Reader august25 2016

READER August 25, 2016 /

NERDS RULE

/ Vol. 13 Issue 34

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PetalTalk.com

This week in photos From top right, moving clockwise: •Reilly and Rebecca Holland endure the waves at Sandpoint City Beach created by high winds last Thursday.

By Cameron Barnes

•Roughly 300 took in Montana Shakespeare in the Parks’ Sunday performance of “Richard III,” during sunset at the Bonner County Fairgrounds.

•Phillip Firestone (left), a member of the Sandpoint Blacksmiths Association and Aaron Miller demonstrate blacksmithing techniques before Montana Shakespeare in the Park’s performance of “Richard III.” •The Grand Finale Fireworks during the final performance of the Spokane Symphony Orchestra at the Festival at Sandpoint.

•Children got to hold and try on Medieval weaponry including chainmail, which was handmade by Montana Shakespeare in the Parks own, Weezil Samter.

All photos by Cameron Barnes.

August 25, 2016 /

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(wo)MAN compiled by

Susan Drinkard

on the street

Do you think the $55 million levy for schools will pass?

“I am new to Sandpoint, but it seems like it might pass if all the signage is an indication, but I don’t know the politics and backstory.

Sandpoint seems like a kid-friendly town. I have one child who goes to the Waldorf School, but I support necessary upgrades for schools.”

Steve Partridge Waldorf School assistant Sandpoint “I hope so. We find money for so many other things; we should be able to find the money for the most important thing—the children, our future.”

Carolyn Threadgill Wellness assistant Cocolalla

DEAR READERS,

Whenever our residents are asked to pony up additional taxes to support something like this new plant levy, the town divides along the predictable lines. There are those who believe any increase in taxes should be voted down, no matter what purpose the additional revenue would be used for. Then there are those who believe that putting money into education is a way to ensure our children have the best foot forward into the future.

I tend to agree with the latter.

I don’t have children, so I totally understand the retirees who are frustrated at having to fork out more of their income to support something that doesn’t directly affect them.

However, I believe we will all benefit from giving our students a leg up and putting their education first. To funnel tax money into education is never a waste, in my humble opinion. We are simply investing in their future. This town isn’t just a bunch of retirees and second home owners. There are real families living here, and yes, we all struggle to make ends meet from time to time, but I’ll gladly give my vote to help our students. One way or another, make sure you vote Aug. 30.

-Ben Olson, Publisher

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

www.sandpointreader.com Publisher: Ben Olson ben@sandpointreader.com Editor: Cameron Rasmusson cameron@sandpointreader.com Zach Hagadone (emeritus) John Reuter (emeritus) Advertising: Jodi Taylor jodi@sandpointreader.com Contributing Artists: Chris Balboni (cover), Cameron Barnes, Ben Olson, Mike Gearlds, Landon Otis.

Contributing Writers: Cameron Rasmusson, Ben Olson, Cameron Barnes, Nick Gier, Ellen Weissman, Brenden Bobby, Dianne Smith, Drake the Dog. Submit stories to: stories@sandpointreader.com Printed weekly at: Griffin Publishing Spokane, Wash.

Subscription Price: $95 per year Web Content: Keokee

“I hope not because I might have to relocate because of the taxes. $55 million! That’s egregious. I am not a rich person.”

Mark Larson Disabled Upper Pack River

“No. The amount is too steep. We have a lot of retirees here who don’t have a lot of money.”

Patti Bierer Retired Sandpoint

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

“I would hope not because schools get enough money as it is. Any time I am asked to vote to increase taxes I vote ‘no’ on it. The government needs to do a better job of managing money.”

Bob Edmondson Produce manager and former public schoolteacher Priest River 4 /

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Check us out on the web at: www.sandpointreader.com Like us on Facebook.

About the Cover This week’s cover features a drawing

by Chris Balboni out of Missoula, Mont. Chris has provided us with artwork and film critique from time to time and we are glad to have him on our side.

LETTERS Vote for Kate...

Dear Editor, Two very different candidates are running for election to the Idaho House of Representatives seat 1A. There are basic differences in their beliefs and how they will represent all residents of District 1. Before casting your vote take time to consider what the future Bonner County, Legislative District 1 and the state of Idaho should look like.

Is your vision of the future one where your children and grandchildren have educational opportunities that enable them to succeed in a 21st century economy? Will there be roads and bridges on which you and your family can safely travel? Are there public lands that we can freely access and enjoy while benefiting economically? Is there a thriving economy with a growing middle class benefiting from higher wages and new and retained business? Will your government be transparent, effective and responsive?

This is Kate McAlister’s visions for a better Idaho.

Kate has been a worker and leader for Bonner County for over 20 years. She has shown herself to be very effective in creating opportunities for Bonner County workers and businesses. She knows the value of a dollar.

Our education, business, charities and arts are better because of her. She reaches out. She listens. She collaborates with others to build consensus and makes good things happen.

Vote for a better Idaho.

Vote for Kate!

Ken Meyers Sandpoint

Reader Bias...

Dear Editor, I spend my winters in Florida then return to my Idaho garden in May—there’s not much time to read newspapers, but have skimmed through a couple of Readers this summer. Each time I noticed the the Reader seemed biased towards liberalism.

One issue had a article

written by Mr. Gier in support of Muslims and was so verbally abusive against Mr. Trump that I responded to the Reader against his verbal abuse. Then I started talking to friends who told me that the Reader was liberal and that they don’t read it. Still, I would skim through it thinking there might be something interesting to read.

My husband picked up a copy of the Reader this morning. What did we find?

An entire page written by someone who professed to go to school with Donald Trump.

At the end of the second paragraph, the writer accused Mr. Trump of being “pig headed” and “pathological.” I realized it was another verbally abusive writer like Mr. Gier, and that my friends were right—the Reader is a liberal Democrat paper who supports verbally abusive writers. I put the Reader down immediately and will never pick up another issue of the Reader.

Vickey Babayco Sandpoint

Dear Vickey, If you are picking up our newspaper (or any newspaper, for that matter) to reinforce your existing viewpoint, without the desire or empathy to see or understand other points of view, it’s probably for the best.

-Ben Olson, Publisher I’d add that if you want to see more conservative opeds in the Reader, encourage conservatives to submit articles. We’re not in the practice of shutting out viewpoints.

-Cameron Rasmusson, Editor

Schools Need Support...

Dear Editor During my eight years with the city as both a council person and mayor, I was aware of the many inquiries that new businesses would make about our town and base their decision to locate accordingly. One question that would often come up which we did not have a good answer for was about the quality of our public schools. Although Sandpoint has excellent teachers,

programs and athletics, school facilities were not something to brag about.

For our existing high tech, aerospace, biomedical and other advanced industries, recruitment is a constant challenge as well. Quality educational facilities are often the deciding factor for those professionals considering a move to Sandpoint. Further, the Idaho Department of Labor released a study earlier this month that predicts a growing need for education in science, technology, engineering and math to support these types of jobs and our current school buildings cannot keep pace with the technology demands that modern curriculums require. Sub-standard school buildings also compromise educational performance.

Will Sandpoint schools keep pace with economic needs? Good facilities are important not only for our kids but for the economic growth of our area. Please vote Yes on Aug. 30!

Carrie Logan Sandpoint

Lighten Up...

Dear Editor, After reading your “Barbs”section on Thursday, I was somewhat surprised at your reaction to “Black lives matter cattle roadblock.”

I’m sorry, but I guess I’m not that politically correct, and thus, not offended by this silly and laughable little posting. I guess you can find racial overtones in anything if you look hard enough for them. I really think that you’re reading too much into this. That’s just my opinion, and what kind of “discourse” are you alluding to?

In closing, I would just say that in these times of bitter political campaigns, sometimes it’s better to chuckle a little and not to be so critical on minor unimportant things.

Again, maybe it’s time to lighten up a little.

C.P. Kattner Sandpoint Dear C.P., Thanks for writing. I appreciate your opinion, though I don’t agree with it. I tire of

the term “political correctness” nowadays. It seems that anytime someone advocates for a little respect and civility in the world, they are labeled as “politically correct” and dismissed. The more we chip away at our humanity, the closer we are to becoming animals. If you post or promote racist ideas, I will call you on it, and so will others. And yes, I think it was racist to compare Black Lives Matter protesters to a herd of cattle.

Yes, this post did indeed offend me, especially when it came from an elected official.

If the post wasn’t that offensive, why was it taken down?

Also, why has Rep. Heather Scott refused to answer any of my emails?

And one final point. You urge me to not be so “critical on minor unimportant things.”

I assert that racial equality is indeed important, and every effort to chip away at equality should be called out as backwards and jingoistic.

Bottom line: it doesn’t matter if it’s a joke or not—if it’s racist, it’s no good.

-Ben Olson, Publisher

Support the Levy...

Dear Editor, I plan to vote for the LPOSD levy on Aug. 30.

There are no additional sport fields being created; current ones are just being moved to better utilize the limited acreage that the school district has. Baseball and soccer will still have fields to play on and there will still be a track and infield.

The school district, through a vote, can only levy on those who live within the boundaries of the LPOSD. Likewise, only those who live within the boundaries of the district can vote.

The lease-purchase tool is similar to the way the county financed the purchase of the Federal Building—but they didn’t go for a vote! One important thing to remember is the county courthouse—that 1.5 million dollar “remodel” wound up costing something like 5 to 6 million dollars.

The smart and dollar ef-

fective thing to do is replace those buildings as outlined by the district. For factual info you can always call the district office or look on websites VoteOurSchools.org or LPOSD.org.

Thank you and vote yes on Aug. 30.

Dan Logan Sandpoint

Support School Levy...

Dear Editor, I support the $55.1 million plant facility levy for LPOSD because it is necessary and vital to maintain a safe and healthy environment for our students to learn. Yes, it is a lot of money, but it is an investment in our schools.

I am retired and no longer have students in the district, but this is important. Several buildings have been rated unsatisfactory; Sandpoint Middle School currently has the lowest physical condition score of all the schools in the district. Problems have mounted due to failed attempts to pass levies over the years, not because the administration has mismanaged funds.

To see facts and photos of the deteriorating facilities, visit the websites of Citizens for Better Schools: voteourschools.org and LPOSD: lposd.org (Facility Master Plan Info). In response to the notion that the district “should live within its budget,” remember the state does not provide funding for capital improvements.

Consequently, the budget does not include funds for remodeling, replacing, or building schools. It is the responsibility of tax payers.

Passing a levy means the money stays local without filtering through Boise.

These proposed upgrades will ultimately save taxpayers money in maintenance and operation costs.

The LPOSD maintenance department works endlessly to keep schools looking good and functioning well for students and staff. We need to step up to the plate to fund the replacement of three schools plus mainte-

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COMMENTARY I Half-Agree with the Libertarian Party: Right on Social Issues; but Wrong on the Role of Government

Letter continued from Page 5 nance and upgrades for all schools district-wide. Investing in our schools is an ongoing process. Join me in voting YES on Aug. 30.

Julie Menghini Sandpoint

Vote No to Levy...

By Nick Gier Reader Columnist I always enjoyed lecturing about the libertarians when I taught political philosophy.

They style themselves as serious thinkers; and, calling themselves the “Party of Principle,” they choose theoretical consistency over political expediency.

In 1972 presidential election philosopher John Hospers garnered only 3,674 votes, but a “faithless elector” from Virginia gave him one vote in the Electoral College. Running on the libertarian ticket in 1988, Ron Paul received 432,179 votes, and in 2012 former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson won 1,275,971 votes. In a three-way 2016 race, Johnson is now polling from 7 to 11 percent.

I generally agree with the libertarians on maximizing personal liberty on social and cultural issues. The Libertarian Party platform states that “individuals own their bodies and have rights over them that other individuals, groups and governments may not violate.”

Libertarians were the first political party to call for according full rights to gays and lesbians. They also believe that there is no such thing as a victimless crime, “such as the use of drugs for medicinal or recreational purposes.”

In 1980 the Libertarian Party was more specific and expansive about such actions, which included “consensual sexual relations, including prostitution and solicitation.” They also wished to repeal “all laws interfering with the right to commit suicide.” Silence on these issues today may be due to the influence of so-called “Christian” libertarians, which I believe is a contradiction in terms. See www.NickGier. com/LibertarianChristian.pdf.

Following the principle of self-ownership of the body, libertarians traditionally have strongly supported a woman’s right to an abortion. Libertarian Murray Rothbard is firm in his opinion about the status of the fetus: “No being has a right to live as a parasite within or upon some person’s body.”

Ron Paul is primarily responsible for the change in the party’s position on abortion.

Paul states that he is “strongly pro-life” and “an unshakable foe of abortion.” He, along with other anti-abortion libertarians, affirm the principle of “non-aggression,” and they believe that abortion is a fatal act of aggression.

This position begs the question of whether or not the fetus is a person, which our moral, legal, and religious traditions have answered in the negative. In fact, the ancient Jews believed that if the fetus is a 6 /

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threat to the life of its mother, it is guilty as a “pursuer” under the negative commandment which demands that one may not “take pity on the life of a pursuer.” See www. webpages.uidaho.edu/ngier/abortion.htm.

Because of pressure from Paul and his fellow Christian libertarians, the party platform now reads: “Recognizing that abortion is a sensitive issue and that people can hold good-faith views on all sides, we believe that government should be kept out of the matter, leaving the question to each person for their conscientious consideration.” But Republican state governments are constantly intervening and violating the rights of millions of women to their own bodies.

I find myself very much at odds with libertarians on the role of government. Their charge that governments are responsible for “damage done to our environment and have a terrible track record when it comes to environmental protection” is groundless.

Without agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency our air and water would be far less clean. The air in America’s large cities is the cleanest in the world because of government regulation.

The libertarians want to privatize all health care and abolish Medicare and Medicaid. However, single payer and other government-run systems around the world provide coverage at sometimes half the cost and produce health results better than the U.S. Obamacare is now failing because private insurers are pulling out of state exchanges because they cannot make a profit.

Libertarians would also lift all regulations on the economy for a goal of complete laissez-faire. However, economic facts from around the world disprove this theory.

The “mixed” economies of Europe and Asia should have failed long ago, but they survive and in many cases thrive (for example, Sweden) with high taxation and heavy regulation.

Libertarians should be commended for their theoretical consistency, but they fail miserably at matching theory to the realities of the society we live in. Communism failed for the same reason, because it misjudged human nature. Libertarians overrated people as rational actors, and Communists overrated their altruism.

In conclusion, I think traditional libertarians are right on personal choice issues, but they are dead wrong in the proper role of government.

Nick Gier of Moscow taught philosophy at the University of Idaho for 31 years. For more on the Middle Way between capitalism and communism click on the PDF files at www.webpages.uidaho.edu/ngier/ ThirdWay.htm.

Dear Editor, A small but dedicated group of citizens have attended most of the Lake Pend Oreille School District school board meetings over the past year and a half. They watched issues evolve. They have read the facilities master plan in its entirety and many other documents. The school board will not answer questions or allow feedback during the course of their meetings. The public may attend, but comments are restricted to three minutes and to the time before agenda items are discussed. Many times issues emerge during the meetings which are not specifically mentioned on the agenda and beg for clarification, but the public’s only option is to sit silently and watch.

Last fall, the superintendent formed a facilities planning committee without extending an invitation to the public at large. Eight of the 13 members had direct ties to the school, and three others had strong interests to the city of Sandpoint.

This was NOT a “broad based group of community members,” as described in the levy mailings. Their meetings were unknown to the public, closed to the public, and there are no minutes to even review.

In the spring, the school district held informational meetings about the levy at each school, but for staff only. There were no agendas or minutes for these in-house meetings. In fact, some employees were not even allowed to attend. The information was spoon-fed by the superintendent to those he deemed worthy of the right to know.

In June the superintendent and school board chair sent an informational flyer to staff and parents.

Again, they selectively targeted only the education community. There was no outreach to other taxpayers. It became obvious they did not want to educate property owners in the general public who would be footing this bill.

A grassroots effort spread like wildfire. Once people looked at the facts surrounding this levy they were outraged. As the message grew, the attacks and threats by levy supporters began. Numerous lawn signs have been stolen in an effort to thwart the opposition.

Though the Reader printed a 1000-word article on the levy last week, I was denied equal space. My

option was this 400-word letter to the editor. Ironically, silencing those who have questions or opposing viewpoints is systematic by the district and their network. There’s so much more to this issue. The rest of this article will be available for reading at lposdlevy.com Kathy Rose Samuels

Vote for Schools...

Dear Editor, I’ve read many letters to the editor and online posts saying the Facilities Planning Committee was hand-picked by Superintendent Shawn Woodward. I served on this committee and while not sure if I was “hand-picked,” I am honored that I was asked. Perhaps volunteering weekly in the schools is an indicator that I would be willing to attend 7 a.m. meetings and have a base knowledge of the schools.

I have spent time in the following classrooms on a weekly basis over the past 10 years: Mrs. Randles, Mrs. Stoll, Mrs. Arndt, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Loveless, Mrs. Moore, Mrs. Darling, Mrs. Dickinson, Mrs. Gaddie, Mrs. Lee and Mrs. Delucchi, and countless hours in the library at Sandpoint Middle School grading papers. I can tell you from first-hand experience, these classrooms are past their useful lives.

The deterioration of these buildings has not snuck up on anyone.

Matt Diel and the facilities team at LPOSD have done an amazing job to keep them functional this long.

Perhaps I was asked to be on the committee because I have a local perspective. My grandfather moved to Sandpoint in 1934. I don’t believe being a local means I get any special treatment or that I know any secrets to making Sandpoint great. I chose to stay here and raise my family because Sandpoint is a giving community full of community support.

Come on Bonner County; let’s show our kids that great Sandpoint support. We are long past the “replace this and replace that” stage.

These buildings are old. Anyone who challenges that just needs to take a tour and see behind the scenes. Get yourself educated on the state of the schools and join me in voting yes!

Jacinda Bokowy Sandpoint

Yes For Schools...

Dear Editor, Please vote YES on the upcoming school levy. We have deferred building/renovating many of our schools for so many years that they are in a state of disrepair and no longer function in an efficient manner. The

Letter continued on Page 7

Letter continued from Page 6 needs of the three schools scheduled to be rebuilt are far different than they were in the 1950s when these schools were built. It is not cost efficient to try to “fix” these schools.

They have outlived their usefulness.

The new buildings will be far more energy efficient, safe and will address the needs of students and teachers today. The schools whose lives can be extended by fixing subsystems (heating, electrical, roofing, etc.) will have those things addressed.

In addition, all schools will have single entrances to maximize safety and security.

Any delays in addressing these problems are going to cost us a lot more money in the long run. It is time to meet our responsibilities and take care of Sandpoint’s children.

Hali Karr Sandpoint

Vote for Schools...

Dear Editor, I am currently the principal at Washington Elementary School.

I went to school here as a child. I started school in 1959 in this same building – the two story part. It was new when I attended. Mrs. McCurdy wrote our lessons on the chalkboard.

We hung our coats in the cloak closet.

I have wonderful memories of Washington Elementary School.

During the years of my school experience, they build the section nearest Boyer Ave. It was brand-spanking new when I went there. State of the art.

But today—more than a half century later—with five decades of 200300 children here 180 days each year, our school is the opposite of “state of the art”. Chalkboards are still here, covered with erasable whiteboards AND overlaid with computerized SmartBoards. The windows are still single pane, the floors still bury the old boiler pipes that are rusting and decaying. The wiring is not adequate to carry the current needed for contemporary educational devices; so wires are strung across walls and ceilings, circuits shut down when we run to many devices.

None of these woes are the fault of the school district. They have done a great job of maintaining the structure with the dollars they have. The state of Idaho does not allot money for the type of work that needs to be done. Idaho leaves that up to the local voters to determine when to remodel and when to rebuild. It is time.

We love our school, we have a close community, but we need your support. If we want our children to be able to learn in the 21st century so they can move into the next phases of life and be all they can be

when they are grown, it is time to rebuild. Thank you for your consideration of this levy.

Sandy Rainey Maras Sandpoint

Please Vote Yes...

Dear Editor, When my wife was asked if she would be part of the facilities review committee she offered me up instead. I’ll admit, I protested, but she insisted that I was what the committee needed. As a contractor, I’m able to knowledgeably review the physical state of the facilities. As an outspoken skeptic about taxes, I would challenge the need to spend money unnecessarily.

We should all be voting yes for the students and faculty of the Lake Pend Oreille School District on Aug. 30. If you are voting no for the levy then you must not have had the opportunity to visit any of the schools that are up for replacement in quite a few years. I have had such an opportunity to tour the schools with members of the district’s facilities department and got to see firsthand the condition our schools are in, and let me say, they are in sad shape.

Most of these schools that are up for replacement were built in the ‘50s and have functioned long past their expected life span. Only to the outstanding job of the district’s facilities department have we gotten our money’s worth out of these buildings.

They have been doing a great job in keeping these rundown buildings together and operational for years, but we can only put bandages on things for so long. The ventilation systems are so bad that they do not supply adequate amounts of fresh air to the classrooms. The heating systems are so old that the facilities staff are replacing pipes regularly and saving parts from broken boilers as they do not even make parts for equipment that old.

We looked at the option of remodeling, but it would not make sense economically. We would be dumping millions of dollars into buildings that would continue to not function as a school should. Sooner than later they would need to be replaced, and the overall cost would be greater than replacing them now.

These buildings are flat-out worn out. We must offer the students and faculty a healthy environment in which to learn and work.

We have gotten by the last few decades ignoring the fact that our schools are deteriorating. If you had to go to these buildings everyday like our children and faculty do, then something most likely would have been done earlier. The fact is that we have benefited from the low prop-

erty taxes that we do have here for many, many years, and it is time that we give a little back for the next few years for our students and community. Please vote yes on this upcoming levy. Thank you.

Scott Schriber Sandpoint

Vote Yes for Schools...

Dear Editor, It seems that this levy has become a personal issue- where certain people are being accused of having a personal agenda in building new schools in our district.

I agree—this levy is personal—it is personal for every family who sends their students to our deteriorating buildings each day.

What this levy is about is peace of mind. It is about parents dropping their kids at Washington, Northside, or Sandpoint Middle School and not having to worry that the pipes will burst or the roof will cave in while their children are receiving an education.

It is about ensuring that, during the cold winter months, the heating units are updated enough that parents don’t have to arrange for childcare while those broken units are taking days or weeks to be replaced.

LPOSD is not asking for anything fancy here- LPOSD is asking support to play catch up with an overdue, outdated inheritance of buildings that have been patched together for way too long.

Join me in supporting this honest, transparent, and student-first effort to make our buildings a safe place for students to learn in. These children are OUR future, after all.

Kelli Knowles Sandpoint

Vote for Schools...

Dear Editor, I am writing to support the LPOSD Plant Facilities Levy on Aug. 30. In short, this measure and the project that will follow is much needed and overdue in our community. I have seen the schools, walked the halls and sat in the classrooms that will be replaced, and it is time. Unfortunately, this measure has become less focused on the facts and truths regarding failing buildings and more focused on personal attacks by a negative, anti-anything political group with a talent for distorting the facts. Let’s leave the fear mongering, paranoia, negativism and conspiracy theories to the national political scene and focus on something that will have long lasting positive effect in our community. Our students

deserve quality buildings, positive community support and yes, even the “little jocks” deserve a quality place to go to school and participate in activities. I encourage you to support the LPOSD Plant Facilities Levy on Aug. 30.

Kris Knowles SHS Activities Director Sandpoint

Please Vote Yes...

Money has always been a controversial subject. Finances—along with politics—don’t always make for polite dinnertime conversation. But what about education? Should we avoid that subject as well?

In the last century, when many of us readers went to school, it was a relatively simple affair. A new notebook, a new pencil and maybe a “back-to-school” outfit seemed to be all that was required. With the onset of the millennium, however, things became infinitely more complicated.

Technology has changed our lives and the lives of our children and grandchildren. We can argue all day about whether technology is a blessing or a curse, but one thing is certain—it is here to stay.

Along with that new technology has also come knowledge. The knowledge that lead, asbestos and other toxic materials—once considered safe—are harmful to our children.

The knowledge that an education should be an asset provided to all – regardless of physical or mental disabilities. This knowledge, like the technology that bred it, is expensive.

But, given the choice, would any of us want to deny our children, grandchildren, or even their children the right to a safe, healthy education?

This levy may not be convenient, but it is necessary. School facilities, like any other infrastructure, will continue to erode with time and use.

To ignore the needs of our students now will simply create bigger problems in the future. For many of us, the future is unknown and nebulous, and a simple place to hide the issues that our schools now face. But I see the future every day—in the eyes of my two young daughters and their friends—and it is a wondrous place.

Let’s give our students the gift of a place of learning that matches the brilliance of their potential. Please vote YES with me on Aug. 30!

Nikki Luttmann President, Kootenai Elem. PTA Kootenai

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NEWS

Citizens, volunteers Missing gun prompts scare conduct daring lake rescue

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff

A family gathering of three generations turned into a harrowing fight for survival during a wind storm last week.

Thanks to the efforts of citizens and volunteers, eight members of a single family are alive and well after their boat capsized in the turbulent Priest Lake waters on Aug. 16. According to Gil Tumey of Priest Lake EMTs, it was luck or providence that brought about this happy ending.

“So many things fell into place for that family that if one link was missing, they wouldn’t have survived,” he said.

The family, comprised of a 67-year-old female, a 66-yearold male, a 53-year-old male, a 44-year-old female, a 17-yearold male, a 14-year-old female, a 10-year-old male and a nineyear-old female, was enjoying a day on Priest Lake near West Twin Island when the Tuesday windstorm suddenly hit. Their Boston Whaler eventually capsized, leaving the family hanging on for dear life in the cold water.

Thankfully, they were spotted

by Kathy Zentz, who tried to rescue them in her own boat, eventually recovering the 17-year-old who had drifted away from the boat. When the rough water halted any additional rescues, she reported the incident to Priest Lake Marina manager Ed Sprinkle.

From her standpoint, it was a miracle that [Zentz] saw them in the first place,” said Tumey.

Bonner County Sheriffs boat Marine 1 responded to the call but soon reported it would be at least another hour before they reached the site due to rough waters. In another stroke of fortune, Priest Lake Ambulance volunteer Zach Cannizzaro happened to be south of the location and picked up the distress call on his radio. He was able to rescue the rest of the family, and the vari8 /

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ous agencies then worked with Zentz to reunite them with their 17-year-old.

They were thankful, relieved and somewhat traumatized by what could have been,” Tumey said. “There were three generations of people in the water, so it’s pretty scary.”

Indeed, the accident was a very close shave. According to Tumey, the family was in the water for around two hours and required treatment for cold exposure. If they had been in the water much longer, the complications from hypothermia could have been much more severe.

“The Bonner County Board of Commissioners would like to thank and congratulate everyone involved in this incredible rescue,” Commission Chairman Cary Kelly said in a press release. “They risked their own safety in extreme conditions to help strangers and I don’t think there’s any doubt that without their selfless acts, an entire family could have been lost. They represent the very best of us.”

A gun forgotten at Foster’s Crossing this week required an impromptu investigation into Idaho firearm law.

Storekeepers at the local antique retail and cafe shop found a surprise in a public restroom on Monday when they noticed a loaded handgun on a shelf.

Although the gun was eventually returned to its owner and no one was hurt, the incident left some surprised that there aren’t any laws against leaving guns unattended in a public place.

“The police say he’s not only allowed to carry the gun but he can leave it wherever he wants,” said Foster’s Crossing co-owner Dave Luers.

According to Valerie Plaster of Oak Street Mercantile, a mother of several children was

the first to find the gun. She reported it to Plaster, who decided to call the police. The gun was turned over safely to police officers. Several hours later, the owner of the gun realized it was missing and returned to Foster’s Crossing, eventually recovering it from the police. He had apparently taken off the holster while using the restroom and forgotten to put it on again.

Plaster was surprised to learn that the owner would face no repercussions for leaving the gun unattended. But according to Sandpoint Police Chief Corey Coon, there aren’t any local or state laws prohibiting unsecured firearms in public spaces. Plaster believes that’s an oversight.

“If you drink and drive, you don’t have to hurt someone to be arrested,” she said, reasoning that irresponsible gun oversight

fell into similar territory.

While Luers is happy the incident was resolved without a problem, he is unsettled to think what might have happened if the wrong person walked into the bathroom and found the gun.

While Luers is a gun owner himself and has no problem with their responsible use, he also has a store full of people to protect.

“We have store full of kids and people of all ages,” he said.

According to Coon, the lack of a law against a misplaced firearm is all the more reason for open and concealed carriers to keep an alert mind. It’s the best defense against a tragic accident, he said.

“With Idaho changing the law to allow more people to carry, it places the stewardship on individuals to be responsible,” he added.

Kambara Quest Foundation launches student exchange

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff

The purchase of Quest Aircraft by Japanese conglomerate Setouchi Holdings is bearing cross-culture fruit with a new student exchange program.

Thanks to the establishment of the Kambara Quest Foundation by Quest’s parent com-

pany in Hiroshima, Japan, 10 Japanese students are receiving an Idaho experience this week.

And next week, 10 Sandpoint students will fly to Japan for an international experience of their own.

“Mr. Kambara, [Setouchi Holdings principal owner], talks about wanting to educate future

Wrangler Danielle Otis, left, shows exchange students around Western Pleasure Guest Ranch. Photo by Landon Otis.

generations,” said Susan Jordan, chief financial officer and vice president of administration for Quest. “The exchange program is something that he wanted to start, so that kids who wouldn’t necessarily have the opportunity to travel could do this.”

Sandpoint’s Japanese visitors should return home with plenty of new experiences to share.

They’ve already visited Western Pleasure Guest Ranch and the Bird Aviation Museum and Invention Center. Later, they’ll check out summer activities at Schweitzer Mountain Resort, beach time at the lake and a Quest Aircraft tour before they depart Aug. 26.

As for Sandpoint students, the first year of the program restricted access to children in Quest Aircraft families. However, future years will broaden the program to all local students between 14 and 18 years old.

“It’s a very nice thing for the community,” Jordan said. “[Kambara] believes in doing good things.”

FEATURE

Nerds of the world, unite!

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff It’s safe to say no one realized just how nerdy Sandpoint really is a year ago.

In August 2015, Sandemonium’s debut year made the town’s significant geek cred abundantly clear. The single-day celebration of sci-fi, fantasy, gaming, comics and other nerdy interests attracted an estimated 500 attendees to the Sandpoint library throughout the day— about three times the planners’ most optimistic expectations.

With a proven audience in the area, the Sandemonium steering committee faced a new challenge this year: how to keep the spirit of a small community convention alive while making each element a little bigger and better.

“We tried to bring back everything that worked from last year while improving on some of the things that maybe didn’t work as well,” said steering committee member Sarah Alli Brotherton.

“I think we have a whole slate of awesome panelists and there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”

Community events like Sandemonium are inspired by the larger conventions across the country, particularly the famous San Diego Comic-Con. Once limited to enthusiasts, these conventions have grown with the popularization of nerd culture and now play host to the biggest filmmakers, actors, writers and artists in the world.

In response, thousands of smaller community conventions sprang up around the world to provide a centralized community for local fan cultures. Sandemonium is no exception.

“I am excited to see all of these great creative people coming together in one space,” said steering committee member Kevin Penelerick. “There are so many cool ex-

The 2nd Annual Sandemonium comic-con and fan event returns to Sandpoint entertainment and attractions in line with fan culture.

Perhaps the defining image is cosplay, a hobby where people dress up in the costumes and weapons of their favorite comic, anime, movie or book characters. Sandemonium is no different, and cosplayers of all ages will be able to participate in contests that reward the best costumes of the day.

Gamers also have plenty to look forward to at Sandemonium. Local business Another World will be hosting pen and paper or tabletop options, while Nintendo’s hit fighting game, “Super Smash Bros.,” will be available for open gaming sessions. “Smash Bros.” tournaments are scheduled for two-player-per-team games at 11 a.m., single players at 1 p.m. and casual players at 2:30 p.m.

On Friday, Aug. 26, “Pokemon Go” players can also A couple of Sandemonium celebrators from last year’s event. Courtesy photo. check out a downhibitors bringing everything from area separated from the bulk of ac- town crawl for everyone’s favorite pocket monsters. Players will gather indie-published books, comics, art- tivities. That led to less foot traffic at Another World, 417 Church work, games, and not to mention and, in all likelihood, fewer sales.

St., starting around 7 p.m. before the panel line-up of gaming, live The steering committee found embarking on the hunt for more podcasting, an improv show and so the perfect new location in the Pokemon at 7:30 p.m. much more! It’s going to be a great Forrest M. Bird Charter High One of the more exciting adtime for attendees!”

School. The classrooms, outfitted ditions to Sandemonium’s second In adapting the event for its with plenty of seating and equipyear is a partnership with Pants second year, the first step was ment for presentations, are perfect Pending Studios. A media group of to find a new venue. While the for the robust schedule of panels, Sandpoint library served the with topics ranging from chainmail geek-friendly podcasts, the Pants Pending team has a series of imconvention well in its first year, the construction to self-publishing. prov shows planned. Members will unexpectedly large turnout proved Likewise, the open design of the also record a live podcast througha challenge for the building foyer, main hall is an ideal space for out the day and host panels on how where most of the large events vendors to attract attendees hitting to start your own podcast. like the cosplay contest were held. events at the main stage or checkCoordinating and planning the What’s more, there was no space ing out new panels. convention’s many activities and for vendors in the main building, Like the larger conventions, events is no easy task. Sandemomeaning they had to set up in an community micro-cons feature

nium is shaped primarily through a volunteer steering committee of local folks with a passion for the geekier side of life. In addition to Brotherton and Penelerick, the committee includes Marcy Timblin, Tarra Millheim, Drew Quesnell and yours truly, Cameron Rasmusson. Local businesses and organizations including the East Bonner County Library District, the Sandpoint Reader, Grivante Press and Another World also contribute resources and personnel to make the event happen.

“I wanted to volunteer because I have been involved in the comic book world most of my life and have been to cons as both a guest and an exhibitor, but I’d never helped put one together,” said Penelerick. “Getting to be a part of the behind-the-scenes action has given me much greater respect for everything that needs to be done to make a con a great con.

There has been so much positive teamwork and sharing involved in putting this together that I am excited to see it come to fruition.

It has been a pleasure to be part of such a great team.”

The convention is only possible through the enthusiastic support of vendors and volunteers. Vendors often travel from many miles away, supporting the convention through fees and personal knowhow. And since everything from overseeing the gaming room to checking in costume weaponry requires manpower, Sandemonium relies on volunteers to keep the event an orderly, safe and friendly place for all ages.

“I am enjoying my role and ecstatic about the level of commitment and dedication [the steering committee] and our volunteers have in pushing the event to be ever better,” said Timblin.

Sandemonium takes place Saturday, Aug. 27, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Forrest M. Bird Charter High School. Tickets cost $2, with kids age 5 or younger admitted for free. For a full schedule of events and more information, check out the website at www. sandemonium7b.com or visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ sdptsandemonium.

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A SASi update: Two years later

By Ellen Weissman Reader Contributor

Bouquets: •We rely on reader feedback quite often to see how we’re doing, but we also rely on a select few people to advise us honestly when we need to pull our collective heads out of our asses. One such person is Jay Shelledy. I suspect Jay has experience with this phenomenon. Nonetheless, we appreciate his compliments and constructive criticism and learn valuable lessons from it.

We were happy to hear that Jay was recently named National Journalism Educator of the Year by the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC) at its national conference in Minneapolis on Aug. 5. Jay’s award came in recognition for his work with the Statehouse Bureau, the Wrongful Conviction Project and the Cold Cases Project.

When asked about the award, Jay told the Reader, “That plaque and $1.85 will get me a tall Pike’s Place coffee at any Starbucks in America.” We’re happy for you, Jay, and congratulate you on the award. Don’t let it go to your head, though.

•I’d like to personally thank Kim Queen for her service to the community with the BID. I know many members of the community have issues with the BID, but I’ve always found Kim to be attentive, easy to talk to, and generally a good person to share a laugh with. You’ll be missed, Kim. Barbs: •For those of you out there who consider this Barbs column to be “news,” I have a Barb ready for you. There’s a difference between opinion and news. I know journalism has undergone an interesting partisan change over the past five years, so it’s becoming more and more difficult to tell what is news and what is opinion. Here’s a good way to tell with the Reader: If it’s not on the news page, it’s probably an opinion and should be taken as such. Don’t like our opinions? Write one yourself!

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Patricia Walker’s update on the Panida in the July 28 Reader inspired me to write about the exciting activities and events at SASi. As I come up on my second anniversary date (Sept. 15), I am amazed at how much happens at the Sandpoint Senior and DayBreak Centers. I had driven by the buildings many times in the past and could never have imagined how busy it was inside!

Currently 13 percent of Americans are ages 65 and older.

By 2030, when all members of the Baby Boom Generation turn 65, it will be 18 percent. But don’t tell Boomers they are old!

The typical Boomer feels nine years younger than their chronological age. Some Boomers have already found out about the fun at SASi, while some 90-year-

old folks think they’re not old enough to come in yet.

Many people know about the approximate 2,000 meals a month that are prepared on-site for our community’s seniors. Did you know you can also enjoy them even if you are under 60? They are by donation for those over 60 and $7.50 for folks under 60 years old.

Around 800 to 1,000 of the meals are served in-house at lunch 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday and at breakfast on Friday mornings at 8:30 a.m. The meals are very nutritious and taste great, and for some are the only meal of the day. The rest are sent to homebound folks by our volunteer drivers, who are a lifeline to these at-risk folks who cannot get out to shop or cook for themselves.

The DayBreak Center is the

only adult day care center of its kind in North Idaho. Activities and loving care is provided for folks with dementia and memory issues. At $10 per hour, this program is a valuable resource at a reasonable price with scholarships available for those in need, allowing family members and caregivers a much needed respite. We are currently open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and have a support group for families twice a month.

We are looking at expanding days and hours as needed.

Activities keep the Senior Center hoppin’. Here are just a few: Bingo on Wednesday nights; Pinochle and Bridge Tuesdays and Wednesdays; Saturday dances (the second and fourth) with Country Plus; Laughter Yoga (Wednesdays) and fitness workouts on Mondays.

The main hall, conference room, tech lab and DayBreak Center are available to rent for events and advertising space is available

in our monthly newsletter.

As it goes with many nonprofits, we desperately need your help to continue these programs.

We receive reimbursement from the Area Agency on Aging for approximately 40 percent of our food costs. We rely heavily on donations and grants for the remaining 60 percent as well as to help with our general overhead expenses. We generally need to raise $5,000-10,000 each month.

We are also working on building up a reserve fund while trying to keep our doors open.

Check out our monthly newsletter and website www.sandpointareaseniors.org, especially the Community Supporters’ Page to find out who has helped us the past two years. Our new parking lot is our pride and joy! Come by and check it out at 820 Main Street, Sandpoint.

Stop by our garage sale on Friday, Sept. 9 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Help us continue our great programs.

Thanks so much!

Environmental groups win national victory for clean water

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

A coalition of environmental organizations, led by Waterkeeper Alliance, reached an agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and two industry trade associations to settle a lawsuit challenging EPA’s industrial stormwater multi-sector general permit (MSGP).

Under the settlement, EPA will begin adding both improved monitoring tools and a number of clear, numeric targets and standards to the permit in 2020 that simplify the job of controlling water pollution for regulators, businesses and citizens.

The permit applies to thousands of businesses across the country in multiple industrial sectors, from cement mixing and scrap metal salvage to trucking and food processing, and sets limits and best practices that companies must follow before they discharge stormwater that has been polluted by their industrial operations.

From 2016 until 2019, EPA will fund new scientific research leading to improved monitoring and improved targets in the next

industrial stormwater permit, which is due in 2020. The research will be conducted by an independent panel of scientists assembled by the National Research Council, part of the National Academy of Sciences. In the past, the National Research Council found that polluted stormwater from urban areas is the primary source of impairment for 13 percent of rivers, 18 percent of lakes, and 32 percent of marine estuaries that have been assessed. It also found that industrial facilities are highly concentrated sources of stormwater pollution, especially toxic metals and chemicals, but that EPA’s current practices do not adequately monitor or respond to these sources of pollution.

In 2009, the National Research Council (NRC) concluded that, “radical changes to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s stormwater program are necessary.” This agreement gives NRC an opportunity to help define some of those changes.

“This settlement is so important and timely for Idaho since the state is currently seeking primacy,” said Shannon Williamson, executive director of Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper. “As part of this process, the Idaho

Department of Environmental Quality must prepare and develop IPDES rules for the state, which must not be more or less stringent than EPA’s. By improving EPA’s MGSP now, Idaho will subsequently adopt rules that will be much more protective of

our waterways in the future.”

For more information about the settlement, check out Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper’s website at www.LakePendOreilleWaterkeeper.org.

Mad about Science:

By Brenden Bobby Reader Columnist

What a big and scary word.

It sounds like something your insurance agent would repeat over the phone eight times trying to scare you into staying into your policy that’s growing with the speed and intensity of Jabba the Hutt’s waistline.

What is it, really? A little bit of everything, but you might know it better as luck, or more accurately: chance. The chance of something happening.

When we think about luck, we usually think about people who win the lottery, or conversely with bad luck, someone that lost their home or life to a once-in-a-lifetime disaster (because it wouldn’t really be once-in-a-lifetime if it killed them twice, right?). Luck is a primitive and fickle thing, and though we love our fair share of primitive items in Mad About Science, primitive human philosophies are seldom included!

What we’re talking about here is chance, the probability of something to occur. Why is that interesting? Because it’s another opportunity to play the skim the large numbers game!

So what’s the chance of something like, say, winning the lottery? Most people have heard this figure before: one in 292 million, which means about a 0.0000000003424 percent chance per ticket. Saying it like one in 292 million pushes a button in the human brain that drives us to gamble, making us feel like an underdog by having a better chance at beating the odds.

Not to say that you can’t win the lottery—you certainly can! It’s just ludicrously unlikely.

In comparison, what are the odds that you’ll be struck by lightning? That’s pretty rare, right?

The United States experiences a rough average of 1,000 lightning strikes per year, with an average of 50 being fatal. If you factor in 319 million as the

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Probability U.S. population and divide that by 1,000, you’re presented with a 1 in 319,000 chance to be struck by lightning every year.

Just look at that in comparison to the lottery odds for a second. If you’re forced to play 100 games of Cosmic Slots, where one outcome is a lightning strike and one outcome is to win the lottery, chances are all 100 games will end in you being struck by lightning.

Luck’s a real jerk, right?

So how about slot machines at the casino or on my computer?

Slots are crafty. How do you regulate the rules of probability?

This is done through a mechanic called RTP, or Return to Player.

Casino slots are mandated differently from state to state to provide a payback of a certain percentage.

What does that mean?

Let’s say you put $1 into the machine. Legally, the machine needs to give back, in the case of Las Vegas, at least 80 cents of it. But I lost my whole check the other night!

Ouch. I never said that 80 cents had to go back to you, specifically.

RTP ensures that the casino makes a flat profit, and it also ensures that they don’t blatantly rob you out of house and home unless you let them. It also creates the economy required to keep people coming back for more. The rules of probability still apply to these sorts of electronic games, but when it comes to computers of any kind there is always a catch.

A computer is not truly random. The term “random number generation” or “RNG”, “RNGesus” as gamers may refer to it, is actually a fib. What is random number generation? Look it up on Google, it’s basically just a script that spits out a number between two constants, like 0 and 100. The problem is, it’s not really random. Each num-

ber on the scale between those two points is chosen based on the time the script runs down to the fraction of a second, faster than our brains process information, thereby making it appear random, when it actually isn’t random at all.

If you were to fire up a number generator on your computer at 8:47:36.39929561314, and it spat out 8 as your number, then you waited until that exact moment the next night, it would spit 8 out again. I mean, good luck timing something like that, but it’s just how the scripts run.

Because of how a computer works, this applies to slot machines, too, and the developers and casinos know this. That’s why they’re updated very, very frequently. In the event someone found the proper time to exploit a jackpot out of the machine, they wouldn’t want the machine to just sit there and hemorrhage money to the same smarty pants night after night. When they update, they change the triggers, simple as that. It’s fair for the Casino, and it maintains an illusion of randominity for the player, which keeps them coming back to have more fun and maybe win big.

It just wouldn’t be a full post on probability without a shout out to the tabletop community.

No, I don’t mean people that craft the tops of tables, though you guys rock, too. I’m talking about tabletop RPGs: “Dungeons & Dragons,” “Warhammer 40K,” things like that. You may know someone that has partaken in a night of drunken adventuring more than once in their life, and it probably looked pretty confusing at the time.

It’s not, it’s awesome.

The basis of it all is the d20, or a twenty-sided die. Based on what number the die lands on, something interesting (or terrible) will happen to your party.

Depending on the game, only the organizer (dungeon master, or DM) may see the number the die lands on, or all players can see. In games like Warhammer 40k, the player slings fistfuls of dice at the table and hopes for the best, adding another layer of complexity and probability to the equation.

If you’re rolling a 20-sided die and you want it to land on a 20, you have a 1 in 20, or 5 percent chance for that outcome.

Not so bad, right?

Let’s say you want to make two rolls, and have them them land on 20 both times. That’s going to cut your chances in half, right?

Nope, back-to-back 20s are a 1 in 400 chance.

Still not so bad, not like the lottery, anyway. What about three 20s?

Now you’re looking at one in 8,000. Try for four and you’re looking at one in 160,000. From here, you’ll start to see it growing out of control very rapidly. Expo-

nents and statistics can be fun!

Want to make a real game out of it? Take six dice like you’d find in a board game or a Craps table—standard d6, as gamers know them by. Think of what numbers you want them each to land on before you roll; I personally choose to have each one showing a different number, one through six.

Roll those bad boys!

Did you get it?

I didn’t, either.

That’s okay, though. It was a one in 46,000 chance that it would land the way I wanted it to.

Let’s pretend for a minute that I did get it exactly how I wanted it to land, though. Awesome! I want to do it again, right away!

Any guess at the chances?

We’re looking at odds of one in 2.17 billion.

That’s right, with six dice, you can dwarf the probability of winning the lottery about six times over.

Isn’t math fun?

Random Corner logy?

don’t know much about psycho

We can help!

•If you announce your goals to others, you are less likely to make them happen because you lose motivation, studies confirmed.

•Your mind “rewrites” monotonous speech of boring people to make it sound more interesting.

•The type of music you listen to affects the way you perceive the world.

•Spending money on others yields more happiness than spending it on yourself, a study concluded.

•Romantic love is biochemically indistinguishable from having a severe obsessive-compulsive disorder.

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Dollar Beers!

Live Music w/ Marty Perron and Doug Bond Live M 8pm @ Eichardt’s Pub 6-9pm @ Trinity at City Beach 7-9pm Good until the keg’s dry A great Sandpoint duo Free an Throwback Thursdays at the 219 Yappy Hour 7-11pm @ 219 Lounge 4-7pm @ Evans Brothers Coffee Live Music w/ D Featuring live music with Brian Jacobs Grab your furry friends and live 6-8pm @ Pend Latin-inspired fl and friends, $2 domestics and $3 crafts music, beverages and fun

Live Music w/ Ben and Cadie International Fjor 5-7pm @ Idaho Pour Authority 9am-5pm @ Bonne Multi-instrumental duo Norwegian Fjord h Live Music w/ Harold’s IGA ton, Oregon, Monta 9pm-12am @ 219 Lounge gether for the 29th Indie rock originals and covers from the Show! 509-993-625 hardest drinking bands in Sandpoint Live Music w/ Run Live Music w/ Chris Lynch 6-9pm @ Trinity at 6-9pm @ Arlo’s Ristorante First Annual Bikes, Blues and Drag Karaoke Live Music w/ Harold’s IGA Brews Motorcycle Show and Rally 7-10pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall 8pm @ Eagles 9:30am-6pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall Come see Ben, Cadie and Josh in one Break out your This new event kicks off with a rally of their last shows of the summer for best enterta ride along the Bull River Loop, begin- Sandpoint Farmers’ Market and on-point pe ning and ending at the Beer Hall. After 9am-1pm @ Farmin Park Free admission the ride, live music from Miah Kohal Fresh produce, arts and crafts, yummy Live Music w/ Band will take place from 3-6 p.m. food, live music and other fun stuff at 5:30-8:30pm @ and food from Mandala Pizza also this staple of Sandpoint living Pend d’Oreille Summer Sounds Farm to Table Dinner The blues maste 4-6pm @ Park Place Stage 5pm @ Shingle Mill Blueberry Farm Live Music w/ Live music by Selkirk Society Band Hosted by Di Luna’s Cafe, this great Mia of Bright Live Music w/ John Firshi event includes a tour of the blueberry 6-9pm @ Trinit 5-7pm @ Idaho Pour Authority farm! 263-0846 for more info Lummi Totem Pole Tour - 9-11am @ Sandpoint City Be Game Night at the Niner A blessing ceremony takes place at 9 a.m. with special gu 9pm @ 219 Lounge ers; the 22-foot pole will be on display until 11 a.m. before Live Music w/ Bruce & Drew ing the journey. Co-sponsored by LPOW and ICL 6-9pm @ Trinity Trout and About Festival - 11am @ Granary Pa Monday Night Blues Jam w/ Truck Mills A fun, educational day of activities for kids an 7:30pm @ Eichardt’s Pub who act like kids. Live music, food, raffles an Learn to dance the Swing – 7pm @ SWAC fun! $3 for adults, kids get in free!

Learn the Triple Time East Coast Swing Live Music w/ Ben and Cadie from Diane Peters. 610-1770 for info 11am-1pm @ Loaf and Ladle Come check out their great ala carte brunch and live music on the patio

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Live Music w/ Mobius Riff 7-10pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall An eclectic mix of jazz, rock, Celtic, classical, Mioddle Eastern and originals Live Music w/ Tom Catmull 5:30-8:30pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery

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Puppy Power Hour 12-1pm @ Ponderay Pet Lodge (895 Kootenai Cut-Off Rd.) An hour of supervised play and socialization, open to puppies 8 weeks to 6 months of age. Puppies must be current on veterinarian-administered vaccines. Power Hour is $5 per session or 5 for $20.

For more information, call the Pend Oreille Pet Lodge at 255-7687

Dollar Beers!

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

DJ Night at the 219 9pm @ 219 Lounge With DJ Josh spinning vorite tunes

Throwback Thursdays at the 219 7-11pm @ 219 Lounge Featuring live music with Brian Jacobs and friends

Speed Dating fo 12pm @ Sandpoi If you are an avid to read next this i share your favori new book list of served, all are we

ful

August 25 - September 1, 2016

Live Music w/ Kevin Dorin 7-9pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall Free and open to the public

Music w/ David Lane Walsh @ Pend d’Oreille Winery inspired flamenco guitar in the area

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

LPOSD Facility Master Plan Informational Meetings 5pm @ Sandpoint High School 6:30pm @ Sagle Elementary School LPOSD is holding an informational meeting about the upcoming Plant Facilities Levy

onal Fjord Horse Show (Aug. 26-28) @ Bonner County Fairgrounds n Fjord horse owners from Idaho, Washingon, Montana, and British Columbia come tor the 29th Annual International Fjord Horse 9-993-6257 for more info

sic w/ Running w/ Scissors Trinity at City Beach

Spokane-to-Sandpoint Relay Race The 9th annual “Scenic Relay Race” where runners and walkers begin atop Mt. Spokane, and teams make their way 200 miles to the finish line at Sandpoint’s City Beach. www.SpokanetoSandpoint.com for info Late Night at the Museum: Paint and Sip 5-8pm @ Bonner County History Museum Infini Gallery and the Museum partner to make this a great evening, which includes step-by-step instructions, plus food and wine to make the experience memorable! $40 fee includes art supplies, food and drinks; $30 for museum members. RSVP required by calling 263-2344

Karaoke @ Eagles Lodge (1511 John Hudon Ln.) out your sequins, it’s Drag Karaoke! Prizes st entertainer! Points awarded for costume DJ Night at the 219 Used Book Sale n-point performance, participation optional.

9pm @ 219 Lounge 10am-2pm @ Bonner Mall admission! 263-3514 With DJ Josh spinning all your favorite tunes Music w/ Truck Mills Sandemonium!

MCS Grand Expansion Celebration 8:30pm @ 10am-5pm @ Forrest Bird 10am-7pm @ Music Conservatory of Sandpoint d’Oreille Winery Charter High School Celebrate the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint’s lues master!

Zap! Pow! Sandpoint’s first expansion with an all-day extravaganza. There Music w/ Arthur and ever comic-con fan conven- will be an instrument zoo, smoothie bus and face tion is back for its second painting sponsored by Creations for Sandpoint. At of Bright Moments year! Enjoy even more ven- 1 p.m., MCS’ Children’s Theater will perform “The m @ Trinity dors, cosplay, expert panels, Importance of Being Ernest” with Keely Gray. At nt City Beach prizes, performances food 2 p.m., there will be a drum circle with Ali Thomas special guest speakand more! It’s only $2 to get and Cody Mills. 4 p.m. will be a tribute to local .m. before continuin. For more information, vis- jazz legend Bill Reid, and 5 p.m. will have an art L it Sandemonium7B.com show, live music and appetizers Granary Parking Lot Live Music w/ Chris Lynch Bonner County Vehicle Surplus Auction or kids and adults 9am @ District 3 Shop (1620 Baldy Mtn. Rd.) 6pm - 9pm @ Arlo’s Ristorante raffles and lots of Gates open at 8am, cash or cashier’s check only

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Trivia Night 7pm - 9pm @ MickDuff’s

Karaoke Night 10pm - Midnight @ 219 Lounge

he 219 ounge spinning all your fa-

LPOSD Levy Election All day (8am - 8pm) Don’t forget to vote!

Sandpoint Farmers’ Market 3-5:30pm @ Farmin Park Fresh produce, arts and crafts, yummy food, live music and other fun stuff at this staple of Sandpoint living

Dating for Book Lovers @ Sandpoint Library re an avid reader, a book club member, or don’t know what next this is the place to be. Come meet other “lovers” and our favorite book or author. Make a match and build your ok list of recommended titles. Light refreshments will be all are welcome. Hosted by the Friends of the Library

Sept. 3-4 Funky Junk Antique Show @ Bonner Co. Fairgrounds Sept. 3-5 Fall Fest @ Schweitzer Mountain Resort Sept. 10 Injectors Car Show @ Downtown Sandpoint

@ EVANS BROTHERS COFFEE (513 OAK ST. IN SANDPOINT) •Fun and Educational Activities for Kids and Adults •Food & Drink

•Raffles & Prizes

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To submit your own pet photos, please send a photograph and a little bit of information about your special friend to ben@sandpointreader.com.

Please put “PET PHOTOS” in the subject line.

-pepsyThis is Justine Murray, owner of La Chic Boutique, and my daughter, Neva, with our dog, Pepsy, while we ran errands. We were testing out having her going around places with us over our shoulder in a carry bag. This is a great solution instead of her running around near traffic when we’re in town. Justine had some interesting purses for us to test out and other beautiful unique women’s fashions of course. This is a VERY dog-friendly boutique in our little town!

Carter Payne

LIVE MUSIC

turday Friday & Sa Beer Hall N ight @ t he

KEVIN DORIN MOBIUS RIFF HAROLD’S IGA BREWERY & BEER HALL 220 Cedar St. 209-6700 FAMILY FRIENDLY BREWPUB 312 First Ave.

255-4351

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Return of the Junk:

Funky Junk Antique Show returns for Labor Day Weekend

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

For Jennifer Wood, there is no such thing as junk—only rusty gold. The fifth generation Bonner County resident started the popular Funky Junk Antique Show in 2007 and has watched it progress from a small gathering of dedicated junkers, crafters and artists to the biggest and longest running antique and craft show in Idaho.

The Funky Junk Antique Show takes place at the Bonner County Fairgrounds on Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 3 and 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Over 100 vendors turn out from Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Canada and beyond, offering everything from repurposed furniture to crafts to functional art, will be on hand to sell their wares to the eager public.

“Last year we had 5,500 people come through the door,” said Wood. “That’s three years now we’ve been breaking 5,000.

I don’t mean to brag, but I’m so proud of where we’ve come.”

Wood has every reason to brag.

The Funky Junk show has grown

from a small gathering of junkers and vintage hounds into a cultural phenomenon all its own. In its second year at the Bonner County Fairgrounds, the show has grown far beyond Wood’s wildest imagination.

“I dreamt it up in 2007,” said Wood, who used to work with her husband Nathan at a show called Farm Chicks in Spokane. “Nathan was baking 200 huckleberry pies for the show, I was doing vintage stuff. We were doing what we could as young 20-somethings.”

In 2007, Wood realized she

could put on her own show here in Sandpoint and the rest is history: “It kept growing from there, getting this big following,” she said.

Ironically, Wood says that the increase of technology in people’s lives actually contributes toward the popularity of vintage and retro items.

“The more people have access to this technology in their life, the more they yearn for something more,” she said. “They yearn for something with heritage. People turn to vintage all the time because it gives them a sense of comfort and quality. You

can’t find things with uniqueness when you’ve got big companies pumping out the same stuff.”

You can find a little bit of everything at the Funky Junk show.

Wood finds that a lot of people search for unique wedding items, repurposed furniture and décor, as well as functional items.

“We have a huge following of people in the Mennonite communities in Bonners Ferry,” said Wood.

“They’re looking for antique items that still work, like butter churners.

They want the real deal.”

Along with the most diverse group of vendors under one roof, the Funky Junk show also features food and drink and live music by Bridges Home, who are coming off their recent appearance at the Festival at Sandpoint.

“It’s exciting for us to have Dave and Tami Gunter back with Bridges Home,” said Wood.

“They’ve always been our Sunday music, but this year they’re playing on Saturday and I think they’ll get people coming just to sit and listen to them.”

Every year, the Funky Junk show features a theme. This

year, Wood decided to honor the heritage of Bonner County by promoting a lumber jack theme.

“I go back five generations in the Bonner County area and three of those were loggers,” said Wood.

“Also, a lot of these shows cater to women more than men. This year, I want to do something manly. I wanted to build a tribute to them, to tip our hats to these guys who gave us what we had up here.”

More than anything, it’s the personal connection that Wood values the most out of this annual show.

“It’s an honor to put this show on every year,” said Wood. “A couple years ago, I had decided I wasn’t going to do the show anymore. I had a vendor come up and thank me for the show. She said ‘I’m able to pay my daughter’s first year of college after this weekend.’

That touched me so much. These people have become family.”

For more information about the coolest vintage show in Idaho, check out www.FunkyJunkAntiqueShow.com, or email Jennifer Wood at funkyjunkshow@aol.com with any questions.

Fjord Horse Show gallops into Sandpoint for the first time

By Cameron Barnes Reader Staff

For the first time in the thirty-year history of the Pacific Northwest Fjord Promotional Group (PNFPG), Sandpoint will host the 29th International Fjord Horse Show this weekend at the Bonner County Fairgrounds.

The three-day show kicks off Friday, Aug. 26 and runs through Sunday, Aug. 28. Events start as early as 8 a.m. but all three days will feature daylong activities.

The show was previously held in Libby, Mont., where the majority of the original members were from but have since moved.

“We’ve had our eye on Sandpoint for a long time now,” said seven-year PNFPG member and chair of this year’s event, Holly Finnoe. “When a spot opened up, I knew we had to take it.”

Forty-seven Fjords are set to perform this weekend of which two are stallions as well as a few colts. Nine of Finnoe’s horses will be making the trip this year largely to help out another PNFPG member, whose 18 /

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recent injury would potentially have set them back five Fjords.

“We’re all very close as members,” said Finnoe. “It’s almost like a family reunion.

Sometimes I think I could go to Hawaii, but then I realize that I just love this too much.”

Despite this unfortunate loss, Finnoe said, “It’s been at least five years since we’ve had this many horses enter ... this has been a good move to come to Sandpoint.”

If you are unfamiliar with Fjord horses, they originate from the mountainous regions of Norway, and historically were some of the earliest to interact with man. They’re known for their good temperament, and their strength coming from a slightly smaller but stockier physique than their American cousins were used to.

The three day event will showcase 110 various events spanning all styles of equine culture, of which you can be sure you’ll see a healthy mixture of familiar favorites and some that

Ben Finnoe rides a Unicorn hitch during last years event in Libby, Montana. Photo by Sue Wilson.

may even surprise you.

Friday morning is set for all single drivers, followed by Honey-do, Unique Hitch, English Pleasure and Equitation. Log Pull, Hunter Hack and Hurry Scurry will take place in the afternoon.

This busy day will wind down with a presentation by special guest Bernice Ende, who is what you might call the definition of a long rider; her last journey was 8,000 in-saddle miles on a Fjord horse. Many cross-country journeys have been completed since she began in 2002, in total bringing her to roughly 28,000

miles in the saddle.

Saturday will showcase Pairs Driving, Four-in-hand Carriage Driving, Western Equitation and Pleasure, as well as Ridden and Driven Barrel Racing and Pole Bending. In the evening there will be a potluck dinner and live auction at the pavilion by the camping area.

On Sunday there will also be four-in-hand, pairs/singles ridden and driven events but these will have cones and obstacles thrown into the mix. Up for grabs Sunday evening to contestants are the Kelsi Cook Family Horse Award,

the Versatile Horse Award, Patty Peterson Perpetual Award for single novice driving and the Senior and Junior Champion Awards.

According to the event website, “a variety of classes will be available for all levels of riders and drivers.”

For more information about event times, check out their website at www.pnfpg.org. You may also search for the PNFPG on Facebook. To discuss entering your Fjord horse please contact event chair Holly Finnoe at fjordfamily@gmail.com or call 509-993-6257.

WELLNESS

Living Life:

Calming our mind and thoughts in a busy world

By Dianne Smith Reader Columnist The world itself can be an over-stimulating place and social media and immediate access to news can make it seem even more so. Getting bombarded on a daily basis from all types of input affects the mind, body and spirit. For some people, it can affect them more intensely than others, but daily negative input affects us all. Fortunately, there are things we can do to decrease the overpowering chatter and barrage of negative emotions and energy.

1. Make time for peace.

Daily practice of meditation, mindfulness, prayer, yoga, walking, hiking, or just sitting is what calms the hot spots of the brain and helps us think clearer.

For each person, their journey to finding peace is personal and it doesn’t have to be long or complicated. There are wonderful apps that can be downloaded for short mindful, meditation exercises. Maybe a walk along the Bay Trail enjoying the sound of the water as it laps upon the rocks. Sitting out on your porch in the early morning sun with a nice cup of tea may be one person’s peace. Try the free Sunday morning yoga class at City Beach and see if that is a fit for you. Research shows mindfulness-meditation can work as well as medication to decrease anxiety.

2. Be in nature.

People need grounding in nature and the outdoors; fresh air and sunshine are calming to the brain. Many people find that being outside helps bring clarity to racing thoughts and can clear the mind of its clutter and

negativity.

A walk outside can help charge and energize our bodies with natural light and clear the mind.

Finding a shady spot and sitting quietly for a few minutes before an appointment can energize and refocus your mind.

3. Reach for the artistic, calming you.

Use your inner talents to calm the nervous energy. Use time to enjoy what makes you feel calm knowing you will be more productive in the end.

Draw in a coloring book, take pictures, paint a bedroom wall, cook a special meal, or clean and organize. Artistic can be as simple as a completely cleaned and organized bedroom or a home cooked meal. Start to identify the things that you find calming and make yourself a list. Often people’s artistic side enjoys music which has a calming effect. For others, it can be a run along a trail in solitude or the simply stitching of embroidery.

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

Because we are sensitive to our environment, some more than others, we must learn to be able turn the negative energy off—not to hide from it, but to limit the amount and frequency. Bombarding energy from outside stresses the body.

Being able to step away from news and the media is a must in order to return to the present moment. Too much negative energy clouds our ability to

think clearly and colors how we see things.

5. Be aware of your breathing.

In a perfect world we would take five minutes every hour, to sit or stand and feel the breath of life go through our body.

In the rat race of today, try to take every opportunity to just be conscious of your breathing and take a few deep breaths.

When our body is stressed our breathing gets shallow. The shallow breathing causes the heart to beat harder and faster which then makes the engine of our body rev at too high of a rate. By being conscious of our breathing we can calm our bodies and slow everything down.

6. Drink a good amount of water, eat on the wiser side and get exercise.

Sensitive people or those who eat in response to stress are prone to reach for sweet drinks and sodas or starches. Limit caffeine intake, drink water and exercise regularly, helps the body to better manage stress.

Water helps with clarity of the mind and replenishes the body with the fluids it needs to work better. Exercise works to release natural healing benefits and to decrease depression and anxiety; with some research suggesting better than medication.

7. Get more sleep.

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

There are tons of ideas on the internet of ways to let go

of worried thoughts at night.

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

8. Give positive energy.

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

9. Laugh, love and hug.

Every time we laugh, love and hug, toxins and stress are released, leaving us feeling lighter. We need laughter and joy in order to find balance in a stressful time. Practice your definition of positive reflection and develop the skill of looking for the good in the world.

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

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

Dianne Smith, LMFT is a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 30 years experience. She has an office in Sandpoint and in Bonners Ferry and can be reached at 951-4400982.

Museum offers ‘Paint and Sip’ class

By Ben Olson Reader Staff The Bonner County Historical Society (BCHS) is hosting a “Paint and Sip” night with Kris Dills from Infini Gallery on Friday, Aug. 26, from 5-8 p.m. The event will take place at the Museum, and will celebrate the fair summer weather by holding the event outdoors in the park, or al fresco.

The event will cost $40 for the public and $30 for BCHS members. Admission prices include all painting supplies along with food and beverages.

Rumor has it there might be sangria, also.

“I’ve had so many friends do a ‘Paint and Sip’ and have such a good time,” said museum administrator Cameron Murray. “We have an amazing local painter named Selma Calhoun Barker who painted in the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s along the lines of Charles Russell—western scenes, guys on horses, that kind of stuff. She loved to paint outdoors. We even have her old Stetson and duster she used when painting outdoors.”

To attend, you must first RSVP with BCHS by calling 208.263.2344.

Take a picture, Sandpoint

The Sandpoint Photo Club is open to photographers interested in improving their photographic skills or sharing their experience.

The club meets once a month, the first Wednesday of each month, at the Sandpoint Public Library in Room 104 of the Rude Girls Room from 5-7:30 p.m.

Agendas include: education, photo sharing and field trips as weather permits.

To join, please send a friend request to the club’s Facebook page.

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The Straight Poop:

The quest for dog-friendly businesses in North Idaho

By Drake the Dog Reader Pet Columnist Where am I taking my humans today?

We’re going one paw over the state line! The Missus got a call from Mandy Evans, executive director for the Panhandle Animal Shelter (PAS) inviting moi to go with her to KHQ-TV (NBC) to talk about PAS and Ambassadog Sandpoint with weekend news anchor Darin Watkins.

So, hang on to your TV, folks, I’m sniffin’ an awesome dog-friendly newsroom very close to North Idaho (Spokane). Pup-a-razzi, watch out!

As we all know, The Wake Up Show airs early in the morning. So, I had to get buffed and fluffed the day before, in hopes that I wouldn’t look like a “bed head” in the morning. The Missus and I bribed the Mister with a double shot latte and breakfast sandwich during the cock-a-doodledo drive to the station. While he drove, the Misses carefully fixed her face in the mirror.

From the backseat window, I was watching for cage-free farm friends, and practicing my TV smile and shaka-paw.

Ninety-five minutes later, exit 280B took us downtown Spokane. What on dog’s green grass is happening with the main arterial? I was itching to exit the Red Sled, dig in the dirt, and help the road crew re-configure the streets. What a dusty mess!

We found a primo spot in front of the station, and the Mister figured how to feed the meter. Who carries change?

Luckily we found enough under the seats. As we strolled toward the station, I found a friendly hydrant—thus leaving the doggie biz outside.

Max Casto, KHQ technical media producer, welcomed us.

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A Dog-Friendly Newsroom husband Dave, and Sancho, their 4-year-old golden retriever, joined us.

Max took us on a tour of the newsroom before the interview.

It was so tail waggin’ for me to be on the set with “The Wake Up Team.”

KHQ has always been dog friendly. Every Saturday, the Spokane Humane Society’s Dave Richardson brings a four-footed friend to the station to find a forever home. Hours later, an adoption occurs. Paws up!

Most of the KHQ staff has dogs. I heard that Ryan Overton’s wife is looking for another furry companion. Late night news anchor, Claire Graham and her Yorkie, Promo, air a weekly segment called “Promo’s Picks” every Thursday at 10 and 11 p.m. Promo does research at Scraps and selects a few pets to provide a moment of “paws.”

There is always a 100 percent success rate for adoption. Claire and Promo are passionate about pet rescue.

Now that’s a pawsitive rating!

Sean Owsley and his band, The Blue Mustangs, were not on set today. However, I am hoping to catch up with them when they return to Sandpoint.

At last: lights, camera action! I sat quietly with Sancho while weekend news anchor Darin Watkins learned about PAS and the Ambassadog Program. When it was my turn, I executed the shaka-a-paw flawlessly. Darin had a treat for me. How did he know? Betcha the Missus had something to do with it! He complimented me on my politician skills— shaka-paw and slobbery dog kisses. KHQ earned the Reader Paw sticker today!

Interviewing is exhausting!

I slept all the way back home.

So glad the Mister recorded the

whole thing. Watching me on the big screen is PAWSOME! To see Drake’s big appearance on KHQ-TV, check out the Reader’s Facebook page.

On the air at KHQ-Q6 in Spokane (left to right): Dave Balfanz, The Missus, Camille Balfanz, Darin Watkins, Sancho and Drake. Courtesy photo.

A special thank you to our citizen distributors

By Ben Olson Reader Staff One thing I’ve always loved about the Reader is the fact that it is produced largely through the grassroots efforts of various members of the community.

We, the few staffers there are, write the lion’s share of articles, but we couldn’t make this newspaper happen without input from the community.

What you may not know is that we also rely on a handful of people to help us distribute to areas outside Sandpoint.

Kelly Kennedy offers to pick up a stack of papers and deliver them to Schweitzer in the winter and Bottle Bay Resort in the summer.

Chris Smith and his mother Margaret pick up two big stacks of papers to deliver to their hometown in Bonners Ferry. They also drop some papers off along the way at Samuels and Elmira Stores.

Nicole French of Petal Talk takes a stack and drops them at the Pack River Store on her way home every Thursday.

Also, Dan and Cindy Eskel-

son drive a stack of papers over to Priest River every week and help us deliver there.

Each and every one of these citizen distributors have a special place in my heart for helping us reach the outlying areas without breaking the bank.

Do you live in an out of the way spot and work in Sandpoint? Would you be willing to transport and deliver a few papers? Give me a call or send an email if so. 208-265-9724 or ben@sandpointreader.com.

Beer? Check. Music? Check. Souvenir mugs? You betcha

By Reader Staff

For the last 23 years, Schweitzer has celebrated the end of summer with regional micro-brews, amazing food and incredible live music. This year is no exception.

“It’s pretty awesome that when people in the region think about Labor Day weekend, they immediately include Fall Fest into their plans,” says Schweitzer Marketing and Sales Director Sean Mirus.

“Regardless of what the fickle fall weather does over those three days, people know they will have a good time at the mountain.”

What started as a simple beer tasting event has grown into three full days of tastings, featuring some of the Pacific Northwest’s finest ales.

“We like to get some of the unique beers from our distributors,” says Mary Weber-Quinn, Schweitzer’s events and activities director. “We really

want people to explore their tastes and try new micro-brews from all the incredibly talented brewers in the region.”

Along with the fantastic brews, live music will dominate the mountain for Fall Fest. Mama Doll, Cattywomp and Rust on the Rails will be playing Saturday. Sunday will see Spare Parts, the Incredible Flying Dookie Brothers and Devon Wade. Monday’s music will feature Marshall McLean Band at 11 a.m. and Stone in Love, a Journey tribute band, at 2:30 p.m.

Fall Fest will begin Saturday, Sept. 3, and conclude Monday, Sept. 5. Saturday and Sunday’s hours will be 11 a.m.-6 p.m., while Monday’s hours will be 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

The ever-popular souvenir mugs, glasses and steins will be on sale all weekend as well as other Fall Fest collectibles.

“We’ve had so many fun

years of Fall Fest,” said Mirus. “We really hope to see all our friends and fans again this year!”

Labor Day weekend will be the last full weekend of summer operations on the mountain.

Lifts will run daily from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. until Sept.

5. For more information about Fall Fest, the music line up and all the activities at Schweitzer, visit www.schweitzer.com.

Bikes, brews and blues: Sandpoint’s first annual motorcycle rally and show

By Ben Olson Reader Staff I remember the first time I rode a motorcycle. I was 12 years old and I bought a Honda XR250 dirt bike with my lawn mowing money. When I took off and felt the wind in my face for the very first time, I knew I was hooked.

Now, some 20 years later, I still have the two-wheel bug.

A couple years ago, I rode my 1980 Kawasaki 750LTD all the way down to Mexico and back—in the winter. If you know bikes at all, this is not the first choice for long-distance riding. There isn’t even a windshield. The first day or two, it was so cold, I wore every item of clothing I had packed. Even after four pairs of gloves, my hands were damn near frozen solid. Still, it was probably the most fun I’ve ever had with my clothes on—even after my

chain snapped on I-5 and nearly spilled me into oncoming traffic.

Here in Sandpoint, we don’t get to enjoy year-round riding because of the snow and ice in winter, but there is still a healthy two-wheel culture. What better way to bring motorcycle aficionados together than holding a rally and show?

Enter the first annual Bikes, Brews and Blues Motorcycle Show and Rally Ride held at MickDuff’s Beer Hall on Saturday, Aug. 27. The inaugural event will bring motorcycle lovers of all ages together for a day of riding, spectating, showing off their rides, live music, and, of course, beer.

For those interested in riding on the rally, the event kicks off at 9:30 a.m. at the Beer Hall.

There, bikers will meet and kick the tires for a few minutes before blasting off east along Highway 200, then north along the Bull River Highway, through Troy,

Mont. and then over to Bonners Ferry and south along Highway 95.

Everyone will meet up at the Beer Hall at that point to display their bikes in the parking lot.

The idea for the event came from MickDuff’s Beer Hall assistant brewer Dave Scherbarth.

“My friend Seneca [Cummings] and I, along with our buddy Don [Newby] though it would be good to get a big ride together by the end of the year,” said Scherbarth. “We were thinking maybe 20 or 30 people might show up, but so far it looks like we might have a couple hundred people coming.”

The show part of the event will be held in the parking lot outside of the Beer Hall, which will be cordoned off so beer lov-

ers can sip and spectate. Awards will be given out for oldest rider, oldest bike, best paint job and most unique, plus a people’s choice award where everyone can vote on their favorite bike.

Miah Kohal Band will be playing live music in the courtyard from 3-6 p.m. and Mandala Wood-Fired Pizza will

be on hand to serve hot pizza to the crowds.

For Scherbarth, the rally and show is a way to bring bike lovers together in Sandpoint. If you are interested in taking part in the rally or showing your bike, it’s free to enter both events. For more information, call the Beer Hall at (208) 209-6700.

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MUSIC

A grand celebration of music Music Conservatory of Sandpoint celebrates recent expansion

By Ben Olson Reader Staff The Music Conservatory at Sandpoint (MCS) is about to spread its wings a bit.

The acclaimed organization dedicated to all things music will now occupy the entire building at 110 Main Street in Sandpoint. To celebrate the growth, MCS will be holding a Grand Expansion Celebration and Open House on Saturday, Aug. 27, from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

MCS had previously been operating in the second floor of the building, but with the expansion they will now occupy the entire facility. The expansion came about through a generous offer of the building’s owner, Brian Runbert.

“We received a notice in April, completely out of the blue,” said Karin Wedemeyer, executive director of MCS. “The building owner said we could expand into the downstairs and they wouldn’t charge us for the square footage. All we had to do is pay for the utilities for the whole building.”

Wedemeyer and her staff figured the additional utility costs into their budget and found that it was possible to go through with the expansion.

“It was a small, unassuming email,” she said. “But it was really big news for us.”

The expansion more than doubles the current occupancy space for MCS. The extra space will certainly come in handy,

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as MCS currently has over 220 students with 10-percent growth occuring every year.

The most important addition is an auditorium that will seat 100 people they’ve dubbed “Little Carnegie Hall.”

“We really needed a theater and recital space for our classes,” said Wedemeyer. “This was a blessing.”

Wedemeyer plans to build a stage and hang curtains in the auditorium, as well as acoustic work. In the future, plans are to raise the lowered ceiling and even open up the doors where fire engines used to drive through onto Second Avenue.

Along with the auditorium, the administration has moved downstairs, freeing up room upstairs for more teaching and work areas. Also occupying the new space downstairs is Keely Gray’s theater space, Little Mozart early childhood education, additional studio spaces and a handicap accessible studio.

There’s also a nice foyer for a common work area.

To celebrate the expansion, MCS will host free activities throughout the day.

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., join MCS instructor Michelle Handy for a hands on exploration of the Little Mozart Class. There will also be an “instrument petting zoo” set up for children to try their hand at various instruments.

Creations for Sandpoint will join MCS in providing musical crafts, a smoothie bus, face painting and other fun kids’

The entrace to MCS. Photo by Ben Olson.

activities.

At 1 p.m., Keely Gray and MCS theater students will perform “The Importance of Being Earnest.” At 2 p.m., Ali Thomas and Cody Mills will lead an open drum circle.

Starting at 4 p.m., there will be a very special ribbon-cutting event to honor jazz pianist Bill Reid and his wonderful donation of a grand piano to MCS. Bill Reid lived in Sandpoint for 70 years and lived the good life as a musician, soon falling in love with jazz and its “creativity in the moment” gift of improvisation.

“He had huge hands that could stretch to 11 keys. They allowed him to play things others could not,” said jazz singer and artist Maria Larson. “He was a man of few words, but he communicated through his music. He was some kind of guy… the gift of my life, I loved him so much.

He was my family.”

Larson performed in his trio for 13 years just before his death in March, 2016.

The 1964 Yamaha G-2 grand piano was generously donated through a combination of efforts with the Robert Wishnick Foundation, the Equinox Foundation and the family of Bill Reid. After everything went

through, Wedemeyer was pleasantly surprised when the piano was delivered the same day.

“It’s such a wonderful instrument and has a lot of character,” said Wedemeyer. “Ever since we’ve had the piano the music never stops.”

Wedemeyer compared the acquisition of the grand piano as a mother giving birth: “We were in labor for seven years to get this piano. When it was ready to be born, it happened in just one day.”

Local musicians Peter Lucht and Larry Hanna will be leading the charge as classically performances, trios, vocal, piano trios, flutists and aspiring students play from 5-7 p.m. There will also be hors d’oeuvres served.

Wedemeyer recognizes this expansion as a grand milestone in MCS’s history, which began in 2009 in Sandpoint: “I think this building is the perfect building for a conservatory. A school like this should be in the downtown area.”

This expansion is just the beginning for MCS, according to Wedemeyer, who has her sights set on loftier goals.

“Our school is now accredited, and we’ll climb up different levels of accreditation,” said Wedemeyer. “At some point,

Top: Karin Wedemeyer sits at the 1962 Yamaha G-2 grand piano recently donated to MCS. Photo by Ben Olson.

we’ll even be able to give degrees, both bachelors and masters.”

MCS is also open for rooms to be adopted, which will help fund operations for years to come.

Smaller rooms can be adopted for around $2,800 per year, while the Little Carnegie Hall will go for around $10,000 per year. Each adoption allows the patron to attach the name the room for the year after their business.

In the near future, MCS has plans in motion to hopefully purchase the building outright, cementing their place as a downtown fixture for years to come.

“Ultimately, we’ll start our capital campaign next year to acquire the building,” said Wedemeyer. “That’s our ultimate goal. With this expansion, we’ve come that much closer.”

To attend the free daylong series of events and activities, stroll into the new downstairs offices at MCS at 110 Main St. in Sandpoint from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27.

MUSIC

This week’s RLW by Ben Olson

Pretty Lights brings EDM to Sandpoint Are you ready to dance?

READ

This is not so much about what you should read, but what you can’t read anymore.

As of Aug. 22, Gawker.com has officially shut down. If you’re not familiar with Gawker, it started as a blog that rapidly became known as a site that would publish stories that others shied away from. It was smart, witty and pushed the edges of journalism.

Plus, the comments section was consistently the best collection of comments on the Internet.

The site filed bankrupcy after an interesting court battle involving Hulk Hogan’s sex tape and a rich Trump-supporting billionaire named Peter Thiel, who made it his personal vendetta to shut the site down. Univision just purchased all the peripheral sites, but Gawker was left on the chopping block to die a righteous death.

You win, Thiel. RIP Gawker.

LISTEN

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff If you can say one thing about electronic dance music shows, it’s that it’s a sensory experience unlike any other.

There’s the music, sure, but when you add in the pulse of lights and the movement of a tightly compressed crowd, it adds up to a one-of-a-kind spectacle. If that sounds like a great Friday night to you, then you can’t do much better than the Grammy Award-winning Pretty Lights.

A titan of the EDM scene, Pretty Lights is the stage name for Derek Vincent Smith. The artist has grown along with the rise of the EDM scene, which has exploded in popularity throughout the past decade at night clubs, festivals and dance venues. On Friday, Sept.

2, The Hive adds its name to the list of great EDM venues

when it hosts Pretty Lights’ Sandpoint debut.

Make sure you’re well-rested for this one, folks, because EDM shows aren’t typically the time for sipped drinks and quiet contemplation. Like other top-tier artists in the EDM scene, a Pretty Lights show is a dance party best experienced in the middle of a crowd. And you can be sure that crowd will be moving thanks to the Pretty Lights style, which combines samples across several genres into a composition of “glitchy hip-hop beats, buzzing synth lines, and vintage funk and soul samples,” as the Standford Daily phrases it.

The Hive’s top-of-the-line lights and audio systems should pair nicely with Pretty Lights’ energetic mixes. What’s more, The Hive has announced there

I was introduced to a band called “The Album Leaf” while living in Los Angeles. Over the years, I’ve continually found their ambient, post-rock sound just what the doctor orderd when you’re looking for background music to unwind to.

Blending modern synth with analog Rhodes piano sounds, the Album Leaf’s best album, in my opinPretty Lights performing to a sold out show. Courtesy photo. ion, was 2004’s “In a Safe Place.”

It’s great music to listen to while designing a weekly newspaper for a great town in North will be a full band accompaEichardt’s and show days at Idaho.

The Hive. To reserve a VIP niment for the show, which booth for reserved seating, means a good thing just got cocktail service, access to VIP even better.

I don’t get cable and I don’t have bathrooms and a balcony view, internet at home, so my TV viewing Catch Pretty Lights with email VIP@LiveFromTheHive. sometimes comes after the fact and is com.

Mikey Thunder on Friday, reliant on what I can check out from Sept. 2, at The Hive, the library.

207 N First Ave. Recently, I gave the HBO series Doors open at 8 “Eastbound and Down” a shot and p.m. with music was pleasantly surprised. starting at 10 Starring the hilarious Danny Mcp.m. Tickets are Bride as a washed up professional $40 in advance baseball player reinventing his life or $45 at the as a substitute teacher (all the while trying to get back in the Majors), door. The show “Eastbound” is crude, irreverent and is restricted to downright jaw-dropping at times. ages 21 and Overall, the series (I’m only on up. Tickets are the first season) available at is yet another livefromthehive. example of how com or locally HBO has revoat Evans Brothlutionized televiers Coffee, 7B sion in the past Boardshop, two decades.

WATCH

Crossword Solution

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STAGE & SCREEN

Critics rank best 21st century films

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff Composing internet best-of lists is usually a futile endeavor. All the more surprising, then, that the BBC’s recent ranking of the 21st century’s best films gets almost no complaint from me.

The BBC compiled the lists by surveying 177 film critics from six continents. That probably accounts for why the list is so well-balanced in both foreign- and English-language movies.

It’s difficult to imagine the likes of “Spirited Away” or “In the Mood for Love” cracking the top 10 in a vote by American critics alone.

The selection of “Mulholland Drive” as the best movie of the 21st century is an inspired choice. David Lynch, a master at capturing the dark side of the American id, might just be my favorite filmmaker, and “Mulholland Drive” is his generally acknowledged masterpiece. It’s a puzzle box of a movie, a Hollywood dream slowly twisted into a nightmare. In turns

hilarious and terrifying, ecstatic and melancholy, “Mulholland Drive” leaves some viewers baffled, but I doubt they’ve ever forgotten it.

I’m pleased to see my favorite movie, Terrence Malick’s transcendent “The Tree of Life,” in the top 10 as well.

Some folks are turned off by Malick’s meditative style, but no one can deny the movie’s ambition. The movie contextualizes the significance of a single Texas family in the scope of deep time, transitioning from the awesome beauty of the cosmos to the intimate moments of childhood and family rearing.

Whether “The Tree of Life” leaves you in tears or bored to tears, its grace and photographic splendor warrant its critical praise.

There’s a lot more to love in this list.

“Mad Max: Fury Road,” an unparalleled achievement in action filmmaking, takes a well-earned 19th rank. “The Dark Knight” escapes the snobbery that often drags down comic book movies, pulling in at 33. And it’s nice to see the animated film “Spirited Away” make it all the way the fourth place.

Of course, any list is bound to yield some disappointing omissions. Did your favorite movies make the cut? Head on over to the BBC website and see for yourself.

The top 25 movies in the BBC’s list are as follows. For the complete list, visit http://www.bbc.com/culture/ story/20160819-the-21st-centurys-100-greatest-films

10. No Country for Old Men (Joel and Ethan Coen, 2007)

9. A Separation (Asghar Farhadi, 2011)

8. Yi Yi: A One and a Two (Edward Yang, 2000)

7. The Tree of Life (Terrence Malick, 2011)

6. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (Michel Gondry, 2004)

5. Boyhood (Richard Linklater, 2014)

4. Spirited Away (Hayao Miyazaki, 2001)

3. There Will Be Blood (Paul Thomas Anderson, 2007)

2. In the Mood for Love (Wong Kar-wai, 2000)

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1. Mulholland Drive

(David Lynch, 2001) / August 25, 2016

thursday, aug. 25 @ 7:30pm

“cinema paradiso” a retro reel

Young Salvatore Di Vita (Salvatore Cascio) discovers the perfect escape from life in his war-torn Sicilian village: the Cinema Paradiso movie house, where projectionist Alfredo (Philippe Noiret) instills in the boy a deep love of films. $5 or $10 with an italian dessert

Sept. 1 @ 7:30pm Sept 2 @ 5:30pm Sept. 3 @ 7:30pm Sept 4. @ 3:30pm

“Florence Foster Jenkins”

The story of Florence Foster Jenkins, a New York heiress who dreamed of becoming an opera singer, despite having a terrible singing voice. Starring Meryl Streep and Hugh grant

tuesday, sept. 20 @ 8pm

Gallagher’s last smash tour get your ultra splash zone and splash zone tickets fast before they sell out! Also available: safe zone!

Thursday, sept. 23 @ 8pm

George winston in concert

George Winston’s concerts feature a variety of styles including melodic folk piano, New Orleans R&B piano, and stride piano

w o N & Then s

meron Barne

Ca compiled by

Each week, we feature a new photograph taken from the same vantage point as one taken long ago. See how we’ve changed, and how we’ve stayed the same.

Historical information provided and verified by Bonner County Museum staff and volunteers. The Museum is located at 611 S. Ella — (208) 263-2344.

On Highway 95 (201 E. Superior St.) coming into Sandpoint, looking northwest.

The Bank of Idaho later became Mountain West Bank, then First Interstate Bank.

CROSSWORD

Copyright www.mirroreyes.com

c. 1970

ACROSS

The same view today. The building has been extensively remodeled and is currently the TCC Verizon Store.

2016

Woorf tdhe Week

stultify

/STUHL-tuh-fahy/

[verb] 1. To make, or cause to appear, foolish or ridiculous.

“Whenever we have an error in the Reader, we feel stultified.”

Corrections: In the Aug. 11 issue, I made a reference to “wine wasting” when it should have read “wine tasting.” Anyone who knows us at the Reader considers wine wasting an atrocity. Sorry for the mistake and thanks to Max D. for pointing it out so humorously. -BO 22 /

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/ August 25, 2016

1. Consciousness 5. Slumber 10. Not soft 14. Den 15. Crown 16. Double-reed woodwind 17. Chocolate cookie 18. Circuitous 20. Gourmandizer 22. Take up the cause 23. Center 24. Daisylike bloom 25. Furnace 32. Birthing coach 33. Courtyards 34. Consumed food 37. Countercurrent 38. Agitated 39. Small songbird 40. Donkey 41. Express a thought 42. Not first or second 43. Walkers 45. Smell 49. Cool, once 50. Polluter 53. Gift 57. Abhorrent 59. Mimics 60. Not odd 61. Territories 62. Feeble 63. Lairs 64. After ninth

Solution on page 21 65. Catches

13. Discourage 19. 3-banded armadillo 21. Bluefin DOWN 25. Bright thought 1. Plod along 26. Gestures of assent 2. Nobleman 27. Wads 3. Place 28. Fanatical 4. In a frothy manner 29. Redress 5. A rapidly flashing light 30. Attempts 6. King of the jungle 31. Petroleum 7. French for “Water” 34. Diva’s solo 8. Sea eagle 35. Small slender gull 9. Cushions or mats 36. Terminates 10. Vagabonds 38. Gibbon 11. More or less 39. Cheated 12. Awaken 41. Opaque gems

42. Tall woody plant 44. Flail 45. Supplemented 46. Female ruff 47. Frequently 48. Comportments 51. French for “State” 52. Unusual 53. ___ du jour = Meal of the day 54. Type of sword 55. Tidy 56. Sounds of disapproval 58. Tall hill

Instead of an arm, Carl had been born with a pigeon’s wing. The odd thing was, all through his life, no one had ever laughed at his wing - not even the mean kids at school. Then one day he realized why: He looked in the mirror and saw that HE WAS A PIGEON! He shit right there, as he often did, wherever he was.

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More than a store, a Super store!

Discounts on all Sports supplements and powders Come check out our great assortments of new products

Always a discount on sports supplements MONDAY-FRIDAY 8AM-8PM / SATURDAY 8AM-6PM / SUNDAY 10AM-6PM

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Home of the $19.95 Oil Change

•Repairs •Custom jewelry

Locally owned and operated for over 30 years

3 MINUTES SOUTH OF SANDPOINT IN SAGLE ON HWY 95

Jon - (208) 610-9580 (866) 783-0047 / (208) 263-4212 www.PIERCEAUTOCENTER.com 26 /

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/ August 25, 2016

110 S. First Ave. (208) 263-6713 www.sunshinegoldmine.com

Kids under 5 get in FREE!

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