Reader_October8_2015

informed community

Class starts October 7th at 6:00 p.m.

DEAR READERS, (wo)MAN on the street

READER

compiled by Ben Olson

What do you think about the robo call that was made this week?

Wow, we had a lot going on this week. We ran out of room on the news page, so here’s a few extra news briefs that didn’t fit. Have a good week, folks.

“We’re having this gentrification in Sandpoint and yet there is still a percentage of people in this county who have old school racist opinions. It’s not political, it’s fear. It’s scary.”

Maia Gaddess Sandpoint

“We’ve worked hard for people not to think of North Idaho as racist. Now we’ve got some jerk trying to drag our community in the mud. This is not who we are and I believe Sandpoint is going to be strong. Whoever made this call greatly misunderstood Sandpoint. I love this town because we stand up for each other.”

John Reuter Seattle (formerly Sandpoint)

“I can’t believe that somebody would do something that low and dirty. How dare they?”

Amanda Klimisch Sandpoint

City begins adminstrator selection

It shouldn’t be long before Sandpoint has an official final candidate or candidates for the new city administrator position.

According to Sandpoint City Clerk Maree Peck, the interview process for a final six candidates is set to occur imminently. The candidates will be narrowed down until a final individual or individuals will face scrutiny by the City Council, which holds the final power to approve the candidate. This council meeting will also likely feature the question-and-answer period the city promised to the public. If the city meets established time tables, this should take place by the third week of October, Peck said.

The committee to hire the city administrator is being headed up by Coeur d’Alene administrator Jim Hammond, Peck added. Other committee members include Stephen Snedden, Will Herrington, Councilwoman Shannon Williamson, Councilman Shelby Rognstad and Mayor Carrie Logan [CR]

Jerry Kramer to visit Sandpoint

Football fans won’t want to miss a visit from local legend Jerry Kramer.

The Spokesman-Review reports that the offensive lineman and Pro Football Hall of Fame shortlister will speak at Sandpoint High School football game at halftime Friday night. The NFL veteran is expected to present Sandpoint High School with a Wilson Golden Football in a ceremony during the game against Lakeland. The footballs are presented to schools that produced players who went on to play the Super Bowl.

Kramer, 79, graduated from the high school in 1954. His career with the Green Bay Packers under coach Vince Lambardi in the 1960s has become the stuff of legend and established Kramer as a local hero to many. [CR]

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Editor: Cameron Rasmusson cameron@sandpointreader.com

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“This is something the Donald would do.”

Josh Reed Sagle

“I don’t see anything wrong with it.”

Donald Trump New York

“Terribly offensive, yet unbelievably hilarious.”

Shelby Rognstad Sandpoint

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.

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The Sandpoint Reader welcomes letters to the editor on all topics.

Requirements: –No more than 500 words –Letters may not contain excessive profanity or libelous material. Please elevate the discussion.

Letters will be edited to comply with the above requirements. Opinions expressed in these pages are those of the writers, not necessarily the publishers.

Email letters to: letters@sandpointreader.com

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About the Cover

This week’s cover is dedicated to the new U.S. Bike Route 10 opening. In the photograph provided by Jim Mellon are several local bicycle enthusiasts. From left to right: Mel Dick, Arlene Cook, Mike Murray, Julie Meyer, Steve Meyer, Sandy Thomas, and Jim Mellen.

COMMENTARY

Fond Memories for Me, 49 Years of Progress for the Danes

By Nick Gier Reader Columnist

I just returned from a monthlong tour of Europe, which included stops in London, Paris, Rome, and Copenhagen. The extended weekend in the Danish capital brought back many rich memories.

I first arrived in Denmark in June of 1966 on a Rotary Fellowship for International Understanding. My tasks were to attending the University of Copenhagen, learn Danish, and give speeches in Danish Rotary clubs about world peace.

After three years of graduate school, I received a Fulbright Fellowship to finish my dissertation in Heidelberg, Germany. During that year I visited Denmark often, visiting old friends, one with a captivating sister. We married and spent our first year in Denmark, where I taught for a year at two Danish universities.

In 1972 we returned to the U.S. where I was thrilled to take a job at the University of Idaho.

Abortions...

Dear Editor,

In the late 70s I would exaggerate my anti-abortion position by telling my pro-abortion friends that I thought there should be abortions up to the age of seven because you should know by then if you want to keep [expletive deleted] or not. Then I would tell ‘em that no one should ever tell a woman what she can or cannot do with her body.

The killing of a pregnant Jeanette Riley’s unborn baby on July 8, 2014 by Sandpoint police was met with deafening silence from the “right to life” crowd. Because of their silence one can only assume that Sandpoint’s anti-abortionists are okay with abortions that are performed by the police. Sandpoint’s “right to life” crowd’s silence about this police abortion is nothing less than hypocrisy.

So why have those who have been displaying signs around town with photos of bloody aborted fetus-

We enjoyed two sabbaticals in Denmark (1978-79;1985-86), and I returned for visits in 2007 and the one last month.

Much of course has changed over 49 years. In 1966, there were 5 million pigs and 4.5 million people. Now there are 12 million swine and 5.7 million Danes.

Danish ham and cheese make almost as much money as the shipping industry, the largest in the world. Tiny Denmark has also become the world’s largest manufacturer of wind turbines.

In 1966 there was only one experimental windmill generating power for a hippie commune in Jutland. Now giant wind turbines dot the landscape and produced 39 percent of the nation’s electricity in 2014.

On July 10 of this year Danish wind turbines produced 140 percent of the country’s normal demand for electricity. The surplus power is sold to Norway, Sweden, and Germany through a super-efficient grid, and some of it being used to pump water

es not spoken out against the police abortion of Jeanette Riley’s unborn baby? Apparently it was an abortion that has the approval of these folks. Not one church in the Sandpoint area spoke out against this police abortion. Hypocrites.

Lee Santa Sandpoint

Dear Editor,

Today I received a phone message slandering and speaking disrespectfully towards Shelby Rognstad for mayor.

I am feeling sad, disappointed and angry to see something like this happen in our community. It’s not even remotely possible to take a phone call and message like this seriously because there wasn’t a real human person on the call, being that it was anonymous and automated.

back up into hydroelectric facilities in Norway and Sweden.

Once again I had a chance cross the gorgeous 10-milelong tunnel-bridge to Sweden. Finished in 2000 at the cost of $5.7 billion, this huge investment has paid off handsomely. The Swedes now have a direct rail link to Europe, and thousands of Swedes (topping out at 18,000 in 2008) eagerly commute to work in Copenhagen. Over 15 years the new economic activity has added over $9 billion to the Danish economy.

Danish politics started moving to the right with the election of the first conservative government in 1984. Denmark’s first female prime minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt brought the Social Democrats back to power from 2011-2015, but a center-right coalition won the most recent election by a one seat margin. Voter turnout in Denmark is an amazing 80-90 percent.

The most alarming result of the 2015 election was the success of the Danish People’s Par-

I have lived in Sandpoint for over 10 years and was born in southern Idaho. One of my parents was born in Idaho and my grandparents and great-grandparents were born in this state as well. I was raised with the values of being genuinely good to others and to know that while I might not like someone else or even agree with their views, I can still do my best to be kind and respectful in whatever ways I know how. I can even still find some common ground.

One of the things that I have heard which draws many people to this town is the warmth and genuine friendliness of the people who live here. It is each action we make that creates that for ourselves and others. I encourage each person in this community to remember that regardless of who you vote for, kindness and respect is what will bring true health, well-being and vitality to all the people who live here.

Despite this phone message to-

ty, which is anti-immigration and anti-European Union. Starting with only 13 parliamentary seats in 1998, it now has 37, becoming the second largest party. Only the Social Democrats have more: 47 seats in the 179seat Folketing. The increase in crime among disaffected immigrant youth has stoked anti-foreigner fears.

Conservative governments have preserved the welfare state with only minor revisions. Parents now have to pay for part of their children’s day care; those who refuse to look for a job no longer get generous unemployment payments; and the average tax burden has leveled off at 50 percent.

High progressive taxation has not, as some believe, destroyed European economies.

In 2015-2016, eight of the 12 countries ranked highest for economic competitiveness by the World Economic Forum were European welfare states.

The Swiss business school IMD ranked Denmark as the second best economy in the

day, I know that Shelby Rognstad has good intentions and wants to bring these lasting qualities to our community in the best ways he can.

Thank you,

Jeannine

Tidwell Sandpoint

Dear Editor,

I received a robo call attacking Shelby Rognstad, candidate for mayor of Sandpoint.

This call is a new low in bottom feeding. It deals in fear, hatred, ignorance and prejudice. It scapegoats low-income people and African-Americans. Besides being racist, it is homophobic and denigrates women.

I encourage this newspaper to continue its investigation into finding out who is behind these calls.

I also hope that other leaders and citizens in our community speak out to condemn the vile nature of this kind of message. Our

European Union. The Economist magazine has recently commended Denmark as the least corrupt and most business friendly country in the world.

In 1966 only 8 percent of Danish students went on to university. Inspired by the non-elitist American models, 50 percent of Danes are now enrolled in post-secondary education. There is no tuition and those who keep their grades up receive a $900 monthly stipend.

The European welfare states and others like them around the world represent what some have called the “Third Way.” It is a political philosophy that tries to build a middle way between free market capitalism on the one hand and socialism on the other.

The Buddha, Confucius, and Aristotle have taught us that the virtues are found in a mean between extremes, and every socioeconomic indicator demonstrates that this is also the key for building harmonious and prosperous human communities.

Nick Gier of Moscow taught philosophy at the University of Idaho for 31 years. Read or listen to his columns at www.NickGier.com.

candidates for office do not need this, nor does Sandpoint.

Philip A. Deutchman Sandpoint

Dear Editor,

I’d like to take the time to say and give thanks to the wonderful weekly paper that our community and the area can relish, read and learn from.

I want to give thanks and praise to all those at the paper who give us and keep giving us here in Sandpoint an amazing, thoughtful, and inspiring piece of work and that their efforts are applauded.

Thanks to Ben and Cameron and all the fine contributors who make us laugh, cry, question and think. And what would we do without you?

Thanks,

Steve Berenson Sandpoint

PERSPECTIVES

Sorry that I missed a week. I was in the middle of a three week wedding bender that sandwiched in my least favorite day of the year: my birthday. This birthday business is not something that I care to mention, because each year I creep closer to 40 years old I become more irrationally angry about birthdays. I used to think it was weird that my Grandma only had a birthday about every 3 years, and when she did have it, she spent the day crying. I understood when I started crying on every birthday I have had since the age of 33, which in Grandma birthday years is only two birthdays ago.

Sure, I could feed myself a healthy dose of bullshit about aging gracefully, and gaining wisdom, and 40 is the new 30. It seems to work for some. As for me, I don’t buy it.

Fuck getting old.

Yes. I used the F word. It’s the word that most accurately describes how I feel. Realistically, you shouldn’t read this column if you can’t handle profanity. It is

Robo call no good...

Dear Editor, I just received the “Sandpoint United Against Shelby” robo call and I am suspended between shock, disgust, and laughter. It is racist, sexist, and so juvenile I wouldn’t even expect that behavior if he was running for sixth-grade class president. But as I digest what was said, what is remaining is fear: fear that someone like that exists.

Betsy C. Sandpoint

I am back

one of the skills that I have mastered in my increasingly long life, and I read somewhere that when you are gifted at something you should share it with the world.

You are welcome.

It’s no wonder that people go nuts and throw lavish parties for their children on their birthdays, it goes a long with all the traditional holiday lies we tell them. Santa, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy: Deep down kids know that these entities are nothing more than an orchestrated ruse to make them behave. However; when it comes to birthdays, the lie isn’t revealed until sometime in your 20s, when it becomes a reminder that you were supposed to accomplish something by this point in your life. Yet here you are, eating ramen and waiting tables despite having a college degree. Or maybe you are married with a couple of kids, and your significant other buys you a vacuum. Either way, no one’s wearing Hello Kitty hats and encouraging you to eat your weight in cake.

Let’s not forget that the older you get, the more of a joke it is. When you are young, you get

Candidate fires back...

Dear Editor, An opponent of my campaign has been robo-calling residents with a hateful attack. I believe Sandpoint voters are too smart to respond to fear tactics! Mr. Dunkel has assured me that he has nothing to do with the call and I have no reason to doubt him. It appears to be sponsored by a dark money group. This is not an attack on me. It is an attack on honest elections and our community values. We should not let this distract us from real issues, like job creation and expanding higher education. We should focus on how we can keep making our community a better place to live.

I spent the weekend volunteering with an amazing crew, building out a section of the new Watershed Crest Trail. This is what

birthday cards with cool shit like unicorns and Smurfs on them. By the time you are in your late 20s, people start sending you cards with saggy-boob old lady cartoons on them. If you’re lucky, you might receive a funny dog card. To add insult to injury, this year I received a card referencing my age and pointing out that I now meet the age requirement to be a cougar.

No, not the Washington State Cougars. A cougar defined by Urban Dictionary as “an older woman, typically mid-30s to mid-40s who has abandoned typical rules of romantic engagement and taken as her mission the seduction of as many game young men as she can possibly handle.”

Basically I received a birthday card that said, “Happy Birthday, you old slut”.

Age-wise, I guess I am in the cougar zone. And to be fair, the person I date is a man, and he is a few (not many) years younger than I am. Since I’m not interested in any seduction missions, I’m not sure if that revokes my cougar status or not. Can you be a cougar if you have just one boyfriend? I have

Sandpoint truly is: people working together to create a beautiful home for all of us. That’s what my campaign is about. It’s about you. It’s about helping every resident make this town as vibrant and wonderful as it always has been.

I have served in Sandpoint city government for a total of eight years, starting on the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee and working my way up to City Council President. I’m proud of what we have accomplished and we have so much more to do.

As Mayor, I will continue to encourage diversified economic growth that encourages living wage jobs. Our efforts have helped retain companies like Kochava, Quest, Lead-Lok and Tamarack as well as North Idaho College. I’m also committed to completing my effort to bring ultra fast Internet to Sandpoint, a priority for attracting

month, it is that cougars are definitely the catch-and-release type of harvester. They are not really looking for a commitment. Most of the time they weren’t even interested in conversation with their male suitors. From what I have seen, a cougar feeds on the attention, not the actual meat and bones of her male quarry

never been much for the fine print. I am not sure that I am really cut out for cougarhood. From what I have seen, there are a lot things that go into being a proper cougar, such as owning multiple pairs of yoga pants with matching skin tight hoodies, boob jobs and a radical exercise habit like running or yoga that requires constant posting about it on Facebook. I lack that kind of dedication. However; if I am going to be lumped into their ranks because of my age, and my somewhat vast collection of yoga pants, I should at least see what all the fuss is about.

The fact that I had several weddings to attend this month created the perfect opportunity to watch cougars flourish. Weddings are like wildlife preserves for cougars: free liquor, an atmosphere dedicated to romance and a unique visitor-to-local ratio that creates rare hunting opportunities. You see, Sandpoint’s average cougar is ravenous from competition for male attention at our heavily overpopulated hunting grounds, namely the gym and the 219.

If I learned one thing from my 12-plus hours of observation this

more businesses and workers. I will also continue to expand our higher education programs. Higher education is the most important investment we can make for our economy and youth. I will work with NIC, civic leaders and leading employers in the community to find funding to develop advanced education that leads to good employment.

The work I enjoy the most is finding ways to protect and conserve our natural environment.

The mountains, forests and lake are what have drawn people here for centuries. They are essential to both our tourist and forest economy. I will continue to support efforts like the herbicide free program for managing aquatic invasive species in Lake Pend Oreille and the Parks Best Management plan to reduce the use of pesticides in Sandpoint. I will com-

This is why young men seem to be entranced by the cougar. She doesn’t give a shit if he texts her or not—it’s all about the here and now. A cougar will give a 23-year-old man the time of his life on the dance floor and then leave him there, refusing to dance with him the rest of the night. The trap has been set.

Another casual observation: All cougars are dangerous, but the most dangerous are the married cougars typically inviting male attention to piss off their husbands. As far as I know this is some part of a weird foreplay ritual. What happened to a few shots of tequila and an R. Kelly CD?

I guess I am old. This cougar thing at the very least is equally as entertaining as informative. I’m thinking about making a documentary about it. I’ll call it “The Mating Rituals of The North Idaho Cougar.” Is it a “mating” ritual when most of them are too old to be getting pregnant?

There are so many possibilities.

‘Til next time, Sandpoint, Scarlette Quille

plete the Watershed Crest Trail and create further protections for our watershed.

My opposition did get one point right in the robo-call. I did support the development of affordable housing in Sandpoint and I’m proud of it. As we grow the economy, we need to make sure it grows for everyone and that Sandpoint remains affordable for all of the residents who keep this town going.

Most importantly, I want to hear from you. I want to engage all citizens in the political process. I want the room filled at City Council meetings. My door is open. You can also post questions and comments directly to my Facebook page: facebook.com/ electshelby

Shelby Rognstad Sandpoint

Robo call against mayoral candidate causes unrest

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff

Phones across Sandpoint started ringing Tuesday, delivering a recorded message attacking mayoral candidate Shelby Rognstad that many are calling racist, sexist and juvenile.

Both candidates Rognstad and Mose Dunkel are condemning the robocall, paid for by a group calling itself “Sandpoint United Against Shelby.” To date, no one has determined who is responsible for the recording.

The call targets Rognstad’s support of affordable housing during his time as a member of the Sandpoint Planning Commission and then the City Council. It uses Ferguson, Mo., as an example, saying affordable housing turned it from a bed-

room community to a “violent jungle”—a phrase often used in racist rhetoric and literature— full of “primitive destroyers.”

“He changed our zoning plan to allow high-density, low-income housing proven to ruin towns by drawing in undesirable elements from the outside that turns towns into crime-ridden trash heaps,” the male voice in the call states.

The male speaker attacks Rognstad as a “feminized male” and repeats his name several times in a high-pitched whine. He then claims Rognstand wants to replace the sound of Sandpoint—currently country music, apparently—with rap and hip hop.

After catching wind of the robocall, Dunkel used his Facebook campaign page to distance

Harvel arrested

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff

Less than a week after a warrant was issued for her arrest, former Bonner General Health CFO Norilina Harvel turned herself in to local authorities Tuesday for her alleged embezzlement of $220,000 from Bonner General Health.

An employee of Bonner General Health for 15 years and its chief financial officer for 10 years, Harvel allegedly used a phony bank account set up in the hospital’s name to embezzle thousands of dollars through unauthorized credit card transactions. Another large chunk of money was masked through the hospital’s purchase of sterilizing equipment. According to hospital officials, Harvel called the equipment manufacturer, saying the hospital couldn’t afford the up-front expense and asking that the check be returned. She then orchestrated the sale of the equipment to a leasing company, which billed the hospital regularly for its use.

The Bonner County Prose-

himself from it. He said he had nothing to do with it and was sad someone unknown to him would shade his campaign with that kind of hate and venom.

“It’s almost unbelievable that a city election our size could be a catalyst for something like this,” Dunkel said. “I’m absolutely against negative campaigning on any level.”

“To whoever is behind this, I hope you know that I would appreciate better ideas with your efforts like talking about restoring open city government and looking out for people struggling to pay utility bills,” he added.

As for Rognstad, he doesn’t take the robocall seriously, but he says it reflects very poorly on the type of people who oppose him.

cutor’s Office issued a warrant for her arrest last Wednesday.

According to Bonner County Sheriff Daryl Wheeler, Harvel bonded herself out of jail almost immediately after her arrest. She entered the jail accompanied by a bail bonds service worker, paid her $50,000 bail and walked back out again.

“She was out as quick as she was in,” Wheeler said.

According to BGH board chair Ford Elsaesser, the hospital intends to press full charges based on the abuse of public trust and the extent of the theft against a nonprofit institution.

“Sandpoint voters are too smart to respond to fear tactics,” he said. “This attack sets a new low for Sandpoint politics.”

“We need to focus on the important issues impacting our town, like job creation, expanding higher education and continuing to improve the quality of life in Sandpoint,” he added.

No one has claimed responsibility for the so-called group behind the call, Sandpoint United Against Shelby. A phone number associated with the message only delivered multiple unanswered rings across multiple calls. And both the Bonner County Elections Department and the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office had no record of the group, saying city election advertisements are under the city’s purview.

However, city officials say they also have no information filed, either. Sandpoint City Attorney Scot Campbell said the legality of the robocall is suspect. If it were a Facebook post or some other private communication, the message would fall under first amendment rights. However, as the call identifies itself as the work of a specific group that likely had to spend money on it, members would have to file expenses as political expenses. The matter is now under investigation by the police department, Campbell said. “If you’re doing [campaign expenses] behind the scenes, you have to have a PAC,” he added. “You have to file that with the city.”

Idaho Forest Group supports Friends of Scotchman Peaks

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff

Call them strange bedfellows if you want, but wilderness preservation nonprofit Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness and timber industry member Idaho Forest Group are ready to seek common cause together.

Monday marked a new course for both organizations with Idaho Forest Group announcing its support of establishing the Scotchman Peaks as wilderness.

Although they represent organizations that have historically been at cross purposes, Friends Director Phil Hough and IFG Vice President of Government Affairs and Strategic Outreach Bob Boeh believe they can accomplish more by cooperating than feuding.

“We may have fought a lot, but neither side was getting what it wanted,” Boeh said.

According to Boeh, the process of obtaining Idaho Forest Group’s support for the potential wilderness designation was a gradual one. It helped that the conservation organization took pains to secure formal support from a huge swath of community members, politicians, media outlets, businesses and other nonprofits. Particularly convinc-

ing was the support of the Bonner County Commissioners in March.

“I think this is a great blueprint for how these wilderness designations should be done,” Boeh said.

Idaho Forest Group is also willing to offer support in the clear knowledge it won’t impact their business interests. Boeh said the Scotchman Peaks isn’t a tremendously useful region for them due to the unforgiving geography, and it’s clear the wilderness designation won’t impact the overall timber base.

For the Friends of Scotchman Peaks, the support is yet another feather in the cap that will hope-

fully push Idaho congressmen to introduce legislation in the coming year.

“In many ways, this [support] is an extension of what we’ve been doing already,” Hough said.

As for Idaho Forest Group, its officials are happy to add their voices into an effort that has broad regional support.

“The Scotchmans are cherished by local residents and serve as a tourist draw,” wrote Marc Brinkmeyer, chairman-owner of Idaho Forest Group, to Idaho congressmen. “Recent endorsements … reflect a growing community consensus that the time is right to designate Scotchman Peaks as a wilderness.”

FEATURE

poverty in north idaho

The nature of need’s past, present and future

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff

Editor’s note: This article is the first in a multi-part series exploring the problem of poverty in Bonner County.

Poverty in Sandpoint has long been regarded as an invisible problem.

It’s a reality that makes life difficult for those who work closely with the region’s most vulnerable residents. After all, locals who experience homelessness aren’t usually sleeping on the streets—they’re facing eviction from their residences. The hungry aren’t begging for food—they’re stretching dollars at the grocery store or going to school Monday morning on an empty stomach.

While poverty is an inescapable part of any society, statistics show that it is especially prevalent in Bonner County. Economist Alivia Metts said the percentage of people living below the federal poverty threshold in Bonner County usually hovers around 15 percent, although in circumstances like the Great Recession, it has climbed as high as 17.6 percent. The most recent figures, recorded in 2013, place residents below the poverty line at 17 percent.

When President Lyndon B. Johnson declared a war on poverty as a part of his Great Society initiatives in 1964, it brought new clarity to an issue that previously existed in murkier terms. That was certainly true in Bonner County, where historically, people approached material need in much different ways. One of the earliest examples is the Bonner County Poor Farm, which operated from the early 1900s to the middle of the century. Those who sought refuge in the Poor Farm—often older, single men without

the safety net of a family to fall back on—received meals in exchange for chores around the property. Since the establishment raised its own meat and dairy, it was a largely self-sufficient operation.

According to the staff of the Bonner County History Museum, modern standards of living and federal welfare programs in the early 1960s helped bring about increased awareness of class distinctions. Prior to that, longtime residents and museum volunteers report that Bonner County lifestyles were a common rural experience often lacking in material wealth.

“[Our volunteers] grew up with only one pair of shoes, and they ate pretty much the same thing every night,” museum staff members Olivia Morlen, Heather Upton and Cameron Murray wrote. “Homes still lacked indoor plumbing, but they were warm and had food every day, so they never felt poor.”

As Bonner County moved into the latter half of the 20th century, modern perceptions began to reshape the issue. According to Metts, the region developed as a resource-based economy, with timber in particular providing a solid standard of living without the need for advanced education.

Around the same time, however, Sandpoint earned a reputation as an excellent tourist destination and retirement community. According to Idaho Department of Labor North Idaho Economist Sam Wolkenhauer, the economy responded with the types of jobs tourists and retirees require from such a community: namely, service industry jobs.

“Retail is a huge part of the Bonner County economy, and it tends to not pay very well,” said Metts.

According to IDL data, the

highest category of employment in Bonner County is retail work, which represents 17 percent of employed residents. Next comes health care at 13 percent and then accommodation- and food-related jobs at 11 percent. The problem is that with the exception of some health care jobs, these are all relatively low-paying positions.

“Income is low in Bonner County, but that’s because a large percentage of the population work these low-paying jobs,” said Wolkenhauer.

Even more revealing are the types of income within Bonner County. According to Wolkenhauer, 23 percent of Bonner County income comes from retirement benefits like Social Security, while another 30 percent comes from investment returns and pensions. Together, a full 53 percent of regional income comes from sources associated with retirement and not work wages or salaries—a figure that sits at 35 percent nationwide.

This transition has helped inflate the local housing market to abnormal levels for a town of Sandpoint’s size, Wolkenhauer said. For low-income families,

the cost of renting a home or apartment slowly crawled upward over the years, while home ownership became increasingly unobtainable.

“Even for people who can manage monthly rent, moving into a new place can cost $2,000 or $3,000 alone,” said Alice Wallace, director of the Bonner Community Food Center. “A lot of people can’t manage that.”

What’s more, the housing market crash of 2008 made a bad situation even worse.

“It reinforced the impression that Sandpoint is a luxury place to live,” Wolkenhauer said.

The high cost of housing places strain on other areas of a working class family’s budget, particularly food. Wallace said the food bank serves an average of 100 clients a day. Meanwhile, the organization’s backpack program packs a weekend’s worth of meals for 370 local kids who often have nothing to eat when they can’t get school-supplied meals. For Metts, the level of poverty among local youth reveals a disturbing trend.

“I think the bigger story is the poverty rates amongst

children,” said Metts. “As of 2013—the latest data available—the poverty rate for children under 18 was 25.9 percent, compared to 19.2 percent statewide. This is what sets Bonner County apart from the state.”

As economic development experts look to improve life for residents of all classes, they face the problem of a local workforce that isn’t well suited for modern middle-class jobs. According to Wolkenhauer, Sandpoint natives who obtain college degrees or professional skills have to move outside of town for work. Meanwhile, companies eyeing Sandpoint as a potential business location can’t find a sufficiently skilled workforce to fill out their payroll.

“It becomes a sort of thechicken-and-the-egg type problem,” Wolkenhauer said.

Fortunately, there are plenty of positive signs on the horizon. In the next part of this series, we’ll examine organizations that ease poverty in North Idaho and initiatives that address the root causes of cyclical poverty.

Bouquets:

•From time to time, we’ll receive a phone call giving us a tip, a rumor, a story or simply an idea. I would like to thank all of these citizen journalists who help us stay informed and up to date with what is going on out there. We are always happy to talk with you, our readers, and couldn’t do our job without your assistance. Thanks for including us, and feel free to call or stop by our office at anytime if you’ve got something to pitch our way.

•A bouquet also goes out this week to all bars, restaurants and businesses who support local musicians by hiring them to play at their businesses. It’s tough work making a living as a small town musician. Without these venues, there would probably be a few more starving people here in Sandpoint with their guitars lying in pawn shops across the county.

Barbs:

•Whoever is responsible for the robo call that has made the rounds this week attacking Sandpoint mayoral candidate Shelby Rognstad, I have a big, ugly Barb for them to pick up in the office. The entire message from start to finish was childish, pandering, fear-mongering and not to mention filled with racist overtones. I feel bad for people who think this way. I also feel bad for both of the candidates; for Shelby because he has to endure this hateful, childish message, and for Mose because he has claimed no responsibility for the message and will undoubtedly be hurt by it. Both candidates have led a polite, respectful race and this doesn’t help anybody. I hope we can all move past this ugly moment in our otherwise respectful race.

Got a bouquet or barb you’d like to offer? Write me at ben@ sandpointreader.com with “BB” in the subject line.

8 / R / October 8, 2015

The national scenic trail you’ve never heard of

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

You’ve heard of the Pacific Crest Trail and the Appalachian Trail, right? Wouldn’t it be great if we had our own long distance trail here in the Northwest? Wait a minute, we do! It’s called the Pacific Northwest Trail (PNT).

First proposed in 1970, the PNT was envisioned by a mountaineer named Ron Strickland, who thought we should have our own national scenic trail here in the Northwest. Strickland’s vision was for the trail to hit the highest points along the northwestern part of the country. It begins at the crown of the continent in Glacier National Park and follows the watershed all the way west to the coast.

“National historic and scenic trails are the top tier,” said Stephanie Campbell, regional coordinator for the PNT concerning the Idaho and Montana legs. “They’re the best of the best for our nation’s cultural historic scenic qualities.”

There are only 11 national scenic trails in the country, including the Pacific Crest and Appalachian Trails. Though the PNT was passed in an omnibus land act in 2009, it has floated largely underneath the surface due to routing issues.

According to Mark McGrath, PNT program manager, a “bird’s eye” route of the trail that was approved by congress will need to be tweaked and rerouted in places to avoid hang-ups.

“Northern Idaho has some of the more challenging planning

questions to deal with,” said McGrath. “There are no trails going right over the Selkirks. It’s a four mile bushwhack.”

Currently, the PNT ends at Pyramid and Ball Lake. After bushwhacking over the west side of the ridge and down into Lion Creek, the trail picks up again and leads into Priest Lake State Park.

“The problem is that’s really sensitive grizzly habitat,” said McGrath. “We haven’t publicized the trail in North Idaho because of that habitat … we don’t want people to get hooked on the PNT and then change it.”

McGrath said 40-50 people have through hiked from one end of the trail to the other last year, but over 100,000 have used portions of the trail.

One benefit of a national scenic trail passing through town is a boost to local economies, said Campbell.

“The communities are in-

vigorated with more money and eco tourism,” said Campbell. “If someone wants to do a day hike, they might go to a brewery after, or a bookstore, or stay at a hotel in Bonners Ferry. We’re seeing the benefit of an economic boon it can bring to small communities. Even a few more visitors a year can be big for these small communities.”

Next week will see a few events in Sandpoint discussing the future of the PNT, including an informational meeting with Idaho Conservation League’s After Hours event on Monday, Oct. 12 at Ivano’s Ristorante.

The event is free and doors will open at 5 p.m., with presentations beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The public is also invited to meetings on Oct. 14 and 15 at the Best Western Edgewater in Sandpoint. The meetings begin at 8 a.m. both days, with a public statement period occurring tak-

ing place at 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 14.

“It’s an opportunity for people to have a voice in their trail,” said Campbell. “How it’s going to look, what their involvement will be. We’re working together for this land that is all of ours.”

According to McGrath, the meetings kick off a multi-year planning process that will establish an exact route based on the approved congressional route. There will also be a presentation that describes the many virtues

“We’ll have another meeting in five or six months from now, and at that point, we’ll be looking for rerouting possibilities,” said McGrath.

For more information about the PNT, there are a few websites available. Login to fs.usda.gov/pnt or pnt.org for maps, routes, and updates to the next big trail in the northwest.

Fall into the outdoors

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

Fall is a special time of year for locals. It feels like we get our town back from the summer hordes and there is still a little meat left on the bone. With a stretch of cool, sunny days still ahead of us, here are a handful of fun fall activities that will get you outside before the snow flies.

Mountain Biking

There are a plethora of trail options for mountain biking in North Idaho. One great spot I just tried out last week was Round Lake State Park on Dufort Road. I grew up hiking around this postage stamp lake (and up to Heart Attack Hike before the trail closed), but I failed to realize, until recently, the trail was also a great location for mountain biking.

There are two main trail systems around the lake: the Trapper’s Trail, which hugs the lake and the Stewardship Trail, which forays a bit further away from the water. I think mountain bikers should stick to the longer trail.

The first part of the Stewardship Trail is a wide Jeep track that travels into the woods. It’s an easy ride with a great view of the fall colors and quiet hillsides. A number of spurs can jog you back onto Trapper’s Trail, though I recommend steering clear of the section of this inner trail on the far side of the lake which is nearly impassible to bikes because of the thick roots everywhere.

Overall, Round Lake’s trails are suited for the novice mountain biker, with ample opportunity to get lost back there if you don’t care where you’re going. Unless you bought the State Parks sticker with your vehicle registration, it’ll cost you $5 to get into Round Lake.

Mountain Laking

This is the perfect time to check out those mountain lakes that you avoided during the summer tourist rush. Harrison Lake at the end of Pack River Road is a great example of a fun, easy hike to a gorgeous spot that quiets down in the off season. Just over 2 miles one way, the trail climbs about 1,500 feet and deposits you at a crystal clear lake which denotes the beginning of the Pack River.

Also, Roman Nose Lakes are the most fun during the fall season when it’s just you and the outdoors. With three different lakes to view and off-trail scrambling opportunities everywhere, there’s a little something for everyone at Roman

Nose. The views of the Selkirk Crest from the top of Roman Nose Peak are second to none.

Fall color watching

Okay, I get it; maybe you don’t want to strain yourself. How about a lazy fall color drive? One great option is to drive Highway 2 to Priest River, then travel across the bridge and back along Dufort Road. It’s a quiet road with low traffic and great colors. The Kootenai Wildlife Refuge outside of Bonners Ferry is another great spot to check out, too.

Further south, there are great fall colors along the 89-mile St. Joe River Scenic Byway. To get there, head to St. Maries and take the Forest Hwy 50 (FS 50) east along the St. Joe River. It will spit you out at the Montana border, and you can either return the way you came, or head back on Interstate 90 through Wallace.

One more option is to do the Bull River loop. Take Highway 95 north to Bonners, then Highway 2 east past the Yaak River Road, then head south on the Bull River Highway 56. You’ll pass Bull Lake and follow along the Bull River, passing old growth cedars at Ross Creek, and eventually meeting up with Highway 200, which you’ll take west back to Sandpoint.

Disc golf

There’s something refreshing about the sound of a disc hitting the chain link baskets on a crisp fall day. Disc golf is the perfect autumn sport, with many diehards playing rounds all the way up until the snow flies. If you haven’t checked out the new disc golf course on Baldy Mountain Road, do yourself a favor and get over there already. To get there, just take the second left after the railroad tracks and look for the “Baldy Park” sign.

The Baldfoot course features 18 tree-

lined holes, cement tee boxes on most of the holes, and varied terrain designed to test your aiming skills. The first couple of holes will give you an idea of what to expect, which is fun spiked with difficulty. The fee is only a buck, which goes right back into the course.

“This place is amazing,” said Damien Gooding, who was playing a round with his dog Lily. “I get off work and golf for an hour with my friends and not travel far. It’s a great addition to our community.”

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Registration Drive

All night @ Eichardt’s Pub

Register to vote, also candidate Shelby Rognstad will be on hand to answer questions.

U-Pick Pumpkin Patch

@ Hickey Farms

Thursday Night Football Party

5pm @ Laughing Dog Brewery

Rock 103 Thursday Night Football Party hosted Featuring the Indianapolis Colts at the Houston

U.S. Bicycle Route #10 Ribbon Cutting 2pm @ Farmin Park

Hickey Farms hosts its third year of festive family fun with a pumpkin patch, games, local artisan products and more!

Live Music w/ “us 2” 5pm - 7pm @ Idaho Pour Authority

Live Music w/ Chris Lynch

6pm - 9pm @ Arlo’s Ristorante

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

Harvest Fest at Sandpoint Farmers Market

9am - 3pm @ Farmin Park

The scenic USBR 10 traverses 66 miles before continuing on into the states of Come celebrate its opening at the Ribbon

“Good Good Day” play

This is it! The last Market of 2015. Come on out during the expanded hours and enjoy a pumpkin decorating contest, live music, great local produce and more!

U-Pick Pumpkin Patch @ Hickey Farms

Hickey Farms hosts its third year of festive family fun with a pumpkin patch, games, local artisan products and more!

Rain or Shine Cornhole Tournament 1pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall

Inside or outside tourney, all registration fees go into the prize pot. Come out and see who will be crowned king of the Cornhole!

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

Monday Night Football Parties: Sweet Lou’s & MickDuff’s Beer Hall

Trivia Night

7pm - 9pm @ MickDuff’s

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

Bingo Night

6:30pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall

Charley Packard & Friends

7:30pm @ Eichardt’s Pub

Come on down and see the one, the only, Charley Packard. He’s back, baby!

Dollar Beers!

8pm @ Eichardt’s Pub

Good until the keg’s dry

Homeschool Library Program

9:30am @ Sandpoint Library

For more information, contact Suzanne 263-6930 ext.1211

7pm @ Pearl Theater (Bonners) Paul Rawlings and Tom Sturdevant musical talents of Drew, John, and Tom ing and moving production featuring of more than a dozen thespians. $10

Live Music w/ Ron Criscoine

5pm - 8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery

An ecletic mix from the ‘60s to present BareGrass CD release party 7pm @ Eichardt’s Pub Free show! Bluegrass / Americana

Live Music w/ Frank Moore 5pm - 7pm @ Idaho Pour Authority

Ridge Winery Wine Dinner 6pm @ The Bistro Rouge

The Bistro Rouge will be pairing delicious food with Ridge Winery wines

Super Smash Brothers Tournament 1pm - 4pm @ Monarch Mountain

Life Choices Fall Fundraiser: “The Drop Box.” 2pm @ Panida Theater

This film tells the story of South Korean pastor Lee Jong-rak and his heroic efforts to embrace and protect abandoned children

Karaoke Night 9pm - Midnight @ 219 Lounge

8th Annual 10am Local son Barrows ate En rendition Open begin and FSPW. of the a check Idaho

Reggae Night at the Niner 9pm - 12am @ 219 Lounge Featuring DJ Josh Adams

Jazz ‘n’ Java

6pm - 8pm @ Monarch Mountain Coffee

All players welcome! Sit in with a rhythm section, play solo ... or just come to listen!

Thursday Night Football Party

5pm @ Laughing Dog Brewery

Rock 103 Thursday Night Football Party hosted by Featuring the Atlanta Falcons at the New Orleans Saints

3D Printer Workshop for Adults

5:30pm @ Sandpoint Library Call 263-6930 ext. 1204 for more information

ful

October 8 - 15, 2015

A weekly entertainment guide to keep you on your toes. To list your event free, please send an email to calendar@sandpointreader.com.

The Conversation — 6pm - 8pm @ Ivano’s Ristorante

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Reader recommended

Featuring filmmakers Aric Spence, who founded Sandpoint Filmmakers Network and Rob Lindner, a theater-trained, experienced actor. All artists from the Sandpoint area are invited to this free event to network

“How to Listen so your Teens will Speak, and Speak so they will Listen”

66 miles across the Idaho Panhandle states of Washington and Montana. the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony!

(Bonners)

Sturdevant collaboration, with John, and Tom in an entertainproduction featuring an all local cast thespians. $10 adv, $12 at door

Criscoine Winery to present

pairing delicious wines

South his protect

Party hosted by Tracy Bell. Houston Texans hosted by Tracy Bell.

6pm @ Forrest M. Bird Charter High School

A talk given by Family Therapist Jill Kahn. The public is invited to attend.

Free Coffee Cuppings

Noon @ Evans Brothers Coffee

Taste the coffee rainbow free. Please RSVP @ 304-5665

Live Music w/ Josh Hedlund

7pm - 9pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall

Come on down to hear one of Sandpoint’s greatest songwriters do his thing

Live Music w/ Chris Lynch

6pm - 9pm @ Arlo’s Ristorante

“Waiting for Godot” play

7pm @ Heartwood Center

Unknown Locals presents a production of Samuel Beckett’s classic

Live Music w/ Dave Hannon

5pm - 8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery

SHS Model U.N. International Evening

6pm - 9pm @ Ponderay Events Center

8th Annual SHS Model United Nations International Evening with appetizers, dinner, and desserts of international cuisine prepared by Sandpoint High School M.U.N. students and Tango Cafe

8th Annual Plein Air Paintout

10am @ Outskirts Gallery (Hope)

Local artists Greg Caudell, Aaron Johnson, and Alison Barrows Young, will give lessons on how to create En Plein Air style paintings, which feature a rapid rendition of an object or landscape before the artist. Open to all skill levels. A show and sale of art will begin at 7 p.m., with proceeds benefitting the artists and FSPW. Fee is $25 in advance, or $30 on the day of the workshops and show. To register, please send a check to The Outskirts Gallery, P.O. Box 1, Hope, Idaho 83836

Josh Adams

“Waiting for Godot” play

7pm @ Heartwood Center

Unknown Locals presents a production of Samuel Beckett’s existential classic. There will be a food drive for the Panhandle Animal Shelter every night of the show. $12 general admission, $10 seniors/students. 208-610-8005

“Good Good Day” play 7pm @ Pearl Theater (Bonners)

Paul Rawlings and Tom Sturdevant collaboration, with musical talents of Drew, John, and Tom in an entertaining and moving production featuring an all local cast of more than a dozen thespians. $10 adv, $12 at door

Exploring Mid-Life Callings & Transitions

12pm - 2pm @ Sandpoint Library

What is the dream you have yet to live out in the world? Come to this free introductory circle by Carol Wilburn at the Spt. Library!

AHWF Sip and Shop Fundraiser

4pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery

To benefit the American Heritage Wildlife Foundation Wake the Sun Concert

7pm @ The Pearl Theater (Bonners)

An undeniable pure rock band with a blues influence section,

Orleans Saints

UPCOMING EVENTS

Oct. 16 - Barbara Jean and Jack Klatt Concert @ Di Luna’s

Oct. 17 - Angels over Sandpoint presents “Sandpoint Style’

Oct. 22 - MickDuff’s Beer Release Party and LPOW Annual Meeting

Monarch Open Mic

6pm - 9pm @ Monarch Mountain Coffee

Hosted by Scott Reid, come one come all!

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.

Everybody loves Loki. No joke. It’s his life and he makes everyone happy just being in it with him. He is a BIG BOY, handsome Maine Coon, and thinks he is a dog. He loves all animals, especially people. He saw I needed a boyfriend when I moved here from Dallas. He patiently courted me and in a few weeks officially adopted me as his owner. He never complained about the rough life he lived for years outside, not sure where his next meal was coming from. Now, he rules. Whatever he wants he gets. Life is better with Loki.

Dava Thomas Sandpoint

U.S. Bike Route #10 opens through the Panhandle

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

Two-wheeled warriors of America take heed, Idaho is about to join the movement.

U.S. Bicycle Route 10 (USBR 10) will officially open following a ribbon cutting Friday, Oct. 9 at 2 p.m. at Farmin Park in Sandpoint.

USBR 10 marks the first U.S. Bicycle Route established in Idaho and one of the newest additions to a national network of scenic bicycle routes that extends throughout eighteen states and totals nearly 9,000 miles.

“It’s a very cool thing to have a U.S. Bike Route coming right through Sandpoint,” said Rebecca Holland, chair for

Sandpoint Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee. “It’s good for our town.”

The National Bike Route system goes way back to the 1970s, when a group of bicycling advocates successfully established the first routes in the east; U.S. Bike Route 75 and 1, both passing through Virginia.

The web of routes has traveled a long way since the disco days, holding strong to the goal to connect the entire United States with a system of National Bike Routes.

USBR 10 is just one leg of the full east-west leg, dubbed the Northern Tier, which travels from Anacortes, Wash. to Bar

Harbor, Maine.

For Adventure Cycling Association, based in Montana, bikes are more than just transportation. They’re a way to connect people across a vast network of routes. The organization has spearheaded efforts to establish new routes across the U.S. and maintain those already in place.

“We’re the only organization that has dedicated staff time to the National Bike Route System,” said Saara Snow, Travel Initiative Coordinator for Adventure Cycling.

According to Snow, once the national corridor plan was established, it became a planning

guide to help states identify interstate connection.

“If you want to start in Maine, you can find out which routes will take you down to Florida,” said Snow.

The process for identifying and designating these routes gets lots in the bureaucracy, but essentially, when a new route is proposed, a matrix of partnerships and outreach helps to establish that the route is safe for bicyclists, as well as meets the approval of the municipality or county that may own the road it travels on.

A final step involves approval from the National Department of Transportation Secretary.

“In general, bike touring routes tend to favor quiet roads; generally rural back roads … and scenic routes,” said Snow. “Especially in the case of smaller communities, we’ve seen economic studies that these routes help with economic growth within that community.”

Because touring bicyclists travel slower than motorized tourists, they tend to spend more time, and therefore, more money as they travel through a given area.

Pedal-driven tourism has contributed over $377 million to Montana’s state tourism revenue, said Snow.

“The hope for designating U.S. Bicycle Routes is that as

the roads are officially recognized and signed, there will be more recognition that the roads are being used by bicyclists, therefore making them safer so that motorists will know to look out for cyclists on the road,” said Snow.

The U.S. Bicycle Routes are working to establish universal signage that is recognized across the country. Wherever you come across a green sign with a bicycle logo and the route number, you can safely assume you’re on the national route.

For more information about traveling the U.S. Bicycle Routes, including guides, maps and technical info, visit www. adventurecycling.org. The ribbon cutting will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Farmin Park in Sandpoint on Friday, Oct. 9.

Angels Over Sandpoint hosts ‘Sandpoint Style’ Fundraiser

By Reader Staff

Angels Over Sandpoint will hold their second Sandpoint Style, billed as “a fun night for the ladies,” on Oct. 17 from 6-10 p.m. at Sandpoint Events Center.

Last years’ event was so successful and so much fun, and this year there are even more surprises. To start with, there will be a fashion show by Pedro’s, Carousel Emporium, Santosha Imports and Eve’s Leaves. There will also be a no host bar, delicious dinner and desserts, shopping with local vendors, music and entertainment, silent and live auction (auction list on Facebook), paddle bids, raffles drawings throughout the evening with gifts from vendors

and much more.

Come dressed in your best Sandpoint Style. Tickets are $25 and are on sale at SandpointOnline.com (credit cards), Eve’s Leaves and Eichardt’s Pub (cash and check only).

If you wish to reserve a table for 10, buy your tickets, then call 255-7138 to get a table number. But don’t wait: They go fast, and last year they sold out.

Sponsors this year are Ivano’s, Dish, Trinity, 41 South, Yokes, Super 1, Litehouse and Tango Café. 100 percent of the proceeds go back to our community.

For more information go to www.angelsoversandpoint.org.

Where Trails Meet Real Life

By Don Otis Reader Columnist

We made our way to the Chimney Rock trailhead late last fall hoping to summit 7,181foot Silver Dollar Peak. Two miles up we left the well-maintained trail and headed into the forest. We endured a suffer-fest of wet alder and downed logs as we made our way up the ridge. Eventually the summit emerged as they often do with persistent effort.

Fall in the backcountry of North Idaho is an ideal time to hit the trails—any trails. Cool mornings give way to clear skies and moderate temperatures. That October day Ken and Kelly Emerson joined in the bushwhacking. And Kelly reached her first 7,000 footer since they moved from Vancouver, Wash. They came for many of the same reasons most of us did—to find peace, serenity, a new beginning, a better place to raise kids.

A fit and petite 44, Kelly says, “Hiking is my mental escape.” I wish I could quote statistics about couples who hike together being happier, healthier and enjoying a better sex life—I think that’s all true but

I can’t prove it. Here’s what I do know. When couples spend time doing things together they create a positive bond. It is like making a deposit in your relationship—building greater fondness while producing endorphins. This morphine-like substance is naturally produced in our body. It inhibits pain and produces a sense of euphoria. And who doesn’t want that?

A fitness trainer and group exercise leader, Kelly says “We find the more we work out together as a couple the closer it brings us in our relationship.”

Most of us are so busy with the tyranny of the urgent we forget to make these intentional choices that help sustain a healthy relationship. And for the Emerson’s hiking combines their love for the outdoors with their love for one another. That day last October was not one of the easier hikes but it was a new experience—something that Kelly says is vital to her own mental and physical well-being. “When I hike new terrain or see new territory it is good for my soul.”

In Gary Snyder’s “Practice of the Wild,” he writes, “To be truly free one must take on the basic conditions as they are— painful, impermanent, open, imperfect.” We had all that go-

ing for us when we stepped out on the granite blocks of Silver Dollar—wet, weary, inspired by the views. Our mountains bring us peace. Our trails offer us challenge. Our minds quiet. Our senses stir. Solitude beckons. The ridges call out. And we discover a world unspoiled, unexploited, pure, rugged, wild.

The fall in North Idaho’s

Selkirk and Cabinet Mountains is a magical mix of golden hues, quiet trails and endless opportunity for adventure. There are countless places to “get lost” for a day or two. These are the ultimate marriage retreat filled with wonder and awe that can only bond our hearts and enliven the spirit. As Kelly says, “Just being there, being out in

nature, being together ... it made a difference for us.”

For descriptions of nearby trails see www.HikeNorthIdaho.com or see www.scotchmanpeaks.org

Contact Kelly Emerson at kellyjemerson@gmail.com

STAGE & SCREEN

‘Waiting For Godot’ in review

By Kate McAlister Reader Contributor

I remember asking my son about his writing techniques and how could he sit and write, literally for days at a time until the poem, story or article he was writing was complete. His response: “My mind just won’t get out of my mind until I’m done. It is manic, but I need to get everything out or I might lose it.”

As I watched a full rehearsal of “Waiting for Godot” Tuesday night, I thought this could have been the way Samuel Beckett wrote. It seemed a manic brain dump of random thoughts and nonsensical speak but so cleverly woven into one and half hours of thought provoking entertainment.

The plot of the play follows two main characters, Vladimir (Didi) and Estragon (Gogo), and their waiting for someone, or something, named Godot.

Michael Bigley and Dan Simons brought Vladimir and Estragon to full expression and embodied their characters expectations and tedium. Even the clothing made them loveable and sad at the same time. The timing and the rhythm of the play carries the audience along, and while you are watching the performances you can’t help but think of all the underlying messages about the meaning of life and death and all of our human experiences.

This was the third time I have seen this play, once in the mid ‘70s for an English Lit class, in the ‘90s with a friend and now. Each time I had different thoughts about the play. In the ‘70s, I just didn’t care. In the ‘90s, I liked it and thought it inspired great conversation. But this time, it was powerful. Perhaps due to the many life experiences I have accumulated and survived, including parenthood. All I know is I saw and heard things I hadn’t in the previous performances, even though it is exactly the same verbiage.

Watching the actors bring these four characters to life was, for me, magic. I might be a bit biased since I know them all, but nonetheless, they were brilliant.

Robert Moore as Pozo was loud, obnoxious and brutal as he wielded power over his servant Lucky, played by Mike Clark. Moore took command of the stage the moment he came out. He even boasted, “Humans are the same as me, same as Pozo, made in God’s image”. It was astounding arrogance well played. Clark portrayed the broken, brow-beaten serf, embodying the stereotype of downtrodden humanity. Even though Clark had only one line, he delivered it impeccably - all 10 minutes of it. Yes, you read correctly. My ears were overwhelmed. It was stunning!

There is also a part called ‘A Boy’ played perfectly by Lucy Bigley. For me, this character was the answer to who I think Godot is. It seems like a minor part,

and previously I had no memory of it, but this seemingly small part speaks volumes. ‘A Boy’ shows up in both acts and says, “He won’t come today, but surely tomorrow.” He knows Godot.

So who exactly is Godot? I asked the director and cast their thoughts regarding Godot and I received six different answers.

Dorothy Prophet (director): “Godot is your true self. I don’t feel Godot is a separate entity. I feel it is your true self waiting to come out. If on any given day you don’t like who you are, you have a chance every day to become who you want to be. It is like the proverbial onion; on the top layer you think it is about God but as you really listen you start to peel away the layers and find out more things yet to discover.”

Mike Clark (Lucky): “I have lots of theories but I think Godot, personally, is a metaphor for God. They are waiting for him and he never shows up. As for the two boys, I think one is Jesus and one is Satan. They’re a little bit different and yet the same. Vladimir, Estragon, Pozo and Lucky are the metaphors for humankind and what we are like waiting for God to show up.”

Lucy Bigley (A Boy): “It depends on how you perceive the play. Is the play a metaphor for purgatory? It depends on the viewpoint. I really don’t have a definite answer.”

Dan Simons (Estragon): “Oh, I think Godot is more of a metaphor for just life in general, the working man’s plight. We’re always doing the same thing day in and day out, waiting for something more significant to be happening.”

Michael Bigley (Vladimir): “Who do I think Godot is? Becket was always being asked who Godot is and he had two sort of pat answers. One: ‘If I wanted him to be God I would have called him God.’ And two: ‘I don’t know any more about these guys than you do, I just wrote down what they told me.’

So to me what I love about Godot is that he’s undefined and that’s really what matters. To me the play is about the fact we all have to find things to structure our life around, but the thing is completely arbitrary. It doesn’t matter what Godot is, if they actually found out what Godot is, then they would have to structure their lives around something else. So life is essentially waiting, and what you do while you are waiting. Hopefully you amuse yourself and hopefully have someone else with you.”

Robert Moore (Pozo): “I’m not quite sure. I think there is some dialogue that could refer it to God, but it’s interpretive to whoever you want it to be. Because I think the audience is going to relate to who Godot is in their own life. We’re always

waiting for something.”

I encourage you to see this play and find the answer for yourself. As for me, I believe Godot is humanity in all its facets. It’s about change and how reluctant we are to do it. Remember A Boy? Didi and Gogo could have followed him back to Godot, twice, but they really didn’t want to change. It was safe where they were, exactly nowhere. This is what I think this time. Who knows what I will think if I see it again someday? Everyone sees things a little differently and from a new perspec-

tive in time. Isn’t life great?

Even the music is strategically fitting for the play. When you attend the performance see if you can tell how the music fits into the overall effect of the play, each song has a common aspect.

Come and enjoy this wonderful performance on its final weekend, Oct. 9 and 10 at the Heartwood Center. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:00 p.m. Brava!

The Straight Poop: The quest for dog-friendly businesses in North Idaho

By Drake the Dog Reader Columinst

Where am I taking my humans today? I was snoozing in my bed one fine Saturday morning, enjoying the warm sun on my face, when the Missus exclaimed, “I’m late, I’m late for a very important date!”

Why is she late? It’s not a workday. She doesn’t have a plane to catch or a business meeting to attend. It’s the weekend! At my house, Saturdays are lazy days. We usually stroll downtown, have coffee, go to the Saturday Market in Jeff Jones Square, meet friends, hike, take a bike ride or go to the beach and relax.

However, this morning the Missus’ frenzy stemmed from the fact her favorite watch stopped working. Her iPhone and Siri can tell her the time and everything else, but she’s never fully dressed without the watch. I quickly polished my collar, finished my taste of the wild breakfast and made dash for my favorite pet area.

We strolled to Sunshine Goldmine, home of the fine jewelers and goldsmiths Matt and Darian Kinney, their two cute kids, Anderson, 3, Birch, 1, Grammy Pammy and my buddy Joia (a really cool Siberian Hus-

ky). Joia was not on deck today. Instead the crew was puppy-sitting a cute Boston Terrier named Ernie. Sunshine Goldmine, 110 S. First Avenue, is located in downtown Sandpoint. The Kinneys purchased it one year ago from their dear friends and mentors Peter and Paula Mulbarger. This is a jeweler where you can take passed-down family pieces that do not suit you and have them transformed into beautifully unique pieces that you love to wear. Alchemy! I wonder what they can do with my red dog collar I’ve had since my shelter days (What a great idea for my holiday wish list).

This place reminds me of home (actually, it is a house!).

After a warm welcome, Matt takes a look at the watch with his special jeweler’s loop. Yes, a new battery is needed. While he is in the back room doing his jewelry magic, Darian offers to clean and check the stones in the Missus’ jewelry—complimentary for each customer.

As for me, I’m having so much fun playing with Anderson and Ernie. Grammy Pammy is helping other customers; while I am giving slobbery dog kisses of approval when customers try on the baubles, bangles and beads!

The folks at Sunshine Gold-

mine pride themselves in educating their customers. As we all settled in around the shop’s centerpiece, an authentic antique ore cart that was used to transport ore from the mines to the railroad, Darian opened her jewelry history storybook and began: “Once upon a time, a diamond was used to symbolize love and marriage. The very first known recipient of a diamond engagement ring, in 1477, was Mary of Burgundy, who accept ed the proposal of Maximilian of Austria. Back in the day, the ancients said that the Vein of Love connected the third finger of the left hand directly to the heart. Today, diamonds contin ue to represent perfection. They are used in marriage proposals, as reflection of what love should be: eternal and divinely roman tic. A kiss on the hand might be quite sentimental, but diamonds are a girls best friend!”

The watch was soon working thanks to Matt. The jewelry was cleaned, checked and the Mis sus was now fully accessorized. The Mister utters a sigh of re lief. As for me, my morning has been filled with play, a story

hour, meeting awesome folks, lots of pets and slobbery kisses. Note to self: Tell the all of my friends that Sunshine Goldmine is THE BARK! It’s a one-stop shop for the holidays or any day. I hope they gift wrap, because I’m all paws!

•Here’s the Straight Poop:

the welcome mat. Bring your “company best” manners, your inside voice and play quietly. Don’t leave nose art on the glass jewelry cases. There is a bench on the porch if you need a time out. And above all, do not, under any circumstances, lift your leg anywhere inside, especially on the antique ore cart. The Kinneys have awesome treats for good pooches (and customers!).

MUSIC

BareGrass releases debut album

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

There’s something liberating about a band that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

For Chris Park, John Edwards and Jared Johnston, who collectively are known as BareGrass, the music they create is second only to the fun they have while doing it.

BareGrass is the second generation of a band dubbed Edwards Park Band, which was based more in the rock genre, while BareGrass lands comfortably amidst the bluegrass and Americana.

“We’d burned out a little on Edwards Park Band,” said bass player Edwards. “We decided to take a little break. Jared and I had a really good chemistry and decided to go acoustic. Well, Chris couldn’t stay out of the fold and before long he was back there practicing with us and we had a trio.”

The three have been playing together for around five years. It features Edwards on the stand up bass, along with two guitars played by Park and Johnston. The two guitars weave back and forth between playing rhythm and lead and all three sing, sometimes creating three-part vocal harmonies.

BareGrass bases their oper-

ations behind Misty Mountain Furniture—owned by Chris Park and John Edwards—and have been focusing on this debut album for the better part of a year and a half. The songs were written by all three band members.

“We all three write songs, alone and together,” said Edwards. “Some tracks are old songs we did as Edwards Park Band and reworked them a little.”

“We learned a lot in the studio,” added Park. “We had a lot of fun doing it, though it took a little longer to record than we expected.”

Listening to the album, you can hear slight differences between songwriters. While Park and Edwards lean their style toward catchy, fun lyrics and riffs, Johnston’s contributions to the album have a slightly bluesier feel.

The album “Barrel Fire” marks the debut effort by BareGrass, and what an effort it turned out to be. Featuring no less than 17 tracks recorded over the course of a year and a half, “Barrel Fire” brings a lot to the table.

Featuring a plethora of instruments and added bonuses, such as railroad whistles, mouth percussion, beers opening and added commentary before, after and during tracks, “Barrel Fire” is fun

as hell to listen to. It’s the type of album you can listen to with a smile on your face.

“We like to keep it fun and upbeat,” said Park. “We like to sing about irreverent things. We’re not trying to send a message our there or pour our hearts onto the table. We just like stories and we like to have fun.”

The album was recorded by Mike Thompson at his Liquid Audio Studio in Priest River. Thompson is generally referred to by the BareGrass boys as the “honorary fourth member,” who fills in on the album with guitar, banjo and other effects.

“We’ve been buds for a long time,” said Edwards. “He played lead in Edwards Park Band and we jammed together a lot in the past.”

BareGrass will be releasing their album on Friday, Oct. 9 at Eichardt’s Pub starting around 8 p.m.

“Eichardt’s has always been our family,” said Edwards. “When we

were Edwards Park Band, we were the Halloween house band 13 years in a row.”

“We’ll be playing a variety of stuff from the CD and also some of our new stuff,” said Park. “Also, Mike Thompson will be joining us, along with a few other special guests.”

There is no cover charge for the show at Eichardt’s, and if you’d like to purchase a copy of “Barrel Fire” they will be on sale for $10 each.

“One hundred percent of the proceeds go toward us,” said Park.

Crossword Solution

This week’s RLW by Ben Olson

READ

With election season upon us, this week’s RLW features one of my favorite election books: “Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail, ‘72” by Hunter S. Thompson.

The good Dr. Thompson is about the strangest choice for anyone to cover the election that saw Tricky Dick into the White House. That’s why this book worked well.

Featuring delightfully weird illustrations by Ralph Steadman, this tome is a fun back alley view into politics, as told by a drug addled bastard whose blatant dislike of Nixon is almost legendary.

The Clash released “The Clash” in 1979 as a three-chord blueprint for pissed off kids everywhere.

While there are some other obvious choices for political themed albumed, “The Clash” walks the line between angst and intelligence, punk and revolution. The album features Joe Strummer’s snarling pissed off lyrics that took England by storm in the late 70s.

The Clash did well by playing to those who listened. Their themes of poverty, injustive, and life on the street resonated well with those who sought a reason to be angry.

LISTEN WATCH

Do politicians lie? No, they just spin.

In 1997’s dark comedy “Wag the Dog,” directed by Barry Levinson, we see just how the spin machine could work.

Starring Robert DeNiro and Dustin Hoffman, the film covers the wild fictional cover-up where a fake war is waged in Albania to draw attention away from the President of the United States being involved in a scx scandal.

With some great small roles by William H. Macy and Dennis Leary, “Wag the Dog” is a fun ride into the

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.

The northwest corner of Cedar St. and First Ave., looking west down Cedar St. This is believed to be the new sewer installation.

The same view today. Weekends and Co. currently occupies the corner building. In the background is the Farmin Building where Baxter’s Restaurant and the Sandpoint Reader are located.

CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1. Everglades bird

Beige

A heavy open wagon

Hack

“Comes and ____”

Double-reed woodwind

Miscellany

Anagram of “Snob”

Black Sea port

Wander aimlessly

Six-stringed instrument

Surpass

Greek letter

Stepped

Beginning

The largest flatfish

Pinna

Occurring together

Unsaturated alcohol

Improvised

Timidity

Reflected sound

Well-behaved

Boorish

Hens make them

Not those

Conceit

Old man

Fine or decorative

Utilized

Handy

Agitated

Electrical pioneer

Latin for “Peace”

Small portable bed

Grimy

As a result

Deliver a tirade

Hodgepodge

Demoralized

Spurt

Swamplike

Two-toed sloth

Algonquian Indian

Misplaced

If not

Inactive

A single-reed woodwind

Azotic

1. to move along heavily and clumsily

and Ben galumph by on the sidewalk, carrying stacks of Sandpoint Readers to distribute every week.”

Corrections: Apparently I don’t know jack about heavy machinery. In the last issue, I called a backhoe a bulldozer. I did it in the previous issue, also. Nothing is more embarrassing to a man than calling a piece of heavy machinery the wrong thing. Thanks to all the manly men who pointed out my mistakes. [BO]

One good thing about hell, at least, is you can probably pee wherever you want to.