Here's what's happening in May

1-15 BISSELL Empty the Shelters Event. To help animals find homes faster and create space in their animal care center, Better Together Animal Alliance (BTAA) is waiving adoption fees on all adult pets as part of the BISSELL Pet Foundation Empty the Shelters event.

15 CF Plant Swap. Bring a plant to share or take a new plant home, or both. House and garden plants at any stage are welcome. Clark Fork Library, 601 N. Main St. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

15 Jerky Making 101. Join at the Clark Fork Library, 601 N. Main St. at 11 a.m. and learn how easy and fun it can be to make jerky at home. Presented by the University of Idaho via Zoom.

15 Trauma Informed Parenting. This 6-week integrative course will help you to learn parenting strategies for raising children affected by trauma. Attend online, or in person on Tuesdays May 6 through June 10 from noon to 1 p.m. Cost is $50 for the online course and there is a sliding scale or waived fee available upon request. Learn more or register by calling 208-265-1090 or at BonnerGeneral.org/services/behavioral-health/.

15 Thursday Virtual Reality. Stop by for 15-minute VR sessions at the Sandpoint Library Exploration Lab, 1407 Cedar St. from 3-5 p.m. A legal guardian must accompany kids under 10.

16 Friday Mother Goose Storytime. Take part from 10:30-11 a.m. in Karen's Kids Room at the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. It's a rhythm-filled lap-sit storytime held on Friday mornings, geared for children up to 30-months. Ends May 16.

16 Friday Chess Club. The Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. invites you into the Community Rooms to play chess together. All ages and skill levels are welcome and encouraged to attend. 12-3 p.m.

17 Northside Fire District Open House. Join at 9 a.m. at the primary station, 437 Cedar Ave. in Ponderay. Expect fire engine tours, and an opportunity to speak with firefighters and district commissioners bout the operations and the agency's proposed levy override.

17 Collaborative Approach to Restoring Forest Health and Fire Regimes. Don't miss this KNPS May program where Adam Gebauer, the Public Lands Program Director for The Lands Council in Spokane will highlight the collaborative work of TLC, a leader for 40 years in working to protect habitat, support rural economies, and manage Inland Northwest forests for future generations. The focus will be on wildfire, both its ecological role in these forests and its impact on the wildland-urban interface. A half-hour of socializing, coffee and treats begins at 9:30 a.m. with the program following at 10 a.m. Join at the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. in the Community Rooms. NativePlantSociety.org. If you'd like to watch via Zoom, please pre-register here.

17 Open Sewing. Join from 10 a.m. to 2  p.m. and sew in the Community Rooms at the Sandpoint Library, Sandpoint Library. Use their sewing machines, or bring your own. Staff will be available to provide technical assistance for your beginning or intermediate project. Adults/Teens.

17 Collaborative Approach to Restoring Forest Health and Fire Regimes. Join in at the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. at 10 a.m. (coffee, tea, and treats available at 9:30 a.m.) for this KNPS program co-sponsored with Sandpoint Parks and Rec and the East Bonner County Library District. Learn more in the KNPS newsletter here.

17 CF Plant Swap. Bring a plant to share or take a new plant home, or both. House and garden plants at any stage are welcome. Clark Fork Library, 601 N. Main St. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

17 Music of Marimba. From 12-1 p.m. in the Sandpoint Library Garden, 1407 Cedar St. you can join for an interactive concert in the garden with Kootenai Elementary's Marimba band.

17 Saturday Virtual Reality. Stop by for 15-minute VR sessions at the Sandpoint Library Exploration Lab, 1407 Cedar St. from 1-3 p.m. A legal guardian must accompany kids under 10.

17 Natural Medicine First Aid Kit: Canning Safety. From 1-3 p.m. at the Trinity Baptist Church, 180 Osprey Lane, in Priest River, the Ladies Homestead Gathering invites you to join their May gathering to hear from  Malinda Horton, a nurse practitioner who specializes in integrative medicine. She will share a list of natural medicine first aid remedies that you can employ in your daily lives and have on hand in case of emergencies. The Tip Talk will be led by Katrina, a Master Food Safety Preserver, where she will discuss considerations when canning. This is a free event.

17 Kaniksu Folk School: Intro to Sashiko and Visible Mending with Hillary DeCecchis. Join from 4-6 p.m. at The Sled Hill Barn, 11735 W. Pine St. Learn how to apply the creative and ancient Japanese stitching style to your mending projects. Cost is $30 + $15 materials fee. Register and learn more at kaniksu.org/kaniksufolkschool.

18 Kaniksu Folk School: Pine Needle Baskets with Brianna Larson. Join rom 2-5 p.m. at The Sled Hill Barn, 11735 W. Pine St. Explore different ways to make pine needle baskets. Learn which trees to harvest from, how to cure the needles, and what materials to use to sew them up. Cost is $35 + $5 materials fee. Register and learn more at kaniksu.org/kaniksufolkschool.

19 Monday Teen Hangout. 3-5 p.m. in the Teen Zone at the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. Come meet up with friends, build relationships, create art, play games, and grow your teen community.

19 Monday Raspberry Pi Club. Join from 3:30-5 p.m. in the new explorations lab at the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. Explore the basics of Python programming through hands-on projects. This weekly class is open to older kids and teens. Supplies are limited. Register to join on Mondays in May.

19 Fire District Town Hall. Join on Monday from 5-7 p.m. at the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. for an opportunity to discuss the upcoming levies, fire district operations, and any other questions you may have.

20 Teen Filmmaking Club. Join from 3-5 p.m. in the Teen Zone of the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. Learn how to use filmmaking tools to create a short film to share a story that is important to you.

20 Tuesday Coding Club. 3-5 p.m. in the new Exploration Lab at the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. Work with Edison bots. Pi Sloth robots and Raspberry Pi units. Use coding and interact with robots.

20 Tuesday Crocheting with Friends. Join in at the Clark Fork Library, 601 N. Main St. from 4-5:30 p.m. and make friends, learn new stitches, share patterns, and create items for hospice or those in need.

20 Kaniksu Folk School: Cowboy Dinner Bell with Nick Belfry. Join from 6-8 p.m. at The Sled Hill Barn, 11735 W. Pine St. Try your hand at shaping red hot steel with this beginner's project. Learn to swing a hammer and perform the basic operations of tapering, bending, twisting, and laying out a work piece while having fun. Cost is $45 + $5 materials fee. Register and learn more at kaniksu.org/kaniksufolkschool.

20 Cultivating Compassion in Everyday Life. Join in on Tuesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. April 15-May 27 at PUD's Newport Administration Building, 130 N. Washington Ave. in Newport (Pine St. entrance). This will be a series of talks by Sravasti Abbey Monastics. If you are feeling stuck or overwhelmed by difficulties in your life or problems in the world? Buddhist nuns from Sravasti Abbey offer a series of talks that folks of all backgrounds can use to bring greater peace of mind. Transform problems into growth by changing our perspective and hearts. Each session will include a short guided meditation, a talk on compassion in daily life, and a Q&A and group discussion. SravastiAbbey.org.

21 Wednesday Family Storytimes. Join at 9:15 or 10:30 a.m. in Karen's Kids Room of the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. for themed stories, songs, movement, and crafts.

21 Transplanting Resiliency to the Native Plant Garden. Join in on this KNPS program at the University of Idaho Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center, 10881 North Boyer Rd. at 10 a.m. (9:30 a.m. for coffee, tea, and treats). Co-sponsored with Sandpoint Parks & Rec and the East Bonner County Library District. Learn more about this program in the KNPS newsletter here.

21 Author Talk with Rachelle Bergstein. It's an online intimate conversation with bestselling author Rachelle Bergstein as she chats about her newest book, "The Genius of Judy." This book takes an expansive look at Judy Blume's life, work, and cultural impact. Hosted by Clark Fork Library, 601 N. Main St. 11 a.m.

21 Wednesday Intro to 3D Design: Tinkercad. From 12-2 p.m. in the new Exploration Lab at the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. come and learn the 3D design basics on a free, user-friendly software for creating 3D shapes and designs. Ideal for beginners and those with limited experience of all ages.

21 Panhandle Forest Collaborative (PFC) Meeting. Join from 12:30 to 3 p.m. at the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. in Community Room B or on Zoom.

21 Wednesday Teen Hangout. 3-5 p.m. in the  Teen Zone at the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. Come meet up with friends, build relationships, create art, play games, and grow your teen community.

21 Wednesday Chess Club. The Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. invites you into the Community Rooms to play chess together. All ages and skill levels are welcome and encouraged to attend. 4-7 p.m

21 Registration Deadline: Abstract Painting with Alison Barrows-Young. In this abstract class, students will explore personal expression through abstract form. Color, texture and design principles will be discussed and employed. Classes will be held May 27, June 3, and 10 from 1-4 p.m. $108. Register or learn more at ArtInSandpoint.org.

22 Thursday Virtual Reality. Stop by for 15-minute VR sessions at the Sandpoint Library Exploration Lab, 1407 Cedar St. from 3-5 p.m. A legal guardian must accompany kids under 10.

22 CF Family Movie: Harold and the Purple Crayon. Free movie and popcorn at the Clark Fork Library, 601 N. Main St. at 3 p.m. Enjoy Harold and the Purple Crayon.

22 Sandpoint Tennis Association Annual Membership Meeting. Join at the James E. Russell Center, 2016 Pine St. from 5-7 p.m. where you can take part in on court drills and activities; learn about STA membership opportunities; and enjoy refreshments in the JER Community Room. Come meet the Sandpoint tennis community. Please wear court shoes if taking part in court activities.

23 Friday Chess Club. The Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. invites you into the Community Rooms to play chess together. All ages and skill levels are welcome and encouraged to attend. 12-3 p.m.

24 Kaniksu Folk School: Wildcrafted Salad with Kristina Ayars. Join from 10 a.m. to noon at The Sled Hill Barn, 11735 W. Pine St. Walk through the fields and fringes of the forest and discover a variety of wild edible plants. Students will learn how to identify a variety of local greens to spice up their salads. This class finishes with a salad feast. Feel free to bring your favorite dressing and a bowl. Families and children are encouraged. Cost is $35. Register and learn more at kaniksu.org/kaniksufolkschool.

24 Saturday Virtual Reality. Stop by for 15-minute VR sessions at the Sandpoint Library Exploration Lab, 1407 Cedar St. from 1-3 p.m. A legal guardian must accompany kids under 10.

24 Kaniksu Folk School: Embroidered Clothing with Hillary DeCecchis. Join from 4-6 p.m. at The Sled Hill Barn, 11735 W. Pine St. Students will add embroidery to a garment of their own, or embroider a patch for a future project. Stick and Stitch patterns with botanical themes will be available or students are welcome to create their own patterns. Instructions and all other necessary materials will be provided. Cost is $30 + $10 materials fee. Register and learn more at kaniksu.org/kaniksufolkschool.

26 Monday Teen Hangout. 3-5 p.m. in the Teen Zone at the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. Come meet up with friends, build relationships, create art, play games, and grow your teen community.

26 Monday Raspberry Pi Club. Join from 3:30-5 p.m. in the new explorations lab at the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. Explore the basics of Python programming through hands-on projects. This weekly class is open to older kids and teens. Supplies are limited. Register to join on Mondays in May.

27 Book Club. The Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. invites you to join in and discuss "Beautiful Ruins" by Jess Walters with library staff and community members. Adults & Teens. 3-4 p.m.

27 Teen End of School Party. 3-5 p.m. at the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. Join in the Teen Zone to celebrate the end of the school year with tie dye, popsicles and games.

27 Tuesday Coding Club. 3-5 p.m. in the new Exploration Lab at the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. Work with Edison bots. Pi Sloth robots and Raspberry Pi units. Use coding and interact with robots.

27 Tuesday Crocheting with Friends. Join in at the Clark Fork Library, 601 N. Main St. from 4-5:30 p.m. and make friends, learn new stitches, share patterns, and create items for hospice or those in need.

27 Cultivating Compassion in Everyday Life. Join in on Tuesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. April 15-May 27 at PUD's Newport Administration Building, 130 N. Washington Ave. in Newport (Pine St. entrance). This will be a series of talks by Sravasti Abbey Monastics. If you are feeling stuck or overwhelmed by difficulties in your life or problems in the world? Buddhist nuns from Sravasti Abbey offer a series of talks that folks of all backgrounds can use to bring greater peace of mind. Transform problems into growth by changing our perspective and hearts. Each session will include a short guided meditation, a talk on compassion in daily life, and a Q&A and group discussion. SravastiAbbey.org.

27 Reg. Deadline: Gelli Plate Printmaking with Allison Barrows-Young. Gelli plate printing is a fun, versatile, and accessible mono-printing technique that requires only a few basic skills to start and can evolve into a deep exploration with unpredictable results. Classes will be held on June 2, 9, & 23 from 1-4 p.m. $108. Get more info at ArtInSandpoint.org. 

27 Reg. Deadline: Macrame Plant Hanger with Sadey Vogel. Students will use a wooden ring, cotton cord, and knots to help create a decorative plant hanger. Class will be held on June 2 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. $36. Learn more or register here. ArtInSandpoint.org.

28 Wednesday Family Storytimes. Join at 9:15 or 10:30 a.m. in Karen's Kids Room of the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. for themed stories, songs, movement, and crafts.

28 Wednesday Intro to 3D Design: Tinkercad. From 12-2 p.m. in the new Exploration Lab at the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. come and learn the 3D design basics on a free, user-friendly software for creating 3D shapes and designs. Ideal for beginners and those with limited experience of all ages.

28 Wednesday Teen Hangout. 3-5 p.m. in the  Teen Zone at the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. Come meet up with friends, build relationships, create art, play games, and grow your teen community.

28 Wednesday Chess Club. The Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. invites you into the Community Rooms to play chess together. All ages and skill levels are welcome and encouraged to attend. 4-7 p.m.

28 Reg. Deadline: Abstract painting with Alison Barrows-Young. In this abstract class, students will explore personal expr3ession through abstract form. Classes will be held June 3, 10, & 24 from 1-4 p.m. $108. Get more info at ArtInSandpoint.org.

29 CF STEM Program. Join from 2-4 p.m. at the Clark Fork Library, 601 N. Main St. for hands-on STEM activities. This event is designed for elementary-aged children.

29 Thursday Virtual Reality. Stop by for 15-minute VR sessions at the Sandpoint Library Exploration Lab, 1407 Cedar St. from 3-5 p.m. A legal guardian must accompany kids under 10.

29 Registration Deadline: Exploring Acrylics with Dan Carpenter. In this class, Dan will teach acrylic painting at all levels. Classes will be held June 3-5 from 6-9 p.m. $108. Register or learn more at ArtInSandpoint.org.

30 Friday Chess Club. The Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. invites you into the Community Rooms to play chess together. All ages and skill levels are welcome and encouraged to attend. 12-3 p.m.

31 Plant Swap. Join from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Library Garden, 1407 Cedar St. for a community swap of plants, starts, cuttings, seeds, and root divisions. Bring your own extras to share and come find new ideas for your garden.

31 Saturday Virtual Reality. Stop by for 15-minute VR sessions at the Sandpoint Library Exploration Lab, 1407 Cedar St. from 1-3 p.m. A legal guardian must accompany kids under 10.

31 CF Book Club. Join from 3-4 p.m. at the Clark Fork Library, 601 N. Main St. to discuss the monthly book and enjoy yummy snacks.

And in June...

3 Lakes Commission Meeting. Join in from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Priest River Event Center, 5399 US-2. Tentative agenda includes: Cabinet Gorge & Noxon Dams; Local dam and recreation facility operations; LPO fishery; LPO Economic Impact Study; Priest Lake dam operations overview; and Two Rivers Park.

3 A New Way of Mindfulness. Join in at Bluebird Bakery, 329 N. First Ave. from 6-7:30 p.m. for an evening of film and conversation to explore a unique practice of mindfulness and self-awareness. In the early 20th century a unique practice of mindfulness, self-awareness and transformation appeared in the west, brought by the Armenian spiritual teacher G.I. Gurdjieff. Through film & conversation, explore this avenue of personal development.

3 Reg. Deadline: Art Talk #1 with Alison Barrows-Young. "The Value of Visual Artists and Their Enduring Voices." POAC is proud to present a series of six 90-minute evening art talks that will be offered this summer. These lectures won't be typical. The presenter, Alison Barrows-Young, will dive into diverse topics, from art history and movements to culture, civilization, and the identity of artists. The participants will explore the relevance of various art history movements and how they continue to shape our understanding of the world. Time will be spent delving into the intricate relationship between art and the construction of individual and collective identities. Class will be held on Jun e6 from 6-7:30 p.m. $18. Learn more or register here.

5 Registration Deadline: Pastel Landscapes with T Kirtz. This 3-week class will give students an opportunity to paint rivers, aspen groves and the lake scenes around the area.  Come enjoy the medium and play with the support of your classmates and instructor. Classes will be held on June 112, 18, and 25 from 5-7 p.m. $72. Register or learn more at ArtInSandpoint.org.

7 ITA Volunteer Trail Project: Mickinnick Trail. Join the Idaho Trails Association on this scenic trail near Schweitzer Mountain to celebrate National Trails Day. No experience required. ITA provides the tools and training. Volunteers just need a willingness to work hard and a love for the outdoors. To sign up, or see other projects, visit IdahoTrailsAssociation.org/projects.

8 Registration Deadline: Pine Needle Baskets with Barbara Snarr. During the 4-hour class, students will be able to finish a small approx. 4-5”diameter basket. The instructor will provide detailed hands-on guidance, including basic coiling techniques, different stitches, changing thread, and how to incorporate beads and embellishments. Class will be held on June 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. $55.
Register or learn more at ArtInSandpoint.org.

12 Registration Deadline: Discovering Alcohol Inks with Susan Gallo. If you want to know what alcohol inks are and how they can be used, this is the class for you. Class will be held June 18 from 10 a.m. to noon. $24. Register or learn more at ArtInSandpoint.org.

13 White Pine Restoration Workshop. Blister rust is a non-invasive disease that devastated western white pine trees in the Inland Northwest. Pruning lower branches of young white pine can increase their survival by half. Join this workshop at the University of Idaho Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center, 10881 N. Boyer Rd. and learn to reduce white pine blister rust mortality through pruning. Program will run 9-5 p.m. $20 registration fee. To register online click here, then scroll to, and click on "University of Idaho Extension: Panhandle Forestry.

13 Registration Deadline: Jewelry with Mary Gayle Young. In this class students will learn a fundamental wire wrap technique to make a pair of dangle earrings, a pendant and a zipper pull. Class will be held June 19 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. $36. Register or learn more at ArtInSandpoint.org.

17 Reg. Deadline: Art Talk #2 with Alison Barrows Young. "Visual Voices, Cross-Cultural Language For Understanding". POAC is proud to present a series of six 90-minute evening art talks that will be offered this summer. These lectures won't be typical. The presenter, Alison Barrows-Young, will dive into diverse topics, from art history and movements to culture, civilization, and the identity of artists. The participants will explore the relevance of various art history movements and how they continue to shape our understanding of the world. Time will be spent delving into the intricate relationship between art and the construction of individual and collective identities. Class will be held on June 20 from 6-7:30 p.m. $18. Learn more or register here.

18 Citizen Science Day. KLT and the Sandpoint Library partner again to get kids outside to learn and explore. Drop in between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to make and record your nature investigations with microscopes and other sciency equipment from the Library's STEAM Trailer at the Pine Street Woods, 11915 W. Pine St. no cost or need to pre-register, just show up at the main parking lot at PSW.

21 ITA Volunteer Trail Project: East Fork Boulder Creek Trail. Join the Idaho Trails Association on this beautiful trail on the Bonner's Ferry Ranger District that needs some help. No experience required. ITA provides the tools and training. Volunteers just need a willingness to work hard and a love for the outdoors. To sign up, or see other projects, visit IdahoTrailsAssociation.org/projects.

21 Registration Deadline: Kimekomi with Jenni Barry. In this class students will be creating 2-D Kimekomi art that combines the painterly quality of impressionism, with complex quilting. Class will be held July 27 from 1-5 p.m. $48. Register or learn more at ArtInSandpoint.org.

24 Reg. Deadline: Gelli Plate Printmaking with Allison Barrows-Young. Gelli plate printing is a fun, versatile, and accessible mono-printing technique that requires only a few basic skills to start and can evolve into a deep exploration with unpredictable results. Classes will be held on June 30, July 7, 14 from 1-4 p.m. $108. Get more info at ArtInSandpoint.org.

25 Mobile Market. It's a mobile market drive-thru for some free food (fresh and nonperishable items). No appointment or paperwork is needed. Will serve up to 250 families (or while supplies last). 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1900 Pine St. Event hosted by Second Harvest Inland Northwest.

25 Registration Deadline: Abstract Painting with Alison Barrows-Young. In this abstract class, students will explore personal expression through abstract form. Color, texture and design principles will be discussed and employed. Classes will be held July 1, 8, and 15 from 1-4 p.m. $108. Register or learn more at ArtInSandpoint.org.