mental health conditions and increasing suicide rates. This may increase risk of suicide and can lead to or exacerbate other mental health conditions,” explained Anna K. Radin, DrPH, MPH, St. Luke’s Applied Research scientist.

“We are grateful to PCORI for awarding this important grant to St. Luke’s,” said Dr. Jim Souza, St. Luke’s chief medical officer. “This study will not only give us a better understanding of the risks and causes of the mental health challenges, but will also give us the chance to help by gathering scientific evidence on potential solutions for those providers, employees, and patients who are most impacted.”

NEW 2021 RAV4 LE

$239 39 $2,999 2021 RAV4 XLE Premium model shown.

PER MO.

MOS.

AFTER $500 LEASE BONUS CASH APPLIED TO AMOUNT DUE AT SIGNING

DUE AT SIGNING, PLUS TAXES AND FEES

NEW 2021 VENZA LE

$299 36 $2,999 PER MO.

MOS.

AFTER $500 LEASE BONUS CASH APPLIED TO AMOUNT DUE AT SIGNING

DUE AT SIGNING, PLUS TAXES AND FEES

NEW 2021 TACOMA

$1,000 CUSTOMER CASH

TOYOTA.COM

318 Shoshone St W • Twin Falls 733-2891 • 800-621-5247

Prototypes shown with options. Extra-cost color shown. Offer Excludes TRD Pro trim. Customer cash from Toyota Motor Sales USA, Inc. Must be applied to the transaction. No cash payment will be made to consumer. Lease a new 2021 RAV4 LE for $239 a month for 39 months with $3499 due at signing on approved credit through Toyota Financial Services. $500 Subvention Cash applied to amount due at signing. TFS lease due at signing of $3,499 includes $2,610 Cap. Cost Reduction, $650 acq. fee which totals $3,260 down, and 1st month’s payment. Base MSRP excl. freight is $27,450. Cap cost $27,651. Lease-end purchase option $19,070. $350 disposition fee due at lease end. Total lease cost is $12,581. Lease a new 2021 Venza LE for $299 a month for 36 months with $3499 due at signing on approved credit through Toyota Financial Services. $500 Subvention Cash applied to amount due at signing. TFS lease due at signing of $3,499 includes $2,550 Cap. Cost Reduction, $650 acq. fee which totals $3,200 down, and 1st month’s payment. Base MSRP excl. freight is $32,470 Cap cost $32,414. Lease-end purchase option $22,206. $350 disposition fee due at lease end. Total lease cost is $13,964. Call 1-800-79-Toyota for details. Does not include taxes, license, title/registration fees, dealer fees and Oregon tax (.05%). Down payment may be required. Does not include College Grad or Military Rebate. Varies by region. See dealer for details. †$350 disposition fee due at lease end unless customer purchases vehicle or decides to re-finance through Toyota Financial Services. Customer responsible for maintenance, excess wear and tear and $0.15 per mile over 12,000 miles per year. Lease does not include taxes, license, title fees, insurance, regionally required equipment and other dealers’ charges are extra and not included in the amounts shown. Closed-end lease. Payment may vary depending upon final transaction price. Subject to availability. Offers may vary by region. See participating dealer for details. *ToyotaCare Covers normal factory scheduled service for 2 years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. See Toyota dealer for details and exclusions. Valid only in the continental U.S. and Alaska. Offers end 11/30/20.

*

6

FLY SUN

Pet & Animal Section • Wood River Weekly

•

November 18 - December 1, 2020

NEWS

2020/21 sun winter flight schedule announced!

SEA: Alaska nonstop flights 2x week (Thu/Sun), Oct 1-Dec 13; daily nonstop flights Dec 17-Mar 28 SLC: Delta nonstop flights daily all fall and winter DEN: United nonstop flights daily Dec 17-Mar 27 LAX: United nonstop flights Dec 17-Mar 27: daily during holidays, frequency varies remainder of season Delta daily nonstop flights Dec 19-Mar 1 SFO: United nonstop flights Dec 17-Mar 27: daily during holidays, frequency varies remainder of season ORD: United nonstop flights Dec 17-Mar 27: daily during holidays, Saturdays remainder of season Get flight schedule details at www.flysunvalleyalliance.com

2020/21 FSVA AIR SUPPORT BUSINESS SKI PASS Your employees ski free – you support air service Transferable Direct to Lift Access

Sign up here for airfare deal alerts and news too!

«

www.flysunvalleyalliance.com

www.flysunvalleyalliance.com

Fly SUN. Nonstop to DEN • LAX • ORD • SEA • SFO • SLC ONE STOP TO THE WORLD

Check SUN fares first!

Ketchum Rural Fire District Proposes Name Change

IN BRIEF

The Ketchum Rural Fire Protection District will hold a public hearing Nov. 18 at 10 a.m. at Sun Valley City Hall located at 81 Elkhorn Road. Commissioners will consider a resolution to change the protection district’s name to Blaine County Fire and Rescue.

“Having almost the same name as the City of Ketchum Fire Department when our Rural Fire District covers an extensive area outside the city limits has caused confusion with the public,” stated Jed Gray, Fire District Commission chairman. “It is particularly confusing now that we are contracting with the City of Sun Valley for staffing; invoices and calls still continue to go to the City of Ketchum.”

The Ketchum Rural Fire Protection District boundaries extend north from Ohio Gulch Road on the east side of Highway 75 and Golden Eagle on the west, in the unincorporated area of Blaine County. The district provides fire protection outside for the cities of Ketchum and Sun Valley to Galena Summit.

Under Section 67-2321 of Idaho Code, the Fire District can change its name by holding a public hearing and adopting a resolution with the new name and sending it to the state tax commission and the Blaine County recorder.

“The name Blaine County Fire and Rescue reflects the fact that, under our mutual aid agreement with other local fire departments and fire districts, we respond throughout the county whenever asked,” commented Ketchum Rural Fire Protection District chief, Rich Bauer.

St. Luke’s Moves COVID-19 Testing To Wood River Campus

In preparation for winter and to accommodate the increased demand for COVID-19 testing, St. Luke’s Wood River is relocating its primary location for COVID-19 tests to the main campus at 100 Hospital Drive in Ketchum beginning Wednesday, Nov. 18. Testing will be performed Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. via a mobile trailer located near the Physician Office Annex. Patients will drive up to a window for self-collection under the guidance and direction of a caregiver.

The process for scheduling a test remains the same and must be scheduled in advance. Patients who have COVID-19 symptoms can use the self-triage tool on myChart to determine what they need to do and, if warranted, schedule a test. While myChart is the preferred method of scheduling and is the quickest manner of receiving test results and instruction, patients can also call the St. Luke’s COVID-19 hotline at (208) 381-9500 for screening.

For more information on COVID-19 resources, visit Stlukesonline. org. To use the self-triage tool, visit stlukesonline.org/symptom-checker, and for additional testing information, visit get-tested-covid19.org.

BLACK FRIDAY WEEK LONG OPEN HOUSE

jane’s artifacts jane’s holiday house arts / / crafts / / papers / / office / / party

ORNAMENTS

All Christmas Wrapping, Tissue & Bags

25% OFF

15% OFF

BOXED CHRISTMAS CARDS

15%-50% OFF

Party Goods, Cookie Tins & Containers

20% OFF JIGSAW PUZZLES

15% OFF

THANKSGIVING 40% OFF Both Stores

STOREWIDE 15% OFF

DRAWING FOR $100 GIFT CERTIFICATE

106 S. MAIN, HAILEY • 208.788.0848 12 EAST BULLION STREET, HAILEY

MORE SPECIAL ITEMS ON SALE

PET

Pet & Animal Section • Wood River Weekly

Novem b er

1 8

-

D e c e m b e r

1,

2020

•

•

& ANIMAL

November 18 - December 1, 2020

SECTION

w w w.wo o d r i ver week ly.co m

MILLY IS THE WINNER! (SILVIA TOO)

Congratulations to Milly, a 12 year old yellow Lab and 4 month old Silvia, beloved family members of Mike and Tera Schirf. The Wood River Weekly selected this photo as the winner of the newspaper’s Pet & Animal Special Section photo contest. The Schirf’s have won a $25 gift certificate to Silver Creek Outfitters!

NOTABLE MENTIONS

Lily, owner is Robbie Wood

Ambrose, Boxer, owner is Anne Gaines

Rosy, Standard Poodle, owner is Tamara Rowe

Charlie Bear, English Golden Retriever, owners are Kristi & Bob Diercks

7

8

Pet & Animal Section • Wood River Weekly

•

November 18 - December 1, 2020

PANDEMIC PUPPIES

Pandemic Puppi

D The Positive Puppy Dog Training LLC Fran Jewell, Owner/Instructor Idaho’s ONLY IAABC Certified Dog Behavior Consultant NADOI Certified Obedience and Tracking Instructor

35 Years of Integrated Experience Excellence in Private Dog Training Instruction

P.O. Box 806 Sun Valley, ID 83353 208-578-1565 www.positivepuppy.com

“Warm Hearts For Cold Noses”

Keeping the Wood River Valley’s pets leaping for joy for over 30 years!

712 N. Main St., Bellevue, ID (208) 788-4004 sawtoothanimalcenter.com

Betsy Kauder, C.K.O. Pet Lodge & Spa Manager

P.O. Box 177 Ketchum, ID 83340 208.622.PETS (7387) • Fax 208.726.7770 petlodge@svanimal.com • www.svanimal.com

2 miles south of Ketchum on Highway 75 Sun Valley Animal Center 106 S. Clear Creek Rd. (208) 726-7777 Sun Valley Animal Center Downtown 830 Warm Springs Rd. Ketchum, ID (208) 726-7790 svanimal.com

By Fran Jewell

uring this pandemic, the market for puppies and rescues has been astounding. With so many people at home and trying to survive an incredibly difficult time, many of us have reached out to bring a dog or puppy into our lives. I brought a small litter into the world in mid-September and found myself completely immersed into raising them, nurturing them and, with very serious intent, putting them into homes where I knew they would thrive. This week, they all went to their new homes.

Given all of that, I faced enormous stress making sure each pup and their personality fit with their new owner.

Being a certified dog behavior consultant, I watched their behaviors and did nurturing exercises to bring out their confidence, resiliency, and problem-solving abilities. I wanted them to be capable of accepting love and giving love. Each owner had to demonstrate to me that they had the German shepherd experience to enrich and train these pups to their highest potential.

From a breeder point of view, I see things entirely differently than a puppy buyer or adopter. I want to be sure the two FIT, that they are squares going into square holes, not squares going into round holes, or any other analogy you want to make.

I have also been a person who has adopted rescues and bought purebred do bring a dog into your home should be taken, as most people know, with hug knowledge about what they want and what characteristics will make a good d I have posted videos and photos on my Facebook page every day since the so people could see them learning, changing and what a breeder can potenti and years of helping people with puppies, I have seen lovely puppies that cou inhibition before they went home. I see puppies that could have been exposed Program,” which stimulates the 3-day-old puppy nervous system to help that p ient and adaptive in any environment.

What is enormously important is fitting the right puppy with the right own litter is different, with different drives and interests. While they have breed c one is an individual.

One day, I posted a video of one of my puppies picking up a blanket and sh Her name is Domino. Domino demonstrated at 5 weeks of age that her “pre beyond what should be in a pet home with little children. If I had placed her in chances are the new owners would have struggled and struggled to make he Instead, she is going to a search-and-rescue home where she is being trained dog handler.

How do we determine that ahead of time? It’s really incredibly easy. In the came along and picked the rug up and went to town. If you are looking at a with you. Shake it along the ground, and the dog’s response will let you kno “prey drive” is. I like a puppy to come up to it, or even chase it a bit, look at it, even put it in their mouth. However, a puppy that grabs it, then pulls or shake at it, is a dog for an experienced handler or trainer. A dog that shakes fiercely in many dog sports, but probably will make you nuts chasing and biting small A question to ask a breeder is if the puppies were naturally weaned. A m lowed to discipline her puppies for nursing too roughly will have puppies tha If puppies are force-weaned, they tend to still want to bite very hard. If a pup the litter sooner than 8 weeks, that puppy will also be more likely to not have g bite. They learn from other puppies in the litter. If it is a singleton puppy, th especially for small children or older people that have fragile skin.

Knowing a puppy’s history from the breeder or doing little tests yourself w can help you decide which puppy is going to fit in your home. Choosing a pupp other cuteness factors can bring you a puppy that is very hard to work with. lots of questions, and get as much history, even on a very young puppy, from th can bring a lively, lovely puppy into your life!

SPONSORED

ROSY ROVER T

Rosy Rover Training,

M

New Business!

y name is Tamara Rowe and I’m proud to announce the official launch of Rosy Rover Training, LLC, to the Wood River Valley!

Twenty-five years ago, upon visiting the Wood River Valley for the first time, I was amazed and delighted how dog-friendly and loving the people were.

I am now delighted for the opportunity to be able to foster happy, healthy, harmonious partnerships between canines and their people in this amazing place. My passion is making your life the most enjoyable with Your Best, Best Friend.

I have been training animals since I adopted my first rescue dog 30 years ago.

In 2014, I began competing in AKC Obedience and Rally with my standard poodle, Rosy, who, due to life circumstances, became my service animal with an additional two years of training with a mento In 2018, I began specifically utilizing Positive Reinforcement (R+) training on to become a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner through i world-renown instructor, Terry Ryan. I have since certified as a Puppy Sta Fear-Free Professional Trainer, and am a member of the IIABC. Rosy Rover Training, LLC is currently offering Puppy Passport/Operation es, Domestic Manners Classes (for all ages), Custom/Private Training, and Beh Watch for Free Topic Training such as Reactive Rover, Loose Leash Walki Outdoor Hounds, and Fear-Free Vet/Grooming over the coming year!

For more information please contact: tamara@rosyrovertraining.com or c www.rosyrovertraining.com.

FRAN JEWELL

ies

Pet & Animal Section • Wood River Weekly

•

November 18 - December 1, 2020

MORE NOTABLE PETS

P E T B O U T I Q U E & S U P P LY Billy & Jacky, Jack Russell Terriers, owner is Betsy Kauder.

ogs. The decision to ge commitment and dog fit for them. birth of the puppies ially do. After years uld have learned bite d to the “Super-Dog puppy become resil-

HIGH QUALITY PRODUCTS FOR HOUSEHOLD PETS ~ Locally Owned ~ Jaz, owner is Robbie Wood.

Frances, a mutt.

Order Online at thunderpaws.pet

ner. Each puppy in a commonalities, each

KETCHUM STORE: 171 N Main St Ketchum (208) 726-7387

haking it vigorously. ey drive” was WAY n that kind of home, er fit into their lives. d by an experienced

e photo, Domino just puppy, take a towel ow how intense that explore it. They can es it hard and growls is one that can excel l children. mother dog that is alat don’t bite as hard. ppy is removed from good control of their hat can be hard, too,

WE OFFER CURBSIDE PICK UP AND HOME DELIVERY

HAILEY STORE: 11 E Croy St Hailey (208) 928-4325

Chicken, Scottish Fold, owner is Ari Haagen.

Marlee, Dorkie, owner is Kath Swanson.

when choosing a pup py based on color or Take your time, ask he breeder. Research

TRAINING, LLC

LLC

Siri, Borgie, owners are Barb Patterson & Kelly Wardell.

Bella, Yellow Labrador, owner is Linda Peterson.

Beside a flowing creek, blooming flowers, and under a canopy of aspen, your customized plaque will serve as a reminder of your bond with them that is true forever.

2”x4” plaque $125 (October special - $60) 4”x4” plaque $200 (October special - $100) Pandemic special: "Pet Scholarship" Five free 2"x4" plaques to those experiencing COVID19 hardship plaques. Inquire at info@sbgarden.org

or. g methods and went intensive study with art-Right Instructor,

Socialization Classhavior Modification. ing, Kids and Dogs,

call: 970-424-7799 Honey, Boxer, owner is Paul Ybarra.

Sammy, chihuahua.

9

PET SHOPPING & SERVICES GUIDE

10

Pet & Animal Section • Wood River Weekly

•

November 18 - December 1, 2020

® ® The The Comfortable Canine LLC Comfortable Canine LLC

s

Dog

Play ‘n’ Train LLC

Teaching dogs toSwanger live and confidently inour our world. ® Clare Teaching dogscalmly totolive calmly and confidently in world.

Clare Swanger Teaching dogs live calmly and confidently in our world.

illi W rb Ba

ac h

in

My goal is to build a partnership between the owner(s) and their best friend, where neither dictates, teamwork is more fun.

Working together where everyone wins.

Manners is also another one of my goals.

Helping us humans understand our 4 legged friends, honoring their wisdom, cunning and brilliant playful side.

Having fun in the process!

• your Getpuppy your puppy off tostart a great start • Help a new ••Get off to achallenges great • Help a new dog settle indog settle in Resolve behavior Support elder dogs • Get your puppy off to a great start • Help a new settle in Resolve behavior challenges •or dog Support elder dogs Resolve behavior challenges •• Support elder dogs expertise helping dogs withchallenges shy,•anxious, reactive behavior.

•••Resolve behavior challenges •fearful Support elder dogs ••Specialized Resolve behavior challenges Support elder dogs Resolve behavior • Support elder dogs •Expand Resolve behavior challenges • trust Support elder dogs • Expand understanding and build trust • Obtain consultations • Expand understanding and build • Obtain consultations • understanding and build trust • Obtain consultations • Expand understanding and build • Obtain consultations •• Expand understanding and build trust Discounts for recently adopted dogs.

•trust Obtain consultations • Expand understanding andshelter/rescue trust with your dog Expand understanding and build trust •strengthen Obtain consultations 208.309.0960 www.comfortablecanine.org •helping • c.swanger@icloud.com Specialized expertise helping dogs with shy, anxious, fearful or or reactive behavior.

Senior Practitioner Specialized expertise dogs with shy, anxious, fearful reactive Specialized expertise helping dogs with shy, anxious, fearful or reactive behavior.

Specialized expertise helping dogs with shy, anxious, fearful or reactive behavior.

Specialized expertise helping dogs with shy, anxious, fearful or reactive behavior.

Specialized expertise helping dogs with shy, anxious, fearful orbehavior. reactive behavior.

Tellington TTouch® Training

Discounts for recently adopted shelter/rescue Discounts for recently adopted shelter/rescue dogs.dogs.

Serving Wood River Valley and beyond.

Discounts for recently adopted shelter/rescue dogs. dogs.

Discounts forthe recently adopted shelter/rescue dogs.

Discounts for recently adopted shelter/rescue dogs.

Discounts for recently adopted shelter/rescue

208.309.0960 c.swanger@icloud.com 208.309.0960 • c.swanger@icloud.com 208.309.0960• •www.comfortablecanine.org •www.comfortablecanine.org www.comfortablecanine.org ••c.swanger@me.com

Co

Force-free, innovative techniques to improve Force-free, innovative techniques to improve

your dog’s and your dog’s behavior well-being.

• Get your puppy offbehavior to a great start • well-being.

Help a new dog settle in Force-free, innovative techniques toand improve your dog’s behavior andand well-being.

Force-free, innovative techniques towell-being. improve your dog’s behavior • Resolve behavior challenges • Support elder dogs your dog’s behavior and well-being.

Personalized services toand accomplish your goals your dog’s behavior well-being.

Get your puppy off to a great start • Help a new • Get your puppy off to a great start • Help adog newsettle dogin settle •your Expand understanding build trust • Obtain • Get puppy off off to a start • Help a new dog settle in • Get your puppy togreat aand great start • Help aconsultations new dog settle in

Specialized expertise helping shy,Ketchum, anxious, fearful or reactive behavior.

POdogs Boxwith 4131, ID 83340

r&

Force-free, innovative techniques to improve to improve your dog’s innovative behavior and well-being.

Force-free, techniques to improve

Teaching dogs to live calmly and confidently in our world.

Force-free, innovative techniques

•

ine

am

s

The Comfortable Canine LLC Clare Swanger Teaching dogs to live calmly andand confidently in our world.

Teaching dogs to live calmly confidently in our world.

Clare Swanger Teaching dogs to live calmly and confidently in our world.

a Tr

The Comfortable Canine ®LLC ® Clare Swanger The Comfortable Canine LLC The Comfortable Canine LLC Clare Swanger Clare Swanger ® The Comfortable Canine LLC ®

208.309.0960 Senior Practitioner Senior Practitioner 208.309.0960 • www.comfortablecanine.org • c.swanger@icloud.com • www.comfortablecanine.org • c.swanger@icloud.com Senior Practitioner Senior Practitioner 208.720.0138 208.309.0960 www.comfortablecanine.org 208.309.0960 c.swanger@icloud.com •Box • c.swanger@icloud.com • www.comfortablecanine.org •83340 Senior Practitioner Senior Practitioner Tellington TTouch Training PO 4131, Ketchum, ID83340 83340 Tellington TTouch Training POBox Box 4131, Ketchum, ID PO 4131, Ketchum, ID Tellington TTouch Training PO Box 4131, Ketchum, ID 810 Sunrise Dr. Hailey, ID 83333 • dogsplay@msn.com Tellington TTouch Training PO Box 4131, Ketchum, ID 83340 ® Tellington BoxKetchum, 4131, Ketchum, ID 83340 Tellington TTouch®TTouch TrainingTraining PO BoxPO 4131, ID 83340 ®

If you are thinking of adopting a dog or cat, Mountain Humane is the place to go.

Mountain Humane mountainhumane.org • 208.788.4351 101 Croy Creek Road PO Box 1496 Hailey, ID 83333

Submit A Pet Obituary Honor the memory of your pet in The Wood River Weekly. This year, we’re offering 20% OFF our regular obituary rate for pet obituaries. Pet obituaries cost just 16¢ per word and include a large color photo.

®

®

®

DJ

Granny All Breed Grooming • Walk-Ins Welcome Self Serve Dog Wash • Daycare 491 10th Street • Center Unit A-8 Ketchum, ID 83340

ROSY ROVER TRAINING, LLC Enjoy Life with Your Best, Best Friend!

FEAR AND FORCE FREE TRAINING:

“Frankie” 2003-2018

To reserve space for an obituary or pet obituary, call Mandi at (208) 721-7588

• Puppy Essentials Classes • Domestic Canine Manners Classes • Private/Custom Training and Behavior Modification Tamara J. Rowe Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner Fear Free Certified Professional IIABC Supporting Member

tamara@rosyrovertraining.com | 970-424-7799 | rosyrovertraining.com

Pet & Animal Section • Wood River Weekly

•

November 18 - December 1, 2020

YET EVEN MORE NOTABLE PETS

Buddy, Labrador, owner is Andrea Christensen

In times like these, it’s good to have a bank like this.

609 S Main St | Hailey 208.788.2130 Tex & Macie, Jack Russell Terrier & Border Collie, owners are Aric & Mandi Iverson

680 Sun Valley Rd, Ste 101 | Ketchum 208.622.0415 ATM Location 731 N Main St, Ste A | Bellevue

dlevans.com

Harrison Insurance

an authorized select independent agency “For All Your Insurance Needs!”

One-stop shopping for Business, Commercial, Home, Auto, Umbrella, Life, Health and Medigap insurance policies 208.788.3255 - nathan@harrisonins.com 101 E. Bullion Ste. 2A Hailey, ID Lexi, mix of Whippet, Beagle & Chihuahua, owner is Jennifer Stahl

EVEN DOGS WEAR MASKS

Gremlin, Affenpinscher, owner is Debbie O’Neill

Holly & Drifter, owners are Barb Patterson & Kelly Wardell

11

12

Fishing R epoRt

COMM ENT ARY Wood River Weekly

•

November 18 - December 1, 2020

NO BONES ABOUT IT

Kalidor’s Puppy Diary Week 5

THE “WEEKLY” FISHING REPORT FOR NOVEMBER 18 - DECEMBER 1 FROM PICABO ANGLER

T

he single best thing about fishing in the snow, other than it’s beautiful, refreshing, the fishing is great, and there are fewer people, is the tracks! If you want to find fish and areas that are seeing little to no pressure, all you have to do it look at the snow and see if there are tracks, or at least fresh tracks, left by your fellow anglers.

It is Streamer and Nymphing weather these days, with the big winter hatches coming soon.

Do not make the mistake of not fishing when it is snowing. It is the norm to have some of the best winter fishing when it is pounding snow. The harder it snows and the bigger the flakes, the better!

There are not a lot of bugs left to imitate as the winter season moves forward. The Midge hatches become the single most important bug we will see and imitate until March. There are a variety of tried-and-true winter patterns that continue to work.

If you are fishing the Midge, try Brassies, Zebra Nymphs and Tie-Down Midges. If you are fishing them on the surface, just use a Griffiths Gnat and a TieDown Midge. If you would like to fish bigger winter nymphs, look at Girdle Bugs and Prince Nymphs. Copper Johns are a great option, as well.

Streamer fishing can be great fun in the winter. If you are swinging by Picabo Angler, be sure to ask us about our custom-tied Sparkle Minnows.

These are deep-sinking flies with large hook gaps to grab onto the biggest Idaho trout! Fish them in any of our area waters.

On the Big Wood River, this fly is a killer. You can also get away with basic Bugger patterns, as well. Simply put a small split shot directly above the knot you tied the fly on with. The fish won’t care, and you’ll catch a lot of them.

Fish group up in the wintertime. They seek out soft currents where they can still find food, and not too deep. They still want a little warm sun—like we do!

Try to find deeper riffled water that is moving gently. Back eddies and foam lines are also great places to target. Keep in mind the fish are grouped, so if you find one, you will find several.

It’s a great time to be out there. Please be safe and fish with a buddy.

Happy fishing, everyone!

Hwy 20 in Picabo info@picaboangler.com (208)788.3536 www.picaboangler.com

FRAN JEWELL

K

By Fran Jewell

alidor has been cruising right along, learning all kinds of things, including imprinting of behaviors I want to see the rest of his life. I have until he is 16 weeks old to teach him those vital things. Who he will be is a combination of genetics and experiences. Critical to me is the sport of competition tracking, so Kalidor has already had many experiences on the tracking field.

More critically is that I want Kalidor to focus on me with a calm, confident manner so he learns to “defer” to me in my leadership. In the long run, I want him to learn to depend on me to guide him through life as I set boundaries and provide encouragement.

Avoiding overstimulation is really important for Kalidor to learn self-control, which he is totally capable of at this age. While I want to socialize Kalidor with both people and other dogs, I DO NOT want him thinking that all dogs and people mean out-of-control, wild jumping, biting behaviors. What he learns NOW in self-control will last his lifetime.

Just as with children, who must learn self-control in the classroom and on the playground, puppies need to learn the same thing. Somewhere along the way we dog owners have come to believe that wild, nonstop play sessions with a multitude of dogs is a good thing and that jumping, mouthy greetings with people is friendly.

When Kalidor is overstimulated with dog play, he can no longer function appropriately. Studies are showing that play any longer than 3 to 7 minutes turns into what is called “ritualized aggression,” or what I call “RARAs.” Just like children when they get overstimulated, they can start hitting, bullying and name-calling. Practicing ritualized ag-

SCIENCE OF PLACE

A

Kalidor learning to sit nicely for greeting at a very early age. Photo credit: Fran Jewell

gression sets a puppy up for dealing with other dogs in a more aggressive manner as they mature. They can even become fearful, resentful, or angry with other dogs. What I want to do is give Kalidor short play sessions with other puppies. Then we take a break for a while, or we walk. Breaks should consist of exploration of the environment and practicing natural skills like hunting. It should also involve practicing basic obedience skills like sit, down and watch with me.

The same is true for interactions with people. A large group of people is overwhelming and overstimulating for puppies. I am giving Kalidor short, directed interactions, where

he is asked to sit for petting and given treats.

This helps him to see that friendly strangers are a good thing. Letting him run crazy up to people, jumping, barking, lunging, mouthing is not going to make points for him as he matures, especially for a German shepherd.

An Earwig

HARRY WEEKES

Fran Jewell is an IAABC Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, NADOI Certified Instructor and the owner of Positive Puppy Dog Training, LLC in Sun Valley. For more information, visit positivepuppy.com or call 208-578-1565.

BY HARRY WEEKES

s you might imagine, it has been an ‘interesting’ eight months in education, with the future landscape looking to be similarly dynamic. In one of the many ways we prepared for this year at The Sage School, a teacher suggested each of us write a little note to ourselves that we would turn to if we needed a break, or some perspective, or just a little cheering up from our past selves.

My postcard to myself has a picture of a squirrel monkey. On it, I wrote, “Find something small and beautiful and remember.”

This is probably not surprising, as my portion of this column amounts to a long rumination on the power of the natural world to offer an important reservoir of so many things—wonder, magic, beauty, curiosity.

And this natural salve comes in so many forms, from the massive and distant (think Sirius, the Dog Star), to tiny and near (think bird’s-nest fungi—Wait a minute, I haven’t written about them yet?

Stay tuned).

This time, the wonder emerged in the form of an earwig. I will admit a certain lifelong antipathy toward earwigs, which invariably scuttle out of some dark corner, or damp crevice, or dog-food bowl at just the wrong time. And the fact that the scientific name of their order, Dermaptera, means “skin wings,” does absolutely nothing to ingratiate them to me.

This particular earwig, though, was entirely different. He, or she, didn’t scuttle at all. It didn’t dart, or dodge, or move erratically.

Nope, this earwig walked. I might even say, sauntered, across the carpet during the middle of our faculty meeting. No urgency, no worries, just a very calm ambulation from one corner of the room to the next.

I was transfixed. I have never seen an earwig move so calmly. As it passed in front of me, I took all of it in, marveling at the tranquil beeline this little beast took.

There was something so simple in this drawn-out moment. From recognizing the insect, to recognizing that it was an earwig, to recognizing that it was an earwig walking, to letting all of my earwig past roll across my mind. This was a little six-legged meditation moving through the tight nap of a well-used rug.

It was small.

It was beautiful.

And it reminded me—there is so much wonder in the natural

Female earwig in its nest with newly-hatched young.

world, one part of which is that so often you don’t even have to look for it, the wonder simply finds you.

Of course, my note to myself is for another purpose, too. It is to remind myself with and through these natural connections that this connection should extend beyond earwigs and fungi and stars, to people. There are many folks around me as inscrutable as the earwig, as mysterious as the jackrabbit, and as enigmatic as the pack rat.

What is their wonder and magic, if I just slow down long enough to take a look?

Harry Weekes is the Founder and Head of School at The Sage School in Hailey. This is his 48th year in the Wood River Valley, where he lives with Hilary and two of their three baby adults- Penelope and Simon. The other member of the flock, Georgia, is currently fledging at Davidson College in North Carolina.

Wood River Weekly

•

MONEY MATTERS

KRISTIN HOVENCAMP

Checks and Balances

Traversing post-election markets

T

By Kristin Hovencamp

he market loves a divided government.

There is a Wall Street saying that bad certainty is better than uncertainty. A split Congress and White House are the type of gridlock in Washington, D.C., that is excellent for the U.S. economy, notes Jeremy Siegel, Professor of Finance at the Wharton School. Additionally, checks and balances provide the market with less uncertainty, net positive for stocks.

Are investors betting on gridlock? Possibly they are. With the election behind us, now is an excellent time to review your capital market assumptions. Reassess your strategic and tactical approaches to equity and bond weightings. Fluctuating financial markets may present investment opportunities, and you can take advantage of the trends.

In the upcoming year, a change in economic policy may cause a shift across portfolios. Periodically analyze your holdings. Confirm your investments are in alignment with your intended objectives. If the investments are out of balance, then it’s time to rebalance. Where can you reduce positions that have grown disproportionately and add to underweight positions? Rebalancing is a smart tactic to help maximize your risk-and-return relationships while maintaining appropriate portfolio diversification.

In a post-election economy, everything feels uncertain. Focus on two things most impacting your long-term objectives and immediate goals: health and money. We all need checks and balances. “What can be added to a man who is in health, out of debt, and has a clear conscience?” –Adam Smith Kristin Hovencamp is an Investment Executive and Director of Business Development with HAZLETT WEALTH MANAGEMENT, LLC, which is independent of Raymond James and is not a registered broker/dealer. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal amount invested. No investing strategy, including asset allocation, diversification, rebalancing or dollar cost averaging, can guarantee your objectives will be met. Rebalancing a non-retirement account could be a taxable event that may increase your tax liability. 675 Sun Valley Road, Suite J1 + J2 Ketchum, Idaho 83340 208.726.0605. HazlettWealthManagement.com

INSPIRATIONS FROM MY HEART

I

DOVE

November 18 - December 1, 2020

ON LIFE’S TERMS

13

JOELLEN COLLINS

BIBI JO, ARTIE, AND JOE

By JoEllen Collins

E

ven in the light of our unremitting political overload, I cannot resist telling my readers this rather sweet story featuring Joe Biden, me (Bibi Jo) and my grandson.

I consider myself a storyteller, and thus am always delighted to share that quality with my grandchildren, Artie and Goldie. A continuing source of laughter is the series we have called “Ishtah” about a pile of abandoned garbage that magically absorbs a soul from discarded books and memorabilia. Ishtah can leave his enclosure but isn’t able to go far because of his smell, resulting in unique misadventures.

At bedtime, when Artie was 6 to 7 years old and Obama still President and Biden VP, Artie and I developed a different set of tales. The series concerned dangerous situations for Obama, so mystifying that even the Secret Service was puzzled until they discovered the fresh perspective of a young boy in San Francisco who would, with his youthful and fresh perspective, somehow be able to magically imagine safe solutions to the frightening threats. Our stories involved kidnappings and betrayals in countries all over the world. We loved these tales and often laughed at our fantasized rescues.

One night we changed things a bit and decided to hold an emergency Cabinet meeting. We found a box holding small stuffed animals from his babyhood, and put them in a circle on the bed, Obama the largest of them all. The roll call at the meet- JoEllen Collins—a longtime resident of the Wood River ing began, and Artie and I immediately realized we had left Valley— is an Idaho Press out the essential Veep, Joe Biden. The Secretary of State left Club award-winning columthe meeting, found Joe and returned with the only tiny stuffed nist, a teacher, writer, fabric creature left, a Teddy bear holding a blanket. That’s when we artist, choir member and realized that, apparently, Joe had been taking a nap. unabashedly proud grandma This incident predated any of Trump’s comments about known as “Bibi Jo.” “Sleepy Joe,” at least any made in public. We laughed to the point of tears at his “needing time out to snooze,” a situation we would never have imagined except for the toy’s blanket. We kept this gag going through the rest of our meetings with Obama: Why was Joe not speaking up: where was he? Some teeny fat pig would say, “Wake up, Joe,” and then Sleepy Joe would shake his head and rejoin the meeting, usually with a brilliant thought, perhaps gleaned from a dream. Since his blanket was sewn into the plush material of his lap, he could not remove it, so we always had a chance to giggle. We loved him as a leader and (as we hoped) tolerant object of our gentle, cartoonish play about him.

I often make self-deprecating jokes about my grandmotherly foibles, absentmindedness, silly mix-ups and backseat driving. I don’t mind the teasing. Like Joe, I am part of a loving, gently humorous family, so we could tease his fluffy image as well. We’ve missed him. We will always treasure the wry smiles we have when someone calls Biden “Sleepy Joe.” Maybe we’ll come up with a more appropriate version of Joe this time around.

VISION 2020 / LIFESTYLE

COLUMN

Let’s Go To Paris

Truth, Integrity I and Honesty

have found myself having to do a lot of deep breathing the last two weeks because of the current chaos. We are all in upheaval not knowing what to expect. We take our beliefs very seriously.

So, I have decided I am not going to focus on who wins but put my focus on having truth, integrity and honesty be the dominate frequency I live in. That is the only thing that feels good. What if we all rather than looking at personalities, chose to be in Truth and Integrity, to be governed only by truth and integrity. What if we asked for the highest good for the country, the planet and humanity. What if we let go of thinking we know what is best and surrender our belief systems (BS) to a higher frequency. What if we choose emotional peace instead of separation from each other. What if we gave up letting someone direct our thinking and telling us they know better what we need. What if we did our work and became honest about why we believe a certain agenda.

Take some time and ask yourself, Am I willing to be responsible for myself or do I want some institution to make the choices for me. If the latter is your choice you have just given up your freedom. From my perspective we all need to do our work to take responsibly for ourselves in all ways. I know when I was younger, I always prayed to be rescued from whatever uncomfortable situation I had created for myself. As I became older and hopefully wiser, I realized that I had to rescue myself because that was the only way I was empowered.

Otherwise, I had given my power away to the person or situation I wanted to escape from. How do we get to truth, honesty and integrity. I have to look at where I am not in integrity or honesty. I have to speak my truth, but I must be safe to express it. We are not in honesty if we are forced to accept what someone else deems to be correct. Speak your truth understanding and knowing why it is your truth. Not some idea that has been popularized by some entity that does not have a clue about truth. How can we ever trust our governmental policies if they are a farce.

I don’t know about you, but I will accept any result that is honest and in the highest good for our country. Find your own answer but understand why you have chosen that particular belief system and is it true?

By Eric Valentine

t will be a while before we potentially virus-infected Americans are allowed to step foot overseas again. So if you’re looking to get your fix of one of the world’s benchmark cities, put away the suitcase and break out your favorite streaming device.

Traveling vicariously is as good as it’s going to get until some time in 2021. It’s a good thing Paris is, as Ernest Hemingway described it, “a moveable feast.”

What follows are some available films and TV shows that will satisfy your cravings a bit. Let’s dig in.

rytelling style is reminiscent of the film Amelie, a cinematography gem that’s quirky and like nothing else on TV. Alysse Hallali stars in this 29-episode series that serves as a “where to eat in Paris” visitors bureau guide.

Attention Visit Sun Valley, if you need someone to write a similar show featuring the Wood River Valley, I know a guy.

Midnight in Paris If a feature film is more your speed, check out Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris from 2011. It’s one of the filmmaker’s most popular films, winning an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. It stars Owen Wilson as an AmeriEmily in Paris can writer who fantasized about Available on Netflix, this sehow wonderful life must have ries of 10, roughly 30-minute epbeen in Paris back in the 1920s isodes can serve as much-needwhen writers like Hemingway ed lighthearted entertainment and F. Scott Fitzgerald were men in these wintry times. It stars a about town. young and upcoming actress, With a little bit of alcohol in Lily Collins (Phil Collins’ his system, Wilson’s character daughter, as a matter of fact), as gets transported to 1920s Paris an American marketing assistant each night at midnight. The film who is sent to Paris to help her ad Alice in Paris is an is a remarkable display of Pariagency coordinate the new part- under-the-radar show sian character today and back featuring the city of nership with its Parisian office. then, and it calls into question lights in a unique way.

The storyline is nothing new, the concept of the grass being but it is smartly written, touching on all greener always on the other side, even when American and Parisian stereotypes in a co- the field is time. medic and honest way—a true anthropological exploration of societal norms. If that Down to Earth doesn’t interest you, watch it for the clothes.

This docu-series hosted by Zac Ephron traCollins, who started her career in modeling, verses a number of countries around the globe. is the living mannequin for American fash- But, episode 2 takes place in Paris, where Zac ion designer Patricia Fields who is responsi- and co-host Darin Olien dive into the topic of ble for Emily’s ensembles. Fields is also the drinking water. They explore the City of Paris’ mastermind behind the wardrobe of Sex and handling of water issues, specifically how to the City and The Devil Wears Prada. Wait clean it without chemicals and how to provide until the Audrey Hepburn episode to thank it throughout the city, for free, and sometimes me. even with bubbles. I’m serious.

The show starts out in Los Angeles at a Alice in Paris lunch with actress and friend of Ephron, Available on Hulu, this series is about Anna Kendrick. Together they enjoy a waan energetic young woman’s adventures ter tasting hosted by a water sommelier, who through the streets of Paris to find the best teaches them about the importance of drinkfoods throughout the city of lights. Its sto- ing only the right kind of water. I’m serious.

14

Wood River Weekly

NUESTRA VOZ CUENTA

Nonprofits Joining Forces During This Challenging Time

•

November 18 - December 1, 2020

ADVERTORIALS BETTER HOMEOWNERS NEWS

ANNA & MICHELLE

To Offer Seasonal Family Cooking Kits

T

he 5B Resilience Gardens collaboration commits to a full year of seasonal cooking kits for families with youth in preK-4th grade. Each kit contains a recipe, ingredients, and a bilingual activity guide for learning and playing with your food.

This fall, we distributed 100 kits to families throughout the Valley.

“Every student in our community should have access to resources to learn how to garden and cook,” says Amy Mattias of Sun Valley Institute for Resilience. “Our seasonal cooking kits provide activities for families to do together, while learning about growing food, cooking from scratch, using seasonal ingredients, saving seeds, and eco-literacy. We hope these kits offer a sprinkle of joy and a zest for seasonal eating during this challenging time.”

Help bring more edible education and food literacy opportunities to youth in our community by becoming a contributor to the crowdfunding campaign. Visit https://donate.seedmoney. org/5118/seasonal-family-cooking-kits to learn more and make a tax-deductible donation. If every community member gave $2, this initiative could provide kits for each season to every family in Blaine County!

The Seasonal Family Cooking Kits are an initiative of 5B Resilience Gardens, a collaboration facilitated by the Sun Valley Institute for Resilience and various partners, including Wood River Community YMCA Bonni’s Garden, University of Idaho Extension-Blaine County, Ketchum Recreation Department, Wood River Seed Library, and the I Have a Dream Foundation of Idaho.

To learn more, visit our website at: https://5bresiliencegardens. org or email Amy Mattias at amy@sunvalleyinstitute.org.

U

More Time At Home

OUR VOICE COUNTS

We are all spending more time at home and will probably need to continue to do so for a while longer. Depending on the makeup of your family, your home is now a home office, a gym, a virtual classroom and considerably more meals have been prepared in your kitchens in the past six months than normal.

Some businesses have undergone a metamorphosis that has shown them that maybe they do not need the big commercial spaces for their employees. They realize that they can be just as productive with their workforce offsite, which will cut expenses.

If this scenario sounds familiar, it may be worth exploring what moving would look like for your situation. To analyze the options, you will need to know what your home is worth and what the net proceeds will be after selling it.

You will need to know what homes are available with the amenities you are looking for together with the prices and mortgage money. Depending on the interest rate on your current mortgage, there

may not be much difference in payment for a larger mortgage at today’s incredibly low rates.

Another option that some homeowners are considering is to not reinvest all the proceeds from the sale of their existing home into the new home. They are reserving some of the cash as a contingency fund for the unexpected. This strategy is providing peace of mind in uncertain times.

It is said that an investor is faced with three decisions every day: buy, sell, or hold. The equity in a home represents, for most people, their largest investment asset. While it is an asset, it is also an amenity.

Prudential thinking would insist on protecting your investments, but it would also suggest that you would evaluate alternatives to avoid missing opportunities. Having the facts available will make the options clearer and, possibly, the decisions will become obvious.

We are available to help you assemble the information you need to consider what is best for you.

NUESTRA VOZ CUENTA

n grupo de organizaciones sin fines de lucro unen sus fuerzas durante estos tiempos difíciles para ofrecer paquetes para cocinar en familia.

La organización 5B Resilience Garden se comprometió en ayudar un año completo con paquetes de comida de la temporada para familias con estudiantes preescolares a cuarto grado.

Cada paquete contiene una receta, ingredientes y una guía de actividades bilingüe para aprender a cocinar jugando. Este otoño, distribuimos 100 paquetes a familias de todo el valle.

“Todos los estudiantes de nuestra comunidad deberían tener acceso a recursos para aprender a cultivar y cocinar,” dice Amy Mattias del Instituto Sun Valley para la Resistencia. “Nuestros paquetes de cocina de la temporada proporcionan actividades para que las familias cocinen juntas, mientras aprenden a cultivar alimentos, a cocinar desde cero, a usar ingredientes de temporada, a guardar semillas y aprender cómo funciona la naturaleza.” Esperamos que estos paquetes ofrezcan alegría y un gusto por la comida de temporada durante este tiempo difícil.”

Ayudenos a traer más educación alimantaria y oportunidades a los jóvenes de nuestra comunidad convirtiéndose en un contribuyente de la campaña de financiación colectiva. Visite https:// donate.seedmoney.org/5118/seasonal-family-cooking-kits para obtener más información y hacer una donación deducible de impuestos. Si cada miembro de la comunidad donara 2 dólares, esta iniciativa podría proporcionar kits para cada temporada a cada familia del condado de Blaine.

Los Kits de Cocina Familiar de Temporada es una iniciativa de 5B Resilience , en colaboración con el Instituto Sun Valley Institute for Resilience, el Jardín de Bonni del YMCA de la Comunidad de Wood River, la Extensión del Condado de Blaine de la Universidad de Idaho, el Departamento de Recreación de Ketchum, la Biblioteca de Semillas de Wood River y la Fundación I Have a Dream de Idaho. Para saber más visite nuestra página web: https://5bresiliencegardens.org o envíe un correo electrónico a Amy Mattias amy@sunvalleyinstitute.org.

HEALTH BEAT

ST. LUKE’S WOOD RIVER

Snowblowers And Hand Injuries

By Derek F. Ipsen, DO, Hand Surgeon, St. Luke’s Clinic – Sun Valley Sports Medicine

A

s the cold weather and snow begins to descend upon the Valley, most of us are thinking about winter preparation—blowing out our sprinkler systems, making sure the furnace is working and the filters are clean, and digging out those cold-weather clothes. At the top of the list should be snowblower maintenance. That handy piece of machinery can turn an all-day shoveling slog into a quick and satisfying pleasure—that’s if you don’t end up in the Emergency Department at the local hospital with a serious injury to your hand or hands.

Every year thousands of people end up in the Emergency Department with minor and severe hand injuries due to snowblowers. The most common accidents involve cleaning heavy snow out of the fan when it becomes plugged. A common misconception is that a snowblower is safe if the gear drive is not engaged or if the motor is completely off. This is a misconception because the fan on most models has a spring built in to prevent shearing pins every time the blower gets plugged. Once the snow is cleared, the fan that is under tension will spring forward much faster than any human can move and it will injure anything that is in its path. Usually that is a fingertip, but it can be much more severe.

Snowblowers almost always come with a clea-

nout device. Please ALWAYS use this device and not your hand. If you have lost this device, then find something other than your hand to replace

it. Unlike a lizard’s tail, fingers do not grow back and, due to the high concentration of nerve endings in the area, finger and hand injuries can be quite painful.

Don’t risk your hands just to save a few seconds.

Dr. Ipsen is located at St. Luke’s Clinic – Sun Valley Sports Medicine, 100 Hospital Drive, Physician Office Annex, Suite 105. Call to make an appointment, (208) 726-5027.

It’s your life We help you live it

Wood River Weekly

•

November 18 - December 1, 2020

YOU CAN FIND IT IN BLAINE! SUN VALLEY 3D PHOTO

$20 GOLD PIECE

3D Virtual Tours Real Estate Interior Design Vacation Rentals Architecture

From Your Roof to Your Rain Gutter, We’ve Got You Covered!

1927 Saint-Gaudens

DOUBLE EAGLE WWW.SUNVALLEY3DPHOTO.COM sales@sunvalley3dphoto.com

208.720.0252

Very Fine Condition 10% off eBay listings 208-391-5043

Firewood for Sale

SCOTT MILEY ROOFING

SCAN FOR 3D VIRTUAL TOUR

15

Call Shon

208.788.5362

(208) 450-9411

fully insured & guaranteed

Airport West | Hailey, Idaho 83333

Marc Longley

KEEPING OUR COMMUNITY SAFE AND HEALTHY!

spacespage & surfaces for Advertise on this • Remove & Prevent viruses, bacteria, & other harmful pathogens ONLY $35/week!

• We use best-in-industry equipment w/ • DISINFECT & PROTECT your indoor

americansealcoating5b@gmail.com

• • • •

SEAL COATING CRACK FILLING STRIPING POTHOLE REPAIR

sun

(includes full color

(208) 928-4400 sawtoothbiodefense.com

medical-grade, non-toxic, EPA-registered solutions & free ad design)!

• Protect yourself & others with alcoholfree hand sanitizer & silver-plated face masks the weekly

SpaceAdvertise is limited,incall thistoday! section

Single space $35/week Mandi Call Mandi 208.721.7588 $ 208.721.7588 Double space 65/week Advertise on this page for ONLY $35/week. (includes full color & free ad design)

(includes full color & free ad design)!

Mandi 208.721.7588 Shop Local Space is limited,

CLASSIFIEDS FINE FINISH CARPENTRY Custom Cabinetry • Interior Finish Remodeling • Kitchen • Baths CAD Cabinetry Design Mike @ (208) 720-7250 Check out our Facebook page www.ffcid.com

HANDYMAN

Jack of all trades. Reliable, insured, clean. Small jobs to large remodel projects, or the “honey-do” list.

Call Mark, (208) 573-1784

HELP WANTED

Local bookkeeping firm is looking for a full time or part time bookkeeper paying $12 - $18 per hour DOE. December is part time.

January – April and May is full time.

I do pay for holidays and after a year of employment I have a retirement plan set up and will receive 40 hours of flexible time off.

Contact: michelle@woodriverbookkeeping.com or (208) 788-0253

Stay Warm!

RETIREMENT HORSE BOARDING

Retirement horse boarding for geldings. Limited vacancy.

Small family farm environment with excellent facilities.

Experienced geriatric care. Veterinarian references.

Text or call (208) 720-7252

CROSSWORD

answer from page 16

PRICING

call today!

Call 208.720.1295

Text (up to 25 words): $5 Additional Text: 20¢ per word Photos: $5 per image • Logo: $10 Deadline: Monday at 1 p.m Space reservations: classifieds@woodriverweekly.com

HOUSEKEEPING

Responsible, experienced & great references, housekeeper now accepting new clients. Free estimates available for: homes, condos & offices. beatrizq2003@hotmail.com, (208) 720-5973

CLASSIC SUDOKU answer from page 16

16

Wood River Weekly

CHAMBER CORNER

•

November 18 - December 1, 2020

MIKE MCKENNA

Hard way Pipeline

Sun Valley Culinary Institute Offers A Passport to Dining

By Mike McKenna

A

good meal offers a lot more than just tasty calories; a good meal can provide us with creative outlets, social connections, and can literally make us feel better.

Studies have shown that eating good food releases dopamine—which is known as the “feel good” neurotransmitter. Helping others also makes us feel good. Thankfully, the team at the Sun Valley Culinary Institute (SVCI) is offering locals a way to eat well and do some good while we’re at it.

The Passport to Dining program invites folks to eat at half of the 34 local restaurants participating from throughout the Valley. It’s good for both take-out and dining in. Participants will then be eligible to win a night in Boise, including a stay at Hotel 43 and dinner at Chandler’s.

Passports can be picked up at participating restaurants or The Chamber’s Welcome Center in Hailey and must be returned by December 28. For more information, go SunValleyCulinary.org or call (208) 913-0494.

“The Passport is a simple way to give back and eat well,” Karl Uri said.

Karl is the director for SVCI, moving to the Valley just over a year ago to take up the position after regularly visiting here for 45 years. Moving to Ketchum and taking over the Culinary Institute has been an ideal move for Karl.

“I have been in and around food for my entire life,” he said.

Originally from Seattle, Karl spent 17 years at the Alaskan Seafood Marketing Institute and has worked with chefs all over the country. He has also served as a cookbook reviewer and worked on countless recipe designs. Karl’s experience in all aspects of the culinary world, from farm and sea to table and from recipe to plate, has helped make the dream of SVCI come true.

SVCI officially opened last spring and offers three benefits for our community. First, it’s a Professional Culinary School, which is currently accepting applications and follows the 2-4 Model; the school combines intense skills work in class for two months, followed by four months of working in the field for local restaurants. The Enthu-

Steel Fencing

Kelly Wardell 208-309-0916

How To Play Sudoku

The Classic Sudoku is a number placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once.

CLASSIC SUDOKU See answer on page 15 siast Cooking School is the second tier. These demonstration-based cooking classes were very popular this summer and will resume in December. Finally, SVCI offers a cool small event space on Main and Second streets in Ketchum. Several local caterers already regularly use the facility.

“Things have been very successful and the cooking classes have been a great new addition to life in the Wood River Valley,” Karl said.

The Culinary Institute may not even be a year old yet, but it’s already reminding us that Julia Child was right when she said, “People who love to eat are always the best people.” They’re usually some of the happiest, too.

The Turkey Trot is on! Special COVID precautions will include staggered start times to allow for social distancing. To sign up for more information, please go to HaileyIdaho.com or call (208) 788-3484.

CROSSWORD SPONSORED BY

THETRADER TRADER THE THE TRADER Consignment for the home

Consignment for the home

Consignment for the home

Wednesday - Friday 11 to 6 Saturday 11 to 4

TRADER EADER TRADER

Always available by appointment and if we’re here.

Wednesday through Saturday 11:00 to 5:00 Always available by appointment and if we’re here.

ent for the 720-9206 or 788-0216 signment forhome the home

720-9206 or 788-0216 509 S. Main Street Bellevue, Idaho

the home

509 S. Main Street • Bellevue, Idaho

Wednesday through Saturday Thursday Wednesday - Friday Wednesday - Friday 11:00to to 5:00 ednesday - Friday 11 to 611 to 6 available by appointment 11 to 6AlwaysSaturday Saturday Saturday and if we’re here.

Saturday 11 to 4 11 to 11 or to 788-0216 44 720-9206 11 to 4

Always available by appointment and if we’re here.

509 S. Main Street • Bellevue, Idaho Always available by le by appointment andappointment if we’re here. and if we’re here.

720-9206 or 788-0216 or S. 788-0216 -9206 or720-9206 788-0216 509 Main Street S. Main Street 09 S. Main509 Street Bellevue, Idaho Bellevue, Idaho Bellevue, Idaho

See answer on page 15

THE WOOD RIVER VALLEY 7-DAY WEATHER FORECAST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Rain/Snow 100%

high 39º

low 25º WEDNESDAY

Partly Cloudy 20%

high 35º low 15º THURSDAY

Sunny 0%

high 34º low 11º FRIDAY

Sunny 0%

high 32º low 10º SATURDAY

Partly Cloudy 0%

high 32º low 17º SUNDAY

PM Snow Showers 20%

high 36º low 24º MONDAY

Snow Showers 30%

high 37º low 21º TUESDAY

SKI. BIKE. LIVE!

Elevate your experience.

340 N Main Street in Ketchum sturtevants-sv.com • 726-4501