WRW 16 November 2022

PRACTICAL POLITICS

First-time Voters And Volunteers Turn Out Big At The Polls

By WRW Staff

Will Ring, a senior at Sun Valley Community School, always planned to vote in the November 8 midterm elections. “I turned 18 in September, so this was my first chance to vote, and I was really excited about it,” Ring said. And two classmates at school, both students in Caroline Bomstein’s U.S. Government class who were undertaking a special elections project for honors credit, held him accountable to his plans. Ring explained, “Students in that class helped make sure that anyone who was eligible to vote knew where to go, when to go, what they needed to register, and helped educate us about the candidates and issues. It helped me understand what to ex pect and what additional research I needed to do before showing up to vote.” He easily completed the same-day registration and cast his first ballot.

Ring’s seamless experience was by design. Bomstein said she was glad to hear that the students had a good first voting experience. “Part of the reason to do this as a group is to demystify the process. It shouldn’t be scary,” she said. Bomstein focused on the midterm elections throughout the fall term as a real-world way to approach civics and government. Her 17 students dug deep into both the practicalities and process of politics. Leading up to Election Day, the class “completed a project where they had to pick a national race and do research into candidates and issues,” Bomstein said. “There was a lot of analysis as we looked at voting patterns and issues in different parts of the country. The students had to do things like analyze campaign videos, look at data and existing patterns in the electorate, and make predictions about what would happen in the midterms. I think they were surprised by what they discovered. They really enjoyed digging into the data, talking about the differences between the parties, and the voting process.”

To receive honors credit, her students had the option to get even more involved in the election process. The honors criteria were detailed and multifaceted, requiring the registration of two new voters, extensive research into local candidates to help educate

others about their platforms, the completion of a reflection on the process, including a discussion of who students supported and why. Bomstein said, “I tell the kids over and over again, of course I care what you think, but I really care why you think it.”

Students in Heidi Husband’s AP Government class at Wood River High School were also very engaged in practical politics this year, and were at polling places, both voting and working. About 17 students in the upper-level course spread out throughout the valley on Tuesday, helping at every polling location. Hayleigh Simpson of the Blaine County Elections office coordinates with Ms. Husbands to connect the students to process. “Before an election, I email Heidi asking if she has any kids who are interest ed in working,” Simpson explained. “Those who want to participate get in touch with me directly. We do a two-and-a-half-hour training session a week before the election and then they get assignments. They are really good poll workers and a great group to work with.”

John Tumolo was one of those manning the desk at the Community Campus from 7:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Election Day. Though Tumolo is still 17 and ineligible to vote, he wanted to be part of the process. “It was really interesting to be there all day,” he said. “We had very steady, consistent traffic, including first-time voters. I know a lot of people my age who registered before the election, and voted early, but a lot of students came to vote on Tuesday, too. I think a lot of kids in my grade are very passionate about politics, watch the news consistently, and are really interested in what is going on.” Tumolo explained that there is a practical engagement component to the class, and acting as a poll worker was a great way to meet this.

Dane Malko, an 18-year-old senior at Wood River, voted at the Community Cam pus, not with his class, but with his mother, Nancy. She said, “It was really special to

Dane Malko, a senior at Wood River High School, casts his first vote at the Community Campus in last Tuesday’s election. Photo credit: Nancy Malko

FIREFIGHTERS’ BALL RETURNS AFTER THREE-YEAR COVID HIATUS

By Hayden Seder

After a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the Ketchum Sun Valley Volunteer Association (KSVVA) Firefighters’ Ball returns for in-per son dancing, prizes, and good times. The organization, comprised of fire volunteers who serve Ketchum and Sun Valley, puts on this annual event not as a fundraiser but as a way of saying thank you to the community for its donations and support.

“People are really excited,” says Lara McLean, a lieu tenant/paramedic with the Ketchum Fire Department for 20 years, of the event’s return. “It’s funny to watch people just get giddy about something that we used to take for granted. I’m glad we don’t take it for granted anymore.”

This year’s ball will be held at the Limelight Ho tel in Ketchum on Nov. 19. Bust out your legwarmers and crimpers, because this year’s theme is “All Things ’80s!” Doors open at 7 p.m. and music by Diamond Empire Band, a three- to 14-piece band specializing in high-energy music, starts at 8 p.m. and is sure to get you on the dance floor. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased online, at Atkinsons’ Market in Ketchum, or at the door. Typically, tickets to the ball sell out, so be sure to get yours early.

In the past, a feature of the Firefighters’ Ball has been a silent auction, with prizes like ski passes, local hotel stays, and restaurant gift cards. This year, in lieu of an auction, there will be a contest for winning prizes. Mc Lean couldn’t say specifically what the contest will be, since it involves coming up with an answer that could be researched beforehand, but she hinted that it has to do with fire gear.

While the Firefighters’ Ball is a festive party, McLean is quick to remind us that the reason for it is fairly se rious—thanking the community for all of its support. Donations acquired throughout the year are typically made in response to letters sent out by KSVVA to home owners and the Firefighters’ Ball is a thank-you for those donations. Without them, the KSVVA wouldn’t be able to afford essential equipment and to fund training op portunities for firefighters.

“With those donations, we get equipment that goes on fire engines that helps us fight fires, equipment for backcountry rescue, for wildland firefighting—all those things the cities’ budgets can’t cover but make us doing our jobs easier,” says McLean. In terms of training, do nations allow the KSVVA to bring teachers in from the outside or to send people to conferences who can then bring that knowledge back to train other firefighters in the community.

Supporting our firefighters has likely been on the minds of Wood River Valley residents after a late fire season in September brought flames close to historic icons like Smiley Creek Lodge and Galena Lodge. The fire that burned down the Limelight Condos in Warm Springs was also a sober reminder of how important it is

to support our local emergency personnel.

Funds raised in past years have gone to some specific projects like upgrading KSVVA’s backcountry rescue equipment, buying a CPR simulation mannequin, and training staff to become AIRE avalanche instructors. More general areas that donations go to are equipping firefighters with protective clothing and tools, purchas ing new equipment, and supporting the Victim Relief Fund, a program that helps fire victims with immediate food, clothing, and housing needs.

“I think it’s important to look back and say what we’re actually saying thank you for, and what we’re saying thank you for is bringing in the equipment we need to help the community better,” says McLean. “When peo ple give, we do better.”

This is what a more seamless health care experience looks like.

Introducing the St. Luke’s Health Plan. It’s not just health insurance. It’s health insurance created by the most sought-after health care system in Idaho. Which means fewer barriers between you and the care you deserve.

Learn more at stlukeshealthplan.org

Attendees are in high spirits at a previous Ketchum Sun Valley Volunteer Association Firefighters’ Ball. Photo credit: Brian Tierney

PUBLISHER

Christopher Seldon (208) 788-4789 publisher@woodriverweekly.com

Mandi Iverson (208) 721-7588 mandi@woodriverweekly.com

NEWS EDITOR news@woodriverweekly.com

CALENDAR calendar@woodriverweekly.com

Mandi Iverson mandi@woodriverweekly.com

First-time Voters

Continued from Page 1

me to take my son to vote,” and Malko had a great experience. “After I voted, they rang the bell for the first-time voters and I really felt like my vote and voice matters. I couldn’t believe how easy it was, either. I registered when I arrived, waited behind about two people, and voted,” he said. Malko was motivated to vote not only by his family, but also because of a local connection to Ned Burns, who won his bid as a Representative for District 26. “I got to know Mr. Burns when I was working this summer, did research on his posi tions, and was excited to vote for him,” Malko explained. “Voting in general was really great. It felt like a rite of passage.”

Ring agreed that voting was “pretty exciting. There was a lot of energy at The Community Library, and it felt great to be a part of something so important.” He added, “To be included for the first time, being able to have some sort of control over the process, was really empowering. It was great to know that my opinion matters. I felt good about it, for sure.” He said the process was not as intimi dating as he thought it would be. “It was definitely not as formal as I anticipated,” Ring reflected, “and it was kind of funny when they announced I had voted. I wasn’t expecting that.”

What surprised Tumolo the most was the number of people he reg istered who were new to the Wood River Valley. “When you grow up here, you feel like you know everyone. Sitting there all day, I met so many people I’d never seen in my whole life. I probably registered 100 people who had moved here from other states.”

Local students who turned out to vote for the first time were part of what some are calling a “youth wave” in Idaho: motivated GenZ’ers who registered to vote in the November election at record numbers. According to a Tufts University Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement analysis, Idaho was among nine states to have a higher number of 18–24-year-olds on voter rolls this year as compared to the last midterm election in 2018. And that did not factor in students like Ring and Malko, who registered at the polls. Strong youth turnout was evident throughout the nation.

Bomstein said she was very proud of all her students. “I want to give a shout-out to the students, their commitment to their work, and their commitment to the principles of the United States,” she said. “They really rose to the occasion leading up to the midterms and on voting day, but also throughout the fall. There were a lot of strong opinions and lively debate, but they were always very respectful of each other’s opinions and heard each other out.”

Lachlan Macfarland, (left) a 12th grader in Caroline Bomstein’s U.S. Gov

ernment class at the Sun Valley Community School, helped classmate Will Ring prepare for his first voting experience. Macfarland was one day shy of his 18th birthday on Election Day, but enjoyed helping others be

part of the process. Photo credit: Caroline Bomstein

Voting was a family affair for Maeve Bailey, as she completed her civic duty for the first time with father, Will, cheering her on. Bailey is a senior at SVCS and one of Bomstein’s U.S. Government students. Photo courte sy: Caroline Bomstein

Airlines serving Friedman Memorial Airport announce special programs

Airlines serving Friedman Memorial Airport have announced special programs to serve flyers who may need some extra time, assistance, or services during the busy holiday travel season. Alaska Airlines is offering Fly for All, an app for families who fly. Designed for first-time flyers, kids traveling alone as unaccompanied minors, or guests with cognitive and developmental disabilities, including autism, The Fly for All app helps take the anxiety out of air travel. Alaska also provides an extensive list of helpful tips and resources for customers with disabilities at Alaska Airlines' accessible travel services.

Delta Airlines recently announced its Passenger Ac cessibility Commitment to make air travel more accessi ble to customers with disabilities. Delta offers elevated

and personalized service including specialized training focused on the careful handling of assistive devices. Expedited service recovery in the event of a service fail ure is part of their curb-to-seat holistic offering. United Airlines announced an extensive suite of accessibility features on seatback entertainment systems. This new system accommodates any level of visual disability and provides support for hearing and mobility-challenged passengers. In addition to audio and visual the airline also provides text-to-speech entertainment and more closed-captioned movie options.

Finally, TSA Cares is a toll-free helpline for passengers with disabilities and medical conditions and their families. You may call TSA Cares at 1-855-787-2227 before traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures, and what to expect at the security checkpoint. Travelers who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to contact TSA Cares or can e-mail TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov.

IF WW3 HAPPENS IT WILL BE THE RESULT OF CHOICES MADE BY THE US

By Caitlin Johnstone

The commander of the US nuclear arsenal has stat ed unequivocally that the war in Ukraine is just a warmup exercise for a much larger conflict that’s already in the mail.

Antiwar’s Dave DeCamp reports:

The commander that oversees US nuclear forces de livered an ominous warning at a naval conference last week by calling the war in Ukraine a “warmup” for the “big one” that is to come.

“This Ukraine crisis that we’re in right now, this is just the warmup,” said Navy Adm. Charles Richard, the commander of US Strategic command. “The big one is coming. And it isn’t going to be very long before we’re going to get tested in ways that we haven’t been tested [in] a long time.”

Richard’s warning came after the US released its new Nuclear Posture Review (NPR), which reaffirms that the US doctrine allows for the first use of nuclear weapons. The review says that the purpose of the US nuclear ar senal is to “deter strategic attacks, assure allies and partners, and achieve US objectives if deterrence fails.”

Not only does Richard appear to believe that a hot war between major world powers is a foregone conclusion, he has also previously stated that a nuclear war with Russia or China is now “a very real possibility.”

about “The Big One” like other people talk about Cal ifornia earthquakes, as though a hot war with China would be some kind of natural disaster that just hap pened out of nowhere.

This type of rhetoric is becoming more and more com mon. Describing an Atomic Age world war as something that would happen to the US empire, rather than the direct result of concrete A-or-B decisions made by the empire, is becoming its own genre of foreign policy punditry.

This passive, oopsy-poopsy narrative overlay that’s placed atop the US empire’s militarism is nothing new. Back in 2017 Fair.org’s Adam Johnson documented the way western media are always describing the United States as “stumbling” into wars and getting “sucked in” to military interventions, like a cheating spouse making up bad excuses after getting caught:

This framing serves to flatter two sensibilities: one right and one vaguely left. It satisfies the right-wing na tionalist idea that America only goes to war because it’s compelled to by forces outside of its own control; the reluctant warrior, the gentle giant who will only attack when provoked to do so. But it also plays to a nominal ly liberal, hipster notion that the US military is actu ally incompetent and boobish, and is generally bad at war-making.

This is expressed most clearly in the idea that the US is “drawn into” war despite its otherwise unwarlike in tentions. “Will US Be Drawn Further Into Syrian Civil War?” asked Fox News (4/7/17). “How America Could Stumble Into War With Iran,” disclosed The Atlantic (2/9/17), “What It Would Take to Pull the US Into a War in Asia,” speculated Quartz (4/29/17). “Trump could easily get us sucked into Afghanistan again,” Slate pre dicted (5/11/17). The US is “stumbling into a wider war” in Syria, the New York Times editorial board (5/2/15) warned. “A Flexing Contest in Syria May Trap the US in an Endless Conflict,” Vice News (6/19/17) added.

the Latest Case of US ‘Stumbling’ Into Warhttps://t.co/uZV7Lu3VFf pic.twitter.com/FVPtSGeery — FAIR (@FAIRmediawatch) June 22, 2017

So let’s get real clear about this here and now: if there is a hot war between the US and a major power, it will not be because that war was “stumbled into”. It will not be like an earthquake or other natural disaster. It will not be something that happens to or is inflicted upon the US empire while it just passively stands there in Bam bi-eyed innocence.

It will be the result of specific choices made by the managers of empire. It will be the result of the US choos ing escalation over de-escalation, brinkmanship over detente — not just once but over and over again, while declining off-ramp after off-ramp. It will be the result of real material decisions made by real material people who live in real material houses while collecting real material paychecks to make the choices they are making.

Another thing that strikes me about comments like those made by Charles Richard is how freakish and in sane it is that everyone doesn’t respond to them with, “Okay, well, then let’s change all of the things we are doing, because that’s the worst thing that can possibly happen.”

And make no mistake: that absolutely is an option. The option to turn away from the collision course with poten tially the most horrific war of all time is available right now, and it will remain available for some time into the future. This isn’t 1939 when war is already upon us; if anything it’s more like the early 20th century precursors to World War I and all the stupid aggressions and entan glements which ultimately gave rise to both world wars.

Again, this is not some armchair warrior opining from his desk at a corporate newspaper or DC think tank, this is the head of STRATCOM. Richard would be personal ly overseeing the very warfare he is talking about. What I find most striking about remarks like these is how passive they always make it sound. Richard talks

One of the many ways our cultural fascination with World War II has made us stupid and crazy is that it has caused us to forget that it was the worst single event in human history. Even if a hot war with Russia and/or China didn’t go nuclear, it would still unleash unspeak able horrors upon this Earth which would reverberate throughout

That horror should be turned away from.

to start turning is now.

OPINION CAITLIN JOHNSTONE

Syria

our collective consciousness for generations.

And the time

The Poseidon (Russian: Посейдон, “Poseidon”, NATO reporting name Kanyon), previously known by Russian codename Status-6 (Russian: Статус-6), is an autonomous, nuclear-powered unmanned underwater vehicle under development by Rubin Design Bureau, capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear warheads. Photo credit: Russian DoD accessed via Wikipedia

The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TRCSG) and the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG). Photo credit: U.S. Navy

Photo credit: Friedman Memorial Airport

THE “WEEKLY” FISHING REPORT FOR NOVEMBER 16 - 29

FROM PICABO ANGLER

The weather forecast ushers in colder daytime temperatures and likely some snow. Anglers will need to adjust their tactics accordingly. No matter where you fish, concentrate angling efforts during the warmest parts of the day, and look for fish in typical winter holding lies — soft current seams, slow, deep pools, and calm tailouts.

Silver Creek south of Highway 20 remains open until the end of November. North of the highway, the Creek remains open until the end of February. Note – duck hunters are active on Silver Creek this time of year, so anglers should be aware. The Creek’s large brown trout have completed spawning and are actively feeding to “pack on the pounds” before winter. Dry-fly activity is limited to the late afternoon, but anglers should expect small Baetis (BWO) and midges during calm days. Throwing streamers to deep, dark water and undercut banks will take plenty of fish. The old adage of “bright day, bright fly and dark day, dark fly” seems to hold true. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite streamers!

Anglers on the Big Wood River should seek out water that sees afternoon sun; avoid shady canyons and tree-lined corridors of river. Baetis and midge activity remains strong given the right weather conditions. A size 18 or 20 Olive Gulper Special or Film Critic accurately imitates Baetis and will fool trout all along the Big Wood. To take fish eating midges (look to the foam lines!), fish a visible midge cluster imitation followed by a trailing midge emerger or adult. A white-winged Griffith’s Gnats in a size 16 or 18, trailed by a size 20 or 22 Tie-Down Midge, is an excellent choice.

Nymphing will be extremely productive throughout the winter months. Go-to double nymph rigs include large Rubber Legs, Princes, Hare’s Ears, and Copper Johns followed by more diminutive imitations such as black or red Zebra Midges, Pheasant Tails, Rainbow Warriors, or Brassies. Sculpin imitations such as olive Buggers, Zonkers, and Sparkle Minnows fished on a slow swing effectively imitate the numerous sculpin found in the Big Wood. This technique will yield quality over quantity, and produces some exceptional rainbows.

and happy fishing, everyone!

COMMENTARY

SCENTING FUN FOR THE PET DOG

By Fran Jewell

Many dog owners believe that their dog needs physical exercise every day. Owners seem to think that their dog needs to run and play with other dogs ev ery day, as well. It is true that dogs need ex ercise to enrich their lives and to help many high-activity dogs be calmer around the house. Exercise definitely reduces boredom-related behavior problems.

The fallacy is that exercise must be physical. Working dogs, especially cattle dogs, herding dogs like border collies and Aussies, are ex tremely intelligent and need more than just a run to clear their head. However, ANY dog can become a better dog when using direct ed and fun workouts! Walks are always good for a dog to use their nose and get exercise. However, the downside to everyday walks is that daily physical exercise tends to build an athlete that needs more and more exercise to take the edge off. Secondly, walks tend to encourage non-directed, frenetic behavior. Sometimes we all need that. However, chang ing activities is even more enriching. Another downside to walks is that it puts pressure on a dog that might not be very social, to be social.

Walks can also put any dog in danger of an aggressive dog that is not under control.

Almost every dog, however, needs more focus and direction to be happy. Smart dogs need things to engage their minds, not just their bodies. This is where providing scent ing games for your dog can be of huge value.

Scenting games can also increase the confi

dence of a dog that shows fearful tendencies. These games can also be done inside when the weather is terrible or if you don’t have time to take an hour walk to take your dog’s edge off. Games using a dog’s nose can also enhance your relationship with your dog and help you to remain creative. It’s a win-win for everyone! How can you do this? Think outside the bowl! Make every mealtime become a game. Try taking a blanket just scattered on the floor with lots of folds. Place your dog’s kibble in side the folds and let him find his breakfast. Throw kibble out into the backyard in the grass and let him find all those pieces. Put your dog in the bathroom while you hide spe cial treats around, in, or on furniture. Then, let him go find it. I will make hardboiled eggs cut into quarters in the backyard and let my dogs go find and eat the eggs.

There are lots of wonderful kibble-dispens ing toys that exercise your dog’s mind. When the kibble falls out, then the nose works to find the food.

I also like to place treats or kibble inside any kind of box, material grocery bags, and even egg crates. Putting his head in a box can be intimidating for a shy or fearful dog. But, with practice and a yummy treat, he will be lavishly rewarded for his brave behavior! To make the box problem more difficult for a smart dog, close the top that is easy for the dog to open. You can even stack boxes with the treat in the bottom box so your dog has to problem-solve by removing the upper boxes to get to the box with the food.

When going for a walk, I also like to leave

my dog in the car at the trailhead. Walk ahead aways and place treats along the path for him to find. When I had two search-and-rescue dogs, this is part of how I taught finding ar ticles. I would go ahead on a walk and place things like a wallet, socks, or maybe a glove. It was so easy to combine fun with training.

Special, highly smelly treats can be cut up, like cheese, eggs as I said above, or cut-up deli meat (uncured is best). Boiled and cut-up chicken or liver can be very scent worthy and healthy!

The idea is to enrich your dog’s life and your relationship by using your dog’s natural gift — his nose. You are limited only by your creativity. Think outside your dog’s bowl!

Fran Jewell is an IAABC Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, NADOI Certified In structor and the owner of Positive Puppy Dog Training, LLC in Sun Valley. For more infor mation, visit positivepuppy.com or call 208578-1565.

Whitebark Pine And The Endangered Species Act

BY LARRY BARNES

In the last century a metastasizing forest of ghost trees has spread across 80+ million acres of western North America. Now, a small army of biologists has come to a conclusion based on reams of scientific studies. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) will soon list the whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

During the 31 years since the Service was first petitioned to des ignate the whitebark pine as threatened, the data have piled up along with the corpses of North America’s whitebark pines. Service biolo gists and bureaucrats are close to unleashing the power of the ESA to devise a plan to recover the whitebark pine — if they can.

The trouble began in about 1910 via the accidental introduction of non-native white pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola) in British Columbia. This fungal pathogen has since spread, its lethal effects being exacerbated by mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponder osae), climate change, and changing fire ecology. More than half of America’s whitebark pines are now dead but largely standing, ghosts of a former age.

Rising temperatures of the last century have favored mountain pine beetles and trees infected with blister rust are even more vul nerable to beetle infestation. Whitebark pines thrive at high eleva tions near treeline, but some fir and spruce species live there, too. A century of fire suppression has favored the expansion of fir and spruce forests into the whitebark pine’s realm, increasing competi tion with them as soils dry out through the effects of climate change. Each species fills a unique niche, but some niches are so entangled with their ecosystems that their collapse may have far-reaching ef fects. And so it was that in 1991 a grizzly bear advocacy group (the Great Bear Foundation of Missoula, Montana) petitioned the Service to list the whitebark pine under the ESA. So why should a pro-griz zly group care about a timberline tree?

Whitebark pine seeds are a rich, fatty, high-protein food source that is briefly and seasonally abundant. Around 13 species of birds and eight species of mammals are dependent on them at some part of the year. Most famous among them is the Clark’s nutcracker (Nu cifraga columbiana), a member of the jay and crow family having legendary whitebark pine seed harvesting and caching skills. Each cache may have only 3-4 seeds, but each bird may cache more than 90,000 seeds — and remember their locations! The whitebark pine is almost entirely dependent on the nutcracker for seed dispersal. When one finds a whitebark pine growing on some improbable ledge in a nearly vertical granite world, it was a Clark’s nutcracker that flew it there.

In some years, whitebark pines greatly overproduce a seed crop, nutcrackers go overboard in caching whitebark seeds, and not even grizzly bears can find and raid all of the nutcracker caches in an alpine habitat. The strategy may lead to a springtime bumper crop of pine seedlings.

I once camped near a whitebark pine forest in the Pioneer Mountains in October. During the two-day trip we saw black bears two or three times. The bears were systematically finding and eating nutcracker caches, leaving an evidence trail of bear-scat bundles of pine seed shells.

Whitebark pines occupy the frontier of forests abutting the high rocks and ice of the West. They are first in stabilizing the thin soil there and in sheltering and shading the snowpack, making it last. The alpine melt water is buffered and slowed by whitebark pine roots; the high country is fed by their energy-packed seeds. The whitebarks modulate a cascade of water and ecological relationships, benefiting a downhill, downstream world of interconnections of which we are a part.

Larry Barnes retired from 26 years as a biology teacher at Wood River High School and is now transitioning to spending more time exploring the natural world.

The Clark’s nutcrackers’ virtuosity in remembering thousands of seed cache locations is matched by the noses of the mammals that sniff out and raid them. The nutcrackers therefore overcache as insurance against hungry mammals. Moreover, whitebark pines have evolved a counter strategy against too much seed predation: masting.

Signs of the times. A dead whitebark pine in the foreground, the recent Ross Fork Fire in the background. Photo by Larry Barnes.

LARRY BARNES

Happy Thanksgiving

An empty cardboard box with a treat placed inside can become a fun and creative mind game for your dog. Photo credit: Fran Jewell Photo credit: Fran Jewell

THE SEARCH FOR YIELD

BY KRISTIN HOVENCAMP

This is not your grandfather’s bond market. While interest rates remained near zero, finding quality bonds that yielded anything substantial was next to im possible. As the Federal Reserve continues to take aim at inflation, bond yields are feeling the effect, and investors are finding opportunities across the credit and maturity spectrum. Now that bonds appear more attractive, how do you know which ones are right for your portfolio? Prioritizing your rea sons for allocation will better determine what character istics to look for in a bond. Below are initial evaluation questions an investor should be asking.

Funding retirement. If the principal purpose for in vesting in bonds is to create a cash flow, the coupon rate is one of the most critical features to understand. The coupon tells an investor how much cash flow a bond will distribute. Cash flow is the present value of a bond’s fu ture interest payments. Annual coupon rate x face value = cash flow.

Generating income. Income is the money earned on an investment. A bond yield tells an investor how much money they will make annually if they purchase a bond and hold it until maturity. Investors whose primary goal is generating income will want to choose higher-yield ing bonds.

Kristin Hovencamp is an Investment Executive and Director of Business De velopment with HAZLETT WEALTH MANAGEMENT, LLC.

Capital preservation. The credit quality of a bond should be prioritized over its yield if your objective is to preserve the principal amount invested. Credit agencies rate bonds according to an issuer’s ability to repay the bondholder. The higher rated the bond, then the less likely the issuer will default. AAA, AA, A rated bonds are considered safer investments.

Before you evaluate a bond, determine your intentions for investing in fixed in come. Whether your primary concern is funding retirement, generating income, or preserving principal, bond portfolios can be customized to meet your goals.

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 Ray mond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. 675 Sun Valley Road, Suite J1 + J2 Ketchum, Idaho 83340 208.726.0605.

THINGS ARE NOT ALWAYS AS THEY SEEM

BY DOVE

Things are not always as they seem. It is so easy to get caught up in the energy being broadcast to humanity that says it is the truth. I have found that the only way I can know “my” truth is to listen to my own inner voice and sometimes it is hard to hear. It only becomes hard to hear when I don’t get enough rest, or I eat food that is not high quality. My ability to hear my own inner voice is also affected by the books I read and the entertainment I watch and the self-talk I pursue.

I have become very selective of the “energy” I let into my life. I suggest that we all examine our patterns and determine where we are letting nega tive thoughts run our existence. The greatest tool I have discovered is to stay in the present moment. I don’t need to fix anyone or solve anyone’s problems. I can be there to listen but that is so they can hear their own story and how it sounds. My daughter always told me, “I don’t need you to solve my problems, I just need you to listen.” It took me many years to learn that lesson.

In my world, you received love if you tried to please everyone without pleasing yourself. I guarantee you that the best way to please someone else is to please your self first. It is not selfish to please yourself first—it is being true to yourself. That has to be the first step because only when you love yourself enough do you have energy to love others.

I have found my joy continually increases when I focus on making my world in the present moment something that pleases me. To me, frequency is everything. Keep your frequency high by doing what you love. Keep your body in the fresh air and sunshine, even if it’s cold. Ask how you can be of service, first to yourself, and then you will have energy to be of service to others.

We are not alone, and if you trust, you will be led to your exact next step for whatever you need. Only when you focus on all the hype and negativity do you pull yourself down.

Gratitude for the smallest things will bring you immense treasures. Expect to be surprised and life will bring you joy. Blessings, Dove.

WHO IS A PATRIOT?

BY JOELLEN COLLINS

I’m sure most American citizens got sick and tired of the cliched and jingoistic po litical rhetoric during this very long prelude to the midterm elections. Many greeted the results with either glee or dismay.

I had a set of mixed feelings during this election process unlike those in my very long life. My relief at the absence of our oversaturated political campaigns was ac companied by a blessed surprise, for the first time, that the voting process was rela tively peaceful. I had never had to consider violence as an undercurrent.

Nonetheless, I cast my ballot in person on Election Day and felt a familiar sensation of pride at the right to vote in my country, even in these uncertain circumstances. The very first time I ever voted initiated the same result of thankfulness at being given the chance to participate in my country by voting.

I am, nonetheless, terrified by the recent attacks on our democracy and still very much wary of many of the events in our recent political and governmental insti tutions. I can’t begin to understand the nasty language promulgated in omnipresent campaign ads on TV. The most prominent were financed by some wealthy enough to pay for an overwhelming glut of reminders of the lack of civility that seems ever present.

I have experienced a very personal gap in a fami ly relationship with someone who continues to spout negative diatribes against my political choices and po sitions. As a woman who is striving to surround myself whenever possible with positive and civil people and environments, I am bewildered by how to react.

Actually, I abhor all the violence and sadness I see in the nonpolitical world as well, adding fear for my grandchildren’s safety at school, monitoring Hallow een candy to avoid fentanyl-infused treats, the pleth ora of nasty language and intimidation on the internet, and the rudeness of disgruntled drivers and shoppers. I have bewailed the lack of civility before, but now I find this use of angry words way more prevalent. T he recent forays around town by a man in a truck with flags and obscene language about Biden and his supporters is anathema to me, for example. So what is happening to my sense of patriotism? As flawed and bullish as the U.S. may be, I am still glad I was born and raised here, I still thrill at being able to vote, I still defend my country even when I am ashamed of some of its actions. There are other countries, of course, that seem to be behaving more civilly than are the differing people in our vast territory of economic and cultural differences. I don’t excuse the sickness inherent in or the violence espoused by many of our voters, but I harbor a belief that goodness will eventually prevail.

JoEllen Collins—a longtime resident of the Wood River Valley— is an Idaho Press Club award-winning colum nist, a teacher, writer, fabric artist, choir member and unabashedly proud grandma known as “Bibi Jo.”

I guess I am still a patriot, though a bit less naïve about the worldwide and, yes, American, proclivity to be more warlike than pacific. I hope I continue to love my country, flawed as it may be.

WRANGLER’S RECKLESS WRITINGSBRYCE ANGELL

The Price You Pay

My eyes are glued up to the shelf, a brand-new pair of Mucks. T hey’d be in my posses sion, but I lack the certain bucks.

I could go without my Pepsi for a month or maybe two. But the headache would be pounding like a freight train passin’ through.

I’ve got my Visa plastic for emergencies and such. The boots are kinda spendy. Do I really care that much?

I grab my precious cargo and I’m tingling to my roots. The clerk says, “Hundred eighty.” Must be gold in them there boots!

To purchase I can justify. It’s more than just a treat. No more sittin’ in the saddle with my cold and frozen feet.

I’ve waited days to wear them. Time to saddle up Ol’ Blue. But my boots won’t fit the stirrups. What’s a broke cowboy to do?

The boots ain’t never goin’ back. I burned the dang receipt. My wife will never know the cost. Is that what’s called deceit?

The co-op might be open. I’ve seen stirrups there to buy. They close at 6:00. It’s 6:05. No use to even try.

I’ll drive out to the shoppin’ mall. They’ve got a Western store. But their prices are extravagant, not for the country poor.

I’m riflin’ through the stirrups. Find a pair that fits my Mucks. I take ‘em to the clerk. She says, “Two hundred twenty bucks.”

This time I cough and choke on down my Wrigley’s Spearmint chew. T he clerk said, “Sure they’re spendy, but they’re made for guys like you.”

I wonder what she meant ‘cuz I ain’t got the cash to spare. I swear she meant hi-rollers with their nose up in the air.

Still, I bought the brand-new stirrups with my plastic, once again. Does it hurt to use my Visa card, every now and then?

The smuggish patrons, back in line, are giving me the stare. They’re prob’ly thinkin’, “Poor cowboy.” I hurry out of there!

I’m addin’ up my purchases. Looks like four hundred bucks. A nd with the Gov’ner’s share I’m in the class of stupid clucks.

I burned the Visa card receipt. T hat’s safe from where I stand. I’m wonderin’ now if my warm feet are worth the half a grand?

– Bryce Angell

Bryce Angell - The outdoors has always been a large part of my life. My father was an outfitter and guide for 35 years and I was there to shoe and care for the horses and help him do the cooking. We took many great trips into the Yellowstone area. Even now that I’m older, we still ride into the Tetons, Yellowstone and surrounding areas. My poems are mostly of personal expe rience. I am now retired and enjoying life to the fullest. I plan to do more riding and writing.

INSPIRATIONS FROM MY HEART DOVE

A painting of a cow embellishes the side of this charming cabin. Image credit: Dove

Securing Your Retirement

flow when it is needed the most.

One of the bright spots in investments is rental real estate, which is also open to self-directed retirement savings. Single-family homes offer high loan-to-value mort gages at fixed interest for long terms on appreciating assets with tax advantages and reasonable control. Price appreciation alone has outpaced inflation for the last 50 years.

Many Americans have participated in Individual Retirement Accounts, SEPs, 401(k) s or other types of retirement that would supplement Social Security benefits. Many of these are invested in mutual funds, which have lost about 20% in value in 2022. With inflation at a 40-year high, many retirees and future retirees are concerned about their income from these investments.

Retirees want a safe and secure investment whose income will not be eroded by in flation. Single-family homes, in predominantly owner-occupied neighborhoods, meet those requirements. Home prices have experienced double-digit appreciation in the past two years and around 5% for the last five decades.

BY ANNA & MICHELL

Social Security was established on August 14, 1935, to take care of the country’s elderly in their retirement years. Today, about 65 million, or one-sixth of Amer icans, collect benefits and the average monthly retirement amount received in January 2022 was $1,614 per month or about $19,370 per year.

This annual Social Security benefit exceeds the 2022 federal poverty level of $13,590 for individuals and $18, 310 for a family of two, but from a practical level, it is nowhere near enough to be comfortable in your “Golden Years.”

Every adult in the workforce can go to SSA.gov to find out what to expect to receive based on their planned retirement age. Since it probably won’t be the amount you need to retire comfortably, at least you’ll know how short you’ll be so that you can devise an investment plan.

There’s a quick formula to estimate the investable assets needed by retirement to generate a certain income. T he target annual income is divided by a safe, conservative yield to determine the investable assets needed. A person wanting $100,000 annual income generated from a 5% investment would need investable assets of $2 million. If a person had $500,000 now, they would need to accumulate $1.5 million more by the time they retire. A 50-year-old wanting to retire at 65 would need to save about $100,000 a year for 15 years.

If trying to save an extra $100,000 a year seems impossible, consider the leveraged growth available in rental real estate. The use of borrowed funds can contribute to the yield earned by the investment. By reinvesting the positive cash flows from the rental to retire the mortgage, the home could be paid for by retirement, providing more cash

Increased mortgage rates coupled with rising home prices have sidelined many would-be purchasers who want to be in a home. Since they cannot buy at this time, the next best alternative is to rent a home. T his has added to the increased demand for sin gle-family homes in good neighborhoods, which has resulted in increased rents. W hile this isn’t good news for tenants, it is for investors.

Investing in rental real estate could be a way for you to increase your retirement in come and grow your net worth while avoiding the volatility of the stock market. Cur rent homeowners already are aware of the value of homes as well as the maintenance they require.

To get more information about single-family homes for rentals, download our Rent al Income Properties guide. You can also schedule a time with me to get answers for any questions you may have and find out about what is available now.

Breaking Bread, Building Bridges!

BY: CALYSTA PHILLIPS

COUNTS

VOICE

OUR

In January of 2021, students from Sun Valley Com munity School, Wood River High School, anda home school got on a zoom call together to brainstorm how they could work together to make a difference in our community. Led by Calysta Phillips, the Service Learn ing and Community Connections Coordinator at Sun Valley Community School, Lauren Marziliano, the Di versity Equity and Inclusion Co-Coordinator at Sun Val ley Community School, Herbert Romero, Community Organizer and founder of Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Pamela Donoso, I Have A Dream Foundation, and Noah Koski, The Flourish Foundation, the students designed, branded, and implemented The Community Table, or La Mesa Comunitaria. Their vision is “to build bridges between people in our valley by providing meals, joy, resources, and a sense of community to those in need.”

Essentially, students throw pop up parties throughout the valley, focusing on low income neighborhoods. They provide a warm meal, arts and crafts activities, games, important information for parents, and a fun time for the whole family. Students and adults get to serve people

who are often working in the service industry. Guests get to spend time relaxing with friends and neighbors while their kids are doing enriching and fun activities.

Over twenty local nonprofits and businesses have sup ported these efforts, donating funds, resources, and vol unteers to the cause. The Community Table or La Mesa Comunitaria has hosted or supported 27 community events since April of 2021! Over 200 students and adults have volunteered, and they have served hundreds of lo cals. By providing a time and place for people to gather, connections are happening that are strengthening our community. Not only have the volunteers become a tight knit community, but The Community Table is working with neighborhood leaders to implement future events. In addition, students are becoming leaders by designing and implementing each event. By reaching out into peo ple’s neighborhoods with an act of generosity, students are sending the message that the people in these neigh borhoods matter. They deserve to kick up their feet and be served. And in doing so, the students are strengthen ing our community, one pop up party at a time. For more information, contact Calysta Phillips, 208-720-2145.

NUESTRA VOZ CUENTA

En enero de 2021, los estudiantes de Sun Valley Com munity School, Wood River High School y una escuela en el hogar participaron en una llamada de zoom para intercambiar ideas sobre cómo podrían trabajar juntos para hacer una diferencia en nuestra comunidad. Dirigi do por Calysta Phillips, Coordinadora de Aprendizaje de Servicio y Conexiones Comunitarias en Sun Valley Community School, Lauren Marziliano, Co-Coordina dora de Diversidad, Equidad e Inclusión en Sun Val ley Community School, Herbert Romero, Organizador Comunitario y fundador de Neighbors Helping Neigh bors, Pamela Donoso, I Have A Dream Foundation, y Noah Koski, The Flourish Foundation, los estudiantes diseñaron, marcaron e implementaron The Community Table, o La Mesa Comunitaria. Su visión es “constru ir puentes entre las personas de nuestro valle propor cionando comidas, alegría, recursos y un sentido de comunidad a los necesitados”. Esencialmente, los es tudiantes organizan fiestas emergentes en todo el valle, enfocándose en vecindarios de bajos ingresos. Brindan una comida caliente, actividades artísticas y artesana les, juegos, información importante para los padres y un momento divertido para toda la familia. Los estudiantes y adultos sirven a personas que a menudo trabajan en

la industria de servicios. Los huéspedes pueden pasar tiempo relajándose con amigos y vecinos mientras sus hijos realizan actividades enriquecedoras y divertidas. Más de veinte empresas y organizaciones sin fines de lucro locales han apoyado estos esfuerzos, donando fondos, recursos y voluntarios a la causa. ¡The Com munity Table o La Mesa Comunitaria ha organizado o apoyado 27 eventos comunitarios desde abril de 2021! Más de 200 estudiantes y adultos se han ofrecido como voluntarios y han servido a cientos de lugareños. Al proporcionar un momento y un lugar para que las per sonas se reúnan, se están produciendo conexiones que fortalecen a nuestra comunidad. Los voluntarios no solo se han convertido en una comunidad muy unida, sino que La Mesa Comunitaria está trabajando con los líde res del vecindario para implementar eventos futuros. Además, los estudiantes se están convirtiendo en líde res al diseñar e implementar cada evento. Al llegar a los vecindarios de las personas con un acto de generosidad, los estudiantes envían el mensaje de que las personas en estos vecindarios importan. Se merecen levantar los pies y ser atendidos. Y al hacerlo, los estudiantes fortalecen nuestra comunidad, una fiesta emergente a la vez. Para más información, contacte Calysta Phillips, 208-7202145.

NUESTRA VOZ CUENTA

CALYSTA. PHILLIPS

Photo credit: Herbert Romero

by MIKE MCKENNA

It’s pretty easy to feel thankful when you’re lucky enough to live in the Wood River Valley. Still, it’s nice that we set aside one day a year specifically to be thankful.

Thanksgiving is always something special around here. It’s usually the official start to the ski season and whether there’s rain, snow or sunshine, hundreds of community members kick off the hol iday season by trotting around Hailey.

The 19th Annual Hailey Turkey Trot will have a new starting spot this year. After years of start ing in front of Sturtevants, this year the 5k will start and end at the new Hailey Town Center West location behind the Hailey Public Library. There will also be two starting times: 9:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.

The Chamber is also happy to announce that, thanks to the generosity of an amazing local, a keg of Sawtooth Brewery beer is being donated for post-race cheers with proceeds going to sup port the Blaine County Charitable Fund and The Senior Connection.

The first 500 people to sign up will also re ceive commemorative Turkey Trot socks. Sign up for the race at ValleyChamber.org

Sun Valley’s 87th ski season also begins on Thanksgiving Day. The early snowfall has skiers and riders excited for another season on the slopes. This should be the last season for the Greyhawk and Challenger lifts as a new top-to-bottom chair is scheduled to be put on the Warm Springs side of the mountain by next season.

The reigning SKI Magazine Reader’s Choice for Best Resort will once again host the U.S. Alpine Nationals in April. Stay tuned for more informa tion about that fun-filled event. It should be a blast, just like it was the last time Sun Valley hosted the best skiers in the country back in 2018.

The annual Hailey Holiday Tree Lighting will also take place at Town Center West on Friday, Dec. 2 from 4-6 p.m. Santa will be escorted in by the Hailey Fire Department and there will be

cookies and hot cocoa for the kids. Live Christmas music will be performed and local vendors will be selling their wares. New this year, The Mint will be hosting an after-party for more holiday cheer. To find out more, call (208) 788-3484 or contact info@ValleyChamber.org

Correction from the last Chamber Corner: It turns out our community is blessed to have two bookkeeping services with similar names.

Wood River Bookkeeping is owned by Michelle Bobbitt and has been helping local customers for over a decade. Michelle is an Enrolled Agent with the IRS and you can find out more about her busi ness by calling (208) 788-0253.

Valley Bookkeeping is the name of Pat Bow ton’s new business. Pat was featured in the last Chamber Corner and can be reached at (407) 4967665.