- Laughing Dog, No-Li, Humboldt, - Midnight SunDry Dock, - Great Divide, - Fremont limiteds, - Lost Abbey and many Accepting volume and individual bids.
- Midnight SunDry Dock, - Great Divide, - Fremont limiteds, - Lost Abbey and many moreAccepting volume and individual bids.
Music by Marty Perron and Doug Bond
(wo)MAN
compiled by Susan Drinkard
on the street
Who is your hero or heroine?
“Cheryl Land is my heroine. She was my beauty school instructor in Gillette, Wyo. She pushed me to be better.”
Bre Shifley Cosmetologist Sandpoint
“Roman Atwood, a blogger on YouTube, because he is happy and encourages others to be happy.”
Jacob Barker 10th grade, SHS Sandpoint
“My heroine is my mother, Laurie Anderson, because she taught me strength, compassion, and she is the most kindhearted and giving soul I know.”
Lindsey Anderson Ski coach/The Hound Sandpoint
“My mom, Jane Exum (Grand Junction, Colo.) because she taught me to find the good in every person. As far as a famous person, Lucille Ball, because she made a lot of people laugh. I got to meet her once when I was skiing at Snow Mass Ski Resort in Colorado.”
Beth Acker Office Manager Naples
“Harrison Ford. Even as he is getting older he is still in movies. I have heard he is a nice guy in person.”
Taurin Moore 10th grade, SHS Sagle
DEAR READERS,
How about a riddle? First one to answer this wins a $10 gift certificate to MickDuff’s. And no, you may not use the Internet to find the answer. Use your brain, dear readers, it’s good for you.
Thirteen people came into a hotel with 12 rooms, and each guest wanted his own room. The bellboy solved this problem.
He asked the thirteenth guest to wait a little with the first guest in room number one. So in the first room there were two people. The bellboy took the third guest to room number two, the fourth to number three, ..., and the twelfth guest to room number 11. Then he returned to room number one and took the thirteenth guest to room number 12, still vacant. How can everybody have his own room?
I’ll put a post on Facebook Thursday morning asking for answers to the riddle. If you can correctly answer within the comments, you = winner.
-Ben Olson, Publisher
READER
111 Cedar Street, Suite 9 Sandpoint, ID 83864 (208)265-9724
The Sandpoint Reader is a weekly publication owned and operated by Ben Olson and Keokee. It is devoted to the arts, entertainment, politics and lifestyle in and around Sandpoint, Idaho. We hope to provide a quality alternative by offering honest, in-depth reporting that reflects the intelligence and interests of our diverse and growing community
The Reader is printed on recycled paper using soy-based ink. Leftover copies are collected and recycled weekly, or burned in massive bonfires to appease the gods of journalism. Free to all, limit two copies per person.
SandpointReader letter policy:
The Sandpoint Reader welcomes letters to the editor on all topics.
Requirements: –No more than 400 words –Letters may not contain excessive profanity or libelous material. Please elevate the discussion. Letters will be edited to comply with the above requirements. Opinions expressed in these pages are those of the writers, not necessarily the publishers.
Email letters to: letters@sandpointreader.com
Check us out on the web at: www.sandpointreader.com
Like us on Facebook.
About the Cover
This week’s cover was painted by Stephen Nelson. The title of the piece is “The Grain Elevator, Sandpoint” and it was done with oil. We took some, uh, creative license by having our pal King Kong climb up to the top and attempt to rescue Fay Wray. Sorry to mar up your sweet painting, Stephen.
COMMENTARY
By Louie de Palma Reader Road Warrior
Somewhere in the dark, dusty abyss that is my closet, there sits a worn box. Inside are toy Chevron cars from years past. These collector cars have headlights for eyes and grills for mouths, and each was unique in ways that hinted at their demeanor and individuality. Each year I would receive one or two new toy cars. I would then personify each one, eager to watch them become alive with their own special properties. I often stumble across those cars while looking for something else or see one at a store about town, and before I know it, my thoughts are commandeered— carjacked, you might say—and replaced with memories of those old toy friends, their personalities, the adventures we used to have and how we got on together.
The personification of cars didn’t stop at childhood for me. It’s a concept that stuck with me into my adolescent and adult years, evolving and manifesting into the cars I’ve driven over the years. Every car I’ve driven earned a name and a personality regardless of where I was in my own life. We created a symbiotic relationship—a partnership of sorts—with a common goal of getting … well, somewhere. I had a Bronco named Xena that was badass but always seemed to land me in trouble. I had a Ford Fiesta that my friends and I just referred to as The Fiesta, or The Party. It blew up after three days at the Gorge for Dave Mathews. Then there was the Ford Explorer called Eddie Bauer (I didn’t name it—it was already emblazoned on its exterior). These are just a few examples, but you get the idea.
Personification of cars is no new idea. Car companies have been selling cars this way forever, suggesting a car’s performance should match your own
Car Love
attitude and lifestyle. It also leads me to associate certain cars with certain people. Every time I see a car model that an old flame used to drive, I think of that person, much like seeing a Chevron car reminds me of an old friend. Driving around all day as I do, you’d think this could get pretty sad, spotting cars that remind you of old lovers constantly. It is. It’s maddening, too. It’s the happy, bitter, sweet, salty pang of nostalgia chocolate. It’s like finding a box of old toys, an artifact of a time when you and everything else were different. You miss it, but you’d never go back. Just wave and drive on. Hello Accord, good day Subaru, hey Subaru, hey Subaru … yeah, it’s North Idaho. Subs are everywhere.
Much like with people, I always entered into a relationship with a car thinking it was going to be a pretty long commitment we’d ride out for a while. Unfortunately in my experience, you don’t always make it to the end of the road together. Inevitably, there are breakdowns, usually from one party not giving what the other needs while asking too much, taking it down roads that it’s not equipped to handle. Maybe you take the wrong path at a fork. Blindside a deer. Hit another driver. Buy into something marketed the wrong way. Really, there’s enough metaphors here to blow a head gasket. Eventually, somewhere down the road, the car gets driven into the ground, the wheels fall off and you break down.
This is the way it always seems to go. It probably has something to do with my life as a taxi driver, driving around in circles and experiencing a revolving door of people coming and going. Maybe it sounds depressing. But it allowed me to meet someone completely and earth-shatteringly amazing: a rental car. I don’t mean that in a
derogatory sense—it’s not something to be used and returned. More accurately, with a rental car, everything starts with a clean slate. You know you can’t keep it, so it’s casual. Light. There’s no wondering about the end of the road. Then you slowly learn you really like this car. Secretly, you hope that through some miracle you can keep it, but you know you can’t, because it would ruin the magic. The car must go on. It must follow its path. You cherish the time you have with it and resolve to not to damage it before you give it back to the world.
That gorgeous, clean-running, smart car taught me to lighten up and let go of the idea of getting to the end of the road. You don’t have to drive it until it breaks. Just enjoy the ride while you’re on it, and lean into the turns. As a guy who drives around in circles all day, I intend to do just that. It’ll be sad to watch her go. But like those Chevron cars, when I see your type of vehicle again, I’ll think of an old friend.
The art of making sourdough bread
By Reader Staff
A special bread-baking class will take place next week where participants can delve into the history and benefits of the ancient art of sourdough baking. Instructor and avid baker Amanda Dilima bakes with live cultures professionally and lives to share her craft in the kitchen. Dilima’s excitement for sourdough baking is simply contagious. The event takes place Friday, April 8 from 1-3:30 p.m. at Talus Rock retreat (291 Syringa Heights Rd.).
Bring your friends and bring your baking tools (although there are some tools to share) including measuring utensils, dutch oven, apron, mixing bowl, your sourdough culture, etc.
Don’t forget a piece of Tupperware as you’ll leave with a sourdough starter as our gift for your participation!
There will be a suggested donation of $12. Happy bread baking!
Bow chicka bow bowww. Look at the fins on that fella.
PERSPECTIVES
A Christian Scientist’s response to our faith healing article
By Rich Evans Reader Contributor
A recent article in the Sandpoint Reader entitled “Suffer the Little Children” raised, in part, concerns about Christian Scientists’ practice of spiritual healing. This article was brought to my attention through a number of your local readers, and I wonder if I might offer a further word of perspective, both as a Christian Scientist and as a parent and grandparent.
The article recounts a tragic event in a Michigan family in 1977. The loss of their son, for which any parent, including myself, can feel great compassion, stands in juxtaposition to the title of the article, which comes from a passage in the Gospel of Mark where Christ Jesus is instructing his disciples to allow the local children to come to him.
Jesus was affirming the Christly love that he could sense in the goodness and purity of a child’s thought, and to which Jesus was always receptive. The adult thought at the time of that statement, as today, might not understand the importance of this childlike purity. The master Christian referred to this childlikeness as a pre-requisite for entry into the kingdom of heaven, a phrase that for Christian Scientists points not to some far-off kingdom in time or space, but to a life embraced in God’s love here, now and forever.
No one can speak for another when it comes to the practice of their faith, so I cannot speak on the experience described in the article. My own experience as a Christian Scientist has included significant healings but also humbling challenges and continuing need for spiritual growth. In some cases where healing was not reasonably forthcoming for our children, or when the assistance of an orthopedist was needed in cases of broken bones, we found kind help from dedicated physicians. One of our daughters was healed through prayer in Christian Science of a broken ankle from a soccer collision, for example, some years after an earlier break in the same ankle had been set by a surgeon following a different athletic activity. These kinds of experiences over many years have made it natural to turn in a spiritual direction for healing with more confidence and a greater sense of God’s presence and grace for all. We also recognize that it’s important
always to put aside dogmatism and follow the course that seems most loving and reasonable in any given situation.
The Christian Science Church does not dictate to members what they must do when there are challenges to health. Our denomination is essentially democratic in spirit. In my own family’s experience, there’s been no pressure from other members in regard to these choices, nor has there ever been a sense of disapproval or shunning when someone showed up at church with a cast or, on rare occasion, had spent time in a hospital. Christian Science is based on God’s love for mankind. A loving God brings forward the simple Christian practice of the Golden Rule. We are taught to treat our neighbors, including our fellow church members, in the same way we would want to be treated. Where this is not the case, then Christian Science, in its true sense, is not being practiced.
While I have had the privilege of witnessing several generations of spiritual healing in my family through the practice of Christian Science, we have always found it best to let divine Love, God’s love for humanity, lead in the direction that is best for each individual. Our children have followed their own paths: some have pursued Christian Science for themselves, while others seek their own best resources for life’s journey. Something each member of our family does respect about Christian Science is its affirmation of the freedom we each have to find our own way to a life of good, with love and not judgment toward those around us.
I hope these comments will convey more fully what the practice of spiritual healing has meant in many Christian Scientists’ lives, and why it means so much to us. The spirit of Christianity is at the heart of it, a spirit that displaces fears, brings spiritual freedom and always deepens engagement with life. I appreciate the Reader’s concern for the care of children and also hope this perspective will add balance and understanding to the consideration of that profoundly important issue.
Rich Evans is the Mangager of Christian Science Committees on Publication in Boston, Mass.
Idaho accidentally secedes from the Union
By Ben Olson Reader Staff
In an unprecedented series of events, a bill introduced by an Idaho lawmaker was passed, ultimately ending with Idaho seceding from the United States.
The bill, introduced by Idaho State Senator J.P. Nitwit, R-Huron, started out innocently enough. In florid language, Sen. Nitwit’s bill was largely viewed as a symbolic “goodwill bill” and passed easily in the House and Senate before Gov. Badger signed it into law.
What Idaho lawmakers didn’t realize was that a simple misspelling ultimately ended in the state of Idaho becoming the first to secede from the union since the Civil War.
“I’m not sure how this happened,” said Sen. Nitwit. “We all thought it was a great bill, something that put the right step forward for our great state. Or territory. I’m actually not sure what to call us, now that we’re not a state anymore.”
When Sen. Nitwit introduced it to the Senate, his intent was simply to help Idaho succeed in the Union by reducing taxpayer burden for unnecessary expenditures. However, while drafting the bill, Sen. Nitwit accidentally spelled succeed “secede.” None of the lawmakers in the House and the Senate, nor Gov. Badger caught the mistake until it passed with overwhelming support.
“Obviously, we’re very concerned with this turn of events,” said Gov. Badger in a press conference held in the alley behind the Pita Pit in downtown Boise. “And I’m sorry for the conditions of this press conference. We were asked to remove all the apparatuses...
apparati? The means of governmental bodies and, um ...”
The governor trailed off and spent the rest of the press conference watching a pair of pigeons mate by a dumpster.
Law professors have been pouring through Idaho code books to see if the vote can somehow be reversed but have yet to come up with a strategy.
Some lawmakers have shown joy at the turn of events, saying that it signals in a new era of the end of centrist government.
“I couldn’t be happier,” said Rep. Vanna Smooth, R-Algoma. “I think we should call ourselves Browning, like the gun. And I’ve already adapted the Confederate flag to be our new state flag, with the new name stenciled in. Here, I drew this myself.”
Rep. Smooth held up a crude drawing done in crayon depicting the Confederate battle flag with Browning written along one of the sides, a wolf’s head surrounded by a rifle target and a portrait of Andy Griffith.
“I just love Andy Griffith,” she said. When reached for comment, President Trump paused, saying, “Idaho, Idaho. Do we even have an Idaho? I don’t think we have an Idaho. I’ve never heard of Idaho. To hell with them. If they don’t want to make America great again, we don’t want them.”
President Trump then outlined plans to have Idaho walled off—at their own expense of course—from the rest of the country.
April Fools’!
Library expansion aims to be grass roots effort
By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff
The Sandpoint branch of the East Bonner County Library District is going to get a whole lot bigger.
Library officials announced this week that a $3 million renovation project is on track to begin construction in late spring of next year. Until then, project planners will focus on gathering community input and feedback on most-requested new features or services.
“We do have ideas about what we want to do with the space, but what we’re really waiting on is public feedback,” said Marcy Timblin, library public relations director.
The expansion will add 10,000 square feet onto the 30,000 square feet of the existing library building. That will come in the form of a two-story addition to the southeast and a one-story addition in the northwest end. A neighboring property on Cedar Street purchased in 2014 will likely be used for parking and green space.
While the original library fa-
cility was built in 2000 through a bond, library officials plan to avoid that route this time. According to Timblin, officials have put together a strategic plan to raise money through fundraising, existing budgetary funds, grants and more.
“We want to do this in a real grass roots kind of way,” said Timblin.
The expansion is part of a nationwide movement to redefine the signature features of a community library. One role libraries have helped popularize in recent years is the establishment of makerspaces, which give creative individuals access to specialized supplies and equipment like 3D printers.
“These trends were just beginning to emerge 16 years ago when this building was constructed,” said library director Ann Nichols in a press release.
“Today, our makerspace programs and community development initiatives have reached capacity in the physical space we have. Our social spaces are encroaching on our quiet spaces, and our professional meeting rooms are being shared with our
makerspace programs.”
Building off a successful partnership on the Clark Fork branch library building, library officials have hired Architects West Inc. of Coeur d’Alene due to its expertise in library design, Nichols said. In the months to come, Architects West will work with the city of Sandpoint to get the project approved and then begin to draft a design. Initial designs will likely be ready by the summer, and if all proceeds according to plan, the library will open the bid for the construction contract in the spring of next year.
“We have already scheduled focus groups to steer the project design in the direction that will be most beneficial for Bonner County residents,” said Nichols. “This will be an ongoing process during the design phase.
The team also welcomes informal suggestions and feedback. According to Timblin, library staff members are committed to keeping the public informed of project progress every step of the way.
Murder suspect still at large
By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff
The search continues for James Patrick Mancuso and Ashley Ford, who are still at large following a manhunt initiated last week.
According to Bonner County Sheriff’s Office Captain Ror Lakewold, there were few developments in the case by Wednesday afternoon. Mancuso, 32, and Ford, 27, are wanted in connection with the murder of Robert Stevens.
According to the Idaho Statesman, Stevens was stabbed in the abdomen around 5 p.m., March 10, during an argument outside a West Kinghorn Drive home in Nampa.
A search involving officers from Bonner County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Marshals and the Sandpoint, Ponderay, Priest River and Idaho State police departments kicked off last Wednesday when Mancuso and Ford fled ISP officers. They managed to evade capture when the state police vehicle became stuck on the railroad tracks between McGhee Road and North Kootenai Road. Officers, detectives and search dogs canvassed the area and interviewed homeowners for possible leads.
Police later found Mancuso’s vehicle abandoned on Racetrack Road off Highway 95. They are now believed to
Friends of the Library remember Lois Wythe with sale of her book collection
By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff
The monthly Friends of the Library book sale returns this Saturday with a very special memorial to longtime library supporter Lois Wythe. Be sure to drop by the library Saturday, April 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to check out the available titles.
A beloved community member and volunteer, Wythe passed away in 2011 having influenced numerous local organizations. She founded the Sandpoint Farmers Market, the Kinnikinick Native Plants Society and published a popular quarterly newsletter, “Lines From Lois.” She was also an avid reader who loved literature and poetry.
In addition to the Wythe collection, be sure to check out the children and young adult book selections. And get ready for Poetry Month in April with a few poetry collections.
The collection of books Wythe built over her lifetime will go on enlighten new readers at this week’s book sale. True to Wythe’s interests, book topics include gardening, spirituality, literature, nature and the environment. A complete collection of “Lines from
be driving a 1991 extended cab Toyota pickup, which was reported stolen in the same area they were last seen.
If anyone believes they have seen Mancuso or Ford, police recommend calling a
non-emergency law enforcement number to report the information. They warn against trying to engage either Mancuso or Ford, as they are considered armed and dangerous.
Majority of CDA Hitching Post lawsuit dismissed
A lawsuit challenging the city of Coeur d’Alene’s non-discrimination ordinance is down for the count but isn’t knocked out yet.
The Coeur d’Alene Press reports that Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Ronald Bush granted the city’s request to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the Hitching Post Wedding Chapel. However, one of the lawsuit claims, alleging financial loss after being forced to shut down for a day because of the ordinance, still survives.
“It means the case is still alive,” Coeur d’Alene City Attorney Mike Gridley told the Coeur d’Alene Press “And, as of now, we have not heard anything from the Knapps’ attorneys about what they want to do from here on.”
Chapel owners Don and Evelyn Knapp made news in 2014 after Coeur d’Alene included sexual orientation and gender identity in its non-discrimination ordinance, saying they could be forced to perform samesex weddings. Coeur d’Alene officials countered that the city had no desire to pursue action against the Hitching Post. [CR]
Lois” will also be available for purchase.
Lois Wythe.
James Patrick Mancuso.
Ashley N. Ford.
FEATURE
The Road to Recycling:
By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff
It’s the season for spring cleaning, and Jennifer Del Carlo has a particularly big project on her hands.
She and several other community members have their sights set on tidying up the greater Sandpoint region. To that end, they’re focusing on refining local waste management and recycling programs, a goal that may well be accomplished through the as-yet unmanned Sandpoint Sustainability Committee. There’s just one problem: To date, the city hasn’t received enough commitments to get the committee off the ground. Del Carlo and her friends are now asking Sandpoint residents for help on a project that could benefit the entire county.
The sustainability committee has been a long time in the making. It got its start in 2012, when then-council member Jamie Brunner proposed its formation. The next year saw the City Council ask staff to draft an ordinance establishing its creation, which was passed in August. According to the ordinance, the committee’s purpose is to serve in an “advisory capacity to the mayor and city council to aid in the process of effective, responsible, and efficient government, with the goal of enhancing connectivity, promoting good stewardship, ensuring resilience and fostering socioeconomic health.”
More than two years after its authorization, the sustainability committee still has no membership. According to the ordinance, the mayor must appoint committee members, which the City Council then confirm. In order to do that, however, he needs at least five applications from city residents. And while Del Carlo or fellow recycling advocate Cindy Peer would be happy to apply for the committee, they don’t live within city limits—a requirement for service.
It was Peer who first discovered the opportunity presented by the sustainability committee. She emailed the city, recommending that officials put together a team to improve local recycling options.
“She reached out to Shelby when she found out he was going to be mayor,” Del Carlo said. “She figured if there was anyone who would embrace that kind of project, it would be him.”
Aaron Qualls, director of Sandpoint’s Planning and Zoning Department, replied to Peer, saying the framework
Community members are stepping up to improve regional recycling, but they need help
was already in place—it just needed the volunteers to run it.
The call for enhanced recycling programs is nothing new; in fact, it was identified by experts as a cornerstone of sustainable community development.
Shortly after City Council members authorized the creation of the committee, they welcomed the Idaho Community Review into town. A state-run program bringing together experts in various field to evaluate small town stability, the Idaho Community Review team conducted a multiple-day investigation of Sandpoint, identifying its sustainability flaws and recommending areas of improvement.
Improved access to recycling was prominent on that list. “Encouraging recycling and reducing waste” was fourth in a list of priorities identified by community members with 81 percent of respondents calling it very or somewhat important. It was only surpassed by protecting the water quality of the lake, increasing livable wages and employment opportunities, developing higher education and supporting locally produced food.
“Home team members and Sandpoint leaders informed the visiting team that use of the existing recycling program offered by the city’s solid waste contractor is significant,” the team stated in its report. “It is well known, well organized, and appreciated. At the same time, we also learned that comparable opportunities are not available to businesses.”
The team ultimately recommended that Sandpoint review its policies for waste reduction and recycling, suggesting that a task force prioritize strategies to reduce and recycle, identify business development opportunities, determine composting feasibility and plan outreach. This could be accomplished through many practical projects, most importantly through communication and collaboration with Waste Management and Pacific Steel Recycling.
Del Carlo and Peer ’s goals closely mirror those expressed by the community review team. They want to see enhanced compost services as well as curb-side recycling made available to all businesses. In addition, they hope to establish dumpster locations where people can deposit all recycling materials without worrying
about sorting them out.
There are certainly challenges to overcome, glass recycling chief among them. Because glass is so heavy and costs so much to ship, recycling programs struggle to become economically viable. In 2012, it appeared a solution had emerged in GlassRoots Recycling, a small business that set up shop in Sandpoint’s business incubator facility. However, GlassRoots was eventually overwhelmed by the demand.
According to supporters, those sorts of challenges are exactly why Sandpoint needs a guiding force for community sustainability. Those interested in volunteering on the sustainability committee can pick up an application at City Hall or download one at www.cityofsandpoint.com/home/showdocument?id=14. Applicants must live within city limits and have some kind of professional or volunteer experience in sustainability
Meanwhile, Del Carlo aims to continue working toward expanding recycling programs throughout the county. Those who wish to help in that effort can email her at jennifer.delcarlo@ gmail.com.
Employees at the Waste Management SMaRT Recycling Center sort recyclable materials in this photo taken last spring. Photo by Ben Olson
Bouquets:
•This bouquet goes out to Patricia Walker, our executive director of the Panida Theater in town. I’ve heard from numerous people that Patricia did a great job passing the hat at the Democratic caucus last week, helping the Bonner County Democrats raise a lot of money. Take note, dear readers: it’s always such a great thing to pass the hat for a cause, a musician, a congregation or any other situation where a lot of people can give a little bit and make a difference.
Barbs:
•Last week we hosted one of the best acoustic shows we’ve ever had at the Reader office with Montana-based duo Ovando, yet there were only about twelve people who showed up to listen. Come on, Sandpoint. We’re trying to give you a cool spot to listen to music you won’t hear anywhere else in town. I know we’re all busy and have full lives, but if you consider yourself a live music lover, and want to hear bands and performances that don’t quite work in a bar setting, “Live @ the Office” shows are your best bet. They’re intimate, fun, engaging and completely unscripted. If we can’t get more interest in future shows, I’m going to be forced to kill off the concert series altogether.
•I think someone needs to take a look at the stoplight at the intersection of Pine Street and Fifth Avenue. It’s pretty bad when you’re on Pine, waiting for it to change. With no traffic on Fifth, you would think the scales would register the lights to change for Pine, but I’ve sat there for a looooong time waiting patiently to no avail. Also, sometimes the light turns green, holds for about two seconds, then switches back to yellow and red. I try not to be an impatient driver, but it just strikes me an inefficient to sit and wait that long.
Lou Domanski Chess Festival honors founder
By Ben Olson Reader Staff
Chances are, if you grew up in Sandpoint over the past 25 years and play chess, you learned how from Lou Domanski.
I can still remember in the late 1980s at Southside Elementary School, when our teachers brought in this whitehaired man who talked with a Polish accent and proclaimed that he was going to teach us all the game of chess.
It’s hard to imagine in today’s standards, but back then, we were wild about the game. During lunchtime recess, while other kids were out playing, the chess aficionados would set up their boards and play.
“I recall a birthday party when my son was 11 and had several guys over,” wrote Mary Wells, a former Southside teacher. “What did they want to do? They all pulled out a chess set and game on … this amazed and delighted me, for these were active go-go boys who had caught Lou’s chess ‘bug’.”
Once a year, Domanski hosted a chess tournament, originally called the Sandpoint Chess Festival. The games used to be held at the Silver Lake Mall, which saw dozens of tables set up along the length of the mall, each with young kids playing chess against one another. The winners of their respective divisions would walk away with a sweet prize; a ride in Domanski’s glider over Sandpoint.
I was lucky enough to win the tournament in my division during fifth grade, and still remember riding around with Mr. Domanski in his glider like it was yesterday. He even let me take the controls briefly. Twenty-five years later, I still play what is arguably one of the greatest thinking games ever invented.
Then again, chess isn’t just a game. It’s a strategic way of life that has been around for more than a thousand years. Chess teaches you to follow the rules, to look for weaknesses in your opponents, to think two or three moves ahead and to strike while the iron is hot. You can apply many of the strategies of chess to real life. And once learned, it is a game you can
play the rest of your life.
The Lou Domanski 25th Annual Chess Festival is a great way to honor the man who founded and coordinated the Sandpoint Chess Festival for more than two decades. The tournament will be held Saturday, April 9 at 9 a.m. at the Sandpoint Community Hall.
There will be three divisions, splitting up playing by age. Elementary age division is for grades 1-6, with a $3 entry fee. Middle/High School division for grades 7-12 will have an entry fee of $4, and an open division will cost $5.Trophies will be awarded for each division.
Registration forms may be obtained at the Sandpoint Parks and Recreation office located at 1123 Lake Street, or online at www.sandpointidaho.gov. Forms must be turned in by Thursday, March 31.
Born in Poland in 1918, Domanski enlisted with the 18th Infantry Division Cadet Officers School as war loomed closer in 1938. He advanced to the rank of Corporal Warrant Officer, and was initially captured by the Soviets, but escaped from the prisoner train. He was later captured again by the Soviets and sent to a slave
labor camp until the Nazi German attack on the Soviet Union allowed him to be released. In 1942 he reported to Glasglow, Scotland for intensive training at an RAF air base. In 1944, he was promoted to the officer rank of Aircraft Commander, taking part in many air drops to assist the Warsaw Uprising. Eventually his aircraft was shot down during a night mission over Hungary and he was captured for the third time by the Nazis and spent the remainder of World War II in captivity.
For his wartime efforts, Domanski was decorated with the Virtuti Military Cross, three times with the Cross of Valor, the Polish Air Force Medal, Gold Cross of Merit, the Home Army Medal and the September 1939 Campaign Medal. He was also decorated five times with various medals by the British Royal Air Force.
Domanski moved to Sandpoint in 1988 and immediately started the chess program which continues to this day. He passed away in 2011 at the age of 92.
Lou Domanski at the chess board, with a furry apprentice looking on. Courtesy photo.
An exhibition chess tournament at the Silver Lake Mall, circa 1990. Lou Domanski is standing far right with his prodegies (the Reader publisher can also be found with a dumb smile on his face, two from the right in the back row. Photo courtesy of Cassadie Spinney.
Dollar Beers!
8pm @ Eichardt’s Pub
Live @ Eichardt’s Pub Saturday, April 2 7:30pm
31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Good until the keg’s dry
Throwback Thursdays at the 219 7-11pm @ 219 Lounge
Featuring live music with Brian Jacobs and Chris Lynch, $2 domestics and $3 crafts. Join in playing in this informal open mic night setting every Thursday night
Rotating Artists Exhibition
5-8pm @ Infini Gallery
See April’s new lineup of rotating artists at Sandpoint’s hottest new gallery
Live Music w/ Devon Wade
6:30-9:30pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall
Free show with a Sandpoint-based country artist. 21+
Live Music w/ Michael Trew
7:30pm @ Di Luna’s Cafe
‘Check Out My Cans’
5:30-8:30pm @ MickDuff’s MickDuff’s is helping the Dam Hard Cider enjoy live music from
1940s Frolic and Radio Show Fundraiser 6-9pm @ Sandpoint Community Hall
Enjoy an evening of 1940s-themed fun with a 1940s Dance and Radio Show. Your $35 ticket includes live music featuring North Bound, a mystery performance, cocktails and chow, and the chance to win great prizes with a $5 raffle!
Live Music w/ Chris Lynch 6pm - 9pm @ Arlo’s Ristorante
A Swing Concert
FREE concert! In addition to being front-man of The Autumn Electric, Michael has been involved in other exciting projects, and solo performances.
Michael’s concerts often include popular, traditional and world music. Employing finger-style guitar, keyboards, flute and voice, ground is covered from ‘70s pop/prog to folk revival, to Indian Raag
The Four Saxes Play A Swing Music Concert 2pm @ Evans Brothers Coffee Roasters
Musicians include Rich Beber, Nicole Thaete, Cindy Horton, and Jeff McLagan
“Eddie the Eagle” film
7:30pm @ Panida Theater Inspired by true events
Sandpoint Chess Club
9am @ Evans Brothers Coffee
Meets every Sunday at 9am. All are welcome
Monday Night Blues Jam w/ Truck Mills
7:30pm @ Eichardt’s Pub
Trivia Night
7pm - 9pm @ MickDuff’s
Karaoke Night
10pm - Midnight @ 219 Lounge
Seniors Day
2pm @ Evans Bros. Coffee
The Four Saxes play ‘A Swing Concert,’ featuring Rich Beber, Nicole Thaete, Cindy Horton, and Jeff McLagan
“16 Hours”
7:30pm @ a play in and author by American “Eddie the 7:30pm @ Inspired
Free First Saturday at the Museum 10am-2pm @ BoCo History Museum
Enjoy free admission and view Era III of the Tales from the Wardrobe featuring 1940-1959
Live Music w/ Mama Doll 7pm @ Eichardt’s Pub
Game Night at the Niner 9pm @ 219 Lounge
Take part in game night with Racheal
“Eddie the Eagle” film 3:30pm @ Panida Theater Inspired by true events
9am-12pm @ Bonner Mall
Democratic Porters and Stouts Fundraiser
5-8pm @ Idaho Pour Authority
Dollar Beers!
8pm @ Eichardt’s Pub
Good until the keg’s dry
“The Peanuts Movie” 6:30pm @ Panida Theater
All your favorite Peanuts characters on the big screen!
The critically acclaimed Spokane band featuring Sandpoint local Jen Landis Live Music
Street 10:15
Test Participants day bike three ton
Walk the mall, listen to speakers, learn health tips, enter ings, play bingo and enjoy free refreshments. Sponsored by ner Mall merchants and Life Care Aging Better In Home Care
Silent Auction items include an incredible selection of rare and highly desirable porter and stouts from a local collectors private cellar. Including Verticals of Deschutes Black Butte Reserve and Abyss dating back several years. Also a sailboat ride on Lake Pend Oreille and a fishing trip as well as many other auction items. Live music by Marty and Doug and complimentary appetizers
Throwback Thursdays at the 219
7-11pm @ 219 Lounge
Featuring live music with Brian Jacobs and friends, $2 domestics and $3 crafts.
Join in playing in this informal open mic night setting every Thursday night
5:30-7:30pm 219 April All day @ No drink swag, No no fun to Craft Pint All night Craft pints
Monarch Open Mic with 6-8pm @ Monarch Mountain Held on the first and every month. All are welcome
ful
March 31 - April 7, 2016
A weekly entertainment guide to keep you on your toes. To list your event free, please send an email to calendar@sandpointreader.com.
Reader recommended
Out My Cans’ release party
5:30-8:30pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall
MickDuff’s is helping kick off Whiskey Barrel Cider’s new cans with this special “Check Out My Cans” release Party. Both Hard Cider and Triple Play Cider will be available in cans, and one special keg will be on tap for attendees! Plus, music from The Groove Black! Free and open to the public; ages 21+ only
“16 Hours” play
7:30pm @ Monarch Mountain Coffee
a play in one act by local playwright and author Travis W. Inman, presented by American Laboratory Theatre. $14
“Eddie the Eagle” film
7:30pm @ Panida Theater
Inspired by true events
219 April Fools Celebration
All day @ 219 Lounge
No drink discounts, no food, No swag, No Live music. Sounds like no fun to be had at all
Live Music w/ Justin Lantrip
5:30-7:30pm @ Idaho Pour Authority
Museum Museum Era III featur-
Used Bike Garage Sale
SASi Karaoke/Dance Night
7-10pm @ Sandpoint Senior Center
$10 donation to sing your heart out!
The first karaoke night was such a great success, so here goes round two. Come one, come all!
Live Music w/ Truck Mills Trio
5-7pm @ Idaho Pour Authority
Join us for a special night of live music with Truck Mills, Drew Brown and Samantha Carston. No cover!
9am-5pm @ Greasy Fingers Bikes n’ Repair
We have been working all winter on our used bike inventory, cleaning, tuning and refurbishing to get them all ready for spring. And the time has come to move them out and make some room. All used bikes will be discount. Used parts table and cash discounts! band Landis
Street Scramble
10:15 @ Sandpoint West Athletic Club
Test your navigation and observation skills!
Racheal
Participants should show up at 9 a.m. on the day of the event to pay fees, and then walk, bike or run to as many of the 40 map points in three hours. Sponsored by Eastern Washington Orienteering Club. Register at 263-9894
tips, enter drawSponsored by BonHome Care
Craft Pint Night
All night @ 219 Lounge
Craft pints only $4
Open Mic with Scott Reid
Monarch Mountain Coffee
first and third Thursday of All are welcome to attend!
April 8
“16 Hours” play
The Dayfalls CD release party 8pm @ Eichardt’s Pub
Sandpoint musician Jake Robin’s new electronic dance project, The Dayfalls. Brian Jacobs and Brandon Watterson will be opening with an acoustic set at 8, the Dayfalls go on at 10:15 when Eichardt’s transforms from a Pub into a Club. Don’t miss it! $5
7:30pm @ Monarch Mountain Coffee
a play in one act by local playwright and author Travis W. Inman, presented by American Laboratory Theatre. $14
Distinguished Young Women of Sandpoint 7pm @ Spt Events Center
Ten outstanding high school junior girls will participate in the Distinguished Young Women Scholarship program (formerly Junior Miss). 255-2059
Spring Treats On Your Feet — 1-4pm @ Super 1 Foods
Purchase a $20 punch ticket at Super 1 Foods, and walk to area businesses to receive spring treats. Proceeds benefit the Bonner Homeless Transitions
Panhandle Shrine Club Champagne Brunch
11am-1:30pm @ Western Pleasure Guest Ranch
Fundraiser for Shriners Children’s Hospital in Spokane. 597-7516
Live Music w/ Chris Lynch
6pm - 9pm @ Arlo’s Ristorante
Contra Dance @ Sandpoint Community Hall
April 9-10
Schpring Finale @ Sch- weitzer Mountain Resort
April 9
Lou Domanski 25th Annu- al Chess Festival @ Sand- point Community Hall
April 9
Drag Bingo @ Eagles Club
April 12
Open Mic Night @ Mick- Duff’s Beer Hall
No foolin’ around... to gear up!
Misty Corbin Thicke Boxx
To submit your own pet photos, please send a photograph and a little bit of information about your special friend to ben@sandpointreader.com. Please put “PET PHOTOS” in the subject line.
COMMUNITY
A partnership of the ages:
CHAFE 150/Sandpoint Rotary Club and Lake Pend Oreille School District help “Light It Up Blue” for autism awareness
Abbott and Costello. Ben and Jerry. Peanut butter and jelly. What would the world be like without these famous pairings?
More importantly, what would our community be like without the partnership of CHAFE 150 / Sandpoint Rotary Club and Lake Pend Oreille School District?
Over the last three years, the CHAFE 150 bike race, sponsored by Sandpoint Rotary Club, has donated over $100,000 to LPOSD, and what’s more, they’ve pledged to continue the program for another three years.
According to Dr. Joy Jansen, director of special education at LPOSD, the funds donated by CHAFE 150 have been instrumental.
“It’s humbling,” she said. “Donated funds have provided LPOSD the opportunity to enrich and refine how we serve students with autism spectrum disorder”.
The proceeds raised from the popular bike event help LPOSD assist students on the autism spectrum. The donations provide research-based tools and programs known to have a positive impact on learning and self-esteem.
Jansen said the donated funds have helped establish a framework of ongoing training to better serve the needs of students, as well as the community. The steps of the framework include school building support, LPOSD foundational framework, curriculum and tools (including resources) and professional development/sustainability.
Just recently, Jansen added a fifth tier to the framework called community outreach.
“This is the first year we’re doing community outreach,” said Jansen. “It’s a big piece of the puzzle. For students on the autism spectrum, they don’t live at school, they live in the community and a lot receive outside services. Community Outreach helps triangulate the school, community and other agencies and home, so that we’re all on the same page.”
LPOSD and Team Autism 24/7 will be a hosting a presentation highlighting two specialists in social thinking on Wednesday, April 20 at the Sandpoint High School Auditorium. Social Cognitive Specialist Nancy Clements and Developmental Clinical Psychologist Nancy S. Cotton, PhD, will be giving a presentation titled “Ef-
fective Treatment: The Behavior-Social-Emotional Link.”
While the funds go directly toward servicing the autism community, Jansen said the implications are wider reaching.
“Although we talk about autism, everything we do doesn’t just benefit kids on the spectrum, it benefits all the kids we work with,” said Jansen. “The symptoms overlap with a lot of other diagnoses such as ADHD and PTSD. There are a lot of similarities.”
School districts all across the region also have a chance to benefit from the funds, according to Jansen, because of community outreach and sharing of information.
“We’re lucky to have these funds,” she said. “A lot of school districts would love to have this money. No other northern school district has this funding support. So, we do outreach so other districts can benefit as well. It’s a way to share the gift, and this amazing and humbling gift has allowed our rural school district to bring in experts to a rural area to share what they have learned.”
Another aspect of community outreach was seen in great numbers at Wednesday’s Sandpoint Rotary Club meeting, when
members dressed in blue to show their support for World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD).
Introduced by national organization Autism Speaks, WAAD is in its eighth year of honoring millions of individuals and families affected by autism. As part of the event, thousands of global landmarks like One World Trade Center in New York City, and the Suez Canal in Africa will “Light It Up Blue.”
Through the efforts of CHAFE 150, the Sandpoint Rotary Club and other community organizations like Team Autism 24/7, those who have family and friends on the autism spectrum may receive the training and resources to better understand one of life’s most mysterious disorders.
“This partnership is one of the most amazing and powerful things to happen for students,” said Jansen. “Not just those on the autism spectrum, but all students with special needs.”
In the next three issues, the Reader will profile three local families with children on the autism spectrum to help shed light on their daily lives. Stay tuned, and thanks to all those who donate to the above-mentioned organizations.
Facts about autism
More than 3.5 million Americans live with an autism spectrum disorder.
Prevalence of autism in U.S. children increased by 119.4 percent from 2000 (1 in 150) to 2010 (1 in 68).
Children and adults with autism spectrum disorders can and do learn if they receive individualized, specialized instruction and training.
Developing in the areas of communication, social skills, daily living routines and cognitive development, which characterize individuals with autism, can be successfully taught.
Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability. You’re on the 13th page of the 13th issue of the 13th year since the Reader was born. If you’re 13 years old, look out. Everyone else should be fine.
Members of the Wednesday Sandpoint Rotary Club meeting wear blue in support of World Autism Awareness Day, which falls on April 2. Photo by Ben Olson.
By Ben Olson Reader Staff
Opening hearts and minds Boomerennials Save the World!
By Suzen Fiskin Reader Columnist
It will come as little surprise to many when I confess that I’m a Boomer. Yes, I’m a member of the generation of humans who were so gung ho about making the world a better place that we dedicated our young lives to peace, love and saving the planet.
We were the first generation to get off of our collective duffs and take action against our government and their Vietnam War. Nixon took our commitment to stop his war seriously when a million protesters marched outside his door at the White House. We also took to the streets and railed against all kinds of injustice—sexism, racism, and laws against personal and political freedom.
I remember the first Earth Day when I was in high school in 1970. It was truly revolutionary to believe that the earth needed advocates for her well-being and survival. Paul Ehrlich’s radical dystopian book “The Population Bomb” was a best seller that warned of environmental and societal nightmares from overpopulation. In 1968 when it was published, the global population was 3.5 billion vs 7.4 billion today.
What the hell happened? The calendar flipped to 1980, we drank the Kool-Aid and fell asleep at the wheel. With the wild ‘70s behind us, society’s pendulum swung from the far left to the far right so abruptly that it caused cultural whiplash. The religious right gained great sway over our government. Family values took the place of self-expression and cultural transformation, accumulation of money and stuff replaced social conscience, and with the terrifying revelation of AIDS, sex was no longer something one enjoyed casually because it could kill you!
The generation that was going to save the world took the reins and turned it into the complicated mess that it is today. Instead of leaving the world a better place, we’ve mucked it up wicked. Mea culpa.
Let me share a unique idea about how to turn the tides of civilization in a positive direction.
Many of us Boomers are retiring to the tune of ten thousand turning 65 every day. We have money, time and an unfulfilled sense of purpose. We’re likely to be looking at another couple of decades of productive life ahead of us. Instead of road trips in our RVs or
playing bridge and eating Bonbons for decades, I have an alternative plan.
The next largest generation, the Millennials, are the ones who are taking over the reins. Thankfully, they have different sensibilities and values. They choose jobs that have passion, purpose and flexibility over those with the highest salary. They are mindful of the impact they have on the environment. They don’t get caught up in sexism, racism or other old school values. This is their world now.
I propose that we form an alliance of the two biggest generations of all times to change our collective destinies. I offer the creation of Boomerennials working together to make the world a sustainable and more humane place.
The Boomers have resources, free time and, hopefully, a modicum of wisdom to add to the mix. Millennials have techno savvy, youthful energy and a vision of a kinder and more peaceful world. I offer a coalition of cooperation that can be the difference that can make all the difference.
I envision Mastermind groups forming throughout the country and rippling out to the rest of the globe where Boomerennials come together and create new solutions for a new world. The heavy lifting can be for the Millennials while the Boomers can be the support and backup team.
I love my Millennial friends. I’m infatuated with their comfort in who they are, their desire to make a positive impact, and their egalitarian values. Many are not too fond of Boomers for understandable reasons, yet we can turn this around to be a win-win for us all.
Together, Boomerennials can alter the course of history. When we pool our resources and work together, we truly can become the change that we all hope for in our hearts and minds.
Random Corner
Stool of personality
In 1997, the Bristol Stool Chart revolutionized... uh, poo. It asserted that there were only seven different types of feces, ranging from hard lumps to watery masses. Stool aficionados have stated the Bristol Stool Chart changed the way we all feel about stool, and thus, life.
Recent advances in modern medicine have in fact shown the stool chart isn’t just a handy way to classify your droppings, but a look into your personality type through what you leave behind. This new look at the chart has even spawned a new field of medicine, known as gastrology, which attempts to predict the future based on fecal analysis. Take a look at the chart below to see how your stool may shape the way you go about life.
Type 1: Separate hard lumps, hard to pass
Perfectionist and exacting, you hold high standards. Your ideals can be burdensome, but your meticulous work stands out in a crowd. Avoid type 7s and drink more water.
Type 2: Sausage-shaped, but lumpy
You are a born leader, calm and unshakeable under fire. You have a knack for bringing others together for a plan. Avoid type 7s.
Type 3: like a sausage but with cracks on surface
Your work ethic is impeccable and your hygiene beyond reproach. You are methodical in your plans, but work well on a team.
Type 4: Like a sausage or snake, smooth and soft
Well-rounded and diverse in your interests, life comes easily to you; remember to share your successes with others and avoid the traps of narcissism.
Type 5: Soft blobs with clear-cut edges
Active and “on the go,’ you are flexible and improvise well. Your natural bouyancy keeps you afloat even in difficult times. Remember to slow down and take time for others.
Type 6: Fluffy pieces with ragged edges, a mushy stool
Artistic and imaginative, you are loyal to a fault. You are quick to make friends, but slow to leave a damaging relationship. Trust your instincts and go easier on the vegetables.
Type 7: Watery, no solid pieces. Entirely liquid.
You are a romantic and a dreamer; first to imagine and inspire, you are also quick to run when challenges appear. Your stool is abnormal and you should seek medical help.
IPNF issue emergency road closures
By Ben Olson Reader Staff
The U.S. Forest Service is in the process of assessing multiple roads and bridges that were damaged during the December 2015 flooding event within the Bonners Ferry and Sandpoint Ranger Districts on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests (IPNF).
Temporary emergency road closures will affect Boulder Creek Road and Lightning Creek Road. Nineteen individual sites have been located so far that have been impacted by the flooding, including segments of Grouse Creek and Pack River Roads.
In addition to assessing damage, IPNF has applied for emergency funding to repair these roads and bridges. Although fixing these roads is a high priority for IPNF, the exact time frame for repairs is dependent upon securing
funding and the amount of time required to design and fix the damaged sites.
For public safety, the temporary emergency closures will remain in place until the repairs are complete. For questions on this process or the time line, please contact Jim Gebhardt, technical services staff officer, at 208-765-7382.
It is likely that additional road and bridge damage may be discovered as the snow melts. All persons traveling forest roads should do so cautiously. Before venturing into the forest, visitors are encouraged to contact their local ranger district office for the latest information on forest road conditions.
Sandpoint Ranger District: 208-263-5111
Bonners Ferry Ranger District: 208-267-5561
STAGE & SCREEN
art from chaos
Playwright Travis Inman describes the production of ‘16 Hours’
By Travis Inman Reader Contributor
In 1991, I was out adventuring with a handful of my fellow seminary students in South America. We stumbled across a Jewish settlement in the mountains near Cordoba, Argentina. The little town looked like a series of gingerbread houses and cuckoo clocks. I learned that the community was full of Jewish refugees who fled Europe during the war, which is why the settlement so strongly resembled Germany.
There was a large tree with a rope hanging from its limbs. I asked them when they were going to repair the tire swing so the kids could have a place to play. The man shook his finger and said, “Not a toy. This was where they hung the Nazi who was hiding amongst us.”
The experience stuck in my mind. Many years later, I wrote a play about a Holocaust survivor who lost his wife and children to the Nazis and becomes determined to track those responsible down. He takes the entire group hostage at a bank, intending to publicly execute them. But nothing goes according to plan.
Jesús Quintero of American Laboratory Theatre decided to direct the play. He is a man of vision, and his mind works like a van Gogh painting. When I presented him the script, he saw an opportunity to do something significant. He stuffed the entire story into a cocoon and allowed the chrysalis process to transform that sleepy caterpillar into a work of art. What emerged was an incredible interpretation of my story, but with amazing theatrical elements that are almost impossible to describe.
The first thing I noticed was a new character in the script: Death. I know, right? Death! But it was brilliant! And his new character was smug and manipulative. And enchanting. And tempting. And I loved it. I really wish I’d thought of it myself. How can you tell a story about the Holocaust without death? And once the audience figures out that the characters are dancing with Death, then the play begins to make sense.
Jesús also wanted to direct the play from the stage while it was happening. It sounds like chaos, and in a way it is, but it’s controlled chaos. And it works. Jesús chose to make the play a very
intimate experience, transforming Monarch Mountain Coffee from a small café into an interactive theatre. The audience sits at their tables, and the play is performed all around them, from one end of the room to the other, and it goes back and forth for the entire performance. There is no perfect place to sit. At some point, your chair will be right in the middle of the action, and it happens without warning.
We worked out an idea where the play would have two possible endings: mercy or justice. Should the gunman execute the murderous Nazi, or should he grant mercy and allow him to live? Well, you, Mr. Audience Member, get to decide just that. As soon as you see the ending you voted for, you want to see the alternate, but that won’t happen. You’ll be left wondering.
After I saw the performance and experienced the transformation of my story for the first time, many people approached me and asked if this was my original vision. Of course, I have to say, “No.” It’s not at all what I envisioned when I wrote it. But it’s exactly the same story. And it’s told through dance, song, dialog and acting. And it’s uncomfortable. There are some very painful moments that I won’t discuss. You have to experience it. Having said that, this story is a celebration of life, and I’m so proud to be part of it. I wish I could take full credit, but I wouldn’t dare. Jesus and I worked together to make something that neither of us could do on our own. And from chaos comes art.
Experience the final week of “16 Hours” at Monarch Mountain Coffee Friday, April 1, and Saturday, April 2. Doors open 7 p.m., and the performance begins 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $14 and available online at www.americanlabtheatre.com or at Monarch Mountain.
FOOD
Happy National Tater Day! The Sandpoint Eater
By Marcia Pilgeram Reader Food Columnist
Happy National Tater Day!
That’s right, folks, it’s Tater Day. Between my Irish heritage and my role as the mother of a vegetarian, I know my way around a potato. Maybe not all 4,000 varieties, but I’m off to a good start. It seems everyone associates those of us from Idaho with the potato. Usually my first interaction when I arrive in a city, foreign or domestic, is with a taxi driver. Without fail, their response to the initial inquiry of my homeland is, “Ah. Idaho. Potato!” I have learned to embrace their knowledge of this tater fact with feigned delight.
They don’t know about our gorge in Hells Canyon, which is deeper than the Grand Canyon, nor the fact that Sandpoint was once known as Funnel Station, where more railroads converged than in any other spot in North America, but they know of the Idaho potato. This big potato’s heritage comes not only from Idaho, but also Eastern Washington, and much of its fame is owed to the great Northern Pacific Railway and Hazen Titus, an inventive culinary professional who served as the railroad’s dining car superintendent.
For several centuries the small Irish Potato was enjoyed by many in the Emerald Isle. It became the main food for the poor as they had little else to eat. But in 1845 a blight destroyed the country’s entire potato crop, prompting a mass immigration of the destitute to America. Once here, the Irish wanted nothing to do with the small indigenous potato from their former homeland, though America’s finer restaurants continued to serve the popular petite potatoes to wealthy diners.
Unlike the Irish, whose potatoes were small and diseased,
the western farmers were cursed with “success,” but their perfect Russet Potatoes were unsellable because they were too big for fine china plates. In desperation, the farmers felt they had no other choice other than to feed their entire potato crop to their livestock and hope for a better year next year. Where others saw failure when they looked at these oversized two plus pound potatoes, Hazen Titus saw a way to spread the fame of the great northern rail route to the whole
nation—and beyond.
He purchased the large, unappealing potatoes, baked them in the steam from the train’s engines and then served them with butter to the hungry diners in the westward moving dining cars. And so the baked potato was born. Premiums such as postcards, letter openers, and spoons were also produced to promote “The Route of the Great Big Baked Potato”; the slogan served the Northern Pacific for about 50 years.
While the Northern Pacific
Railroad ceased to operate in 1971, the potato continues to thrive. Today, there’s more than 1 million acres of potatoes planted in the US, and Idaho is still the number one producer. Fried, baked or boiled, they stand alone. In most every ethnic cuisine, potatoes are an important primary ingredient, seasoned and wrapped in various doughs as samosas, pierogis, piroshkies and pasties. In some countries, you’ll find them as a key part of a dessert pastry or candy. Still one of
my favorite staples, potatoes are definitely one of the three foods I’ll pack for my “desert island” sustenance.
Whether you choose to celebrate National Tater Day with a rousing round of Mr. Potato Head or a chilled potato-vodka on the rocks, I hope you’ll also try one of the recipes I’ve included. Just keep an eye on the coffee cake. With the help of his two young boys, son-inlaw Russ was recently able to polish off an entire cake in one lazy Sunday afternoon.
Rosemary Roasted Potatoes
serves 8
INGREDIENTS:
•Ingredients
•2 medium sweet potatoes
•2 medium Idaho Russet potatoes
•Good quality olive oil
•Fresh sprigs of rosemary
•Sea salt
DIRECTIONS:
•Preheat oven to 425 degrees
•Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
Scrub potatoes, dry, cut into 2” rounds,
These potatoes are easy to prepare and make a beautiful side dish to accompany most any entrée. You can also sprinkle them with a little parmesan cheese, but don’t cover the pretty rosemary.
and coat all sides in olive oil. Cut rosemary into small sprigs and place on sheet pan. Press each potato round firmly onto a sprig.
•Bake in middle of preheated oven until potatoes are golden brown and tender, about 35 minutes.
•Carefully lift potatoes from foil, season with sea salt and serve rosemary side up.
Moravian Coffee Cake
INGREDIENTS:
For the dough:
•1 russet (baking) potato (about 1/2 pound)
•½ cup plus 2 tablespoons warm water (save the water)
•1 envelope (about 2 1/2 teaspoons) active dry yeast
•½ cup granulated sugar
•¾ stick unsalted butter, melted and cooled
•1 large egg
•1 ½ teaspoons salt
•2 ½ to 3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
For the filling:
•¾ stick (6 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter, cut into bits
•¾ cup firm packed light brown sugar
•2 teaspoons cinnamon
DIRECTIONS:
Make the dough:
•In a small saucepan combine the potato, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces, with enough water to cover the pieces and simmer, covered, for 15 to 20 minutes, or until potato is very tender. Drain the potato (save the liquid), force it through a ricer or strainer into a bowl, and stir in 2 tablespoons of the potato water.
•Once the rest of the water is cooled to barely lukewarm, add to small bowl with the yeast for 5 minutes, or until the mixture begins to foam.
•In a large bowl stir together well the yeast mixture, the mashed potato, the sugar, the butter, the egg, and the salt, add 2 ½ cups of the flour, stir the dough until it is combined well.
•Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for 8 to 10 minutes, adding as much of the remaining ½ cup flour as is nec-
essary to form a smooth and elastic dough. Transfer the dough to a large buttered bowl, turn to coat it with the butter, let it rise, covered with plastic wrap, in a warm place for 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until it is double in bulk, then punch it down. The dough may be made 1 day in advance and kept covered and chilled. Bring the dough to room temperature before continuing with the recipe.
•Preheat the oven to 400°F. Press the dough evenly in a buttered 13- by 9-inch baking pan
and let it rise, covered with a kitchen towel, in a warm place for 30 to 45 minutes, or until it is doubled. Make indentations all over the top of the dough with your thumb and scatter the butter over the dough. In a small bowl stir together the brown sugar and the cinnamon and sprinkle the mixture evenly over the dough. Bake the cake in the middle of the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until it is dark brown and cooked through. Let the cake cool and cut into small squares to serve.
MUSIC
Mama Doll to play at Eichardt’s
By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff
Eichardt’s has a busy weekend planned for local music fans.
Fresh off the Friday album release party for The Dayfalls’ “Take On Time,” the famous local pub and restaurant hosts Spokane-based Mama Doll Saturday night starting 7:30 p.m. Grab your friends or family, have a drink and enjoy some spectacular music from a local favorite.
If you were among the lucky crowd that attended the Sandpoint Reader fundraiser show at the Panida last year, you know that you don’t pass up a Mama Doll show lightly. In a night full of great music, they ended the show with an electrifying mix of new material and staples off their 2014 album “As The Crow Flies.”
In 2013, Mama Doll made an explosive debut in the Spokane music scene when founding members Sarah Berentson and Austen Case kicked off the new project, a musical chimera of soulful vocal harmonies, innovative percussion and diverse instrumentation. The years have since seen Mama Doll morph into its current incarnation, which includes Berentson, Claire Fieberg, Kris Hafso and Sandpoint’s own Jen Landis.
The introduction of new members imbued Mama Doll with a lusher sound. Landis brings the resonance and rhythm of the bass guitar, while Hafso
rounds out Mama Doll’s percussion with a full drum kit. But the emphasis remains on powerful female vocal harmonies. In turns mournful, haunting and energizing, the songs could fill an concert hall but fit just as nicely in a warm room filled with cold beer. The band considers their style to be soul-inspired, reliant on prominent grooves and strong female vocals.
Mama Doll has made Sandpoint a focal point in their musical journey, but they’ve made a mark across the Pacific and Inland Northwest. Along the way,
they’ve shared the stage with names that should ring a bell for any local music fan, including the Marshall McLean Band, Joseph, Shook Twins, John Craigie, Deep Sea Diver and Bryan John Appleby.
If you’ve seen Mama Doll perform, you don’t need us to sell the show to you. But if you haven’t, swing on down to Eichardt’s Saturday night and give them a try. Chances are you’ll walk away with a new CD in your car stereo and that starry-eyed look that only comes from good music.
The Dayfalls take Eichardt’s from a pub to a club
By Reader Staff
Just a reminder to all of you dancers out there looking for somewhere to shake your rump; Eichardt’s is the place to be this weekend.
Jake Robin, the singer/songwriter behind the new project band The Dayfalls, will be taking it to a whole other level Friday, April 1 at Eichardt’s. The show marks the release of the album “Take On Time.”
Robin is scheduled to take the stage at 10:15 p.m. accompanied by other key Dayfalls players, including Jed Wagner on keyboards, Reese Warren on electric guitar and Ali Thomas on percussion and vocals.
If that’s not enough, be sure to come early and stay late. Brandon Watterson and Brian Jacobs open the night at 8 p.m. with acoustic sets. And DJ sets follow after The Dayfalls’ set.
This week’s RLW by Susan Drinkard
READ
When I am overwhelmed by all my stuff, I like to buy another book on organizing! It saves me from having to make all those pesky decisions about what to give away and what to keep.
The book that has caught so much attention is Marie Kondo’s “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up.” She’s the one who says you must hold something and if it doesn’t spark joy in you, get rid of it. She’s turned her OCD into a business and her ideas are worth a look-see.
LISTEN
EmmyLou Harris’ album, “Wrecking Ball,” won a Grammy back in ’96. The CD has an ethereal feel that doesn’t fail to deliver. It’s different from every other album she’s made—more depth—possibly due to guest performers Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams and Neil Young.
WATCH
If you liked Samantha Bee on the “The Daily Show” with Jon Stewart, you will love “Full Frontal,” Samantha Bee’s own satirical comedic show on the week’s news. Tune in on Monday nights at 10:30 p.m., on TBS. In North Idaho, you must respect the rights of the man who sits at the table next to you at a coffee shop with a loaded gun on his waist, even if it scares the bejesus out of you. But if, say, your husband writes a left-leaning editorial for the local paper, you might find your mailbox smashed the next morning. So you must be careful about putting up that “inflammatory” Hillary sign or anti-FOX News bumper sticker. That to say, if you sometimes need some comic relief from a per-
Mama Doll is (from left to right): Kris Hafso, Jen Landis, Claire Fieberg, Sarah Berentson. Courtesy photo.
Crossword Solution
Jake Robin. Photo by B-RADesign
Then & Now
compiled by Ben Olson
Each week, we feature a new photograph taken from the same vantage point as one taken long ago. See how we’ve changed, and how we’ve stayed the same.
Historical information provided and verified by Bonner County Museum staff and volunteers. The Museum is located at 611 S. Ella — (208) 263-2344.
First Avenue in Sandpoint, looking northwest. Merwins Hardware occupied the building on the left, Mode O’Day was in the center, and Knits and Bolts was on the right.
1980
The same view today. Now, Finan McDonald occupies the ground floor of the building on the left, Century 21 occupies the middle building and Sandpoint’s newest wine bar, the Bernd Barrel, occupies the Bernd Building.
2016
CROSSWORD
1. Antiquated
6. Diplomacy 10. 2 2 2 2
Pieces
Dwarf buffalo
Wail
Tediously repetitious
Falafel bread
Response
Bother
Always 23. Restricts 25. Utilizers
26. A large amount 30. Treeless plain 32. Self-importance
35. Female siblings
Calm 40. Gasoline 41. Seafood dipped in batter
The easing of tensions
Mountain range
Marsh plant
Expect
Purchaser
53. Parts of aprons
It is (poetic) 55. Part of a tea service
Modify
Prospector’s find
Depend
Keepsake
66. Pitcher
67. Tall woody plant
12. Not inner
13. Boxes lightly
Solution on page 17
38. Sleigh
42. Umpire
1. A reception at a gallery for an artist whose show is about to open to the public.
“Infini is hosting a vernissage on April 1 this week.”
Corrections: In last week’s story about the Truby’s building restoration, a quote attributed Sandpoint artist Eugene Hayes to losing his hand in a logging accident. He actually lost it in a a flour mill in Wallowa, Ore., in 1947. -BO
Mountain lion
Transgressions
Put away
Buff
68. Portents Word Week of the vernissage /ver-nuh-SAHZH/ [noun]
Do without DOWN ACROSS
A chemical compound
Consecrate
Parts of a meal
Chore
Typographer
18. Mineral rock 24. Belief
25. Disturb
26. Exam
27. Curved molding
28. Standard
29. Daughter of a step-parent
31. A hollow cylindrical shape
33. Eskimo 34. Arid
36. Sea eagle
37. Learning method
43. 24 hours
45. A light noise
47. Poplar tree
48. A woman whose husband is dead
49. Put up with
51. Estimated time of arrival
52. Odd-numbered page
54. Sourish
56. “Smallest” particle
57. Northern freshwater fish
58. Baking appliance
59. 10 10 10 10
62. Type of whiskey
One day a beaver and a termite were walking down the road together. “I can eat through a tree with my teeth,” said the beaver. “That’s nothing,” said the termite, “I can burrow through a tree.” Then they heard a voice behind them. “You two think you’re so smart, but you’re NOTHING!” It was a bitter old drunk lady.
