Reader_May28_2015

(wo)MAN on the street

DEAR READERS,

compiled by Ben Olson

What’s your favorite historic building in the area?

“I would have to say the old library, now the First American Title building. I love the history of it, how it started as the town post office, then the post office outgrew it and it became the library. I love the extreme renovations that were done to save it. It’s a groovy building, so cool inside.”

Nicole French Owner of Petal Talk Sandpoint

“My wife and I walked through the Heartwood Center recently. It’s such a great building. And I also like the Belwoods building. They did a really great job with it.”

Larry Rust

Retired floor covering installer Dover

“One of the first hospitals in town, the one on South First Avenue [the Graham Hospital]. That’s where my mom had her tonsils taken out.”

Jon Bonar

Co-Owner Spt Country Club Sandpoint

I’m a big fan of history in general, especially old buildings. There’s a feeling of worth and solidity I get when I stare up at a brick facade stamped with some early 20th century date. I think of all the people that have come and gone over the years, all the stories that have been told within their walls.

It reminds me that there used to be a time when we built structures with pride. That’s why we used to stamp the date in them; it was the hope that centuries later the bricks would still stand, that our descendants could look up and wonder about what life was like in the past.

This week, we will see the train depot re-open officially. I was so glad to see this structure saved, instead of bulldozed and lost. I am equally glad to see projects like the Heartwood Center, the Belwood Building, and the Nesbitt-Tanner House. I give my kudos to those who choose to preserve history instead of eradicating it.

There is no better way to honor a community than to preserve the memory of how it was formed.

-Ben Olson, Publisher

READER

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

www.sandpointreader.com

Publisher: Ben Olson ben@sandpointreader.com

Editor: Cameron Rasmusson cameron@sandpointreader.com

Zach Hagadone (emeritus)

Contributing Artists: Randy Wilhelm (cover), Ben Olson, Daniel Cape, Diane Newcomer, Spud’s, Spt Parks & Rec. Dept.

Contributing Writers: Cameron Rasmusson, Ben Olson, Jen Jackson Quintano, Louie de Palma, Laurie Brown, Diane Newcomer, Chris Balboni, Jodi Rawson, Marcia Pilgeram, Susan Drinkard

Submit stories to: stories@sandpointreader.com

Printed weekly at: Griffin Publishing Spokane, Wash.

Subscription Price: $75 per year

Advertising: Jen Landis jen@sandpointreader.com Clint Nicholson clint@keokee.com

Web Content: Keokee

“I like the Foster’s Crossing building. I like the antiques, and it’s shaped like a train, and has that painting on the outside. I like to meander through it.”

Juliet Harrison

8th grader, Spt Middle School Sandpoint

“I was so glad when I saw they’d restored the depot. I love history and I love that building.”

Pat & Jim Tomlinson

Retired from Emeritus (CD’A)

Retired machinist and USMC

Athol

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.

SandpointReader letter policy: The Sandpoint Reader welcomes letters to the editor on all topics.

Requirements: –No more than 500 words –Letters may not contain excessive profanity or libelous material. Please elevate the discussion. Letters will be edited to comply with the above requirements. Opinions expressed in these pages are those of the writers, not necessarily the publishers.

Email letters to: letters@sandpointreader.com

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

About the Cover

This week’s cover by Randy Wilhelm: “I probably painted it a decade ago. Once it looked certain that the bypass was really going to happen. You can see the background is all trees and the road that went past the depot let to what we called growing up ‘Bum Jungle.’ It’s done in watercolor and is one of my “Simply Sandpoint” series of historic buildings in Sandpoint.” Find more of Randy’s work here: randywilhelmart.com

COMMENTARY

Road trip season is upon us like City Beach seagulls on a sunburned abandoned hot dog (as a side note, I would like to point out it is also hot dog season and a sunburned abandoned hot dog is exactly what I look like at the beach. Both these facts have absolutely nothing to do with this article).

Families will be gearing up for road trips, buckling in and heading to vacation destinations all over the U.S. and probably parts of Canada. Gearing up for the long haul is tricky and can take days of in-depth preparation. Routes must be planned, snacks organized, playlists created, air pressure checked and so on. Most importantly, one must be mentally prepared to sit with other people for an extended period of time. It’s a luxury to know who you are going to be traveling with on long rides—a luxury taxi drivers don’t have. You never know where that next call will take you and what kind of person you might end up chatting with on a long haul. Fortunately, I’ve gotten lucky on a couple long hauls I’ve had to do.

Mid-evening just after 9 p.m. one Tuesday, I was filling up my coffee at MickDuff’s when I got a call from a strange Canadian number. This was to be my first long haul fare. Upon answering, I was greeted with an unfamiliar voice—an Indian man inquiring about pricing to go to the Canadian border from Priest River. Not having taken that drive for work yet, I did some quick math in my head and announced my fee. He told me he would check around and call me back. Apparently, I had won the bid because he called

Our esteemed cab columnist dabbles in international affairs

By Louie de Palma For SPR

LETTERS

Dear Editor,

back 10 minutes later, and I was off to Priest River to fetch my new friend.

On the way from the Priest River to Sandpoint, we had ample time to get acquainted. The man told me his whole story. It turns out he had flown from Calgary to Philadelphia to fetch his mother-inlaw and escort her back to Calgary to witness the birth of his daughter, which was scheduled to happen anytime. Somewhere on the way, he lost his Canadian green card thing and was forbidden to enter the country by air. He was, however, permitted to enter by land, so he flew as far as he could to the closest border crossing into Spokane then took a shuttle to Priest River. And then bam! Enter the humble cab driver.

The man’s desperation to make it back in time for the birth was obvious, and I felt it was my duty to take him all the way to Calgary if need be. Somehow we met in the middle. I would take him as far as Cranbrook where he would rent a car and travel on bravely and alone in the morning. So I stopped at my house and dusted off my passport.

It all went off without a hitch except for a few minor hiccups. The border patrol both in and out seemed extremely confused by us. We were an odd pair, I suppose, and it was a rather far-fetched story, but heck, I believed it. Eventually they believed his bit about the baby. They also finally acknowledged that I wasn’t carrying any weapons after I got a little snarky over a billy club, of all things.

“You sure don’t even have a billy club in there with you?” a Mounty asked me.

“A what?” I replied. “You mean like a stick? No I don’t keep a stick in my cab! Who

keeps a stick around?”

They let us through and the rest of the trip went smooth. Oh, except for the credit card reader not working in Canada, being forced to accept less than my agreed upon amount in Canadian cash, getting harassed at the border and searched on the way back, being charged an out-of-country business fee, getting pulled over and having to explain again to officials that I still didn’t have any weapons and having to take a loss on the exchange rate at the casino (the closest place to exchange Canadian currency). It was worth it, though. He was cool guy and he needed to get home. The whole thing felt like a Disney Christmas special, and to top it off we went to the same college, so ya know, I had no choice, I guess. This was exactly the kind of story they peddle in the alumni panhandling magazines. Go Vandals.

The next long haul adventure happened a fair bit later and oddly enough was created by the same hardened, take-no-guff Mounties at the northern border.

As fate would have it, they had confiscated a van two girls in their early 20s were driving and forbid them from entering the great mapled north. I arrived at the scene, pleasantly surprised to find that the girls were rather cute. Apparently they had met some traveling German party boys in Orange County, and one of the girls’ boyfriends had sold the Germans an old ‘70s dodge van. I don’t know why, but the girls were then supposed to drive the van to Banff where the Germans were meeting them. Then the girls’ plan was to fulfill a lifelong dream and camp for two days in Banff and fly home.

It sounded picture perfect. This was the type of international bonding foreign exchange programs were created to encourage. Or it would have been, except the ‘70s van hap-

pened to be loaded down with thousands of dollars worth of cannabis, hash oil and various amphetamines.

I believed the girls that they didn’t know the drugs were in there, and apparently so did the Mounties. They let them go scotfree minus a van and a camping trip. I can’t believe, however, that the Germans were that dumb to think a ‘70s van from Orange County driven by two hippy chicks named Teal and Saffron (not their real names, but they were named after a color and a spice) would get through the border just fine. Maybe they missed those huge red flags due to cultural nuance. Who knows?

Regardless, those Germans left two very bummed girls in their wake—girls who just wanted to camp and experience the woods. It was their first time in the Northwest, and they didn’t see much of what this beautiful area has to offer. So like any good taxi driver, I bought them a six pack and made a pit stop at Tubbs Hill in Coeur d’Alene to watch the sunset over the lake. It wasn’t much, but it was the prettiest thing they’d seen yet. The beer, by the way, was Becks—maybe a little ironic, but I thought it paired perfectly with North Idaho charm.

In a business that often wears on you and has its share of unruly customers, it sure can mean the world when you feel like you’re helping good people at the end of the day. That’s especially true when it’s at the end of a long haul. I hope all y’all’s long hauls end well and safe this summer, too. And remember, when you’re preparing for your road trip, check your air pressure, stock up your snack supplies and remove your billy clubs and drugs.

First, I would like to thank the Reader for the great job they did covering the New Approach Idaho’s initiative efforts in the May 7 edition. The article was well-written, thorough and accurate. To summarize, the initiative would do three things: legalize medical marijuana, decriminalize possession of 3 ounces or less, and establish an industrial hemp growing program for Idaho farmers.

About one third of all Americans live in a state where patients can legally use cannabis with their doctor’s advice. But in Idaho, police arrest, prosecute and jail the very sick for using a plant that alleviates their pain, reduces their seizures and provides relief from the horrible side effects of chemotherapy.

If you would like the chance to vote on this issue, please sign the petition at the signing location courtesy of Common Knowledge, 823 Main Street from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily. You must be a registered voter for your signature to count and you may register to vote at Common Knowledge.

We need a minimum of 874 valid signatures from Bonner and Boundry counties combined and we currently have approximately 200 valid signatures. As you can see your signature is very important so please visit Common Knowledge today and be the change.

Luna Anderson Sandpoint

Dear Editor,

Regarding the caribou, a quick look at the habitat map for the woodland caribou would show their ‘real’ home is in Canada: http://www.sightline. org/research/graphics/wildlife-caribou-cs06/

Carl Thomas Zmuda

PERSPECTIVES

By Jen Jackson Quintano For SPR

Home is three miles beyond the pavement on Rapid Lightning Road. Home is a small and drafty log cabin built 40 years ago by a 20-something dreamer ill-equipped to generate right angles or level planes. Home has a three-story tower attached—ten degrees out of plumb—for reasons we will never know.

Home is a road with a stigma. A road that’s averaged one dead body and one torched vehicle a year since our arrival. A road full of residents valuing solitude, the “No Trespassing” signs as much about sheltering personal space as protecting private property. It is a road harboring secrets. And stories.

We moved out here because we could afford it. It seems that ramshackle cabins situated far out seemingly sketchy roads sell for a song. And once we got here, we embraced the mystique of Rapid Lightning Road, hoping that the place would inform our identity here. Hoping that we would soon be among those who belong on this dusty drive. Not just in this place, but of it.

In a way, we have worn our address as a badge of honor. Yes, we live on a road where high caliber rifles are frequently fired at two in the morning. Yes, we live on the hill where squatters grew pot with elaborate irrigation systems on out-of-towners’ land. Yes, we live on a road where animals are poached, where drunk drivers regularly crash, where people live outside the stickbuilt box in trailers and tarpaper shacks. Rapid Lightning is still rough around the edges in an increasingly polished world. We like that.

We did, after all, move here from a once-upon-a-time rough-and-tumble desert town

(Moab, now polished beyond recognition), and there, we lived in a 1971 Streamline travel trailer. The greatest test of new love is inhabiting 26 linear feet with a black water tank (i.e., poop receptacle) baking in the desert sun. But we lived it, and we loved it. It was poverty and adventure. It was a sense of identity. We flouted gentrifying county regulations by living in that box on wheels. We spoke out on behalf of area residents who were evicted from their own buses and RVs. Dinner conversation with friends often focused on ploys to draw property values down—maintaining appliance collections in the front yard, employing syphilitic spitting llamas as guard animals, inscribing Rumi quotes in Farsi on fences so less educated neighbors would fear we were declaring jihad. We tilted at the greatest windmill in the West: the demise of its wildness.

So, when I first drove up Rapid Lightning—en route to viewing our future abode—and I spied the exact same model of Streamline travel trailer on one of the lots, I rejoiced. This must be home. I couldn’t wait to bring the inhabitants pie, to swap stories about living with ‘70s-era luxuries like an 8-track player and a cigarette lighter next to the toilet. These were our people.

Fast-forward a few years. We have yet to meet the Streamliners, nor those in tarpaper shacks. We’re afraid to knock, to impinge upon personal space. The mystique of Rapid Lightning makes for good stories at parties, but our lived reality out here is more prosaic. Our friends on this road are much like the neighbors anyone would want: They brought us firewood our first winter, they provided meals after the birth of our child, they help rescue stranded vehicles, invite us to

weddings and Super Bowl parties, and they bring beers down on Sunday afternoons. These are our people. We have connected through mutual kindness and concern, and in our neighborliness, we are knitting a new future for Rapid Lightning Road, one less about solitude and survival and more about communion. It’s still rough around the edges here, but the roughness is increasingly relegated to more distant edges.

With this change afoot, we’ve watched some of the old guard move away to outposts further in the back of beyond. A petition drive this spring resulted in the promise of paving over the forbidding potholes that cover our road after rains. The squatters are gone, and in their place are couples planning neighborhood barbeques this summer.

Is this gentrification? Are we gentrifying Rapid Lightning? We certainly didn’t come in with money, and we haven’t done much to improve the value of our home—the tilting tower still stands—but I feel that we are

agents of change on this road. People like us are spreading our homemade quilts and pies, our baby toys and soccer balls, our sense of comfort and safety to the farthest reaches of this long lane. We are paving over Rapid Lightning’s stigma—and its existing identity—with our sense of home, sweet home.

We thought, in moving here, we would embrace some of the West’s remaining roughness; but like migrants everywhere, we brought our own culture and comforts with us. It’s the very story of the West.

As Augustus McCrae said in Larry McMurtry’s Old West story, “Lonesome Dove,” “You and me did our jobs too well, Woodrow…hell, we killed off most of the people that made this country interestin’ to begin with.” Or, as McMurtry’s son, James, wrote in a song about the New West:

I’m not from here, But people tell me

It’s not like it used to be.

They say I should have been here

Back about ten years

Before it got ruined by folks like me.

In preparation for the paving that will happen here later this summer, road crews are widening the right-of-way by clearing trees. In their efforts, they continually uncover remnants from Rapid Lightning’s past. Enormous cedar stumps are emerging from the crowded forest, a testament to this drainage’s story a century ago. Before the Huckleberry Duckleberry commune of the ‘70s. Before solitary survivalists. Before a previous owner of our cabin drank himself to death in the room from which I write. Before us, with our baby and our dog and our bees.

We are unwitting collaborators on this next chapter. It is one that will be followed by another. And another. Succession is the story of this road— its forest and its people. We are changing the story just as it inevitably will change us.

NEWS

Team Laughing Dog rides again

By Cameron Rasmusson For SPR

Testing your endurance in a bike race across 12 states? That’s pretty difficult.

Harder still is living day to day with cystinosis, a rare metabolic disease that causes the amino acid cystine to build up in the body, destroying organs and white blood cells over time. That’s where Team Laughing Dog comes in. For the fifth year, Sandpoint is fielding a team to tackle the Race Across America, commonly regarded as one of the toughest endurance races out there. The team, which begins the race in early June, is

longtime supporters of Team Laughing Dog, either as support crew members or racers themselves. But each had their own reasons for putting their feet to the pedals this year.

For Johnson, the event is both a test of himself and the team’s ability to support a good cause. His first priority is riding for Hank, but he’s also interested to see how far his own body and athletic skill can take him.

Robinson, meanwhile, agreed to tackle the race after being asked to consider participating this year. It’s no small challenge, he said, but then again, he can’t

New public house set to open in former Coldwater Creek Wine Bar location

saloons have occupied the bottom floor, while hotel rooms upstairs have been rumored to have served as brothels. There is even a popular story going around about the building being haunted by the ghost of a girl.

“You’re supposed to say ‘hi’ to her and let her know you’re friendly,” said Alvearie.

Ghost or not, The Bernd Barrel Public House plans to open around the second week of June. Check it out at the W.A. Bernd Building at 311 N. First Ave. in downtown Sandpoint.

Best face forward: Readying Sandpoint parks for SUMMER

By Cameron Rasmusson For SPR

Come late spring, Sandpoint Parks and Recreation director Kim Woodruff has a lot on his mind—everything from balancing budget figures to curbing back goose poop.

It’s only a few weeks until schools release students for summer vacation, and there’s still much to be done. Residents’ increased free time combines with the upswing in summer tourism to form a perfect storm of park activity. It’s all Woodruff and his team at Sandpoint Parks and Recreation can do to ready the parks for the rush of activity. At the same time, they’re excited. As far as they’re concerned, there’s nothing like Sandpoint’s public parks to put the town’s best face forward.

“We’re looking forward to a great summer season this year,” Woodruff said.

Of course, preparations don’t work themselves out overnight. Parks and recreation staff have a massive task in readying parks for the summer season, and they need to consider details that aren’t immediately obvious. Take the goose poop, for instance. Just about everyone has seen sizable flocks of geese roaming City Beach, but in some ways, the birds are more a feathered menace than anything. Not only do they eat the grass—they then return the vegetation from whence it came as a pound and a half of fecal matter per goose every day. Recently, Woodruff has initiated efforts to ensure geese don’t overstay their welcome, including using dogs to scare flocks away.

It’s just one of the details of park maintenance that occur largely behind the scenes. And with Parks and Recreation crews handling maintenance for most public properties—including small pockets of green in roundabouts or along sidewalks, for instance—the work adds up quickly.

“I don’t think people realize the sheer volume of parks we have,” Woodruff said. Perhaps the most visible during the summer is City Beach. Donated to the city in 1922 by the Northern Pacific Railroad, the 22-acre park is packed with bodies on any given summer day. It doesn’t hurt that it’s one of the town’s most amenity-rich locations, either. In addition to the swimming and boating,

visitors enjoy sports courts, open grassy stretches, picnicking and barbecuing areas, playgrounds, food concessions and more. The city has built up the park and its features over time through funding from local, state and federal sources as well as grants.

Before the beach is filled with families, students and tourists looking to make the most of their summer, it needs to be prepped for use. That means a lot of sand redistribution is in the cards for city staff once spring rolls around. Lifeguards are timed to man the beach right around the time school ends in early June, guaranteeing safe fun between 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Another popular destination, Lakeview Park receives its share of attention, too. Smaller than City Beach at 12 acres, the park still features many similar assets, including picnicking facilities, event venues and boat launches, to name a few. A portion of the park is maintained by the North Idaho Native Plant Society, which runs a native plant arboretum out of the area.

On the west end of town, Travers Park helps put the recreation in Sandpoint Parks and Recreation. Opened in 1986, the 17.8-acre park hosts one of the area’s most robust sports complexes, with enough courts and field to sate any number of athletic interests.

Readying the parks for pleasant weather coincides with planning the Parks and Recreation Summer Activity Guide. A robust catalog of events to keep kids and adults busy throughout the summer, the guide is a project that takes months to complete. It was something of a relief, then, when the guide finally published on May 16. Find it online at www.cityofsandpoint.com/parksrec to start planning your summer agenda.

At 110 acres total, Sandpoint parks are no small responsibility. But for Woodruff and many others, all the trimming, mowing and irrigating are more than worthwhile. Sandpoint summers are the months that make up childhood memories. They host the experiences that burn into tourist memories and keep them coming back. For department staff, that in itself is its own reward.

Official Depot re-opening to follow Orchids and Onions Awards

Story by Cameron Rasmusson

by Ben Olson

The long-awaited day is finally here. This weekend, the Sandpoint Train Depot receives a second lease on life with its official grand reopening.

For longtime supporters of the project, the moment is a win not just for the venerable depot but also for Sandpoint’s historic preservation efforts as a whole. Adding a solid exclamation point to the excitement is Sandpoint’s role as host for the 38th Orchids and Onions award ceremony. Hosting the ceremony is an honor in itself, a recognition by awards organizer Presevation Idaho of a proven commitment to maintaining or repurposing historic structures and preserving a link to the past. The awards program takes place 12 p.m. Saturday, May 30, at the Sandpoint Event Center. Afterward, officials gather at the train depot for the official ribbon cutting at 2:30 p.m.

“The city has put a lot of time, effort, energy and money into preserving historic locations,” said Dan Everhart of Preservation Idaho. “There’s a civic role that Sandpoint has played, at least in our minds, very well.”

The Sandpoint Train Depot is undeniably the star of the Orchids and Onions ceremony this year, and for good reason. The

historic structure, an essential part of Sandpoint’s history and growth as a train town, could have been destroyed were in not for the intercession of local community members and officials. As a result of sustained negotiation with Amtrak and BNSF Railway, the 1916 NeoGothic-style building will remain the centerpiece for Sandpoint train travel.

However, the train depot isn’t the only Sandpoint preservation project being honored by Preservation Idaho this year. Also on the list is the Nesbitt-Tanner House. An instant eye-catcher for anyone meandering down Fourth Avenue, the Queen Anne-style home exudes character with its upper story tower and veranda. The home sat neglected and empty for years until a recent restoration effort brought her back into fighting shape.

The 1908 St. Joseph’s Church building is yet another historical structure with a new purpose in the 21st century. A handsome red-brick structure with tall windows, the church once served as the gathering place for Sandpoint’s Catholic community. It now hosts congregations of another sort—audiences for plays and concerts, primarily—after its restoration

and transformation into the Heartwood Center, a local events center.

These projects are a few of the reasons why Preservation Idaho decided to host their awards ceremony in Sandpoint this year, according to Everhart. The organization tries to alternate its ceremonies between Boise, where it is headquartered, and an Idaho town of special significance. Everhart said the organization has a statewide mission, and members aim to make sure they reflect that as they acknowledge exceptional preservation efforts.

Top: The Sandpoint Train Depot, built in 1916, rehabilitated in 2015.

Middle: The Nesbitt-Tanner House in all its Boo Radley splendor.

Bottom: The Heartwood Center from the original 1908 St. Joseph’s Church.

Yappy Hour

4pm - 7pm @ Taylor and Sons Chevrolet

28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4

A tail-waggin’ good time! Bring your dog and enjoy a Panhandle Animal Shelter benefit with live music, beverages and fun

Dollar Beer Night @ Eichardt’s (8pm)

State of the Scotchmans 6pm @ Forrest M. Bird Charter High School

Preeminent wilderness historian and advocate Doug Scott will be the featured speaker at the annual meeting of FSPW. FSPW will also announce the FSPW Old Goat of the year, top volunteer, and give an update of the exciting political developments in Idaho

Live Music w/ Marty Perron & Doug Bond

5pm - 7pm @ Idaho Pour Authority

The ever-popular duo strikes again!

Live Music w/ Fresh Off the Vine

5:30pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery

This folk/jazz trio’s style ranges from earthy mood-setting improvisations to groovy rhythms that feature tasteful electric guitar effects

Sandpoint Farmers Market

9am - 1pm @ Farmin Park

Live Music w/ Justin Lantrip

5:30pm - 7:30pm @ Idaho Pour Authority

Native son singer / songwriter

Used Book Sale

10am - 2pm @ Bonner Mall

Buy, sell or trade, great prices and selection

Clark Fork Delta Cruise

1pm @ Kramer Marina (Hope)

See where the ice age dam was located that created Lake Pend Oreille, plus learn about the amazing geologic history of how the lake was created.

Learn the Cha Cha!

7pm @ SWAC (but you don’t have to be a member)

Call Diane at 610-1770 to sign up or for more information

Seniors Day

9am - 12pm @ Bonner Mall

Sagle Elementary “FUN”draiser

6pm - 9pm @ Triple Play Famiy Fun Park

Tickets are $15 per person (adult or child) hours of fun and includes all open Triple Play tions including bowling, go-karts, bumper door and indoor mini golf, climbing wall tag, plus the Raptor Reef Indoor Waterpark

Food For Our Children Fundraiser

5pm - 9pm @ Evans Brothers Coffee

Launch event for a new local charity, Food Children, whose goal is to end childhood hunger Bonner County. During the event, enjoy live with Bright Moments Jazz, plus there will be bar from Eichardt’s and Jupiter Jane’s food truck be serving up healthy, delicious food with a portion the profits also donated

Spring Serenade

5pm @ First Lutheran Church

The Music Conservatory staff will present classical concert and dinner to benefit the ition assistance program at the conservatory

Monday Night Blues Jam w/ Truck Mills

7:30pm @ Eichardt’s Pub

Weekly infusion of blues and rock from the Man

Clark Fork Delta Cruise 1pm @ Kramer Marina (Hope)

This monthly get-together for seniors includes “walking the mall,” plus speakers, games, prizes and refreshments. Held on the first Tuesday of every month, it’s free and open to the public

Bingo Night

6:30pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall

Don’t forget your good luck charms. Line them on the table and talk to them. If they start talking back, maybe you’ve had one too many?

First Tuesday at Eichardt’s Pub 7pm @ Eichardt’s Pub

Monthly live music event hosted by Jake Robin.

Sandpoint Farmers Market 3pm - 5:30pm @ Farmin Park

Hope Islands History Cruise 4:30pm @ Kramer Marina (Hope)

John Roskelley: Paddling the Columbia 6:30pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall

Grand 12pm @ Enjoy much Monarchs, BIG part is offered

Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeepers and MickDuff’s host a presentation with John Roskelley. dling all 1,200 miles of the Columbia River from source to sea, Roskelley published “Paddling lumbia,” an informative guidebook that opens up the fascinating world of the mighty Columbia. ley will share stories from his excursions, plus provide a slide show and presentation. Free LPOW members; plus, MickDuff’s will donate $2.50 to LPOW from every pint sold during

ful

May 28 - June 4, 2015

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

Hope Islands Cruise

School advocate Doug annual meetthe FSPW give an updevelopments in Idaho

4:30pm - 6 pm @ Kramer Marina in Hope

Enjoy a scenic tour around the four islands of Hope aboard the Shawnodese and learn the colorful history of the Hope Peninsula and islands. Plus, the tour includes a cruise by Pearl Island, a bald eagle sanctuary. Learn more at www.lakependoreillecruises.com

“FUN”draiser Fun Park (Hayden)

(adult or child) for three open Triple Play attracbumper boats, outclimbing wall and laser Waterpark until close

Fundraiser

Coffee charity, Food For Our childhood hunger in enjoy live music there will be a cash

Jane’s food truck will food with a portion of

will present a benefit the tuconservatory

Benefit Concert with Patchy Sanders

7pm @ Panida Theater

Live Music w/ Bright Moments Jazz 6pm - 9pm @ Neighborhood Pub

Know what goes well with beer, wings and burgers? Jazz baby!

Live Music w/ Liam Kyle Cahill

6:30pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall

Traveling bard folk punk musician

Live Music w/ Not Quite Punk

9pm @ 219 Lounge

A benefit concert for 88.5FM KRFY Community Radio featuring Patchy Sanders and Lindsay Lou & the Flatbellys, both nationally touring bands

Local band of hooligans and rock stars, fueled by Jack Daniels and powerful dreams... huzzah!

Live Music w/ Brandon Waterson

6:30pm - 9:30pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall

Summer Sounds

4pm - 6pm @ Park Place Stage (near First and Cedar)

Downtown concert series features Monarch Mountain Band, sponsored by Sandpoint B.I.D. and Holly Eve

Hope Islands History Cruise

4:30pm @ Kramer Marina (Hope)

Live Music w/ Devon Wade

9pm @ 219 Lounge

Live Music w/ Patrice Webb

7pm - 9pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall

Live @ The Office w/ Fresh Off the Vine

6pm @ Sandpoint Reader Office (111 Cedar St. Suite 9)

Montana-based folk/jazz trio with cello, electric guitar and violin, with interesting arrangements and a wonderful collection of covers and originals.

Orchids and Onions Awards

11am @ Sandpoint Events Center

Celebrate those who have made a positive contribution to historic preservation in Idaho during the 38th annual Orchids and Onions Awards during a ceremony and luncheon. Lunch is at noon, and a Train Depot grand re-opening will take place at 2:30pm at the Depot. Luncheon tickets $25

Hope Islands History Cruise

4:30pm @ Kramer Marina (Hope)

Pub by Jake

Enjoy a scenic tour around the four islands of Hope aboard the Shawnodese. Learn the colorful history of the Hope Peninsula and islands. $23 general, $21 seniors 60-plus

Grand Lake Tour

12pm @ Kramer Marina (Hope)

Green Monarchs Cruise

1pm @ Kramer Marina (Hope)

This scenic Green Monarchs trip finishes with a cruise near the islands of Hope. An optional lunch is available from $3 to $7. History and geology commentary is included. Fare is $39 general, $37 seniors 60-plus

Fairytales and Fables Spring Dance Recital

7pm @ Panida Theater

Featuring the Allegro Dance Studio students

Karaoke Night

9pm - Midnight @ 219 Lounge

Trivia Night

7pm - 9pm @ MickDuff’s

Finally, a place to showcase how much useless stuff you know. Finally, a purpose!

Enjoy a Grand Lake Tour cruise aboard the Shawnodese, heading out to the “island” where much of the submarine testing is done. Along the way, see the magnificent towering Green Monarchs, cruise by the quaint fishing villages of Kilroy Bay and Granite Creek, and see the BIG part of the lake the most people rarely see. A history and geology talk is included. Lunch is offered from $3 to $7 per person. Fare is $45 general, $43 seniors 60-plus

John Roskelley. After padpublished “Paddling the Comighty Columbia. Roskelpresentation. Free admission for sold during the event

Open Mic with Scott Reid

6pm - 9pm @ Monarch Mountain Coffee

All are welcome to attend; Open Mic Night is held every first and third Thursday of each month

Dollar Beer Night @ Eichardt’s (8pm)

We’ve gotten a great response to our call for your pet photographs. Instead of putting them in just one issue, we’ve decided to feature one or two every issue as long as we have the space. 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.

- Lily -

This is our 13 year old morkie (Maltese Yorkie mix) who adds so much love to Ron’s and my life. She is especially precious to us now because she has bladder cancer that is not curable. She is however being treated with chemo at WSU and we are able to prolong her life with great quality. She still acts like a puppy and the best part is, she doesn’t seem to know she is sick!

My husband Ron gave her to me as a birthday gift because he thought I needed someone else to take care of after our kids left home. And, as it turns out, he loves her just as much as I do!

She is a terrier through and through. There is no dog big enough to intimidate her! She loves the twice daily walks and loves to go to Home Depot. There, she gets treats (which she stashes for later) and lots of admiration.

The best part of our day is when she wakes up on our bed and we start the morning ritual. She flips over to her back, and one of us commences the morning rubdown. And, she can’t be shorted. If she doesn’t feel as if she has gotten her due, she will not turn right side up. Obviously, Lily is in charge. And, we are just fine with that.

Ranel Hanson Sandpoint

Spud’s welcomes back chef Jessica Volk

By Ben Olson For SPR

A couple of weeks ago, my girlfriend Cadie and I were invited to take part in a “soft opening” of the new dinner menu at Spud’s Waterfront Grill. Rumor had it that former chef Jessica Volk was returning, and since she has always been a favorite local chef of mine, I was excited to see what she had come up with during her time away.

Volk and husband Jeremy Holzapfel recently moved back to Sandpoint after spending four years in Seattle.

“Our house in Seattle was going up for sale,” said Volk. “I had heard about a possible opening back at Spud’s, and Jeremy saw that his former job at Starbucks was also open. The universe was telling us to come home. We wanted to move back anyway, we figured this was the best time.”

When Spud’s owner Peter McDaniel heard Volk was interested in returning to her former job, he asked around to some of her former colleagues.

“They all said, ‘Hire her, she’s amazing’,” said McDaniel. “I couldn’t have been luckier.”

In the four years she spent

in Seattle, Volk worked at several different restaurants, learning from some of the culinary greats.

“I tried to absorb as much information as I could from a bunch of different chefs,” said Volk. “I worked a lot with Indian spices, and pho is very big in Seattle.”

With McDaniel’s blessing, Volk introduced a brand new dinner menu with some daring, mouth-watering choices.

“I wanted it to be different and unique,” said Volk. “In addition to the menu, we’ll be offering three to five specials every night.”

As we arrived, Matt and Darian Kinney of Sunshine Goldmine invited us to sit with them. This worked out for the best, since we were all able to share and sample a wider assortment of items.

A lot of items caught my eye right off the bat. The Caesar Salad was light on anchovy taste and not heavily dressed.

The shaved parmesan added a nice zip of flavor. Also, the Kale Salad featured a unique warm bacon vinaigrette.

For appetizers, we tried the Crispy Smashed Potatoes. They came on a bed of smoky romes-

The truth about eggs

By Laurie Brown For SPR

Eggs are one of the most-argued-about foods. While most agree that they are a good source of complete protein—eggs contain all of the necessary amino acids—there has been a lot of controversy over whether they raise cholesterol. The American Heart Association in particular was anti-egg (or, at least, anti-egg yolk) for years. But in 2000, they decided that eggs were not to blame for hardening of the arteries and heart attacks. They now say that an egg a day will not hurt most people.

Eggs are nutritional powerhouses—great sources of phosphorus, selenium, iron, and vitamins B2 and B12. One large egg has only 75 calories, but 7 grams of protein. They contain the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, necessary for eye and

co sauce which complemented the potatoes perfectly. We also tried a Beet Wild Arugula Salad that had a great strong dressing, two different types of beets and candied pecans. The Lemongrass Ginger Prawns had a wild orange zest flavor, and the onions had a mild pickled taste that was quite refreshing.

Matt ordered the Pho Spiced Seared Chicken Breast and watched us immediately devour his plate. It had an amazing sweet taste. The 24-hour marinated chicken was slow roasted and so moist and perfect. My only critique would be to add more spice, but I’m a fan of dishes that make you sweat.

I ordered the Indian Masala Curry with basmati, greens, cashews and grilled chicken. I took one bite and was immediately overjoyed. We can now officially say we can obtain Indian food in Sandpoint, even if just the one dish. The flavors were powerful and merged beautifully. There is not a dish in town that tastes anything like this one.

Darian chose the Grilled Top Sirloin, which features a thick, tender cut cooked to perfection with just the right amount of pink. The goat cheese polenta was a nice savory side, and the pickled red cabbage added a pleasing crunch.

Cadie chose the House Made Gnocchi, which had a great pillowey texture. It had brown butter, mushrooms, parmesan and chard accompanying it and tasted divine.

Overall, it was a very pleasant evening on the deck. The service was a little slow, but that was understandable as Volk was training a staff on the fly, working out the kinks as they came. The food was worth the wait. “It’s been a whirlwind,” said Volk. “I’m happy to be back.” Spud’s is offering their new dinner menu Wednesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and starting in midJune will also offer Sundays.

brain health and recommended for preventing macular degeneration and memory problems. They also contain 100 mgs of choline, something 90 percent of Americans do not get enough of. Used by the body to create neurotransmitters and cell membranes, it’s important for brain health. And eggs rate high on the Satiety Scale, which means they make us feel full. Eating eggs can help you stave off cravings, lose weight, build muscle mass and healthy bones, while getting great nutrition! With nearly zero carbs, they make a great snack for diabetics.

On the down side, egg yolks are high in saturated fat and cholesterol. A large egg has about 213 mgs of cholesterol. But after years of studies, it’s been found that most people don’t get cholesterol problems from dietary cholesterol. The liver makes a lot of cholesterol

(it’s necessary for brain functions) and if you eat a lot of cholesterol, the liver makes less. Seventy percent of people don’t have their cholesterol raised by eating whole eggs. However, 30 percent of the population do respond to dietary cholesterol and whole eggs will slightly elevate both total and LDL cholesterol.

But eggs also raise HDL cholesterol—the good one—by 10 percent. So it pretty much evens out. Studies have also found different sizes of LDL cholesterol particles- there are small, dense particles and large particles. People with small LDL particles have a higher risk of heart disease. Eggs tend to change your blood cholesterol profile from small, dense LDL particles to large ones. A down side of eggs is that they are a common allergen—about 1 to 2 percent of the population is allergic to eggs. Certain people with type 2 di-

howchange

dark-

abetes may have another problem; they may have low levels of apolipoprotein E and high levels of apolipoprotien C-III, which is linked to cholesterol transport in the blood. Lab tests can determine if this is a problem for you. If it is, remember that the cholesterol and saturated fat is in the yolk—you can always eat just the white. Not all eggs are created equal. Many people think that brown eggs are healthier or tastier than white eggs. Not true; all chicken breeds are the same species and their eggs are the same nutritionally. Diet, how ever, does change the look and nutrition of egg yolks—hens that eat more carotenoids such as found in marigold petals or yellow corn lay eggs with dark er yolks, which contain more carotenoids. Hens free ranged on grass pasture lay eggs with a higher amount of Omega-3

fatty acids. Omega-3s reduce blood triglycerides—high triglycerides can be as dangerous as high LDL cholesterol. Pastured hens also lay eggs with more vitamin E—up to 25 percent more. The amount of Omega-3s in the eggs can also be increased as much as 5 times by adding oils high in Omega-3 fatty acids to the feed. If these things are important to you, read the cartons carefully or buy locally where you can talk to the farmer.

Make hay while the sun shines

By Diane Newcomer For SPR

experience.

“Make hay while the sin shines” pretty much says it all. Forget the fancy air conditioned tractors. Considering our economics, they don’t live here. On a cold day, the heat from the engine is a welcome bonus—not so much in July and August.

At 45 years old, the 1970 John Deere that we use is our newest tractor. It boasts a plywood top attached to the roll bar. Constructed by my husband, the top provides shade and lets the air circulate. That’s important, since there is always one side of the field where you get a slight breeze. You look forward to that side!

It’s a noisy tractor, but then again, all old tractors are noisy. Being a diesel, it sort of roars while the baler makes a thumping sound. Ear plugs soften it all to a steady drumming—actually rather relaxing once you get used to it. Just remember the ear plugs! We hang them by the back door, but there is no assurance I’ll pick them up.

The baler we purchased new 19 years ago. With regular maintenance, it is a very dependable piece of equipment that we appreciate, as we still have total recall of its predecessor. Before we sent the New Holland baler to the junkyard in the sky, it missed as many bales as it tied. You had to watch it like a hawk, and summon the family experts to massage it back into operation. I hated that baler.

For the uninitiated there are three steps to putting up hay, cutting or swathing being the first. This we do with our

room 55 years ago.

The “swather” is a machine pulled by the tractor that cuts the hay and runs it through a series of rollers to condition the grass by crimping, drying the grass more quickly. The hay comes out in a swath on the ground where it dries in the sun. The time on the ground depends on many things: hay thickness, ground moisture and dew fall. The latter always adds a day or two to our drying process.

The swather is a machine I have great respect for ... OK, scratch that. It actually scares me, and I no longer cut hay. The swather is the most recent of a long line of cutting implements, starting with

the old mowing bar. I’ve mowed acres and acres with a mowing bar. From there we thought we moved up, buying an old Owatonna self-propelled swather. Not the best experience—our biggest mistake was putting out the fire when it burst into flames in the hay field. Then we traded for a “newer” self-propelled swather, the one that took the tip off my husband’s finger. Moral: Do not cut hay at the end of a long day at work. On the other hand, we are very happy with the current pull-type John Deere swather.

After the hay is dry, we rake it. Here’s where the 60-year-old Ford comes into the picture. It is the smallest tractor we have and runs on gasoline. Many years ago a heavy snow caused the hay barn to collapse on the Ford tractor and the bale wagon, doing neither of them any good.

Both were repaired, and though it looks rough, the Ford is our trusted servant.

The bale wagon has an idiosyncrasy or two—it is the other machine I want no part of. Done wrong, the stacks of hay will fall when put into the barn. Staking hay is not my idea of fun, but raking hay is, especially with our new hay rake. It’s a very pretty Italian model that I have not gotten my husband or son to let me take for a spin. Rather then rolling the hay over, this rake fluffs the grass so it gets more air and dries faster, and, in the unfortunate event that it gets rained on, it is easier to dry out.

The last step is baling, which brings me back to hot, dusty, noisy. It might not be for everyone, but what can I say? I like to bale hay!

STAGE & SCREEN

‘Fury Road:’ you’ve never seen anything like this before

More than 30 years ago, George Miller used money he saved while working as an emergency room doctor to fund his directorial debut, a violent Australian action film titled “Mad Max.” Shot for next to nothing, the film went on to set box office records, launching two legendary sequels that catapulted Mel Gibson to international stardom and influenced decades of post-apocalyptic media. How did Miller follow up such a gritty, highly-regarded trilogy? By producing and co-writing the acclaimed family films “Babe” and “Happy Feet,” as well as their sequels.

With “Fury Road,” Miller finally returns to the hellish world of Mad Max. Despite all the talking animals between the Thunderdome and now, within minutes it’s clear that he’s still got plenty of brutal weirdness up his sleeve.

After being caught by a group of marauders, Max (Tom Hardy) finds himself imprisoned by a desert-dwelling cult known as the War Boys just as one of their warrior drivers (Furiosa, played by Charlize Theron) goes rogue, freeing a group of enslaved women as she does. Max eventually finds himself fighting alongside Furiosa, and the film takes off as they search for her home: The Green Place, a refuge of life in an otherwise barren, hostile world.

Plot descriptions do little justice

to “Fury Road.” You have not seen a film like this before. Stylistically, it sits somewhere between steam-punk and western; a surreal combination of “Speed” and the Burning Man festival that’s both beautiful and absolutely out of its mind. It’s a two-hour chase at full speed through the desert that constantly escalates, and just when you’re positive you won’t see anything more outlandish than a flame-throwing guitarist strapped to a wall of amplifiers on top of a semi going 80 miles an hour, Miller ups the ante even further. The fact that almost all of this is done without CGI makes the spectacle all the more jaw-dropping.

But beyond the dusty nightmarish spectacle lies what makes “Fury Road” truly special: character. The film eschews Western outlaw cliches and allows issues of gender equality to take center stage, something rarely attempted in a big-budget action film and accomplished here without being heavy-handed or under-played. There’s thematic meat underneath the explosions, and it’s a testament to Theron and Hardy’s acting prowess (as well as the rest of the outstanding cast) that such heavy subtext can thrive through insinuation and facial expressions more than words.

“Fury Road” may take place in a universe established by Miller a lifetime ago, but it has plenty to say about the reality of today. A world of fire and blood has never been so hypnotic.

FOOD

By Marcia Pilgeram For SPR

Spring is filled with resplendent days, the happy sounds that soon become summer.

A sure sign of good things to come (think June and July), began a few weeks ago with our first Farmers’ Market of the season. The outdoor community came alive and we came together, embracing our magical gem of a market. With little starters that promise us vine-ripened tomatoes in no time at all and a lineup of pies we’ve pined

The Sandpoint Eater

Fun at the Farmer’s Market and fungi in the woods

for all winter, we gathered to shop and eat. Near the gazebo, carefree kids swayed to live music while clusters of old friends took a nod at the new season with sincere embraces.

So began another season for our market and her early selections, like young stalks of rhubarb and asparagus, tender shoots of greens, crisp red radishes and firm head lettuce. It’s time to dust off that big wooden salad bowl and fill it to the brim with the abundance of market offerings. As the weather warms and the crops mature, our salads will become masterpieces of flavor and color. With little more than a tasty vinaigrette (I hope you’ll try the recipe I’ve included) and a nice loaf of bread, dinner is served.

In addition to all the produce, you can fill your baskets with tempting baked

goods, local lamb, yak burger, pork cutlets and the most delicious goat cheese, ever. It’s fun to see the success and expansion of many vendors. While not yet offering fifty shades of whey, Wheyward Goat Cheese Company has expanded their line with flavored and seasoned goat cheese as well as a raw milk feta. Sandy’s Sunnyside Farm sells a vast array of goods; produce and starters, fresh eggs, an irresistible line-up of pastries as well as homemade mustard. If food’s not your thing (say it’s not so), spoil yourself and purchase handmade soap or locally woven basket. There are many beautiful crafts made by our local and talented artisans.

If you’re feeling more adventurous than the market, pack a snack and some sturdy footwear and head for the hills to do some foraging

Morel Mushroom Pasta with Goat Cheese

INGREDIENTS:

•16 ounces uncooked fusilli pasta

•2 tablespoons butter

•2 tablespoons oil

•1 ½ pounds of morel mushrooms, large chop (halve a few of the prettiest ones for garnish, saute, and remove before adding next ingredients)

•¼ cup mixed minced garlic and shallots

•½ dry white wine

•½ cup heavy whipping cream

•1 teaspoon salt

•1 cup hot chicken or vegetable broth (as needed)

•¼ cup Parmesan cheese

•2 cups baby spinach or arugula (or mixture), chopped (chop a little bit of it really fine for garnish)

•6 ounces goat cheese

PREPARATIONS:

•PASTA: Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain toss with a little oil, cover and keep warm.

•MUSHROOMS: Heat the butter and oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the mushrooms and sauté until golden brown and soft, 5-10 minutes. The mushrooms will cook down and reduce in size. Add the garlic and shallots, saute til soft and add the wine wine (it will sizzle a bit) and give it a few good stirs. Add the broth and simmer a few minutes. Add the whipping cream and salt, stir until it thickens up a bit.

on your own. Do yourself a favor and take a companion when you forage. I have been threatened by wildlife (or perceived wildlife due to a very vivid imagination) more than once. The last time I hunted alone, I found an abundance of perfect morels. As I reached down to unearth just one more, I spotted a still steaming mound of scat. I stood straight up and spun around, looking for the ready to lunge-crouching cougar. Running through the forest, I tripped on a snag, lost my mushrooms and nearly lost my way. I limped home with bloody knees and a bruised ego.

Morels and King Boletes are two of my favorite wild mushrooms, and still, after years of foraging, nothing is quite as exciting as discovering them hidden on the forest floor. Morel mushrooms thrive in unlikely spots,

•TOSS: In a large pot, toss the pasta with the mushroom sauce.

•SERVE: Stir in the Parmesan cheese. Just before serving, stir in the spinach and goat cheese. Garnish with chunks of goat cheese, finely chopped greens and the halved, sautéed mushrooms.

growing best in forests where the ground has been disturbed by fires and logging or even campsites. King Boletes can be found in similar areas and sometimes you’ll barely see the caramel colored caps erupting through the dirt and pine needles.

When foraging, follow some Golden Rules, take some and leave some, not only for the next guy, but for the next season.

Learning to be considerate of the vegetarian in our family of serious carnivores has taught me that there are some pretty delicious vegetable substitutes for meat. Especially the aforementioned fungi. Their season is short, so get out there and get some. Most everything else in the following recipe for Morel Mushroom and Goat Cheese Pasta can be found every Saturday at our Farmer’s Market. Bon Appetit.

Tarragon Vinaigrette

INGREDIENTS:

•½ cup *cider vinegar

•2 tablespoons good quality Dijon mustard

•1 tablespoons fresh tarragon, chopped

•1 tablespoon shallots, finely chopped

•1 teaspoon garlic, finely minced

•1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped

•1 teaspoon sugar

•2 teaspoon fresh squeezed lemon juice

•1 cup *extra virgin olive oil

•Salt and pepper

PREPARATIONS:

•Whisk the vinegar and mustard together.

•Slowly add the oil, whisking in the same direction all the time, (to avoid air, i.e. bubbles in your dressing), add the lemon juice, then add the onion, tarragon, garlic and parsley and season to taste. Store in refrigerator.

*I purchase olive oil and vinegars that I plan to use for just for dressings in small sizes so they are used up relatively quickly and stay/taste fresh, which is key to good dressings (if your vinegar is cloudy, don’t use).

“Live @ The Office” hosts Montana jazz trio

The Reader’s Live @ The Office concert series has become the new premier venue for music lovers to listen to their favorite local artists in an intimate setting. Sometimes, however, we invite performers from outside the area to showcase their talent.

This Saturday, May 30, we will host a special show with Montana-based trio Fresh Off the Vine.

The jazz/R&B trio features Jesse Ahmann on cello, Karl Roff on rhythm guitar, and Lucas Mace on lead guitar. The

band is based

and points between.

“We’ve been playing together for about four years now,” said Ahmann. “Most of the stuff we do is instrumental originals. It’s kind of a fusion between jazz and R&B, with lots of R&B grooves. Karl is very good with guitar theory, so we do some adventurous chord progressions.”

Ahmann, a classically trained cellist, recently broke into more improvisational music while forming the band.

“Going from classical into a new kind of music is real-

ly hard,” he said. “I remember playing what I felt as first, just experimenting. I’m pretty analytical about my improv now, even though it sounds very free-flowing.”

Ahmann uses a pickup on his cello and runs it through a series of pedals for varied effect. There is an octave pedal that drops the pitch down, emulating a big string bass sound. Analog delay and flange pedals give the sound an ethereal quality as well.

Pairing his cello with a rhythm and lead guitarist, Ahmann has found the arrangement has been working well.

The band works together in composing originals.

“Karl does a lot of compositions, and Lucas does a lot of the originals,” said Ahmann. “I’ll often come up with a melody after they come up with a chord progression. It’s a true collaborative effort.”

At the “Live @ The Office” show, listeners can expect a dynamic set of mostly original compositions from the trio. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the show begins at 6 p.m. Tickets are $5 each and seating is limited. You can pick up tickets early at the Sandpoint Reader office at 111 Cedar Street, Suite 9.

Local singer tackles classics in upcoming concert

By Jodi Rawson For SPR

When the boom box shut off during Charlene Rawuka’s second-grade talent show, she sang on. When she moved from California to Sandpoint, she sang on. When Karin Wedemeyer, one of the founders of the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint, introduced her to new languages and a whole new genre, Rawuka sang on.

After four years of working with Rawuka, Wedemeyer says “she is a versatile singer from classical to contemporary,” and that “she can absolutely handle opera.”

As a European-trained classical singer, she would know.

When Rawuka began with Wedemeyer, she thought “it was totally strange. I’m [going to sing in] like Italian, German? What? Not English?’” But Wedemeyer says that her young protégé has courageously accepted the challenges of classical training and working with different languages.

As a result, Rawuka has matured as a singer and a young lady.

In the last month her voice has filled the Panida in three different recitals. It is extraordinary to hear a young woman with such power, drawn from deep within her belly and resonating in the crown of her head. She has no use for a microphone as she knows how to amplify her pristine bell-like voice. As a classically trained singer she is relying solely on her body as her instrument.

“I want to be as famous as Beyonce some day, but I’m pretty sure its not gonna happen,” says Rawuka, “... so my other goal is to be a singing teacher.” She has been assisting the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint for the last two years, and teaching comes very natural to her. You couldn’t convince Rawuka’s fan club (the gaggle of little girls in the community choir whom she mentors) that she isn’t as famous as Beyonce.

In Spokane on May 15, “she was

recognized at the Northwest Music Festival for doing an exceptional job,” according to Wedemeyer. Her voice really is too big for Sandpoint. Rawuka is set to sing at the Festival at Sandpoint later this year. Then it’s off to college in Santa Monica and a job as an intern with the city’s music conservatory.

On the evening of June 4, Rawuka will perform her final recital with the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint. She will be performing the pieces she has learned with Karin since her freshman year, for a total of 12. “Lots of them are in Italian. I also have a German piece, a Latin piece, a French piece and one English piece.”

This week’s

READ

In “Mary” by Janis Cooke Newman, Mrs. Abraham Lincoln finally gets to tell her story. This is historical fiction from Mary Todd Lincoln’s viewpoint, and I found her enigmatic and likable and forward thinking. So what if she held a few séances at the White House and was a compulsive spender. I mean, she lost three sons and saw her husband assassinated. Who wouldn’t go a little crazy?

It’s a lengthy read, but a page turner. On the back of Blue Horse, the debut CD by The Be Good Tanyas released in 2000, the Vancouver-based trio pose in clothing from the 1940s, perfectly matching the haunting, beautiful harmonies of the old songs they play—“Oh Susanna,” “The Coo Coo Bird,” and “Rain and Snow.” Frazey Ford, Samantha Parton, and Trish Klein are some old souls of folk who look and sound the part.

Alyce Ispirescu is another phenomenal voice that will be featured on this lovely night. Accompanying them both is master pianist Caren Reiner. For divine music and inspiration, open your ears and heart in the Presbyterian church, 7 p.m. Thursday, June 4.

Crossword Solution

LISTEN WATCH

Except for a couple of documentaries and shows featuring Joni Mitchell, I don’t collect movies. Except for one: “Pollock.”

“Pollock” is a film about Jackson Pollock, the tormented American artist of abstract expressionism. It is about his intense relationship with artist wife Lee Krasner and his demons of alcohol, mania and self-doubt.

Ed Harris, who plays Pollock, also directed the film. Marcia Gay Harden won an Oscar in 2001 for her masterful performance of Pollock’s wife.

It’s not, well, a pick-me-up kind of movie, but it’s still a mustsee.

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 (special thanks to Olivia Morlean, Will Valentine, and Allen Robertson). If you have any scrapbooks or old photographs taken in Bonner County that you would like to see Then & Now’ed, please submit them to the Museum so they can digitize and return the photographs to you. The Museum is located at 611 S. Ella — (208) 263-2344.

First Avenue, looking south from Cedar Street. Note that automobiles and horse-drawn wagons co-mingle along the street.

Corrections: In last week’s article about Patchy Sanders, the byline was attributed to Cameron Rasmusson when it was Patrice Webb who wrote the story. We regret the mistake, and apologize to Patrice. Our contributors are very hardworking individuals, and we regret leaving their names off of stories like this.

If