Here is what’s happening in February

3 Titus Two Wives and Daughters Support Group. Titus Two Wives and Daughters Support Group meets on the first Friday of every month from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 262 Indian Meadows Dr. (from Pine turn left on Syringa Heights, then right on Indian Meadows to the log home). This is a support group for Christian women who want to fulfill their Titus 2:5 calling and learn more about being excellent homemakers. The series covers the Art of Homemaking and Setting Your House in Order. Learn the tried and tested principles of success in homemaking - the ones practiced by all good home managers - and then enjoy great fellowship with a lovely afternoon tea. Contact Mrs. Hollinger via e-mail at holling89@aol.com or phone 208-304-9392. For information, visit CountryVictorian.blogspot.com.

4 International Space Station Presentation by Astronaut John L. Phillips. The International Space Station orbits Earth at a typical altitude of 400 km, with an orbital period of 91 minutes. A viewer looking straight down from ISS can see a field of view corresponding to a medium-sized U.S. state. John L. Phillips, Ph.D. will give a free presentation at 1 p.m. in the Sandpoint Community Hall. Phillips will show images featuring the Earth-observation catalog of International Space Station Expedition 11 from 2005. Characteristic views of land, oceans, the atmosphere, and the night sky will be shown as Phillips discusses the fallacies and realities of viewing man-made objects from Earth orbit. Highlights include charismatic views of northern Idaho and the Inland Northwest. Phillips has flown into space three times; he  retired from NASA in 2011 and now lives in northern Idaho. The presentation is sponsored by the Coeur du Deluge Chapter of the Ice Age Floods Institute, the Bonner County Historical Museum, and the City of Sandpoint. BonnerCountyHistory.org.

5 Winter Hike to Ross Creek Cedars. Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness host an easy hike to Ross Creek Cedars as part of their Winter Hike Series. Led by Neil and Ann Wimberley, the group will hike 3.5 miles into the Ross Creek Cedars. An overlook along the way provides stunning views, plus wander along a one-mile loop amongst the cedars. Beginner-level skill, but overall length makes this suitable only for those with good conditioning. Round trip is 8± miles, with an elevation gain of 1,200 feet. To join along, contact Neil and Ann at neil@scotchmanpeaks.org or call 208-264-5379. ScotchmanPeaks.org

6-April 16 U.S.C.G.A. Boating Skills and Seamanship. Enroll in the U.S. Coast Guard 11-week course covering navigation, charting, mechanics, rules of the road, courtesies and customs, seamanship, ropes and knots, sailing basics, boat part identification, safety procedures and more. Classes run from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Mondays at the VFW Hall, 1325 Pine St., starting February 6 and going through April 16. Cost is $50 (make checks payable to U.S.C.G.A.) for the course; register at the Sandpoint Parks and Recreation office, 1123 Lake St., Sandpoint. For detailed class information, call Rich Crettol at 208-290-6155.

7 Women In Business Luncheon. The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce invites residents and businesses to the February Women In Business Luncheon at noon in the Community Room of Panhandle State Bank, 414 Church St. The Women in Business Committee, in keeping with this year's theme of “Better than Average,” offer a moderated workshop to do a "better than average" job of taking the valuable information Bill Jhung presented at the December meeting to the next level. Participants will reframe Jhung's main questions into an action plan to form their own personal or business mission statement. You need not have been present at the December meeting to get something out of this workshop!  Lunch is $14 Chamber members, $17 non-members. RSVP by calling the Chamber at 263-2161 or visit SandpointChamber.com.

7 Easy Bridge Lessons. Luther Park at Sandpoint, 510 S. Olive Ave., hosts Easy Bridge Lessons at 1:15 p.m. every Tuesday. Cost is $12 for the workbook and $5 per week. 208-265-3557

9 Chamber Luncheon. The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce welcomes residents and businesses to the February General Membership Luncheon at noon in the Community Room of Panhandle State Bank, 414 Church St.. Stan Birnbaum and Toby McLaughlin of Berg & McLaughlin Attorneys will discuss Protecting Proprietary Information, and how a company should manage and control its proprietary information. Trade secrets, customer lists and business plans are important pieces of a business; learn the different types of confidentiality agreements and notices that can be used with employees and contractors. RSVP is required and space is limited; please register in advance at SandpointChamber.com or call 208-263-2161 to reserve your spot. Cost is $15 for members, and $20 for non-members. 208-263-2161

10 Avalanche Class: Ten Years of Avalanche Fatalities in North Idaho. Join the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center (IPAC) and the nonprofit Friends Group for an informative, and free, avalanche class. This month's topic, Ten Years of Avalanche Fatalities in North Idaho, will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Sandpoint Ranger District Office, 1602 Ontario St. For more information, call IPAC Director Kevin Davis at 208-265-6686.

11 Ladies' Only Winter Hike. Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness host a Ladies' Only Winter Hike to Ross Creek Cedars as part of the FSPW Winter Hike Series. Enjoy a day in the great outdoors, led by Sandii Mellen, with a beginner-level hike to and through Ross Creek Cedars in the quiet of winter. Snowshoes or skis necessary. Round trip is 7± miles; elevation gain is 400 feet. Group size is limited and reservations are required. To sign up, contact hike leader Mellen at sandiimellen@gmail.com. Learn more at ScotchmanPeaks.org. 208-265-5261

11 Locals' Fair Trade Valentine's Sale. The Hope MarketPlace in old Hope (next to the post office) hosts the Locals Fair Trade Valentine's Sale from noon to 4 p.m. Shop for locals' cottage arts and crafts in a festive fair environment -- it's the perfect cure for symptoms of cabin fever! Bring a carload of friends out to Hope and stay awhile - there will be tea and lunch, as well. Sponsored by the Women's Cooperative; free admission. 208-046-9191

12 Sandpoint Vegetarians Community Potluck. Sandpoint Community Hall, 204 S. First Ave., hosts the Sandpoint Vegetarians Community Potluck from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The potluck is open to the public, plus there will be a presentation on Inter-Species Bonds of Love. Arrive early at 4:30 p.m., if you like, and enjoy piano music by Marilyn Kesner. You do not have to be vegetarian to enjoy some of the best food in town, music, and a family-friendly presentation! Free admission; please bring a potluck dish to share and your own tableware. SandpointVeg.org. 208-290-5387

14 Easy Bridge Lessons. Luther Park at Sandpoint, 510 S. Olive Ave., hosts Easy Bridge Lessons at 1:15 p.m. every Tuesday. Cost is $12 for the workbook and $5 per week. 208-265-3557

17 Great Backyard Bird Count Presentation. To kick off the Great Backyard Bird Count, the American Heritage Wildlife Foundation offers free presentations at 10 a.m. in the Clark Fork Library and 1 p.m. in the Sandpoint Library. AHWF will offer general information of the common species seen in the area this time of year, and will also have printed forms for those without internet access. The Great Backyard Bird Count is in its 15th year. The annual event is hosted by Cornell University, the Audubon Society, Bird Studies Canada and sponsored by Wild Birds Unlimited, CIT, NRCS and NSF. For more information, visit gbbc.birdsource.org.

18 East Fork Creek Ski and Shoe Outing. Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness host an East Fork Creek Ski and Shoe Outing in the proposed Scotchman Peaks Wilderness along Lightning Creek Road as part of the FSPW Winter Hike Series. The group may cross East Fork Creek and then follow its floodplain past the new trailhead, exploring a jumble of trees and boulders. The route will be out and back, with total distance dependent upon how far the group can go in before turning around. Cross-country skis or snowshoes needed; bring a lunch. Group size is limited and reservations are required. To sign up, contact hike leader John Harbuck at harbuck@norlight.org. Learn more at ScotchmanPeaks.org.

18 Cruising Workshop. Sandpoint Parks and Recreation and the Sandpoint Sailing Association host a Cruising Workshop from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sandpoint Community Hall, 204 N. First Ave. This workshop is for sailors of all skill levels - it includes basic information about sailing, sailboats, cruising Lake Pend Oreille, and racing. Open to the public; adults and youth at least 10 years old are encouraged to attend. Check the Sandpoint Sailing Association website for more information or contact Bruce Robertson, SSA Rear Commodore, at twolabs1cat@frontier.com or 208-263-3610; or Sandpoint Parks and Recreation at 208-263-3613.

18 Backyard Forests Workshop. The University of Idaho Extension Office hosts a three-hour workshop titled Backyard Forests to help homeowners with five acres or less apply basic concepts of forest ecology to keep their trees healthy. Participants will learn about tree species native to North Idaho; how forests grow and change over time; common forest insects and diseases; methods to improve forest tree health and reduce potential insect, disease and fire problems; and ways to enhance forest wildlife habitat. Workshop will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the University of Idaho Extension Office in Bonner County, 4205 N. Boyer. Pre-register by Feb. 10; $10 fee covers handouts and refreshments. cnr.uidaho.edu/extforest. 208-263-8511

18 Memorial Community Center Open House. The Memorial Community Center in Hope, at 415 Wellington Pl., will be holding an Open House and Spaghetti Feed from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Please mark this date on your calendar - we are looking forward to sharing a great meal with neighbors! MemorialCommunityCenter.com. 208-264-5481

21 Easy Bridge Lessons. Luther Park at Sandpoint, 510 S. Olive Ave., hosts Easy Bridge Lessons at 1:15 p.m. every Tuesday. Cost is $12 for the workbook and $5 per week. 208-265-3557

24 Volunteer Orientation. Panhandle Animal Shelter welcomes people who are interested in volunteering to come to our orientation on the last Friday of every month at noon. This is a general overview of all the areas the shelter can use assistance. Please feel free to bring your lunch. Meeting will be about 20-30 minutes. RSVP not necessary. For more information, call the shelter at 208-265-7297.

25 Scotchman Winter Bird Highlights Outing. The Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness hosts the Scotchman Winter Bird Highlights (co-sponsored with Spokane Audubon) outing with Jon Isacoff as part of the FSPW Winter Hike Series. This all-day trip focuses on waterfowl on Lake Pend Oreille as well as upland winter birds and rarities in the Lightning Creek area. Bring warm clothes, lunch, snacks and water. Reservations are required; contact hike leader Isacoff by Feb. 18 if interested at isacoff@gonzaga.edu or call 509-448-2629. ScotchmanPeaks.org

28 Easy Bridge Lessons. Luther Park at Sandpoint, 510 S. Olive Ave., hosts Easy Bridge Lessons at 1:15 p.m. every Tuesday. Cost is $12 for the workbook and $5 per week. 208-265-3557

Here is what’s happening in March

2 Titus Two Wives and Daughters Support Group. Titus Two Wives and Daughters Support Group meets on the first Friday of every month from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 262 Indian Meadows Dr. (from Pine turn left on Syringa Heights, then right on Indian Meadows to the log home). This is a support group for Christian women who want to fulfill their Titus 2:5 calling and learn more about being excellent homemakers. The series covers the Art of Homemaking and Setting Your House in Order. Learn the tried and tested principles of success in homemaking - the ones practiced by all good home managers - and then enjoy great fellowship with a lovely afternoon tea. Contact Mrs. Hollinger via e-mail at holling89@aol.com or phone 208-304-9392. For information, visit CountryVictorian.blogspot.com.

6 Easy Bridge Lessons. Luther Park at Sandpoint, 510 S. Olive Ave., hosts Easy Bridge Lessons at 1:15 p.m. every Tuesday. Cost is $12 for the workbook and $5 per week. 208-265-3557

7 Alzheimer's Support Group. Luther Park at Sandpoint, 510 S. Olive Ave., hosts a Support Group for caregivers of those with Dementia, Alzheimer’s or related disorders. The group meets on the first Wednesday of each month from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Facilitators are Sandy Sparling and Wendy Traffie. 208-265-3557

10 Winter XC Outing to Mount Vernon. Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness host a XC ski outing to Mount Vernon as part of the FSPW Winter Hike Series. Enjoy a great adventure with wonderful views of Bull Lake and the Cabinet Mountains along a trail that climbs past a Troy mine vent. Skis required (skins/snowshoes needed in some places). This will be an all-day trip and everyone should be prepared with layered clothing, food and water. Level of difficulty is very high; round trip distance is 12 miles with an elevation gain of 2,000 to 3,000 feet. To sign up, contact hike leaders Jim and Sandii Mellen at jimnsandii@gmail.com or call 208-265-5261. ScotchmanPeaks.org

13 Easy Bridge Lessons. Luther Park at Sandpoint, 510 S. Olive Ave., hosts Easy Bridge Lessons at 1:15 p.m. every Tuesday. Cost is $12 for the workbook and $5 per week. 208-265-3557

16-17 Young Writers Conference. Registration is now open for the Young Writers of the Lost Horse, a writing and book arts conference for children and young adults, sponsored by Lost Horse Press and the East Bonner County Library District. Creative writing (poetry and prose), performance art and book arts workshops will be taught by Renée E. D’Aoust, Hali Clizer and Christine Holbert. The conference will be held in the Rude Girls Room of the Sandpoint Library. A student/faculty reading and pizza party will conclude the conference. Public, private or home-schooled students in grades 5 through 12 who live in Bonner County are invited to register for this free event; registration forms may be found at the Sandpoint Library. This project is made possible by a donation from the Marilynne Robinson Young Writers Fund. For additional information, contact Lost Horse Press at 208-255-4410, e-mail losthorsepress@mindspring.com or visit LostHorsePress.org.

17 Winter Snowshoe Hike. Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness host a Winter Snowshoe Hike to Star Peak as part of the FSPW Winter Hike Series. This snowshoe hike is quite strenuous and requires every bit of winter sunlight to gain the summit and return before dark. Group will be sticking to the main summer trail for the first portion, but will likely use off-trail route finding skills to reach the summit. Round trip 10± miles; elevation gain is 4,140 feet. Reservations are required; to sign up, contact hike leaders Sandy Compton at sandy@scotchmanpeaks.org or Jacob Styer at jacob@scotchmanpeaks.org. ScotchmanPeaks.org

17 Racing Rules Workshop. Sandpoint Parks and Recreation and the Sandpoint Sailing Association host a Racing Rules Workshop from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sandpoint Community Hall, 204 N. First Ave. This workshop is for intermediate-level sailors - those who already know how to sail, who have some experience racing, and are interested in learning how to be more competitive in the Summer Racing Series. Open to the public; adults and youth at least 10 years old are encouraged to attend. Check the Sandpoint Sailing Association website for more information or contact Bruce Robertson, SSA Rear Commodore, at twolabs1cat@frontier.com or 208-263-3610; or Sandpoint Parks and Recreation at 208-263-3613.

20 Easy Bridge Lessons. Luther Park at Sandpoint, 510 S. Olive Ave., hosts Easy Bridge Lessons at 1:15 p.m. every Tuesday. Cost is $12 for the workbook and $5 per week. 208-265-3557

24 Goat Mountain Hop Winter Hike. Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness host the 6th annual Goat Mountain Hop with Jim and Sandii Mellen as part of the FSPW Winter Hike Series. Snowshoe (or ski/snowboard, if you dare) up one of the steepest trails in the region. Weather permitting, there will be great views of Lake Pend Oreille and Scotchman Peak. This 4,000-foot vertical climb is an extreme adventure for fit folks; round trip distance is 7 miles. Reservations are required; to sign up, contact hike leaders Jim and Sandii Mellen at jimnsandii@gmail.com or call 208-265-5261. ScotchmanPeaks.org

27 Easy Bridge Lessons. Luther Park at Sandpoint, 510 S. Olive Ave., hosts Easy Bridge Lessons at 1:15 p.m. every Tuesday. Cost is $12 for the workbook and $5 per week. 208-265-3557

Here is what’s happening in April

3 Easy Bridge Lessons. Luther Park at Sandpoint, 510 S. Olive Ave., hosts Easy Bridge Lessons at 1:15 p.m. every Tuesday. Cost is $12 for the workbook and $5 per week. 208-265-3557

4 Alzheimer's Support Group. Luther Park at Sandpoint, 510 S. Olive Ave., hosts a Support Group for caregivers of those with Dementia, Alzheimer’s or related disorders. The group meets on the first Wednesday of each month from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Facilitators are Sandy Sparling and Wendy Traffie. 208-265-3557

6 Titus Two Wives and Daughters Support Group. Titus Two Wives and Daughters Support Group meets on the first Friday of every month from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 262 Indian Meadows Dr. (from Pine turn left on Syringa Heights, then right on Indian Meadows to the log home). This is a support group for Christian women who want to fulfill their Titus 2:5 calling and learn more about being excellent homemakers. The series covers the Art of Homemaking and Setting Your House in Order. Learn the tried and tested principles of success in homemaking - the ones practiced by all good home managers - and then enjoy great fellowship with a lovely afternoon tea. Contact Mrs. Hollinger via e-mail at holling89@aol.com or phone 208-304-9392. For information, visit CountryVictorian.blogspot.com.

10 Easy Bridge Lessons. Luther Park at Sandpoint, 510 S. Olive Ave., hosts Easy Bridge Lessons at 1:15 p.m. every Tuesday. Cost is $12 for the workbook and $5 per week. 208-265-3557

17 Easy Bridge Lessons. Luther Park at Sandpoint, 510 S. Olive Ave., hosts Easy Bridge Lessons at 1:15 p.m. every Tuesday. Cost is $12 for the workbook and $5 per week. 208-265-3557

24 Easy Bridge Lessons. Luther Park at Sandpoint, 510 S. Olive Ave., hosts Easy Bridge Lessons at 1:15 p.m. every Tuesday. Cost is $12 for the workbook and $5 per week. 208-265-3557

Here is what’s happening in May

2 Alzheimer's Support Group. Luther Park at Sandpoint, 510 S. Olive Ave., hosts a Support Group for caregivers of those with Dementia, Alzheimer’s or related disorders. The group meets on the first Wednesday of each month from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Facilitators are Sandy Sparling and Wendy Traffie. 208-265-3557

4 Titus Two Wives and Daughters Support Group. Titus Two Wives and Daughters Support Group meets on the first Friday of every month from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 262 Indian Meadows Dr. (from Pine turn left on Syringa Heights, then right on Indian Meadows to the log home). This is a support group for Christian women who want to fulfill their Titus 2:5 calling and learn more about being excellent homemakers. The series covers the Art of Homemaking and Setting Your House in Order. Learn the tried and tested principles of success in homemaking - the ones practiced by all good home managers - and then enjoy great fellowship with a lovely afternoon tea. Contact Mrs. Hollinger via e-mail at holling89@aol.com or phone 208-304-9392. For information, visit CountryVictorian.blogspot.com.

5 Scotchman Peak Spring Hike. Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness host the Scotchman Peak Spring Hike led by Jim and Sandii Mellen as part of the FSPW Winter Hike Series. Snowshoe, ski or snowboard the tallest peak in the Scotchman Peaks and work off the excesses of Cinco de Mayo! Generally, the trailhead is inaccessible this time of year, adding 2.5 miles each way and 500 vertical (making a total of 4,200 vertical!). This is for extremely fit adventurers only! Round trip is 12 miles. Reservations are required; to sign up, contact hike leaders Jim and Sandii Mellen at jimnsandii@gmail.com or call 208-265-5261. Learn more at ScotchmanPeaks.org.

19 New Sailor Workshop. Sandpoint Parks and Recreation and the Sandpoint Sailing Association host a New Sailor Workshop for sailors of all skill levels. The workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sandpoint Community Hall, 204 N. First Ave., and includes basic information about sailing, sailboats, cruising Lake Pend Oreille, and racing. Open to the public; adults and youth at least 10 years old are encouraged to attend. Please check the Sandpoint Sailing Association website for more information or contact: Bruce Robertson, SSA Rear Commodore, via e-mail: twolabs1cat@frontier.com or phone 208-263-3610; or Sandpoint Parks and Recreation at 208-263-3613.