The River Journal, September 2008

Because there’s more to life than bad news

September 2008

A News MAGAZINE worth wading through

Inside:

• Paddling North America • The REALLY BIG Lake Swim • Scootin’ Sisters • Weeping Tree Farms • Bye-Bye Garwood Saloon • Moms Oppose Herbicides

Plus -

Hiking into the Selkirks

It’s for the Birds, Dentistry in the Third World, Grammar Damage, Local Food, Holistic Approaches to Arthritis, Stories from a Small World and all your favorite writers from the pages of the River Journal.

No Fair Sale

Open Monday through Friday 9 to 5, Saturday 9 to 3 or 4

We don’t do the Fair, but we do the SALE! Save up to $500 on selected stove and fireplace systems in inventory.

1225 Michigan St. Sandpoint 208-263-0502 www.MountainStove.com

Mountain Stove & Spa Don’t Miss an Issue!

Pick it up free at local newsstands.

Or get it in your mailbox, just $37 a year.

Just mail your check to The River Journal, PO Box 151, Clark Fork, ID 83811

Athol- Crossroads Conoco. Bonners Ferry- Visitors Center, Boundary Trading Co., Pacific Far North Outfitters, Larson’. Clark Fork - Hays Chevron, Monarch Market, Cabinet Mountain. North Idaho CollegeStudent Union Building Elmira - the Elmira Store. Heron- the Heron Store.

Hope- Holiday Shores. Naples - the Naples Store. Noxon - Noxon Merc, Big Sky Pantry, Bull River Station Aitkin’s Quik Stop. Plains- Town Pump, the Printery, First Security Bank, Clark Fork Valley Hospital. Ponderay - Babe’s One Stop, the Hoot Owl, Schweitzer Conoco, Bonner Mall, Yokes Fresh Market, the Co-Op. Sagle- Sagle Mini Mart. Samuels- Samuels Service Station.

Sandpoint- Visitor’s Center, Sandpoint Super Drug, Paul’s Chevron, Vanderford’s, Monarch Mountain Coffee, Panhandle State Bank, Waterfront Conoco, Zips Thompson Falls- Town Pump, Harvest Foods, First Security Bank. Trout Creek- Nin’s Local Store, Huckleberry Thicket.

Westmond- The Westmond Store.

Inside this Issue

THE RIVER JOURNAL

2 Paddling North America.

3 The Really Big Lake Swim.

4 Riding into Christmas.

10 CHaFE 150.

11 Mothers Against Herbicides.

12 Weeping Tree Farms.

Last Days of the Garwood 13 The Saloon.

14 Into the Third World pilots his kayak from Saskatchewan to Manitoba.

Dr. Bob Rust

The Long Bridge isn’t long enough for these distance-hungry swimmers. Cindy Aase details an 80-mile relay swim around Lake Pend Oreille Desire Aguirre tells about the Scootin’ Sisters and their upcoming Toys for Tots ride.

The most gorgeous fall mountain biking around can also raise money for early childhood literacy.

Desire Aguirre tells of a group of moms and others concerned about herbicide use in the lake, and offers information about the plan to address milfoil.

Marylyn Cork introduces you

to a beautiful garden in Sagle

Herb Huseland helps say good-bye to an area icon.

Jinx Beshears takes us to Honduras in the company of Mike and Debbie Durnin

In Every Issue:

5 Staccato Notes 9 Politically Incorrect 15 Toons 16 Humor 18 Non-Profits Make a Difference 19 Veterans’ News 20 Small World 21 The Scenic Route 22-29 Outdoors 30 Sports 32 Education 33 Love Notes 35 Technology

37 On the Street 38 Other Worlds 40 Faith Walk 41 The Hawk’s Nest 42 Food 44 Wellness 49 Currents 50 Politics 55 Say What?

56 Book/Movie Reviews 58 The Month in Review 59 The Cheap Seats 60 Obituaries 64 From the Mouth of the River

We take visitors to a variety of places to show off what’s unique about this area - some places are simply for a ‘photo op’ and some are places where we spend more time. See more on page 37

A News Magazine Worth Wading Through -just going with the flow-

P.O. Box 151 Clark Fork, ID 83811 www.RiverJournal.com 208.255.6957 Fax- 208.266.1523 Calm Center of Tranquility Trish Gannon Trish@RiverJournal.com Ministry of Truth and Propaganda Jody Forest- also PROFreader Sales Brian Neitzke 208.290.2006 Brian@RiverJournal.com Dustin Gannon 208.610.5170 Dustin@RiverJournal.com Cartoonists Boots Reynolds, Scott Clawson, Matt Davidson, Jim Tibbs Regular Contributors

Desire Aguirre; Jinx Beshears; Laura Bry; Scott Clawson; Sandy Compton; Marylyn Cork; Dick Cvitanich; Matt Davidson; Duke Diercks; Mont. Sen. Jim Elliott; Idaho Rep. George Eskridge; Lawrence Fury; Dustin Gannon; Shaina Gustafson; Matt Haag; Ernie Hawks; Hanna Hurt; Emily Levine; Marianne Love; Thomas McMahon; Clint Nicholson; Kathy Osborne; Gary Payton; Angela Potts; Paul Rechnitzer; Boots Reynolds; Sandpoint Wellness Council; Rhoda Sanford; Lou Springer; Jim Tibbs; Mike Turnland; Tess Vogel; Michael White; Pat Williams; and Kate Wilson

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.” -Aristotle Proudly printed at Griffin Publishing in Spokane, Wash. 509.534.3625 Contents of The River Journal are copyright 2008.

Reproduction of any material, including original artwork and advertising, is prohibited. The River Journal is published the first of each month and approximately 10,000 copies are distributed in Sanders County, Montana and Bonner, Boundary and Kootenai counties in Idaho. Call 208-2556957 or email trish@riverjournal.com with address changes. The River Journal is printed on 40 percent recycled paper with soy-based ink. We appreciate your efforts to recycle.

Cover photo by Vala Metz The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008 | Page

466 miles of man and oars

Paddling Across Northern America

by Marion Rust Dr. Bob Rust, Sandpoint family physician, paddled his kayak solo from Nipawin (Saskatchewan, Canada), on the Saskatchewan River to Norway House (Manitoba, Canada), on the Nelson River as it drains Lake Winnipeg to Hudson’s Bay. The journey started July 25 and he reached Norway House August 6, covering 466 miles.

Leaving Nipawin, Tobin Lake’s 37 miles were covered quickly, as good weather and minimal waves allowed a straight course, instead of following the lake’s edge, where uncut trees and debris could make landing in a storm very dangerous, if not impossible. Tree removal wasn’t done when Manitoba Hydro’s Gebhardt Dam was built in the late ‘60s.

Putting in below the dam, Rust made another 23 miles before finding a campsite. He reports pulling the boat

4 feet above the waterline. It was just enough, as water release from the dam raised the river 3 feet that night.

The trip’s highlight was receiving a boat visit the next morning with coffee and cookies offered by Rene Cariere and daughter, just after passing their home and cabins at Big Eddy on the Saskatchewan River. Husband Solomon Cariere is a world-renowned canoe racer and hunting guide, currently preparing for the Iditarod dog race next year. Big Eddy is their year-round home, isolated in ice for over six months. At the end of the day, Rust’s friends and drivers, Howard Petschel and Patrick Tormey, were waiting at Cumberland House with a hot meal and soft bed. In each section they would drive ahead, waiting for the tired paddler.

Communication was excellent, facilitated by two satellite phones.

Next morning’s tour of the small Cree Indian town was a disappointment, as far as historical sites. A small cairn is all that

remains of the historic site of Hudson’s Bay Company’s first inland trading post erected in 1775 by Samuel Hearn to compete with Montreal based traders who were diverting the flow of furs from the edge of the bay. David Thompson, fur trader and cartographer, broke his leg at Manchester House on the Saskatchewan River, visited by Rust and Tormey on their 600 mile journey down the river from Edmonton to Nipawin in 2006. From there Thompson was transported by canoe to Cumberland House and nursed back to health by Chief Factor Wm. Tomlinson.

During his recovery, Phillip Turner, trained him in navigation with sextant, which allowed him to map Canada and walls continue the northeastern top of the lake. A man made two-mile channel just past the granite saves travelers another 60 miles to get to the natural entrance to Playgreen Lake. The goal for this day was to get to the end of the spit, but fatigue and a beautiful camp spot on a ledge Continued on page 51

Page | The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008

EAT... SLEEP...

SWIM

Looking for the next big challenge after the Long Bridge Swim, LBS founder Eric Ridgway and friends take on a 150 mile swim relay around Lake Pend Oreille. Meet the Really Big Lake Swim.

You’ve heard some people are born to run, others supposedly are born to boogie, and apparently, as I witnessed July 18 through 21, some people are born to swim. Appealing as a lazy afternoon on Lake Pend Oreille sounds, it puzzles me as to why anyone would enjoy long distance swimming.

While others weed their gardens, or open a good book, perfectly normal summer activities, the “Big Swim Relay” crazies put together another first-ever swim. After spending two and a half days with the swimming enthusiasts, I’m still pondering … why?

Engineering the Long Bridge Swim for 14 years has become old hat to Eric Ridgway, so it was natural that he’d begin thinking ‘bigger.’ Thus was born the Button Hook Bay to Sandpoint City Beach Relay. Yet, even before that first big swim had begun in 2007, Ridgway was eagerly anticipating the next bigger swim.

The relay team included in swimming order Ridgway, newcomer Karen McClelland, Jim Zuberbuhler, Jayne Davis, Courtney Sanborn food coordinator, Eric Mann, Meleah Nelson donations head hunter, Chris Mann, Dave Mann, and our hero, 87-year-old Imre Schmidt. Dave’s duties beyond swimming included manning the safety boat, skippering when needed, and fixing the GPS after someone else touched it. Plus keeping the houseboat skipper (that was me) on course, a full time job in itself.

The ‘Really Big Lake Swim’ began in Hope at Kramer’s Marina, heading south to Button Hook Bay, and then north to City Beach. This is where Imre Schmidt and his lovely wife Anna came aboard for the final leg back to Hope. The event was designed for a certain distance, not for speed, so the team of swimmers mercilessly dogged the kayakers and captain to take a dive too. Both Dan Krabacher and Scott Rulander did jump in, most likely to get the others to give them back their kayak. However, the

by Cindy Aase

skipper remained attached to her wheel for dear life, threatening to head to shore at the first opportunity for escape.

This much longer trek proved to be a little more challenging than the previous year’s big swim. They were faced with an intimidating 80-mile course, according to the GPS navigational wiz Dave Mann.

Dave was quick to point out, “If you stick to the predetermined course, go off the course and you’re cheating!” This later remark became Mann’s comic mantra during the successful swim.

Ridgway giddily volunteered to be first in the water for the historical swim, with Meleah as his safety kayaker; they set off at 8:08 pm Friday evening into a glorious, photo op sunset. The swimmers soon discovered that Big Pend Oreille can be full of gusto as the first relay transition put Karen into choppy water that quickly turned to large, rolling three- to four-foot swells.

Safety Kayakers Dan, who put in huge hours during the night portion of the swim, and cinematographer Scott, taking the early morning shift, both said they much preferred riding the swells in their trusty kayak over tossing back and forth in the mothership. The swimmers loved their safety kayakers, calling them their heros. Although after a long stretch at paddling Scott sleepily remarked, “No more safety kayaks, safety last,” before passing out in his sleeping bag.

The first night tested the entire team as the relentless Pend Oreille tossed the houseboat, generously donated by Chet and Terri Whitney, making sleeping on board impossible and staying on the ever-important GPS line a challenge.

Meleah held cabinet doors shut, while the safety boat was quickly untied and driven ahead by Dave and Chris in rough waters. Eric Mann took the wheel, while the other Eric attempted to sleep but ended up laughing in his sleeping bag as he was helplessly tossed back and forth across the top deck.

One huge wave finally opened all the cabinets, catapulting their contents, as the fridge door simultaneously flew open.

Shrieks could be heard as food collided with walls. This came to be known as the horrible pickle incident of 2008. Motion sickness overtook those first upon the scene of the spill, Cindy and Karen, as they swamped up salsa and pickle juice.

The front deck became a popular place for those in need of fresh air.

Later, as the full moon came out from behind the scattered clouds and the Green Monarchs stood silhouetted in the night, everyone seemed to get their sea legs and the swimmers their stride.

The long night turned into a spectacular sunrise as sleepy swimmers continued through their cycle. Always ready for their turn, helpful with their teammates, ever cheery, and enthusiastic, and playful.

Eric M. teased the “Big Swim” could be called the “Big Ordeal.”

“Is it cold, do I need my wet suit? How was it?” were questions often repeated as the next swimmer readied for their plunge. Plus any number of quirks, “keep swimming, your time’s not up, go ahead, take my turn,” all yelled in fun.

With questionable weather, an exploding fridge, a second night a near repeat of the night before, plus a threehour power failure, everyone remained positive, good humored and excited.

Even the sleepless managed their turn in the water. Each swimmer with their own style, stroke, and speed, plus quirks, were very entertaining for those of us watching.

Jane Davis liked to lead the houseboat.

“Follow me,” she waved while staying on course. “My husband set the course and I can change it!” she hollered.

Karen, ever helpful on board, proved herself to be not only a strong and long haul swimmer, but could turn across the boat’s bow and head for shore quicker than anyone. Luckily as funny as that was to watch, we didn’t let her get away with it.

Continued on page 36

The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008 | Page

Get Your Motor Runnin’ Scootin’ Sisters are workin’ on Christmas in September

Get on your motorcycle and join the Scootin’ Sisters for the first Toys For Tots Ride on Saturday, September 27 at 9 am. The 60-mile ride begins at May’s Honda, at the intersection of 30 Gun Club Road and Hwy. 95 in Sagle. A band will play at Duke’s Cowboy Grill, where lunch, chili, cornbread, brisquet and coleslaw will be served. The event costs $20 plus two new unwrapped toys and includes a ride pin, bandana, breakfast, lunch, door prizes and raffle. The Sisters are working with the Lion’s Club, and all proceeds will help raise money to make sure every child in Bonner County has a special Christmas this year.

What a diverse, loud, wild and crazy bunch of ladies! The Scootin’ Sisters, an all women motorcycle club, formed in 2005 with four gals. Currently, the gang consists of 28 women ranging in age from 35 to 67. These girls ride Harleys, Hondas, Triumphs, Yamahas and BMWs. They name their motorcycles, have biker nicknames, and carry pictures of their mounts in their wallets. When they’re not cruising on their bikes, they drive buses, make quilts and stained glass artworks, work in medical offices and for the city of Sandpoint.

“The only requirement,” said Colleen Ankersmit, “is that you have an inny, not an outie, and a motorcycle.”

Crystal Closson, aka “Butt Fast,” the first Scootin Sister, got the idea for the club when she met some other women motorcyclists at Eichardt’s.

Closson said she started riding a Harley in her twenties. She stopped riding to raise a family, and after the kids grew up, she and her husband, Tim, bought a set of bikes so they could do something adventurous together. When Closson isn’t driving a school bus, she rides a 2006 Harley Davidson Soft Tail Deluxe named Lilly Belle.

Dale Snipes, “Goldwing Gal,” 67, rides a brand new 2008 Honda Goldwing trike. Growing up, Dale rode horseback with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, who she is named after. When she’s not riding her bike, Snipes writes, designs and publishes fishing and motorcycle cartoon books with her husband, Wally Snipes.

Chris Owens, one of the newest members, said she started riding a dirt bike when she was eight years old.

“I rode on the back roads and in the fields,” Owens said. “I jumped on a street bike in high school and have been going ever sense.”

Today, Owens rides a 1999 Custom Shadow. She worked for Woods Meat Packing for ten years, and then changed gears and became the Executive Officer of the Panhandle Building Contractors Association.

One of the original four members, Donna “Rude Girl” Foord, 53, a physician’s assistant, doesn’t look like the biking type.

Quiet and dignified, she weighs in at 125 pounds and rides a VTX1300R Honda named “Rea” (as in rea fast, rea fun, rea smooth, rea comfy). Foord purchased her first bike in 2002.

“In the fall of 2002,” Foord said, “I took the STAR (Skills Training Advantage for Riders) program. Two weeks later I was headed down 101 on my motorcycle.”

The Scootin Sisters have already rounded up several sponsors for the Toys for Tots Ride. They will accept raffle items, door prizes and monetary contributions until Monday, September 8 to ensure that sponsors’ names will be printed on the ride bandanas. Each raffle item will have its own container so that people can put their tickets in the cans for the items they really want to win. For more information, call Colleen Ankersmit at 208-290-6221, Crystal Closson at 208290-3508, or Donna Foord at 208255-9586.

-By Desire Aguirre South Sandpoint location. Cute 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in south Sandpoint just blocks from Pend Oreille Lake and located on a corner lot. Single level home with trek deck in front. Great neighborhood with easy access to the Long Bridge. $199,921 MLS#2083869

Carol Curtis 316 N. 2nd Avenue, Suite A-1 | Sandpoint, Idaho 83864

(208) 255-2244 | (888) 923-8484

Page | The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008

SEPTEMBER

STACCATO Notes Jackie Greene September 5 The “Prince of Americana” plays at Sandpoint’s Panida Theater at 8 pm. Tickets are $18 advance, $20 at the door.

208-263-9191 www.panida.org

SUNDAY

MONDAY

1

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

The Panida Theater hosts the Schweitzer Lakedance International Film Festival featuring over 47 narrative, animated and documentary films.

Workshops also available. lakedance.com

THURSDAY

3

4

10

11

8

9

14

15

16

17

21

22

23

24

28

29

30

Idaho State Draft Idaho State Draft Horse & Mule Int’l Horse & Mule Int’l Panida Annual meeting

September 10 - 14

2

School starts in Bonner Co.

7Pend d’Oreille

Winery Harvest Party. Outdoor movie at Spt. City Beach 7:30 pm

Lakedance

Harvest Party

September 6 & 7 Pend d’Oreille Winery hosts a grape-stomping competition, cork-spitting contest, food sampling, wine tasting and winery tours. Live music on Saturday includes the Monarch Mountain Band and the Phlogisticonics .

On Sunday, the musical group Tennis will perform from 2 pm to 4 pm.

Visit www.POWine.com for details.

208-265-8545

Schweitzer Lakedance International Film Festival

Schweitzer Lakedance International Film Festival

Schweitzer Lakedance International Film Festival

18

Idaho State Draft Horse & Mule Int’l

25

Idaho State Draft Horse and Mule International September 18-22 Bonner County Fairgrounds. Performances on Friday, Sept. 19, at noon and 6 pm; Saturday, Sept.

20 at noon and 6 pm, and Sunday, Sept. 21 at 12:30 pm General Information at 509-928-2239 or idahodrafthorseshow.com

FRIDAY

5

SATURDAY

6

Duke Robillard at DiLuna’s in Sandpoint. Jackie Greene at the Panida.

Pend d’Oreille Winery Harvest Party

12

13Schweitzer Lakedance International Film Festival, Trout Creek Car Show, CHaFE 150

19

20 Idaho State Draft Horse & Mule Int’l, Hot Club of Spokane at Panida, MMC Antique & Tag Sale

Schweitzer Lakedance International Film Festival

Idaho State Draft Horse & Mule Int’l

26

Barefoot (bluegrass band) at Panida

27

Scootin’ Sisters Toys for Tots Ride

31 Karla Peterman is the guest speaker for the general meeting of the Friends of the Library to be held September 4, at noon. Karla will discuss her work on five short films made last year and her current effort, Return to Sender. This film was chosen as one of the films debuting at the Schweitzer Lakedance Film Festival held at the Panida Theater. Karla’s interests in filmmaking lie in production management, casting and directing.

She is currently working on a full-length documentary and on a short film highlighting Sandpoint community members and their pets. We invite your attendance.

The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008 | Page

Page | The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008

STACCATO Notes Of Festivals and Fairs September

REGULAR MEETINGS

THE KINNICKINNICK CHAPTER OF THE IDAHO NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY | 208255-7928 The regular monthly meeting takes place at 9:45 am on the fourth Saturday of every month at Sandpoint’s Community Hall. Visit www.NativePlantSociety.org for information.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS | 208-2632740 Every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday at 7 pm at Sandpoint’s Gardenia Center, located at 400 Church St. NAMI FAR NORTH |208-597-2047 Meets regularly on the third Wednesday of every month in the classroom at Bonner General Hospital in Sandpoint, ID. Meetings begin at 6 pm; refreshments are served.

SANDPOINT FARMER’S MARKET | FARMIN PARK IN SANDPOINT Open every Wednesday 3-5 and Saturday 9 to noon CLARK FORK FARMER’S MARKET | ANNIE’S ORCHARD, HWY 200 | 208266-1245 Every Sat 9 am to 2 pm Homemade baked goods and local vegetables.

Local Farmers and Vendors welcome THOMPSON FALLS FARMER’S MARKET| MAIDEN LN/LINCOLN St|406-8273559 Open Saturdays 10 am to 2 pm through September 13 and on Wednesday, September 10 from 4:30 to 7:30 NOXON’S WEST END FARM AND CRAFT MARKET | BICENTENNIAL PARK | actmargaret@blackfoot.net Last day is September 6 from 9 am ‘til noon.

- a time of hot days and frosty nights, the diesel growl of school buses, frosty noses at football games, hot cider and harvest. Wave the kids off to their first day of school (and watch out for those school buses!) and then kick off the month with at downtown Sandpoint’s DiLuna’s Cafe on Friday, September 5. Nominated as the “Best Blues Guitarist” by the Blues Music Awards, Robillard is helping DiLuna’s celebrate their tenth anniversary. Tickets for the show are $20 in advance and $23 at the door. Like all DiLuna’s concerts, doors open at 5:30 for dinner and the music starts at 8 pm. Call 208-263-0846. If the blues are not your style, head over to Sandpoint’s Panida Theater that same night for “the Prince of Americana,” , performing at 8 pm. Tickets are $18 in advance, $20 at the door and you can call 208-263-9191 for information. The following two nights you won’t want to miss Pend d’Oreille Winery’s annual Join in the fun with the grapestomping competition and the cork-spitting contest, sample food, taste wine and take a winery tour. Live music begins on Saturday, September 6, with the Monarch Mountain Band from 2 to 4 pm, and the Phlogisticonics from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. On Sunday, September 7, the musical group Tennis will perform from 2 to 4 pm. Call 208-265-8545 for details. On Sunday night (September 7) at 7:30, head over to Sandpoint’s City Beach for a free, , a kick-off for the .

“The General” is fun for all ages. Then, from the 10th through the 14th, the Panida Theater continues the festival with narrative, animated and documentary films. There are over 50 international independent films and 30 separate events. Visit www.lakedance.com to learn more. On September 13, the Panhandle Alliance for Education hosts the , a longdistance bicycle fundraiser. Visit www.chafe150. com for more information. Then on September 18 through 22 it’s time for the at the Bonner County Fairgrounds! Events include halter classes, barrel racing, driving teams, log skidding, horse braiding, conformation and pulling contests.

See the website at www.idahodrafthorseshow.com for schedules. Finally, on September 26, take in the indie acoustic bluegrass band at Sandpoint’s Panida Theater.

Sponsored by the Pend Oreille Arts Council, the music starts at 8 pm.

Duke Robillard

Jackie Greene

Harvest Party.

movie

outdoor Schweitzer Lake Dance Festival

CHaFE 150

Idaho Draft Horse & Mule International

Barefoot

STACCATO Notes Scweitzer LakeDance Film Festival at Sandpoint’s Panida Theater

The Film Festival by the numbers:

47

independent, international films will be shown.

30 3 40 11 13 2 38

Number of years the festival has been ongoing. events take place during the four-day festival.

businesses sponsor the event

countries are represented by filmmakers in this year’s event.

filmmakers hail from Idaho. workshops are available for would-be filmmakers.

The dollar price for an admission ticket to one film block.

PANIDA GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

The Panida Theater Board of Trustees will hold its annual general membership meeting of the Panida Theater Committee on Monday, September 22 at 7 pm on the Panida stage.

The agenda includes a brief summation of the year’s events, progress made on building upgrades and the Little Theater, the year-end financial report, and election of two new board members.

The meeting is open to anyone who supports and/or attends events at the theater. Volunteers are encouraged to make an appearance so that the Panida can take this opportunity to acknowledge and recognize them.

Refreshments will be served.

Call 208-263-9191 for more information

REGULAR EVENTS

WINERY MUSIC PEND D’OREILLE WINERY | 220 CEDAR ST IN SANDPOINT | 208-265-8545 Live music at the winery on Friday and Saturday nights. (Note - no music during the Festival at Sandpoint) For August: Justin Landis (2nd) Bridges Home (22nd) Shook Twins (23rd) Emily Baker (29th).

SUMMER SOUNDS AT PARK PLACE POAC SPONSORED EVENT | CORNER OF FIRST AND CEDAR NOON TO 2 PM Takes place every Saturday at Park Place in Sandpoint.

In September: Charlie Packard & Jessie Harris (6th) Last concert of the season. Concerts are FREE ARTWALK II On display through September 8. Over 25 gallery locations. www,ArtinSandpoint.org JAZZ PIANIST DI LUNA’S | 207 CEDAR ST IN SANDPOINT | 208-263-0846 Bill Reid performs at Di Luna’s Cafe every Sunday afternoon at 2 pm MOVIES ON THE MOUNTAIN SCHWEITZER | 208-255-3081 Every Friday night at dusk the community is invited for free outdoor movies at Schweitzer Mountain Resort.

TWILIGHT BIKE RACES Schweitzer | 208-255-3081 Every Wednesday at 4 pm. Course changes weekly. Includes kids’ races and after-event parties.

FIVE MINUTES OF FAME | CAFE BODEGA IN SANDPOINT Open Mic for prose, poetry, music and improv on the third Wednesday of every month at 6:30 pm. All ages welcome. 504 Oak St.

Head out to the Clark Fork Library for their first ever “Media Swap.” Bring your lightly used DVDs, VHS movies, CDs, Cassette tapes, computer and/or video games to the library on September 5. Then return on September 6 to trade for an equal or lesser value.

Call 208-266-1321.

The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008 | Page

211 Cedar St. Sandpoint, Idaho (208)263-3167 800-338-9849

cmbrewster.com • cmb@netw.com

Beautiful filtered lake and mountain views from this secondary waterfront lot at the Cape Horn Estates gated community. Enjoy the community beach or drive just 3 miles to Bayview for easy access to the lake. Lot adjoins National Forest on north line for hiking and more expansive views. Community water system and utilities are at the lot line.

Custom log home on 35± acres of remote mountain forest land. 1800± sq. ft., open floor plan, vaulted ceilings, granite counters. 2-bay shop w/ room/studio above. New state-of-theart solar system, automatic backup generator.

Big waterfalls cascade down year-round trout stream. Borders state land.

$79,000 Tom Renk MLS#2081285

$449,000 Tom Renk MLS #2083819 $329,000 Tom Renk MLS#2083086

Major waterfront property near Sandpoint! Gorgeous 32± acres approx. 1,160 feet frontage on Pend Oreille River. Mostly level & forested, many big trees. County road frontage, beautiful bldg. sites in big trees beside the river, sandy beaches. Great opportunity!

$2,195,000 Tom Renk #2081369

Want to become more self-sufficient? This 16± acres has it all! Main house is bright and cheery 3BD, 2BA custom home with passive solar design, vaulted ceiling, country kitchen, wrap-around deck, large garden, greenhouse, and orchard. Added bonus is attractive 2BD, 2BA modular home with large deck, currently rents for $700/mo. Easy access to Hwy. 95.

Sunnyside Peninsula! 28 forested acres, 3 BD, 1BA log home, rock fireplace, lots of windows.

End of road setting includes barn, outbuildings, fruit trees, garden, Schweitzer view, year-round spring & pond, several clearings, and large trees. Close to lake access. First time on market in 35 years!

$249,000 Tom Renk MLS#2081282

Spectacular 180° views of Clark Fork River, Lake Pend Oreille, and mountains from this quality log home on 20 acres. Cozy 2000+ sq.ft. home has 2BD, 2BA. State-of-the-art solar power system for comfortable off-grid living. Good well, sunny garden, landscaped yard, garage/shop, outbuildings. Visit the Virtual Tour at CMBrewster.com

$795,000 Tom Renk MLS#2080503 $545,000 Tom Renk MLS# 2081916

Contemporary 3-story frame house has fantastic mountain & river views from decks & large windows. 3BD, 2BA home has living areas on two floors, large country kitchen, tile counters, custom cedar interior, 2-car garage/ shop, orchard, garden, and 2 seasonal creeks.

Wooded 6.9± acres adjoins public lands with miles of trails for hiking/biking.

$399,000 Tom Renk MLS#2080064 $379,000 Tom Renk MLS#2082438

Enjoy panoramic views of Lake Pend Oreille!

Two great view lots, for a total of 3.22 acres, on Lakeshore Drive, just 10 minutes from Sandpoint. Wooded parcels have a cleared building site, with community water system and utilities nearby. Less than 1 mile to public waterfront access at Springy Point.

This is a beautiful piece of property, one of the few large parcels with county road frontage.

Enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys from upper meadows.

55 acres includes several meadows, beautiful woods, southern exposure. It’s away from highway and railroad noise. Power and phone on site.

Cute & comfortable modular home, great floor plan and bright, cheery interior. Fireplace, vaulted ceilings, lots of kitchen cabinets, and nice deck with hot tub. Lovely views of Lake Pend Oreille from house and deck. Private setting with nice trees. Less than 10 minutes to Sandpoint and less than 1 mile to public waterfront access at Springy Point.

$249,000 Tom Renk MLS#2081264

40 acres with spectacular Pend Oreille River views! Remote mountain getaway has varied forested terrain with small cabin and travel trailer, developed spring, septic and drain field.

$139,999. Tom Renk MLS #2082367

Large, hard-to-find acreage above Bayview with wonderful views over Scenic Bay, Lake Pend Oreille, and the surrounding mountains!

37 acre piece includes a beautiful forest with large trees and several potential building sites. Both power and phone are on adjacent properties. Easy access, less than ten minutes to the lake at Bayview.

$375,000 Tom Renk MLS#2081129

Need to re-tool your business?

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This unusual squeeze has presented a difficult challenge for many businesses. The good news is that as business owners you can do something about it. It’s called retooling your business, not only to survive the slow down, but to position your business for growth when the recovery comes.

To assist you, North Idaho College’s Idaho Small Business Development Center will be presenting a unique workshop this fall for business owners and leaders who want to gain skills to take their businesses to the next level.

Entrepreneurial Leadership Training I is a nine-month workshop combining monthly business training with two hours of confidential business coaching each month. It is designed to help owners gain deeper insights into critical success factors for their businesses. Participants’ learning process will be ramped up as they share this experience with twenty plus other business owners. In addition they will receive coaching assistance in developing clear goals and strategies, as well as for implementing them for success.

Topics covered will include goal setting and planning, target marketing, sales, cashflow management, operations, management, financial management, budgeting, managing growth and more.

Entrepreneurial Leadership Training I will be held on the first Tuesday evenings of the month from October 7 through June 2 at the NIC Workforce Training Center in Post Falls.

To qualify, the business must be in operation for at least one year and to facilitate candid sharing only one business will be admitted per industry segment.

Entrepreneurial Leadership Training - $495 October 7 through June 2

Cozy home is set in beautifully landscaped grounds on 5.75 acres with the feel of a private retreat. A paved driveway leads to the house set above the Kootenai River. Enjoy river views from house and yard. Outbuildings include shop/garage with studio above, small barn, and storage shed. This is a special place!

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See our Virtual Tours at

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Politically Incorrect

By Trish Gannon “So, what’s it like to live in Idaho?”

I’m sure I’m not the only person who hears that question, and my friends who live in Heron, Noxon and beyond likely get much the same, with only the name of the state changed.

Here’s my answer - it’s great. It’s the best place in the world to live.

Does that mean it’s perfect? Well, not really. For example, I read in the Bonner County Daily Bee the other day that Idaho residents are among the highest taxed people in the United States - only 12 states pay more in taxes. In Idaho, the article said, we pay 10.1 percent of our income to state and local taxes. This kind of goes hand-in-hand with Idaho residents also being among the most underpaid workers in the U.S. - at an average per capita income of $36,500 a year, only eight states have residents who make less. (See note at end.)

Man, I wish I made $36,500 a year.

But I digress.

So part of what it’s like to live in Idaho is to make not very much money, and to pay a bigger percentage of it in taxes, which kind of makes you want to say, “Well, duh!”

Think about it. Say it costs $1,000 to build a mile of road. (Okay, in reality that pays for about an inch of road, but this is a hypothetical here.)

I make $36,500 a year in Idaho, and my brother makes $100,000 a year in California. Guess who’s gonna pay a bigger percentage of their income to build that road than her brother will?

As for those low wages, I gotta ask ya - just where can any of us get off bitchin’ about it? Those of us who moved here knew coming in we weren’t going to make the same kind of salary we’d make elsewhere, and those who were born here always have the option of leaving for a place where they can make more money.

There’s yet another facet to that calculation, and that can be covered under the term “economies of scale.”

Go back to the $1,000 road. If I live on a road with three other people, my share of building that road will be $250.

But if 250 other people want to live on that road (well, 249 plus me to make the math easy) my share of the cost of that road drops to four dollars.

So which road do you want to live on?

Personally, I think one of the great things about living in North Idaho is only having three other people on the road so again, who am I to bitch about my taxes?

By the way... if you’re wondering what per capita means in a state with a large Mormon population, refer back to the previous paragraph on economies of scale.

Then I read in Dave Oliveria’s blog (www.spokesman.review.com/blogs/hbo) that gas prices in Idaho are 26 cents a

Email: Trish@RiverJournal.com gallon higher than the national average and that gas tax receipts are down.

So in Idaho, we pay a heck of a lot for gas, and somehow people are managing to buy less of it.

I think they must all live in Boise.

The reality here is that you drive a lot if you happen to live out of town. That’s because it’s too far to ride a bike (at least, too far for those of us who aren’t bicycle enthusiasts, and/or don’t have an extra four to eight hours in our day for that kind of commute).

In North Idaho, our only public transportation is the school bus and, in an area where people have such diverse destinations, carpooling is what we call it when we stand on the highway and stick out our thumb. My gasoline bill each month is higher than my house payment; that’s because my bank, grocery store, business contacts (for the most part) and significant other all live in Sandpoint, a cool 28-plus miles from my home in Clark Fork, which is right about where I want it to be.

On a brighter note, living in Idaho means living with wildlife, including many species that most Americans will never see outside of a picture in a magazine. And we don’t have to head up into the woods to see them all - many animals are happy to visit us in our own backyards, especially if we forget to cover up the garbage. Right here in my yard in the heart of town (okay, Clark Fork only has 500 people, but it’s still a town) I’ve had deer, elk, moose and raccoons the size of a cocker spaniel.

I’ve seen cougar tracks near the creek that’s just 100 yards away, swerved to miss both bear and bobcat on the highway (not to mention those insanely suicidal deer), and watched bald eagles circle around my property.

In the summertime I can jump in the big lake to cool off, or into one of the numerous small mountain lakes or streams that abound here; or I would if they weren’t so cold. I bless those long, summer days, when the sun stays out ‘til long past my bedtime, because there’s so much to do and lots of daylight to do it in. In the winter I can throw on skis or snowshoes and head out into a quiet so pure I can sometimes hear God talking to me. Come fall I wear shorts in the daytime but have to throw on a jacket at night if I plan to stay up late and watch the meteor showers come falling down around me. In both spring and fall I revel in the late afternoon thunderstorms but in the springtime, I must admit, I’m generally stuck in a couple of feet of mud, which at other times of the year I call my driveway.

What’s it like to live in a small town in Idaho? Well, most everyone knows who you are and what you do and there’s not

much that can be considered a secret, which is a blessing for the most part, especially if you’re raising kids. (The kids don’t always think it’s a blessing, of course.)

Most of the time (this is not an exaggeration) when someone calls here with a wrong number, I know the person they’re trying to reach and can give them the correct number to call. Even though I haven’t been on a party line for almost 20 years.

A lot of people up here, especially if they have kids, practically work a second full-time job as a volunteer for various things, on top of their full-time job as a wage-earner, and despite all that work they still don’t have an awful lot of money. That’s because money is not their primary goal in life and that makes for a good community to live in.

In fact, the only downside to life in Idaho I can see is too many people I know have or have had cancer. We’ve got an awful lot of it up here, more so than any of our neighbors around us, and as soon as I finish researching why that is, I’ll share those reasons with all of you.

That’s cancer in the body, though it’s not cancer in the soul, which is what I’ve seen in so many other places.

Idaho - and Montana right next door to us - is changing as people around the country come to visit and find out this is the kind of place where they’d like to live. It’s yet to be seen whether we will successfully incorporate these newcomers into our communities, allowing these areas to grow while maintaining all that makes this one of the “last, best places” on Earth to live.

I hope we manage to do it, so that 20 years from now I can write about what it’s like to live in Idaho, and find that it hasn’t really changed. Except maybe I won’t be spending quite so much on gasoline.

By the way, there’s no such thing as “average per capita” - see Grammar Damage on page 34. I think the Bee meant per capita alone as per the Tax Foundation report. The Bureau of Economic Analysis for 2007, however, says our per capita income was $31,197.

The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008 | Page

Riding for Literacy CHaFE 150 takes place the second weekend in September

Registration is open for the CHaFE 150, which premieres on Saturday, September 13, on a nearly 150-mile loop route from Sandpoint, Idaho, through northwestern Montana and back to Sandpoint. This first annual ride is limited to just 250 entrants, accepted on a firstcome basis. Registrations are now being taken online at www.chafe150.org.

Notwithstanding the double meaning of “chafe� for such an ambitious ride, CHaFE stands for “Cycle Hard For Education.� The event is being staged by the Sandpoint-based Panhandle Alliance for Education. All money raised by the The 150-mile route of the CHaFE 150 ride for education will take participants ride is earmarked for a new program to through the scenic Bull River Valley on Hwy. 56, shown in its fall spendor in this support early childhood literacy, with the photo by Randy Beacham. goal of providing young kids a successful as it winds on smooth pavement through parking, change areas and showers, and start in school – and in life.

Though the distance is challenging, lake and river valleys in the frontal ranges we are aiming for the best food you’ve ever had on a ride.� the stunning CHaFE route poses no of the northern Rocky Mountains.

The route starts in Sandpoint and The Friday registration reception will major uphill climbs or mountain passes heads east along the picturesque include hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine, and northern shore of Lake Pend Oreille and at the finish there will be entertainment, into Montana. Riders then head north beer and snacks. The $120 registration through the scenic Bull River Valley at the fee includes dinner at one of several base of the rugged Cabinet Mountains, fine restaurants in Sandpoint. The ride then west following the glacial-green will conclude with music, beverages and Kootenai River to Bonners Ferry, and snacks at the start/finish staging area on finally south back to Sandpoint. the Coldwater Creek campus.

Organizers are gearing up to provide All proceeds will go to an early an event that will match the quality of the childhood literacy program for families in route and the scenery. “Our goal is to the Lake Pend Oreille School District of support riders in the fashion to which they northern Idaho. In 2006 over 44 percent would like to become accustomed and to of entering kindergartners in Lake Pend cater to their every need,� says CHaFE Oreille schools were below proficiency chair Brad Williams, himself an avid for their age group. Research shows that cyclist. “Our start/finish area has great children who begin kindergarten behind in reading skills and math stay behind throughout their public schooling, yet the state of Idaho provides no funding for early childhood education.

J?C8;H <H7C;I Yp &ROOLQ %HJJV CHaFE will fund a program called Ready! For Kindergarten to provide families with knowledge and educational materials to prepare their young children A Design Build Company for school at a cost of $240 per family EC8?D?D=Ă 7JKH;Â&#x2026;Ă 7D:MEHAÂ&#x2026;Ă Â&#x2122;Ă >;Ă H7<JĂ H7:?J?ED â&#x20AC;&#x201C; compared to the $8,000 per child per year cost of special education once children are enrolled in school.

Lewis added that you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be a rider to support the cause. Anyone who would like to donate to the early childhood literacy project or to volunteer with the ride can call or e-mail. Contact for more information Lewis at 208-290-7148 or by e-mail at Feij E\Ă&#x201C;Y[ 8en *&( IWdZfe_dj" ?ZW^e .).,* (&. (,+Ă&#x2026;*/.( ride@chafe150.org

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Page 10 | The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008

For mothers and others concerned about herbicide use, a ray of hope - the county task force is committed to an integrated management plan

Sandpoint Mothers for Safe Water, a group of over 200 local mothers and fathers concerned about the herbicide applications used in the lake to treat milfoil infestation, are actively seeking information for themselves and the community on the potential effects of herbicides. They are advocates for safe drinking and swimming water for everybody.

The group invited Caroline Cox, a research director at the Center for Environmental Health, a foundation working to eliminate the use of synthetic chemicals, to speak at Sandpoint’s Community Hall last month. Cox has a master’s degree in entomology from Oregon State University and she volunteered to come to Sandpoint free of charge.

“The most important thing,” Cox said, “is I’m a mom. I’ve had the privilege over the last 15 years to read and study the hazards caused by herbicides. I’m just the messenger.”

Cox gave a presentation that listed ten reasons not to use herbicides in the lake.

Cox stressed that finding ways to recreate a healthy lake, such as having boat wash stations and repairing septic systems, is more beneficial than using herbicides to destroy milfoil.

“System management, rather than species management, should be the focus,” Cox said.

Milfoil, the invasive weed eating our lake, originally came from Europe and Asia. It was introduced to the United States as early as the 1940s. People used milfoil in aquariums for decorations, and when they got tired of fish in a glass, they often dumped the works, allowing the milfoil to migrate into area water sources.

It was also brought as ship’s ballast from Europe. Milfoil reproduces rapidly and will infest an entire lake. Fragments of the plant break off, float to other areas, sink, and start fresh growths. A new plant can start from a very tiny fragment. Boats most often carry the scourge, successfully transplanting it in each area they travel to.

Because it came from Europe and Asia, there are no local species that eat it to keep it in check.

The draft Strategic Plan for management of Bonner County’s aquatic invasive species warns, “Due to escalation of aquatic invasive species spreading in the west, Bonner County is in danger of losing

the aesthetic beauty, wildlife habitat, and recreational attributes of its waterways.

If left untreated, the

dens e s t of these invasive species (currently), Eurasian watermilfoil, can eventually blanket boat launches, severely impact the fishery, and impede swimming areas, which could prevent many recreational uses and reduce wildlife habitat in or near the waterways.”

Brad Bluemer, Bonner County weed department supervisor, said the county started applying 2,4-D and Sonar in 2001 on a 5-10 acre area of the lake.

“We had very little money at that time,” Bluemer said, “and we applied small amounts around boat docks and inlet areas to prevent the spread of milfoil. That was done each year until 2006, when we got funding.”

In 2006, state representative Eric Anderson helped craft House Bill 867 to appropriate funding to address milfoil infestation. That summer, the county treated almost 3,000 acres of lake and river. In 2007, Bluemer said they did not get funding to herbicide the river, but that 1,700 acres of the lake received treatment.

This year, the county is covering 3,000 acres with 2,4-D, Triclopyr, Diquat and Endothal.

Bluemer said that after this year, the county would have employed $5 million worth of herbicides. “Currently, the state of Idaho’s eradication funds for Eurasian watermilfoil are pretty much all the county has to address aquatic weeds.” There are fairly limited parameters for this funding (has to be for eradication, not much in the way of prevention/education, no personnel time, and no research projects.) So herbicides have been the de facto tool of choice.

“We need a broader range of streams of funding,” explained Kate Wilson, chair of the county’s Aquatic Invasive Species task force.

“I’m not sure we’ll ever eradicate (watermilfoil),” Bluemer said. “They found it in Montana, and it will continue to feed into our system. My personal goal is to get the milfoil under control so that we only have to apply a minimal amount of herbicide every year.”

Bluemer said the amount of 2,4-D applied to the lake poses no health risks at all.

“I wouldn’t be afraid to swim in it,” Bluemer said. “There’s no swimming restrictions because the amount used isn’t that strong. You don’t drink it or irrigate it according to the restrictions posted. At the levels it is in the lake, a person would have to drink 500 gallons a day (to be harmed).”

The chemical 2,4-D is used to battle a variety of obnoxious weeds on land as well as in the water. Cox said that in 1987, 1997 and 2003, the U.S. used 33 million pounds of 2,4-D a year.

“If 2,4-D was really working,” Cox said, “you’d expect to see less of it used over time.”

Cox said that herbicide exposure is all around us. In 2006, the U.S. Department of Agriculture tested a variety of fruits and vegetables. They found 70 percent of the produce tested contaminated with at least one herbicide, and about 40 percent tainted with more than one herbicide.

Herbicides are also found in the air and water. Cox states the U.S. Geological Survey has found herbicides in one or more water samples from every stream tested in 50 river basins. Half of the samples detected 2,4-D. According to monitoring studies of air compiled by the U.S. Geological Survey, 60 percent of the air samples were contaminated with 2,4-D. [Ed. Note: See box regarding studies] Continued on page 48

The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008 | Page 11

Weeping Tree Gardens

by Marylyn Cork “One is nearer God’s heart in a garden than anywhere else on earth.”

This quotation from Dorothy Gurney pretty much sums up the philosophy of most gardeners, I suspect. Certainly myself.

While I labor long and arduously at my own attempts to beautify my surroundings, I don’t have the artistic eye for flower gardens—or the financial resources—of my longtime friend, Dianna May. Nevertheless, I keep at it because I truly love flowers. And sometimes I even sneak off to Dianna’s Weeping Tree Garden just off Dufort Road, Sagle, for the inspiration and that wonderful “all’s right with the world” feeling that people like me can find only in gardens and nature.

I’m not sure Diane (as her friends call her) ever gets to enjoy her masterpiece in the same way others do, as she’s so busy taking care of a total of about two acres of landscaped property surrounding her lovely home. She’s planted flowers, trees, and ornamental grasses just about everywhere there’s soil in which to grow them. That includes, along with the her fenced garden, her yard, borders around her husband’s shop, and a strip of land running alongside a long driveway.

She says, though, pointing to a bench inside the fenced enclosure, “I do (take time to enjoy it), when I’m on my breaks from working out here.”

She claims to have about $200,000 invested in her landscaping if one considers the cost of the two wells and the piping that deliver water to all those thirsty growing things.

She sells cut flowers all summer long at Sandpoint’s Farmer’s Market, but adds, just a bit indignantly, “To the IRS it’s a “hobby garden,” so I can’t deduct any of the expense.”

Dianna’s Weeping Tree Garden is located on what was once a 360-acre hay and strawberry farm just off the Dufort Road near Sagle, about 16 miles from

Sandpoint. On the little plot of land she and her husband have retained after selling off the rest over the years, Diane estimates she has at least one thousand different families of perennials growing under and around shrubbery and trees. Not all of the trees, many of which bloom, are weeping varieties, and many are quite rare.

Unusual varieties include a contorted white pine; bristlecone pine; yellow-tipped and Montgomery blue spruce; silver-tipped weeping spruce; Eastern weeping white pine; and a weeping Japanese pine, among others. A rare larch tree died from some unknown reason this past winter. She left it in place, and “I’m now trying to train clematis to grow up around it,” she said. A Zebra pine, with long green needles striped with a yellow line down the middle, also died. “Gophers ate off its roots,” Diane said. “It’s a challenge to garden in this climate and with all the wildlife.”

She also has what she calls “fancy” lilacs, such as a Russian double that “starts out lilac and turns white,” and a Sensation that blooms purple with a white edge. She calls it “the prettiest.”

There are bulbs by the thousands: among them daffodils, narcissus, long rows of fragrant hyacinths, lilies, etc., and some 50 different gladioli corms. “I always need more glads for my dahlia bouquets” (which she sells,) she explained. This summer Diane has planted the strip of land along the driveway with 150 hills of 200 different kinds of dahlias in 100-foot rows.

She used an inheritance from her father, the late John deMattos of Oroville, Calif., to establish Dianna’s Weeping Tree Garden in 1992, hiring a professional to construct waterfalls, three Koi ponds and a fountain that are “all joined together by a ‘river’.”

The water feature operates year-round with the fish surviving North Idaho winters by “hiding underneath the big waterfall,” she said.

The system has a biological filter, a skimmer and four pumps. One pump delivers 4,000 gallons of water per hour throughout the whole pond system, and sends water to a filter box behind the big waterfall. A 2,500-gallon auxiliary pump fills out the large waterfall and circulates the water. The middle waterfall has a 2,500-gallon per hour pump operating it, and a 900-gallon per hour pump runs the fountain.

This summer a new drip irrigation system delivers water to her trees and plants. She says she’s not adding any more of either except for the glads and dahlias that are her big sellers.

Knowing her well, I’m not sure I believe her.

Her explanation for so much time and labor devoted purely to cultivating beauty? “My husband is a workaholic so I’ve become one, too,” she said, “And I like to garden.”

Although her father’s bequest initially funded Dianna’s Weeping Tree Garden, she says her love of flowers was passed on to her by her mother. Knowing that her parents were Portuguese by ethnicity and lived in a prime agricultural region in California, I asked her if her father was a truck gardener. She replied, laughing, “Actually, he was a Portuguese plumber.” She said he earned his living doing hydroelectric work in big tunnels.

Diane doesn’t confine her love of flowers just to growing them either. She’s currently learning Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, is studying to be a flower show judge, and always exhibits and works in the flower department at the Bonner County Fair. She’s also a member of the Bayview Garden Club.

Her husband, Carl, mows the lawn for her, she said, but is otherwise involved more or less on the periphery of Diane’s passion for growing things. He is the owner of May’s Honda Sales on Highway 95 at Sagle. The two of them celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in June and have lived in Bonner County since 1964.

Although the cost of gasoline has curtailed driving for most of us, Dianna’s Weeping Tree Garden is one of the sights close to home that locals can afford to visit this summer without its costing a fortune. She gives tours and welcomes the public, “but people need to call ahead,” she said.

Page 12 | The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008

Bye-Bye Garwood Saloon

by Herb Huseland

The Garwood Saloon had been in existence for so long, nobody still alive remembers when it first opened. Recently bought by the Idaho State Department of Transportation for a new highway project, this icon closed permanently July 30. The riding arena next door closed in 2005.

Wayne Darwood and his wife, Darralyn, were the owners for the last 23 years. They enlarged the old place, then built the riding arena that bordered the Saloon on the south. Situated on Highway 95 and Garwood Road, it became a police magnet for potential DUIs. Not to be deterred, Wayne set up RV parking so guests could party all night, then crawl into their rig without the fear of being arrested, or worse, killing themselves or others on the highway.

A gigantic barbecue out back signaled the goodies the guests were to experience at the last hurrah for this long-term saloon.

As we walked through the door we were greeted cheerfully by bartender, Tina Miller, who scooped up an ice cold MGD with my name on it. Not wanting to be churlish, I humbly accepted the brew and started circulating the room. Introduced to owner Wayne Darwood, I took in the most recent history of the place.

Much like the Snake Pit on the Coeur d’Alene River, the current liquor license is an historical one. In Idaho, liquor licenses are not issued to businesses outside incorporated cities, unless they are waterfront resorts, or historical. Several years ago violations of bootlegging laws were flagrantly violated in the more secluded areas. In order to better control liquor sales, the state passed a law that issued licenses to those businesses that could provide evidence that a bar or saloon had existed for at least 75 years. That license, issued to the Garwood Saloon, is over 23 years old, suggesting it might have been in existence since the turn of the previous century as a logger’s hangout.

In the 70s, real cowboys hung out there, as there were many ranches still operating in the area. The Garwood burned down in the early 70s. I remember dropping in for a beer back in, I think, 1972. Then it was much smaller. It was rebuilt, but current folks don’t remember the names of the owners, other than the

ones preceding Darwood were “Deb” and “Sam.” Wayne showed us around, and explained that about twice a year, he would throw a free barbecue for his friends and customers, which actually were one and the same.

Visiting with the friends and relatives that showed up for the final shindig, we noticed a preponderance of older people present. Ted Prewitt, grizzled horse rancher from Twisp, Wash. was there, spinning tails of his roping days.

When a cowboy was spotted, they didn’t just dressed the part, they were people who raised livestock and harvested their own hay, for the most part.

Denny Middleton and his band prepared to play one last gig at this historical place. Denny is known far and wide for his magical fiddle playing. The odor drifting up from the BBQ became overpowering as the chef, Herman Froelich, opened the cooker, revealing perfectly prepared pork loin. Time to... ‘er... pig out. A trestle table appeared bulging at the seams, full of beans, potato salad and much more. We paused for the cause.

Asked what they were going to do when the doors closed for one last time, Wayne replied, “Were gonna head for Fargo, North Dakota to see our son, then who knows where. Probably Arizona in the winter.” He went on to say, “We like having our freedom, but we’re going to miss this place and every one of our customers.” They will undoubtedly catch some rodeos, as Wayne and several other relatives and friends were retired rodeo performers. Darwood’s, specialty was roping, as was his buddy from Twisp, who was visiting for the last time.

Garwood Saloon, one of the last of the old-time “Road Houses,” will be missed.

Herb Huseland is known as “Bayview Herb” by fans of the SpokesmanReview’s “Huckleberries Online,” (www. spokesmanreview.com/blogs/hbo) and of Herb’s own “Bay Views” blog (www. bayviews.blogspot.com). A periodic columnist for the Spokesman Review, we look forward to seeing more of Herb’s offerings here in the River Journal.

Are you an ‘old bar’ fan? Visit our website at RiverJournal.com and take our poll to vote for your favorite bar of the past.

Lightning Creek Trailer Park & Mini Storage • Mobile Home Spaces • Boat & RV Storage • Large & Small Storage Units 5x10 • 8x10 • 10x10 • 8x16 10x20 • 10x30 Pamela Schenck and Russell Schenck, Owners

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Re-Elect

George Eskridge Representative District 1-B

Your voice in the Idaho Legislature Infocntr@lso.state.id.us

It’s easy to make promises in an election campaign—it’s harder to stand on your record. I’m proud to say that standing on my record is something I’m not ashamed to do.

When North Idaho voters sent me to Boise, I didn’t go with my own agenda—I went with YOURS. I have worked hard to remain accessible to the residents of North Idaho, and to represent fairly your interests. I have kept an open communication link that allows me to let you know what’s happening down south, and allows YOU to tell me what you want. And yes, there have been times when the wisdom of our North Idaho residents has led me to change my own opinion on issues coming to a vote before the Legislature. I’d be honored to continue to work on your behalf, and would appreciate your vote this November. Thanks for reading! George

Democracy is not a spectator sport. Please exercise your right to vote.

Paid for by the committee to re-elect George Eskridge. Verna Brady, Treasurer

The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008 | Page 13

Mike & Debbie Durnin On a mission in the third world

By Jinx Beshears

What began as a simple mission trip has turned into a new way of life for the Durnin Family.

Originally, Dr. Mike Durnin and his wife, Debbie, just wanted their teenagers to understand what life was like in a third world country, so they would understand and appreciate all the opportunities they were given. Now, they go to the small bay island of Helene, in the Honduras, several times a year to bring dental services to the people there.

This small island has no roads, no power and the dental clinic brings their own generator to the mission. The mission itself brings clean water to the islanders. Dr. Durnin takes dive tanks and portable equipment to run the dental clinic, and even bring their own chairs.

While they are there for a minimum of two weeks at a time, the impact they have on the island is huge. Helene has a strong sense of community already and they are learning through this mission’s program to become cleaner and stronger.

Dr. Durnin’s girls were immediately impressed by the children’s happiness at simply finding an empty water bottle to play with - toys are not commonplace among them.

On an island with a population of just 800 to 1,000 people, they see an abundance of islanders during their stay of all ages. However, you see the passion in the Durnin’s eyes as they speak of the island’s children.

It takes 45 minutes to ride from the airport to the boat that will take them to Helene, and another hour boat ride in a very tropical climate to actually make it to Helene. The mission in Helene has also been teaching two of the native girls to clean teeth, and one of them is making plans to go to dental school.

While the Durnin’s trips are mostly self funded, local Sandpoint dentists contribute a great deal of supplies; last year one trip around town to the dentists netted over 300 pounds of very needed dental supplies. One patient of Dr. Durnin collects teddy bears of all shapes and sizes for the children who attend the dental clinic on the island, which is a cause for great excitement among the kids there.

Now plans are underway for a new clinic at Guanaja, another bay island in the Honduras, with a larger population than Helene. Guanaja was leveled 10 years ago by hurricane Mitch, leaving nothing in its wake but devastation.

Dr. Durnin and Debbie visit Helene through Alternative Missions, a nondenominational group that pioneers and runs ministry projects in various countries.

To learn more, visit their website at alternativemissions.com.

When asked what he was most impressed with about the people on Helene, Dr. Durnin shook his head and said, “They have nothing but each other. They have no worldly goods, most have no education, but these simple people are happier than nine out of ten people you will ever meet in America.”

Owner Michael Richardson (right) is an ISA Certified Arborist with a Forestry degree, as is his new climber, Mike Plunkard (top). Richardson offers 25 years of local experience in all aspects of tree tending. His service includes every kind of tree trimming, removals, view clearing, hazard mitigation, fire prevention, brush chipping, stump grinding and forestry consulting.

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Page 14 | The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008

humor An Irish Ghost Story

Somehow this gentleman holding a spot in line at August’s Festival at Sandpoint doesn’t seem to be quite “all there.” Captured the funny side of life in a photograph? Send it in! Email your photos (highest possible quality please) to trish@riverjournal.com.

Matt Davidson

This story happened a while ago in Dublin, and even though it sounds like an Alfred Hitchcock tale, its true! (Well, no it’s not, but don’t they all start out that way?)

John Bradford, a Dublin University student, was on the side of the road hitchhiking on a very dark night and in the midst of a big storm.

The night was rolling on and no car went by. The storm was so strong he could hardly see a few feet ahead of him. Suddenly, he saw a car slowly come towards him and stop. John, desperate for shelter and without thinking about it, got into the car and closed the door... only to realize there was nobody behind the wheel and the engine wasn’t on.

The car started moving slowly. John looked at the road ahead and saw a curve approaching.

Scared, he started to pray, begging for his life.

Then, just before the car hit the curve, a hand appeared out of nowhere through the window and turned the wheel. John, paralyzed with terror, watched as the hand came through the window, but never touched or harmed him.

Shortly thereafter John saw the lights of a pub appear down the road, so, gathering strength, he jumped out of the car and ran to it. Wet and out of breath, he rushed inside and started telling everybody about the horrible experience he had just had.

A silence enveloped the pub when everybody realized he was crying and.... wasn’t drunk.

Suddenly, the door opened, and two other people walked in from the dark and stormy night. They, like John, were also soaked and out of breath. Looking around, and seeing John Bradford sobbing at the bar, one said to the other...

“Look Paddy... there’s that fooking idiot that got in the car while we were pushing it!”

The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008 | Page 15

Page 16 | The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008

It’s warm outside, but the breeze coming off the lake keeps the air crisp.

Lake Pend Oreille is glassy and flat, the wind only causing the slightest of ripples in the water. I am fishing today, anticipating catching the “big one” off of Captain Ken’s Seagull Charters. It’s been almost two years since I have been aboard and I have been practicing my fishing skills, patiently waiting for the day to come when I could board his boat and land the mighty finned wonder that will amaze and captivate my companions.

My fish is out there - my skin tingles at the idea of my fish, I can feel him and I am one with the fish.

Cocky Captain Kirk the Kokanee: There they are, sitting high on that Seagull Charter boat, floating above us like they own the water. They think they are really smooth, think they can toss out a little sushi and my Kokanee crew and I will come swimming out and fall for that old routine, hook, line and sinker. That won’t happen, though; we are smarter than the average fish and we can definitely outsmart the average fisherman. Even though Capt. Ken and I have had this grudge a long time, Captain of the Deep vs. Captain of the Boat, he will not prevail. He may try daily, tossing his colorful lures out, but I am quicker than his lines. Besides, I am protected on this lake.

Captain Ken: “Fish on! Grab the pole, okay, grab BOTH poles! Fish on again!” Captain Ken jumps wildly from the port side to the starboard side he describes himself as a finely-tuned gazelle. I describe him as a crazed seaman, with eyes glazed over as the two Mackinaw are hauled in simultaneously by inexperienced fishermen Stacey and Levi Servis. “Good job,” Captain Ken praises them, gloating over them the way you would a small child who has just gone potty by himself. I mean, Stacey is 26 and Levi is only 8, but Captain Ken was overjoyed with their success, just 10 minu t e s into the

Jinxed fishing adventure.

Stacey: “Whew, that was a workout.

I definitely want to do that again!”

Stacey exclaimed, her voice quivering with excitement. Stacey was trying not to jump up and down in her bragging.

“Now THAT was a big fish!” I was pretty sure unless another fish was caught, we were bound to hear about the size of her fish the rest of the day.

Levi: Levi’s face lit up with the joy that only comes when a young man lands his first big fish. “What kind of fish did I catch?” he questioned Captain Ken with boyhood innocence. Captain Ken explained to him that both he and Stacey had caught Mackinaws and they were bounty fish, fish that were the focus of elimination in Lake Pend Oreille and by catching them, he was helping save the Kokanee.

Mackinaw Merlin: “Wow! Look at this here big ole hoochie skirt just a swimming along the shelf! Yummy!”

Gulp! “Oops, bad idea! Captain Ken must be in the water with another group.

Maybe he won’t recognize my markers denoting me as Merlin Mackinaw.

Maybe there is an off chance that he will think I am a Kokanee!”

Banjo: “Batter up! You are invited to dinner, Merlin!” Captain Ken had already taught Banjo the fine art of head bashing the fish to put them out of their misery. I think Banjo may have enjoyed it a bit much, though, and suddenly he was no longer just “uncle” to Levi, but Uncle Head Basher. Banjo looked down at Levi and grinned wickedly. “It’s hammer time!”

Jinx: I am next on the list to catch the fish. My excitement mounts as I feel the tug on the line, knowing that the great Walter of “On Golden Pond” and the infamous Catfish Hunter of “Grumpy Old Men” would hold no candle to the fish on the end of my line. The great fish pulled and I fought back. Pull, reel, pull, reel... I knew I had an enormous catch and I wasn’t about to stop until it was in the boat. I know women aren’t supposed to sweat, but if I were to be honest in my fishing tale, I was sweating profusely with the effort of this catch. Then, almost next to the boat, my heart racing, breathing hard with exertion, the fish spit at me. The nerve of the slimy beast! It had escaped.

Levi looked at me with an impish grin, “Shoulda let me do it!” I stomped off to the bench to console myself momentarily.

“Stupid fish,” I thought. “Dumb, stupid dork fish!”

Unknown fish: “Ah ha! She sure

by Jinx Beshears thought she had me in that net! I guess I showed them what a real fish is made of. There is more to me than just fins and gills. Though I was momentarily tempted by the lure, in the end my good sense got me out of another “hoochie skirt incident!” Darn those hoochies!”

Captain Ken: “It’s okay, Jinx.” Captain Ken tried to make me feel better. “I will change that hoochie skirt to another color, the fish seem to be biting the green and blue today.” Hoochie skirt? For a minute I was confused and immediately I had to ask, “Exactly what is a hoochie skirt?” Captain Ken showed me a lure that looked similar to a plastic squid with the Seahawk colors brightly waving with its mylar skirt. Inside the “hoochie skirt” was a nasty, three-pronged hook.

Captain Ken almost giggled at our faces when he told us how he had to “look up” the hoochie skirts to make sure the hooks were still intact.

Banjo: Captain Ken laughed out loud after explaining the hoochie skirt when Banjo snidely remarked, “Sounds like some of the girls I’ve known!” Stacey only slightly cocked her head in a questioning look that spoke loudly, “We’ll talk later!”

Together Captain Ken and Banjo tried to come up with a country tune for their new hit, “green and silver hoochie with a mylar skirt.”

Levi: With inquisitiveness only a child can display, Levi began checking out the buttons and levers. Captain Ken made sure that everything was safe for Levi to investigate. “No pushing of the buttons though, Levi,” Captain Ken interjected.

Unfortunately, Captain Ken has a devilish side and showed Levi where the horn was located. Levi was extremely amused when Captain Ken blew the horn causing me to practically lunge overboard. The speaker was located above my head.

Eventually Levi quit laughing at me. Levi was only distracted for a moment when he tossed a chip overboard. Instantly Stacey asked Captain Ken, “Is tossing that chip out considered chumming?”

Thankfully, Captain Ken has a lot of patience with fishing-challenged folks like us.

Jinx: I had lost on my first endeavor at catching the big one, but I didn’t let it deter me too long. Instantly I was up and ready again, assured that this time I would conquer the battle with the gilled monster that I knew was awaiting me. My heart leapt with anticipation at the tug of the line again. This time I was patient in the fight. Reeling steadily until the beastie

Continued on page 62

They say bad things come in threes and I’d have to agree - if not in number, then certainly in some number, maybe a bigger one.

I’ve had, I think, all known varieties of these, often recurrently, sometimes concurrently and even with unrelated themes. This gets confusing.

Mondays seem to bear these triplets the most. Little things, mostly, like a knot where a hard hat should be or that eternal struggle between hammers, nails and the innocent but stalwart (and, in my case, left) thumb.

If mine had better connections it would have me committed to some asylum where it could probe the occasional nostril and just twiddle the day away with its twin, but unmangled, brother. It was the first member of my body to put in for retirement and when it isn’t holding a nail, screw, coffee cup, tape, square, two-by-something or my own it can usually be found in its denim sleeping bag doin’ an impression of James Dean’s thumb - hangin’ out.

Once in a while it puts in a request for ambidexterity training, only to have the motion denied by the hammer on the right.

You see, my right hand knows the law. The law of averages, that is, and so far, several attempts to drive a nail left-handed have only resulted in one nail gettin’ driven (and several times at that).

One hammer-one pilot is my current protocol which gets me into some pretty weird maneuvers. This is where I do my Yoga.

I knew a guy who made the mistake of holding a nail and then remarking that he couldn’t follow through with his right.

So his boss did the honors. I bet that thumbnail’s still there, too, shining into the late afternoon sun.

Which brings us to the grading system.

Big bad things and little ones don’t go in the same set, although a grand finale is allowed if it’s done in good taste. Drop a floor joist or a driveline on yer foot just before first break, mash a pinkie after lunch protecting a 4x2 from impacting an old truck fender, then crack a tooth for dinner.

A good finish but not overdone.

Which reminds me, sets of ‘little’ bad things (1 to 3 or 4) have to be ‘put to bed’ before going beddy-bye yerself as they won’t keep ‘til morning and will cause bad dreams if left unfinished. This can be accomplished as easily as stubbing a toe or stepping on a tack on the way to the bedroom. Get it over with, it’s better’n waking up mid-sleep peering into your toilet and thinkin’ you were at the County Fair, bobbing for apples.

Any set of a magnitude five or larger can linger on for days (like broccoli), making you giddy with anticipation. For this reason I take notes. I like to know where I stand,

like a checking account for grief. Error traffic control, if you will.

I used to think blood had to be shed before it made the list as anything bigger’n a three. Not so. Cracked ribs score a four if you rely on your back to make a living. Speakin’ of backs, a bulged or ruptured disc comes in at a six or seven, there again depending on what yer up to. It’s all relative.

Way before I learned how to manage pain, I successfully knitted all four left fingers together with a plywood sliver five or six inches long. I had to remove a glove to accomplish this, but it was well worth the effort as I had a great time showing this marvel to everyone in the Jeld-Wen door plant I was working at. Got a lot of ‘Atta Boys’ out of it, one fainting at the glue line, and one final “Get the hell back on that forklift, the paint line is backin’ up. And don’t let me catch you pilfering plywood again.” Some people just don’t have a sense of accomplishment like I do.

A good threesome (one you could be proud of) would go something like this. The power goes out while you’re in the shower.

With a summer tan on, you resemble a ‘tall cool one’ with a foamy head (‘cept for the white butt). You sense the irony of this as you have left the ‘just opened cold one’ on the kitchen counter. The smart and refreshing thing to do right now would entail sitting down and sipping some suds ‘til the power returns.

Instead of holding that thought, you’ve got a tenuous grip on a family-sized bar of slippery gliding like quicksilver out of your possession. Sploop!

That’s when you remember your undersized pressure tank and decide it would be a good thing to shut off the water before it, too, runs out.

You haven’t had an eye open since the shampoo started slumping past yer furrowed brow, leaving the right direction a good question. “COME-ON, you know this shower better’n the inside of yer nose!” Taking a wild guess, best hunch, in a hurry, dead head reckoning, you bend over and startle yer Georgia peaches on the shower controls your spouse picked out (and now you know why!), sending you foam first toward a nose job. Just before you get there, one foot finds that good ol’ bar of soap, causing the other foot to snag the cream rinse and shampoo off their shelf. With forces mounting even Einstein couldn’t have calculated or foreseen, one elbow single-handedly clears all remaining inventory, including the bubble bath (sans cap). With one wing and a prayer left, you try both simultaneously. This converts the luffa sponge-on-a-rope hangin’ around the shower curtain rod into a come-a-long to disaster wedged under your armpit and

by Scott Clawson gently exfoliating yer ear. In a last-ditch effort (you can’t control these by the way) and with darn little forethought, you beller out the fastest prayer you can muster... “MOM!” Now you look like a seafood wrap with yoghurt garnish and special sauce. A proud moment, to be sure.

With darkness and bubbles for close companions and a wide variety of pains reporting in, you start wondering what the score might be. Was this a category 4 event as you are due to start a new set anytime now? Or was this a quick succession of onesie-twosies? I consulted the rule book on this and found that a healthy pause is required for separate status, as in a good belch or other human endowment, or it’s just another run-on statement. So that’s ONE! You can receive a lot of bruises from just one event.

In three seconds you’re going to wish you’d have (yood’ve if you live in Cocolalla) brought a phone in as well as the cold brew sitting alone and warming nicely.

RRRing! Told ya!

This could very well be another bummer or at least the umbilical cord to one. Oh well, better make an effort, at least. You might get to try out your off the cuff standup sarcasm routine if it turns out to be some foreign English student trying to sell you on a free vacation in the Bahamas.

The answering machine kicks in and you lay there congratulating yourself for changing the batteries for once. Utterly quiet (one benefit of a power outage), you hear a lady’s voice from your bank informing you that you are overdrawn.

Number two!!

You hear the front door and also a hearty, “Oh, crap!”

This would be your spouse. This particular one is in hot pursuit of a flashlight and bladder relief and trotting by memory.

The door flies open and the first foot in finds that damn bar of soap again.

After the moans, groans and foul language dissipate, the flashlight trains on you peeking out from under the shower curtain.

THREE!

The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008 | Page 17

Bad Things

(come in threes)

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by Jody Forest

There’s a lot going on this month of interest to local veterans. For starters, the annual V.V.A. Yard Sale brought in nearly $7,000 (all of which will be used to help out local vets and their families!) and a big thanks goes out to all those involved in helping out, from the Wishing Star girls who helped sort through all the donations to Marti Ashford, whose hand-stitched quilt raffle brought in over $400 all by itself.

the semi-annual V.V.A. roadside clean-up will take place at Milepost #24 outside of Dover once again and, as I said, you don’t have to be a member to just show up and help out. Meet across the Highway from the gravel pit on Hwy. 2.

Showing it’s not all just work, the V.V.A. will also be having their annual Potluck picnic at City Beach on Saturday, September 13 at 10 am. For those

Post Falls will be hosting a Stand Down at the Idaho National Guard Armory on Saturday, September 13 from 8 am to 2 pm. If you missed the Bonner County Stand Down, make plans to attend.

She’s also donated quilts to organizations like the Community Assistance League.

Dan Rice won the quilt raffle by the way and John Johnson the wood raffle. I can verify these dollars are all used to help out local vets and in a future TRJ I’ll break down just where last year’s dollars went to. Speaking of the Yard Sale, someone bought a blue director’s chair and the canvas back fell off as they were walking away with it. If you’ll call me at 2659881, I’ll be happy to drop it off with you.

Likewise, a young man of 11 or 12 who bought a small piano keyboard and left behind one of the speakers he purchased, call me and I’ll return it as well.

The V.V.A. Chapter #890 members plan a couple of volunteer workdays in September. A woodcutting party is planned for Saturday, September 6 at 6 am. Meet at the Syringa Hills work site. (You don’t have to be a member to help out, this wood is cut during the summer months and is then distributed to the needy and disabled throughout the winter.) A free m e a l will be provided.

On Saturday, at 8 am on September 27 (mark your calendars)

veterans among you not planning to attend the Potluck (it’s free and open to all local vets and their families) that same day, Saturday the 13th, from 8 am to 2 pm Post Falls will be having their own stand-down at the Idaho National Guard Armory at 5555 E. Seltice Way for free haircuts, toiletries, food, medical assistance and surplus U.S. Army clothing and other gear. For more info please call Robert at 208-769-1558.

A couple of final notes: Democrats in Bonner and Boundary counties have long noted that while McCain draws only a D grade in votes affecting veterans, Obama, the non-vet, actually does better with a Bminus. Dems are making a major effort in Idaho this year to reach out to veterans and McCain’s blunder in leading the fight opposing the new GI Bill for Iraq War veterans may cost him dearly.

A last note: I don’t mean to keep harping on this subject (yes, I do!) but if you’re not yet saving your aluminum cans, please start doing so. Simply take them to Pacific Iron and Metal in Ponderay on Triangle Drive and tell the nice people there it’s for the Disabled American Veterans (Chapter #15). All the funds raised go towards either helping local disabled veterans or will be used to replace the DAV Van as it ages. ‘til next time, smoke ‘em if ya’ got ‘em and All Homage to Xena!

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The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008 | Page 19

September’s Labors

It’s a Small World for

WASTE NOT...

Paul Reingold of Six Star Automotive in Sandpoint was on vacation with his girlfriend, Lucinda, checking out the awesome scenery along Oregon’s coast. Somewhere around Cannon Beach (the most photographed coastline in the world, it’s said), they pulled into a highway turnout to look at the view and take a few pictures. Shortly thereafter, another car pulled into the turnout, and another couple got out. Looking at Paul’s car, with its “Six Star Automotive” license plate frames, the tall, attractive woman came up to Paul .“Are you from Sandpoint?” she asked.

“Yes, I am,” Paul replied, somewhat surprised. “Do you know Ernie Hawks?” the lady further asked. Completely surprised by this point, Paul responded, “Yes.” “Oh, good, do me a favor will you?” the lady questioned again. “Tell him his sister said hello.”

So Ernie, Paul says that Delena says hi. And I’m sure it’s okay if I send a “hello” back out to Delena from all of us when she reads this.

I got my first cell phone when Misty was pregnant with Tyler and that little grandson of mine just turned 9 this year. In that decade of cell phone use (as we grew to a 6-phone family - Misty, Dustin, Amy, Me, Mom and yes, even Tyler has one) we have gone through a lot of cell phones, and a lot of cell phone accessories.

Most of which are still sitting in various “junk” drawers and cabinets around my house.

So what do you do with old cell phones and accessories when you didn’t have to trade in the old one to get the new one?

Barb Perusse, who owns Mountain Communications in downtown Sandpoint, says take them back to the store - any store.

They donate those old phones to various causes, including providing phones to those dealing with domestic violence in their lives, whose ability to reach a telephone may literally be a matter of life and death.

Don’t forget those accessories, either. Car and home chargers, ear buds, extra batteries, cases... they can also be put to good use.

Or find someone on your own and pass on that phone. The recipient doesn’t have to pay for a plan to use the phone for 9-1-1 calls (an example of a time when our government made a regulation of true benefit), and given how much time we all spend in our vehicles, the ability to call 9-1-1 can be a blessing.

Paul Reingold

and

Paul Dubnicka Paul Dubnicka owns Select Appraisal Services in Sandpoint and his “small world” story took place several years ago, when he was traveling in India for a few weeks. “One of the next countries that I had planned to visit on that journey was Australia. So that took me to the Australian consulate in New Delhi, India to acquire a tourist visa for Australia. There I stood, a tall Caucasian, looking over the sea of local Indian people filling the waiting area at the consulate. As I viewed the crowd of darker-skinned people, my eyes noticed one person who stood out in the crowd. There, across the room, was a light skinned, blond-haired woman who, similar to me, appeared out of place in that crowd. As I took a second look in her direction, I was amazed. I recognized her! A fellow acquaintance from Sandpoint, Idaho. We both acknowledge that indeed, it is a small world after all.

Got your own ‘small world’ story to tell? Send it in to us at trish@ riverjournal.com and share it with everyone!

Page 20 | The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008

The Scenic Route

By Sandy Compton Email: MRComptonJr@hotmail.com | www.SandyCompton.com I’m not a happy camper today, and it has to do with a beautiful cat whose name appears to be Miss Kitty. She’s black, gray, white and extraordinarily pregnant. As I write this, she’ll probably become a mom in the next 72 hours.

It seems that she will give birth at the shelter in Sandpoint. My sister insists that it’s the best place for her to have her kittens, though, if I had my way, she would have them in the roomy box that once was a drawer in my dad’s shop, lined with a cushy Indian-style blanket a friend gifted me with a number of years ago.

The mice — or perhaps it was squirrels — got to that blanket and chewed a few holes in it. This cat will be part of retribution against rodents for all the things they’ve ruined here in the past by their uncaring need to chew things up (Rodents are not my favorites). In fact, I’ve already noticed a sharp decline in the mouse population at my house since Miss Kitty’s arrival. This and her sweet nature have convinced me that she is “my” cat, and I’m a guy who is not necessarily a cat lover. She must be a special cat.

Miss Kitty has had several names since she showed up unannounced not long ago. First, she was “Frosty,” due to the white tips of her guard hairs that stand out in contrast to her black and gray saddle. Then, because of her good manners and elegant deportation, she became “Lady,” and then “August Lady” — accent on the second syllable of “August” — for she is somewhat regal and reserved. And, of course, she showed up in August.

But, I came home a few nights ago and was greeted by her polite little “feed me” meows, “Miss Kitty” popped out of my mouth, and I knew that was her name.

I think Amanda Blake would have been pleased to have such a beautiful animal named after her character on Gunsmoke.

My sister’s a “cat person.” Her concern for Miss Kitty is both touching and consternating. She’s the one who has now taken Miss Kitty to the shelter.

The maddening thing, I guess, is that Susan is right, but it brings up some interesting reactions in me. Personally, I don’t want anyone else messing with my cat.

However, the logical thing to do is let the cat go to the shelter. I’m going to be gone on a week-long hike starting next Thursday, and won’t be home to feed the cat(s). Miss Kitty will have her babies in a safe place, and the kittens will have a good chance of finding homes without a lot of effort on my part, though I find it interesting that I am willing to make the effort.

So, there is some part of me that is not “just letting it be,” and I’m not quite sure what it is. But that, my friends, is often why writers write: to come to understand ourselves.

A large part of me wants to see Miss Kitty raise her babies, get them weaned and ready to be adopted. Thousands of generations of cats have had kittens unassisted, and Miss Kitty is capable, I’m sure, of doing the right thing. She is such a happy cat that I can’t imagine that she won’t be a great mom. So, there is this sort of hollow in my gut when I think that I will not have the joy of seeing the young ones come into their own and develop a bit of personality — or even more than a bit. It seems I will miss something very important.

I wonder if that might be a little of how a father feels if he’s in Iraq or Afghanistan — or Georgia, for that matter — when his baby is born.

As for the person(s) who pushed Miss Kitty out of their car door along the highway near my front yard, I hope that every time you drive past my house on your way to wherever you think you’re going, you have a twinge — and

hopefully a deep pang — of guilt and regret for abandoning this beautiful animal and her babies. If you don’t, you’re not quite completely human yet.

If you do, at least you’re working on it, but your trip through this beautiful place that I live will never be accomplished undisturbed.

Miss Kitty, after her trip to the home for pregnant, teen-aged cats (she’s quite young), and after I get back from my adventure, is going to come back here to live. She’ll not have any more babies, though. She’s going to be “fixed,” though she’s not really broken. She’s just a cat.

So, I’ve put the cat food where the damned mice can’t get it, picked up the dishes and soon I will move the box off the front porch. But I will miss Miss Kitty when I come home tonight.

Addendum- As I put on the last period to what I thought was my column, my Mom called to tell me that the shelter in Sandpoint is full. It appears Miss Kitty will have her babies here, after all. I don’t think my sister is too happy about that, and I’m not too sure how I feel about it.

Once I get my mind wrapped around something, it’s kind of hard to change directions. But, I know one creature that will do just fine with all of this: Miss Kitty.

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The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008 | Page 21

Page 22 | The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008

Spawning Secrets Tracking Lake Trout on Pend Oreille

by Kate Wilson

Lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) in Lake Pend Oreille are a common topic of discussion in our bottleneck of land and water. This is a place where talk and walk meet to get things done, currently in the form of a lake trout tracking program.

Relatively little is known about the behavior of the prolific and non-native Lake Pend Oreille lake trout. Generally, lake trout in the West have created fierce competition for native fish species, being the rampant predators that they are. Though lake trout were introduced into Lake Pend Oreille in the 1920s, it wasn’t until Mysis shrimp became established in the 1970s that lake trout survival started to increase, and the 1990s before the population really took off. We are now seeing the aftermath of releasing an army of adaptable trophy trout.

The biggest issue we have with lake trout in Lake Pend Oreille is the threat that they pose to the kokanee salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka), who provide most of the diet for the threatened bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus).

Just in case you’re not versed in the jargon of predator removal, let’s walk through the fishery programs currently taking place on the lake. The “Angler Incentive Program” came about in 2006 when Idaho Department of Fish & Game and a fishery Task Force (comprised of stakeholders) recognized the need for immediate action on Lake Pend Oreille to prevent it from being overtaken by lake trout. The mission of the AIP is to save the collapsing kokanee salmon and by doing so, protect the native bull trout. Also in 2006, rod limits were increased to four poles (with a two pole license) to give anglers a greater chance to catch lake trout.

There are freezers placed around the lake for anglers to drop off heads of AIP fish.

For more information see http:// f is h an d g am e.i d ah o.g ov/f is h/mis c / pendoreille_cash.cfm.

The IDFG Bayview Research Station obtained mitigation funding from the Bonneville Power Administration to take the predator removal program one step further by identifying spawning locations to help guide the placement of gillnets and anglers. To date, not much data has been collected on lake trout spawning sites in Lake Pend Oreille. Research in other areas suggests that lake trout spawning occurs in fall, between September and November, after water temperatures have dropped below 53 degrees F. Lake trout are nocturnal, so spawning occurs at night. They do not construct redds (nests), but rather lay eggs over cobble substrate.

Because they are such an adaptable species, lake trout are capable of spawning in many different environments.

In Ontario, for instance, spawning occurred in just 4.6 feet (average) of water at 243 sites in 90 different lakes.

And though there are some documented cases of lake trout spawning deep, such as in the Great Lakes, most of them prefer relatively shallow waters. Also, IDFG wasn’t ruling out the possibility of lake trout moving into tributary rivers or streams for spawning, as was observed in Lake Superior in the 1950s, reports senior research biologist Greg Schoby.

On Lake Pend Oreille, the research team, starring Schoby, utilized trap net catches to tag and track sexually mature lake trout, also known as mackinaw. Schoby reports that team tagged 31 lake trout between 28 and 40 inches in 2007—“all adults since we’re looking for spawners.” These fish weigh between 8 and 21 pounds; and while fish were marked from all parts of the lake, the majority were captured and tagged in the north end. When lake trout of the appropriate size were captured, they were tagged on the trap net boat, a tool also utilized for predator removal on Lake Pend Oreille.

The research team performed a relatively quick surgery on the demo lake trout, which consisted of implanting an acoustic and

radio tag combination. The battery life of these tags is approximately nine months.

The acoustic tags work better in deeper water, and the radio signal is only good to about 30 feet deep, but is said to work well in shallow water as well as noisy environments, such as rivers, says Schoby.

The idea behind using both radio and acoustic tags at first was that at that point, IDFG really didn’t know where lake trout were spawning in Lake Pend Oreille— shallow or deep waters.

“Everything was an option when we started,” says Schoby. “We didn’t want to rule anything out; based on everything we saw [in 2007]; it didn’t look like they spawned in less than 75 feet.”

The surgery consists of sedating the fish so they can’t flop or wriggle during surgery, making an incision between the pelvic and pectoral fins (just along the belly), and placing the transmitter inside the body cavity before stitching the fish back up. The whole process takes between 5 and 15 minutes, depending on which tags are implanted. Schoby reports that the research has had no known surgeryrelated mortalities on tagged fish.

After the tagging procedure, the mackinaw are released back into the trap net. The nets are reset, allowing tagged lake trout to recover for 2 or 3 days before the next pull. After the recovery period, when the research team is confident that the tagged fish will survive, they are released back into the wild blue waters of our ear-shaped lake.

Tracking of the tagged fish is done with the aid of a pair of boat-mounted hydrophones, which “listen” for signals emitted by the transmitters. These provide a directional fish location. This system has a detection range up to about threequarters of a mile, says Schoby. The signals emitted by the transmitters are “heard” by the hydrophones, which in turn send the data to a computer system that tells Schoby which tagged fish are near, which side of the boat they are on, as well as how deep and at what temperature. The team is able to track while moving at boat speeds up to about eight miles per hour, which allows them to track the entire lake in about three days.

“The nice thing about [this system] is you can move while tracking,” says Schoby.

“A lot of the older telemetry equipment used a megaphone-like device—you had to stop and listen, remove the gear, go to the next spot and stop and listen all over again.”

Kate Wilson is a project journalist for Avista’s Clark Fork Project. Reach her at hunterolivemint@gmail.com

While tracking, the team also used tagged and start heading towards spawning contribution to the recovery of the kokanee a variety of techniques to observe egg areas. Even though the tagged fish come fishery, and ultimately, the trophy rainbow deposition and document spawning from all over the lake, by mid-September, fishery and bull trout they support.” activity. There were four sets of egg traps 93 percent of the tagged fish were found If you catch a tagged lake trout, please deployed in locations where tagged lake in one location! Where? Well, near Windy gently and carefully release it, as these fish trout congregated, in order to verify that Point. Between 100 and 150 feet (average are utilized for research purposes. In the the spots the fish were concentrated 110). Go get ‘em! For interested anglers, case that a hooked tagged lake trout does were, indeed, where they were spawning. IDFG does recommend working the sites not survive the catch, IDFG urges anglers Underwater video was used to observe over with jigging gear, as the area will be to alert them and report the tag so they substrate and search for eggs and groups heavily laced with gillnets to maximize the can document the mortality and use the of fish. And finally, divers were used to removal effort, reports IDFG Panhandle tag for another fish. search this area for deposited eggs. In Supervisor Chip Corsi. “Trollers will be apt “A bonus would be if we could look the end though, the cameras didn’t work to lose gear in the nets.” at the fish to determine sex and remove much deeper than 100 feet and the egg To date, information has been otoliths [ear bones] for aging,” says traps had issues staying upright; no eggs collected since the spring of 2007; the Principal Research Biologist Andy Dux. were captured. research team has been monitoring and “The angler could still keep the fillets and So far, the lake trout seem to key in to tracking the tagged lake trout for nearly get a reward for the head.” a couple of spots around the lake, reports a year-and-a-half. They will continue to Anglers are needed to successfully Schoby. “They are either not as adaptable track these indicator fish throughout the remove predators to conserve the Lake as we thought, or the population is not so summer and fall. This year, the netting Pend Oreille fishery. Though this can be big that they’ve had to spread out. With boats will target the areas where the lake a daunting task for the weekend angler, the sheer amount of shoreline [on Lake trout are congregated. there are resources available, such as Pend Oreille] we really thought they would “The hope is that this year a significant charter services and free fishing seminars be more widespread.” portion of the adult lake trout in Lake that can aid anglers in learning more Though information is still being Pend Oreille will be harvested before about catching lake trout. For anglers who collected about where the mackinaw they spawn,” says Corsi. “Interrupting the are interested in participating in the AIP or congregate the rest of the year, they begin spawning cycle, while removing large fish, currently do and would like to know more to concentrate in choice areas right before should help buy kokanee some breathing about the lake trout tracking program or spawning season. By July, tagged lake trout room in the lake, and make a significant the specific placing of the gillnets, contact began leaving the sites where they were IDFG at 208-769-1414.

The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008 | Page 23

Page 24 | The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008

Land Management

by Michael White

I have some clients who are selling some land which they do not live on and are very proud of the logging job they had done last year because they made sure to tell the logger to leave one-third of the trees! They knew and trusted the logger for many years, he was a good man… And so he is. I know him, too, but he is a logger and his primary job is to get timber out of the woods as efficiently and economically profitable as possible, while meeting the landowners’ request to leave one-third of the trees. No brainer, take all the biggest and best trees with the least rot and of the largest size because it is more economically efficient to make the fewest skids for the maximum volume out of the two-thirds timber allotted.

Job well done but the forest looks like hell. The genetic stock left to reforest the area is crap and the one-third of the trees left are the smallest of the merchantable trees, the most suppressed individuals in the understory. What’s more, many are cedars which will die of sun-scald in the next few years because they are not used to growing in the light, while other shade tolerant trees which were left will blow over as they have never been required to become very wind firm, deep within the forest and under the canopy. The remaining trees will probably never grow at a good rate because they have spent way too many years living in the shade, so they won’t release.

This forest will yield poor timber production now and well into the future, as it has been left with a majority of short, little, sub-merchantable trees (small but old; genetic crap that didn’t compete well so never grew much but survived, small and stunted, in the understory). All the thick little stuff will shade out brush and so these types of cuts don’t even provide as much good wildlife forage, as other cuts can.

The forest would have fared far better if my friends had hired a forester - there are many good ones to choose from around these parts. They charge about 10 percent but will assure that your forest is managed well, for you and generations to come.

Usually, the forester will offset the cost of more sound management practices with better marketing of the timber to specialty mills and by optimizing bucking procedures at the landing to gear specific size specs to the mills paying top dollar for those sizes and species.

If I had been the forester in charge I would have left the nicest and most healthy trees, in the upper diameter classes, on about a 50-foot grid spacing and marked a healthy vigorous mid/understory too. I would have created small openings by expanding natural meadows through harvest and harvested everything down to a 6-foot diameter (at the top 8.5‘ log). This would be followed with site prep to encourage growth of larch and other species which need open or even bare ground to germinate, as well as eliminate a lot of suppressed/ sub-merchantable stock.

A lot could have been done to improve the quality of this timber harvest for wildlife, future timber quality and quantity of growth while earning nearly the same amount of money, after factoring in the improved value of the land, both as real estate or as timber lands. A good Land Manager should always dictate or have a degreed Forester over-see or consult the timber-sale setup, execution and marketing, too. It is an awesome responsibility and it really should be overseen by a knowledgeable professional to make sure it is done with the best of the land and landowner in mind.

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Michael White is a Sandpoint realtor with a BS in Forest Resources and Ecosystem Management. Reach him at NorthIdahoLandMan.com

by Matt Haag

owner who has experienced problems with trespass, spotlighting issues, and are interested in having a decoy operation on your property, please call me, or your local officer.

Also, the economy is not doing as well as it has been, and some folks are suffering financially. Financial woes are not an excuse to steal game from the people of Idaho. If you need meat, please call me and we’ll do our best to put some meat on your table, legally. Every year I have some poacher tell me they were just trying to feed their family.

Archery season is right around the corner as I type this. In fact, by the time this prints we’ll be a couple of days into it. If you haven’t been out shooting and tuning up your skills and equipment, now is the time. If you are new to flinging arrows or it’s been a while, there are some great folks in the community that will give you a hand. Join the Sandpoint Archers, and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow shooters, while learning a few things. Or talk to Tom and Calvin at Sandpoint Outfitters and Pete at the Arrow Works in Clark Fork.

There’s no doubt hotter temperatures will follow us well into the archery season.

Heat and game meat don’t mix too well, so have a plan to take care of your meat before you head into the woods. Every year I see people make mistakes that can be avoided. Learn to properly dress your animal. With an elk, remove the entire hide, especially the thicker hair that covers the brisket and neck. Also, get the windpipe out. Have some coolers with ice to put the meat on as soon as you get back to the truck.

Unfortunately, with the anticipation of hunting season arriving some degenerates think that they should illegally shoot big game, stealing our resources. A lot of this monkey business happens at night with a spotlight. Fish and Game officers will be deploying their robotic decoys at record numbers this late summer and early fall.

This is not a threat, but more of a warning to those who think illegally shooting animals is fun. It may prove to be the most expensive fun you’ve had. We set the decoys to catch folks who are hunting at night, out of season, or on private property without permission. If you are a land

This is not a threat, but more of a warning to those who think illegally shooting animals is fun.

And in most cases they have a fresh box of beer on the seat, and pack of smokes, and the latest cell phone attached to their belt.

Pretty lame excuse if you ask me. For those folks who can spare a little meat this year, please consider taking your extras to the food bank or call me and I’ll find a family that needs the meat. Please remember to attach a proxy statement to the meat when you give it to someone else. Proxy statements can be found in the hunting regulations.

Jim Hayden, your Regional Wildlife Manager here in the Panhandle, put out some interesting statistics on archery hunting. According to Jim, we’re seeing the number of archers (includes both A tag and B tag) increasing at a rate of about 4.7 percent a year in the Panhandle. We now have just under 4,900 elk archers in the region. That’s about one out of every four elk hunters hunting with a bow.

Panhandle archers are doing better now than they did a few years ago as well.

That’s probably from a combination of better equipment, better access, improved overall elk herds, and/or a shift of hunting to areas with more elk. In 2001, about nine percent of archers took an elk in the Panhandle. Last year, it was better than 12

percent. The combination of more hunters and higher success rates led to an all-time record of 594 elk harvested by Panhandle archers in 2007. Just for a comparison, 15 years ago Panhandle archers took just 128 elk during the 1992 archery season!

We’ve also seen a slight increase in the number of nice bulls taken by archers.

From 2000 to 2004, archers took about 65 six-point bulls a year. That’s improved now, and last year, archers took 118 sixpoint bulls in the region.

Unit 1 has really come on strong, and is a big part of the reason that the region-wide harvest is so good. Archery elk harvest in Unit 1 has more than tripled in the last 8 years, growing from about 40 to about 130 elk per year. You still can’t just go up and wander around and find elk necessarily, but the elk herd is growing, and folks are finding them.

Archery hunting in the Panhandle has never been better. There is no doubt we will see a decrease at some point in the success rate as hunter numbers increase.

Regardless, it will be another outstanding season. So get out there and enjoy it!

Follow the rules, respect private property and other hunters, and take care of the harvested meat properly.

School is starting soon, and our schedules will be even more hectic. Have you made the effort to spend quality time with your kids in the outdoors this summer?

Grab the kids and hit the woods.

Leave No Child Inside.

Matt Haag is an Idaho Fish and Game Conservation Officer. You can reach him at 208-265-8521 or email mhaag@idfg.idaho.gov

The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008 | Page 25

The Game Trail

Page 26 | The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008

A Bird in Hand

by Michael Turnlund

Blue + Jay ≠ Blue Jay. Sometimes when I am with acquaintances or friends the subject of birds might come up. Invariably someone will mention that their favorite bird in the area is the Blue Jay. Well, not wanting to be pedantic I just smile and nod. This is a response I’ve learned to use when it is best to keep one’s mouth shut! What I want to say, but don’t, is that there are no Blue Jays in North Idaho or the surrounding areas (with one exception, which I will address below). Granted, we have jays and some of them are blue, but that does not make them Blue Jays. Following me?

What these kind people call a Blue Jays is the bold and boistrous Steller’s Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri). This bird is unmistakable: a lovely blue body and wings matched with a head and shoulders shrouded in charcoal – topped off by a matching black crest. And that big, glossyblack chisel of a beak confirms that this colorful character is indeed a jay. Now pay careful attention to the individual birds that might be visiting (perhaps raiding is a better word) your backyard feeder. Using your binoculars you might see traces of white or blue on the forehead, around the eyes, or on the neck. Though not evident on all Steller’s Jays, many birds carry some of these unique marks. These telltales will help you to identify individual birds.

The Steller’s Jay call is most often a loud and distinctive ack ack ack staccato which the bird uses to announce its presence.

The bird is also a mimic and it is not uncommon to hear it mirror the harsh shriek of

a red-tail hawk or other large predatory bird. Reputedly the Steller’s employs this charade as a scare tactic to scramble competing birds away from feeder stations. Sort of like shouting fire in a crowded restaurant. Nothing like having the whole place to yourself!

So why the possessive form in the bird’s name? The Steller’s Jay was named for the German zoologist Georg Wilhelm Steller, who was the first European to identify this bird, which he encountered in Alaska while working as a naturalist for the Russians during the 1740s.

Another “blue” jay t h a t might

occasionally be encountered in our area is the Western Scub-Jay (Aphelocoma californica). This bird normally occurs no further north than the southern part of Idaho and would be best called an accidental in our area. This bird is commonly seen throughout the West.

It is definitively a jay, sans crest. The body is predominantly blue, but typically with a gray

patch on the back and with a white throat and belly, accented with an imperfectly formed blue stripe across its breast. There are a great number of sub-species, each a little different from the other, but all still typical jays in form and habits. Keep your eyes peeled!

So, here we have it. Two jays, both blue, but neither one a Blue Jay. But don’t lament, because it is probably only a matter of time before we have genuine Blue Jays in our area. The proper Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) is an eastern bird, normally ranging no further west than central Montana. Note that it is from the same genus as the Steller’s Jay – Cyanocitta. The two birds are the respective eastwest representatives of their genus. But it appears that the Blue Jay is slowly expanding westward into western Montana and central and northern Idaho.

They have even been spotted spending the winters in Washington and Oregon.

So it appears that it is only a matter of time before we have real blue jays in our neck of the woods.

There is one more jay the bears mentioning, the Gray Jay. The Gray Jay is a common denizen of our forests and is known to many of us as camp robbers, a fitting name for this little feathered thief! Like the Steller’s Jay and the Western Scrub-Jay, the Gray Jay is a member of the Corvidae family, along with crows, ravens, magpies, and many others. But it is only a distant cousin to the other jays in our area and forms its own genus, Perisoreus. It is a very unusual bird, in both habits and reproductive behavior, and will be examined more thoroughly in a later article.

Photo of Steller’s Jay by Walter Siegmund

You have better ways to spend your money than paying the tax man.

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1211 Michigan, Sandpoint 208.265.2500 • 800.338.9835

Michael Turnlund is a Sandpoint resident who teaches at Clark Fork High School. Reach him at mturnlund@gmail.com. Visit our website at RiverJournal.com for color pictures and links to birdsong.

Hiking into Ball/ Pyramid Lakes An easy stroll on a wide path through a beautiful spruce-alpine fir forest leads to Pyramid Lake, an hourglass-shaped body of water tucked up against a stony mountainside on one end with forest and reeds at the other end. Boardwalks in several places help protect marshy and streamside areas along the way. Shallows at the northeast end of the lake extend to a narrow straight between points of rock, but the southwest end is much deeper and reflects the cliffs towering above.

Much of the shoreline is brushy, but there are numerous areas of rock at the water’s edge.

The trail to Ball Lakes forks to the left just before reaching the first campsite at Pyramid and climbs a steep-sided ridge. The views become increasingly dramatic, not only of the lake but of Pyramid Peak as well. At the top of the ridge the trail winds pleasantly through an open forest of alpine trees and brush. Be sure to check for huckleberries all along the way. It forks before the lakes come into view and a wooden sign indicates the direction to the upper and lower lakes.

Each lake sits in stunningly beautiful rocky cauldrons. All of these lakes have some small cutthroat trout.

• • •

• • • • • • •

•

•

• • • • •

Destination: Pyramid Lake, Ball Lakes Best suited for: hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking.

How much use?: Excessive USGS Map: Pyramid Peak Trailhead: In Bonners Ferry, Idaho, turn off Hwy. 95 next to the Kootenai River Bridge onto Riverside (County Road No. 18) and head for the Kootenai Wildlife Refuge. After about 5.4 miles the road bears right past the wildlife refuge headquarters. Continue about 10 miles to Trout Creek Road No. 634. Turn west and go 9 miles to the trailhead anda parking area with 10 designated parking sites. (If the

parking lot is full you are asked to return another day or park at least 3 miles away.)

Trail Lenth: Including a portion of Trail 13, it is about 1.25 miles to Pyramid Lake and 2.5 miles to Ball Lakes Trail Condition: good Elevation: Start - 5,190’ (junction with Trail 13), High/Low point - 6,050’ (Pyramid Lake), End - 6,708’ (Upper Ball Lake).

Estimated duration of hike: 1 hour or less to Pyramid Lake, 1.5 to 2 hours to Ball Lake.

Sweat Index: (no sweat (easy) to Pyramid Lake, break a sweat (moderate) to Ball Lakes Mountain Bike Sweat Index: bathed in sweat (strenuous).

Best Features: Beautiful alpine lakes.

Availability of water along the trail: several small streams along the way have water.

Stream Crossings: Footbridges and boardwalk cross several small streams and wet areas.

Campsites: All three lakes have several primitive campsites with established fire rings. Please use existing sites, as creating new campsites and fire rings is prohibited in order to minimize impacts to these fragile, high-country lakes.

Precautions: Because of the spectacular beauty and the easy access, this area has been heavily impacted by human use. Be sure to do your best to protect these precious natural resources by packing out everything you pack in and stay on established trails and campsites to reduce compaction of the sensitive soils. If possible, plan your visit during the week when fewer people are likely to be around.

Alternate hikes: There is good off-trail access to an unnamed peak (some refer to it as all Peak) from upper Ball Lake.

• Wild Notes: What better way to refresh yourself on a hot summer day than to jump into a high mountain lake? You can bet the water is almost always cold, but that only adds to the invigoration!

SHAWN KEOUGH

STATE SENATE - REPUBLICAN

An effective, experienced leader working hard for the people of Bonner & Boundary counties shawn@shawnkeough.com 1-888-4KEOUGH www.ShawnKeough.com Paid for by “Keep Keough Senator,” Esther Gilchrist, Treasurer

This trail report was excerpted from “Trails of the Wild Selkirks, South of the Canadian Border,” a hiking guide published by Keokee Books of Sandpoint. You can order this book, and other regional guidebooks, online at www.keokeebooks.com. Photos on this page and cover were provided

by Vala Metz of the Idaho Conservation League.

The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008 | Page 27

Grizzlies in the Cabinets An update from Wayne Kasworm, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

On Friday, August 8, a subadult female grizzly bear was released in the Cabinet Mountains. This was the second grizzly bear released this year as part of the population augmentation program. The animal was captured in the

Swan River drainage south of Swan Lake by Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks personnel and transported to Libby.

The bear was estimated to be 3-4 years old and weighed 235 pounds. She was released on Friday evening in the East Fork of the Bull River after being fitted with a radio collar. Her movements will be monitored by the US Fish and Wildlife Service in Libby.

Another young female was released on July 24 and has been monitored moving through the Cabinet Mountains.

Her last location was just northeast of Government Mountain about 6 to 7 miles south of the release site. A bear released in 2006 in the West Cabinets as a 2-year-old is also still wearing a radio collar. She has been using Ross Creek extensively, but moved across the Cabinet Mountains to the east this past spring. She spent a portion of May and June in the Libby Creek drainage before moving back to Ross Creek. This animal’s collar is expected to detach in early October of this year.

All GPS radio collars are equipped with a programmable drop off mechanism that causes the collar to detach when it nears the end of the battery life.

Bonner County Horse Bowl Team Fifth at 2008 American Quarter Horse Youth World Show

Photo at left courtesy of Wayne Kasworm, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

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The Bonner County 4-H Horse Bowl Team competed in the American Quarter Horse Youth World Show Horse Bowl contest in Oklahoma City on Tuesday, August 5 bringing home fifth place honors. Thirteen teams from all over the USA competed in this quiz contest of equine knowledge with topics ranging from horse anatomy and physiology, training and tack to the history of the American Quarter Horse Association. To qualify for the 2008 World Show contest, the Bonner County team won first place at the 2007 Idaho Youth Horse Council state horse bowl contest in Coeur d’Alene.

Four time state individual champion, Sarah Banks, captained the team with Rachel Varela, Kellie Falconer, Josie Saganski and Jacob Sweezy backing her up.

Sarah, Rachel, Kellie and Josie are all members of the Careywood Eager Beavers 4-H Club in Careywood while Jacob is a member of the Beaver Creek Kritters 4-H Club from Sagle.

Coach Marrion Newsam Banks was very pleased with their accomplishment.

“Everyone studied very hard so that we could perform well at the World Show. As a result, we beat some tough teams, but, ultimately, lost to the two teams that later won first and second place. This team is a credit to Bonner Left to Right: Kellie Falconer, Sarah Banks, Marrion Newsam Banks (coach), Jacob Sweezy, Josie Saganski and Rachel Varela.

County and the 4-H Horse Program.”

Page 28 | The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008

Successful hunting in our northern forests

by Tess Vogel

I began hunting two years ago when I was 14, but I plan to hunt for many more years because I enjoy doing it.

This column is for people who aren’t as experienced as others or who have never hunted before but would maybe like to try it out.

The most important thing for wouldbe hunters to know is that there’s rules for hunting. In Idaho, the sport is regulated by Fish & Game. In Montana, it’s Fish, Wildlife and Parks. You can pick up a copy of the rules book at your local sporting goods store, visit online (fishandgame.idaho.gov for Idaho, fwp. mt.gov/hunting for Montana) or stop by your local wildlife office.

At the end of August, black bear and mountain lion were open for hunting, and in Idaho, Archery season began. During archery season for northern Idaho you can hunt for bull elk, cow elk and deer.

There have been significant changes in the archery regulations for Montana, so be sure to grab a copy of the book before you head into the woods.

If you don’t hunt with a bow, that’s okay, you can wait until rifle season to pull out your rifle and do some hunting, or why not give a bow a try? If you don’t want to hunt with a bow or, like me, you can’t, just get some shooting practice in with your gun so that you’re ready when rifle season starts.

Before you go out hunting, make sure to get your license, tags and permits. There are five different types of hunting and fishing licenses in Idaho: resident, resident trapping, non-resident, nonresident trapping, and resident lifetime licenses. There are four different types of tags including: resident, controlled resident, non-resident, and controlled non-resident. There are only two types of permits and these are resident and non-resident. To find the costs of these licenses, tags, and permits, go on to the Fish and Game website and look for these costs on the home page, or again, pick up a rules and regulations book at your local sporting goods store.

Montana licenses, tags and permits include resident, non-resident, disabled resident (can hunt from a car in some areas) trapping, hound training, fur dealing, landowner trapper, sportsman’s and more.

Idaho and Montana both have big game species, trophy species, waterfowl, upland game species, and trapping species (furbearers).

The big game species include deer, elk, black bear, mountain lion and pronghorn (antelope). Trophy species include moose, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep; there are two species of bighorn sheep; the Rocky Mountain and the California. You can only kill one of them each in your life, but only if you draw a tag for that animal. Moose and goat are once-in-a-lifetime drawing also, but there are exceptions for moose permits left over from non-filled drawings. For the specific areas where these animals are located and can be hunted, again, refer to your guide.

Waterfowl species include geese, ducks, coots, and snipe. These different types of waterfowl can be found in forests, woods and agriculture areas.

The upland game species are turkey, pheasant, gray partridge, forest grouse, hares, American crow, falconry (all falcons, hawks, owls, and eagles), sandhill cranes, and mourning doves.

The trapping species include river otter, badger, beaver, fox, marten, mink, bobcat, muskrat, and raccoon. Coyotes, striped skunks, spotted skunks and longtailed weasels can also be hunted and are considered to be furbearers; they can be trapped or hunted because they are classified as predatory wildlife.

And always remember to first look up and find the rules and regulations for the specific animals and unit you will be hunting in. I can’t say this enough.

Here are some helpful tips for when you go hunting.

• Before entering an area, make sure to ask the landowner if you can hunt on his/her property unless you are positive that the area is a public area.

• Before shooting your gun, sight it in! If you don’t, your gun won’t shoot strait and you won’t have a clean kill.

• Pick a gun that is not too big for you because it could affect the way you shoot dramatically.

• Make sure to tell someone where you are going and when you plan to be back.

• When going on a hunt make sure that you have an emergency pack that has food, water, and First Aid. • Make sure to have your license, tag(s), and permits with you any time you are hunting because it is the law,

and if an officer stops you and you have an animal with you and you don’t have it tagged, they will fine you a certain amount of money depending on the type of animal that you have. Illegal hunting (poaching) can also result in jail time.

• Always, always, make sure that there are no homes or people in the direction that you are shooting towards.

• While hunting, make sure that you wear some type of clothing that is an orange or red color because even if you think other hunters can see you, they might not. So, before you go out make sure to put on a vest, hat, headband, or coat of the colors orange or red. If you don’t want something super bright you can wear a checkered pattern instead, such as red and black.

If you’re new to hunting, check out the hunter education programs available.

These classes cover such topics as hunter responsibility and ethics, how firearms work, firearms safety, firearm handling skills and hunting techniques, improving wildlife identification, game care, survival and first aid skills and more.

In Montana, courses offered by volunteer instructors are listed on the FW&P website (fwp.mt.gov/education/ hunterprog.html) or you can contact your local Fish, Wildlife & Parks regional office. They also offer a bear identification class that’s crucial if you’re hunting bear in country where the threatened grizzly roams. No wildlife officer will accept the excuse that you “thought it was a black bear.”

Hunter education is required for new hunters in Idaho before they can be licensed, and can be an instructor-led course or an independent study class. You can register for a course online at the Fish and Game website, or stop by any regional office for class schedules and registrations.

Tess Vogel is a student at Clark Fork High School. Reach her at editorial@riverjournal.com, attention Tess

The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008 | Page 29

Trail’s End

Page 30 | The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008

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From Bermuda to the Beach

by Clint Nicholson

Athletes are born every day, some small, some large, some tall, some short.

My definition of an athlete goes far beyond your stereotypical athlete. A short list of professionals that I consider to be athletes include include Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Nolan Ryan, Larry Bird, and Lance Armstrong. There are plenty more that I could name, and plenty more that deserve to be mentioned, but I met a true athlete the other day, Jack Nicklaus.

The first thing that defines a true athlete is the statistical numbers in the sport of choice. There is no doubt that Jordan, Woods, Ryan, Bird and Armstrong have achieved legendary numbers, and thus earned the monicker “athlete.” Nicklaus has also left no doubt about his status as well. I could babble on with statistics that, while impressive to read, can also be a bit dry. What I believe defines an athlete more than anything, however, is character.

All great athletes share in common several traits. Competitiveness is probably the one trait that drives all of these great athletes. While Nicklaus was in Sandpoint to christen his new golf course, The Idaho Club, he showed that even at age 68, he is still competitive. He and club president Chuck Reeves put on a golfing clinic, and played 11 of the holes now open on the course. On the outside, the two great golfers joked with each other while trying to make the 11-hole-round seem like fun and games. On the inside, I could see in Nicklaus’ eyes he did not want to lose to his long-time friend Reeves. Every shot he made looked like he was competing at Augusta for another major championship.

On his putts, he lined up in typical Jack Nicklaus form, and a smooth as can be, birdied several holes during the match. His drive to compete showed through the whole day. I can’t tell you how hot it was that day, but I can tell you that it would not have mattered for Nicklaus. He had perspiration dripping from everywhere, and that did not deter him from competing.

Every golfer knows what a “mulligan” is, (where you take a second shot from where you were because you didn’t like the first shot). This is against the rules of the PGA. Nicklaus took several mulligans on this day, but he did not do it because he wanted to improve his shot, he did it for us, the spectators, and he never played his second shot, he always played his first. A true professional.

As we all were walking down the 13th fairway, I looked over to my right, and to my surprise, I was walking next to the greatest golfer ever, The Golden Bear. He looked over to me and asked how I was doing. I thought ‘what a great time to ask him about competitiveness.’ After so many years of competing at the highest level in the world, how hard was it to retire from the PGA and the Senior PGA, and can he find the competitiveness in building and designing golf courses now? He replied, “it is very competitive to build and design courses for the average golfer to enjoy. Out of all the golfers in the world, 99 percent of them are out for a good time, and that is my goal when building any course, to make it fun and at the same time challenging for the average golfer.”

Soon, Nicklaus hit his next ball from the Bermuda (grass) to the beach (sandtrap), and from there, I watched him hit a 3 iron to just in front of the green, chip up, and putt in for par. Every shot he took for the rest of the day was awe-inspiring. This man has competed with the greatest golfers in the world, and has meant so much to the game. He is the greatest ambassador the game has ever had.

This is what makes athletes, not jocks.

Athletes give back to the sport, some in small ways, and others in big ways. There are thousands of jocks out there, but there are only a few athletes, role models. That is why some athletes will never achieve legendary status.

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by Dustin Gannon

So, as you might already know, I’m a procrastinator. If I wasn’t living in Coeur d’Alene right now I’m pretty sure you could drive by my mom’s house in Clark Fork and find my dead body on display in the front yard. I was supposed to have my story in for this issue a week ago. I think. Maybe I was supposed to have it in two weeks ago.

Either way, I couldn’t be more late if I had an 8-week old fetus in my belly.

So the big news this month has been the opening of The Idaho Club. After the Golden Bear himself played the 11 holes currently ready for play, the course was officially opened to members on August 29 and will be open to the public for limited play some time in mid-September.

Club pro Mike Deprez has asked me to work there, but it’s a long commute from Coeur d’Alene. Therefore, it’s likely The Idaho Club is looking for males and females to work as forecaddies. I’m not sure about their guidelines but at The Resort you have to be 19 years old, you have to be clean shaven every day, and you have to be able to handle people well.

Seeing as how I might need to shave once a week, I qualify without much effort. If you can handle those criteria, you should jump at this opportunity for an amazing summer job. The hours are short and the pay is awesome. That being said, I have a little story about Mohawk.

Mohawk Industries is the leading distributor of flooring materials for the nation. Every year they come out to The Resort for a few days of golf.

It’s not

normal golf, however; they bring everybody, not just a few executives. Managers, distributors, and even the managers of the stores that they distribute to.

The first weekend of “Mohawk” as we caddies call it, is for the Mohawk employees. The head guys for Mohawk come out and get to golf for three back-toback days. EVERYTHING is paid for. We caddies looooooove Mohawk because our tip is prepaid. We automatically get 100 dollars a round for caddying for them. And that doesn’t include the individual tips we get from the golfers. Last year at Mohawk I made around 300 dollars a day.

Another reason we love Mohawk is they get anything they want on the beverage cart for free all day. Last year the group I had filled all the extra compartments on our carts full of beer and topped them with a couple bags of ice. Instead of putting beer in ice, they put ice in some beer. The Mohawk guys are nice, low maintenance, and just out to have a good time.

The next week of Mohawk is for the people Mohawk distributes to. They pay for everything: airfare, hotel and golf.

Not only that, each golfer gets a nice little gift bag with golf towels, hats, balls, etc.

They also get free beverage cart all day as well. Are you wanting to go to work for Mohawk yet?

Now that you know what Mohawk is, I’ll tell you my little story of why Mohawk has been good for me so far this year.

Last Sunday I came in to work not feeling too well. For a week I’ve had this cold sore on the outside of my lip that looks like the creepy guy on 300. His name is Ephialtes, and no, I did not have to look that up, I’m just that big of a nerd.

So my day wasn’t looking like it was going to be the best. I got to work and the caddie master handed me my guest slip with the names of the golfers I’m going to be caddying for and my starting hole. It’s a shotgun start - each group starts on a different hole at the same time. I looked at my slip and saw I’d gotten a threesome. That made my day a little better. Normally I would prefer to caddy for a group of four, but I wasn’t feeling like exerting 100 percent so I felt just three was adequate.

I walked back and changed into the one-piece caddie jumpsuit that we have to wear. I didn’t put a shirt on underneath because it was 6 in the morning and it already felt like it was 80 degrees outside.

It was so hot that the news didn’t even give out a temperature, they just said if you’re a caddie, it sucks to be you. I think it wound up being somewhere around 105 that day.

Dustin Gannon is a sports fanatic who is learning to enjoy writing as well. Reach him at Dustin@RiverJournal.com

The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008 | Page 31

FORE!play

After I set up my carts with ice in the cooler, towels and the guest’s golf clubs, I gathered around with all the other caddies, while my boss explained the tournament. It’s Mohawk, not like I didn’t already know; everybody knew, Mohawk is awesome! After, we took all of the carts down to the driving range so that when the 180 golfers began to arrive, we could just direct them there so they could start warming up. Sometimes a few of the earlybird golfers are already there and get to watch us take the carts down.

I don’t understand this, but somehow they are always fascinated with watching a large convoy of golf carts all driving to the range. They look like it’s their first time visiting Jurassic Park.

After we took the carts to the range, some of the caddies helped direct guests to the pro shop and took their clubs to the range. Some caddies get selected to do a few oddball jobs like helping with rental clubs, or greeting guests at the doors of the pro shop. All the rest of us are stuck down at the range. My individual job was to make sure that the pyramids were filled before the round started. The pyramids are the worst! At the driving range, all the range balls are stacked into tiny pyramids that each golfer can use at his pleasure.

Making sure they are all filled means that whenever someone runs out of balls, I have to take this pyramid shape frame and fill golf balls in it. Then, when everybody leaves the range, I have to make sure that all 40 of the individual pyramids are left full so that the next tournament or the next golfers that come down have balls to hit.

It’s pretty much the worst thing to be stuck doing when you’re trying to get ready to go out on the course. But it was okay, because my day was about to flip around faster than Usain Bolt can run the 200m dash. Did you see that guy? INSANE! He’s 6’5” and ran the 200 in 19.31 seconds!

Okay, sorry for birdwalking, or whatever that’s called.

My day was about to get better. One of my guys cancelled. He was stuck in Houston because he missed his flight. So now I had a twosome. Score! But wait, there’s more. Because there was another twosome in the tournament, they decided to group the two together so there would be one less group out on the course. The bad news is, one caddie would be sent home. Aww shucks. I guessed I’d let the other caddie have the group.

I already said that Mohawk is awesome. Here’s why. They still paid me the 100 dollars that every caddie got for being there that day. So I came to work for two hours, didn’t have to work too hard, and I got paid 100 bucks. I can’t complain at all. Then, to top everything off, Mohawk had a breakfast buffet up in the restaurant in the pro shop that I got to go devour after the tournament started.

One more time. I was sick and I didn’t want to exert 100 percent that day. I didn’t have to. I got a free breakfast. I didn’t have to run once and I made 54 dollars an hour including my wage. I love Mohawk.

Page 32 | The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008

Literacy and Democracy

By Lake Pend Oreille School District Superintendent Dick Cvitanich Email Dick.Cvitanich@lposd.org | 208-263-2184 ext. 218

The election season is upon us and with it arrived the usual exchange of ideas, beliefs, and opinions. With candidates firing ideas at will, and citizens sharing what they hear with equal zeal, it is difficult for all of us to sort out the truth from fiction. In reading the many letters to the editor of local, regional and national papers, it is clear that politics are dear to the hearts of our citizenry.

Aside from the ideas being reworked, recycled, and shared, the negative campaigning of both parties reflects poorly on the candidates and their respective party and organization. In addition, the media on either side of an issue work hard to promote their view.

One need only to turn the dial of the television to hear the messages. Most of the conversation is typical of the election season, but some of it is negative and hateful, based upon the perceived fears of the citizens of our country. I consider it to be shameful and counterproductive.

As a school superintendent, my politics are clearly focused upon the children of our district, state, and country. The public expects me and I expect myself to keep my “politics” personal and exercise my rights in the voting booth. Consequently, this column is not about who to support or why.

There are many people out there willing to tell you the answer to that question.

You need only ask.

However, this column is about the most important part of the electoral process. It is what Thomas Jefferson referred to as “informed discretion.” By that, he described a populace that would be capable of making decisions based upon facts and individual reflection. It would be a nation of literate decision makers using reason and fact to elect candidates to govern our country.

There is no skill more important in developing “informed discretion” than the ability to read.

It is what allows us as citizens to see through

the hyperbole of elections, the subtle use of language that allows candidates to vacillate on issues, and our ability to infer from what is spoken or read.

During the electoral season, these skills are invaluable.

As a community of learners I constantly talk about our work regarding literacy. I sometimes hear from parents who tell me we spend too much time teaching children to read; that they are tired of homework and that students need more “down time.” I sincerely understand that feeling; however, unless our children are reading on grade level by third grade, their opportunities for a successful school career and work opportunity can be drastically reduced. None of us want this to happen. Our children deserve better. More importantly, students and citizens who cannot read well depend upon others to shape their opinions through advertisements, innuendo, word of mouth, or statements that have no basis in fact.

The literate individual has the ability to research issues independently and arrive at a conclusion based upon facts.

There is no greater personal attribute in a democracy. It allows a person to determine if global warming is real or imagined science; if our nation and environment can withstand energy alternatives; if foreign policy should be viewed through multiple lenses or be a consistent pattern; or if a stronger nation is one that closes its borders to others.

These and many other issues are being debated on a national stage with many generalizations, divisive language, and statements that can create fear. The exchange of ideas is important. The threats, fear-based statements, and twisting of facts is divisive. As a nation, we can and should demand more from our leaders. However, it is difficult to do so when so few research issues on their own to learn about both sides of an issue.

This fall, when you hear your child’s teacher talk about the importance of reading, please remember that we do want our students to perform well on the ISAT. Please remember that we want them to grow up and enter a workforce as a competent and educated employee.

However, more importantly, please remember that a literate individual will strengthen the foundation of our democratic ideals. There is no more important work that parents and schools can perform. We are proud to be your partner in this effort.

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Love Notes

By Marianne Love

Email: malove@imbris.net | www.SlightDetour.blogspot.com In this month’s column, I’d better keep my Torbies, Tabbies and Tuxedos straight, or I could be in for a real cat fight. Actually, this is a story about a very special friendship between two women inspired by loving, published calicos, torbies, tabbies and tuxedos. So, I think I’m safe. It’s also another testament to the positive power of blogging.

Our tale all began several years ago when the Calico Kids started living with lifelong cat lover, Toni Britton, at the Big Piney Woods of North Idaho’s Selle Valley northeast of Sandpoint.

First, Patches Lady, the current cat queen of the Britton house, got dropped off in 1999. Then, Mittens Pollypaws, known for her purring and fetish for hiding under the bedding, joined the family in 2000 after Toni discovered her while volunteering at the animal shelter.

Later, Toni, her husband Ronnie and the two calicos began to share their beautiful country home with Mistrie Rose, a semi-feral torbie (short for tortoiseshell tabby) and Precious Flower aka Squirt, a silver tabby.

Eventually, their saga spread, via cat blogging among feline habitats around the world, taking at least one permanent landing in the Detroit-area home of Edsel/The Pooch. Edsel, age 252 in cat years, describes himself as a “DLH Tuxedo (black with white chest) with sparkly, greenish yellow eyes and l-o-oong whiskers.

“I’m in charge here,” he states in his blogger profile. He shares his home in Berkley, Mich., with Sue Jackson aka “Edsel’smom Sue,” a vice president of operations for a health promotions company; her husband Steve, an artist; and Casey, a long-haired grey-and-white female feline who resisted Edsel’s arrival for months until her new housemate realized his superior size and took charge.

MomSue has endured some medical challenges over the past couple of years, and Edsel’s blogger connections have helped her through them.

“I woke up in the hospital in May of 2006,” Sue recalls. “A doctor (neurosurgeon) was sitting on my bed... It

was a couple of days after I had a seizure and collapsed....I needed surgery for brain cancer the size of a golf ball.

“Toni rallied the troops,” Sue adds.

“She started a prayer vigil online in June, 2006. She and some of the other bloggers were amazing in their support.

She and I started to email and had an instant rapport.”

Toni’s www.bigpineywoods.blogspot. com and Sue’s www.edselthepooch. blogspot.com are just two of a growing number of blogs, giving cats their own voices on the World Wide Web. “I continued to go to cat sites and didn’t know about blogs until I ran across one,” Toni explains. “About three weeks later, I decided it sounded like fun. I think we all enjoy telling things from a cat’s point of view.

“I found Edsel’s site from a link on another cat blog,” Toni adds. “There were about 30 of us when I started in December 2005. Now there are over 200.” Toni’s blog, originally known as the “Calico Kids,” took on its present name when Mistrie and Precious Flower joined the Britton feline family.

As time went by, fast and furious blogging through the perspectives of the Idaho cats and their Detroit friend, along with email correspondence between their humans, inspired a very special visit this summer between Edsel’smom Sue and CalicoMom Toni.

“Toni and I started talking about my visiting probably around the end of 2006,” Sue says, but in April of 2007 an MRI showed ‘activity’ in my brain, and I was told I needed six weeks of radiation and chemo. No trip to Idaho that summer.” The visit was put off until Summer, 2008 as long as Sue’s MRI this past June was a good one.

“I carried an Idaho quarter in my jacket pocket for a couple of months... for good luck,” she adds. After positive news on the MRI, the two women met face to face over the Fourth of July weekend when Sue traveled from Michigan to Spokane Airport where she was told she’d recognize Toni, dressed in all purple.

“I knew she was about my size, with dark hair,” Sue explains. “I walked into the baggage area, saw her, we hugged,

and I felt like I was home.” The Brittons saw to it that Sue continued to feel at home throughout the four-day visit.

Their North Idaho hospitality included taking Sue to the parade and fireworks, shopping, a Britton family potluck picnic, on drives to the back country and, of course, assigning Mittens Polypaws to act as furry hostess in Sue’s bedroom.

It took a while to charm her way into Mittens’ heart, but by visit’s end, Sue had a permanent feline greeter, always sitting on her bed. Later, when Sue left, Mittens expressed sadness of her new friend’s departure on her blog.

“Momma and Daddy took Edsel’smom Sue to the Spokane airport yesterday morning,” Mittens wrote. “We will miss her so much (especially me). At first I was shy, but she was so mellow and sweet and nice to me... she gives the best tummy rubs imaginable. Edsel is so lucky to have such a wonderful Momma.”

And, how was the overall visit?

According to all feline bloggers and humans concerned, it was the real “Cat’s Meow!”

“I would encourage more people to become friends,” Sue stated in an email, while reflecting on her trip to Idaho.

“Don’t just look at blogging as a bunch of crazy cat bloggers. Look at these people with whom you have a lot in common as people who can be part of your life.

“I think in today’s world it’s harder to make, and keep, friends than it used to be,” she adds. “Step out on the limb a little.”

If Mittens’ observations are any indicator, Sue and Toni’s reaching out toward each other from afar confirms Sue’s advice.

“Momma says Edsel’sMom was just like she imagined, and that was laffin and laffin and laffin and talking about all you cat bloggers and how they both got started,” Mittens stated in a recent Continued on page 63

The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008 | Page 33

Grammar Damage

Mark Twain once said “The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter - it’s the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.”

I would have liked to have met that guy.

Although the existence of thesauruses might lead you to believe that any old word will do, the truth is that even in English, words have precise meanings. When a writer chooses a certain word, it’s likely he or she chose that word because of its exact meaning - and didn’t choose a ‘like’ word from the thesaurus because it had a subtle difference in the meaning.

That doesn’t mean you can choose to use just any word that happens to catch your fancy when you’re writing (or speaking) because even when it comes to words themselves, grammar has rules. And none of us wants to break the rules, right ?

Consider, for example, the words ‘who’ and ‘that’, because they’re often used incorrectly as if, like a synonym, they can be considered interchangable. They’re not.

Who, you see, designates an individual person, a human being. That designates an inanimate object, a thing, or a collective group.

‘Bob is the man WHO called me on the phone yesterday,’ is correct. ‘Bob is the man THAT called me on the phone yesterday,’ is not.

That and which also get confused. ‘That’ is such a difficult word, in fact, I wonder if you shouldn’t just follow my friend Sandy Compton’s advice, when he once told me (while editing) that he could take out three-quarters of people’s use of ‘that’ and call a story good. That was a slight exaggeration, but if you use ‘that’ in your writing frequently, read the sentence without ‘that’ and, if it still makes sense, just chop it out of there.

Confusion also arises when choosing between the words among and between. Use between when the reference is to two people, objects or ideas - use among when there’s more than two. Want an example? Well, the first sentence of this paragraph gives an example for between. If there was a fight among the students, staff and parents at a school, however, among would be the correct word choice. (It would also be correct if there were just a fight among students, as long as more than two students were involved in the fight.)

Everyday is also a word that gives people a bit of trouble - its meaning is commonplace or ordinary. The problem is that people use everyday when they actually mean “every day” that an event happens on each and every day (or close enough thereof if you’re into a little exaggeration).

Therefore it might be an “everyday event” for a student to ride on the bus, but if you’re saying they ride the school bus “every day” then split the word into two words.

Good and well are another pair of words that often get misused. Good is an adjective - it describes a noun and does nothing else. Well is both an adjective and an adverb, and so can be used to describe a verb where good cannot be used.

Many mix-ups occur when good and well are used as adjectives after the verbs look or feel. In those cases, good is used to refer to a degree of quality - well refers to health.

Forgotten your math classes and can’t decide of something’s an average, mean, median or norm?

You get an average by adding up a group of numbers, then dividing it by the number of numbers you added together. (i.e.

3+4+6+7=20. Divide by four and your average is 5.)

The mean is the number you get when you add a series of numbers and divide it by the number of cases you want to illustrate. For example, in a group of three people who have, respectively, $5, $20 and $100, the mean amount of money in the group is $41.66666666666 (and on and on) which illustrates why you don’t really want to know the mean dollar amount of money held by three people with those amounts of cash on hand.

The median is simply the middle number in a series of numbers arranged by size - the median is the point where half of the numbers will fall below, and half will fall above. The median is used frequently to describe incomes, which is a little misleading as when you apply that to yourself, you’re either going to be richer or poorer than everyone else and who really wants to know how you compare to other people? Wouldn’t you rather know an absolute value for yourself? How does your income compare with the cost of living? But I’m getting off on a tangent here.

Norm is a way of implying average performance and you’ll see it on just about every state-mandated test your children ever take, which pretty much seems to be a cop-out to me. “If your son’s scores are anywhere around the norm, we did our job. If they’re way above the norm, we did an excellent job. If they’re way below the norm, it’s probably due to his family environment.”

The norm also doesn’t give an absolute value. Maybe the norm in Idaho is that every student is ignorant - scoring above the norm, then, doesn’t mean much. Whether your son actually knows the subject he was tested on isn’t the kind of information the states are interested in. And if too many students score below the norm, why then, they just re-norm the test.

Before we leave the math portion of our grammar lesson today class, let’s talk just a bit about per capita, another favored term for income. You and your family of four are in a room with six other families of four, and the total family income for each of those families (including yours) is $30,000. The per capita income for that group, then, is $7,500. The reason why anyone would want to know that particular number is beyond me.

So let’s take a few numbers and see what we can do with them. Idaho’s population for 2007 was 1,499,402. Total personal income in Idaho was $46,776,412. Divide that second number by the first and you get per capita income for Idaho in 2007 - $31,197. (In my column I cited the figure $36,500 - you’ll have to read the story to find out why but it’s not a math issue.)

The number of households in Idaho is 615,624. Divide total personal income by that number and you’ll see the average household income in Idaho is $75,982. I can’t give a mean income amount as I’d need the actual incomes of every single Idaho earning income but who’d want that anyway? The median household income for Idaho (that’s the half above, half below number) is $40,509 (as of 2004, the most current number I could find). It’s up to you to decide which numbers you find most useful. But all this should remind you of another great thing Mark Twain once shared (it was a quote from Disraeli) - “There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics.”

-Trish Gannon

Page 34 | The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008

by Thomas McMahon

Photo by Jeanne Davis

The Large Hadron Collider may not have the most imaginative name, but it’s certainly a descriptive one. Built by CERN, the same group who came up with The Grid that I previously wrote about (The River Journal 14 May, 2008 Vol. 17 No. 9), the LHC is the largest particle accelerator built. With a circumference of 17 miles and crossing the France/ Switzerland border four different times, it really is no joke. The ironic part is that this massive structure will be rocketing protons at each other.

So why build something so big, in order to make incredibly tiny things hit each other? Well, to make even smaller things, of course. The hopes and dreams of physicists around the world is that the LHC will produce the Higgs Boson.

The Higgs Boson is a theoretical particle or field that interacts with other particles and gives them mass. The friendliest and most used example is to imagine a party where the crowd is evenly spaced out throughout the room.

As the host enters the door, those closest to him will gather around him. As the host wanders the room he will gather those around him, while leaving behind the ones where he has been. So he will always have a group, or mass, which hinders his movement, but those people, or particles, will change.

Finding the Higgs Boson is considered a critical step in developing the Grand Unified Theory or, in CERN’s words, to find the missing ingredient in the “recipe for a universe.” It is expected that the LHC will help scientists answer some of the remaining questions in physics.

In order to accelerate the particles, make them collide, read the results, and distribute the findings, a huge amount of resources are needed. The 17-mile pipe is roughly 12 feet in diameter and has two adjacent beam pipes. The

particles travel within the beam and the two beams travel in opposite directions.

Bending magnets (1,232 of them) keep the beams in the circular path, and 392 more magnets are used to keep the beams focused. The focusing magnets are used to increase the chances that the particles will collide in one of the four intersection points. In order to cool over 1,600 superconducting magnets, many weighing over 27 tons, 96 tons of liquid helium are needed.

The four intersection points will have a total of six detectors ranging from two very large generalized detectors, to a detector to focus on heavy-ion collisions, plus three more that are even more specialized.

In order to handle the vast amounts of information that will be produced by the LHC, CERN has had to come up with its own database known as The Grid. Using fiber optic technology and preexisting high speed connections, physicists across the globe will be able to view findings from the LHC. Most of the negative feedback concerning the LHC regards the safety issue; many people are concerned with the unknown aspect of causing protons to collide. In reality, no one really knows what will happen on the first run in October. Some of the speculations regarding “doomsday accidents” occurring range from the creation of black holes to a chain reaction that could wipe out everything. The public has been assured that there is only a “very small chance of a black hole forming.”

In popular literature, Dan Brown’s “Angels and Demons” postulated the creation of anti-matter from the Large Hadron Collider. In response, CERN published a “fact or fiction” section on their website (http://public.web.cern. ch) to respond to scientific issues in the book. CERN does indeed produce and study anti-matter, as do other research institutes, and has been doing so for years - without ending the world.

The LHC is scheduled to produce the first high energy collisions on October 21 of this year.

I’ve tried to summarize a very large and complex project here; to get the full picture please do your own research on the Large Hadron Collider. It will make history when it goes online this year hopefully, it won’t end history as well. §

Simply grand. website design & hosting book design, editing and printing e-books logo designs collateral materials designed and printed.

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Thomas McMahon is a student at the College of Idaho with an interest in tennis, engineering and playing geeky video games. Reach him at auzie_boy@hotmail.com

The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008 | Page 35

Thomas’ Tech Tales Is October 21 the end of the world?

Library Bookmobile Has a New Schedule Beginning on September 8th the Bookmobile of the East Bonner County Library District will have a revised schedule that includes a stop at the Ponderay Wal-Mart on Mondays. The Wal-Mart location will serve residents in Ponderay and Kootenai, but anyone is welcome to use this location. Save some gas money and let the Library come to you. The Bookmobile has a great selection of fiction, non-fiction, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s books, music CDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, movies, books on tape and more. Anything from the Sandpoint or Clark Fork collections can easily be transferred to the Bookmobile.

Just call ahead with your special requests or place requests online at www.ebcl. lib.id.us/ebcl and then pick up your items at the Bookmobile stop closest to your home. On Mondays, the Bookmobile will be at Wal-Mart from 10 am to 1 pm and then go to Samuels from 1:30 to 4:30 pm. On Tuesdays, the Bookmobile is at the Klondyke CafĂŠ in Laclede from 10 am to 1 pm and then goes to the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Edgemere from 2 to 4:30 pm. On Wednesdays, the Bookmobile travels to three locations â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Careywood from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, then on to the Westmond Store from 12:45 to 2:45 pm, and then continues to Encoder from 3 to 4:30 pm. On Thursdays, the Bookmobile is in Hope (near the old Hope School) from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm. You can call the Bookmobile at 208-290-3622.

Library cards are free and the Bookmobile is air-conditioned â&#x20AC;&#x201C; come check it out. Â&#x153;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x160; Ă&#x203A;>Â&#x2C6;Â?>LÂ?iĂ&#x160;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x160; Â&#x153;ÂŤi]Ă&#x160;

Urban Legends God and Our Schools

by Trish Gannon

As autumn begins to creep ever closer, children around the country are returning to school after the long summer vacation.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good time for religious nuts to begin sending out their emails hammering on how the public education system is relentlessly continuing to ban God from our schools.

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to wonder about someone who tells a lie to promote belief in their God, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you?

Take, for example, an undying email quoting words purportedly written by Ben Stein about why our world is like it is today. â&#x20AC;&#x153;...being the gentleman He [God] is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;In light of recent eventsâ&#x20AC;Śterrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it when Madeleine Murray Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hare

>Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2C6;LÂ&#x153;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x160;*Â&#x2026;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x192;Â&#x2C6;V>Â?Ă&#x160;/Â&#x2026;iĂ&#x20AC;>ÂŤĂ&#x17E;Ă&#x160; started (she was murdered, her body found - Continued from page 6OTED IN "ONNER #OUNTY recently) complained she didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want prayer Meleah has a power kick so lovely that Caribou Physical Therapy in our schools, and we said okay. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Then someone said you better not read the skipper is thrilled when itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s her turn,7HY DRIVE TO 3ANDPOINTx#OME SEE US IN (OPE Aquatic Therapy the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt ÂľĂ&#x2022;>Ă&#x152;Â&#x2C6;VĂ&#x160;/Â&#x2026;iĂ&#x20AC;>ÂŤĂ&#x17E; as she is easy to sight with her splash not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your Total Joint Rehab no fear of running her over or leaving /Â&#x153;Ă&#x152;>Â?Ă&#x160; Â&#x153;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x160;,iÂ&#x2026;>L neighbor as yourself. And we said okay.â&#x20AC;? her behind. Imre dives gracefully into the Sports Injuries -ÂŤÂ&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160; Â&#x2DC;Â?Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2C6;iĂ&#x192; Oh, please. water and heads out making it look easy.

Back >VÂ&#x17D;Ă&#x160;EĂ&#x160; and Neck Rehab iVÂ&#x17D;Ă&#x160;,iÂ&#x2026;>L Ben Stein is a powerful speaker with an When its time for him to come in he says, -Ă&#x152;Ă&#x20AC;>Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160;EĂ&#x160;-ÂŤĂ&#x20AC;>Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x192; Strains and Sprains undeniably strong faith in God. He read an â&#x20AC;&#x153;I can keep goingâ&#x20AC;Ś you look tired.â&#x20AC;? excellent piece on his support of Christmas Pre- *Ă&#x20AC;iĂ&#x160;EĂ&#x160;*Â&#x153;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x160;-Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC;}iĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x17E; and Post-Surgery Courtneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s now famous â&#x20AC;&#x153;I LOVE >Â?Â?Ă&#x160;vÂ&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;>ÂŤÂŤÂ&#x153;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x152;Â&#x201C;iÂ&#x2DC;Ă&#x152; celebrations for a CBS television show.

Call for appointment Work 7Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x17D;Ă&#x160;,iÂ?>Ă&#x152;i`Ă&#x160; Â&#x2DC;Â?Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2C6;iĂ&#x192; Related Injuries SUPER CHOP AT 2 AM!â&#x20AC;? still makes me But he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t say whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quoted above. I guess someone thought that if they added chuckle. The Mann brothers, who were Â&#x153;ÂŤi\Ă&#x160;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2C6;{°xäĂ&#x2C6;Ă&#x2021;Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;->Â&#x2DC;`ÂŤÂ&#x153;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x152;\Ă&#x160;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2C6;x°nĂ&#x17D;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x17D; Hope: 264.5067 â&#x20AC;˘ Sandpoint: 265.8333 their own thoughts to those of Ben Stein, expected to swim for hours so the older6Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x192;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160;>Ă&#x152;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x153;°V>Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2C6;LÂ&#x153;Ă&#x2022;ÂŤÂ&#x2026;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x192;Â&#x2C6;V>Â?Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;iĂ&#x20AC;>ÂŤĂ&#x17E;°VÂ&#x153;Â&#x201C; Visit us at people might give them more credence. folks could eat any number of delicious www.CaribouPhysicalTherapy.com Because for some people, the end justifies meals provided by JalapeĂąos, Ivanoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, the means. Even if their God said pretty and the crew, proved they like to eat and implicitly, â&#x20AC;&#x153;thou shalt not lie.â&#x20AC;? sleep as much as the rest of them, maybe But the lie goes further than putting more as they disappeared for hours words in Ben Steinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mouth - because this napping in the safety boat. writer promotes an erroneous view that I recall swimmers musing how both God and the Bible are banned from our schools. God isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t banned. The Bible â&#x20AC;&#x153;spectacular,â&#x20AC;? their swim was. isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t banned. But the establishment of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wonderful.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The best time Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had in religion most certainly is. ages.â&#x20AC;? Could it be that long distance Thank God for that. swimming takes you to a place of The so-called Establishment Clause in meditative breathing, reflection, and our Constitution reflected the concerns of calmness? Or as Eric R. so aptly put it, men who recognized that many of those â&#x20AC;&#x153;Man that moon is beautiful!â&#x20AC;? so loud the living in the country that would become mountain goats were disturbed. People America were there because their personal having fun, loving nature, appreciating beliefs about God (religion) were â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;bannedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; as they didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t match that countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one another, and all is right with the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;establishedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; religion. world.

Recycling - Lawn, Garden, Snow The next time someone sends you an For me, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll always remember salsa Equipment, Generators, Pumps and email telling you we need â&#x20AC;&#x153;God in our and pickle juice donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mix. When the Older Outboards. schools,â&#x20AC;? ask them â&#x20AC;&#x153;Which God? Yours, power is out and they say you have to I also buy/sell batteries or mine?â&#x20AC;? Do you really want government pee in a bucket, make sure you hold Two doors west of the Hope Post Office to determine the answer to that question? onto the railing, or realize a bucket is for Personally, I think our founding fathers got 208-264-5529 wimps. And an adventure lived is really it right.

-Trish Gannon

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Page 36 | The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008

Where do you like to take new visitors to this area?

Blacky Black, Sandpoint I take visitors anywhere and everywhere. Every place here is unique. In other places, like the ocean, for instance, you can feel just a very small part of everything. Here, you’re a part of the whole picture.

Barney Hall, Sandpoint I like to take people out to Roman Nose. It’s a relatively short hike and some really nice views.

(For good hikes in the Selkirks, check out “Trails of the Wild Selkirks” available from Keokeebooks.com.)

Bill Malone, Sandpoint I like to take people out to Talache to see wehre they test the submarines. It’s really pretty cool.

Jim Williams, Sandpoint I like to take them up to the falls on Grouse Creek. It’s getting more and more popular, but if you don’t know where you’re going, then can be hard to find.

Colleen Ankersmit, Sandpoint I like to take them to the Bison Range (near Ronan, Montana). Sadly, they don’t allow you to ride motorcycles there... or bison, either.

Ron and Jill, Sandpoint We like to take people driving on the Selkirk Loop.

You can do it in a day - it’s a long day, but it’s worth it. (Visit www.SelkirkLoop.org to learn more about it.)

Nancy Renk, Sandpoint I don’t usually take visitors anywhere. Once they get to our place, they don’t want to go anywhere else. I don’t know if that’s because of how beautiful it is, or if they’re afraid to have to drive on our road again.

Ruth Wimberley, Sandpoint I take them to the Kootenai Wildlife Refuge. A lot of my friends like wildlife, so that’s a great spot, plus the falls are easy to hike to and are very pretty.

Kelly McGlothlin, Sandpoint I like to take people searching for deserted houses up Flume Creek. You know, sometimes people leave and it looks like they’ve left everything, even dinner on the table. I think it’s just too hard to pack it all back out with them.

Tess Howell, Sandpoint. I like to take people to the Pack River Store. It has really good food and a great swing.

Shannon MacLashin, Sandpoint I like to take visitors out to the Priest River Experimental Forest. It’s a nice fourwheeler ride from the ranger station to within a half mile of the lookout and there’s great huckleberry picking along the way.

Tom Anderson, Sandpoint I like to take visitors up to Lunch Peak. You can practically drive right to it in a car - it’s just a short little hike. I also like to take them to the restrooms at Trestle Creek (Park) - they’re so clean!

Al (just Al), Sagle If I had visitors coming soon, I’d take them to see Jackie Greene at the Panida Theater. (It came out later that Al’s daughter is producing the show. Good promotion, Dad!)

The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008 | Page 37

on the street

Billie Presley, Clark Fork When people haven’t been here before, they always like going up Trestle Creek Rd. a quarter-mile or so to have their picture taken by the sign that advises you to ‘know your bears’ because you’re now in grizzly bear territory.

Page 38 | The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008

In the Valley of Shadows with Lawrence Fury

“I saw a mouth jeering, a smile of melted red iron ran over it... it was a child’s dream of a mouth...” -Carl Sandburg This month’s account is that of a young family in Cocolalla. As usual, their names have been changed to protect the anonymous.

It’s not only old buildings that have something... well... wrong with them. This story takes place in a house that’s only a couple of years old. Oftentimes it can be the land on which the house is built

covers even on a warm night so the “Shadow” wouldn’t make them cold. When asked for more detail of this thing, the boy would make claw hands and growl. The closest description they could get out of Sam was that he was seeing some dog shape. Was this a demon, or the product of a four-year-old’s imagination?

Their first and most reasonable theory

One day the man had gotten into an argument with his then best friend.

Apparently, the so-called friend lost the argument, went home, then returned with a gun, killing the dog. The neighbor was sure the dog’s owner had buried the animal here, on what was now their property.

For their peace of mind, and that of their children, the young couple went to their minister for advice about the situation. His suggestion was a prayer vigil with their congregation.

The next evening, the family gathered with several from their prayer group and asked in the name of Jesus to allow the young father to take dominion over his house.

Ghost Dog of Cocolalla

(much like Amityville Horror) that haunts them.

(Not to burst your bubble, by the way, but I’m convinced the Lutz family of Amityville Horror fame made up that entire story for money. No family living in the house, before or since, has reported anything unusual.)

The young mother of our Cocolalla family, Jill, went into her young son’s bedroom one night to tuck him in and found four-year-old Sam with the sheet pulled up to just below his eyes as he stared at the ceiling. Asked what he was looking at, the boy pointed up: “The doggie!” His mother saw nothing but a shadow, and reassured him that’s all it was.

The following night, when Sam refused even to go into his bedroom, Jill got her husband Chris to go in with them. Getting in bed now that his father was there, Sam suddenly looked up, pointing. “There’s the tail!”

In the following days, Jill and Chris noticed additional behavior changes in their son. He’d put his hands under his bed

was the barking by their neighbor’s large dog was scaring their children.

Things settled down for a week or so and both parents decided whatever was going on had run its course, until one day both Sam and his three-year-old sister Gina came running into the house, scared and screaming, “Dog!” Rushing outside, Chris found an empty yard.

From then, things began to happen that led the adults to think there was more to this than a kid’s imagination. Jill would go into Gina’s room and find the girl huddled in the corner of her bed during nap time, awake and scared to death.

One night, when the family was asleep, a loud resounding crash came from Gina’s room. Going to investigate, Chris found a picture and frame on the floor, but his daughter asleep. It couldn’t have just fallen - it was halfway between the dresser it had been sitting on and his daughter’s bed.

Besides, there was a shoe box and a clown doll still in place on the dresser that had been in front of the picture.

The barking dog theory went out the window.

Talking with their neighbor one night, the man asked Jill and Chris if when they were building their house, they had discovered any bones, especially those of a dog.

The neighbor went on to relate a story about the property’s previous owner, who had owned a large, beloved black dog.

Several nights of peace followed before one final incident. Chris was tucking his son into bed when, out of the corner of his eye, he saw something black race by. Turning around, the room seemed normal, but Sam lay there looking at the outer wall and said, “Dog, bye-bye.”

In a footnote, while not having been bothered further as of this writing, none of this explained the time when, getting out of the family car, a black, ghostly human hand seemed to reach out for Jill from the back seat. Could there be more than one thing going on? More than one phenomenon? Could it be something akin to the Shadow Creatures, as I related in April?

Next month, a story my father told us one spooky Christmas Eve about an experience he had as a young man in the Forest Service in the late 1930s. The most bizarre, spine-tingling account yet for a VALLEY OF SHADOWS Halloween.

Don’t read it in the dark. You’ve been warned.

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Surrealist Research Surrealist Bureau From the files of the River Journal’s

by Jody Forest

Research Bureau with Jody Forest

Some of my favorite tales as a young man were the “Tarzan” books of the prolific 1930s California author Edgar Rice Burroughs, who also later wrote a series of adventures “Under the Moons of Mars” which featured the exploits of John Carter. By day on earth he was a wheelchair-bound paraplegic but at night, in dreams, he roamed the cosmos and battled great monsters.

These “Under the Martian Moons” series, like those of Jules Verne, H.G. Wells and Sherlock Holmes, helped fire my young imagination and the road led eventually into more scientifically and satirically based literature like that of Jonathan Swift, whose “Gulliver’s Travels” had a curious footnote in it I still recall.

To recap Gulliver; Swift has his hero discuss in the section “Voyage to Laputa” astronomical discoveries by the Laputians; “They [the Laputan astronomers] have likewise discovered two lesser stars, or ‘satellites,’ which revolve about Mars, whereof the innermost is distant from the centre of the primary planet exactly three of his diameters, and the outermost five; the former revolves in the space of ten hours, and the latter in twenty-one and a half;...” Swift goes on to relate another few paragraphs of obscure scientific data concerning the Martian Moons but the thing to remember is that it would not be for another 150 years after Swift wrote that the moons would actually be discovered, in 1877 by the astronomer Asaph Hall. It’s said that Hall, after their

discovery and while still pondering on a name for the moons, had pointed out to him the passage in Swift’s 1726 tale and he was seized with ‘fear and terror’; thus giving birth to the names Phobos and Deimos (Greek for fear and terror, respectively).

That curious footnote in Gulliver left me mystified. How could someone describe these undiscovered moons so accurately, including even their apparent sizes and periods of rotation more than 150 years before their official discovery?

Forty years later, I still have no answer.

Those few scientists who’ve bothered to look at the matter at all seem to be all reduced to saying something along the lines of “a lucky guess.”

Swift was surely no prophet. An Irish Bishop, apparently unaware of Swift’s satirical intentions, once wrote that it was so full of improbabilities that he hardly believed a word in the book. Though a scientist, Swift was primarily a satirist.

Many people took seriously his Simple Solution, that the English should cook and eat the Irish poor as an answer to the Great Potato Famine. His self-written 1745 epitaph reads; “Here lies the body of Jonathan Swift, where savage indignation can no longer lacerate his heart.” He left his entire estate to the founding of “an hospital for the care of lunatics and idiots.”

One of the joys of researching obscure tidbits like these is the way small, tiny factoids sometime piece together

like a puzzle. The Great Chinese Fleet of 1423 which entered the Mediterranean and visited the Vatican left behind them not only a globe of the earth (dated from 1419 B.C.E.) which revealed both the American continents, but left also an entire Chinese 5,000-volume encyclopedia of knowledge, including advanced astronomical data and the means of determining longitude, which more than likely set fire to the European Age of Exploration.

We’ve only just scratched the surface of our debt to China but I shouldn’t wonder if one of these Chinese astronomical treatises might not have made its way to Dublin and Swift. As I find out more I’ll relate it soon in a future TRJ. ‘til next time; Yours for a Strong America!

“Swords of Mars” by Edgar Rice Burroughs, cover art by J Allen St. John, used with permission from Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. Editor’s Note - In 1752 Voltaire (François-Marie Arouet) also wrote about the ‘two moons of Mars’ in Micromegas.

In honor of both Swift and Voltaire’s seeming prescience, two craters on Deimos are named after the pair.

Jody Forest is a noted writer of surrealist poetry. Reach him at dgree666@sandpoint.net

The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008 | Page 39

From the Files of the River Journal’s

Page 40 | The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008

Faith Walk For every thing there is a season

by Gary Payton

Leaves on the nine bark have turned rust orange. Tree top squirrels have worked feverishly dropping summer grown pine cones. And most of the hucks that were going to be picked have been picked, leaving the remainder for critters with whom we share our North Country home.

There is change in the air. Night air is just a bit crisper. Sundown is just a bit earlier. All around us we are surrounded by signs of the inexorable shift of seasons.

Perhaps it was a flashback re-listening to the great Pete Seeger classic “Turn!

Turn! Turn!” sung gloriously by the folk rock band, The Byrds. Perhaps it was the full realization of the major changes in my own family circumstance this year.

But no matter what the impetus, my spirit has been drawn to the poetry of the Old Testament text in Ecclesiastes.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose;

a time to keep, and a time to throw away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.

One modern commentator on this ancient text describes the author as “the most real of the realists of the sacred writers.” This realism is what touches me. My heart still aches at the death of my wonderful mother-in-law earlier this year. Her passing is juxtaposed with the boundless joy of the birth of our first grandchild just three months ago. We’ve just said goodbye to our youngest child in Missoula as he begins his first year at the University of Montana. And, we have just said hello to new neighbors who share our love for the creation which surrounds us in forest and meadows. Indeed, “for everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”

In my faith walk, the teacher who wrote the poetry of Ecclesiastes provides a structure in which moral decision making is required. As one life circumstance is cast against another life circumstance, there is “a challenge to be wise, to be ethical, to discern when one’s actions are in keeping with God’s time and then to act decisively.”

The season upon us is filled with decision points for the nation and for us as individuals. The choices we make in November will shape the war in Iraq, our energy future, our response to global warming, our immigration policy, the future of health care, and on and on. As individuals our decisions are benchmarks of what we really believe. The vehicle we drive, the number of trips we take, our participation in volunteer organizations, our individual care for the earth, our very participation in the democratic process itself, and on and on.

Changing seasons call us to prepare for the future. They call us to choose wisely among possibilities which are presented.

As I turn, turn, turn I pray for the wisdom that my choices reflect God’s will for us and for me.

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The Hawk’s Nest

By Ernie Hawks

Email: ehawks@photosbyhawks.com | www.PhotosbyHawks.com “Life is sad, people die and the price of beer keeps going up.” That is a quote from my new favorite philosopher. I might add to that, some of us have to work weekends, too.

We met him at the Kaslo Jazz Etc. Festival in Kaslo B.C. This was the first time in several years the Canadian festival took place a week before the Sandpoint Festival, so we were able to go. In the past they have opened on the same weekend, so it meant, this year, I had another weekend of work on my schedule. That meant I had to drive into one of the most beautiful valleys around and listen to music, look at the view, and visit with the locals - in other words go to work while others played.

Kaslo is one of my favorite villages. It’s north of Nelson on the shores of Kootenay Lake, about 70 miles up the 100-milelong lake. The floating stage for the concerts is tucked into Kaslo Bay, making the view for the audience breathtaking.

Across the lake rises the West Kootenays with Mount Loki, just over 9,000 feet, straight away.

On the day we were in front of the stage, the music began at 1 pm and for the next 10 hours jazz and blues filled the valley and bounced off the mountains.

When a band finished on the main stage everyone turned their chairs around and faced the second stage. From there a regional band played as the stage on the lake was being reset for the next international act.

We saw Muhledy, the Chris Bergson Band, John Hammond, and Jesse Cook all on the floating stage, each giving an excellent show, and just as fun were the local bands who played in between.

One of my favorites was Flora Ware from the Nelson area. She sang several old standards in the vein of Eva Cassidy or Norah Jones, but her original works, both lyrics and the music, were highlights for me. Other bands from the region were the Clinton Administration and the Emily Braden Quartet. Every one of the regional groups was highly talented and gave exciting performances, not to mention that they are close to North Idaho.

For my wife and the friends we were with this was a fun weekend of good food, good music, and camaraderie. For me it was another day at work. I knew I would be writing about the day so I kept reminding them I was “on the clock.” I couldn’t get much sympathy though, especially when I tried to get a receipt at the beer garden since it was a business expense. They gave me looks of disgust, again when I told the Polish sausage vender (my new favorite chef) I needed proof of purchase.

I decided it is what the workers of the world must put up with to take our place in society, and I can accept that.

Anyway, we were in the beer garden when we met the philosopher. He lives in the woods above the lake not far from town.

At our first meeting, it was obvious he had not made any mortgage payments for a dentist. In fact, at this point there were only a few reasons for him to see the dentist with empty gaps in between. Still, I remember thinking “What a great and happy smile.”

That smile might have been helped with a liquid diet, which may be the only way he can absorb any nutrients at all.

In a conversation during the transition of stages, it came out quite inadvertently that one in our party was a doctor and someone asked what kind of doc he was.

Our friend didn’t want to work that day, even though I was, so said “Doctor of Philosophy.” My new favorite philosopher replied quickly “Are you working on a cure?” Truly a high-minded fellow.

The guy’s wit and intellect intrigued me. I was sure this was not his first trip to a beer garden, even that day, and I think it would be fair to say that as a young man there were a lot more brain cells to operate with, but still he was quite bright and fun. It came out in bits and pieces but we did find out he was from England and had been in Canada for most of his adult life. We never did find out why he came across the pond nor if he had ever gone back. We did find out he loved going to the United States and that the U.S. doesn’t want him to cross the border anymore. The reason for that didn’t come out, either.

One from The Philosopher’s party was a recently retired conductor. I asked where he had conducted. He said the Canadian Pacific Railroad.

The Conductor seemed to be looking for new friends, at least for the night, so moved in out of our group with each attempt and failure. He seemed to be a pleasant sort of chap but was quite interested in finding a friend at the festival.

As the evening wore on, he seemed to be working harder, maybe even a little desperately.

With the sun setting behind us, a redyellow glow at the base of Mt. Loki started to rise from behind a ridge. I wondered if it could be fire, then blue joined the vivid colors of mist, then green. As it lifted, the colors started over again, spreading up and down the crease in the side of the ridge as the snow on the pointed top of Loki turned pink. People were looking over the band and the lake watching the rainbow ascend the mountainside.

The Conductor, between forays for friendship, asked our doctor friend what he does as a Doctor of Philosophy. “It’s philosophy, think about it,” interrupted my new favorite philosopher. That seemed to stump The Conductor and he left, possibly to think about it. The rest of us went back to the rainbow accompanied by the blues of John Hammond, who by now had teamed up with the Chris Bergson Band and was competing with the show of air and water, rock and snow, lightness and dark in the mountains.

Continued on page 62

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The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008 | Page 41

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Duke’s Food Obsession

by Duke Diercks | Duke@RiverJournal.com

A Warm Bath for Fall Okay. Where in the hell did summer go? Was it our long winter, our mild June and early July, or fewer cars than usual that have so many of us thinking summer was especially short this year?

I guess the only saving grace is that fall in northern Idaho can be glorious in its own right. And, as the light dwindles and the temperatures dip, I start to think of warming comfort foods, especially the grand European hot dips and fondues.

One of my favorites is bagna cauda - literally, ‘hot bath’ in Italian. Bagna cauda is a flavorful dip the Italians in Piedmont typically eat to celebrate the fall wine harvest, when the heartiness of the garlic and olive oil dip paired with a young, brash red wine combat the brisk temperatures.

Bagna cauda is an easy-to-make warm dip that has three main ingredients: olive oil, plenty of garlic and anchovies.

Yes, anchovies. Don’t stop reading.

The anchovies blend in with the oil and garlic to make a rich dip that is not overly “fishy.” Served warm in a bowl, you dip raw vegetables into the dip and eat, sort of like an Italian fondue. I like to use hearty, thickly sliced, country bread as a “plate” that travels under the veggies on the way to my mouth, thereby catching any extra dip. Once the bread is sufficiently soggy, I consume it with abandon and get a new plate.

For vegetables, they can really be anything, but typically, I use carrots, red pepper, blanched broccoli, artichokes (if available and nice) and mushrooms.

I let color and freshness be my guide.

The Italians favor the cardoon, but we seldom see the cardoon up here, and I am not a huge fan.

Recently, I have added meat to the veggie array,

grilling a flank steak, and slicing. This can be served cold, hot or at room temperature.

In between bites, of course, you must have something to drink, and the richness of the dip practically begs for a big youthful red wine long on tannins.

Chianti or barbera would be splendid, but so would a young California Cabernet Sauvignon, or Zinfandel, or even a nice Pinot Noir from Washington or Oregon. Because bagna cauda is a self-serve affair, it is wonderful dinner party food - if you can convince your guests to get past the anchovy issue. It is great party fare, because all of the preparation can be done in advance, it has a vegetarian option, is relatively cost-effective, and I don’t know, when you mix garlic and red wine, good things seem to happen.

To make bagna cauda is simple.

I will not walk you through how to cut vegetables, because if you can’t handle that, you need more help than I can provide. For the dip, I am going to guesstimate, because I normally “eyeball” it. But, once you taste, you can always adjust for more garlic, etc.

I start with about three-quarters of a cup of virgin olive oil. Warm the oil over medium heat. Add about eight cloves minced garlic. Let this warm on low heat for about 10 minutes. You do not want to brown the garlic, but rather cook it in the oil and let it mellow.

Next, add one tin of anchovies roughly chopped - or even better - salt packed anchovies that have been soaked in oil. The anchovies will dissolve in the oil. Cook for about another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Now, my trick, add about half a cup of heavy cream or half & half. This helps bind the sauce together and mellow out any harsh flavors. Whisk this until it is a milky white beauty. Keep warm and serve when you are ready. Once you are seated, the sauce will eventually get cold- no big deal, throw it back in the pot and warm it up again.

I recently bought a cheap mini fondue pot with a votive candle underneath to help keep it warm. Italian tradition says that the last of the sauce be scrambled with eggs, so go for it, it’s bath time.

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Building your dreams and more Duke Diercks is the master chef and owner of Duke’s Cowboy Grill in Sandpoint. Reach him at Duke@RiverJournal.com

Back to School

Local Food

Making local food convienient

of the

Inland Northwest It’s September - Back to school.

Alarm clocks, bus stops, pop quizzes, and school lunches.

It’s September - Harvest time.

Sweet corn, fresh tomatoes, new potatoes, beans!

Must these two autumn landmarks remain separate and exclusive? Working parents are already busting their butts just to send their kids off to school every day with lunch or lunch money in hand. But is it possible to find the time and money to incorporate fresh, local foods into kids’ diets?

by Emily LeVine

FOR THE LUNCH BOX: My sister has found four other families within her daughter's class whose food standards are similar to her own. Once a week, she packs lunch for all five kids, and drops them off with her daughter at school. The rest of the week, one of the other parents prepares all five lunches, and the whole family can relax.

also a great way to spend time with friends and still be productive.

Naturally, it may take a few weeks to get the hang of something like a cooking collective. Be patient, realistic, and have fun!

FOR THE DINNER TABLE: Two of my friends used to get together once a week to cook. Each person brought their own ingredients, cookware, and storage containers.

While their kids occupied each other, they each prepared two different meals, making enough for both families. It’s a lot of cooking at once, but at the end of the day, each family has four meals to eat throughout the week. Soups and salads can be stored in mason jars and casseroles covered and refrigerated for easy reheating. It’s

The commercial food industry has done a staggeringly thorough job of appealing to the fast-paced lives of parents working to feed themselves and their children three meals a day. Packaged food is cheap, quick, and easy to throw into a lunch bag every morning.

Frozen dinners are tossed into the microwave and can be ready to serve minutes after arriving home from work and school. It’s understandable that a parent would choose such an option over If you don’t already know the splendor of a farm fresh tomato, I suggest a time consuming, everythingyou go to the next farmers’ market and try one. Here’s a great recipe to use from-scratch meal fourteen times as a dinner collective summer soup, from The Modern Vegetarian Kitchen. a week.

Summertime Tomato and Corn Chowder 4-6 servings But how about once or twice a 3 ears sweet corn, kernels scraped, 1 carrot, diced week? I know a few moms who cobs reserved 1 celery rib have started cooking collectives to 1 cup diced new potatoes 2 pounds ripe tomatoes, relieve the monotony of thrice 4 cups water peeled, seeded, and chopped d a i l y f o o d p r e p , w h i l e 3 Tbsp. butter 1 small head tender lettuce, sliced maintaining high quality, healthy, 1 sweet onion 1/4 cup fresh basil and local food in family meals.

2 colves garlic, minced Bring water, corn cobs, and potatoes to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes. Remove and Emily LeVine is a soon-to-be discard the corn cobs. While the broth simmers, farmer living in the Selle Valley. warm butter in a large saucepan over medium If you have ideas, questions, or heat. Add onion and a pinch of salt, and saute 5 to comments, or topics you’d like to 7 minutes. Add corn kernels, garlic, carrot, celery, read about regarding local food, and tomatoes. Cook 15 minutes on low, until please contact her at tender. Puree potatoes and add to soup. Bring to a localfoodchallenge@gmail.com boil, and add lettuce and basil. Simmer 2 minutes, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve.

Local Food of the Month: Tomato!

The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008 | Page 43

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Introducing the Sandpoint Wellness Council The Sandpoint Wellness Council is an association of independent, complementary wellness practitioners located in Sandpoint dedicated to holistic health care, who together see the value of our synergistic practices, and who have chosen to work diligently to bring to you relevant and scientifically researched information on health care options. We believe that there is no “one” solution for everyone; rather each person has unique needs and concerns, and undertaken in such a perspective, effective remediation of causes of distress and dis-ease can be accomplished.

This year our collective aim is to bring you information about our individual practices and their objectives so you may make informed decisions about what you want in your personal health care regimen. Complementary health care is about synergy, about working with all ideas for health improvement, prevention, and maintenance of well being. The Sandpoint Wellness Council aims to inform, generate relevant questions, answer those questions, and assist others in finding and understanding current research. Many of our practitioners offer protocols that can effectively provide relief of many common complaints.

Each month we will be presenting a topic and will provide information from several of the participating Sandpoint Wellness Council members. We invite our readers to contact us with questions you would like us to address, and we will provide that information in upcoming issues of The River Journal.

A Holistic Approach to Arthritis From the Sandpoint Wellness Council Arthritis is a common complaint heard from today’s busy people. Each of us are familiar with friends and family who suffer from arthritis. It seems to be common today and we have begun to take it for granted. With the coming of the maturing of the “boomers” we have begun to expect arthritis as part of the aging experience.

Research is uncovering that arthritis has begun to affect people as early as age 25. One of the professional dental assistants I have recently been visiting shared with me that her three-yearold daughter is suffering from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. I was stunned to hear that.

Arthritis is generally considered an inflammation of the joints leading to pain or tenderness, stiffness, perhaps localized swelling, sometimes a “crunchiness” sound in the joints known as crepitis, and often a loss of full use potential in the affected areas, mainly the neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, hips, knees, and ankles. This occurs because joint spaces become narrowed due to a loss of cartilage or crystalline bony deposits. Wear and tear, normal for active people, as well as repetitive motions experienced in work and sports activities accumulates as we age and may cause damage to the collagen matrix covering and padding our joint ends. Our joints are always moving, bone, cartilage, tendons, ligaments,

fluids, etc. to enable our actions. Stress and strain on our joints can cause damage that in turn causes irritation and thus inflammation. Surfaces that were once smooth become rough, irritated, and tender. Such inflammation alerts the body to release enzymes that further damage the irritated cartilage.

Two forms of arthritis are more familiarly recognized: Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. We ask ourselves, “What, if I am living a normal active lifestyle, causes me to acquire such a condition?” Some causes may be congenital predisposition as arthritis tends to run in families, such as abnormalities in joint or bone structures. Also trauma, obesity whereby excess weight places additional wear on weight-bearing joints; nutritional deficiencies; illness or disease, even previously experienced ones leaving an “imprint” on structures; allergies; immune disorders; stress (and who doesn’t experience stress in our busy lives); and our everyday exposures to environmental pollutants and toxins.

Most of these “symptoms” are addressed with pain relieving medications, and many work well in spite of the variety of side effects. But the causes are the real culprits that must be addressed to bring on the most longlasting results.

Natural therapies have become more widespread in reducing the pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of mobility in affected

The members of The Sandpoint Wellness Council often serve clients suffering from arthritic conditions and seek to find answers and solutions to the many individualistic causes. Following are the therapies they find most effective in relieving the day-today symptoms enabling an improvement in pain management, overall health and healing, and mobility. Our goal is to provide information to help you choose a therapy best suited for your needs, and we always welcome your responses to our articles. Please visit our website, www.sandpointwellnesscouncil.com, and share with us your stories, comments, and ideas.

Krystle Shapiro, LMT. Touchstone Massage Therapy 208/290-6760 When joints are stiff and inflamed, the surrounding muscles respond by tightening up. The brain sends chemistry to the affected areas signaling the need to protect, and this in turn informs the muscles to react whereby they then further compress the joints. Massage therapy can relax tensed muscles, gently stretch and release spasms, reduce associated pain, and improve overall mobility of joint function.

Ilani Kopiecki, CMT, Ilani Healing CranioSacral, 208/610-2005 The pain and inflammation from arthritis can be miserable and sometimes debilitating. Through the release work of CranioSacral Therapy, tight tissues brought on by arthritis can be softened, enabling blood flow and oxygen to surge into inflamed areas, providing pain relief and mobility. Since CranioSacral Therapy is based on light touch, the affected area can be treated without much invasive manipulation, thus preventing more discomfort for the client.

Owen Marcus, MA, Certified Advance Rolfer, 208/265-8440, www.align.org In 30years of practice, I’ve worked with many people who were diagnosed with arthritis. After Rolfing, the symptoms usually went away when the soft tissue tension left.

In this country, we traditionally had little understanding of how soft tissue (muscles and fascia – the tissue that holds ever ything together) affects all aspects of our existence. Last summer, my colleagues produced the first international conference on fascia at Harvard Medical School for clinicians and researchers. It was so successful that another one is planned.

Often, someone who has osteoarthritis will tell me that the joint they injured many years ago is now the joint with arthritis. Previous trauma creates a cascade of body responses that can end with a joint locking up. By releasing the effect of the trauma in the soft tissue, we can often prevent - and in few cases, reverse - arthritis. I will be the first to admit, however, that after a joint has deteriorated, removing the soft tissue strain may be of little benefit to the joint – Rolfing can prevent other areas from tightening.

Penny Waters, Reflexology and Herbs, Relaxation Destination, 208/597-4343, sunpen54@ yahoo.com Whether suffering from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, a client will benefit from reflexology and herbs. They decrease inflammation and pain and help prevent a worsening condition.

Reflexology is proven to improve blood

circulation. This means stagnant, inflamed areas are flushed so swelling decreases and soreness improves. With improved circulation the liver cleanses and kidneys filter impurities more frequently, which reduces toxicity that promotes inflammation.

Reflexology will help stimulate the natural release of cortisone from the adrenal glands which reduces inflammation and pain. The relaxation of reflexology coupled with the improved circulation results in joints feeling less stiff as well as less painful. It’s wonderful that improvement can happen in painful places without having to touch them directly.

Continued on next page

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Photo at left: Sandpoint Wellness Council. Owen Marcus, Penny Waters, Robin and Layman Mize, Ilani Kopiecki, Krystle Shapiro and Mario Roxas – missing from photo: Kristine Battey, Mary Boyd, Tess Hahn, Julie Hutslar and Toni Tessier

The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008 | Page 45

joints and can work in complement with ongoing medical interventions. As a massage therapist studying holistic nutrition, I have become fascinated with the connection of dietary choices that can accelerate or diminish the symptoms of OA or RA. And, as well, our exposures to industrial pollutants and toxins have lead to many disorders affecting digestion, all with a connection to OA and RA, such as leaky gut syndrome, GERD (acid reflux), candidiasis (overgrowth of yeasts in the gut), allergies, chemical sensitivities, chronic infections, and autoimmune disorders as in ankylosing spondylitis and lupus erythematosis.

Arthritis- Continued from page 45 Herbs are selected for their specific properties which will benefit the person with arthritis. I look for herbs which will reduce inflammation and swelling and support liver and kidney function.

Burdock is an excellent choice for these goals. Cleansing herbs that will penetrate into muscles and tissue walls; cleansers that will break down organic waste such as uric acid; pain-relieving herbs; herbs with high levels of vitamin C to return an acid system to an alkaline system will all be combined into a formula for relief.

Lifestyle support is very valuable so I make the following suggestions: Movement/exercise will help stiff joints from becoming heavily arthritic. Do a little every day. Reduction of highly acidic foods (examples are meats, acidic fruit) will also support a return to well-being. I encourage my clients to do their best to make dietary changes that will help them feel better. All kinds of supportive ideas are available in a little booklet I have for my clients for easy reference. Reflexology and herbs offer a safe and healthy way to relieve the symptoms of arthritis. Check with your doctor, as always, and then discover the help that is available.

Mario Roxas, Naturopathic Physician, 208/946-0984 Arthritis is an inflammatory condition affecting the joints. There are several potential factors that can contribute to an individual developing arthritis. Such factors include genetics, age, weight, previous injuries, illness or infection, and chronic repetitive movements as associated with a job or a sport.

Mounting clinical evidence suggests that dietary habits and potential nutritional deficiencies can also be significant contributing factors to arthritis.

As a naturopathic physician I work with patients not only to diminish their arthritis, but get to the cause of their pain and inflammation. This involves taking a fairly comprehensive personal medical history that looks at all those factors mentioned above, from family history, to past illnesses and injuries, to occupation, hobbies and level of physical activity. This medical history also includes taking an in-depth look at a patient’s diet. Once this is done, I develop a treatment plan that outlines specific nutritional considerations and dietary recommendations that can help lessen inflammation and promote healing for that particular individual. I may also incorporate anti-inflammatory herbs to further help soothe pain and promote relaxation and soft tissue repair,

and physiotherapeutic modalities, such as hydrotherapy, stretching, and various bodywork techniques, to help increase circulation, reduce stress, and enhance flexibility.

At this point it is important to note there is no one set treatment plan. For instance, if 10 people came to the office diagnosed with arthritis, they may all share similar general symptoms, but their root cause may be different. For one person it may be an underlying nutritional deficiency. For another, an immune function issue. And for yet another it may be a metabolism issue.

Consequently, each person may leave with a different treatment plan. One thing that is consistent with each plan is my adherence to the principles of naturopathic medicine which are: First, do no harm; address the cause not just the symptom; treat the whole individual not just the injury; help the body heal itself; and promote prevention and wellness. Please visit my website at: www. drroxas.com Kristine Battey MSPT, ATC, CSCS, HLC, Owner Divine Health & Fitness, www.divinehf.com, 208946-7072 I have worked with many people with varying levels of arthritis. I teach people exercises designed to preserve and increase the strength and use of their joints. People who suffer from arthritis usually always feel better after exercising. Exercise helps the joints to become looser and glide better which in turn decreases the amount of pain and stiffness a person may suffer from.

An exercise session may begin with low or non-impact aerobic exercise such as the stationary bike or elliptical machine to warm up the body and begin to loosen the joints. Aerobic exercise also strengthens the heart, helps to maintain

weight, and increases the overall fitness level. The more fit a person with arthritis is, the easier the disease is to manage and the more active and pain-free the person is likely to be. Gentle range of motion exercises are another type of exercise that moves the joint through its full range of motion helping to relieve stiffness, improving and maintaining joint mobility, and increasing flexibility.

Strengthening exercises preserve and increase muscle strength, increase the person’s general level of fitness, and help to maintain overall body strength and weight.

Any exercise program that I design is always tailored to the individual’s disease and limitations. Any movement is better than no movement and will improve the person’s quality of life significantly.

Please visit the website for The Sandpoint Wellness Council to review all published articles and offer comments. www. sandpointwellnesscouncil.com.

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Page 46 | The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008

Affordable Plans Do Exist

Majestic Landscaping Supplies Hwy. 200 in Clark Fork

by Angela Potts-Bopp

National Association of Health Underwriters members are “America’s Benefits Specialists.” NAHU represents more than 20,000 licensed health insurance agents, brokers, consultants and benefit professionals who every day service the health insurance needs of large and small employers as well as people seeking individual health insurance coverage. To find an NAHU member to meet your insurance needs go to www. nahu.org, and click ‘search’ at the top of the page. Here are some examples where knowledge makes the difference.

Scenario #1 When Mary’s husband retired a few years early, their health insurance coverage was thrown into disarray. Although Mary was able to stay covered through a COBRA plan offered by her husband’s former employer, the coverage was only guaranteed for 18 months. At the end of that period in the fall of 2007, she had two options to gain coverage: purchase benefits through the same insurer for a price beyond her financial means or find another solution.

Searching for answers, Mary contacted a National Assn. of Health Underwriters member insurance agent who helped her.

Mary was surprised to find several coverage options that would fit her needs.

Since Mary had always been healthy, she chose a plan with a high deductible and a low premium, which cost her $400 less than if she had purchased benefits from her husband’s former insurer. “When we got to the end of the COBRA, I didn’t know what we were going to do,” said Mary. “Thanks to my insurance agent we were able to find a great plan at an affordable price.”

Scenario #2 When their father’s company unexpectedly closed its doors during the fall of 2007, the children of the owner were left without health care coverage.

Due to the girls’ preexisting medical conditions, their

parents struggled to find an insurance company that would cover them at a reasonable price; many calls to various resources got them nowhere. Soon, they were forced to find ways to pay on-going medical bills, and the girls were compelled to give up the activities they loved for fear that they might get injured.

Finally the parents found an NAHU member agent, who was able to step in and find the family the medical coverage they desperately needed. By putting the girls into the Idaho High Risk Pool, they were able to obtain coverage at an affordable premium and avoid any exclusion of preexisting illness and/or injury.

Without coverage, the family would have had to incur all the costs associated with a surgery for one girl, an emergency room visit for the other and several prescription medications in early 2007.

They are thankful the costs have been covered and for their insurance agent’s ‘I can fix this for you’ attitude.

Scenario #3 When Diana’s husband became ill last year, she came to a startling revelation: her husband was lucky enough to have health insurance through his employer, but because they were unable to afford the dependent premiums for their three children, if one of them fell ill, they had no health coverage to pay for the costs. Their children had been lucky enough to grow up healthy, but Diana suddenly realized how critical it was to get them medical coverage in case of an emergency.

Her NAHU member agent recommended that Diana’s children be enrolled in Idaho’s State Children’s Health Insurance Program. Within a month of applying in January 2008, all three children were covered. A short time later her eldest son wound up in the hospital with a knee injury. “It was such a relief to have insurance because they covered everything.” “Before I was afraid to take my children to the hospital for fear of what it might cost. Now, my worrying can stop.”

You can’t afford to be uninsured.

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The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008 | Page 47

Insurance

MILFOIL- Continued from page 11 “Herbicide hazards,” Cox said, “are real, but not well understood.”

Steve Holt, president of the Panhandle Environmental League, said the bug that eats the milfoil is already present in the lake. PEL formed in 2007 in response to concerns about the long-term use of aquatic herbicides in Lake Pend Oreille. They hope to accomplish their mission, promoting sustainability in protecting the environment of the Idaho Panhandle, by supporting research and development of a biological control program using the milfoil weevil.

“We already have the weevil. They are native to Lake Pend Oreille,” Holt said, “but there’s not enough to tip the scale.” The milfoil weevil is a native to North America, and it tends to prefer the exotic Eurasian brand of milfoil to the relatively benign local forms of the plant. The weevils living in the lake would need to be supplemented by an outside source in order to address the current milfoil infestation. In addition, studies in midwestern lakes suggest fish predation of the weevil limits their ability to ingest milfoil in amounts sufficient to control the invasive weed.

Nothing eats the sesame seed-sized weevil, Holt maintained, but the weevil only eats milfoil. Someone from the audience asked, “Why don’t we buy more weevils?”

“It’s really a matter of funding,” Holt said. “Buy a weevil today. It’ll take between $70 and $80 thousand to get a population of weevils thriving.”

Another member of the audience asked why we’ve spent 5 million dollars on poison but won’t spend $80 thousand on bugs. Brad Bluemer said the reason the state won’t provide funding for the weevils is that there’s no scientific evidence that they will succeed.

“We can’t spend the taxpayers money without the scientific facts showing the weevils will work,” Bluemer said.

The weevils have actually been the focus of many scientific studies over the past 20 years, and their impact on Eurasian watermilfoil growth has had mixed results nationwide - as have various chemical herbicides. The problem is with longterm eradication. Studies undertaken nationwide have shown that herbicide treatments and the introduction of weevils have about an equal success rate - no long-term eradication. The biggest culprit appears to be re-introduction of the weed.

The Minnesota Department of Fisheries and Wildlife reports that use of the weevil to control Eurasian milfoil has been “quite effective at some sites, (but) it has not been effective at other sites. Currently, we cannot predict when, where and how the weevils will or will not be effective.” Just one lake in Minnesota, Cenaiko Lake, has had a Eurasian watermilfoil crash due to the weevil; other weevil lakes are yet to show declines in Eurasian watermilfoil.

“How many millions of dollars,” Holt said, “are we going to go through before somebody steps up and says ‘enough is enough?’ We already have 1,000 signatures of people who are concerned.”

The AIS task force is all for setting weevils at local infestations of Eurasian watermilfoil - provided funding can be obtained. In fact, the members of the task force read like a Who’s Who of the area’s environmental “warriors,” with names like Phil Hough (chairman of the Friends of Scotchman Peaks); Ruth Watkins (former director of the Clark Fork Coalition’s Sandpoint field office); and Susan Drumheller (North Idaho Associate for the Idaho Conservation League). “Everyone on the task force,” Bluemer said, “including myself, is in favor of

finding a biological solution for milfoil. If we can find a site were they can be implemented and tested, we can do it. What we can’t do is use taxpayer dollars.”

The AIS task force’s draft strategic plan states, “The County is interested in the research and evaluation of all means of controlling aquatic invasive species, including preventative strategies, more education and outreach efforts, re-vegetation, new technologies, biological control, rapid response protocol, and additional monitoring. It is a goal of the County to reduce Eurasian watermilfoil populations to levels low enough to be controlled without large-scale herbicide treatments.”

Bluemer added, “Bonner County and I are big proponents of biological control. We have two types of bugs fighting knapweed. We need names and phone numbers of people who want those.”

Those interested in obtaining upto-date information on the county’s problem with aquatic invasive species and its resources for dealing with the same, especially those interested in volunteering in the effort, are encouraged to contact Chair Kate Wilson at kwilson@ lakescommission.com or to call Bluemer at 208-265-1497.

• Herbicides in water. USGS has been studying herbicide residue and their degredates in water for decades. Links to their study reports can be found here: http://toxics.usgs.gov/highlights/.

Specific research on 2,4D showed the presence of this chemical in just 16 percent of samples. http://ks.water.usgs.gov/Kansas/pubs/abstracts/ emt.ac7903.html. USGS has found “Pesticides and degradates are typically present throughout most of the year in streams draining watersheds with substantial agricultural or urban areas, but are less common in ground water.” They add, “The occurrence of pesticides in streams and ground water does not necessarily cause adverse effects because detections were often at low concentrations.” Visit our website at www.RiverJournal.com to download a copy of the 2007 USGS study “The Quality of Our Nation’s Waters Pesticides in the Nation’s Streams and Ground Water, 1992-2001” (Revised February 15, 2007.)

• Herbicides in air samples. The USGS website did not list any studies undertaken of pesticides in air (www.usgs.gov/ science/science.php?term=879). In 1995 a study in Mississippi showed detectable levels of pesticides in all air and rain samples collected. (Because this URL is so long, please read this story on www.RiverJournal.com, and click on the link suggested.) www. sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6V784007P8H-J&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_ sort=d&view=c&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5= b200661ccba64e5708c85060cadd3970 • Milfoil weevil. Milfoil weevil success in Minnesota www.sgnis. org/publicat/newmbies.htm. . Sheldon/Creed report on milfoil weevil www.sgnis.org/publicat/japm21a.htm • Panhandle Environmental League - No website, but call 208-263-2217 for information.

• Bonner County Weed Department - www.co.bonner. id.us/publicworks/weeds.html • AIS Task Force listserve: http://gypsytejas.com/mailman/ listinfo/bonneraquaticinvasives_gypsytejas.com • Pend Oreille Basin Commission (Lakes Commission) www.lakescommission.com/

Page 48 | The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008

Currents

By Lou Springer

Email: nox5594@blackfoot.net There is majesty residing in a big of halting certain cancers, taxol, the tree. With girth wider than a Wal- USFS treated it as a weed species.

Mart aisle, an ancient Douglas fir It was dozed into piles and burned. along the Middle Fork was our leans against the Pacific winds on a Occasionally, rarely, an unknown group’s accurate guess. A portion craggy San Juan Island demanding set of circumstances allows a Yew to of this hot, dry region burns every season. Early settlers fought, and respect. The huge Mountain become a really large tree.

Hemlocks around Wanless Lake in Two very majestic and mysterious lived with fires Yet in this rocky region, along an the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness groves of large Yews grow in the two illustrate the power of a unique deepest canyons in the U.S. Hells ankle-deep side stream, is a grove of climate - inland temperate rain forest Canyon, dug by the Snake River, Yews. Nearly 40 feet tall, practically - to nourish giants. The gargantuan holds one grove. The second deepest a yard across, the trees are a Western Red Cedars protected by canyon, carved by the Salmon River, remarkable sight. They should not be here in a Sahara setting. After the the USFS at Ross Creek give amazement of touching the a glimpse of a pre-1910 forest community. The unbelievably There is a mystery about big purple bark of these elders, I realized the creek habitat immense Sequoia and the trees. What secrets can they was not desert-dry. We had colossal coastal Redwoods bent a few pathfinders whose are the Himalayas of trees. reveal...?

Answering these white undersides marked our There is a mystery about around the trunks. big trees. What secrets can questions can teach us much circles The heart-shaped leaves of they reveal about repelling wild ginger were getting a insects, surviving fire, about our own backyards. lot of water, as were the 7outwitting browsers? How foot circumference Douglas have the trees used water and sunlight to such an advantage? How shelters another grove of these fir that reached for light where the has the particular site promoted such curiously located trees. The Idaho canyon widened.

A few of the elders had scorched growth? Answering these mysteries rivers that formed these canyons flow through near desert.

Chuckars, big lower needles, and at least one small can teach us much about our own horn sheep and marmots, animals Yew had been killed in a 2007 blaze. backyards.

A history lingers around big trees. adapted to dry, rocky, extremely Last fall, a friend drilled the dead, 8-inch diameter breast-high Yew What knowledge lies in their growth steep county, thrive here.

Indicative of the hot, dry climate, and counted 60 years of growth. A patterns? Dendrochronology, the skill of interpreting tree rings, is not only only scrub brush grows on the south- trained forester, however, she noted a tool for foresters; climatologists facing slope. On the north-facing that since Yews propagate by sprouts and anthropologists also use the side of the river, stands of totally and layering, this age probably is not information. Studying annual growth burned, slightly scorched, or yet-to- accurate. She wonders if the Yews rings tells more than the tree’s age; it be burned ponderosa pine climb the are relics of a wetter period. The can show fire episodes, wet seasons, hill. A far view to the south reveals a huge Yews are estimated to be 500 droughts, volcanism, and probably jigsaw pattern of standing blackened years old.

Ancient peoples attributed even the soil composition. With snags from older fires, bright green grass covering last year’s burn, and magical qualities to unusually enough background knowledge, large trees, and some groves were it would be possible to understand stands of large pines.

Our second day on the river we considered sacred. A new age type the conditions that created and were caught in a thunderous, heavy religion believes this particular Yew nourished a giant for 1,000 years. rainstorm.

Sometime during the third grove is a spiritual place.

Taxus brevifolia, Pacific Yew, is Walking back to the river, we present throughout the Northwest. night, the river’s waters changed hue It has shiny, flat short needles with from clear green to milky chocolate. clearly heard voices. We expected to sharp tips and around here grows By that afternoon, the water was soon meet another party on the trail, like a sprawling evergreen shrub. bitter chocolate with inky undertones. and were surprised when no one It thrives in a wet, shady and moist Water visibility dropped to inches, hiked by. Reaching the beach, we habitat. Cedar and queens’ cup white water became muddy, ashes shrugged to see that no other rafts beadlily are its companions. Until defined the jet boats’ wakes on the were tied by ours. Maybe the Yews recently, when the bark of Yew was sand, and a smell of wet campfire are magical. discovered to hold a drug capable permeated the air. Rainstorm erosion occurring on recently burned slopes The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008 | Page 49

Page 50 | The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008

A Seat in the House with George Eskridge The Idaho Lottery presented a $34.75 million lottery dividend check to Governor Otter on July 7. The $34.75 million is a record payment exceeding the Fiscal Year 2007 payment of $34 million and represents the highest dividend in the 19-year history of the Idaho lottery. Of the record sales of $137 million in Fiscal Year 2008, 25.3 percent of the total revenue was returned to the state as dividends.

The lottery dividends by Idaho law are divided equally between Idaho’s public schools and Idaho’s permanent building fund. At the time of the July announcement Governor Otter presented a check for $17.375 million to the Deputy Superintendent for School Support Services on behalf of the Idaho Department of Education and another check for $17.375 million to the Director for the Department of Administration who administers the distribution of funds for the improvements of Idaho’s permanent buildings.

Since its beginning on July 18, 1989 the Idaho Lottery has returned $402.25 million to public education and buildings.

Individual distributions of dividends to schools districts from the FY’08 were not available at the time of writing this article; however as of the end of FY’06, Boundary and Bonner County school districts had received the following amounts from the lottery: Boundary County S.D: FY’06 Amount: $114,415; total since 1990: $1,163,676.88 Lake Pend Oreille School District: FY’06 Amount: $277,738.00; total since 1990: $1,466,354.17 West Bonner County School District: FY’06 Amount: $114,346.00; total since 1990: $ 566,140.68 There has been concern expressed in the past that funds that would normally be allocated to education would be replaced by lottery funds; however, “The Idaho Lottery proceeds allocated to public schools are required to be spent on capital projects (buildings, buses, etc.). They are in addition to and never have replaced other state funding provided to the public schools.”

(Source: Idaho Lottery web site; Fact or Fiction) The Idaho Lottery has been a controversial issue among Idaho citizens since its beginning because of the opposition by many to gambling; however, in 1986, Idaho voters passed an initiative by a 60 to 40 percent margin allowing an Idaho Lottery.

The initiative was subsequently challenged,

resulting in the Idaho Supreme Court declaring the initiative unconstitutional and prohibiting the amending of the Idaho Constitution by initiative.

The issue then went back to the voters when in 1988 the Idaho Legislature “authorized a vote by the electorate of Idaho in the upcoming general election.” The Idaho Lottery was approved in the November 1988 general election when 51 percent of Idaho voters approved a constitutional amendment repealing the constitutional ban on lotteries.

A new industry record was set when the Idaho Lottery implemented the lottery within 200 days of the date the constitutional amendment went into effect. The first lottery ticket was sold on July 19, 1989 and before the day’s end players had purchased more then 840,000 tickets throughout Idaho. Sixty-five million dollars in sales were generated that first year and a dividend check of $17,225,000 allocated to the “People of the State of Idaho.”

The Idaho Lottery is self-funding and selfgoverning, consisting of five commissioners and the Lottery staff. At present there are 48 Idaho Lottery staff members.

The commissioners are appointed by the Governor and the director (currently Jeffrey Anderson) serves at the pleasure of the Governor. David Keyes of the Bonner County Daily Bee currently serves as one of the Commissioners.

The Commission “adopts rules for the agency, approves contracts and monitors all lottery operations.”

The director “is responsible for overseeing day-to-day Lottery operations, including security, marketing, sales, media relations, warehousing and inventory control, information systems and fiscal management.”

Lottery tickets are sold at various retail businesses; the retailers earn a commission on the sale of the lottery tickets and an additional bonus of 10 percent on winning tickets up to a $50,000 cap for Powerball and a $25,000 cap on other games.

Governor Otter, in the July press release announcing the 34.75 million dollar dividend stated; “Fun and financial support - that’s what the Idaho Lottery is all about. Idaho schools and public buildings benefit from voluntary play, and a good number of those playing are from out of state. The Idaho Lottery has stood for integrity and responsible play since the people got it started. Accountability and professionalism every day help ensure that everybody wins.”

Even though the lottery remains a controversial issue among Idaho citizens the lottery dividends distributed to Idaho Public Schools and the Permanent Building fund are a significant funding source for these programs, especially when revenue sources such as those provided by the Craig-Wyden federal legislation are in doubt.

Thanks for reading!! George

“Fun and financial support - that’s what the Idaho Lottery is all about...”

George Eskridge is Idaho’s Representative for District 1A. Reach him at PO Box 112, Dover, ID 83825 or call 208-265-0123

Paddle- Continued from page

above a sandy beach was too attractive.

The evening was quiet and scenic, leaving the paddler to commune with nature.

Nature intervened again the next day. It was cloudy, but just swells and no whitecaps, so the paddler ventured forth into two- and three-foot swells.

A west wind brought tricky swells from behind and whitecaps and dumped the paddler. The weight had got away from the remaining pontoon and it flipped, but helped stabilize for reentry to the boat.

The waves kept filling the boat, pumping was futile, and there was still a bit of beach left. This time the Pelican case leaked, ruining his wife’s favorite camera.

Luckily, the satellite phone still worked, as it was in a plastic bag. The bag may have got into the edge, keeping the case from sealing properly.

With camp set up and the weather calming, it still wasn’t a good time to leave. The trip to the two-mile channel was 28 miles, and making it at night with nowhere to land except on the granite rock walls where the waves were crashing, didn’t seem like a good option. Progress would have to wait.

Monday, August 4 was cloudy. There were swells of two to three feet, but no whitecaps.

Twenty-eight miles, and no stopping this time. The banks and granite walls curved steadily around the top of the lake, making the scenery pretty monotonous.

The paddling was anything but. A steady increase in waves and wind from the west scared up a few whitecaps, worrying the paddler. Managing the following waves with one pontoon was tricky. Waves washed over the boat as it got sideways.

Prayers followed and the winds calmed.

With the wind and waves at the back, the safety of the channel was reached in fiveand-a-half hours. With much relief.

A two-hour break for a hot meal was just what the doctor ordered after nearly six straight hours of paddling.

Refreshed, he decided to go on to Norway House, another 32 miles. A little squall on Playgreen Lake was going on, but without the big swells, wasn’t nearly as challenging as Lake Winnipeg. An absolutely gorgeous sunset with quiet paddling capped the day of paddling through the pelican- and seagull-covered

islands of Playgreen Lake. The camper was visible at dusk, perched high on a bluff overlooking the lake. Home sweet home!

Norway House is a town of 5,000.

Fishing and the Canadian government are the main sources of income. Once a year York Boat Days are celebrated, commemorating the fur trade vessels that transported trade goods from York Factory on Hudson’s Bay up the Hayes River and the Saskatchewan River, and furs back to the bay and via ship to England’s top hat makers. On the 2007 canoe trip down the Hayes River there

was a lot of evidence of logs used to portage a York boat that was part of a CBC documentary eight years ago.

Now the races are the Cree Nation’s Olympics. Prizes are up to $25,000 for the top professional boats, which consist of a steersman, coxswain, and eight oarsmen. There are divisions for teens, men, women, and co-ed. Canoes, including 28-foot voyageur canoes, are also raced. Rust’s trip was scheduled so as to enjoy the celebration, including a local parade.

The drivers had been waiting a couple of days and were anxious to leave. They had picked up last year’s canoes that had been shipped to Thompson, then driven back to Norway House. After a final celebratory steak dinner, the camper was pointed west.

One final paddle was done on Abraham Lake, just east of the Rockies, which had been skipped on the trip Rust and his wife made from Saskatchewan Crossing to Edmonton in 2004 with the Spokane Kayak Club. This completed the last few miles of Rust’s journey from the Pacific Coast to York factory from 2000-2008.

I introduced my husband, Bob, to kayaking in 1998. We paddled with Pat Harbine, guru paddler and David Thompson history buff, and the Spokane Canoe and Kayak Club on our round trip “David Thompson Expedition-2000” from Bonner’s Ferry to Kootenai Lake and to the Columbia River and upstream to its source at Columbia Lake, then back down the Columbia to Bonners Ferry again.

The group’s next trip was from Sacajawea Park in Tri-Cities, where the Snake River enters the Columbia, to Astoria, Ore., following Thompson’s 1811 route down that river, and return trip to his winter quarters in Thompson Falls, Montana (Salish House).

After a few two-day to fiveday trips on the Columbia, the entire 1,375 mile route had been traveled, and Rust and friends also hiked the Rocky Mountain passes - Howse and Athabaska that David Thompson used.

Athabaska Pass was the main east-west fur trade route until the 1860s. was the Spokane Club’s last trip was in 2004.

Rust and one of the club’s members, Ted Lowe took a year off in 2005 to paddle the Yukon River Quest, a three-day, 470-mile race from Whitehorse to Dawson. Setting his sights on following Thompson’s route across North America, Rust did from Edmonton to Nipawin in ’06, Norway House to York Factory in ’07, and completed the voyage this year.

“I enjoy seeing new country. After getting as far as Edmonton, the challenge to finish was one that couldn’t be ignored.”

And what’s next? “I would enjoy completing the Northwest Fur Company’s route to Montreal, but maybe a little more relaxed, less intense version. Andy Denholm, who paddled with us down the Hayes River, did it from Rocky Mountain House in one summer. I’d like to see more animals, too. Seeing wolves on the Saskatchewan River was a special treat. The Grassy River route to Churchill on Hudson’s Bay is supposed to have caribou and good fishing. Thompson covered 80,000 miles in his time, and my twenty-nine hundred across the continent doesn’t seem like much in comparison.”

“Anyone interested?” he added with a smile.

The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008 | Page 51

Page 52 | The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008

In Montana with Pat Williams

Basic Equity in the Workplace

The loudest and most prolonged applause came when the luncheon speaker announced that the U. S. House of Representatives was determined to place Pay Equity legislation as its next order of business. The speaker that afternoon actually was The Speaker of the U. S. House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi.

Her remarks were given at a recent Montana event hosted by the eight-state public policy group, Western Progress. Good to her public word, Speaker Pelosi brought the bill to the full House a few days later, where it was passed by the comfortable bipartisan margin of 247 to 178.

Incredibly - and despite the passage of the original Equal Pay Act 45 years ago during John Kennedy’s presidency - a persistent and significant pay gap between men and women has continued to exist. Through that almost half century the gap for women has been reduced somewhat, going from 59 cents in 1962 to today’s 77 cents for every dollar made by men. Studies continually indicate the pay gap costs women between $400,000 to $2 million during their wage earning lifetimes. Reverse that gender disparity and think about whether we men would have patiently abided such economic unfairness for half a century.

This new legislation, “The Paycheck Fairness Act,” is now before the Senate. Its purpose is identical to the House passed version which is to simply assure enforcement. Pay discrimination is already a federal crime; it is enforcement that is lacking. This legislation improves enforcement through closing loopholes, prohibiting employer retaliation, increasing penalties when pay discrimination is proven, and both requires and funds the Department of Labor to improve its enforcement record.

Not one state in the Rocky Mountain West is even close to reaching pay equality between men and women doing equivalent work or even identical jobs. During the past year the unemployment rate for women increased by 20 percent, much higher than that for men. Older women suffer even more, with those between the ages of 45 to 65 earning 29 percent less than their male counterparts.

It is now clear, after 50 years, that the marketplace alone, even under penalty of law, will not create pay equity between women and men in the workforce.

Despite this recent and welcome passage of Pay Equity legislation in the U. S. House, powerful forces are aligning against it. The Senate’s Cloture or Filibuster Rule requires 60 votes to move ahead with the normal legislative process and it appears there are enough conservative senators to prevent that 60-vote margin from being reached. One of those senators is the Republican Minority Leader, Mitch McConnell, who has opposed pay equity legislation. Senator McConnell’s wife is President Bush’s Secretary of Labor, Elain Chao. She has already urged President Bush to veto the legislation should it reach his desk.

Let’s hope and work toward a good outcome in this all-American struggle toward basic equity in the work place.

Larry and Jean Haller would like to thank the many people who contributed their time and the many more who gave their financial support on our behalf. God bless you all.

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Former Montana Congressman Pat Williams is the Northern States Director of Western Progress and Senior Fellow at The University of Montana

America’s Largest Businesses Not Paying Taxes

Americans believe in playing games by the rules. Whether the reason is because we think everyone should be treated equally or just plain don’t want to be taken advantage of doesn’t really matter; we Americans have an inherent respect for rules and don’t think much of people who cheat on us by breaking them. But when enough people cheat constantly we wonder why in the heck we’re even bothering to conform and are sorely—and often successfully—tempted to follow suit.

That’s the thought that came to me when I read a study about America’s largest businesses not paying taxes. If it were one or two of them it wouldn’t be so important, but fully 858,000 of all 1,300,000 large and small corporations doing business in America did not pay any federal income tax in the years from 1998 through 2005. Most of those corporations were not the same in all eight years, and most of them were small potatoes; but enough of them were large corporations to cause me real concerns about fairness.

Those are the findings of the Government Accountability Office, which is the non-partisan investigative agency of the United States Congress.

The GAO study looked at both foreign and American-owned corporations doing business in the United States. Foreignowned corporations were more likely to pay no tax than domestic ones, but both foreign and domestic large corporations (with at least $250 million in assets and $50 million in gross income) were more likely to pay tax than smaller corporations.

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But even though large companies are more likely to pay taxes, the amount of taxes not paid is huge by comparison to the small companies.

There are a whole bunch of legal reasons why a corporation might not pay tax; in fact, some corporations are structured simply to take advantage of laws that give them tax free status if they follow certain guidelines. Real Estate Investment Trusts, like Plum Creek Timber, are one example of those kinds of corporate structures.

Others avoid taxes by abusing accounting mechanisms such as Transfer Pricing. Companies use transfer pricing when they sell products or services to their subsidiaries. The IRS requires that this pricing has to be set as an “arm’s length” transaction. That is, a parent company can’t sell something to its subsidiary at a markedly different price than an unrelated company might charge the same subsidiary. Transfer pricing is abused when the parent company sells its subsidiary company goods or services at higher than market prices which increases profits to the parent and increases expenses to the subsidiary.

This is done only when there is a tax advantage for both the parent and subsidiary. Typically, the parent company is located in an offshore tax haven like Bermuda, where corporate taxes are minimal to non-existent. The profit is then tax free to the parent, and the increased expenses are a write-off for the subsidiary, which is located where there are corporate taxes. In some cases all that is being sold to the franchises is the

right to use the parent company’s name and trademark, like “Toy’s R Us.” With that many big businesses not paying taxes, why the heck should we? If they don’t play by the rules it doesn’t seem fair that we have to. In sports we have independent referees to make sure that the rules are impartially enforced. One of the purposes of government is to act as a referee by enforcing laws impartially.

But audits of large corporations have decreased from a high of 72 percent in 1990 to a low of 26 percent in 2007, and audit rates for smaller corporations and individuals have increased.

So not only do the big guys break the rules, and the Refs just look the other way; they come after the little guys!

It is hard to fault a person for flouting a law that is unevenly enforced in someone else’s favor. I believe that folks are willing to pay taxes that they see as fair. I know there are as many definitions of fair taxes as there are taxpayers, but I think that there is universal agreement that uneven enforcement of tax laws is unfair taxation.

It’s like they say; we don’t need more laws to enforce tax compliance, we just need to exercise the ones we have.

[You can get the GAO study at www. gao.gov/new.items/d08957.pdf. There is a great resource at Syracuse University called TRAC which tracks (of course) federal government agencies. Their IRS study is at http://trac.syr.edu/tracirs/ newfindings/current/.]

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Jim Elliott is Montana’s Senator from District 7. Visit his website at www.JimElliott.org

The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008 | Page 53

Montana Viewpoint with Jim Elliott

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PART TIME HELP WANTED - Person with own tools needed for small engine work. Call Ron’s Repair at 208-264-5529.

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS NEEDED-The Bonner County Disabled American Veterans has an urgent need for volunteer drivers to take Veterans to and from their Doctor appointments at the Spokane VA Hospital. If you are in good health and have a clean driving record and can help just one day a week, please call 208-255-5291 for info or stop by the Veterans Service Office on McGhee Road and pick up an application.

FOR SALE GUN SAFES In stock. Delivery Available. Mountain Stove and Spa, 1225 Michigan, Sandpoint. Call: 208-263-0582.

BOAT MOTORS, SMALL ENGINES AND MORE Best buy on marine deep cycle batteries and auto batteries. Ron’s Repair in Hope. Call: 208-2645529

The Next Level of Health Care Women’s Health • Family Health Cosmetic Dermatology • Spa Services

Helping you feel good and look good. Because who said health care couldn’t be pleasant?

FOR SALE OR TRADE– Echo 1100 String Trimmer, $83; Mont.D String Brush Trimmer, electric start, $249; 8hp HD Brush cutter (blade) 24”, $590; Lawn mowers, walk behind, $50 and up; Craftsman 16hp lawn tractor $545; HD Tiller, 25” new engine, 6hp $315; Craftsman leaf blower $59; Pressure washer, 1750 PSI, 6hp, new engine $295; AMF 26” sno blower, new engine, OHV electric start $695; Deep cycle marine and auto batteries, power house fuel stabalizer (ethanol) for auto and small engines (ounces, quarts, gallons), ask about other small tools available for lease. Call for information Ron’s Repair at 208-264-5529.

MISCELLANEOUS MASONRY WORK- Al Stoffels Masonry, stonework, flatwork, landscape retaining walls, waterfalls and all types of repair. Free estimate, fair pricing with no change on price. Call Al at 208-266-0307 LET’S RECYCLE. Now’s the time for small engine repair. Trade your old machine. Don’t wait. I pay more for old batteries. Don’t dump. Ron’s Repair, Hope, Idaho. Call: 208-264-5529 MUSICIAN AVAILABLE- Live music from the 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s.

Jazz standards and pop songs. Ray Allen playing a single on guitar and vocals for private parties, special events, restaurants, etc. Low rates. Call 208-610-8244.

COMMERCIAL SPACE AVAILABLE- At the Ammara Building in Ponderay, Idaho. Beautiful commercial space for lease, 1,700 sq. ft. Call Kathy Gavin at 208-265-8648 or 208-290-5695.

208.263.1345

30410 Hwy. 200 Ste 102 Ponderay, Idaho ~ www.MyAmmara.com

Say What?

By Paul Rechnitzer

Email: pushhard@nctv.com The matter of the bypass - or, if you want, the byway (what’s the difference?) is so convoluted and full of un-answered questions it is little wonder the courts are involved.

I recall attending one of the early meetings on the subject when real property owners in Ponderay obviously had some self interest. There were three routes on the table. To make it simple lets call them East, West and in the Middle.

The Middle route would have involved going through town although the various bottlenecks and the widening of Pine Street were never really studied. It appeared to be so fraught with problems and a lack of understanding how Sandpoint operated that it never got serious consideration.

Unfortunately, the West route was dismissed out of hand because it was going to be too expensive.

Syringa Heights was too nicely developed to be disturbed by a highway. That it would have created a short, four-lane bridge over the river never seemed a consideration.

The main objection was cost.

That left the East route which was way out in front because it met the usual North Idaho standard - it was the cheapest at 19 million dollars. That it was the least costly solution prevailed and apparently still does except that while there was a semblance of cost comparisons then, there are none now. At just under a hundred million any prudent manager would be referring back to cost estimates on any other route, if only to confirm previous decisions.

It was my contention then and it still is that we taxpayers should take the broadest possible view of what is needed and will be needed. The long term view is that what Idaho needs is a North-South Interstate highway. Four lanes with limited access between the Canadian line and

Boise and beyond. I called that idea I-9 and I still think that is the approach to the problem.

The By- whatever is poor patch job.

You can almost guarantee that not too far in the future the proposed route and structure will be deemed inadequate in the clamor to restore Sand Creek to its former role and then improve it as the centerpiece of what will be an everincreasing destination. It was been done other places with great results so there

they were they would be the only people in government who are error proof. I don’t think anyone believes that for a minute.

And even if the bypass idea survives we are still faced with a two-lane bottleneck at the bridge, not to mention widening U.S. 95 south of town. If anyone has trouble picturing that, take a good look at the Coeur d’Alene bypass (complete with stop lights).

If the West route requires a new bridge should not that cost be compared to a new, much longer highway bridge?

Hopefully the matter of maintenance won’t be ignored. And then there is the matter of throwing the snow from the overpass directly into the creek. A bit more efficient than piling it up on the bank. And when it is finished it is still just two lanes.

The idea of ‘getting real’ is long overdue. Instead of emotional outbursts because of a slow cattle truck or some inconsiderate Canadian trucker, let some managers put their heads to work and do what makes sense. To do that all parties must recognize there are enough legitimate concerns to go around, all of which have some logical basis. If cost is the driving force, let it be after all costs have been considered, not just the contractor’s bid. After all, it’s your money.

If cost is the driving force, let it be after ALL costs are considered, not just the contractor’s bid. is no reason to believe it won’t be done here.

Aside from that rationale, it is almost a certainty that the current proposal will be found to be inadequate. Overruns are as certain as the sun coming up in the morning. I can’t help but believe that those calling the shots have massaged the plan that nevertheless still manages to pain some members of the ITD Board.

Frankly, I think the current plan stinks which is another way of saying it does not meet the smell test.

What is needed is some oversight, some form of accountability, someone asking how we got to where we are.

We are not testing our own decisions. If you’re cooking up something for the first time you give it a taste test along the way.

I don’t see any ongoing analysis of the decision-making process. The folks at ITD are not impervious to making mistakes. If

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reviews

BookIn Our Defense- the Bill of Rights in Action Caroline Kennedy, Ellen Alderman PB, 432 pages, $14.95, ISBN 978-0380717200 Published by Harper Perennial. Non-Fiction

Ellen Alderman and Caroline Kennedy bring the Bill of Rights to life in this 1991 publication, “In Our Defense.”

Although almost all Americans are prepared to stand up for their “rights” and understand they have them, a poll commissioned by the American Bar Association in the summer of 2007 showed only 33 percent of Americans can actually identify the historic document that makes those rights a reality. Fewer than one in ten understand that the Bill of Rights was adopted to protect the people from their own government. Sadly, the book cites a 1987 poll that showed only 59 percent of Americans could identify the Bill of Rights - we’re growing more ignorant as the years pass.

In light of that, is it any wonder we have the Patriot Act? That we’ve been prepared to shuck our freedoms in return for safety in the last seven years?

Alderman and Kennedy look at the Bill of Rights through the lens of 17 court cases that helped establish or illuminate critical points in Constitutional law, along with a comprehensive examination of such rights as the right to a civil jury, privacy rights, and powers reserved to the states. On the way, they make an old document speak with the words of those who created it, those who fought for it, and those who have interpreted it throughout the years.

For example, many Americans believe wholeheartedly that the U.S. Constitution grants them the right to “keep and bear arms.” Yet the second amendment - the “right of the people to keep and bear Arms” - was never incorporated against the states. And in 1981, Morton Grove, Ill. became the first town to ban the possession of “Arms” (not just handguns but switchblades, blackjacks, bombs, metal knuckles and more). The U.S. Supreme

Readers are invited to submit their own reviews of books, movies and games to editorial@RiverJournal.com.

Court refused to hear the case, letting stand the opinion of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit which stated, “the right to keep and bear handguns is not guaranteed by the Second Amendment.”

Other ‘rights’ not currently incorporated against the states include the Fifth Amendment right to a grand jury indictment, the Sixth Amendment right requiring 12 jurors in a criminal jury, and the Seventh Amendment right to a civil jury.

Another hot topic covered by our Bill of Rights has to do with religion - either the official establishment of one, or the attempt to prevent the free exercise of a person’s religious belief, both banned by the First Amendment.

James Madison, who drafted the Bill of Rights, wrote “The Religion then of every man must be left to the conviction and conscience of every man; and it is the right of every man to exercise it as these may dictate.”

In these times, in all times, an understanding of what rights our Constitution guarantees to us in order to preserve our inalienable right to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” is crucial. Don’t be part of the two-thirds of the nation who don’t understand or recognize the basic rights of an American. Get this book

HHHHH

-Trish Gannon

BookThe Thirteenth Tale

Diane Setterfield 406 pages, $26 HB, $15 Trade PB, ISBN 0743298020 Published by Simon and Schuster, 2005. Fiction

Margaret Lea is a bit of a loner, who spends much of her life cloistered in her father’s bookshop, writing biographies of the long dead and obscure.

And then she gets a letter from Vida Winter, a grand dame of writing, and a woman whose mysterious past has been hidden behind the outlandish histories she has created for herself.

“Afterward, once I became famous, the

Vida Winter interview became a sort of rite of passage for journalists. They knew roughly what to expect, would have been disappointed to leave without the story... And you, Miss Winter, they said. Tell me about yourself.

“And I told. Simple little stories really, not much to them. Just a few strands, woven together in a pretty pattern, a memorable motif here, a couple of sequins there. Mere scraps from the bottom of my ragbag.

Hundreds more where they came from. Offcuts from novels and stories, plots that never got finished, stillborn characters, picturesque locations I never found a use for. Odds and ends that fell out in the editing. Then it’s just a matter of neatening the edges, stitching in the ends, and it’s done.

Another brand-new biography.”

Even more mysterious than Vida’s past, however, is the secret of the “thirteenth tale,” a story hinted at but never published - the thirteenth tale, of course, is the story of Vida’s life.

Margaret doesn’t trust a known liar, and insists that before she’ll take on the job of writing Winter’s “true” biography, she demands Vida tell her “three true things” that Margaret can verify. And thus Margaret embarks on a journey into the heart of a tale as gothic and dark as any of those ever told by Dickens or the Bronte sisters, replete with mysterious estates, secret gardens, confused identities, tragedies galore, a governess, a doctor, and the big-hearted family cook all overlaid with the secret mystery of twins.

This is not only an engrossing story in itself, it’s a masterpiece of words sure to delight the heart of anyone who appreciates fine English. Barnes and Nobles called this book “a love letter to reading.”

“My gripe is not with lovers of the truth but with truth herself,” Vida writes in the book. “What succor, what consolation is there in truth, compared to a story? What good is truth, at midnight, in the dark, when the wind is roaring like a bear in the chimney?

When the lightning strikes shadows on the bedroom wall and the rain taps at the window with its long fingernails?

No. When fear and cold make a statue of you in your bed, don’t expect hardboned and fleshless truth to come running to your aid. What you need are the plump comforts of a story. The

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HHHH- Buy it, but you won’t share it much HHH- Rent it or borrow from the library HH- Don’t bother unless you’re desperate H- You’re not THAT desperate

soothing, rocking safety of a lie.”

Unbelievably, this is a first novel for Setterfield, although her background as an academic (she specializes in 20th century French literature) stood her in good stead as she crafted what must be one of the finest novels of the year.

HHHHH and double that for lovers of words. Vanderfords gives this book a double thumbs up as well.

-Trish Gannon

MovieDeath at a Funeral

man on the roof entertains the mourners with wild ramblings and coffins move.

Directed by Frank Oz and featuring Peter Dinklape, Matthew Macfadyer, and Rupert Graves, this movie did not attract much attention in the U.S. when it was released. For my money, the Brits have the most wicked sense of irony, deepest grasp of dark humor and best know how to tickle all the funny bones.

If your bones need tickling, rent this one.

HHHHH

-Lou Springer

Movie21 Columbia Pictures PG13 Released on DVD and VHS March 2008 Directed by Robert Luketic. Starring Jim Sturgess, Kate Bosworth, Laurence Fishburne and Kevin Spacey

as they take their game on the road, incorporating secret signals, disguises and other techniques to prevent the casinos from recognizing there’s card counters in the house.

The suspense heightens once Ben decides (with a little help from casino security) that he’s made enough money and wants out of the game.

HHHHH

-Trish Gannon

MovieThe Guardian Touchstone Pictures PG13 Released on DVD and VHS March 2008 Directed by Andrew Davis. Starring Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher

MGM Released on DVD and VHS February 2008 Directed by Frank Oz. Starring Matthew Macfadyen, Keely Hawes and Andy Nyman Rated R for language and some nudity

While death and funerals are not normally subjects of comedy, this British movie, recently released on DVD is flat out hilarious. It is, bar none, the funniest movie I have ever seen. All the action takes place during the afternoon of a funeral held in the home of a deceased upper class gentleman. Characters include a handsome, very short man intent upon blackmail, a manipulative mother, a dutiful son, an autocratic uncle, a shy young suitor, a cranky old man, and a doper cousin who dabbles disastrously in illegal pharmaceuticals.

The dutiful son is charged with arranging and paying for the funeral, caring for his grieving mother, and satisfying his discontented wife by finally renting their own place. Money is very tight, so when the charming blackmailer threatens to reveal a shocking truth about the deceased, action must be taken. In the meantime, a mislabeled bottle of pills is raising havoc. A nude

Let me confess right up front that if a movie has Kevin Spacey in it, I’m probably gonna like it. And as far as “21” goes, yes, I liked it.

This movie is based on the true story of several students at MIT who mastered the art of counting cards and then, in an example of true, performance-based education, took casinos for millions of dollars. (Read the book “Bringing Down the Houses” for more on their story.)

The story is told from the point of view of Ben Campbell (Sturgess), who’s wants to be a doctor, but being poor, cannot afford the $300,000 it will take to attend the Harvard School of Medicine after his graduation from MIT. Enter math professor Micky Rosa (Spacey) who recognizes Ben’s potential, and invites him to join a ‘club’ of five gifted students - who learn to count cards.

Counting cards is not something just anyone can do, and it’s not illegal - but as you can imagine, casinos are not appreciative of those who win big, and who do it frequently and because casinos are considered private property, they identify suspected card counters, and refuse them admittance to the game of blackjack. So Ben and his friends learn

Wasn’t Kevin Costner a guardian before? With Whitney Houston? Oh, wait, that was “The Bodyguard.” Well, this isn’t that movie - and it isn’t quite as good.

The “riveting and compelling” (according to the DVD box) story of the elite Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers, this movie should have been at the top of my list. And for the action scenes and information about them, it is. Where it falls apart for me is in the story it tries to tell of Ben Randall (Costner) a legendary rescue swimmer and Jake Fischer (Kutcher) a cocky young wannabe and how they butt heads during Fischer’s boot camp experience when he joins the Rescue Swimmer team.

With just that one sentence, you can probably plot out the movie yourself, but don’t forget to include what must be one of the worst movie endings in all time.

I’ll give this one three stars (rent it or borrow it from the library) just for the images taken in the Bering Sea, and to give credit to the real-life Rescue Swimmers out there and what they do (there’s a cameo appearance, by the way, from USCG Ret. Cdr. Jeff Loftus, playing himself).

HHH

-Trish Gannon

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reviews

HHHHH- Buy it, keep it, loan it out

Page 58 | The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008 Photos from July 15 through August 15, 2008. Photographers: Trish Gannon, David Broughton, Brian Neitzke and Laura Wahl. Send your photos to trish@riverjournal.com.

The growing sense of dread that overcomes one just before they enter the ‘snake pit’ can be compared to the feeling when you have to walk through the sliding doors of the megaconglomerate-super-store, A.K.A. WalMart. It starts with circling the parking lot for a parking space that doesn’t require sweating in the trip from your car to the store, and leads to avoiding rogue shoppers and their overflowing carts.

Oh, and should I mention, you always run in to someone you don’t want to see?

With a conversation that goes something like, “Hey, Betty!”

“Oh… hey, John… I didn’t know see you there,” (even though you did).

“We went to high school together, Betty, remember?”

“Oh, that’s right… I forgot,” and now you’re stuck in a reminiscent conversation about the worst years of your life with the person you dislike the most. And it all happens at ‘the crappiest place on earth’, Wal-Mart.

Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against affordable items. I love it when I find something that costs less than I thought it would. The problem is that much of the products that hail from Wally World shelves cost less than you think they would, but they are still overpriced if quality is your calling (which for most of us, it is at least an added bonus).

But that is not even the point. The point is that if one was to really stop and look around at not just Wal-Mart, but all the chain super-stores, they would see not just a vaguely askew system, but a monster on a hill, casting a shadow over the lands

Jazz

Online www.ijc.uidaho.edu

...

if one was to really stop and look around at not just WalMart, but all the chain superstores, they would see not just a vaguely askew system, but a monster on a hill, casting a shadow over the lands below. below. Sure, it’s an age-old argument, but these stores really are at the root of a lot of economic issues (some bad and some good, but issues nonetheless).

Let’s just go down the list, shall we?

For a start, it is a rare find if anything in these stores is made wholly and entirely in the USA. I guess it goes without saying that workers in third world countries are to be credited with production; however, it is most certainly not guaranteed the conditions that are endured day after day by these people are decent (you’ve all seen the 60 Minutes reports, I’m sure).

Hey, do some of you long-time residents remember Wal-Mart’s predecessor? Yeah, that vacant lot across the street that was once a bustling superdome just like WalMart is today. We traded one for another, but what about all the other businesses that Wal-Marts all over the country (and world, even) have obliterated? Small town, old-time, local businesses are particularly prone to bankruptcy and closure when a Wal-Mart store comes to town. The sad fact of the matter is that since Wal-Mart offers literally everything at literally the lowest price in town, there is literally no competing with them… quite literally. They have the means to get lowpriced goods from overseas in an unfair way as compared to the people who have been selling homemade goods and

by Hanna Hurt

have to charge extra to make a profit. I have little doubt that you already knew this, I mean I’m in high school, myself, but did you know that mega chain stores are contributing to human effect on the environment? Yeah, since goods need to be shipped all over the country, Co2 emissions from diesel engines are being pumped out en masse everyday by just a single corporation’s shipping fleet.

Keeping your business in local operations, buying food from local growers (farmer’s markets?) and just smart shopping could all contribute to a better future. But of course, there are those of us who lead a modest lifestyle and find it difficult to support a family and get day-to-day needs from anywhere else. Well, how did you manage before Wal-Mart? I mean, just out of curiosity…

Wal-Mart pulls prices up around them, but brings their own ‘low prices.’

Most of the above problems can be seen as necessary measures. When we have to settle as peasants under a system that got its status from being unjust it’s a pretty sad thought. What’s even sadder is that this system depends entirely on us, so why are we still just hanging about?

Just like, “war is over, if you want it to be,” anything can be accomplished, if we want it bad enough. Thousands of towns and cities have boycotted the super-stores from entering their communities, already, why not us?

Hanna Hurt is a senior at Clark Fork High School with an interest in writing and the world around her. Reach her via editorial@RiverJournal.com

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The Cheap Seats

Coffelt Funeral Home Sandpoint, Idaho www.CoffeltFuneral.com

Irene Hulda “Granny” Parker, 79. passed away in Sandpoint, Idaho on Monday, August 4. Private family services will be held at a later date Irene was born in Granite Falls, Wash. on September 13, 1928. As a child she lived through the depression. She graduated from high school in Granite Falls, Wash. At graduation she received an award for 9 years of perfect school attendance. On June 11, 1948 she married Robert T. Parker in Everett, Wash.

She lived in New York, returning to Granite Falls, Wash. in the early 1950s and then moving to Marysville, Wash. in 1957. In 1960 she moved to Arlington, Wash. and then to the Gold Creek area of Sandpoint in 1994. She enjoyed her dogs and cats, taking walks in the woods, and raising a garden for her family. She was always a Darigold fan and her favorite president was Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Irene is survived by four children: Gary Parker of Sandpoint; Louise Sims of Sandpoint; Geraldine Anderton of Hope, Idaho; and Mary Walter of Arlington; 12 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren, and a sister Iona Davis of Marysville. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Robert, a brother Rudy, and her dog Blossom.

Clare Theolinda Russell passed away August 10, in Lynnwood, Wash. at age 100.

Graveside service and burial took place at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Sandpoint.

Clare was born December 30, 1907 in Chama, New Mexico, the daughter of George and Clara Ray. She was raised in Chama and worked at Rio Arriba State Bank after graduating from high school. She went to college in Gunnison, Colo. and taught school in a one room school in Dulcie, New Mexico for one year. She married Lyle Russell on December 3, 1927 in Pagosa Springs, Colo. They lived on a ranch in Chromo, Colo. until 1946 when they moved to Ponderay, Idaho. She did substitute work at the Ponderay Post Office and also helped Lyle drive school bus occasionally for Bonner County School District.

She was a wonderful mother, homemaker and friend. In 2005, Clare moved to Lynnwood, Wash., to live with Dorine.

Clare is survived by four daughters, Lila Mayers, Aurora, Colo.; Dorine Russell, Lynnwood; Marilyn (Clarence) Bramhall, Port Townsend, Wash.; Delberta (Ronald) Trevithick, Anchorage, Alaska.; and daughter-in-law, Alice Russell, Seattle, Wash.; 17 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, 12 great-greatgrandchildren and many more relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lyle, and son, Richard.

Delmer H. Forell (Bubby) Delmer passed away August 11, in Sandpoint.

He was born to Harold and Lois (Dolly) Forell July 16, 1933 in Sandpoint. He graduated from high school there in 1951. After graduation he entered the military. Upon returning from the service he married Betty Lou Waddell from Clarks Fork, Idaho.

He lived on Baldy Mountain where he had been raised and where he raised his family of three boys. Delmer worked in the timber industry and in road construction most of his life. He enjoyed gardening, picking huckleberries, fishing, hunting, boating and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife of fifty years, Betty Lou, three sons, Barry and wife Vickie Forell of Naples, Idaho; Garry and wife Shelley Forell of Springfield, Mo.; and Darwin and wife Raylene Forell of Sandpoint; Twelve grandchildren, five great-grandchildren. Sisters Velma Nelson, Betty Jeffries and Carol Millard. Brothers: Daymond, Larry and Jim Forell and numerous nieces and nephews, Uncle Ed and Aunt Jo Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents and beloved sister Della Bricker.

Hazel A. Wilson, 91, passed way in Kootenai, Idaho on Sunday, August 17. Memorial services were conducted in Coffelt’s Funeral Chapel. Chuck Wigton, officiated and inurnment took place in Pinecrest Memorial Park.

Hazel was born in New London, Conn. on August 14, 1917 the daughter of Frederic and Laura Smith. She grew up in Vermont and Connecticut graduating from high school in 1934, in Brattleboro, Vt. She attended business school in the area and then moved to Vallejo, Calif.

Hazel worked for the Fort Ethan Allen Army Base in Connecticutt, and the US Navy as a secretary on the Mare Island Naval Base in California. Hazel married Sam Wilson on August 4, 1947 in Reno, Nev. They moved to Sandpoint and in 1949 moved to the Wrencoe area. She was the secretary for the First Christian Church for many years. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading, and going for her walks.

Hazel is survived by her daughter Ellen Frei, of Sandpoint; three grandchildren, Lindsey Frei, of Hope; Brent Frei, of Lewiston, Idaho; and Michael Frei, of Sandpoint; numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Sam; her two sons David and Paul; her daughter Nancy, her parents; and five sisters.

Robert W. Jakeway, 67, passed away at his home north of Sandpoint, Idaho.

Funeral services were conducted at Coffelt’s Funeral Chapel with Pastor Barry Johnson, New Song Bible Church, officiating. Interment followed in Pinecrest Memorial Park.

Robert was born in Morgantown, WV on February 23, 1941, the son of Robert and Ruth (Goff) Jakeway. He grew up in Morgantown, WV where he graduated from high school. He served with the US Navy from 1959 until 1963.

On October 5, 1968 he married Retha Kisner in Morgantown, WV. He moved to Colstrip, Mont. in 1977, working as a plant supervisor for Mont.

Power, until his retirement in 1986. The family moved to the Sandpoint area in 1995. Robert had a love for the outdoors, enjoying fishing and hunting. In his young life, in West Virginia, he enjoyed exploring the hills in the area. That interest has followed him throughout his life.

Robert is survived be his wife Retha (Kisner) Jakeway, of Sandpoint; a son Travis Ray Jakeway, two granddaughters Taylor and Tanah, all of Missoula Mont.; two sisters Janet Hardesty, of Tunnelton WV; Lana Faber, of Morgantown, WV; nephews R.J. Powell, of Morgantown; Paul Boone, of Texas; Brian Kisner, of Dover Del.; Shane Kisner, of Richmond, Va.; and a niece Tyler Boone, of Fairmont, WV. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Lifelong resident, Paul F. Perry, passed away quietly at home on August 18 after a long battle with cancer.

Memorial services were conducted in the Sandpoint First Baptist Church. Pastor Ken Smith and Pastor Joe Gibbs officiated.

Paul was born September 17, 1945 to Darrell

and Mary Perry, in the old Page Hospital in Sandpoint. Spending his entire youth at the family home in Dover, he attended both Washington and Farmin Elementary, Junior High on Euclid and graduated with the class of 1963 at the old high school. After graduation Paul working for Pack River Lumber Company and the Dover Mill before enrolling in Kinman Business University.

While in college he enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and spent four years in the Army Security Agency. Most of his time was spent in Germany with the Agency where he enjoyed a lot of time traveling throughout Europe. For the past 22 years, Paul has been bringing together old buddies from then for a reunion every two years and putting together the gathering somewhere different in the US was a great joy for him. Keeping the group together for the past years has given him friends that have been inseparable.

After the service Paul returned home and back to Kinman Business University to get his degree. He decided that a career in accounting was not what he wanted to do, so quit school to embark on a career in the service industry that would last the rest of his life. In the early 70s he and owner Jim Pucci built up one of the most popular night spots in the inland Northwest.

While still running the Middle Earth, Paul was also working with a new restaurant during that era, The Garden. He eventually took over the running of the dining room, an endeavor that lasted 25 years. His philosophy was always to treat his customers like family and some of those relationships still carry on in terms of their appreciation and respect for him.

Knowing that it took more than one income to earn a living in this area, he also added a couple more careers to his daily routine. He worked as a travel agent for Easyway Travel and because of his likable character and notoriety was able to increase the client base for that business as well as doing some travel himself. A second opportunity that arose during that time was becoming a school bus driver with Bonner County School District. It was this career that Paul seem to blossom with. His love of children and their safety allowed him the opportunity to rise from a driver to the lead trainer the school district. Through his knowledge of the industry and enthusiasm to see that drivers are the safest people to which parents are entrusting their children to, the State Department of Education made him a state trainer to facilitate workshops to districts throughout out the state. This became Paul’s passion which lasted 23 years.

Even in the final months of his life, he would go into his office to ensure everything was running fine and that “his” drivers were given constant and updated training. His greatest worry was his programs and ethics not slip after he was gone.

Paul was an “Operations Lifesaver” instructor, a program designed to teach railroad crossing awareness and safety. He also ran the “Buster” program that taught bus safety to elementary children. He was a delivery person for his long time friend and associate Carolyn at Second Avenue Pizza for many years. Paul was involved with the Winter Carnival committee and activities in the 70s. He was part of a group that built floats for the 4th of July parades and Winter Carnival parades for many years. Paul was one of the “six” original organizers of Lost in the 50s.

He was involved in the set-up, the decorating, the breakdown, the “Aspirin Rally Run” and the

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“Lip Syncs.” He and his many friends entertained crowds for many years.

Paul is survived by his loving companion of37 years, Marjorie Tilley and stepchildren Duane and Kimberly Tilley and the pride and joys of his life, his three grandchildren Samantha, Michael and Katlyn Kelly of Somers, Mont. Four sisters Wuaneta Zantow of Dover, Idaho; Arlene (Robert) Kalb of Sandpoint; Dolores (Wayne) Herman of Kalispell, Mont. and Nancy (Ted) Crabb of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, an aunt, Jeanie Quist of Utah, and an uncle, Cliff Reynolds of Washington He is also survived by, and in Paul’s words, “more nieces and nephews than I can keep track of.” He is also survived by his “Bus Shop family,” his “Second Avenue Pizza family,” his “Army reunion family,” his “Dover family” and many friends and neighbors. Paul is preceded in death by his parents, Darrell and Mary Perry; and two brothers, Hugh and David Perry. We will all miss him very much.

Helen LuVerne McDaniel, 55, passed away at her home in Trestle Creek, on Monday, August 18 . Private family graveside services were held at the Hope Cemetery.

LuVerne was born in Thetford, England on December 9, 1952 the daughter of Bernard and Bonnie Sanders. She grew up in a military family, in England and Northern California, graduating from high school in Rohnert Park, Calif. in 1970. She attended Santa Rosa Junior College, receiving an AA degree.

On June 20, 1980, LuVerne married Dennis McDaniel in Trestle Creek where they lived. For 10 years she worked for Niemans Floral delivering flowers, retiring in 2007 for health reasons. LuVerne enjoyed reading and spending quality time with her family.

LuVerne is survived by her husband Dennis McDaniel, of Hope; Heather Howard, of Hope; Katherine McDaniel, of Sandpoint; Sierra McDaniel, of Missoula, Mont.; Michael McDaniel, of Rathdrum Idaho; Stephen McDaniel, of Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho; and three grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents and a sister Linda.

Lakeview Funeral Home Sandpoint, Idaho www.lakeviewfuneral.com

Nordeen (Skinny) Iverson, 99, passed away in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho on Friday, July 18.

Private Family Services will be held. Burial will be at sea with his former shipmates.

Nordeen was born on December 7, 1908 in Silverton, Ore, the son of James and Anna (Tiegen) Iverson and was the youngest of eight children. He grew up on a 300-acre farm and attended grade school in Silverton. In 1921, at the age of 13, Nordeen and his family moved to Kalispell, Mont. where his Dad worked in the local sawmills.

In 1922, the family moved to Coeur d’Alene where Nordeen graduated from high school in 1927. To help out the family, during those times, Nordeen would dive for money off the pilings at the City Dock where steam boats from Harrison would arrive and depart. He also worked at odd jobs and played baseball for the Coeur d’Alene town team.

While attending a Spokane Indians baseball game in 1940, he met Mildred Haynes, the love of his life.

They were married on July 11, 1941.

Nordeen joined the Navy in 1942 and trained at Farragut Naval Station. He served aboard the USS Gambier Bay which was sunk on October 25, 1944 during the battle of Leyte Gulf near the Philippines.

After the war, he worked as a bartender and manager of the Coeur d’Alene Elks club for several years and was a member of the Elk’s club for 65 years. He and Mildred moved to San Diego in 1965 to

manage apartment units until 1971, residing in Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint following his retirement.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings and his wife in 2006. He is survived by his son Terry (Edna) Iverson of Sandpoint; Don (Shirley) Haynes of Clackamas, Ore.; his grandchildren Lansing (Lee) Haynes, Dana Haynes, Mary (Steve) Sebers, Tyler (Erica) Haynes, Justin Iverson, Amy (Eric) Mitton and 9 Great-Grandchildren.

Beth (Richardson) Mikoski, 70, left this life on Thursday, July 31, at the family’s summer lake home near Hope, following a valiant three-year battle against cancer.

Beth was born in Spokane in 1937 to Ben and Betty Richardson. She graduated from Rogers High School in 1955. The following year she was married to Jim Mikoski. Three years later they became parents of twin boys.

Life was always an adventure of family activities and community service for Beth. She was named Honored Queen of Job’s Daughters; co-organized the South Hill Mothers of Twins; became a dental assistant and office manager and earned a pilot’s license. For 46 years Beth was active in leadership of Alpha Mu chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority, for whom she was elected City Council president.

At retirement, Beth and Jim sold their Spokane residence, purchased a motor home and became full-time RV-ers for eight years.

She had an avid interest in graphic arts, especially the creation of unique pressed flower greeting cards, which she shared generously with her legions of friends. Varieties of beautiful flowers surrounded the family home because of Beth’s skill and interest in horticulture.

Beth is survived by Jim, her husband of 52 years; brother Bob Iller (Lois); sister-in-law Kay Pihl (Marlin); sons Scott (Jackie) and Mark; grandchildren Tanya and Nicholas (Emily) Mikoski and Jennifer McDonald (Jeff); and several great grandchildren.

The family expresses gratitude to the many medical professionals, and especially to Bonner Community Hospice for the loving care provided to Beth. Dr. Mark Wendle served as an invaluable source of support and inspiration. A celebration of Beth’s life was held at the Clark Fork United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bonner Community Hospice at PO Box 1448, Sandpoint, ID 83864.

Thomas Edward DeMers, 79, passed away peacefully in the presence of his family on Thursday July 31 at his home in Ponderay.

Tom was born in Eugene, Ore. on October 6, 1928 to John J. and Ethel M. DeMers and was the youngest of eight children. He attended local schools until the eighth grade. Tom had many great qualities and those people that knew him understood a very caring and loving man. Tom had many interests and passions.

He enjoyed his horses and his other animals that he always seemed to collect to give them better lives. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons and friends, and trail rides with his wife and friends.

Tom’s life covered many different occupations such as a boxing, rodeo and logging careers.

Tom’s passion was singing and playing his guitar for family and friends. His deep voice and talent as a guitarist made him so fun to be around. He enjoyed outings to parties and visits to the local Manors to play for the senior citizens. Tom played in many bands with many great local musicians and loved to play music with anyone.

Everyone who met Tom could not escape without knowing his wit and humor and everyone knew he could tell a good story. He held on to this special

quality to the very end. Tom met Jessie Jordan and they were married on July 15th, 1984.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, 4 brothers and 3 sisters.

He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Jessie DeMers, daughter Debbie (John) Noble; two sons, Duffy DeMers and David R. (Cindy) DeMers and seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Tom loved his family very much and was so proud of all their accomplishments. We will miss our father, uncle, husband and friend very much.

Dona Mae Meehan, 73, retired music teacher, passed away on Monday, August 4 in Hope.

Memorial services were held at the First Lutheran Church in Sandpoint with Pastors Dave Olson and Bob Nale officiating.

Dona was born on May 23, 1935 in Shell Lake, Wisc. to Joel and Emily Henderson. She grew up and attended schools there, graduating high school in 1953. She earned her teaching degree in vocal music at Northland College in Ashland, Wisc., where she also met her future husband.

Dona married David Meehan on July 27, 1957 in Shell Lake. The couple moved to Sandpoint, where they both accepted teaching positions. Over her career, Dona taught music at the Jr. and Sr. High Schools, and when needed taught English. She and David also owned and operated the Edelhaus Restaurant in Hope from 1973-1996.

She was a member of the First Lutheran Church and an associate member of the Clark Fork Lutheran Church. She enjoyed music, baking, and reading; she also cherished her family and friends.

Dona had recently been making plans to travel to the Grand Canyon and to take a cruise.

Dona is survived by one brother, Glen (Norma) Henderson; two sisters Helen (Don) Jacklen and Judy (Paul) Markgren; sister-in-law Kathy Taylor; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband David Meehan, and niece Beth Markgren.

Memorial donations may be made to the First Lutheran Church or the Clark Fork Lutheran Church.

Imogene E. Gee, 79, passed away on Wednesday, August 13, in Sandpoint. Funeral Services were held at the Lakeview Funeral Home Chapel. Burial took place in the Dillon, Mont.

Cemetery.

Imogene was born on December 23, 1928 in Scotts Mills, Ore. to Louis and Edna Smith. When her mother remarried Ernest Garrison, Imogene changed her name to Garrison.

Imogene married Lyle Gee on December 21, 1948 in Tillamook, Ore.. They later moved to Port Orford, Ore., where Lyle worked in the logging industry. In 1966 they moved to Livingston, Mont., later settling in Dillon in 1974. Lyle passed away on August 3, 1983 in Dillon. Imogene worked at the Truck Inn Café from 1980 -1990.

In 2001 she moved to Sandpoint to be closer to her daughter and family. She enjoyed fishing, art, crocheting and knitting.

Imogene is survived by four sons, Ernese Gee, James Gee, Mark (Carrie Joe) Gee and Mike Gee (Shannon); one daughter, Lori Miller; four stepchildren, Pat, Gary, Mike and Diane Kelly; 15 grandchildren: Mason, Aspen, Jenny, Holly, Tyler, Torey, Lindsey, Alicia , Matthew, Sean, Adam, Ashley, Mike, Kim, and Rickie; one greatgranddaughter, Anna Marie; and her brother Lauren Garrison. She was preceded in death by her parents, and husband Lyle.

Memorials may be made to Bonner Community Hospice, PO Box 1448, Sandpoint, ID 83864.

The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008 | Page 61

S

INSURANCE RESOURCE GROUP

Jinxed- continued from page 16

The Hawk’s Nest-

was close to the boat, I think I might have been yelping with delight when Captian Ken scooped the fish up in the net! It was a big one! I knew it the moment I saw it! A good 8 inches long, and a fighter not willing to give up too quickly and on top of everything, the hoochie skirt was imbedded in his lip and it wasn’t going anywhere.

Stacey: The very next time Stacey heard Captain Ken yell “fish on!” she was racing Levi for the pole. Unfortunately, Stacey was in the bathroom, so she came running out of the bathroom with her pants practically around her ankles. Smile on her face, jazzed at the possibility of outdoing us again, practically jerking the pole away from Levi before she composed herself.

She did let Levi reel the fish in, but I have to say, she let him know that the very next fish was hers!

Captain Ken: Sure, we enjoyed catching our fish, pounds and pounds of fish in just a few hours! Captain Ken did enjoy taking us on the scenic route of the lake as well, showing us the hand-stacked stone castle that has taken the better part of a decade to build. A spire that one would expect to see Rapunzel and her golden hair hanging out of, looking for her knight in a shining fishing boat coming to rescue her. A tunnel that leads to the lake, and a wall leading around the property, all hand cut and stacked. Captain Ken also told us of the unmanned submarines that were dragged by the tugboats, the Navy’s stealth destroyers testing for silent running for our naval defense. Captain Ken shows his floating companions the good life on the water and on the islands.

Levi: “Can I drive the boat back, Captain Ken?” Levi asked. I smiled to myself, thinking kids don’t realize what it takes to man a vessel. “Sure,” Captain Ken replied as I almost jumped out of my skin. Levi was driving the boat? Now where did he say those life jackets were?

Dolly Varden and her twin sister Dori: “There goes Captain Ken’s boat,” Dolly said to Dori as Seagull Charters went splashing by. “Poor Merlin,” Dori replied. “If he wasn’t such a greedy fish, there wouldn’t be such a bounty on his head.” Dolly and Dori wiggle their tails as they jet through the water in the opposite direction. “Just in case we don’t recognize a hoochie for what it is, let’s play over this direction.” Dolly Varden leads her twin to safety. “Those Kamloops and Mackinaws had better head for cover while Captain Ken and the Seagull is out and about,” both Dolly and Dori snicker. “Those fish, always chasing the hoochie!”

For more information, or to book a tour or charter, call Seagull Charters at 208266-1861, or visit their website at www. seagullcharters.net

I continued to work, taking in the shows on the stages as well as the show higher up on the ridges. I worked as clouds moved into and up gouges in the mountains that created the steep canyon wall as it fell, nearly vertically, to the lake.

I also worked at finding out as much as I could about each microbrew on site, as well as some wineries. I worked while my friends, new and old, made wisecracks about how hard I was working as they relaxed and enjoyed themselves.

It started to look like The Conductor had finally met a friend. After a time, semi alone at the end of our table, it ended when her friends left and she with them.

Instead of a missed opportunity, we all had the impression he could not bring himself to take advantage of a woman who had been imbibing for so long.

The final act under the lights was The Jesse Cook Band. This band is so tight it is almost one voice, yet still has spontaneity in each number, never sounding overrehearsed and stale, something that takes a group of outstanding musicians hours of time together.

I worked until the stars dotted the sky over those Canadian mountains and was exhausted as we left for the night. On the way back down Kootenay Lake the next day, I had to stop at Ainsworth Hot Springs to soak off the weekend of hard work.

Back home I got ready for more weekends of work at the Sandpoint Festival, but I’ll make the sacrifice in order to share it with others. It’s all about others of course.

Maybe someday I’ll take some personal time, go back to Kaslo and look for The Philosopher and The Conductor, just for fun, when I’m not on the clock.

cont’d from page 41

It doesn’t have to be like this • Transport to and from school • Rates you can afford

Kootenai Children’S Center 800 McGhee Road Sandpoint Licensed • Bonded Insured

255-2245

1205 Highway 2 | Sandpoint | 208 265-9690 Page 62 | The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008

harvest party

Love Notes- Cont’d from page 63 posting. “They talked about happy things and sad things, and I thought they must be best friends the way they hit it off. I was awful sorry to see her leave, but I know Edsel must miss her terribly.”

Photo at right: Edsel’sMom Sue demonstrating the property appreciation for our furry friends.

September 6 - 7, 2008 Noon to 5 pm each day

Live Music Grape Stomping Contest Cork Spitting Contest Smelling Bee Photo Exhibit Wine discounts by the glass, bottle and case.

open daily | 220 Cedar Street 208.265.8545 | powine.Com

Touchstone Massage Therapies At Stepping Stones Wellness Center Oncology • Sports Medical • Energy Stress Relief Krystle Shapiro, LMT

803 Pine Sandpoint•208.290.6760

Sandpoint Farmer’s Market T A S T E T H E H A R V E S T

Open Saturdays 9 to 1 Wednesdays 3 to 5:30 At Farmin Park

WWW.SANDPOINTFARMERSMARKET.COM

The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008 | Page 63

Page 64 | The River Journal - A News Magazine Worth Wading Through | www.RiverJournal.com | Vol. 17 No. 16 | September 2008

From the Mouth of the River

I mean, you wouldn’t lie to me about a thing like that, now would you? I mean the size of it? Or how long it is? How many times have you been lied to about a thing like that? Even women have been asking men on their first date if they practice catch and release. If they admit that they do, then the woman knows how much of what he tells her she can believe.

Catch and release has been implemented into the realm of fishing with one simple intent, which is to allow the fish to grow larger and in some cases, reproduce. It also allows other fishermen a chance to catch that same fish. Being able to grow larger seems to work quite well. In most cases the fish doubles in size by the time the fisherman gets to the nearest bar or meets up with his friends.

His wife already knows it was small and ignores his bragging even if he swears on a stack of Field and Streams.

Women, on the other hand, say size doesn’t matter as long as they catch something. For instance, my wife, Lovie and I were floating the Clark Fork River with Cliff Dare in one of his drift boats one afternoon. Cliff was rowing and both of us were casting with flies. Lovie was seated in the back using a spin pole, while I had the front of the boat to myself, because of their constant whining about my casting ability.

You’d think being caught in the ear or nose by a tiny fly wouldn’t be that annoying. I mean really, it just looks like a mosquito bite or, at the most, a pox

mark.

We had been out most of a beautiful day on the river and Lovie was soaking up the sun to a point of almost dozing off, leaving her lure to drift aimlessly down the river. Suddenly, her pole bent down and the break started screaming as the line was being stripped from the reel.

“Fish on,” Cliff said with a grin as Lovie kept trying to reel it in to no avail.

While the boat continued to drift down the river, Cliff started to row back upstream, but Lovie wasn’t gaining any line as the reel continued to unwind.

Cliff stopped rowing and dropped the anchor.

“You’re hung up on the bottom. Hand me your rod and I will jerk it loose or break the line and if I break your lure off I’ll just put you a new one on,” Cliff explained.

He started by giving short jerks with the pole and then he yanked real hard several times, causing both Lovie and myself to dive for the bottom of the boat. No one wanted to get hit in the head with a piece of lead the size of a 45 slug with hooks on it. But the lure didn’t come lose, nor did the line snap. Cliff set there for a minute dumbfounded and then the line started to move off in a different direction.

“Here take your pole, what you got here is a big fish,” he said with surprised look.

After what seemed like hours of fighting this fish with light tackle, Lovie finally brought the fish alongside the boat where Cliff and I both guessed it to weigh between 12 and 14 pounds.

Lovie said, “Well, maybe six.”

Women just won’t believe guys even when the evidence is right in front of them. Go figure. She missed the weight of a chicken at the supermarket the other day by twelve pounds. No wait, that was me. I thought it was a turkey.

Hey, when they’re naked like that they all look a like.

A friend of mine who I fish with quite often has Hairlip Charters out of Hope, Idaho. He’s always bragging on how much bigger the fish he catches are than everyone else’s fish. Funny, that never happens when I fish with him! You’d think he was from Texas rather than California the way he tells stories. So I bought one of those liar’s scales you get at any sporting goods stores. They’re

Boots Reynolds

spring loaded, so the weight they give you is quite questionable. A five pound fish may weigh as much as seven pounds or as little as three. I hung it up in a tree and tied a 40-pound rock on it and left it overnight; by morning the spring had lost its tension. I slipped it on his boat and now everything he catches weighs twice its normal weight. He thinks all the fish caught on his charters are whoppers!

Even his clients are pleased with their near record fish.

I figure you can’t go through life without going on at least one snipe hunt, and I thought I had sure passed that a long time ago, but recently I have found myself on several. Seems I have wanted to catch myself a mess of walleye. Everyone who has done so claims they are the best eating of any fish, any where. Now, I have sampled many species of fish prepared in all the ways recommended by all the experts and their wives. It wasn’t until I started to pursue this fish seriously that I found out what a snipe hunt this could be.

First, my friend and fishing buddy, Dave, the Indian guide from Spokane took me on a snipe hunt to Banks Lake.

I should have gotten suspicious when we put our boat in the water and everyone else was taking theirs out. All day we jigged, doodle socked and bounced bait on the bottom. We even harnessed up a worm to a wire pogo stick and bounced it off the bottom. All day we entertained and amused those fish. I even thought at one point I heard one giggle. My wrist hasn’t been that sore since I was a teenager - in fact, I had to eat my beans left-handed that night.

While Dave is an excellent fisherman and seldom has to stretch the size of his catch we found ourselves skunked on not one, but three trips and on three separate lakes no less.

When our old guide and friend Tim Johnson from Clarkston, Washington found out our dilemma on catching walleye he just laughed.

“Meet me in Spokane and we’ll go walleye fishing,” he offered.

The first morning at China Bend on the Columbia River I caught my first walleye.

A twenty-one-incher, and as they say, the rest is history. Hell, there’s nothing to this snipe hunting if you have the right guide.

But by two o’clock that afternoon the temperature was 100+, and yes it can get too hot to fish. But my snipe hunting was over. And yes, they are the best eating fish you ever locked a lip around.

Boots Reynolds is the internationally renowned cowboy artist and author. Reach him via editorial@RiverJournal.com

THE FESTIVAL AT SANDPOINT

GReat MuSiC…AUG 7 - 17, 2008 Naturally!

Smokey The Robinson with Chic Gamine Festival at Thursday August 7 • 7:30 pm • All tickets $ 59.95

Sandpoint thanks our PHAT PHRIDAY! volunteers and all of Brett Dennen & 8Donavon Frankenreiter ourAugust ticket buyers who Friday • 7:00 pm • All tickets $34.95 supported our 26th SUPER SATURDAY! season of Furay musicBand under Richie the stars! the Marshall tucker Band Don’t forget -League Early & Pure Prairie Saturday August 6 pm Bird passes for9 •2009 go All tickets $39.95 on sale December 1.

CONCERT “Puss ‘N year! bOOTs” SeeFAMILY you next with the

Spokane Youth Orchestra

Sunday August 10 • 4:30 pm • All tickets $5.00

the BoDeans with the Waifs Free Microbrew Tasting

Thursday August 14 • 7:30 pm • All tickets $32.95

Ziggy Marley with

Children of the Revolution

Friday August 15 • 7 pm •All tickets $55.95

SUPER SATURDAY!

Wynonna with Bomshel & New Jack and the Rippers

Saturday August 16 • 6 pm •All tickets $49.95

GRAND FINALE

the Spokane Symphony www.FestivalAtSandpoint.com

888.265.4554

River Journal new size.indd 1

conducted by Maestro Gary Sheldon with special guests: the Generations trio Complimentary “Tastes of the Stars” wine tasting Sunday August 17 • 7:30 pm Adults: $29.95 • Youth 0-18 $9.95

$749,000 MLS# 2084170

Beautiful 87 acres at the confluence of the Kootenai and Moyie Rivers. Breath taking views, several large plateaus for building (one is approx. 11 acres).

Inc. 2 water memberships. (2 more available.) Access road to Resort is owned by this property and provides access to much of subject property.

Incredible estate or development potential. Includes small house!

Ask for Beth Hall 107 N. First • Sandpoint

208.255.4550 208.610.5858

7/18/08 11:17:56 AM

You’re Invited!

Clark Fork Wampus Cats vs. the Kootenai Warriors on Friday, September 19

Festivities begin at 5:30 pm as we cut the ribbon on our new bleachers, commentator’s stand and track. Food, door prizes and just a few speeches as Panhandle State Bank recognizes Bob Hays as their Community Star and the Clark Fork Boosters recognize the people and businesses who made this project possible including our major sponsors Panhandle State Bank and Ruen Drilling.

CHARESSE MOORE Sandpoint’s Top Producing Agent* Thinking of making a move or wanting to find a home?

Put me to work for you and let me show you why I have risen to the top. I have established a proven and effective way to market and sell your property along with an effective system for helping buyers find the properties they are looking for.

Thank you

for all your support, confidence and trust!

Newer home in the country on 1.7 treed acres in desirable Selle Valley.

Featuring 3 bedroom, den/office, 2 bath, forced-air heat, huge master w/sitting area, soaking tub, walk-in closet and home was completed in 2000. Enjoy the covered deck overlooking the all usable land & mature trees. Fenced for your horse.

Location, Location! $220,000 MLS# 2080908

A must see! This home sits on a huge lot with flower gardens, a rock water feature, mature trees, covered deck for entertaining and a sunroom with hot tub. There are tile accents throughout, a cozy built in fireplace, new carpet and a home that has been updated throughout. Great location close to the park and all the schools! $229,000 MLS# 2083339

Spacious 5 bedroom, 3 bath, Log home with 7.62+/- treed acres 2250 sf family home with attached and backs up to Forest Service land. apartment! Featuring 3-car garage, Featuring 3 bedroom, 2 bath, large fenced yard, mountain views, open great room with a warm slate covered balcony, laundry room with wood stove, master suite w/office built ins, two kitchens, and forced-air area, wood floors, tongue and heat. Apartment (1 bedroom, 1 bath) groove ceilings, and a terrific kitchen is NOT situated above home for w/custom cabinets. Moss covered sound insulation. Built in 2002. Great rocks, walking trails, and a great family home plus rental income! location to Sandpoint. $249,900 MLS# 2065201 $299,000 MLS# 2070825

Estate Waterfront property on Exceptional Water and Ski 1.3 acres with 153 feet of water Mountain Views in an exclusive frontage, dock and Ski Mountain waterfront community with private dock! This home on 1.8 treed acres views! This home has 4 bedrooms, an open living room with stone features an open floor plan with fireplace, vaulted ceilings and a huge views, decks for entertaining, covered deck with lake views.

4 BR, den, 2 bath, and an oversized Extensively landscaped w/mature guest room above the garage.

Deeded community waterfront island trees, bunk house, paved circular driveway and close to the Ski with tennis courts, sandy beaches, Mountain, golf course and on the boat launch, and marina. water! $759,000 MLS# 2083424 $659,900 MLS# 2081582

New home in desirable South Sandpoint with 2000 sf! Featuring 3 or 4 bedrooms (4th unfinished above garage) 2.5 baths, gourmet kitchen with beautiful cabinets, tile and wood accents, family room w/stone fireplace, a terrific open floor plan w/master on the main level, covered front and back decks. Serene property w/mature trees and a 2-car garage. $359,000 MLS# 2084027

Pristine 5.3 treed acres w/home and shop/barn in a desirable upscale location close to Sandpoint and the lake. Featuring 3 bedroom, 2 bath, living room w/stone fireplace, vaulted beam ceilings, tile counters and floors, 2-car attatched garage and new decks for capturing nature’s beauty. Wonderful horse property w/pasture, corral & fenced! $389,900 MLS# 2080975

Remodeled home w/guest home on 14 acres and deeded water access. Featuring 3 bedroom, 2 bath, an open great room, gourmet Kitchen w/granite counter tops, 2-car attached garage (28`x 25`), single garage, deck and hot tub, incredible landscaped flower beds, and lawns with sprinkler systems. All usable land for horse property and terrific access to Sandpoint. $439,000 MLS# 2081061

Creek, Spectacular Lake and Mountain Views from this home on 5 treed acres. Desirable location, 4 bedrooms, den, 2.5 bath, kitchen w/granite counters, wood floors, vaulted ceiling, fireplace and a hot tub room off the master. 2-car garage, RV set up and filed water rights. Soothing sounds of the creek!

Privacy and only about a mile to Sandpoint $499,900 MLS# 2081209

Custom home on 10 acres with Majestic Mountain and Ski Mountain views. Featuring 4 bedroom, 2 bath, master suite with 2 walk-in closets, large open great room w/cozy brick fireplace, gourmet kitchen w/walk-in pantry, forced-air heat, and A.C. Covered decks with hot tub, brick accents, and an attached 3-car garage with shop room. Great horse property. $449,000 MLS# 2080028

Sandpoint`s finest horse property! Remodeled home on 20 usable acres, two barns, shop and a pond. 105`x 60` & 40`x 60` barns w/stalls, indoor riding arena and 100 ton hay storage. Hay productivity, fenced and crossed fenced. Three bedrooms, gourmet kitchen, wood doors and floors. Mountain Views and borders lumber and Forest Service land w/riding trails! $524,500 MLS# 2081418

EVERGREEN REALTY 321 N. First Ave., Sandpoint • E-mail: charesse@Evergreen-Realty.com

Cell: 208.255.6060 • Toll Free: 888.228.6060 *Based on Selkirk MLS data for 2004-2007