OPEN 11:30 am
GAME ROOM UPSTAIRS
The Psounbality with Per FRESH FOOD LIVE MUSIC THE BEST NW BREWS
212 Cedar Street Downtown Sandpoint
208.263.4005 A SandPint Tradition Since 1994 2 /
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(wo)MAN compiled by
Susan Drinkard
on the street
What do you want for Christmas — material, non-material or both? “I want a ski pass to Schweitzer, but I cannot afford it. In a non-material sense, I hope all people live their own particular dream this holiday season, and always.” Jack Green Photographer Sandpoint
“I would like to spend as much time with my family as possible this holiday season. And I hope I have learned wisdom from the obstacles I have overcome this past year.” Teanessia Stefani 18 year-old (who uses a skateboard for transportation) Ponderay
When asked what she wanted for Christmas, Gemma held up her cat picture. Her mom, Deborah, said, “We are Christians, but we don’t celebrate Christmas, so Gemma may be confused by that question. Gemma is, however, showing something she would like.” Gemma Anderson 3 years old Sagle “I would prefer an experience — such as a workshop to learn something, or for personal growth, or to travel with friends or family, maybe go on a surf trip — over a material item. You can carry experiences with you forever.” Justin Troutner Stone mason, employee at Beet and Basil, farmer Sagle
“We don’t need anything special because our family loves us! Just don’t separate us because we are best friends forever!” Pip Pip and Lottie Plummer Sandpoint
DEAR READERS, With the year winding down, we’re entering that familiar lull that sets in around the holidays. The news slows down (locally, at least. Have you seen the national headlines lately? Good god). Our thoughts turn to decorating and buying gifts. To keep things lively, I like to try something new this time of year. For instance, the other day I tried my hand at pressure cooking. Not only do I still possess all my limbs, but I also succeeded in making a succulent beef stew with leftovers to spare. Not bad! Laying out the paper this week, it occurred to me how many learning opportunities are just around the corner through Sandpoint Parks and Recreation, MakerPoint and plenty of other organizations. Perhaps we can all learn a new thing or two before we say goodbye to 2018. Whaddaya say? -Cameron Rasmusson, Editor
Breakfast with Santa a fundraiser event for the Sandpoint Youth Center
December 8 • 8-11 at the Sandpoint Community Hall $10 adults/$5 kids Purchase tickets online via Eventbrite or in person at Washington Federal until Dec. 7th. Call 208.946.1087 for more details.
full pancake breakfast • photo with santa • prizes
READER 111 Cedar Street, Suite 9 Sandpoint, ID 83864 (208)265-9724
www.sandpointreader.com Publisher: Ben Olson ben@sandpointreader.com Editor: Cameron Rasmusson cameron@sandpointreader.com Zach Hagadone (emeritus) John Reuter (emeritus) Advertising: Jodi Berge Jodi@sandpointreader.com Contributing Artists: Ben Olson, David Marx, Bill Borders, Jim Payne Contributing Writers: Cameron Rasmusson, Ben Olson, Scarlett Quille, Lyndsie Kiebert, Emily Erickson, Brenden Bobby, Jodi Rawson, Jim Payne, A.C. Woolnough, Shelby Rognstad, Drake the Dog Submit stories to: stories@sandpointreader.com Printed weekly at: Griffin Publishing Spokane, Wash. Subscription Price: $95 per year Web Content: Keokee The Sandpoint Reader is a weekly publication owned and operated by Ben Olson and Keokee. It is devoted to the arts, entertainment, politics and lifestyle in and around Sandpoint, Idaho. We hope to provide a quality alternative by offering honest, in-depth reporting that reflects the intelligence and interests of our diverse and growing community. The Reader is printed on recycled paper using soy-based ink. Leftover copies are collected and recycled weekly, or burned in massive bonfires to appease the gods of journalism. Free to all, limit two copies per person.
Sandpoint Reader letter policy: The Sandpoint Reader welcomes letters to the editor on all topics. Requirements: –No more than 400 words –Letters may not contain excessive profanity or libelous material. Please elevate the discussion. Letters will be edited to comply with the above requirements. Opinions expressed in these pages are those of the writers, not necessarily the publishers. Email letters to: letters@sandpointreader.com Check us out on the web at: www.sandpointreader.com Like us on Facebook.
May 31November 29
NEWS
Sandpoint Lions open Toys For Tots applications By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff
The Christmas season is officially here, and the Sandpoint Lions are ramping up their Toys For Tots drive to ensure that every local child has a merry Christmas. The local nonprofit is now accepting applications from parents seeking to benefit from the Toys For Tots program, which distributes toys and other Christmas presents to local families that otherwise might struggle with holiday purchases. To apply, visit the Sandpoint Lions headquarters between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The Lions Den is located at 607 South Ella St. next to Lakeview Park by the historic boxcar. Parents who are approved
to participate in this year’s Toys For Tots programs will receive a set number of points for each child in the family. Those points are good for exchange in the vast library of toys, which the Lions largely acquire through donation, housed on the Lions Den shelves. Toys For Tots is one of the Lions’ signature community services, the other most prominent being the community Fourth of July celebration. The toy drive relies on both toy and monetary donations to function from year to year, with members typically setting a fundraising goal of $50,000. That money contributes to happier holidays for about 1,000 local children each year, plus Christmas dinner boxes for families in need.
“This community is incredible for how much they give to the charities around here: the food bank, Kinderhaven, all the charities,” Lions Club Vice President Judy Dabrowski told the Reader in 2015. “It’s the community giving back to itself. They are taking care of our friends and neighbors. That’s why we’re here. It could be any one of us that needs help, and I would hope that someone else would be there if I need it.” For parents to be eligible, they must live within Lake Pend Oreille School District. For more information, contact the Sandpoint Lions at 208-263-4118 or sandpointlions@gmail.com
The Toys For Tots shelves gradually fill up as Christmas approaches. Photo by Ben Olson
Window of opportunity closing for Festival early-bird passes By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff
For Festival At Sandpoint fans planning on hitting every show of the 2019 season, time is running out to get the best bang for the buck. After Friday, Nov. 30, the discounted prices for early-bird Festival season passes expires. That means that the lowest-possible price of $239 will increase to $299. The fully transferable tickets offer access to all shows between Aug. 1-11 at Memorial Field, and at $239, the price amounts to a 40- to 50-percent discount on the standard rate. For that reason, all 700 early bird passes usually sell out before Dec. 1, 4 /
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as they did last year. “We are aiming to book the best festival season yet,” said Festival Executive Director Dyno Wahl in a statement. “You will be glad you grabbed a season pass at this low price.” With recent Memorial Field renovations completed and new grandstands ready to accommodate Festival attendees, 2018 proved a landmark year for the Festival. The two-week event featured a broad range of artists, from the Greensky Bluegrass to ZZ Top. To order early bird passes online, visit the Festival’s website at www.FestivalatSandpoint.com or call 208265-4554.
Greensky Bluegrass performs at this year’s Festival At Sandpoint. Photo by David Marx
NEWS
State grant supports Bidding begins in Festival of Trees early literacy program By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff
By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff
Local children will hopefully be digging into those books a little younger thanks to the Idaho Humanities Council. The statewide organization, which is the Idaho affiliate for the National Endowment for the Humanities, awarded $3,000 to Panhandle Alliance for Education to assist in its READY! For Kindergarten early-childhood literacy program. It was one grant in a total of $115,489 distributed throughout the state. According to PAFE, the READY! For Kindergarten program “is a national, research-based parent education program for early childhood literacy that has been
in our community since 2008.” The program centers on workshops that teach parents how to cultivate their children’s early education in the home. Intended for parents with children between birth age and 5 years old, the workshops cover a different developmental focus each session, helping parents round out their ability as teachers. The next session of READY! For Kindergarten free parent workshops will be held in Sandpoint on Saturday, Jan. 19. Visit the website, www.readysandpoint.org, or call the Panhandle Alliance for Education office, 208-263-7040, to register.
The most festive fundraiser of the year is right around the corner. Bonner General Health’s Parade of Trees takes place Friday, Dec. 3, through Thursday, Dec. 6, putting elaborately decorated Christmas trees front and center for local residents, who are able to bid on their favorite selections. Bidding in the silent auction concludes 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, but until that time, the public is welcome to check out this year’s offerings and place bids 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 3-6 in the hospital classrooms located at 520 North Third Ave. The trees come from a variety of sources throughout the community, from BGH volunteers and employees to community mem-
Each year, the Festival of Trees demonstrates the creativity and generosity of community members.. Photo courtesy Bonner General Health bers and organizations. They are often organized around a particular theme and are accompanied by gifts reflecting that theme, giving lucky auction winners a suite of fun bonuses to take home with them. Proceeds from the fundraiser benefit the Bonner General Health Employee Education Fund, which
helps BGH workers continue their educations by assisting with associated costs, and the Bonner General Health Volunteer Council, an invaluable organization that alleviates work for hospital staff by coordinating volunteers.
Chamber hosts downtown VA to visit Clark window decorating contest Fork Dec. 18 By Reader Staff
By Reader Staff
Downtown is taking decking the halls to a new level, as the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is hosting a window display competition leading up to Christmas. This year’s participating businesses include Creations for Sandpoint, Kyoko Sushi, Mary Ruth’s Gift Market, Carousel Emporium, The Little Christmas Shop, Azalea Handpicked Style, Outdoor Experience, Northwest Handmade, Sharon’s Hallmark, I Saw Something Shiny, ArtWorks Gallery, La Chic
On Tuesday, Dec. 18, the representative from the Bonner County Veterans Service Office will be in Clark Fork to answer questions about current veteran’s benefits, assist with ongoing claims and take new claims for benefits for eligible veterans and their dependents. The Bonner County Veteran Service Officer will be at the Clark Fork Public Library 601 Main St, Clark Fork, ID 83811 between the hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bonner
Boutique, Larson’s and Petal Talk. There will be a panel of 15 anonymous judges, as well as a People’s Choice vote. Judging began Nov. 23 and will go through Dec. 21. The winners will be announced Dec. 24. Voting ballets can be found at the Cedar Street Bridge and at participating businesses. Also at the bridge will be
a wrapped gift box to drop ballots any time before 5 p.m. on Dec. 21. For more information, contact the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce at 208-263-2161 or visit sandpointchamber.org.
County Service Officer Bryan Hult will be seeing Veterans by appointment only to ensure everyone is given quality time. Appointments must be scheduled no later than the Friday prior by calling Lyndsie Halcro at (208) 255-5291. If there are no appointments scheduled for this outreach, or winter weather conditions prohibit travel, the outreach will be canceled.
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HUMOR
Thankful The typical holiday has a specific historic event or religious significance tied to it. Christmas has Jesus’ birthday, the Fourth of July has the American declaration of independence, and so on. As Americans we celebrate holidays because we have the day off work, and it’s on the calendar. Even those of us who are not significantly religious or festive find ourselves caught up in the “holiday spirit”, participating out of habit and societal expectation. Thanksgiving affords us the opportunity to be grateful for the day off and the chance to drown our sorrows in gravy without the shame and guilt typically associated with mass consumption. When I was a kid in school, we had a Thanksgiving celebration and dressed as pilgrims and Indians, and had a mock feast. I cringe at the memory of my 6-year-old self stuffing my face with pie while wearing a construction paper headdress. My kids have never had a school celebration like this, and I am grateful. My kids will associate the holiday with shitloads of food, football and taking time off of school to spend with family. They are grateful for this. Gratitude is worthy of
its own holiday. Learning to be grateful is something universal and tangible. Taking a day off from your regular schedule to wear elastic waist pants and eat your weight in mashed potatoes seems like a logical way to celebrate how blessed we are. Food is a big part of every holiday — you won’t see me complaining about that. The part I don’t understand is why the resurrection of ancient recipes goes along with holiday celebration. Does anyone eat green been casserole or stuffing on a regular basis? What about marshmallow-covered sweet potatoes? Aren’t they already sweet? How about that weird Jello mold that makes an appearance with cottage cheese and pineapple in it? Do we put these things out on the table expecting them to be consumed? Is it a decoration? Is it a sacrifice to the gods? Are the cranberry-flavored concoctions served merely as a reminder to be grateful that they only appear once a year? I have so many questions. Pumpkin pie, a delicious food that usually appears only around Thanksgiving, has somehow made its way into the mainstream. They call it “pumpkin spice,” and the
marketing people throw it around this time of year like dollars at a strip club, adding it to coffee, candles, chocolate — whatever they can think of. It’s blasphemy, if you ask me. Pumpkin-flavored shit should appear once a year in November, and no one needs to drink it in milkshake form in August. I feel the same way about turkey. There is way too much pageantry around cooking a turkey. I am grateful I have never been trusted to cook a turkey, or any feast for that matter, for a large group of people. That’s because I do not have the domestic skill or determination to stick my hand into a dead animal carcass and remove its entrails while simultaneously making pie and spreading holiday cheer. I am not sure how long it takes to master that skill, but my mother can pull it off while looking flawless. Personally, I can’t even look at an unwrapped turkey with out imagining its origin in some warehouse with a pile of the disgusting purple chin wobbles lying on the butcher-room floor. I do recognize that it is important to bring something with you to holiday gatherings. Those of you who do
not cook will understand the anxiety of not knowing what to bring. It is equal parts rude and entertaining to bring bad food to a gathering knowing people will pretend to eat and enjoy it. I have quit trying to make a passable dish and just bring booze. Most people appreciate a good buzz during holiday gatherings. For those who don’t drink, I can’t even imagine how you navigate your way through forced togetherness, awkward conversation and participation in nonsensical tradition regardless of personal beliefs. I am
grateful that my mother cooks and drinks. She’s really the perfect woman. For that matter, I’m grateful for a family that invites, accepts and welcomes me during the holidays, even if I never seem to truly grasp the concept. With that, I would like to thank you all for reading my column, and I hope you spent last weekend in sweat pants eating turkey leftovers avoiding the Black Friday traffic. Happy post-Thanksgiving, Sandpoint. SQ
Laughing Matter
By Bill Borders
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COMMUNITY
Co-ed volleyball league slated for 2019
THE READER IN PARADISE
By Reader Staff Editor’s note: Ben Olson is on vacation until Christmas, so staff writer Lyndsie Kiebert will take over this space for the time being.
I usually say my job consists mostly of talking to other people about their lives — their jobs, passions, ideas and beyond — but what I often fail to realize is how often these conversations take a veering turn in the opposite direction: to my life. Maybe it’s just the natural flow of things, or maybe people find the life of a 20-something living and making their way in North Idaho absolutely fascinating, or maybe “ASK ME ABOUT MY PERSONAL LIFE” is written across my forehead, but no matter the case, the interviews I conduct for my job sometimes turn into full-on dissections of what I’m doing with my life, who I am outside of my work, how my puppy is doing and the like. As a result, I’ve been gifted a few great nuggets of advice, and what better place to share them than here? According to the people I’ve interviewed over this last 1.5 years at the Reader: • Never hold a grudge. It will only make you hurt. • Don’t compare yourself to others. There’s someone out there looking at your life thinking “I wish I had that.” You are exactly where you’re supposed to be. • If you don’t want a puppy to mess in their crate, you have to make it just big enough for them to turn around in. (Thanks, Mary. This was probably the best advice yet.) Here’s to more conversations where I learn as much about life as I do about my subject. 8 /
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Sandpoint Parks and Recreation is offering another exciting season of adult coed volleyball. Play beginning on Monday/ Tuesday Jan. 7/8 through March 18/19. Online registration, roster submission and $20 deposit to hold a team’s spot in the league must be received by a Sunday, Dec. 9, deadline. Keep in mind that the league is limited to the first 24 teams that submit rosters and holding fees, so get yours in early! The cost of the league is a $225 sponsor fee, and a $255 player’s fee (total of $480/team). A captain’s meeting will be held Thursday, Dec. 20, at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. League fees must be paid in full by the captain’s meeting and team member waivers completed online by the first night of play. For all activities: View reg-
Susan Rambus Francis of Sagle took the Reader with her on a recent trip to Tahiti with her mother. Bonus points for bringing the First Amendment issue after we were attacked by a cowardly robocall in September.
istration details and pre-register online at www.sandpointidaho.gov/parksrecreation or visit us at Sandpoint Parks and Recreation, 1123 Lake St. in Sandpoint or call (208) 2633613.
Pend Oreille Waterkeeper to hold annual meeting By Reader Staff Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper is holding its annual meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 4, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the downtown office, located at 100A Cedar St. in Sandpoint. This is a great opportunity to meet LPOW’s new staff, learn more about our priority issues and initiatives and explore options for deeper involvement with the organization through membership and volunteering.
LPOW’s executive director and members of the board will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about the organization, the status of regional water quality, or our recent efforts to keep Lake Pend Oreille and its associated waterways swimmable, fishable and drinkable. Light refreshments will be served.
It seems bringing the Reader to envy-inducing islands is a trend, because Cindy Marx also took a little beach reading to the north end of Big Island. Maui is visible in the background.
Registration open for welding class By Reader Staff An upcoming MIG welding and will give you all of the basics to get started on your first project. The next monthly class is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 13, from 6-9 p.m. at MakerPoint Studio; C106-14 1424
N Boyer Ave. Space is limited to 4/class. Session is $71, with a $2 discount for participants residing inside Sandpoint City limits. Pre-register online by Dec. 9 at www.sandpointidaho.gov/ parksrecreation. More information at 208-263-3613 or City Hall, 1123 Lake St.
PERSPECTIVES
Emily Articulated
A column by and about Millennials
Buck teeth and a consumerist society By Emily Erickson Reader Columnist
There is something that happens to almost all humans in their lifetime, regardless of race, socioeconomic status, gender,or religion. It’s an experience that unites us in collective humility, elicits self-reflective shudders and instills a trauma that demands a destruction of all available evidence. The few demigods that didn’t experience this phenomena are either lying, or among an elite group of chosen few (robots), winning a proverbial lottery, and consequently, genetically luckier than the general population. This collective human experience is, obviously, the preteen years, during which we endure the ugliest, most awkward versions of ourselves and our physical bodies. This shared traumatic phenomena is our “tweens.” *uhhh, shudder* Our cute, rosy cheeks are replaced by pimples, body odor and way too much Axe deodorant, and the sunkissed highlights in our soft, flowy hair grow dull and stringy, cocooned in layers of near-teenage grease. For me, my preteen phase featured large, crooked front teeth covered in enough metal to set off airport security, spidery legs with comically disproportionate knobby knees, a perpetually irritated “t-zone,” and an absolutely unnecessary training bra which I was never quite brave enough to stuff with kleenex, bubble wrap, or god-forbid, tube socks. To make matters worse, regardless of how hard I begged and pleaded, or how many hours of chores I offered up as bargaining collateral, I couldn’t con-
Emily Erickson. vince my mom to buy me the expensive name-brand clothing that may have won some purchase on the social ladder my poorly-executed bangs were prohibiting me from ascending. “You have a job,” she’d say. I was 12 and babysitting four kids under 6 years old for $6 an hour. In addition to being responsible for the recurring nightmares of wailing, crying, poop-stained toddlers from which I’m convinced I may never recover, this job was not fruitful enough to afford me the hoodie sweatshirt with the $75 bird on the left shoulder that indicated “Hollister,” and more importantly, undeniable coolness. My mom decided, inconceivable to my hormone-stricken brain, that having a homecooked meal every night was more important than purchasing jeans with the specifically looped stitching that made them “worth” $100 more. “Your clothes don’t define you,” she’d rebut. “You’re lucky to have jeans at all.” And guess what? As mortifying as it would be to admit to my 12-year-old self, my mom was absolutely right. I was lucky to have clothes, to have a roof
over my head, and to have hot, nutritious food available to me each and every day. More importantly, I was lucky to have a mom who taught me I am not defined by the brands I consume or the goods that I own, but rather how I behave as a human and the gratitude I carry with me, always. During the holiday season, we are bombarded with “gottahave-it” deals, with, “How big is your tree?” and, “What did you buy for your kids?” It distracts us from what’s actually important: being thankful for everything we already have. We are surrounded by expensive marketing campaigns and targeted advertisements, strategically geared toward making us feel as though we are in need, promoting a consumerist society in which we are all active participants whether or not we’re aware or willing. Living in a consumerist society, like being an awkward tween, is a phenomena all humans experience. Beyond the products pouring out of our spare bedrooms and closets, we are sold the idea that to be happy, we need to continue to purchase things and stuff necessary for a “good life.” Because only a happy person would have that many throw pillows on their living room sofa. Sociologist Norton August describes the repercussions of this consumer-driven society: “People go deeply into debt in order to buy things beyond basic necessities: a larger house, a giant television, a fancy car. These are all the hallmarks of a society within which consumption is at the center of life.” Consequently, we work longer hours, pick up extra shifts,
and sacrifice stability and experiences to afford more “stuff,” strategically sold to us as a necessary part of a fulfilled life. The trouble is, we are so often feeling unfilled and susceptible to these sales ploys in the first place, because we don’t have enough time to engage in the things we love, we can’t afford the trips we want to take, and don’t have the stability achieved from a balanced checkbook. We’re often living in a hamster wheel of consumption, and it
can be hard to recognize. So this holiday season, let’s try and spend a little less time in checkout lines and a little more time with making memories with the people we love, being thankful for everything we already have. As for me, you can find me in my name brand-less hoodie, with, what I hope are much more proportionate front teeth. Happy, happy Holidays.
Retroactive
By BO
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Mad about Science:
Brought to you by:
freaky flora By Brenden Bobby Reader Columnist Plants are weird. For organisms that eat poop and don’t move from the spot they were “born” their entire lives, they can be crazy intelligent. We’ve talked about orchids before that trick bees into mating with them to minimize breeding with direct relatives of theirs, but today we’re going even weirder. Listicle ahoy!
This weird thing stinks really badly, too. What’s even weirder is that it spends most of its life as a parasitic strand of tissue or vine that clings to other plants in the Indonesian rainforest. Suddenly, almost overnight, it explodes into a piranha plant from “Super Mario Bros.” 3. Nepenthes, various species
The hammer orchid. It has a funny appendage meant to mimic flightless female thynnid wasps. The males will fly down and attempt to mate with the decoy, only for the orchid to body-slam the male into its pollen pouch. Embarrassed and frightened, the wasp escapes, covered in pollen, only to attempt to mate with another flower before getting body-slammed again. And you thought dating was hard. 5. Wolffia arrhiza
1. Titan arum
acacia has killed entire fencedin game preserves in a single season more than once. Can’t wait to be king, indeed.
well as a medicine. See you next week!
7. Dracaena cinnabari Known as the “dragon’s blood tree,” this odd-looking tree derives its name from the color of its sap, which is deep red and supposedly looks like dragon’s blood. Ancient cultures used the sap as a dye, as
Random Corner ternet?
Don’t know much about the in
You know this thing as the corpse flower. As with most other names, it’s extremely misleading. It’s actually made up of a bunch of flowers. These flowers produce a smelly oily substance that attracts pollinating beetles native to Sumatra. Drawn to the smell of decay, they crawl all over and pollinate it. 2. Rafflesia arnoldii
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These pitcher plants are really weird. Some of them draw insects and rodents (including rats) into them, where they get stuck and are digested by the flower. Eat your heart out, Venus fly trap. Others have developed perches for jungle shrews to sit on and… aherm, pinch a deuce into, from which they directly draw their nutrients.
Also called “Duckweed”, it is the smallest flowering plant on Earth. It lacks leaves or roots, but each one can produce a single tiny flower. It’s also capable of doubling in population every 36 hours.
We can help!
• China has treatment camps for internet addicts. •37 percent of the web is porn. • 30,000 websites are hacked every day. • There’s high-speed Internet on the way up to Mount Everest. • When Montenegro became independent from Yugoslavia, its internet domain name went from .yu to .me. • 15 percent of American adults do not use the internet.
6. African acacia
• One in 10 Americans thinks HTML, the language of web pages, is a sexually-transmitted disease. • The first webcam was created in Cambridge to check the status of a coffee pot. • Psychologists examined internet trolls and found that they are “narcissistic, psychopathic and sadistic.”
4. Drakaea glyptodon “Not so weird. I mean, it’s in a Disney movie!” Wrong! When fed upon by herbivores, the African acacia will release a gas that’s carried by the wind to warn other acacia trees. The warned trees will produce a toxic oil and coat its leave with it, killing anything that feeds upon it. The African
• 50 percent of internet users will quit waiting for a video to load after 10 seconds. • Internet users send 204 million emails per minute. • The “Fi” in “WiFi” doesn’t mean anything. The creators just called it that because it rhymed with “HiFi.” • By the end of 1993, there were only 623 websites on the World Wide Web. Today there is an estimated 1 billion. • In 2010, Finland became the first country in the world to make internet access a legal right.
COMMUNITY
Waldorf Christmas Faire happening Saturday Reader Staff Ask around and you’ll hear that many Sandpoint families cherish the Sandpoint Waldorf School’s Christmas Faire and Children’s Festival among the many celebrations leading up to Christmas. The joy and magic of the Waldorf Faire is truly heartwarming. If you haven’t experienced this yet, now is your chance! On Saturday, Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., you will find a school transformed by the magic of Christmas. Among the fun activities scheduled throughout the day: Puppet Shows: The puppet show “The Elves and the Shoemaker” promises to be absolutely magical — fully staged across the front of a classroom, draped in gem-colored silks and performed by gifted teachers using handmade scenery and marionettes. The show will play three times throughout the day: 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Crystal Cave: Children are invited to enter the Cave’s secret passage into a twinkling world of wonder and leave with a sparkling reminder of the season’s magic. Craft-Making Room: There will be face painting and craft-making available for kids and adults to do together or on their own, including dipping beeswax candles by hand. Kids-Only Store: There will be a store stocked with donated items where the children may buy gifts for their family members with just a dollar or two per gift. Arts and Crafts Fair: On our lower level, you’ll find over 20 local artisan and craft vendor booths. A juried show with quality gifts and treasures just in time for your holiday shopping. Food: There will be delicious homemade soups, quiches, Caesar salad and rolls for lunch; homemade cinnamon rolls for brunch, roasted chestnuts and a gourmet dessert café featuring cookies, cakes, pies, Evans Brothers coffee and
Safety Reminder... Dear Editor, As the seasons change I think it might be good to give drivers a friendly reminder that headlights are good for more than just seeing what’s in front of your car when it’s dark. Turning your headlights on in the rain and snow helps other drivers see you approaching and might help prevent accidents. Basically, if your wipers are on, your lights should be on too. You want to be visible to other drivers, right? Some might be nervous that they will forget to turn off their lights when they park and thus kill their battery. This brings up another good habit to get into: when you park, and you’re walking away from your car, take a second to look back at your car and verify that you remembered to turn off your lights. Two good habits for the price of one! Thanks everybody, Ben Gregory Sandpoint
tea to purchase for very reasonable prices. There will be plenty of tables and chairs to sit and visit as you eat. Hot Chai Hut: Warm, spicy homemade Chai served in a little getaway location. Transport yourself for a moment of relaxation in an exotic locale. Parents-Only Silent Auction: We’ve gathered gently-used toys and treasures that we’re sure parents would love to give as gifts to their little ones this Christmas. If you are a parent or an adult, stop in to bid on these one-of-akind items. Bidding closes at 3:30 pm. Sandpoint Waldorf School’s Christmas Faire and Children’s Festival is open and free to all! Tickets, which are sold for $1 apiece, are available for the puppet shows and craft-making. Plan to spend the whole day. There is so much to do and see! The Sandpoint Waldorf School’s 26th Annual Christmas Faire and Children’s Festival will take place on Saturday, Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Sandpoint Waldorf School. The building is located at 2007 Sandpoint West Dr., next to the Sandpoint West Athletic Club. The phone number is (208) 265-2683 or visit www.SandpointWaldorf.org or our Facebook page for more information. November 29, 2018 /
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Festival of Trees: Family Night 4-6pm @ Bonner County Fairgrounds Three days of festivities at the Bonner County Fairgrounds benefit Kinderhaven. Family Night: Get a peek at the beautifully decorated trees
Dollar Beers! 8pm @ Eichardt’s Pub Good until the keg’s dry
Live Music w/ Browne Salmon Truck 5-7pm @ Idaho Pour Authority Vintage and contemporary blues, jazz, Latin, and more. A fun Sandpoint trio Live Music w/ The Ronaldos 5:30-7:30pm @ Cedar St. Bridge Wine Bar Songs from the ‘60s to today’s hits
Annual Pray for Snow Party 5pm @ 219 Lounge Starts at 5 p.m. with snacks and ski videos, 10 Barrel Brewing’s Pray for Snow beer specials, great prizes including custom 10 Barrel Brewing and PBR snowboards and more. Prize drawing at 10 p.m. Bum Jungle will be playing live music from 9 p.m. to midnight
Live Music w/ Brian Jacobs and Chris Lynch 6:30-9:30pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall The two best-looking and hardest-working musicians in Sandpoint... so they say
Festival of Trees: The Gala 5:30pm @ Bonner County Fairgrounds An unforgettable semi-formal evening,
Live Music w/ Jake Robin 5:30-7:30pm @ Cedar St. Bridge Wine Bar Smooth vocals and finger-picking guitar
Live Music w/ Kevin Dorin 8-10pm @ the Back Door
Live Music w/ Justin Lantrip 5:30-7:30pm @ Idaho Pour Authority Singer-songwriter
Sandpoint Chess Club 9am @ Evans Brothers Coffee Meets every Sunday at 9am
Night-Out Karaoke 9pm @ 219 Lounge Join DJ Pat for a night of singing, or just come to drink and listen
Trivia Night 7-9pm @ MickDuff’s Bring your brain and show it off (please, not literally)
Wind Down Wednesday 5-8pm @ 219 Lounge With live music by blues man Truck Mills and guest musician John Firshi Dollar Beers! 8pm @ Eichardt’s Pub Good until the keg’s dry
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Karaoke @ the Tervan Largest song selection in town
Live Music w/ Ken Mayginnes 4-6:30pm @ Matchwood Brewing
Monday Night Blues Jam w/ Truck Mills 7:30pm @ Eichardt’s Pub
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Gardenia Sunday Se 10am @ The Garden Marilyn Chambers sp Power of Divine Gift
Lifetree Cafe • 2pm @ Jalepeño’s Mexic An hour of conversation and stories. This w Bonner Mall Seniors Day 9am-12pm @ Bonner Mall All are welcome to come walk the mall, plus a featured speaker and free refreshments
Magic Wednesday 6-8pm @ Jalapeño’s Enjoy close-up magic shows by Star Alexander right at your table
Lake Pe 5:30-7:3 Meet LP issues an involvem
Hootenanny Open Mic Night 6:30-8:30pm @ City Beach Organic If you have an instrument to play, a so poem to read, or want to hear live mu dlin’ Red and Desiree for a Hootenann
ful
November 29 - December 6, 2018 A weekly entertainment guide to keep you on your toes. To list your event free, please send an email to calendar@sandpointreader.com. Reader recommended
Backcountry Film Festival • 6pm @ The Hive View award-winning films that celebrate the human-powered experience. Raises money for SnowSchool Experience
Festival of Trees: Holiday Luncheon 11am-1:30pm @ Bonner County Fairgrounds Live Music w/ The Other White Meat Silent auction bidding opens at 11, Lunch will be served 6:30-9:30pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall family style around 12:15 p.m. videos, Classic rock and roll band eer speLive Music w/ Brian Jacobs 2nd Anniversary Take Over Party 10 Bar8-10pm @ the Back Door @ the Tervan d more. Live music w/ Rhinestone Outlaw: will be tribute to 70s country dnight
ounds ening,
Holiday Ball (dance) 7-10pm @ Ponderay Events Center The night begins with a waltz lesson taught by pro instructors, followed by general dancing to live music by Variety Pack Band. Semi-formal attire. $9/$6/$5
Movember Fundraiser with Selkirk Fire 1pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall MickDuff’s and Selkirk Fire are once again partnering up to host a cornhole tournament fundraiser and benefit. Register at noon, first toss at 1 p.m. MickDuffs.com Live Music w/ Neff/Ahmann jazz duo 5-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery
Christmas Faire and Children’s Festival 10am-4pm @ Sandpoint Waldorf School Local-made gifts, food, drink and entertainment. Free and open to all.
Sunday Service e Gardenia Center ambers speaks: “The ivine Gifts”
Karaoke @ the Tervan
Live Music w/ John Brownell 2-4pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery
ño’s Mexican Restaurant ies. This week’s topic: “Sign Here: Handwriting Analysis” Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper Annual Meeting 5:30-7:30pm @ 100A Cedar Street Meet LPOW’s new staff, learn more about priority issues and initiatives and explore options for deeper involvement with the organization
$2 Tuesday @ the Tervan Come and use those $2 bills on drafts and food specials ... cheers
ight h Organics 5-week Winter Axe League Starts o play, a song to sing, a @ the Tervan ar live music, join Fid- Sign up and show off your skills Hootenanny. 265-9919
Dec. 7, 8, 9 Holiday Arts and Crafts Show @ the Bonner Mall Dec. 9 International Human Rights Day Celebration @ Sandpoint High School
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PROFILES
A conversation with Perky Hagadone By Jodi Rawson Reader Contributor Perky Hagadone is celebrating her 40th year in Sandpoint. Since 1978, she’s raised two sons, started a career with the school district, earned two master’s degrees, was hired as the principal of Northside Elementary, became a grandma, and fought victoriously against cancer. Thankfully, my kids go to Northside, so I see Ms. Hagadone several times a week. She is like a mother hen, stretching out her wings, making sure the kids are getting picked up safely and aren’t running into the parking lot. With sharp eyes, she is passionately aware of everything going on at Northside Elementary. Jodi Rawson: What do you like about your job? Perky Hagadone: Northside is awesome! The families that feed into Northside are part of the team. When I stand in front of the school, parent support is the first thing I talk about. We could not do it without the parents. We work hard with the kids on having good citizenship with old-fashioned manners. At Northside we want to help the whole child. We have cross-country skiing, chess tournaments, a mentoring “buddy system,” an active PTO that funds numerous field trips, tech class with coding and 3D printing and outstanding faculty. I love this school district. There is a lot of collaboration that makes every school great. I have worked in all of the LPOSD schools and every school has its different personalities and gifts. JR: Tell us about your purpose-filled world travels. PH: I have always loved to travel. When I was in my early 20s at Whitworth, I went on two six-week canoe trips totaling 1,500 miles, from north of Yellow Knife all the way to the Arctic Ocean, with nothing but topographic maps to orientate us. It changed my life. It made me realize how precious our remaining wild nature is, and it also spurred my interest in science. I love teaching science. When I got my second master’s degree through Miami University, it was environmentally based, so I said, “Sign me up!” Through that I was able to travel to three global hot spots. One was Belize, working with the coral reefs there. In Australia, I dove for the first time in scuba gear with sharks and turtles, studying reefs there. Then I went to Guyana and worked with the indigenous 14 /
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people, the Makushi tribe, on preserving their rain forests and sustaining themselves. I also take middle school kids to Costa Rica with Marcia Marine (middle school teacher). This year will be our eleventh trip. It is not a vacation. We have to work. The kids relocate leatherback turtle eggs to a protected sight and then study and catalogue the hatchlings, working alongside a biologist. JR: Tell me about your book. PH: It is the longest-running writing and illustration process known to man. I have been working on it for 20 years because I am either full-time working, playing or traveling. I want to project positivity and internalize positivity — that is the emphasis of the story. There was a lot of depression in my nuclear family, so it is really important to me to work on being positive. This book is about a chameleon that starts out in black and white, and she is not happy with her life. She runs into several Madagascar animal characters along the way. Madagascar is my happy place, and on my travel bucket list. Each of the animals offer the chameleon a new perspective and a new color. As the story goes on, she goes from black and white to Technicolor. My hope is — and I am just putting it out there — is that I will have it done by next fall. I only have six illustrations to go. JR: You are now cancer free! What has battling cancer been like? What advice do you have for others? PH: I got diagnosed a week before Christmas (2017), which was not fun at all. Then I had to wait 21 days to find out what type of cancer and what my treatment options were. My biggest advice is that you have to be your own advocate. I wish I had taken that advice early on (demanding an earlier consultation) because 21 days about killed me. Then I met with a wonderful oncologist, and Cancer Care Northwest was phenomenal. I had all my options laid out for me at that time. Another piece of advice is that it is hard for our loved ones, so I just took this honest route — I told them everything. It is hard to hear, but in the end it is more comfortable. You are not walking around on egg shells. You can ask people for help, and you can be there for them because they know. Everyone does it differently, and it depends on what your comfort zone is, but it really worked for me to be honest about it. I said, “I will take any date” and received an opening. I had five days to set up my house and staff, and with a lot of help I got it done. “I want it out,” was my man-
tra. There are a lot of things you can do if you have breast cancer. You know, there is a gamut of options... I am happy with my decision.
Perky Hagadone.
Jodi: You are pretty open about being raised by a father suffering from mental illness... PH: Personally, I hate that it is called “mental illness.” It should be called “a chemical imbalance.” People cannot control their chemical imbalances and are not intending to do what they do. These imbalances are caused from genetics, trauma or toxins. They don’t want to live the way they are, but are not receiving help. I don’t think we do a good job in this country. There is too much judging. My dad was judged. You know my parents had a million friends before my dad started displaying symptoms, and then they had two people that stuck with them — that’s it. 6. Your oldest son, Zach, co-founded the Reader in 2004. Tell us about him. PH: One thing about Zach is he has always been interested in history. In kinder-
garten he studied World War II on his own. When he was in sixth grade he started Sagle News and began investigative reporting. He wrote for the Bull Pup Press in middle school and the Cedar Post in high school. He has always been a great artist. Since he could hold a pencil, he was drawing or writing. Now, Zach is getting his master’s in history at WSU in Pullman. He wants to become vastly more educated and have a broader sense of the world. He is an award-winning writer and a wonderful dad. Oh, and he just started sculpting! When I visited him for his birthday, he sculpted a John Steinbeck for his lovely wife. We all sat and drank wine and sculpted. It was super fun.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Backcountry Film Festival benefits outdoor learning By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff There’s no shortage of opportunities to learn from nature in North Idaho. In fact, Selkirk Outdoor Leadership and Education officials creates entire programs based around the region’s natural grandeur. Residents have a chance to support the organization’s efforts and appreciate a few of Earth’s wonders themselves at this weekend’s Backcountry Film Festival. Set for Friday, Nov. 30, at The Hive, the film festival features some of the year’s most breathtaking short films about winter adventure. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 for general admission or $20 for VIP access and are available online or at Evans Brothers, Alpine
Shop, Eichardt’s, The Hive and online. VIP tickets includes three raffle tickets plus access to a special event from 5-6 p.m. The raffle and silent auction, of course, are open to all, with items from major gear manufacturers, local artisans and a few special surprises on offer. For festival goers with children, a special event is prepared to keep the kiddos entertained. The films this year span a number of stories about mankind’s relationship to nature. “Searching For Christmas Tree” follows a professor searching for a mysterious waterfall, the location of which is completely unknown. “Blue” portrays the creativity and strength of northern women who explore winter wonderlands on bikes. “The Abbey” is “a spiritual view into any snowbird’s head waiting for the season to start.”
“The Abbey” is one of Backcountry Film Festival’s many offerings. Courtesy photo While the films are great, the most important purpose of the festival is getting local underserved kids learning about themselves
and the world around them through SOLE’s SnowSchool Experience, which is designed for students in grades four through 12.
Pend Oreille Chorale and Orchestra announce free concerts By Reader Staff Dec. 14 and 16 are dates to remember for the upcoming free concerts of the Pend Oreille Chorale and Orchestra. Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church in Sandpoint has again been kind to open their wonderful space to celebrate Christmas with uplifting classical music. Friday’s time is 7 p.m.; Sunday’s is 2 p.m. with receptions following, provided by members of the chorale and orchestra. Opening the concerts will be the Selkirk Brass: Aryan Riener — trumpet, Larry Hanna — French horn, Mark Coburn —trombone, Bob Curran — tuba, and Sandy Wilcox — baritone or Rich Beber — soprano saxophone. They will perform the well-known carol “How Great Our Joy.” Following are two pieces by the chorale, “Lo, How a Rose e’er Blooming” and “Oh, Be Joyful.” Again the Selkirk Brass will be playing “We Three
Kings” to ready the audience for a sing-along with four Christmas carols. The chorale will close the first half with “O Magnum Mysterium,” and “Hodie, Christus natus est.” Featured on the second half of these concerts is “Meditation Mass” by Mark Reiner, for choir, soloists and orchestra, composed in 2000. “This is not a traditional mass as I use both Latin and English. I tried to bring forth the spiritual aspects of meditation by infusing the familiar mass with new elements,” said Reiner. Main soloists will be John Fitzgerald — baritone, and Connie Mitchell, Janice Wall, and Liz Adkinson — sopranos. “We are all looking forward to presenting our free December concerts for the community in the spirit of love and unity. We sincerely thank the Seventh Day Adventist Church for always being supportive with rehearsal space. We also are so very grateful for continued generous support from our
community over the past 25 years, that has enabled us to keep quality classical music alive in Bonner County, brought to you by volunteer musicians,” said director Mark Reiner.
Mark your calendars for the Pend Oreille Chorale and Orchestra free concerts on Dec. 14 and 16 to celebrate Christmas at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church, with classical music and carols. See you there!
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TRAVEL
Bicycling Below Sea Level By Jim Payne Reader Contributor
H
olland is the land of the bicycle. Around 1900, when industrial countries had the choice between bicycles and cars, Holland did not ignore the cyclists, as most countries did, but built a vast network of safe and convenient bikeways. In 2016, I made a delightful two-week bike tour in the southwest of Holland, and I found it so engaging that, in September the following year, I returned for another expedition. My destination this time was Holland’s province of Friesland in the north. This projected journey included a worrisome obstacle, however: the 20-mile dam that stretches across the Zuider Zee and connects North Holland to Friesland. This massive dike is the centerpiece of a world-famous reclamation project, completed in 1932. Much of the land of North Holland and Friesland lies below sea level, or at least below the North Sea’s high spring tides, and this dam protects this low-lying terrain. I wasn’t worried about there being a bike path 16 /
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alongside the highway that ran along the top of the dam. I knew biking is too much a part of the Dutch national character for them to forget this. It was the sheer length of the span that worried me. I would have to peddle for hours and hours out in the middle of the empty North Sea, facing possible storms or fierce headwinds, with no shelter — and no bicycle repair shops in case of emergency. I began my trip at the north side — the back side, so to speak — of Amsterdam’s central railway station, where a ferry crosses the wide bay known as the IJ. For me and the throngs of other bicyclists, the ferry was free; the 14 cars had to pay. Soon I was tooling smoothly along leafy lanes north of Amsterdam, enjoying vistas of pancake-flat bright green fields and the occasional windmill with its giant arms embracing the sky. The importance of a bicycle repair shop was brought home on my second day. I was cruising through a little village when
my front tire started making a squishy noise. I got off and squeezed it. It was alarmingly soft! Fortunately, Dutch magic came to the rescue, as it has many times in my biking and kayaking trips in this country. A middle-aged man on a racing bike came by, stopped, and asked if I needed help. He volunteered to find a bike shop that could repair the tire. In the meantime, I got the tire pumped up with the help of the cook in a nearby café who went to his next-door neighbor to get a bicycle pump. Soon the racing biker came back with news of a bike shop at the seacoast town of Egmond, two miles away. He rode ahead of me while the 10 minutes of air in my tire lasted. My interactions with all these people, by the way, took place entirely in English, thanks to the Dutch people’s amazing command of our language. I know, I know. I should have been carrying a tire repair kit and a pump. But there is an advantage to being an irrespon-
sible traveler: Your helplessness thrusts you into making connections with the locals. While the tube and tire were being replaced, I walked out among the diving gulls and terns on Egmond’s wide beach, taking pictures of the seascape and the lighthouse that towered against a blue sky crisscrossed with the lacy trails of international jets. The statue in the town square said a lot about this country’s scale of values. In Holland, you almost never see statues of politicians and generals, which abound in other countries. Instead, the Dutch commemorate artists, authors, and social benefactors. This statue in Egmond was typical: a roughly-dressed old fisherman from the 19th century, a member of the local volunteer lifeboat association, who invented a cork-filled flotation life vest. Two days later, I reached my jumping-off point for crossing the dam, the North Holland village of Hippolytushoef (You’re welcome to try to pronounce it; I didn’t dare). In the morning,
A view of Holland ‘s charms from the saddle of a bicycle. Photo by Jim Payne wanting an early start, I didn’t wait for my hotel’s breakfast. I snacked on liverwurst (for the protein, not because I liked it) and oatmeal cookies. The night before, I had filched two little plastic tubs of Nutella, the hazelnut spread, from the sideboard in the hotel dining room, and I used that to liven up the cookies. The hot water in Dutch lodgings is scalding hot, so I filled a glass with this steaming liquid and called it tea. By 8 a.m. I had reached Den Over, where the dam begins, and followed the curving bike lane onto the causeway. At the start, my way was blocked by a lowered gate and a red light. A two-mast sailboat was using the lock that runs through the dam, connecting the inland lake (called the Ijsselmeer) to the North Sea. After a few moments, the boat cleared the lock, the drawbridges came down, the barrier lifted and I was off.
Once out on the dam, I saw it had two levels. The highest part faces the North Sea, its sloping side covered with heavy stone facing to withstand the bashing waves. On the inland side, about 20 feet below the high part of the dam, runs the fourlane highway with the separate bike path alongside it. The dam and its highway stretched straight as an arrow, as far as the eye could see, disappearing into the mist miles away. I had to take it on faith that there was land at the other end of the ocean. Traffic on the highway was heavy, including many big cargo trucks. I had the bike lane to myself, meeting only one other biker, a serious cross-country racer in Lycra shorts and wearing a helmet. (In Holland, ordinary street bikers don’t wear helmets; it’s considered sissy.) Within a few minutes pedaling I saw that my fears about this crossing were unfounded. I had lucked into virtually perfect conditions, with the air calm and the sun poking gently through light clouds and mist. The kilometer markers alongside the path enabled me to measure my speed; my calculations showed I was averaging 18 kilometers (12 miles) per
hour. I stopped several times to walk up the grassy embankment to the top of the dam and take pictures of the North Sea — which had only tiny wavelets on this calm day. In just two hours I had made it to Friesland, the first sight of which were wind turbines with their blades lazily turning in the light air. Actually, the most dangerous biking moment in the whole trip occurred several hours after I had left the dam behind, and was heading for Harlingen where I planned to spend the night. A farmer had allowed me to take a shortcut across his fields, riding on his private road which was paved with large concrete slabs. In the middle of the lane, between the slabs, there was a two-inch gap, which I assumed was filled with packed earth. However, underneath the bits of dead grass lying on top, the gap was empty air. When my tire crossed over it diagonally, it fell six inches into the crack between the slabs. If I had been riding the “boy’s bike” I have at home, with the high center bar, there would have been no time to fling my leg over to dismount. I would have been dashed on my face into the concrete,
coming away with a broken wrist — even a cracked skull (a helmet is for sissies, remember). Well, as it happened, the street bike I had rented in Amsterdam was — as are most Dutch street bikes — the “girl’s bike” style, with low center bars. When my tire dropped into the crack, I instantly stepped through the low frame, in a perfectly calm dismount. I lifted the tire out of the crack and continued on my merry way. By mid-afternoon I made it to Harlingen, found a charming little hotel, and set out to enjoy a walk around town. I was especially tickled by the way the Dutch shops played with English in their names and advertising. One café had a sandwich board on the street that said, “When nothing goes right, go left!” with an arrow pointing left into the shop. Several women’s clothing stores had adopted English names: No Boys Allowed was one; another called itself Buyou 4You (I could hardly figure that out, and English
is my native language!). The signboard in front of another store said, “You Are Dangerously Close to Fashion!” Try to imagine this display of linguistic wit in the U. S., with American merchants making signs playing on words in a foreign language. In the evening, after enjoying a serving of veal picatta, its red sauce artistically decorated with two green basil leaves — the Dutch are experts at food presentation — I made my way to the Harlingen harbor. There,
Holland offers bicyclists rare access to the country thanks to its forward-thinking infrastructure. A robust network of bikeways allow travelers to enjoy the country’s full experience. Photos by Jim Payne
along with local sightseers, lovers and dog walkers, I watched the orange sun set behind the masts and stays of the local sailboat fleet. November 29, 2018 /
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HEALTH
SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL A column about the trials and tribulations of Parkinson’s Disease
No Perfect Answer By A.C. Woolnough Reader Columnist These days, we seem to be at odds with each other about everything. We disagree on politics, religion, education, the environment, climate change, health care and on and on. For the next few hundred words, it is my goal to deal with some other tough issues. There is no right or wrong to these issues, but we can learn from each other and maybe use this discussion as a model for dealing with our differences. What are these difficult and thorny issues? In a word: bioethics. Bioethical decisions are those made with no guarantee we make the correct choice. There is no single standard or checklist that ensures we’re doing the right thing. Almost always more questions are asked than answered. Some of the more common bioethical decisions involve our pets — Fluffy, Spot, Rover or Champ. For example, what do we do when our cat gets sick or injured? Do we hope for the best and do nothing? Do we take her to the vet? How much are we willing to pay for an exam, drugs, surgery or radiation treatment? Can we afford care? Not just money, but time. Can I take a day off? Can I claim a sick day for a sick puppy? An even harder choice involves putting a pet down — a euphemism for euthanasia — intentionally ending a life to relieve pain and suffering. At what point and on what basis do we make that decision? Doing nothing is also a choice. My suggestion is to gather facts, look at both sides of the question, examine the consequences, get expert input, take an appropriate amount of time and live with the outcome knowing there is no one, single, perfect answer. Almost always there will be questions and regrets with whatever choice is made. Complicating things even more is knowing that although some decisions are reversible, many are final. If you think it’s a tough question when your pet is involved, imagine the difficulty when it is mom, dad or child. There is no “right answer” and the consequences are profound. A similar strategy for making 18 /
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these bioethical decisions can be employed as outlined above. The situation does not have to be life/death. There are many other situations in which right and wrong are not easy to determine. For example, many PWPs (persons with Parkinson’s) live with minor motor symptoms and are perfectly OK to drive. On the other hand, if a PWP is experiencing dyskinesia (uncontrollable A.C. Woolnough. movements as opposed to tremor), it may be time to take the keys away. Who, when and how this happens are bioethical decisions. Factors like self-worth, control, power and relationships may complicate matters. In this case, prior discussion and agreements may lesson resentment and preclude or minimize depression (already a common non-motor symptom of PD). When is it time to put grandpa in a nursing home? Again, who makes that decision? What factors influence the decision? In my columns related to Parkinson’s, I always try to reference research — an area rich in bioethical decision-making. Sometimes the questions are more philosophical. For example, I have donated blood numerous times for various research studies. Whether for genotyping, searching for antibodies or some other purpose, who owns the data collected? Some situations are money related. What if some component of my blood helps develop a new treatment or drug? Should I share in the profits (if any)? After all, it’s my blood. Should people get paid for participating in research? Should people have to pay to participate in research? For example, last month I participated in two studies at NIH (National Institutes of Health). Either of these two projects might lead to new or better treatments for Parkinson’s—a direct benefit to me and my family. A tougher question for scientists involves testing new procedures or drugs on humans. now. They may have worked in rodents and primates (a bioethical debate itself), but the first human trials may still carry a large amount of risk. Who decides
when it is time? Bioethicists have refined the process of decision-making to include disclosure documents, IRBs (institutional review boards) and so on to help guide us. Nevertheless, think about what factors might have led the first person to volunteer for deep brain stimulation surgery. (DBS involves drilling holes in your skull and inserting electrodes deep in the brain.) An entire universe of bioethical issues abounds in health care. Incredibly difficult decisions must be made. For example, when my father (who had Parkinson’s) fell into a diabetic coma, it was up to my brother and me to decide whether to use extraordinary measures to prolong life or to let nature take its course. Another example is choosing a drug, treatment or surgery that significantly improves the quality of life or even cures
the patient but carries the risk (say 10 percent) of death. Ethical decision making can mirror the bioethical process. In doing so, maybe we can learn to carry on respectful conversations, acknowledge our differences, understand that decisions have consequences and allow that our individual and unique situations can lead us to make difficult but different choices.
After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, A.C. is calling on his 37 years in K-12 education to became a “Parkinson’s Warrior”educating the public, advocating for a cure and participating in research.
PERSPECTIVES
Mayor’s Roundtable: How to Make Sandpoint a Trails Destination By Mayor Shelby Rognstad Reader Contributor Last month I was discussing the incredible amenities and opportunities provided by trails and connectivity. I shared how far the region has come in the last 20 years to establish itself as a trails community. Trails create equitable access and improve public health and quality of life by giving people reasons and opportunity to go outside and play. In turn this stimulates the economy and makes Sandpoint an even more desirable place to live, work, start a business and raise a family. We are blessed to be surrounded by public lands and natural habitat that are perfect for all kinds of trails. Couple this with the hard work and dedication locals have given to trail building, and Sandpoint is on the verge of reaching the next level, becoming a national destination for trails and the recreational opportunities they provide. We have the natural resources, the community support and the vision to achieve this status. So what’s holding us back? We need to better organize to be more efficient with our limited resources — human resources, time and money. We need sustainable funding for trail construction and maintenance. Trailmix has begun to do this work. It is a coalition of representatives from local, state and federal government agen-
cies, nonprofits, and a wide variety of groups interested in local trails. The group created a vision for trail connectivity in the Bonner County Trail Plan. The plan includes all known trails in the region as well as trails envisioned for the future. It Mayor Shelby Rognstad. represents the aspirations of all trail users and unifies our gives us all a common goal to strive for. Trailmix has been set to task to develop a cohesive organizational structure that can advocate, build, maintain and fundraise to actualize the vision laid out in the plan. Historically, this work has been done by single user groups focused on a single trail, like Friends of the Pend Orielle Bay Trail or Friends of Mickinnick Trail. While groups like these will continue to be essential for ongoing maintenance, our little community lacks the capacity to continue building new trails. A new structure could expand this capacity while offering maintenance, fundraising, advocacy and other support. Fundraising happens in four ways: philanthropy, grants, fees and levies. Up until now, we have only used the first two. While they have worked well for us, we have reached our limits as a
community. There is increasing competition for increasingly limited grant dollars and the donor pool can only give so much. Some communities charge user fees. In fact, Idaho charges registration fee for off-terrain recreational vehicles. In fact, that is how the Haye’s Gulch project (connecting to Gold Hill) was funded. But Idaho’s registration fees don’t support non-motorized trails. Non-motorized trails have no funding mechanism in Idaho. Other communities have charged fees for non-motorized trail use. While this is certainly a possibility, it may be too difficult to manage and cost more to administer than it generates. It can also be a deterrent for many users. A fourth option is a Recreation District Levy. This works like other levy districts in Idaho. It is a property tax levy, approved by voters. Three commissioners, elected by voters, represent the district and allocate the funds. This is how Selkirk Recreation District operates up on Schweitzer. SRD commits most of its funds for snow plowing in the winter and the remainder goes into the ever expanding trail network in the summer. This funding mechanism is common in many areas across the country. A levy of $20 per home (on average) in a district the size of the East Bonner County Library District would generate about $380,000/ year. While that isn’t much, it enables a small dedicated staff and trail work to be committed every year. That budget
could conceivably build out the Trail Plan in 20 years. It may even be able to offer some support to other recreation priorities identified by voters. While passing a rec district levy would be a big hurdle, the pay-off would be huge and lasting. It would establish trail connectivity and quality of life as priorities and would cement Sandpoint’s identity as a destination location for year round recreation. This region would continue to attract tourists, quality employers and creatives that are the backbone of our innovative, diversified economy. Plus, we’d have a lot more fun on all those trails! Please join me at the Mayor’s Roundtable Friday, Nov. 30, at the Cedar St. Bistro, 8 a.m., to discuss these topics and more. This will be the last meeting of 2018. Hope to see you there!
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MUSIC
This week’s RLW by Ben Olson
READ
Jack Frost Fest 2.0
Mattox Farm Productions aims to celebrate the arrival of winter with this night of music and community
By Lyndsie Kiebert Reader Staff As the days grow shorter and we descend into this largely unloved North Idaho winter, Robb Talbott of Mattox Farm Productions is finding a way to get locals looking on the bright side — with Jack Frost Fest. “Not only winter, but late fall/early winter just gets so wet and cold and dark,” Talbott said. “(Jack Frost Fest is) just being able to bring people together and get excited about the snow falling, to look forward the opportunities that winter provides us in this area.” The second annual Jack Frost Fest is Saturday, Dec. 1, at the Heartwood Center starting at 4 p.m. and slated to run past 11 p.m. The event serves not only as a community gathering, Talbott said, but also as a major fundraiser for some local nonprofits. This year’s featured nonprofits include the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center, Selkirk Outdoor Leadership and Education, Sandpoint Nordic Club, Schweitzer’s Ski Patrol Avalanche Dog program and the Pend Oreille Arts Council. “It’s about giving (the nonprofits) the opportunity to talk to people about what they do, and about things to do in these darker, colder months,” he said. The event will also include local vendors with food, drink and other goods for purchase, among them Upside Kombucha, Sandpoint Curry, The Hound, Eichardt’s and Crafted Botanicals. On top of all that, Jack Frost Fest attendees can anticipate games, face painting, music all night, the chance to taste some winter beers and a “Cabin Fever” raffle supporting
the nonprofits. Talbott emphasized the family-friendly atmosphere he strives for at all Mattox Farm shows — including Jack Frost Fest — but said that, as the night goes on, things might ramp up a bit. “It will transition into more of a party,” Talbott said, noting that the final band of the night, Hawthorne Roots, is known for their high-energy shows. “It’s not going to be for the faint of heart.” But before Hawthorne Roots, playing the 7-9 p.m. slot will be headliner The Two Tracks. Talbott speaks highly of the Wyoming-based Americana four-piece. “Their vocals almost dance with each other,” Talbott said. “They’re rock and roll, they’re fun, and it’s just beautiful music.” Dave Huebner of The Two Tracks said he and the band knew that the first and most recent time they played Sandpoint — at the Panida with Moonshine Mountain — would not be the last. “We all left with a sense that we wanted to get back before too long, not just for the music but for the beauty of the place,” Huebner said. Huebner said he and the band pride themselves on varying their sound from song to song, representing “a wide span of styles within the Americana genre.” “The lyrics are worth
If you’re looking for a good book to sink into as the days get colder and darker, try “The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt. Tartt’s novel is a taught coming of age novel full of great quotes you’ll take further with you. The winner of the 2014 Pulitzer Prize, Tartt’s 700-page novel follows Theo, who traumatically loses his mother at the start of the book. “The Goldfinch” is the story of art theft, of secrets kept and revisited
LISTEN I’ve always been a fan of Gregory Allen Isakov’s music. Mellow without being droll, upbeat without being jumpy, Isakov’s thoughtful, purposeful songs jump right out of the headphones into your life if you let them. Isakov just released a new album called “Evening Machines” that’s worth checking out. While he keeps the album in the same ballpark as the others, this one’s a bit different and I like that about it. All in all, “Evening Machines” is a masterpiece in modern folk music.
WATCH
listening to — telling stories, painting pictures, and carrying messages from experiences true to the American West, while also presenting an environment that will get you dancing and moving to the beat,” he said. Huebner said the band is stoked to be back in Sandpoint and is particularly excited for the festival atmosphere, where the crowd is there “both to listen and have a lot of fun,” Huebner said. Other musicians filling out the line-up for this year’s Jack Frost Fest are Browne Salmon Truck, Brendan Kelty and John Firshi.
This is only the beginning for Jack Frost Fest according to Talbott, who said last year was his first attempt at putting on such a large event. He said he’s excited to make it a recurring Sandpoint tradition. “We’ll learn more and do more next year,” he said. “We’re excited to keep this thing growing.” Tickets to Jack Frost Fest are $20 for adults, $10 for youth (5-17), and kids under five get in free. A winter beer tasting ticket is $10. Tickets are available at Eichardt’s, Evans Brothers and mattoxfarm.com.
I’ve always been drawn to sci-fi films that explore other dimensions and realities, while also maintaining a “realness” that makes you think it could really happen, or is currently happening. Christopher Nolan’s “Interstellar” is a masterpiece in many ways. The film is set in a dystopian future where humanity is struggling to survive. We follow a group of astronauts who travel through a wormhole to find a new place for the human race. Featuring amazing performances by Matthew McConaughey, and Jessica Chastain, “Interstellar” is worth the nearly three hours it takes to watch it.
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The Straight Poop: The quest for dog-friendly businesses in North Idaho Gifford Hirlinger Winery From Northern Idaho News, Dec. 7, 1909
SERIOUS FIRE NARROWING AVERTED YESTERDAY A serious fire was narrowly averted by the prompt action of the fire department yesterday morning when a blaze started in the dry room of the Lakeside laundry, and only after prompt work was it extinguished. During the cold snap over Sunday, the steam pipes in the dry room had become frozen with the condensed steam which had run down in them and shortly after opening the laundry yesterday morning one of the employees began the work of thawing them out. He procured a torch and was holding it under the pipes when one of them suddenly broke open at which the fellow dropped the torch and ran to shut the steam off. It was while he was in the act of closing the steam valve when the torch lighted the dry wood partition between the two dry rooms. The timber bring dry, it took but a few minutes until the interior of the dry room was ablaze. Employees attempted to get the laundry hose in action, but found that to be frozen also. This gave the blaze a chance to gain and a fire alarm was turned in. The fire laddies soon arrived on the ground and with the stream of water playing on the roof of the building through which the blaze had eaten its way and the smaller hose turned on in the dry room from the underside of the roof, the blaze was soon extinguished. 22 /
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By Drake the Dog Reader Pet Columnist
While the Missus is singing, “I’m dreaming of a wine Christmas,” one pawsome Sandpoint family is ready to make that dirt-to-bottle dream come true. The local folks of Gifford Hirlinger Winery, where the Mister and Missus sip new releases and library wines alike, produce more varietals than Stateline. Once upon a time, mom Stephanie, (the Hirlinger side of the family) taught English at Sandpoint High. Dad Pete (the Gifford side of the family) taught math at Sandpoint High and Priest River Junior High. They had three kids, Mike, Jessica and Skye, who went to school in Sandpoint. Stephanie also served on the Festival board and Grandpa Bergan partnered with the folks who built The Edgewater (circa 1970). Barkin’ good history, eh? And now to the good dirt. When Mike graduated from Sandpoint High, he majored in international finance at the University of San Francisco. He followed his spirit and studied business abroad for a year with the Gonzaga Florence Italy program. Some folks on the team were from Walla Walla and Napa. The study of wine was included in the curriculum, and this eventually led to his transition from finance to wine. After graduation, Mike ventured Napa to visit his teammate, was introduced to the wine business and never looked back. His buddy referred him to a job with a vineyard management firm. He farmed over 30 different vineyards in Napa, got his paws dirty and learned how to grow grapes from the ground up. He loved the farming side of the business, worked in Napa for a few harvests and made wine with his buddy. He knew he wanted be in Walla Walla, grow grapes, and own a small family owned estate winery. Mike’s college roommate was from Touché, and he was familiar with Walla Walla. His parents shared his dream, and together in 2001, they acquired their first 10 acres of vineyards in Walla Walla. Today, the expanded 22 acres are home to merlot, cab sav, malbec, tempranillo, petit verdot, sauvignon blanc, semillon and pinot gris varietals. Many paws make light work! The GH crew tips their leashes to the talented vineyard crew, the many volunteers, friends and family that bring these fine wines to your table year after
year. Melissa, Mike’s wife, holds the title of chief research and development manager, drinks well with others, and told us during the first few years of the winery, all of the family would do the farming. To gain additional wine making knowledge, Mike worked at Canoe Ridge while the pack was building the foundation for the winery. Sandpoint architect and family friend, Kris Contor, collaborated with the group to design and build the winery. Gifford Hirlinger, located at 1450 Stateline Rd. in Walla Walla, opened its doors in 2006 bringing local estate-grown wines to the region and beyond. Year after year the winery attracts many visitors from Sandpoint. These fur-ward drinking wine fans immediately recognize the cool, hip green Stateline Red label, which has been around for over 15 years. The other varietals have the same branding, but the labels are a different color. GH is laying down the paw with a dog-friendly patio, because back in the day, The Bark Street Journal reported that a local Mexican farmhand had many border collies. One day, the farmhand gifted Mike’s dad two pup brothers, Charlie and Chewy. This dynamic duo became the first winery dogs. A few years later their brothers, Paco and Frank, wandered in. Chewy and Charlie are dancing on the Rainbow Bridge now, because Paco and Frank’s last litter was just adopted to loving homes outside the area. While the Mister and Missus were sniffing out the wine club, my bud Stella Muttcartney was barkin’ about the winery’s two annual events. The spring taco wagon music and dancing soiree is dog and kid friendly. The fall season offers a sit-down catered dinner in the winery, featuring library wine and new releases. This August the GH team is planning a hot dignity dog days of summer glamping food and wine guided float trip on the lower Salmon River. Fun fact — during last year’s trip the 22 folks raised the woof and lapped up 10 cases of wine. Today, some of the family still lives in Sandpoint. Mike’s dad pours GH wine at the Festival and Schweitzer Wine Fest with his friend, Lance Spielman, because
The Gifford Hirlinger Winery crew hangs out with Drake. Mike and Melissa can’t pour Washington wine in Idaho. Shock and paw! The entire GH family is dreaming of a white Christmas, but red will do! Enjoy the season; here’s to making your spirits bright. GH Stateline blend is available at Yokes, Baxter’s and 41 South.
Crossword Solution
If you define cowardice as running away at the first sign of danger, screaming and tripping and begging for mercy, then yes, Mister Brave Man, I guess I am a coward.
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CROSSWORD ACROSS 1. Eatery 5. “Hogwash!” 10. A fish similar to cod 14. Smell 15. Wash out with a solvent 16. Poems 17. A superficial person 19. Baking appliance 20. Startled cry 21. Mount 22. Handy 23. Protect from impact 25. Snouts 27. Sick 28. Zealot 31. White aquatic birds 34. Plait 35. Crow 36. A Freudian stage 37. Keno 38. Seaweed 39. Sweet potato 40. It pumps blood /in-foh-MEY-nee-uh/ 41. Pit 42. A writ issued by the court [verb] 44. South southeast 1. to pull up by the roots; uproot; extirpate; eradicate. of the 45. Impolite dinner sound 46. A session “The family deracinated from their home land to live in America” 50. A foot traveller Oopsie daisy! Sometimes, while making sure all the little details are taken 52. Express a thought care of, I’m guilty of forgetting the most important parts of a story. 54. Loving murmur In our Nov. 21 issue, we noted that “The Nutcracker” is coming to the Panida, 55. Norse god but failed to publish the date: Wednesday, Nov. 28. —LK 56. A moderately quick tempo 58. Gave temporarily
deracinate
Word Week
Solution on page 22 59. Interlace 60. Coagulated milk 61. Not difficult 62. Fruity-smelling compound 63. Applications
DOWN 1. Data stream manipulator 2. French farewell 3. Common people 4. Before, poetically 5. Gasoline 6. Killed 7. Vandals 8. Assistant 9. Tiny
10. Automobile horn 11. With intention 12. Ship part 13. Feudal worker 18. Most dogs have them 22. Utilized 24. Small mountain 26. Buckeye State 28. A kind of macaw 29. Badgers 30. It was (contraction) 31. Homosexuals 32. Two-toed sloth 33. Parchments 34. Skinny people (slang)
37. Ale 38. Foment 40. 60 minutes 41. Daisylike bloom 43. A full supply 44. Vocalist 46. Strainer 47. Convulsion 48. French for “Our” 49. Merchandise 50. Puncture 51. Notion 53. ___ du jour = Meal of the day 56. Reverence 57. Euro forerunner
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