Reader jan21 2016

Debating the future of oil trains in North Idaho

The Politics of Oscar

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/ January 21, 2016

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If you could leave North Idaho in the winter and go anywhere in the world for as long as you wanted, where would you go and how long would you stay? “I would go back to Cancun because of the perfect weather, and the water is so clear you can see to the bottom of the ocean. I would just live there year-round.” Roxanna Lester Retired Walmart Sandpoint “I would go to Tennessee for all of winter. I have lots of family around Knoxville.” Johnny Spurlock Sandpoint Middle School Sandpoint

“I would go to Hawaii for the months of January and February where I would swim with the dolphins, go deep-sea fishing, learn to scuba dive and go snorkeling. I would lie on the beach and get a tan and walk along the beach as the sun sets every evening.”

DEAR READERS,

Last night, our Sandpoint City Council withdrew the infamous tolerance resolution. A crowd of those in attendance cheered. Let me tell you something about me. I respect government. I have no problem abiding by the decisions made by those who represent me, since they are elected to do so. That’s why I left City Hall last night feeling dejected but not defiant. That’s why I am venting my disapproval within a newspaper editorial instead of arming myself and occupying a federal building, or pushing for a recall for our elected officials, or otherwise acting like a petulant child who didn’t get his way. I believe that is true patriotism. I believe our councilers when they say they have a tough job. I understand that, since I am in the media and it’s impossible to please everyone. What I’m most disappointed by is that our city council allowed themselves to be cowed by the overwhelming number of county residents in attendance. This isn’t a county resolution, it’s a city resolution. The county already voted on their resolution.“Spineless” is the first word that comes to mind. To have a city government that lacks in moral courage is just about as disappointing as having a crowd of 150-plus people cheering for the death of a resolution that stood up for human rights in Sandpoint. They said this issue is dividing our town. So too, did Dr. Martin Luther King to the nation. Does that make it any less right? Let me be clear about another thing: there should never have been a resolution passed by the city or the county supporting or not supporting refugee resettlement from Syria. It’s none of our business, and it has very little effect on the issue whatsoever. These are purely symbolic resolutions, and I think Carrie Logan and Mayor Rognstad were attempting to equalize the reputation of North Idaho after both of our northern counties passed resolutions against refugees. We all value our community’s safety. Do I think our community would be less safe if we had passed this resolution? No. Absolutely not. It would not have affected anything except the perception of North Idaho, which, thanks to a very vocal minority of people, has once again decided to embrace hate and fear. We are unearthing a dangerous racism that is deep-seeded in North Idaho, and that scares me. Congratulations, folks, we just jumped back in time 20 years. Oh yeah, this is our first anniversary at the Reader. Yipee.

-Ben Olson, Publisher

Sandi Hope Peer Support Specialist Sandpoint “I’ve grown up here, so I kind of like the cold. I’ve always wanted to go to Japan because they have hot springs and because the culture is so much different from ours.” Brenden Bobby Library technician Hope

“Cazale, Haiti to work in a malnutrition clinic, and I would stay as long as I could.” Erin Bonine Office manager Sandpoint

“I would go to Orlando, Florida, where I moved from because it is warm. I would go for the entire winter. You see all kinds of characters there.” Nicole Sawyer Amateur violinist Sandpoint

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www.sandpointreader.com Publisher: Ben Olson ben@sandpointreader.com Editor: Cameron Rasmusson cameron@sandpointreader.com Zach Hagadone (emeritus) John Reuter (emeritus) Contributing Artists: Don Fisher (cover), Ben Olson, Maddi Eliot, Daniel Cape. Contributing Writers: Cameron Rasmusson, Ben Olson, Louie de Palma, Cate Huisman, Jim Payne, Chris Balboni, Marcia Pilgeram Submit stories to: stories@sandpointreader.com Printed weekly at: Griffin Publishing Spokane, Wash. Subscription Price: $95 per year Advertising: Jen Landis jen@sandpointreader.com Clint Nicholson clint@keokee.com Web Content: Keokee The Sandpoint Reader is a weekly publication owned and operated by Ben Olson and Keokee. It is devoted to the arts, entertainment, politics and lifestyle in and around Sandpoint, Idaho. We hope to provide a quality alternative by offering honest, in-depth reporting that reflects the intelligence and interests of our diverse and growing community. The Reader is printed on recycled paper using soy-based ink. Leftover copies are collected and recycled weekly, or burned in massive bonfires to appease the gods of journalism. Free to all, limit two copies per person.

Sandpoint Reader letter policy: The Sandpoint Reader welcomes letters to the editor on all topics. Requirements: –No more than 500 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

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About the Cover The photograph on this week’s cover was taken by local photographer Don Fisher. Don is a member of POAC and the Artworks gallery. His photos have been shown at Baxters Restaurant, Evans Brothers Coffee and the new BGH addition. The “Winterbridge” photo was taken about 3 years ago following freezing temperatures and high winds. Email is doncindyfisher@gmail.com.

January 21, 2016 /

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COMMENTARY Missed Connections By Louie de Palma Reader Road Warrior

I saw you, and now I can’t shake you from my thoughts. There you are, captured in a Craigslist image that does you no justice. You were smaller than what I’m typically into, but I could tell that you were powerful nonetheless. Your nose was different and exotic, and it matched your rear in perfect symmetry. You could take me and all I had and probably handle six to seven other people besides myself. Yet your bio claimed that you had only been gently used. What a fantastic chance that you might be mine! Anxiously sifting through the remaining pictures, I discovered the carpet matched the drapes. You were a model of foreign sophistication, completely superior to your dumbed-down American counterparts. But what really excited me was hearing what got you going under the hood ... a turbo diesel with a perfect little four-cylinder engine just begging to be converted for bio diesel. You had all of my most valued qualities: outstanding mpg, maximum capacity, low miles and right-side drive for easy Dairy Depot drive-

Jazz...

Dear Editor, Jazz has had a huge influence on rock music, especially the more adventurous rock groups. Recently I found a DVD at our library called, “The Wrecking Crew: The Inside Story of Rock and Roll’s Best-Kept Secret,” which is about a group of LA studio musicians who backed up dozens of rock stars in the ‘60s with most of the Wrecking Crew’s members having a formal background in jazz. In the ‘60s the Wrecking Crew was used on ablums by Nancy Sinatra, Bobby Vee, the Partridge Family, David Cassidy, Jan and Dean, the Mamas and the Papas, the 5th Dimension, the Association, the Carpenters, Glen Campbell, Sonny and Cher, John

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through runs. You were perfect. Oh, my sweet Toyota Townace 4x4 van, we could have had a life together, but you’re gone forever now. Perhaps you were an opportunity missed, and even now I wonder where you are and what unappreciative schmuck is sitting all over you. Nobody would have sat with you like I would have. Nobody. Wondering what could have been is generally a fruitless, depressing mind exercise. In an idle cab with an idle mind however, it can be fun to wonder. My missed connection with my Toyota was not my first experience. I see missed connections every day. Here are a few of the lonely souls I’ve encountered, written Missed Connection-style in what I imagine would be their own words.

tion complemented with a bite of condescending flavor that could rival sarsaparilla. Your bewilderment at the information that my teepee was burning down was endearing. What’s got me worked up is why you didn’t send help as my abode burned? It left me feeling sheepish, holding nothing but a cat and a bottle of whiskey when the kindly cab driver arrived to take me to the nearest inn. Send word if you see this, as I would like to know how to properly call for help next time.

The Teepee Dweller ME: Average build, old-timey time traveler recently new to the area after traveling to this time. Life in the old west proved more difficult then I expected. I’m a hard worker that’s keen on meandering adventure, cats and whiskey. Oh yeah, and I lived in the teepee that burned down. YOU: The sheriff’s deputy with the gravely phone voice. Your tone carried a hint of frustra-

The Offensive Drunk ME: You probably already know who I am, because I’m a big damn deal. The problem is I don’t remember anything. Every single night is a fragmented blur. My hobbies include elbowing people out of my way as I hijack someone’s cab with no destination and forcing then myself between girls in the car seat. I aimlessly ride around

Denver, the Beach Boys, Leonard Cohen, Simon and Garfunkel, the Grass Roots and the Byrds (who have acknowledged that their song “Eight Miles High” was influenced by jazz pioneer John Coltrane’s saxophone playing and, in particular, the song “India” from his Impressions album). Wrecking Crew members were not given credit on any of the albums made with those listed above. In fact, those members of the Wrecking Crew who considered themselves jazz musicians did not want their names associated with rock music. It comes out in the film that the primary reason record producers such as Phil Spector, Brian Wilson and others used the Wrecking Crew is they could do in three hours what would take the actual

rock musicians of these groups three or four days to do. In the recent film Love & Mercy the Wrecking Crew was portrayed in a studio recording session playing some of Brian Wilson’s music. You rockers may want to take note that in the film Frankie and Alice, the true story of a woman with multiple personalities staring Halle Berry, there is a scene where we are introduced to the psychiatrist (listening to jazz on headphones) who will soon interview Halle Berry’s character. He states he was listening to jazz because a colleague had told him that jazz allows total access to the subconscious without the use of drugs. No drugs needed. It is worth noting that Frank Zappa, who did not like jazz, had

in the cab asking about everyone about their lives in a smug and challenging way. Upon learning the details, I belittle you. Then I insist (not very convincingly) that I’m better in every way until you, your boyfriend or anyone around wants to beat me up. I generally let this escalate until the cab driver has to break it up. YOU: I have no memory of who you are or how many others I offended. I’m sure you were into it though, which is why I’m writing in. So if any of this sounds familiar, holla at your boy to correct the mistake. First round of jager on me, buttheads. I’ll be the one in your face. The Cab Car YOU: Eclectic, vibrant, beautiful community full of people I love. Honestly, town, you’re the greatest, but somehow you don’t understand what I need to make you happy. You all have pretty, sweet houses, yurts and even teepees to live in. Unfortunately most of them have no addresses clearly visible from the road, and you rarely use porch lights to illuminate them if you have them. Also, you ask my driver pointless, to hire jazz musicians as his music had gotten too complicated for rock musicians, and just before his death, Jimi Hendrix was in talks with one of my favorites, jazz sax great Sam Rivers, about doing an album together. If only it had happened! Lee Santa Sandpoint

Blanket Statements... Dear Editor, In response to a letter from last week, some Christians may wish to reconsider their blanket statements condemning “these people,” presumably Muslim refugees. Most U.S. terrorist attacks have been perpetrated by Christians: Wade Michael Page murdered

time-wasting questions. Examples of frivolous questions: 1) Where are you? 2) How close are you? 3) Can you get here faster? Examples of driver’s answers in order: 1) By a tree, or sometimes behind you. 2) I don’t know. Where are you? 3) I can’t fly. Here, by the way, is the ideal customer response: “Greetings! Can I get a cab? We’re easy to find—the porch light’s on and my address is bigger than Bonners Ferry flag. Oh, you have people ahead of me? No problem! I planned ahead. It’s a large area to cover with limited cabs. I get it.” ME: I’m a cab car, and between you and me, I don’t know how much time I have left at this gig. I suspect my driver is in love with a Toyota—some foreign floozy who takes anything from diesel to vegetable oil. Disgusting. It probably smells of fast food. I fear I may be replaced soon, and even though I’m bitter, I want the best for this dear town. If any of this sounds like you, you know what to do to assure mutual success. Missed connections are a bummer, but life goes on. Even if the teepee burns around you, there’s always a cat and bottle of whiskey somewhere. Just try not to get in people’s faces and make sure there’s a porch light bright enough to shines on your destination. You’ll arrive just fine. six; Jim David Adkisson shot nine, killing two; Eric Rudolph used guns and bombs to murder; Timothy McVeigh slaughtered 168 in Oklahoma City; the Christian Army of God has been cheering murder here since 1982. The list could go on. And though the 9/11 hijackers were Muslims, they were also citizens of Saudi Arabia, a country that still practices beheadings, and is strongly supported by our Christian leaders. I too “do not believe in (your Christian) religion and do not want it taught or even talked about to my grandchildren.” I too “have a very good right to be very concerned.” “It is not being hateful (but cautious) to protect (my) family (Con’t on next page)

PERSPECTIVES

Mayor, commissioner square off on refugees By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff

If any symbolic figureheads have emerged in the local debate over refugee resettlement, they’re Sandpoint Mayor Shelby Rognstad and Bonner County Commissioner Glen Bailey. Bailey and his fellow commissioners made waves last month when they unanimously passed a resolution opposing refugee resettlement, calling for an improved vetting process. In response, former Mayor Carrie Logan and new Mayor Shelby Rognstad drafted a council resolution welcoming properly vetted refugees. On Tuesday, Rognstad and Bailey had a chance to discuss their differences faceto-face on the KRFY Morning Show with hosts Suzy Prez and Chris Bessler. Their conversation highlighted one constant in the issue: Both sides feel mischaracterized. Those opposed to resettlement bristle at accusations of bigotry or intolerance, saying their concerns are rooted in risks to national security rather than cultural or religious prejudice. Likewise, many supporting refugee resettlement feel opponents have mischaracterized the nature of the re(Con’t from previous page) from anything or one (like you) that could harm them.” “... let him who is without sin ...” John 8:7 Chris Mielke Concerned Homeowner USMC 1974-78, E-5, Hon. Dis. Sagle, Idaho

The Harm in Fear... Dear Editor, Recently, concerned parents shut down a Virginia school when a teacher tried to introduce students to Islam. Similarly, Linda Dunn, in her editorial, does not want Islam “even talked about” in our schools. Muslims inhabit 22 percent of earth. If we let fear rule, and refuse to know and understand them, we can’t experience the necessary compassion for our near and far planetary neighbors and thus live

settlement program, leading to undue paranoia over Muslims and Middle Easterners. This theme emerged right from the start of Bailey and Rognstad’s conversation. In his opening remarks, Bailey said conservatives have been unfairly branded bigots for their concerns over a real security threat. Holes in the vetting process present a legitimate security threat, Bailey said. ISIS’ own declaration of intent to infiltrate countries with terrorists and refugee involvement in crimes make the threat graver still, he added. While Bailey said commissioners have no authority to influence the resettlement program, they wanted to add their voice to the call for stronger vetting. “We did not call for a complete stop [to resettlement] interminably,” Bailey said. “We want that … reviewing process to be looked at.” Rognstad replied that Sandpoint officials also want to protect resident security. However, he said U.S. wars in the Middle East have contributed to the unrest that has produced these humanitarian crises. Considering the limited number of refugees the U.S. has resettled and the overall success of the program, Rognstad believes it’s wrong to

disregard the country’s moral responsibility. While Rognstad acknowledged the vetting process should be improved any way it can, it’s not an excuse to abandon moral duties. “That doesn’t mean we need to throw our humanity out the window and give up on our longstanding tradition of tolerance, human rights and acceptance,” he said. The council resolution was meant to be an expression of those values, but some opposed to the measure found it inflammatory. They especially took issue to resolution language saying some responses to recent terrorist attacks have inflamed racism and bigotry, bringing to mind historic intolerant groups like the Nazis or Ku Klux Klan. “I would challenge you to find any comments that are racist or discriminatory in the county’s resolution or the governor’s letter,” Bailey said. While those controversial sections of the resolution are now removed, Rognstad countered that he believed the spirit behind recent officials’ statements have fueled discriminatory sentiment, especially given the anti-Islamic comments from the public they provoked. He took

towards a more peaceful world. Let fear censure the discussion of other religions and we are going backward. Fear is valid if it is based in truth; if not, it is terribly harmful. Very interesting, if you look and listen just a little you will find, though Islam is a complex religion, it’s roots are similar to Christianity: It is a religion of mercy, rooted in peace, personal freedom, tolerance and charity. They believe in one God. Muslims call our shared God, Allah—simply a different language. They have respect for the Bible and the Torah, sacred texts that share similar sacred places. They have many worthy prophet/teachers I would like to have dinner with. One important Quran superhero is Jesus. In their Quran, Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary, was a messenger of God, had disciples and will return in the Second Coming. They believe in heaven,

hell, Judgment Day, the Ten Commandments and angels. Terrorism is strictly forbidden. Does the horrible suffering and bloodshed caused by those who claim to act in the name of Islam follow the true Quran? Absolutely not! Has abundant blood been shed in the name of Christianity (the Crusades, for one)?…again, yes! Do the terrorists represent any significant portion of the 1.6 billion Muslims? No! It would seem foolish to condemn a whole religion for the acts of a minority. This is what FDR meant when he said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” We have to clearly separate the

Sandpoint Mayor Shelby Rognstad.

Bonner Co. Commissioner Glen Bailey.

particular issue with calls for a complete stop to resettlement. “I think it’s unreasonable to suggest we halt the program entirely,” he said. Much of the discussion centered on the efficacy of existing screening processes, with Rognstad emphasizing its success and Bailey pointing out its flaws. Bailey also pointed to European countries like Germany that have problems with refugee integration. Rognstad replied that the U.S. resettlement process is unlikely to reproduce problems experienced in European countries,

which are burdened with many illegal refugees. Ultimately, Rognstad and Bailey agreed the city and county measures were simply symbolic. While the refugee issue has proven divisive, both said they were committed to cooperating on economic development and adding to local jobs.

dark from the light, the true from the false, and in the end embrace the vast majority who want the peace and love we all seek.

Want to weigh on in the issues? Write to us at letters@sandpointreader. com. Please make sure your letters are under 400 words and don’t contain profanities or libelous statements.

Chris White Sandpoint

To listen to the full podcast, visit http://www.krfy. org/podcast/ and find the Jan. 19 posting. Keep up with the “Morning Show” every Tuesday by tuning in at 8 a.m. to 88.5 KRFY FM.

January 21, 2016 /

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NEWS

Council withdraws tolerance resolution

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff

Council members voted to withdraw the Sandpoint resolution supporting refugee resettlement Wednesday night, bringing an end to a heated, month-long controversy. Cheers erupted from the audience when Sandpoint Mayor Shelby Rognstad asked the council to withdraw the resolution from consideration. A measure meant to counter statements from the Bonner County commissioners and sheriff opposing the resettlement of refugees, the resolution was intended to restate Sandpoint’s commitments to human rights, according to Rognstad. “This resolution has only served to divide us and this community,” said Rognstad as he requested the withdrawal. “That saddens me.” Once again, anti-refugee activists turned out in force to oppose the resolution, and once again, the council meeting procedure was punctured by applause and shouts. When Rognstad called for order, the crowd responded with catcalls. The evening also saw a mobilization of refugee supporters, who held a candle-lit vigil outside City Hall. Anti-Islam demonstrators gathered on the other

side of the parking lot, waving American flags and signs. For Rognstad, the issue was a matter of community values. He said the resolution was intended as a statement similar to the human rights resolutions and non-discrimination ordinances that Sandpoint has approved in the past. “Do we want to be known as a community that celebrates tolerance and compassion, or do we want to be known as a community that embraces fear and discrimination?” he asked at the opening of the council meeting. However, it was clear from the outset that council support had fallen away from the resolution. Councilman Tom Eddy opened the discussion by saying he could not vote in favor of the resolution. “I cannot support the resolution as it stands,” he said. “It serves as a piece of rhetoric that only serves to be divisive.” In the same vein, Councilwoman Deb Ruehle issued a plea for community solidarity. “None of us here in this room are people of hatred,” she said. “[This issue] is not cut and dried. It is extremely complex.” “There is too much unrest, too much negativity,” she continued. “Mr. Mayor, please

withdraw this resolution.” The decision was a victory for those who opposed the resolution. Victoria Zeischegg, a prominent local conservative figure, said she was pleased with the decision. “I appreciate the withdrawal,” she said. Others saw the decision as a defeat for human rights in Sandpoint. Daniel Radford, one of the members of the candle-lit vigil, said he was a committed Christian but was disturbed by the message many were presenting in the name of Christ. “I’m disappointed to see so many good Christian people worship the fear of Muslims rather than the fear of God,” he said.

Harvel pleads not guilty By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff

Norilina Harvel, the former CFO of Bonner General Health accused of embezzling $220,000, was arraigned in court this morning. She plead not guilty to District Judge Barbara Buchanan. According to the courtroom minutes, a jury trial will begin May 9. Harvel turned herself in to authorities in October less than a week after a warrant was issued for her arrest. She stands accused of embezzling money from the hospital over several years. Harvel allegedly used a 6 /

/ January 21, 2016

variety of methods to cover her tracks, hiding missing funds under lease and credit card payments. She also is alleged to have set up a bank account she fraudulently claimed was a hospital business account. As Bonner General Health’s CFO for 10 years and an

Norilina Harvel’s Mug Shot.

employee for 15 years, Harvel had already moved on to new employment when authorities began their investigations.

A crowd of people cheered when the resolution was withdrawn. Photo by Ben Olson.

Evans Brothers grabs another award It’s been a good year for Evans Brothers. Fresh off winning a third-place award in Coffee Fest’s Best Coffeehouse in America competition, the Sandpoint favorite grabbed another award last week from the Good Foods Award competition. Evans Brothers’ Kenya Gatundu Karinga blend earned a badge of distinction in the San Francisco competition’s sixth year. The coffee blend was honored not only for its taste and quality but also for the social responsibility and environmental friendliness of its production. It’s the second honor Evans Brothers has enjoyed from the Good Food Awards. “The coffee category is always highly competitive, with the best roasters from North America sub-

mitting their very best coffees,” company representatives wrote on the Evans Brothers website. “The competition gets tougher every year, so it is a huge honor to repeat!” The Good Foods Awards were started six years ago to recognize growing artisinal craftsmanship in a variety of categories, including beer, cider, charcuterie, cheese, chocolate, coffee, confections, honey and pickles. “The Good Food Awards celebrate the kind of food we all want to eat: tasty, authentic and responsibly produced,” the organization says on its website. “We grant awards to outstanding American food producers and the farmers who provide their ingredients.” [CR]

Want to be in a parade? What’s better than watching the Winter Carnival Parade of Lights? Being in the parade, of course! The Sandpoint Business Improvement District (BID) is looking for parade participants in this year’s parade, themed “Flurry of Fun!” The Parade of Lights will take place in downtown Sandpoint on Friday, Feb. 12 at 5:30 p.m. Those interested in having a float in the parade should check out www.downtownsandpoint. com for more information, or check out the Reader Facebook page for a printable entry form. The deadline for entry is

Feb. 5, so make sure to get those entry forms in soon! Staging for the parade will begin at 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 12 and will take place at the City Parking Lot. The entrance on Third Avenue and Main Street is the only entrance open. The BID also reminds us that there are no handouts or objects to be thrown, and pets are welcome as long as someone is designated the “pooper scooper” and cleans up after the animals. Not the most glamorous of jobs, but that’s what drawing straws is for. [BO]

FEATURE

Debating the future of oil trains By Cate Huisman Reader Contributor

Last week, I attended a hearing in Spokane of Washington State’s Energy Facility Site Evaluation Committee (EFSEC). Their topic was the proposed Tesoro-Savage Vancouver Energy Distribution Terminal, to be built in Vancouver, Washington (across the Columbia River from Portland, Ore.), and supplied with crude oil by trains, all of which would come through Sandpoint. Opposition to the project comes from many people living along the rail lines that would supply it. The hearing included speakers from as far away as Billings, Mont., as well as more than a dozen from Sandpoint, including its mayor, Shelby Rognstad, and former Bonner County commissioner, Tom Suttmeier. Their concerns ranged from the local––traffic delays, noise, air and water pollution, and the fires and explosions that can follow train derailments—to the universal––climate change, global. The hearing room was filled to overflowing. The majority wore red to indicate their opposition, and many wore stickers that said “Stand Up to Oil.” The red speakers included

elected officials, first responders, church leaders, neighborhood advocates, environmental activists, a child of 10, a couple of grandmothers, an engineer, and the head of the state’s chapter of Physicians for Social Responsibility. They dominated the evening’s testimony: 112 people spoke against the terminal; 11 spoke for it. In contrast to the red opposition, supporters wore blue and sat in a block toward the back of the room. Blue people roamed the halls outside the hearing room as well. Almost all were wearing blue pile vests embroidered with the name “Vancouver Energy.” I’m a red person myself, and I had both the clothing and the sticker to prove it. But I hadn’t had many opportunities to get the perspective of project supporters, and I wanted to hear their opinions. The first blue-vested man I approached explained that he was a consultant, and that he really couldn’t answer my questions about it. He directed me down the hall, where the next blue people I met seemed a bit surprised, even unnerved, by my rosy clothing and “Stand

Up” sticker. Nevertheless they sent me on to their hospitality suite, where I was greeted by more blue people and a security officer. Finally a blue man named John was brought out to speak with me; he was in charge of trains taking oil to Tesoro’s facility in Anacortes, Washington. He was an enthusiastic supporter of the Vancouver project because he believed it would help make the U.S. energy-independent: Oil from our own interior, he said, riding these trains, could replace oil that is now being imported from outside the country. I asked him about the wisdom of investing in a facility for an industry that appears to be in decline, as the price of oil has dropped so precipitously of late, and more sustainable alternatives are becoming more affordable. But John thought that Americans were unlikely to wean themselves off of oil. He didn’t think that Texas drivers would ever be willing to give up their pickups, and I had to agree that it seemed unlikely that those in North Idaho were eager to part with theirs either. I pointed out my concern

A group listens to the public testimony. Photo by Maddi Eliot.

A member of the crowd at last week’s meeting. Photo by Maddi Eliot.

that if an oil train derailed and exploded while passing Farmin-Stidwell school on a Saturday morning in the fall, more than a hundred four-foot soccer players might be in the line of fire. But John reassured me that the dangerous old DOT-111 tank cars were being phased out. When I mentioned that there had been derailments and explosions even with the newer, safer CPC-1232s, he named two even newer types of cars that he seemed to think would improve safety. The blue people invited me to help myself to food from the handsome spread in their hospitality suite. This was tempting, even though I’d already had a cup of coffee and a few pieces of cheese and crackers from the red people’s (much smaller) suite. In the blue suite there were platters of sliced meats, trays of fruits and vegetables, and something that from a distance appeared a lot like chocolate. But while it was one thing to talk with the enemy, I couldn’t quite bring myself to eat with them. Even so, John and the other blue folks I met hardly seemed like the enemy. They truly believed the advantages outweighed the risks for this project. I appreciated John for

the human face and the honest enthusiasm he brought to this perspective. Still, I believe that fossil fuels cannot be our future. We can achieve energy independence without more investment in fossil fuel facilities; U.S. dependence on imported oil has already declined dramatically from its peak 10 years ago. Even if the trains could be made completely safe––and I know there are red people who don’t share John’s confidence about this––our future is, and our investment should be, in other kinds of energy that pose fewer risks to our communities and our planet. The Tesoro Savage terminal is a dinosaur waiting to be built, and the EFSEC should turn it down. Cate Huisman is a freelance writer and editor who lives and works in Sandpoint.

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Volunteer Spotlight:

Pat and Roland Derr... working to feed Clark Fork

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff Bouquets: •While interviewing one of our upcoming “Volunteer Spotlights,” this week, I had a chance to spend a few moments over at Panhandle Special Needs, Inc. (or “PSNI”). What a fun place! Everywhere I went, I was greeted with big smiles, waves and handshakes. Special thanks to all the volunteers and staffers at PSNI for creating a haven for our area’s developmentally disabled people. And to the participants of PSNI, thanks for making me feel so welcome! Barbs: •Why is it that when you are behind someone on Highway 95, they drive slower than molasses on New Year’s Day until a passing lane comes along, then, suddenly, as if realizing there is a contender for the race to the finish, they’ll invariably speed up and make it so you have to mash on the gas just to get past them? Then, once you’re safely past, they’ll slow back down to the speed they were driving, which was about 10 mph under the speed limit. Or how about semi trucks passing other semi trucks on the interstate? I’ve seen glaciers move faster than it takes a semi to get around another semi. They hang out in the left lane and block anyone from getting past them, sending a cloud of spray all over your windshield for miles until one of them finally yields. It’s maddening! I don’t know if there is anything we can do about these issues except gripe about them fruitlessly. But hey, griping is fun sometimes. As my dad used to always say, “It’s better to be pissed off than pissed on.” Got a gripe of your own? Or a bouquet you’d like to offer? Write me at ben@sandpointreader.com with “BB” in the subject line. Never let it be said that I monopolized the griping in Sandpoint. 8 /

/ January 21, 2016

One of the most important traits of community is a commitment to mutual well-being. And there’s nothing quite as important to well-being as food. In that sense, you could call volunteers like Pat and Roland Derr community champions. It’s their efforts that help keep the gears turning at Clark Fork and Hope Food Bank. Their commitment to the work is fortunate, because it certainly isn’t a rewarding job from a financial standpoint. “No one here gets a salary,” said Pat Derr. “In fact, if you work at the food bank, it probably costs you money.” It’s thanks to the Derrs that the Clark Fork food bank still exists in the first place. Twelve years ago, Patt Derr learned from her fellow members of the Clark Fork Homemakers Club that the food bank would be closed down if someone didn’t step in to manage it. The stakes were high enough that Derr saw the need for action, even if she didn’t necessarily have the experience to back it up. “I had no idea how to run a food bank,” she said. On the other hand, she had a reputation as a solid and practical organizer, skills she built up in a career as a postmaster. She also had a love for her community and a desire to give back to it. “I figured that if I could run a post office, I could run a food bank,” she said. Twelve years later, consider that a point aptly proven. Thanks to strong support from local businesses and organizations, the Clark Fork and Hope Food Bank is a source of security for Bonner County families. One of the first partners with the food bank is also one of the most enduring: the Seventh Day Adventist Church. The church provides and maintains a room for the food bank free of charge. Church members like Nancy Rojic also help manage a clothing room that supplies needy residents with basic household necessities. Derr also proved an effective liaison in establishing partnerships with food providers. Grocery stores like Yoke’s supply the food bank with a portion of excess food. Support from other food banks like Second Harvest are another leg in the stool. Then, of course, there are the donations of food and money from everyday folks in the community. Food bank supporters have noted Derr’s talent for bringing in local support. “My husband told me, “Pat, people trust you. That’s why you get so many donations,’” Derr said. Speaking of Roland Derr, he’s an essential part of the operation, too. More or less

Pat Derr as photographed by Stacey Bailey. in charge of transportation, he makes sure people and supplies get where they need to go. Call him the food bank chauffeur. “He bought a van we use almost exclusively for the food bank,” Derr said. Of course, the food bank’s real reason for being is the people of Clark Fork, and that’s what keep the Derrs invested in their work. The Clark Fork and Hope Food Bank uses somewhat looser system compared to some organizations. While they abide by standard income tables to determine eligibility, they don’t require pay stubs or other official documentation as proof. On several occasions, inquiring residents freely admitted they made too much to qualify. “It’s amazing how honest people are,” Derr said. Call that honesty a sign of good will. And in the end, good will is what really fuels the Clark Fork and Hope Food Bank. The volunteers create it when they give up their time freely. It’s multiplied by the community’s support. And it’s reflected on the faces of clients who leave knowing their family won’t live in fear of hunger. “There are so many people who say they don’t know how they’d make it without [the food bank],” Derr said.

“In wine there is wisdom,

in beer there is freedom, in water there is bacteria.

”

-Benjamin Franklin

d nwiny u & k uncor 5 to 7 dail

Live MJuasni.c22 Friday,

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D N U L D E H JOSH 0 - 9:30pm 6:3

info@thebernd.com

January 21, 2016 /

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event t h u r s d a y

f r i d a y

s a t u r d a y

s u n d a y m o n d a y t u e s d a y w e d n e s d a y t h u r s d a y

10 /

/ January 21, 2016

Banff Mountain Film Festival 7pm @ Panida Theater This is it, the film festival you’ve been waiting for all year. For three days, catch all the action from the best outdoor adventure films in the world. Tickets sell out fast, so get yours quick!

Sandpoint Chess Club 9am @ Evans Brothers Coffee Meets every Sunday at 9am. All are welcome

Monday Night Blues Jam w/ Truck Mills 7:30pm @ Eichardt’s Pub

27 28

Throwback T 7-11pm @ 21 Featuring liv and friends, $ Join in playin night setting

Live Music w/ Ben and Cadie Late Night at the Museum: A Night with N 5-7pm @ Idaho Pour Authority 5-8pm @ Bonner Co. History Museum Duo with multi-instrumental fun The museum will be showing the film “Ba Country” as well as short films shot at Lion Live Music w/ Mike and Sadie Wagoner on Priest Lake. Admission is $10 for the pu 7pm @ Eichardt’s Pub general members Great music from a couple of cool cats Live Music w/ Marty Perron & Doug Bond Live Music w/ Chris Lynch 5-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery 6pm - 9pm @ Arlo’s Ristorante Live Erik Daarstad book signing Live Music w/ Ron Criscione 6:30 12-2pm @ Vanderford’s Books 7-9pm @ La Rosa Club Com Live Music w/ Justin Lantrip Erik Daarstad will be signing copies of his a com 5:30-7:30pm @ Idaho Pour Authority newly released book, “Through the Lens of Singer/songwriter from Sandpoint Ba History - The Life Journey of a Cinematog7pm 2016 Smokin’ Aces Slopestyle rapher by Erik Daarstad” Th All day @ Schweitzer Mountain Resort Live Music w/ Harold’s IGA wa skiers and snowboarders of all ages 6:30-9:30pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall cat competing for $3,000 in cash and prizes Come out and see your favorite indie doo rockers, now with a new bass player Live Music w/ Jake Robin ets and drummer! No cover! 5-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery Live Music w/ Kevin Brown and the Beloved Country 5:30pm @ Di Luna’s Cafe Great roots blugrass Americana band. Dinner starts at 5:30, the show begins Live Mus 6pm - 9pm at 7pm. Tickets $10 in advance, $12 day of show. 263-0846

Monarch Open Mic 6-8pm @ Monarch Mountain Held on the first and third Thursday of every month. Open to all!

Trivia Night 7pm - 9pm @ MickDuff’s Restaurant The one instance where being a know-it-all actually helps you make friends Bingo Night 6:30pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall KPND Ski and Board Party 5pm @ Laughing Dog Brewery Prizes, drink specials and fun

Game Night at the Niner 9pm @ 219 Lounge Come down and take part in game night wi Live Music w/ Harold’s IGA 3-6pm @ Taps @ Schweitzer Ski some powder and listen to some good your friends. Drink and be merry, we dare y

Preschool Storytime 11am-2pm @ Sandpoint Library A free service to kids age 2-5 years, every Tuesday

Karaoke Night 10pm - Midnight @ 219 Lounge

Overea 12-1pm No due pressur tact Lin

Sandpoint Cutthroat Lacrosse fundraiser 5-8pm @ Idaho Pour Authority With Twelve Strings Brewing beer. Live music with Marty Perron and Doug Bond. Raffle prizes and complimentary appetizers

Bik 6pm Bik Wed mov to b

Poetry Open Mic Music Conservatory of Sandpoint’s 6pm @ Monarch Mtn. This event is for all poets, spoken word Bel Canto Opera Trio artists, ranters, ravers, sinners and saviors 7:30pm @ Panida Theater Karin Wedemeyer, Brenda Rutledge and John Throwback Thursdays at the 219 Fitzgerald fuse their impressive vocals. Tickets 7-11pm @ 219 Lounge are $10 adults; POAC members $8; youth $5; Featuring live music with Brian Jacobs available in advance at the POAC office and friends, $2 domestics and $3 crafts

A 7 C A f p S

ful

January 21-28, 2016

rowback Thursdays at the 219 1pm @ 219 Lounge turing live music with Brian Jacobs friends, $2 domestics and $3 crafts. n in playing in this informal open mic ht setting every Thursday night

ht with Nell Shipman eum film “Back to God’s ot at Lionhead Lodge for the public, $5 for

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 Spelling Bee 5pm @ SHS Auditorium School districts throughout North Idaho will hold spelling bees in January that qualify students for the North Idaho Spelling Bee scheduled for March 19 at North Idaho College

“A Cat in Paris” film 7:30pm @ Panida Little Theater A Cat in Paris was nominated for Best Animated Film in 2012

DJ Music at the Niner 9pm @ 219 Lounge Featuring DJ Josh Adams Live Music w/ Josh Hedlund 6:30-9:30 @ Bernd Barrel Come see one of Sandpoint’s greatest songwriters in a comfortable, intimate setting

Dollar Beers! 8pm @ Eichardt’s Pub

muaf-

Bike Movie Night 6pm @ Greasy Fingers Bike Movie Night is held each Wednesday in January, and the movie starts at 6 p.m. Feel free to bring your own refreshments

craft beer store

OVER 3OO BEERS IN STOCK PLUS 12 ROTATING TAPS

Live Music w/ Ken Mayginnes 7pm @ La Rosa Club

Banff Mountain Film Festival 7pm @ Panida Theater This is it, the film festival you’ve been “A Cat in Paris” film waiting for all year. For three days, 7:30pm @ Panida Little Theater catch all the action from the best out- A Cat in Paris was nominated door adventure films in the world. Tick- for Best Animated Film in 2012 ets sell out fast, so get yours quick! Erik Daarstad ‘Through the Lens of History’ Book Signing Live Music w/ Chris Lynch 12-2pm @ Vanderford’s Bookstore Jan. 29 6pm - 9pm @ Arlo’s Ristorante Cinematographer Erik Daarstad will be signing copies of his new book, and copies of the Toyota Free Ski Day @ Schweitzer! book will be for sale at the event Dine, Dance and Dip Escape Jan. 29 e night with Racheal Dinner at 6pm @ Talus Rock Retreat Bridges Home Enjoy dinner and social dancing where new dancers ‘B urns Night’ Celome good tunes with have personal instruction and seasoned dancers will learn some new moves. $295 per couple. 255-8458 ebration @ Pearl we dare you! Overeaters Anonymous Meeting 12-1pm @ Cocolalla Cowboy Church No dues, no fees, no weigh-ins, no pressure. For more information, contact Linda G. at 612-599-1096

sandpoint’s premier

Make It 3-5pm @ Sandpoint Library This program for teens/tweens includes Legos, robotics, needlework and other projects

DOWNTOWN SANDPOINT, ID

2O8.597.7O96 | IDAHOPOURAUTHORITY.COM

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK FOR UPDATES

Theater in Bonners

Jan. 30 Fatty Flurry Festival @ Round Lake State Park

Paris to Pend Oreille: Climate Change, the Paris Agreement and North Idaho 5:30pm @ Columbia Bank Get a first-hand account of the U.N.’s recent Climate Conference from Gary Payton, ICL member and local resident who traveled to Paris to participate in the talks. Free admission, complimentary appetizers, no-host bar. Learn more at (208) 265-9565

Anniversary Dance 7-10pm @ Sandpoint Community Hall Celebrate USA Dance’s 15th Anniversary of dancing in Sandpoint. d John A Waltz lesson will be taught by a local professional instructor Tickets from 7-8 pm, followed by general dancing, refreshments, door uth $5; prizes, mixers, and a drawing for a month of free dance classes. Singles, couples, and all levels of dancers are welcome. 699-0421

2O3 CEDAR STREET

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

Find out why we’re a

A DOWNTOWN FAVORITE!

m! Now open at 7ap by

to sto The perfect place get a before work to fast! delicious break

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CEDAR ST. BRIDGE in Sandpoint, Idaho

www.cedarstbistro.com January 21, 2016 /

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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.

-Lucky & chubby“We’re bored!” The cat is Lucky. He found us and got a good home. The dog is Chubby. He was the chubbiest of his litter mates. Linda and Steve Rammler Dover, Idaho

weekdays from 6am - 10am

12 /

/ January 21, 2016

How fast does a snowflake fall? By Jim Payne Reader Contributor

How fast do snowflakes fall? Do they come down at 50 miles per hour? Or 20? Or perhaps as slow as 10 mph? Could a person run faster than a snowflake falls? This question came into my head last December as I looked out at an early season snowstorm from my study window. It seemed that the flakes were fluttering down quite slowly, almost in slow motion. But this was a subjective impression, and could even be an optical illusion. The question really needed to be answered in a scientific way. I sighed wistfully. It would probably take a million-dollar NSF grant to assemble all the fancy electronics needed to measure snowflakes in flight, right? But I could not put the question out of my mind. Over the ensuing weeks, every time I saw another snowflake— and, as you recall, there were many to see!—I kept wondering about it: How fast were they going? Then, rather by accident, I bumped into a method of approaching an answer to my question.

I had taken some pictures outdoors, and looking at the shots later, I noticed some blurry white streaks. These, of course, were snowflakes, moving too fast to be frozen at the slow shutter speed I was using on that dim day. It occurred to me that these streaks did give a clue about the speed of the snowflakes that made them. The logic is simple: the snowflake starts making the streak when the camera shutter opens, and ends the streak when the shutter closes. So if you know how long the shutter was open, and the actual length of the streak, then you can calculate the snowflake’s speed. To put this idea into practice, I taped a square of black paper to a yardstick and propped it on a snow bank. When the flakes started coming down, I ran out with my camera and took lots of pictures of the black square. Sure enough, when I downloaded the pictures to my computer, white streaks of snowflakes showed up against the black background (see photo). It was a simple matter, using dividers, to gap the length of a streak on the screen, and then to transfer that gap to the yardstick to establish how long the streak was. For example, in the photo, the streak

Science experiments are fun. Photo by Jim Payne.

identified with the arrow is 0.4575 inches long, as measured against the yardstick in the picture. Since the shutter speed was 1/80th of a second, this means the snowflake moved 0.4574 inches in 1/80th of a second. With a little bit of arithmetic we can calculate that this snowflake was moving at a speed of 36.6 inches a second, or 2.08 miles per hour. Of course, there are imperfections in this method. For one thing, it assumes that the snowflake is falling close to the paper target. If it is away from the paper—and closer to the camera—then this method will produce an exaggerated estimate of its true speed. For example, the broader, fuzzy streak above the arrow in the photo is probably a flake closer to the camera (and hence out of focus). So its greater length does not, in fact, reflect a greater speed. Another thing to watch out for is wind. Obviously, wind can blow flakes around, and we don’t want to count the wind speed in our estimates. I’ve used the assumption that if the flake is moving straight down, or nearly so (as in the photo), then there is very little wind effect. Flakes moving in a more sideways direction are assumed to be influenced by the wind and are disregarded. Over a period of several days, I took many pictures of the target when snowflakes were falling, at different shutter speeds, including 1/30th, 1/40th and 1/80th of a second. In all, I obtained 54 useable measurements of snowflake streaks. The calculated speed of these flakes ranged from 1.1 mph to 2.6 mph. This seems a rather wide range, but it is plausible that flakes of different sizes and different densities could fall at quite different speeds. The median speed of these 54 different flakes was 2.0 miles per hour, and I suggest we take that as the official answer if we are ever find ourselves on a quiz show and are asked, “How fast do snowflakes fall?” Can you outrun a snowflake? Obviously yes. In fact, you can out-walk them, unless you’re really dilly-dallying. A typical walking speed on flat pavement is around 3.0 miles per hour, so you can make it to City Beach and back before that flake that started in a mile-high cloud hits the ground.

Random Corner Octopuses

Let’s talk about Octopuses. To start with, the term “octopi” may sound fun and scientific, but it’s not technically correct. “Octopuses” is the correct plural form of the word, because the word has Greek rather than Latin roots. Did you know octopuses have three hearts, nine brains and have blue blood? Two hearts pump blood to the gills, while a third circulates it to the rest of the body. The nervous system includes a central brain and a large ganglion at the base of each arm which controls movement. Their blood contains the copper-rich protein hemocyanin, which is more efficient than hemoglobin for oxygen transport at very low temperatures and low oxygen concentrations. One other fun fact: a 50-pound octopus can squeeze into a 2-inch diameter hole. [BO] January 21, 2016 /

/ 13

The READER celebrates one year It’s hard to imagine that one year ago this week, Cameron and I were scrambling together the return issue of the Sandpoint Reader. Seriously, how is it possible an entire year has flown by? While we try not to toot our own horns around here too much, we thought we’d share with you what we learned our first year being back in publication, what our most and least favorite moments have been and perhaps make some predictions for the future. Thanks for a great year, everyone! -Ben Olson

What have you learned in the first year being back in publication?

What has been your favorite moment working for the Reader?

BEN OLSON: I’ve learned that print media is far from being dead. There were quite a few people who scoffed when I shared my plans to bring the Reader back in 2015. Granted, we live in a digital world, but that doesn’t mean the printed word must die. When I planned the first issue a year ago, we were hoping to sell enough ads to fill a 12-page paper. During the first week, thanks to the help of salesperson Jen Landis, we sold too many ads to fit and had to expand the paper to 16 pages. As far as omens go, that was a good way to start off. Since that first issue, we’ve grown in many ways. We are now at 20 pages, which is a good fighting weight for us to be at. While we started with a 3,000copy circulation, we are now currently printing 3,700 copies every week and we still run out at certain locations. The website has been up and running and has been a great addition to our print edition. Our Facebook page has gained 1,200 likes since last year, and we are increasingly using social media to share our news stories with you as soon as we get them.

BEN: The Cape Horn fire near Bayview sticks out in my mind as a high point in my reportage last year. There were very few photographs released from inside the fire zone at the time, and what photos that were published usually were shot with a low quality phone camera or otherwise lacked in quality. I was able to get a tour through the burn zone with a media relations agent and spent the day photographing fire damage, meeting with firefighters and learning first hand some of the difficulties involved with their jobs. It was a very rewarding experience, and the posts went viral, reaching over 70,000 people that week.

CAMERON RASMUSSON: Having cut my teeth in a daily news environment, adjusting to a weekly work schedule was an interesting challenge. In some ways, it’s a more forgiving and flexible format, but it brings unique challenges along with it. Somehow, I feel busier than ever. Sitting in the editor’s chair after years of beat reporting was another tricky prospect. I feel I’ve grown along with the paper to some degree, but I hope to refine my abilities as we tackle another year here in Sandpoint.

14 /

/ January 21, 2016

CAMERON: I’m pleased with the work we did on the refugee controversy. No matter where you stand on the issue, I think most can agree it’s helpful to put a human face on it. The former refugees we talked to illustrated the vast diversity among those whose lives have been disrupted by violence and destruction.

What has been your least favorite moment working for the Reader? BEN: One thing to always remember is that you can’t please everyone. While we try to give a wide variety of content for people to read, there will always be the haters. I saw the haters in action during Mayor Rognstad’s campaign against Mose Dunkel, when people were aiming all sorts of ugly accusations our way. One incredulous remark said we were part of some sort of liberal conspiracy that spanned several states. Others were hauling out ancient monikers like “yellow journalist.” And, just recently, I was the lucky recipient of a hateful phone call full of veiled threats and intolerant opinions. Such is life for a small town journalist.

CAMERON:

I’d probably echo Ben’s comments about some of the uglier comments we’ve received. We try to put forward a good faith effort to engage multiple viewpoints, so it’s a pity that some people feel left out. Then again, you can’t productively engage people who’d rather scream than converse.

Do you have any hopes or predictions for where the Want to win a $50 gift certificate to Reader Eichardt’s Pub? Fill out a brief surwill be at vey on your media usage and you’ll the end of be entered into the drawing. 2016? For the second year, the Reader

Win $50 at Eichardt’s!

has collaborated with SandpointOnline.com and Sandpoint MagaBEN: zine with a short survey about We’ll be right here, doing what we do. I’m the media preferences among hoping that we can inour area residents. Our goal is crease the page count to 24 simply to learn more about so that we can sell more ads and Cameron and I can start what media local residents paying ourselves a decent use and, we hope, glean some wage. I’m also hoping to ideas about how we can make bring on another employee our publications more valto take some of the workuable for readers. load from us, as it’s always a daunting task putting another The survey only has a paper together every week. I dozen questions and takes wouldn’t want to do anything only a couple of minutes else, and I’m eternally grateful for those who have helped the to complete. To be entered Reader become a standard in into the drawing for the Sandpoint. dining certificate, direct your web browser here CAMERON: Well, 2015 was a landmark to complete the survey: year for me in many ways, and as far as I can see, 2016 stands to be even wilder. I can already tell we’ll have no shortage of stories to work on, and I hope we’ll rise to the challenges they’ll present. For now, however, I’m content to be doing what I love in a town I love. Thank you to all the supporters of the Reader. You’ve brought us this far!

www.bit.ly/Sandpoint MediaSurvey2016

STAGE & SCREEN

The Politics of Oscar

By Chris Balboni Reader Contributor

Every year, members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences vote for what they consider to be the best films of the year. This inevitably upsets people, and within hours of the 2016 announcements for Oscar nominations, major media outlets across the country were gathering their annual pitchforks. Even the president of the Academy, Cheryl Isaacs, was disappointed as one of Hollywood’s biggest elephants in the room was put in the spotlight once again: Race. A dearth of non-white nominees isn’t a new controversy to the Oscars, but it’s hard to argue with the fact that, in a year where films like “Straight Outta Compton,” “Beasts of No Nation,” and “Creed” generated heaps of critical praise for black performers and filmmakers, the list of uniformly white nominees in many high-profile categories looks short at best, and racially biased at worst. The perception that the Academy is comprised of old white men is not unfounded: The organization dates back to a time when that very demographic owned most of Hollywood, and while the current roster in not available to the public, research done by the LA Times in 2012 showed that the organization’s by-invitation-only membership of 6,000 is roughly 94 percent white and 77 percent male, with a median age of 62. Recent years have seen a concerted effort at inviting in more gender and racially diverse members, but with only a few hundred invitations per year and membership guaranteed for life, it’s hard to believe the make-up of the Academy is changing at anything short of a glacial pace. Still, finding an undeserving nominee in any major category is impossible with “Mad Max,” “The Revenant,” “The Martian,” “The Big Short,” “Brooklyn,” “Room,” and “Spotlight” all vying for Best Picture. Not only that, but the names nominated for best actors and

actresses, leading and supporting, are some of the most talented players in the industry: Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, Rooney Mara, Kate Winslet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Cate Blanchett, Rachel McAdams, Mark Ruffalo, and many others. If the Academy represents anything, it’s the spine of Hollywood. That spine is at a critical crossroads right now: The worst thing it could do in response to this year’s outcry is to institute a token minority nominee to major categories in the future, further alienating an audience comprised of millennials that don’t care what color or gender characters are, as demonstrated by the attention they’ve given to the increasingly diverse world found in television right now. Yet, the film industry will struggle to stay relevant if it can’t find honest ways to communicate with its audience, and we all know what happens when a major industry all but ignores an audience (R.I.P. major record labels). There’s a balance to be struck, but the Academy isn’t likely to find it until their least relevant

voters finally die of old age, and by then it may be too late. Make no mistake: There are many, many amazing films and performances nominated this year. I’ll watch (secretly hoping for the “Mad Max” win that won’t happen), but will keep in mind that art is forever relevant, not awards. After all, it’s Sam Jackson’s Jules Winnfield that the youngest generation and can quote verbatim, not Martin Landau’s Bela Lugosi.

Jan. 22 @ 7:30pm & Jan 23 @ 3:30pm Panida little theater

“A Cat in Paris” film

A Cat in Paris was nominated for best Animated Film in 2012 and made a huge showing at festivals around the world

Jan. 21-23 @ 7pm

Banff Film Festival World Tour 2016 Banff Film Festival World Tour is back in Sandpoint tickets available in advance for $16 at panida.org

Thursday, Jan. 28 @ 7:30pm

POAC presents Bel Canto opera Jan. 29-31

oscar-nominated films at the panida Oscar Shorts – Animated, Live Action

Feb. 2 & 4 @ 7:30pm, Feb. 7 @ 3:30pm

“youth” film

Feb. 11 & 13 @ 7:30pm, Feb. 14 @ 3:30pm

“brooklyn” film

Coming soon: mustang, lady in the van, the revenant, 45

Matt Damon in “The Martian.” January 21, 2016 /

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FOOD

The Sandpoint Eater Baking Without Borders

By Marcia Pilgeram Reader Food Columnist My first experience with refugees was more than 50 years ago. Just a couple of blocks from my childhood home in Helena, more than a dozen Cuban high school boys were housed in Brondel Hall (formerly the Toole Mansion), and the younger children were placed with the nuns at St. Joseph’s Catholic Orphanage. The most vivid memory I’ve retained is that of the Cuban boys dancing with my sisters and their friends in our basement. Per my suspicious father, I was the 8-year-old chaperone in the corner (it’s no wonder my older sisters resented me for so many years). Weekly, my mother would go to the orphanage to mend the hand-me-down clothes for the young refugees (it would be 20 more years before I learned the reason my mother was so devoted to those children: Along with her two younger siblings, she’d spent three long years at that very orphanage). That orphanage must have felt so foreign to those children. Cuban parents fearing that the Cuban government would take away their parental rights exercised one of the most fundamental human rights: the right to choose how their children would be raised and educated. More than 14 thousand Cuban youths arrived alone in the United States. What is now known as Operation Pedro Pan was the largest recorded exodus of unaccompanied minors in the 16 /

/ January 21, 2016

Western Hemisphere. Approximately half of the minors were reunited with relatives or friends at the airport in Miami while the remaining children spent up to a year in makeshift camps before being relocated to various parts of the U.S. via the Catholic Church network. More than one hundred of them would call Montana home for the next couple of years. My next experience with refugees was with the Hmong in Missoula. These mountain people fled Laos after it fell to the Communists in 1975. I’d see them every week at the livestock auction house, purchasing pigs and heifers for their new settlement in the Bitterroot Valley. Years later I would buy produce or small roasting pigs for my catering business from their growing population. These families were never without all of their children in tow, babies bound to their mothers as they unloaded crates of vegetables, and anyone old enough to walk was stacking neat rows of radishes and baskets of berries at the Missoula Farmers Market. Today they thrive at the market and are one of the largest contributors to the Missoula Food Bank. My daughter Casey is married to John, an Egyptian. The year before the wedding, her future mother-in-law Mirfat came to spend a week with me. In my home, the natural place to build a strong bond is the kitchen, so while she taught me to make Greek yogurt, labneh (cheese from Greek yogurt) and the most savory hummus ever (recipe included), we shared stories of our own youth, our cultures and the dreams we held for our children. I learned that she and her husband fled Egypt primarily for religious freedom. She was so grateful to be in the U.S. that she dressed her two children as little saints for the first year of their lives, which

John labeled “the most awkward family photos. Ever.” Lately, I’ve thought of my own ancestors who fled their homeland to Nova Scotia because mothers were literally watching their children starve to death in Ireland. In the exodus, many of them perished in shipwrecks along the rocky coasts of Cape Breton. I think about the Cuban parents who made the greatest leap of faith ever, handing their children over to complete strangers

to ensure them a better life. I remember the Hmong who arrived in a foreign land without a written language, ostracized by the uninformed, at times even falsely labeled as North Vietnamese trying to infiltrate the U.S. And I can’t help but think of all the young girls in the Middle East who can only dream of raising their own children in peace. With deep gratitude that my own daughters and granddaughters can worship as they

chose, study what they are eager to learn and live their lives mostly free of turmoil, I offer you this delicious recipe for Syrian Spice Cake. Though this recipe originates from Syria, with grated nutmeg from seeds I purchased in Italy, pistachios from California and Mirfat’s homemade yogurt, this recipe transcends borders. That’s food for thought.

Syrian Nutmeg Coffee CakeServes 9-12 This is a delicious treat that can be served any time of day with a nice cup of coffee or tea

INGREDIENTS: •2 cups flour •½ tsp salt •1 tsp ground nutmeg (grind fresh if you have nutmeg seeds) •2 cups brown sugar •1 cup butter •1 tsp baking soda •1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt •1 egg, beaten •½ cup chopped pistachios nuts

DIRECTIONS: •Sift the first 3 dry ingredients into a mixing bowl and add the brown sugar and butter. •Blend until mixture is crumbly. Grease a 9 inch square cake pan. Spoon in half the crumb mixture and press lightly into the bottom of the pan. •In another bowl, stir baking soda into sour cream or yogurt. Mix this into remaining crumb mixture along with the beaten egg. •Pour batter over crumbs and sprinkle with nuts. •Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until toothpick put in the center comes out clean.

Mirfat’s Hummus Serve with pita bread, chips or carrot sticks

INGREDIENTS: •2 cans 15 oz chick peas, drained •2 tbs lemon juice •2 tsp salt •8 garlic cloves •3/4 cup tahini paste •1 cup water

Yields 3 cups

DIRECTIONS: •Chop garlic in the food processor until fine, add all the other ingredients and process until smooth. •Correct seasoning with more lemon juice and/or salt to taste. •Cover and keep refrigerated. •For decoration, sprinkle paprika and drizzle olive oil. Enjoy.

MUSIC

This week’s RLW by Cameron Rasmusson

An evening with the Bel Canto Opera Trio By Dion Nizzi Reader Contributor

A few times a year, the opportunity arises for multiple Sandpoint gems to shine simultaneously. Next Thursday, Jan. 28, the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint gets its opportunity, in conjunction with Pend Orielle Arts Council and the Panida Theater when they present “Dark to Light: The Human Journey,” a dramatic presentation of the human condition brought to life through music, opera and the written word. The event serves many purposes. First and foremost is the opportunity to experience the joys classical music and opera offer. It’s also an opportunity to introduce students to music’s impact on the soul. Yet, as Karin Wedemeyer, founder of MCS and describes it, “This is not your regular opera recital.” The evening features Wedemeyer as performing soprano, Brenda Rutledge as mezzo-soprano and Sandpoint newcomer John Fitzgerald as barritone. Said Wedemeyer, “We’re really excited to introduce this program. We’ve created something really different that incorporates poetry, voice and different aspects of various operas.” “This grew out of the voice department of the conservatory since we’re all opera singers. It came by chance. We were singing at various events, and POAC approached us to see if we wanted to do an opera outreach...if we wanted to put our voices together and produce an opera gala in the community, so we put our heads together and created this program,” she continued. The outreach program is the large part of the evening. “A lot of young singers have had no exposure to opera whatsoever. I think what the human voice can do, in this type of setting, is something they may not have experienced,” said Wedemeyer. “It’s really about showing [students] the end product, and for those who are interested in becoming a part of the conservatory, we’re here to take them on that journey and we’ll be their biggest cheerleaders.” The idea of the performance immediately connected with new MCS teacher Fitzgerald. “I just moved to Idaho this summer in order to teach classical music,” he said. “When I found a conservatory in the middle of northern Idaho, I jumped at the chance to come and audition. Shortly after I arrived, I was asked by Karin to be involved in an opera program and this opportunity

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Given the growing rancor in recent debates about Islam, the thoughtful tone of to outreach. “Islam and the Future of TolerI jumped ance” by Sam Harris and Maaagain. Findjid Nawaz is a refreshing change. ing the right Structured as a dialogue between works for all Harris, an atheist and vocal critic of three voices religion, and Nawaz, a progressive was a really Muslim and anti-extremist, this slim joint effort. book offers a frank, nuanced It was quite analysis of the roots of a lot of fun Islamic violence and to assemble its cultural clashes this concert.” with modernism. “IsRutlam and the Future of ledge has Tolerance” is a quick been with read, but its ideas will the conser- The Bel Canto Trio (from left to right): John Fitzgerald, Karin Wedemeyer,and Brenda Rutledge. Photo by Ben Olson. leave a lasting imvatory for a pression. year. “It’s been so exciting,” she said. ing, death and darkness into an understanding of “We have wonderful musicians at the coming together with all experience and stepping conservatory. It’s been inspirational for Experimental bands face a tricky back into and feeling the light. My hope is, with our students when we share with them prospect when crafting music—get these performances, that people fall in love with the idea that their teachers practice hard too out there, and you risk alienopera.” too. This concert is a chance for them to ating your audience. It’s all the If you’re curious about exactly what this come here and see what hard work can more striking, then, how gracefully the Brooklyn-based Yeasayer has world-class music is about, don’t miss this accomplish in its end form.” mixed electronica, psychedelic rock Caren Reiner is the evening accompa- opportunity. Who knows? There may be a little and world music into something acMozart in Sandpoint who needs to hear what nist, providing the entirety of the music. cessible and compelling. The band classical music and opera can do. She’s excited about the opportunity and has a new project due later this the challenge to make the performance year, but I recommend starting with a meaningful one. “It’s the emotion that The Bel Canto Opera Trio perform at the the sophomore we’re trying to convey throughout this Panida Theater on Thursday, Jan. 28 at 7:30 p.m. album “Odd entire program,” she said. “The music Ticket prices are $10 and $5 for 18 and under. Blood.” was selected for the sole purpose of making it as easy as possible for the audience to understand the concept of the three themes.” Fans of bluegrass and Americana will be Her husband, Mark Reiner will be the pleased this weekend. Di Luna’s Cafe will be The theatrical cut of Ridley “poetic reader” for the evening—a narfeaturing a special concert by Kevin Brown Scott’s 2005 epic “Kingdom of rator weaving the different opera pieces and the Beloved Country at 7:30 p.m. SatHeaven,” a fictionalized account together in a simple and uncomplicated urday, Jan. 23. Brown is well known as the of the fall of Jerusalem to the legway. “My part is to read the poetic piechost of Spokane Public Radio’s “Front Porch endary commander Saladin, failed es. To set the mood for each section, to Bluegrass,” as well as the mandolin player for to leave a cultural impression, and help the people flow through the opera,” the rhythm and bluegrass band Big Red Barn. for good reason: The editing tried to he said. turn a film about religious conflict Tickets $10 in advance, $12 day of show. “The production is called ‘From Dark into a war movie. Thankfully, the to Light,’” said Wedemeyer. “During 194-minute director’s cut returns the opening of the performance, half the the thematic richness and characterstage will be in darkness and performization lost in the editing room. Alers will step into the light at the front of ready a visually beautiful film, the the stage. The lighting will shift as the “Kingdom of Heaven” extended cut mood changes. The first part is called allows its ideas to shine as much as its exotic setting and battle sequenc‘Longing.’ We’re going to have different es. arias that fit with that mood. The point is going to be in how the music and vocals relate to the feeling of longing. The second part of the evening has to to with the mood and concept of ‘Death.’ There is some interaction with the audience, and we’ll be working primarily with the darker areas of the stage. And for our last section, ‘Reunion,’ we are moving from the previous experiences of long-

LISTEN

Americana show at Di Luna’s

WATCH

Crossword Solution

January 21, 2016 /

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w o N & Then compiled by

Ben Olson

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.

The Sandpoint Community Hall, which was the USO Headquarters in 1936. This photo was most likely taken during WWII.

c. 1940s

CROSSWORD ACROSS

The Sandpoint Community Hall today. The logs have been painted and there has been an addition onto the South side, but the building remains largely unchanged today.

2016

Wortdhe of

bellwether

/BEL-weth-er/

[noun] 1. A person or thing that shows the existence or direction of a trend; index. “Nana the bellwether always has knee pain before a rainstorm.”

Week

Corrections: OK, I screwed up last week’s Then & Now. Several people have pointed out the mistake. The street was listed wrong, the angle was not correct, and the Johnson House was mislabled. Let’s just say I had a bad day. Sorry about that folks. [BO]

18 /

/ January 21, 2016

1. Browned bread 6. Fraud 10. Outbuilding 14. Not lower 15. Container weight 16. Game on horseback 17. Cantankerous 18. Killer whale 19. Wreckage 20. Feelings of anxiety 22. Within 23. Tall woody plant 24. Not the borrower 26. Envelop 30. Barley bristle 31. Long-haired wild ox 32. Emanation 33. Chore 35. Chunks 39. Business executive 41. Bottle up 43. Little 44. Sea eagle 46. Exploded star 47. New Zealand parrot 49. Barely manage 50. Equipment 51. Negligent 54. Adriatic resort 56. A Freudian stage 57. A written record 63. Bucolic 64. Expect and wish

Solution on page 17 65. Dining room furniture 66. Lubricate 67. A young lady 68. Negatively charged particle 69. Clairvoyant 70. Beers 71. Speech defects

DOWN 1. Ballet attire 2. Not closed 3. Church alcove 4. Bristle 5. Secret meeting 6. Ceramic ware 7. Lurches

8. Circle fragments 9. Paltry 10. A light shower 11. Hunting dog 12. High society 13. Giver 21. Angry 25. Every single one 26. Pause 27. Graphic symbol 28. Backside 29. Analgesic 34. State of being quirky or bizarre 36. Double-reed woodwind

37. Opera star 38. Celebrity 40. Colors 42. Requires 45. Get worse 48. A breathing disorder 51. Train tracks 52. Provide 53. Perhaps 55. In base 8 58. Agitate 59. Hindu princess 60. Nile bird 61. Raindrop sound 62. 10 10 10 10

If you’re ever giving a speech, when you start out, act nervous and get mixed up a little bit. Then, as you go along, get better and better. Then, at the end, give off a white, glowing light and have rays shoot out of you.

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www.SandpointCountryClub.com January 21, 2016 /

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