12 September 2018 by The Weekly Sun

THE WEEKLY SUN RESPONSIBLE LOCAL JOURNALISM. • BELLEVUE • CAREY • HAILEY • KETCHUM • PICABO • SUN VALLEY • WHAT TO KNOW. WHERE TO BE.

F R E E | SEPTEMBER 12 - 18, 2018 | V O L . 1 1 - N O . 3 7 | W W W . T H E W E E K L Y S U N . C O M

Education News Students With Learning Disabilities To Receive College Entry Support

Community News HarvestFest Will Bring Local Foods To Eateries

Nonprofit News Feastival To Celebrate Harvest Hurrah

“Happiness is the harvest of a quiet eye.” ~Austin O’Malley

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For information about this artwork, see “On The Cover” on page 3. Cartoon by Amy Kurzweil, courtesy of Not OK: Wild West Edition

SEPTEMBER 14-15 Get your German on, Idaho Style!

Ketchum Town Square KetchumOktoberfest.com

Friday 4pm-10pm | Saturday 11am-10pm

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NEWS

IN BRIEF

LEE PESKY LEARNING CENTER LAUNCHES COLLEGE COUNSELING PROGRAM BY HAYDEN SEDER

The Lee Pesky Learning Center received a grant from the Wood River Women’s Foundation to start a college counseling program for those with learning difficulties in Blaine County. Adobe Stock photo

applications, developing study skills, how to continue their system of support, where to apply, and more,” said Johnson. The first of the three modules regards planning and getting started with the college search. Using different tests and interactive assessments, students learn what subjects interest them, what areas of study might further those interests in college, and what careers those interests might lead to. “Students with documented disabilities are entitled to receiving accommodations to support their learning, from having extra time, having a scribe, or assistant technology,” Johnson said. “A lot of the first module considers the students’ needs in relation to learning support, figuring out colleges and what levels of support those colleges offer. It’s about getting to know them as learners and the parameters to think about.” The second module is the real “nuts and bolts” of the college application and college visits. There are organizers and structured tools to help navigate things like the

common application. The third module focuses on developing the tools and strategies that students will need to be successful; like any student heading off to college, this is often the first time that they will be confronted with scheduling their own time, including how and when to do assignments, get a job, go to class, and more. During this first year, Reidy will work with the online program alongside students, but in the future, the Lee Pesky Learning Center plans to give the program to students directly. “Millie will now have another set of tools at her disposal to help lead students and use the program herself,” said Johnson. “The program is designed to work in both ways—for individual students or people who work as high-school or college-specific counselors to support multiple students in the transition to college.” For more information visit lplearningcenter.org. tws

SUN BULLETIN BOARD THE WEEKLY

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My name is Joshua. I am taking new Reiki clients at my new space in the Tranquility wellness center. Call anytime (208) 718-8078 or email me joshuacambrige@gmail.com blessings see you soon.

GARAGE NEEDED Enclosed garage to rent annually, for storage only, never drive, a PT Cruiser from 10/18 to 6/19. Returning to the WR Valley for my 18th year. Have references. Willing to pay full rent up front. Call Jane at 203-561-7027.

KUDOS & SASS Kudos to all the local food producers that make harvest season so enjoyable.

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

HANDYMAN

Jack of all trades. Reliable, insured, clean. Small jobs to large remodel projects, or the “honey-do” list. Call Mark, 208-573-1784.

SAROCA BOAT FOR SALE

SAROCA MEAN SAILS, ROWS & CANOES! INCLUDES: Boat, Boat Trailers, Oars, Paddles, Boom, Mast, Sail & 2 Life Jackets. 208-539-0551

PRICING

tarting with the current school year, the Lee Pesky Learning Center, based in Boise, will implement a new program to help students with learning and attention difficulties with getting into college. The Lee Pesky Learning Center opened in 1997 to help students with disabilities and the families and schools around them to understand and work with those disabilities, both at home and in the classroom. The new program, launching its “beta” year at Wood River High School in Hailey, was made possible with $7,500 in grant funds from the Wood River Women’s Foundation. The program has three modules, which Millie Reidy, WRHS career college counselor, will use to support students with documented learning and attention disabilities who are interested in pursuing college but need additional support. Approximately 25 high school students will participate in this first year, with focus groups—both with students and parents—and analytics being conducted at the end of the year to assess feedback and performance of the program. “I appreciate Lee Pesky Learning Center’s efforts in addressing a need for families and students with disabilities,” Reidy said. “The program has tools like ‘Visiting a College’s Disability Service’ and ‘Time Management,’ which could be very helpful to students and families.” Before the implementation of this new program, the Learning Center provided one-on-one support for those students who reached out to the Center. “In our one-on-one services that we provide with the Center, we’re doing quite a bit of coaching to support students with learning disabilities to successfully navigate the whole college application process and figuring out where to go,” said Evelyn Johnson, Lee Pesky Learning Center scientific director. “One on one is a resource-intensive model and we realized there was a much greater need than just students coming to our Center.” To help navigate the difficult transition from high school to college, the Learning Center set up the new program based on a set of three online modules. “The program is built around supporting students with the very complex and daunting process of college

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WHAT WE OFFER Advancement opportunities and flexible schedules. A generous compensation package that includes medical, dental and vision coverage and a company sponsored health savings account. We also offer, paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays. Oh, and you get to work with a truly awesome team. Pay Rate: $13.00hr (DOE) Schedule: Various schedules available including both full and part-time positions. Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment background check and drug screen. Apply at TheCarPark.com/JoinOurTeam or send your resume to HR@TheCarPark.com

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T H E W E E K LY S U N • S E P T E M B E R 1 2 - 1 8 , 2 0 1 8

HURRY!

THE WEEKLY SUN CONTENTS

The Third Annual TEDxSunValley Conference, featuring ideas worth spreading, will take place Sunday, Sept. 16, from noon to 7 p.m. at the Sun Valley Opera House. For a story, see page 12. Photo courtesy of TEDxSunValley

THIS WEEK

All Inventory 20-50% OFF* Bedding, Toys, Cat Furniture, Crates, Coats & All The Goodies!

S E P T E M B E R 1 2 - 1 8 , 2018 | VOL. 11 NO. 37

Nonprofit News

Hailey Public Library: A Closer Look

Commentary

Calendar

Award Winning Columns, Fishing Report, Guest Commentary Stay In The Loop On Where To Be

ON THE COVER

208.788.7888 131 N. Main St. Hailey

This cartoon will be featured with work from 20 New Yorker cartoonists at an exhibit in Mackay that opens on Saturday. For a story and to view more cartoons, see “Special Feature” on pages 8-9. Cartoon by Amy Kurzweil, courtesy of Not OK: Wild West Edition

*Excludes Food

Local artists & photographers interested in seeing their art on our cover page should email submissions to: mandi@ theweeklysun.com (photos should be high resolution and include caption info such as who or what is in the photo, date and location).

THE WEEKLY SUN STAFF 13 W. Carbonate St. • P.O. Box 2711 Hailey, Idaho 83333 Phone: 208.928.7186 Fax: 208.928.7187

THRIVE GROUP Forming now!

Women’s Thrive Group… is a fun and effective way to establish new direction for the life you really want. Identify personal strength and examine beliefs that move you into a more satisfying lifestyle. It’s easy to become blocked, bored, or drained when awareness or support is low. Make your life count. Women excel through increased confidence and connection while taking personal responsibility for their creativity and choices. Life feels more freeing. Show up for your life in new exciting ways. And live your dream now. • Identify strengths • Integrate success beliefs • Release passion • Clarify your life purpose • Excel at communication

AD SALES Brennan Rego • 208.720.1295 • brennan@theweeklysun.com NEWS EDITOR Dana DuGan • news@theweeklysun.com CALENDAR EDITOR Yanna Lantz • calendar@theweeklysun.com COPY EDITOR Patty Healey STAFF REPORTERS • Dick Dorworth • Aimée Durand • Hayden Seder • Emilee Struss news@theweeklysun.com DESIGN DIRECTOR Mandi Iverson • 208.721.7588 • mandi@theweeklysun.com

Cost: $65/meeting. Contact Christina for free 20 minute interview to learn more about this Forum. Coaching/training tax write-offs offered.

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Offices: Hailey: 101 E. Bullion St. Ketchum: 291 2nd Ave.

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The Weekly Sun staff’s favorite photo will win a $25 GIFT CERTIFICATE to Albertsons Grocery in Hailey. Submission deadline is September 20. Send image to production@theweeklysun.com

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PUBLISHER & EDITOR Brennan Rego • 208.720.1295 • publisher@theweeklysun.com

& ANIMAL

SECTION

T H E W E E K LY S U N • S E P T E M B E R 12 - 18, 2018

PLEIN AIR PAINTERS OF IDAHO Annual Stanley/Redfish Paint Out September 20, 21 & 22 Redfish Lake, and around the Sawtooth Valley September 20 & 21 • 11 a.m. until sunset Paint The Town, in Stanley September 22 • 12 p.m.

Pamela Street (208) 720-6846

NEWS IN BRIEF

Big Wood River Cleanup Day 2018

A Big Wood River Cleanup Day will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15. The Wood River Land Trust, Trout Unlimited, Idaho Conservation League and Environmental Resource Center are supporting the cleanup day to show appreciation for the Big Wood River. Volunteers of all ages and abilities are asked to join in. The cleanup will cover the majority of the river and volunteers should meet at 9 a.m. at either the Coffee Corner in Bellevue, Hailey Coffee Company in Hailey or at Perry’s restaurant in Ketchum. Light refreshments, trash bags and suggested river reaches will be available. The cleanup day will be sponsored by the Wood River Land Trust’s Trout Friendly program, which strives to protect the health of the Big Wood River. For more information, contact Ryan Santo at (208) 788-3947 or rsanto@woodriverlandtrust.org.

NEWS COMMUNITY

HARVESTFEST WILL CELEBRATE REGIONAL FOODS Local Food Alliance raises the local food bar

BY DANA DUGAN

arvest festivals have been celebrated around the world for thousands of years around the time of the harvest moon. Neighbors, families and town folk gather to help reap the harvest and then to enjoy the tastes served up at long tables laden with all kinds of fresh produce and treats. As much a cultural event as a showcase for the work of farmers and cooks, a harvest festival is an annual rite of passage. For the fourth year, Local Food Alliance, a program of the Sun Valley Institute, will present the Wood River Valley HarvestFest, Friday, Sept. 14, and Saturday, Sept. 15. The event has several distinct features: a farm-totable dinner featuring a four-course, 100-percent-local and seasonal meal built around fresh-picked produce, Bellevue-grown grains, pasture-raised meats and Idaho wines at the picturesque Nighthawk Farm in Bellevue. Before dinner, sample hors d’oeuvres featuring locally grown ingredients complimented by cocktails made with local spirits, seasonal fruit and fresh herbs. Mingle with friends and meet the farmers who produce the food. The dinner will come from regional farms such as Agrarian Harvest, Pride of Bristol Bay, King’s Crown Farm, Squash Blossom Farm and Waterwheel Gardens, among others. There are limited tickets available. On Saturday, the HarvestFest in downtown Hailey will be celebrated. “One of my favorite events is the free Family Food Fair and Market at our headquarters at the Wood River Sustainability Center,” said Brenna Partridge, event coordinator. “It will be focused on interactive, educational, family-friendly activities and stations. It’s all about local food sustainability, health and wellbeing.” The free fair will feature Syringa Mountain School’s Family Corral with hands-on and educational activities, which the school calls a “multisensory approach to learning—showing children what they can make with their own hands and some local raw ingredients.” The Family Corral will feature an apple cider press, ice cream making, games, felting and more. As well, Jamie Truppy, an integrative nutritionist, will offer advice, recipes and price ideas for school lunches. There will also be a few vendors on hand, including Julie Johnson of NourishMe and Sylvie Doré of Redwood Fairy, Golden Bees, and Simeroi Springs beef jerky. Pride of Bristol Bay will deliver its Buyers Club catch. Promoting their various and unique programs will be The Hunger Coalition’s Bloom Truck, the Wood River Community YMCA and the Trailing of the Sheep Festival (no sheep on site), along with Atkinsons’ Market, which will have free samples of its Desert Mountain grass-fed beef sliders. As well, there will be regional beer and wine available for purchase or with Taste Tour tickets. The Taste Tour will feature sample dishes outside of 13 different restaurants, including CK’s Real Food, Dang Thai Cuisine, DaVinci’s, diVine Food & Wine, Cowboy Cocina, Jersey Girl, KB’s Hailey, Lago Azul, The Red Shoe, Sawtooth Brewery, The Smokey Bone BBQ, Zou 75, and Hailey Fire & Rescue chicken barbecue in The Mint Promenade. “This is an opportunity to celebrate our local farmers, producers, small businesses and restaurants,” said Amy Mattias, LFA event producer liaison. “We want to get restaurants to step out of their comfort zone, try local food and work with products they’re not used to using throughout the year. We

Chris Kastner, of CK’s Real Food, serves a sausage dish at the Wood River Valley HarvestFest two years ago. Photo by Dana DuGan

have 19 different farmers supplying food that we deliver to the restaurants.” The Taste Tour is also aimed at persuading patrons to request organic and local foods. “We should all be aware of what’s out there and how good it is,” Mattias said. “This year, all the restaurants will get with their produce packing slips with all farmers’ logos and information. This will hopefully enable them to reorder in the future. The goal is to introduce local producers and chefs to the local small farmers.” Among the tastes will be Italian meatballs at new participant Jersey Girl; sea bass from Garden Creek Farms in Challis served at Lago Azul; catfish from Fish Breeders of Idaho in Hagerman, at diVine; and a whole Lava Lake lamb barbecued at The Smokey Bone BBQ. DaVinci’s will have a vegetarian option with Ballard Family Dairy & Cheese’s Halloumi cheese with wheatberries from Hillside Ranch. Lago Azul will also have a vegetarian option with a veggie-stuffed jalapeño pepper, and The Smokey Bone will accompany its lamb with a hearty potato salad. After the Taste Tour, participants will return to the HarvestFest headquarters at the Wood River Sustainability Center for a free street party with music by The Heaters. Select regional wines and local beer will be available for purchase, along with hand-crafted desserts and fresh-brewed coffee by Hailey Coffee Company. Tickets to The Elevated Table and The Taste Tour can be purchased at WRVHarvestfest.org. The 2018 Wood River Valley HarvestFest is sponsored by Wills Toyota, KeyBank, Atkinsons’ Market, DL Evans Bank, Sun Valley Source, The Chamber, Lava Lake Lamb, Pride of Bristol Bay, American Capital Advisory, and Judy’s Design House. tws

EVENT SCHEDULE

Courtesy photo by Michael Edminster

Friday, Sept. 14 – The Elevated Table 5:30-9 p.m. An elegant four-course meal of farm-fresh produce, Bellevue-grown grains, pasture-raised meats and Idaho wines, created by Chef Sean Temple and served by Local Food Alliance Saturday, Sept. 15 – HarvestFest Celebration 3-6 p.m. Free Family Food Fair & Market, Taste Tour ticket pick-up 5-7 p.m. Taste Tour at participating restaurants 7-10 p.m. HarvestFest Street Party with The Heaters

A list of restaurants and their food samples will be available for ticketholders to the Taste Tour. Photo courtesy of Local Food Alliance

T H E W E E K LY S U N • S E P T E M B E R 12 - 18, 2018

NEWS NONPROFIT

Matt and Whitney Gershater oversee both the annual Feastival event and Idaho BaseCamp, a 501(c) 3 organization. Photo courtesy of Idaho BaseCamp

FEASTIVAL IN THE HILLS Family-friendly harvest event to be held in the Pioneer Mountains

BY DANA DUGAN

he 10th annual Feastival, at Idaho BaseCamp, will be held from Friday to Sunday, Sept. 14 to Sept. 16. Idaho BaseCamp, a nonprofit organization owned by Matt and Whitney Gershater, will open its spectacular riverside retreat at 4921 Trail Creek Road for a weekend of comradery, camping, the sharing of food, workshops, and music. Idaho BaseCamp is home to educational programs, summer camps and other community events. “For us, it’s a great way to celebrate the turning of the season and the local food that’s coming out of farms and gardens and to gather with the community before we hunker down before the winter months,” Whitney Gershater said. “Summer is wrapping up. It’s our last hurrah. Come dance, be a part of wonderful people and have a good time.” There will be plenty of free time to hike, fish, play music and congregate, but there are also about five workshops that will be held, including a yoga workshop taught by Alexis Farrell. In a new concept, Sean Parnell will teach dancing on Saturday morning. Other workshops offered will be Settling the Mind: You Must Be Present to Win, with Noah

Adin Koski of Flourish Foundation; A Guided Conversation about White Fragility: Beginning the Process of Anti-Racist Work, with Brenna Cavanaugh-Kwiat; Compassionate Voice Work discussion with Dr. Jody Stanislaw; and Singing Workshop with Cassandra Lewis. Idaho BaseCamp handles a main dish for meals, but otherwise it’s a grand potluck with participants bringing dishes to share along with supplying their own utensils, plates and bowls. Feastival-ites can tent camp on the grounds while campers, vans and trailers will be on the same level as the buildings. There are also places available in yurts and canvas wall tents. There will be live music played throughout the event with such musicians as Trevor Green, Whim Grace, St. Terrible, Cassandra Lewis, Aaron Golay Band, and Simply B. Feastival is for anyone who says “I need to camp more with my kids,” Gershater said. “I need to hear more live music. I need to eat better food. I need to have great discussions and connections and have an uplifted sense of self. The ultimate goal is to have a positive impact on the people who come.” For more information on tickets, accommodations and directions, visit idahobasecamp.org. tws

NEWS IN BRIEF

Sun Valley Half Marathon To Be Held Saturday

The Wood River Community YMCA Half Marathon will be held Saturday, Sept. 15, in Ketchum and Sun Valley. The course will start at 9 a.m. at the YMCA and head south along the bike path before turning left into Elkhorn. The route will then climb over Elkhorn and back down to Sun Valley Road. Then it takes a right turn on the bike path toward Trail Creek and does an out and back before heading back into Ketchum, finishing at Town Square. This year the new course will be chip-timed and will finish at Ketchum Town Square, followed by the Sawtooth Brewery Oktoberfest. Register by Friday, Sept. 14, by calling (208) 727-9622 or visiting woodriverymca.org. The fee to enter is $70.

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Nancy Vandiver Doreen Sadler Gala co-chairs: GALA CO-CHAIRS: Dr. Jody Stanislaw New Orleans Botanical Garden Susan Flynt & Chiyo Parten Nourish Me Elements Salon Pat Bennett Gala committee members: GALA COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Family Wellness Paul Monahan Fashion First Aid Annie Bateman Paula's Formula Sports Carolyn Wicklund Penny Weiss Fuego Cathy Reinheimer Pioneer Saloon Gail Severn Doris Moress Poo Wright-Pulliam Garden of One Thousand Ellen Fastow Primavera Buddhas Jen Smith Pure Body Bliss Globus Julie Potter Rachel Arndt Glow Live Food Laurie Fitzpatrick Rasberry's Food Reverence Grill at Knob Hill Lynda Fredrickson Rick Kessler/Magic Lantern Grumpy's Lynn Whittelsey Theatre Heather Johns Sandra Flattery Ryan Kolquist Heidi Shelton Sharon Heitur /RJK Entertainment Henno Heitur Susan Savage Sally Tibbs & Kevin Kirk Hilarie Neeley/ Sawtooth Brewery Footlight Dance VOLUNTEERS, Volunteers, Sib Hansen Jackie McRoberts underwriters, vendors: UNDERWRITERS, VENDORS: Jake Drummond Silver Creek Outfitters About Face Simply Skin Jeanne Cassell Accord Capital Management Skin Jenni Simpson Armstrong Root Sports Connection John Kearney Jr. Atkinsons' Market St. Francis Pet Clinic John Wolcott Avant Garde St. Thomas Playhouse Jolyon Sawrey B&B Auto Detail Stacey Ward Katherine Pleasants Backwoods Mountain Sports Sun Valley Animal Center Kathie Gouley Barbara Amick Sun Valley Dental/Dr. Brian Kathy Knoble BCRD Galbraith Katja Casson Bellissimo Sun Valley Garden Center Kelle Weston Ben Drummond Sun Valley Resort Kelly Odell Ben Menard Sun Valley Wine Co. Ketchum Auto Bigwood Golf & Grill Susan Sheffield Ketchum Chiropractic Bill Josey Sway Clinic/Dr. Aaron Stern Bob Kesting Taste of Thai Ketchum Ketchum Kitchens Boulder Mountain Clayworks The Cellar Pub Ketchum Lighting Brenda Powell The Kneadery Kimmie Drummond Brennan Group Restaurants The Spot Kristin Fletcher Cascade Mountain Tech The Valley Club La Cabanita Changes Hair Salon Third Floor Salon Lana Silver Cherie Kessler Undercover Laurie Ahern Cristina Cernansky Wood River Sustainability Leslie Nelson Cristina's Center Longue Vue House da Vinci's Yogi Bali Watts Mahoney's Despos Zenergy Mane Muse Dev Khalsa Photography Zou 75 Michel's Christiania di Vine Kat Vanden Heuvel Moss Gardens DJ Nathan Hudson

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T H E W E E K LY S U N • S E P T E M B E R 12 - 18, 2018

THE

NEWS NONPROFIT

HAILEY PUBLIC LIBRARY GROWS WITH COMMUNITY & ANIMAL

SECTION W

Submit a photo of your pet to see it printed in this special section! You could win a $25 gift certificate to Albertsons Grocery in Hailey

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NEWS IN BRIEF

High School Swim Team Competes In Burley

The Wood River High School swim team competed in the Mini-Cassia Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 8, at the Mini-Cassia High School in Burley. There were multiple top-three Wood River finishers. Brenann O’Leary was the lone WRHS first-place finisher, dropping 3.5 seconds in her 100-yard backstroke to do so. Emily Walters saw the best improvement, dropping nearly 7 seconds in her 100-yard breaststroke. Olivia Adams managed to shave nearly 3 seconds off her 100yard breaststroke, while Nick Maumus dropped nearly 2 seconds in his 50-yard freestyle. “This was by far the largest seasonal meet our team has ever competed in,” said Ben Parker, WRHS swim coach. “This meet ran from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., also creating the longest time participating at a meet. While our Wood River athletes gave a strong showing at this meet, the Mini-Cassia girls squeaked by with five points to steal the show. Had our girls’ 400-yard freestyle relay not been disqualified for an early take-off, this meet would have continued the girls’ long winning streak. We only had four boys able to participate in this event and, unfortunately, they were not able to get a top-eight placement in order to score. “Not to be discouraged, we will be back in action this Saturday at the Twin Falls City Pool for the Canyon Ridge Invitational, ready to reclaim our title back on top.”

BY AIMEE DURAND

ell before Ketchum was the destination it is now, or Sun Valley had been “discovered” by Count Felix Schaffsgotsch, at the behest of Union Pacific Railroad, the Hailey Public Library was founded in 1919 by the Hailey Civic Improvement Club. Located in the old Idaho National Bank building, on the north corner of Main Street and West Bullion Street, fire destroyed the fledgling library in 1927. A “Help the Library” fund was soon established, funded by the “Legion Loonies of 1927,” an annual amateur variety show. After the fund and book drives, the Hailey Free Public Library was re-established in an old assayer’s office at the west corner of 1st Avenue North and Bullion Street. Before moving to its current location, in the late 1980s, the library was located, with City Hall, at West Carbonate Street, where The Advocates’ Attic is now. Library Director LeAnn Gelskey knows the library business from cover to cover. She’s been employed there for 18 years, the past eight of which she’s been the director. “I enjoy serving the public and my community,” Gelskey said. Gelskey said the role of the library evolved over time. “It used to be that the library would tell you what you needed,” she said. “Now we are more patron-driven than in years past. Our mission is to provide current, high-interest materials, which we used to order. But now we wait for input from the community to ensure that its of high interest for our patrons.” The library is also connected to other regional libraries and, if a requested book is unavailable in Hailey, a copy can be sent from one of the other affiliated public branches. Gelskey believes the shift came about with the recession in 2008. “People needed an affordable place to go,” she said. “During that time, the library became another place to go aside from work, school and home. “We also began to partner with

other community organizations to provide services such as work programs and computers. We have long partnered with The Hunger Coalition to build literacy and food literacy. Survival during the recession resulted in strength, and beautiful things grew out of hard times.” By law, the library board is responsible for overseeing budgets, policies and the director. The library employs eight staff members, including Gelskey. The board is made up of five residents in Hailey; each serves for a term of five years. There is a currently a board position open and Gelskey hopes someone in the community will apply. After the move from the Carbonate Street location, a group of volunteers formed a nonprofit organization, known as The Friends of the Hailey Public Library, to help support the library’s needs through fundraising and other projects. Since 1994, The Friends have raised $300,000 in funds through community support. The Friends also put on the annual garden tour and the book and bake sale. “The community loves the book and bake,” Gelskey said. “We get so many donations.” Otherwise, the Hailey Public Library funds come from the city’s general fund culled from property taxes paid within the city limits. Other funding for programs and services come from grants and donations. Current programs include preschool Story Time, which meets Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:30 a.m. The In-beTween after-school camp for ages 9-12 meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3:30 p.m. And a new program, Baby Time, is held at 10:30 a.m. on Mondays. Gelskey said the library also relies on its many volunteers to shelve books and aid with youth programs. “There are two in here today, painting,” Gelskey said on Tuesday. “The library would not run without volunteers. This fiscal year so far, we have 439 volunteer hours. With our upcoming renovation, we’ll have many more.” Two years ago, the front of the library was remodeled, and this

The Hailey Public Library is located on the northwest corner of Croy and Main streets. Photo courtesy of Hailey Public Library

year the Children’s Room is also receiving a makeover. “The Community Library in Ketchum is putting in new shelving, so they’re passing on what they took out,” Gelskey said. “It’s new to us, plus we have new carpeting through The Friends.” A unique service is a receipt at checkout that compares savings between library use and if those same items had been purchased. “It costs pennies to the dollar to use the library,” Gelskey said. Another feature is the Express Bag option geared toward busy parents. “We put together a bag of materials,” Gelskey said. “This requires filling out a form and a librarian picks three books for you to grab on your way home.” These services aid the challenge of growth. “We are at capacity,” Gelskey said. “The idea is to get the stuff out. If it is not on the shelf, then someone is reading it.” In a way, the library is a prepaid service for Hailey residents. “It takes a village. If you are not using it, you’re missing out,” Gelskey said. “Libraries give people the opportunity to find jobs, experience new ideas and get lost in wonderful stories, while at the same time providing a sense of place for gathering.” For more information on the library and its programs, visit haileypubliclibrary.org. tws

T H E W E E K LY S U N • S E P T E M B E R 12 - 18, 2018

NEWS IN BRIEF

Medicare Workshop To Be Offered In Hailey

A free Medicare workshop for individuals turning 65 and those approaching Medicare eligibility will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 19, at the Hailey Public Library, 7 W. Croy St., in Hailey. Caregivers and all those interested in learning how Medicare works are encouraged to attend. The workshop will be led by Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA), a unit of the Idaho Department of Insurance. SHIBA presenters will introduce the various parts of Medicare and explain some of the vocabulary associated with the program. Topics to be covered will include timeframes for enrolling in Medicare, enrollment periods for Medigap, Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans, and how the different parts of Medicare work together—and when they don’t. To register for the workshop, please contact the SHIBA office at (800) 247-4422.

Blaine County School District Seeks Volunteers For Various Committees

The Board of Trustees of Blaine County School District is seeking volunteers to serve on three committees: finance, wellness and policy. The board is also accepting letters of interest for the trustee vacancy in Zone 1, which includes areas south of Highway 20 and the Big Wood River, Eest of Highway 75 from the southern Blaine County line to and including Bellevue city limits and south of Muldoon Canyon Road, east to the county line, including the Bellevue Triangle, Picabo, Carey and Yale. Letters should be sent to Clerk of the Board, Amanda LaChance, at Blaine County School District, 118 W. Bullion St., Hailey 83333, or email amandalachance@blaineschools.org. Letters should include the applicant’s physical address, phone number, a statement of interest and a brief synopsis of the applicant’s background, by Friday, Sept. 14 at 3 p.m. Eligible applicants will be interviewed in a public meeting on Monday, Sept. 17 at 6 p.m. at the Minnie Moore Room, Community Campus, where the Trustees will vote to appoint applicants. The term will expire in January 2020. Residents may also apply for the Instructional Materials Adoption Process for English Language Arts. This is a two-year commitment. Applicants should go to blaineschools.org and District Announcements at the bottom of the website to read more about the Curriculum Committee and fill out the form. The deadline is Friday, Sept. 21.

kinds of decent, everyday Idahoans. These are the citizens that government should be on the side of, folks who work hard and play by the rules.”

Hailey Businesses Support Hardworking Students

Domino’s Pizza, Wiseguy Pizza Pie and the Hailey KB’s helped support Wood River Middle School students while they attended a study skills class with donations of food. The students attended the class two times a week, paid for by Blaine County Education Foundation. “Many students need help to learn how to efficiently utilize their time and techniques to help them study,” said Kristy Heitzman, executive director of Blaine County Education Foundation. “This can be from outlining, using flashcards or how to study with a partner. The intent of the club was to help students with class projects, homework and help provide study skills techniques to improve test scores.” All the students successfully showed improved homework, tests scores and overall grades at the end of last school year. “It’s a joy to show our pride and recognition for students making the most of their time to become efficient learners,” said Joe Lamonna, co-owner of Wiseguy. “A little pizza helps to not only feed their bellies, but hopefully demonstrate community support for their efforts.” The three Hailey-based businesses also provide snacks to two other after-school clubs serving more than 45 students.

Boise Mayor Endorses Medicaid Expansion

Boise Mayor Dave Bieter has endorsed Idaho’s Medicaid Expansion, Proposition 2, which will be on the ballot Tuesday, Nov. 6. A year-long campaign by Reclaim Idaho pushed the proposition onto the ballot. “Medicaid expansion does more than save our state money—it saves lives by providing a lifeline to some of the most vulnerable folks in our community,” Bieter said in a press release. “Yet, perhaps more importantly, this issue is about basic human dignity. It’s about who we are as a people, what we stand for, what we are willing to fight for. Idaho’s healthcare coverage gap consists of veterans, single parents, and all

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T H E W E E K LY S U N • S E P T E M B E R 12 - 18, 2018

NEWS IN BRIEF

Small Farm Workshop To Be Held In Twin Falls

The University of Idaho and Utah State University will host a workshop on Small Farm Fruit and Vegetable Production, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Attendees will learn how to improve production practices to increase yields and profits. Register online at DiverseAg.org or contact Andy West, (208) 734-9590, andywest@uidaho.edu, at the Twin Falls County Extension Office. Registration is $20 and includes lunch.

Magic Lantern Fall Film Festival To Begin Friday

Magic Lantern Cinema’s 29th annual Fall Film Festival will begin on Friday, Sept. 14, and will run through Thursday, Oct. 4. The Ketchum movie theatre will screen such flicks as “Leave No Trace,” “Eighth Grade,” “The Wife,” “Yellow Submarine,” “Three Identical Strangers” and “Woman Walks Ahead.” The films will be screened in limited runs and will change the following week to a whole new crop of independent and newly released movies. For movie times, check The Weekly Sun, or mlcinemas.com.

NAMI Endorses Proposition 2 Ballot Initiative

NEWS SPECIAL FEATURE

NOT OK: WILD WEST ED

Exhibit Featuring Work By New Yorker Cartoonists To

BY BRENNAN REGO

ew Yorker cartoonist and Mackay resident Navied Mahdavian will open an exhibit of his own work toonists on Saturday, Sept. 15, at the Mackay Main Theater in Mackay. Mahdavian and his wife, a filmmaker, seek to cultivate the arts in the small town, states a recent Weekly Sun. “Their hope is to bring vibrancy back to the heart of a mining town that was once more than double its c The show will feature work by 20 cartoonists. “Culling through their mountains of rejections, the artists will be eschewing classic urban tropes like s favor of cartoons that will appeal to a rural population—from cowboys and crickets, to cats and coffee (bec funny),” the release states. “At a time when America feels more divided than ever, perhaps comedy can bri There will be an opening reception on Saturday, Sept. 15, from 6-10:30 p.m. with an admission of $10. T Dec. 15.

The Idaho Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) endorsed Proposition 2, the Medicaid expansion ballot initiative. The endorsement was made on Monday, which was World Suicide Prevention Day and also the beginning of National Suicide Prevention Week. If passed, Proposition 2 will provide healthcare for the 62,000 Idahoans who fall into the state’s healthcare coverage gap. “Medicaid expansion is an easy ‘yes’ vote,” said Michael Sandvig, NAMI Idaho president. “It will save millions for the state and bring over $400 million of our own tax dollars back into Idaho in its first year alone.” “For males up to age 44, Idaho is consistently among the states with the highest suicide rates,” said Christina Cernansky, NAMI Wood River Valley executive director. “Several studies have shown that making Medicaid accessible to more Idahoans can help reverse increasing suicide rates. Idahoans would be smart to support the Medicaid expansion ballot initiative.” According to Eric Cawley, NAMI Treasure Valley president, if these same patients were Medicaid-eligible, Idaho could save an estimated $85.2 million over 10 years on behavioral health and $48.9 million on mental health services, for a total of $134.1 million. NAMI Idaho’s mission is to improve the quality of life for all those affected by mental illness through support, education, advocacy and research.

New Health Company Opens In Ketchum

Sun Valley Hydration is a new, intravenous hydration and vitamin therapy clinic based in the Walnut Avenue Mall in Ketchum. Co-founders Ryland Mauck-Duff and Dr. Brent Russell are passionate about health and active lifestyles. Their motto is “Live Elevated, Stay Hydrated.” Intravenous therapy has been proven for over 30 years to improve dehydration, post-workout fatigue, jet lag and hangovers. The intravenous drips are designed by Russell, a board-certified emergency physician, to rejuvenate active/health-conscious individuals. Based in the Tranquility Wellness Center on East Second Street, Sun Valley Hydration offers a variety of drips to rejuvenate active individuals. Intravenous hydration can help improve fatigue, hangovers, headaches, common colds and a variety of other symptoms. They even offer a “Half-Bag” option on their “Drip Menu” for those who just need a little boost in their hydration, vitamins and electrolytes. For more information or to book a session, visit sunvalleyhydration. com or call (208) 309-8079.

Cartoon by Lars Kenseth, courtesy of Not OK: Wild West Edition

Idaho Power Begins Meetings On Long-Range Plan

Idaho Power will begin holding monthly meetings this week as the company develops its 2019 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) — a 20-year plan for supplying electricity to its customers. This will replace the 2017 IRP. A panel of community members who represent customers, environmental interests, industry, regulators and others make up the IRP Advisory Council (IRPAC). The IRPAC works with Idaho Power experts to examine future energy needs and determine the best mix of resources to meet those needs. The first IRPAC meeting for the 2019 IRP cycle begins Thursday, Sept. 13, at 9 a.m. at Idaho Power’s downtown Boise headquarters. IRPAC meetings generally last into midafternoon. They are open to the public. For additional information, and a short video explaining the IRP process, visit Idahopower.com/irp.

National Drive Electric Week Rolls Into Idaho, Oregon

National Drive Electric Week—known as Electrifying America—held Sept. 8-16, is a nationwide celebration to heighten awareness of today’s widespread availability of plug-in vehicles and highlight the benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid-electric cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more. National Drive Electric Week put electric vehicles (EV) front and center at Idaho’s Capitol last weekend, and the EV movement will be on display Saturday, Sept. 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Indian Creek Festival, 120 S. Kimball Ave., in Caldwell. Meanwhile, just down the road, in Huntington, Ore., Electrify America installed a state-of-the-art charging station (powered by Idaho Power) for EV drivers using I-84 between Boise and Portland.

Cartoon by Navied Mahdavian, courtesy of Not OK: Wild West Edition

T H E W E E K LY S U N • S E P T E M B E R 12 - 18, 2018

DITION

To Open In Mackay

k and work by other New Yorker car-

t news release Mahdavian sent to The

current size,” the release states.

subways, rats and tiny apartments in cause some things are just universally idge the gap.” The exhibit will be on display through tws

Cartoon by Drew Panckeri, courtesy of Not OK: Wild West Edition

Cartoon by Navied Mahdavian, courtesy of Not OK: Wild West Edition

Cartoon by Jeremy Nguyen, courtesy of Not OK: Wild West Edition

COMME N TA RY

T H E W E E K LY S U N • S E P T E M B E R 12 - 18, 2018

Fishing R epoRt

COLUMN NO BONES ABOUT IT

SOCIALIZATION – IT’S NOT WHAT YOU THINK

THE “WEEKLY” FISHING REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER 12 - 18, FROM PICABO ANGLER

all temperatures continue this week as the fall hatches pick up steam. The Western Red Quill and Fall Baetis are really coming on strong while we eagerly await the October Caddis and large numbers of Mahogany Dun! Silver Creek is still Hopper paradise in the afternoons when the wind blows. When it is not blowing, the Callibaetis is present in large numbers. This could change as the temperatures fall in coming days and weeks. When this happens, the afternoon activity will switch to the Mahogany Dun. In the meantime, the brown trout are still making an upstream push into ideal spawning areas. This means they are vicious and hungry. It’s a great time to cast Streamers, Mice and huge Hopper patterns. The Big Wood is truly hitting a fall groove as the Western Red Quill makes its appearance in the midafternoon. This large bug brings up some really nice fish—and good numbers of fish! The Wood is also seeing massive hatches of Fall Baetis in the middle of the day. Enjoy the banker’s-hours fishing these days. Let things warm up before you head out. When you feel that evening chill, you’ll know when the fishing day is over. The Upper Lost is fishing spotty. Some fish are being caught, but not in the numbers we saw last month. It’s still a great place to find solitude. If you go, have some Streamers, Hoppers and Red Quills. The Lower Lost is fishing much better than the Upper. Crane Flies, Midges and Baetis are hatching. Hoppers are still effective as well as most micro-Nymph patterns. It’s a great time of year to cast red-colored flies as well. The South Fork of the Boise is still fishing well and is normally an excellent fall fishery. The Fall Baetis here can blanket the river and bring up all the big fish in a run. This hatch normally starts late. After lunch is the norm. Anglers that like chukar hunting will find an excellent “cast and blast” opportunity here when chukar season opens on the 15th. Anglers can hunt the cool morning hours, have a bite to eat, and then head for the river and fish the Baetis hatches until the evening chill sets in. This is a quintessential Idaho day! Finally, don’t ever overlook Magic Reservoir in the fall. The fishing near partially submerged willows and rocks can be offthe-charts good! Happy fishing, everyone!

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

BY FRAN JEWELL

ears ago, most people never bothered with socializing their dogs. As a kid, we never did, and yet our family dog was friendly with people and never ran off to play with other dogs. In fact, we were the only people on our block that had a dog! Now, dog owners have clearly gotten the message that socialization is extremely important to the development of their puppies. Many behavior issues with dogs are often blamed on lack of socialization. What I see is that what should be socialization has become a free-for-all, wild and out-of-control experiences with other dogs that aren’t necessarily positive. Dogs are pack animals. A pack is a clearly defined group of dogs that live together in cooperation for their existence and continuation. It remains consistent with members and relationships that are only changed by death or the birth of puppies. It is not playing endlessly and happily with every dog it sees. In fact, as a pack animal, many dogs are not at all comfortable with unknown dogs. They see unknown dogs as a threat to their existing pack (which includes their people). And yet, we humans are insisting that all our dogs learn to play with all the other dogs they see. We think pack means that they will love all the other dogs on the planet! The reality is that most dogs cannot do this. We humans keep putting them in situations that are out of control and extremely uncomfortable for them, insisting they need to play. We see that as “socialization.” Yes, some dogs can do this, but many more cannot. The more pressure we put on our dog to be in uncontrolled dog-to-dog situations, the more often that goes wrong and what may have been merely uncomfortable feelings become aggression. It is not improved; it is

Well-socialized dogs can control themselves in social situations: they are slow to approach new dogs and do so kindly. Photo by Fran Jewell

worsened. What socialization SHOULD be is a controlled environment where each dog can slowly make acquaintance. No dog should be allowed to run up to another and “mug” the other in the name of being friendly. Imagine yourself in an elevator with all strangers, when three of the strangers put their arms around you, hugging and kissing you! It would be an invasion of your personal space and NOT socially acceptable. “Oh, just let them work it out!” becomes the mantra. That’s not fair, either, for a puppy that has no tools to work it out. Taking puppies to controlled situations where friendly older dogs are on a leash, respecting their owner, will make a lasting positive impression on the puppy. Puppies that learn to sit and wait until they are calm before being allowed to go engage with another puppy will result in a much safer and friendlier encounter.

It is our responsibility to help our dogs feel safe. If we don’t, then chances are they will learn aggressive responses to defend themselves. Doing that means you should learn to read dog behavior without anthropomorphism. Allow your puppy only to play after some protected relaxation so over-arousal doesn’t cloud a friendly response. Teach your puppy or older dog not to mug other dogs. Socialization needs to be safe, calm and with reliable older dogs. If the other dog has no self-control or cannot be controlled by the owner, it is best to keep a puppy clear of those types of encounters. Fran Jewell is an Idaho Press Club award-winning columnist, IAABC-certified dog behavior consultant, NADOI-certified instructor #1096 and the owner of Positive Puppy Dog Training, LLC, in Sun Valley. For more information, visit positivepuppy.com or call (208) 578-1565.

COLUMN SKETCHBOOK HIKING

THE TWINS CAVORT

BY LESLIE REGO

he adolescent moose twins, a male and a female, raced around our yard. They were full of vim and vigor, cavorting and playing tag. I was amazed how the twins could appear so clumsy, yet so graceful at the same time. For their awkward size and shape, they moved agilely. Their long legs covered a lot of territory, and as I watched, huge clumps of grass went flying in all directions. The twins chased one another through the gardens, around and around the trees, stopping quickly, swiftly changing directions, standing their ground and just as quickly starting again when one approached the other. We have “hosted” a family of moose on our property for a few years and have witnessed the maturation of twin babies for several seasons. Last summer the twins were quite young and spent their days with their mother. This year the twins are adolescents and we seldom see the mother. The twins freely roam the property, eating, just as teenagers are wont to do, mammoth amounts as they explore all of our beautiful flowers and special trees. As the twins raced around the yard, the deposit of skin hanging from the neck, called a “bell” or a “dewlap,” swung from side to side. The bell is much bigger on the male than the female and the young bull’s dewlap swung vigorously as he zigzagged through the garden. The bull moose looked rakish. He was running around with one antler missing. The remaining antler was quite small, with only a few points, a clear indication that he was still young. I am not sure why he had lost one so early in the season, as generally the bulls lose their antlers sometime late in the autumn. It made him look lopsided. The front pair of legs on moose are longer than the hind pair, which contribute to the awkward gait. This was evident as the twins frolicked. Their long legs churned through the ground, the knees bending at cumbersome angles. The lanky legs seemed hardly capable of supporting their massive torsos and yet they leaped about, capering through the flowers. Last year, on the day of our youngest son’s marriage, the moose all came. Our son and his bride were getting married in our backyard and it was apparent the moose wanted to participate. They stood alongside our driveway just as the guests arrived. We were not sure if

Leslie Rego, “quick gesture drawings,” pencil.

we should shuttle our guests down the driveway or take our chances with everyone walking. The mother moose and baby twins looked on with unabashed curiosity. Were the moose or the guests more curious? I am not sure! The “kids” had a fun romp through the yard and they certainly released a lot of energy. Later, I saw them resting in the front pasture, tuckered out by the hour’s play. Leslie Rego is an Idaho Press Club award-winning columnist, artist and Blaine County resident. To view more of Rego’s art, visit leslierego.com.

T H E W E E K LY S U N •

SEPTEMBER 12 - 18, 2018

COLUMN LIVING WELL UI-BLAINE EXTENSION TIPS

CRAVING COMFORT FOOD

t’s that time of year when temperatures are cooling down and we start to crave comfort food. Preparing meals ahead of time or planning for quick, healthy and easy recipes will help you get through the fall and winter months and keep you and your family healthy. A little Middle Eastern chicken-chickpea salad with brown rice and tahini dressing will add a new flavor to your dinner table. In this vibrant salad, brown rice is tossed with roasted carrots and chickpeas spiced with za’atar (a traditional Middle Eastern spice blend). On top of the salad is seared chicken and a creamy tahini garlic dressing. Ingredients for the Middle Eastern Chicken-Chickpea Salad (serves 2): • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts • 1/2 cup brown rice • 1 7.75-oz. can chickpeas • 3/4 lb. carrots • 1 clove garlic • 2 Tbsp. tahini • 2 Tbsp. quark cheese or you can substitute with sour cream • 1 Tbsp. za’atar seasoning (ground turmeric, sumac, sesame seeds, ground thyme, salt, whole dried oregano & crushed Aleppo pepper) • 1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar • 1/2 oz. sweet piquant peppers Cooking • Cook the rice • Prepare carrots and chickpeas: • Peel the carrots; halve lengthwise, then cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces. Drain & rinse chickpeas. Roast carrots and chickpeas: • While rice is cooking, line a sheet pan with aluminum foil. Place carrot pieces & chickpeas on foil. Drizzle with olive oil; season

COLUMN SCIENCE OF PLACE

with salt, pepper and za’atar seasoning; toss & coat. • Roast 17 to 19 minutes, or until light browned & carrots are tender. • Transfer the roasted carrots and chickpeas to the pot of cooked rice. Prepare remaining ingredients • While carrots and chickpeas roast, chop peppers. • Peel & finely chop garlic; using flat side of knife, smash garlic until it resembles a paste. • To make dressing, in a bowl whisk together the tahini, quark, vinegar, 3 tablespoons of water, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, & desired amount of garlic paste. Season with salt & pepper. Cook chicken: • Pat dry chicken with paper towels; season with salt & pepper. • In medium nonstick pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add seasoned chicken & cook until browned & cooked through. • Transfer to cutting board Make salad & serve • Add chopped peppers to your pot of cooked rice, chickpeas and carrots; season with desired amount of salt & pepper. Stir to combine. • Slice cooked chicken crosswise. • Serve sliced chicken over salad. Top chicken with some dressing. Serve any remaining dressing on the side. • Enjoy!

For more information visit University of Idaho Blaine County Extension Office, 302 S. 1st Ave., Hailey, extension.uidaho.edu/blaine or call (208) 788-5585. tws

MERGANSERS

BY HARRY WEEKES

am incredibly lucky in that I have access to almost anything I want almost as quickly as I want it. If I order in the next 10 minutes, I can get a pair of sneakers by tomorrow; if I am hungry, the fruits and vegetables aisle alone provides access to a vast swath of the world’s bounty—both its ecosystems and also its cultures; if I want to know the Swahili word for hog, in 0.45 seconds I can find out that it’s “nguruwe.” There are hidden costs for these conveniences, though. The easiest encapsulation of these costs is, quite simply, impatience. The more I train myself to get things now, the more I quickly check my phone to see if someone responded to a text, or to access a funny video, or simply to check the time, the more I want to. The more I need to. An increasingly important element of my relationship with nature is an embedded and necessary patience. Much of nature unfolds relatively predictably—the praying mantises move in September, the seasons come and go, the ground squirrels disappear in August. The nice thing, though, is that very little of this is precise. While I can imagine a certain ceremony around bidding farewell to the geese if they left on Friday, Oct. 12 at 7:15 a.m. sharp, there is also something powerful about not knowing. Each Labor Day over the past several years I have been lucky enough to go to our family cabin with almost my entire family. This year, we went with 14 people and seven dogs. Labor Day always brings cold nights, and this year was no exception. What was exceptional was the clarity of the air. The pre-dawn sky was the color of cobalt, and it was chilly enough that wisps of mountain fog curled off the water, revealing small eddies of wind not evident from the glassy surface of the lake. I sat on the dock with two mini-dachshunds in my lap, reading. There was a low grunt. At the tip of an arrow of ripples cruised a common merganser. And another. Then two more. I immediately romanticize and anthropomorphize all of nature. I imagined this was a small family group, hunting in the late days of summer, mom quietly talking to her kids. The shaggy crests and sharp bills are easy-to-identify field marks. Head up for a moment, then down, face forward into the water,

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) female and four juveniles. Public domain photo, accessed via Wikimedia Commons

moving side to side. The mergansers spend hours each morning minnowing in the shallows off our dock. No sooner are they all there than with a quick little jump each disappears beneath the surface, the water closing in like mercury, erasing any evidence that just milliseconds ago there had been birds. Eventually, they emerge (exactly where is always a guessing game). One after another they pop up, then send out small bird barks and grunts, and move along. I find that when I focus on precisely what I need, it is, unfortunately, exactly what I get. But when I sit, when I am forced into the patience of watching something over which I have little or no control, I realize that natural patience is closely coupled with surprise and serendipity. I don’t know that I would have seen the small tornado-like eddies of the fog, or realized that the light on the wings of fluttering birds is not like anything else, it is the thing. In these moments there is expansion, a wonderful antithesis and antidote to the contraction I can feel at my computer. And to know the bark of a merganser? That’s a bonus I simply cannot get in 0.45 seconds. Harry Weekes is the founder and head of school at The Sage School in Hailey. This is his 47th year in the Wood River Valley, where he lives with his wife Hilary and their three kids—Georgia, Penelope and Simon—a nice little flock.