Lincoln Day luncheon a grand affair
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| More than 60 people, many who traveled miles through snow, sleet and ice to get there, attended today's Lincoln Day luncheon at the Great Northwest Events Center, hosted by the Boundary County County Republican Central Committee, |
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| Annica Blackmore |
With local federal representatives stuck in Washington, D.C. fighting for a national budget, with our team insisting that it balance, their proxies gloated.
"If (insert name here) saw what a beautiful day this was, they'd have been here instead of me!"
Two of our local state representatives could not attend; Representative George Eskridge had to attend a close friend's funeral in Coeur d'Alene, while Representative Eric Anderson left it up to Keough to explain.
"I don't know how many of you know, but Eric's wife is from New Zealand, where she's been on a visit," she said. "He really wanted to be here, but he had to choose between being here or picking his wife up at the airport. I think he'll find he made the right choice!"
The event started out well and only got better. Guests, buoyed by sunshine streaming through the windows looking out on a beautiful meadow view, were convivial, chatting, greeting friends not seen in a while, shaking hands, hugging.
With the Bonners Ferry High School Honor Choir standing poised in the background, Northwest Territories owner Breda Liermann and her great staff going table to table to welcome those in attendance, and precinct committee members taking turns greeting arrivals, everyone was having a great time.
And then a shrill whistle sounded, cutting through conversation and bringing the room to a standstill. Precinct committeeman Rob Pluid, Moyie Springs, looked around sheepishly as every eye in the house turned toward him as the source of that terrible noise, but to be fair, chairman Tim Dillin needed something drastic.
In the sudden silence that ensued, he introduced David Carpenter and the Bonners Ferry High School Honor Choir, who launched into an amazing set that included music from Africa and France to the Beatles.
"Beep beep mm beep beep, yeah!"
Carpenter then asked a moment's hesitation for a brief costume change.
He then introduced Bonners Ferry High School Junior Annika Blackmore, one of this year's Distinguished Young Women participants, who lent a preview of the talent this community will see April 27. Hers was a beautiful performance, and the rest of the event was turned over to politicians, a letdown.
Just kidding!
Lunch was served first.
Spaghetti and lasagna, rich garlic bread, salad with fresh spinach slathered in dressing ... delectable.
And dessert ... oh my! It was rich!
The politicians weren't allowed to talk until Rob let out another of his crowd-cowing two fingered whistles, sharper than any knife in the house. Once again, the room fell silent.
Can't be sure if it was because we'd been rendered temporarily deaf or if we just couldn't hear, but Dillin enunciated clearly enough that those who couldn't yet hear him could read his lips.
Katie Brody spoke on behalf of Idaho Governor Butch Otter, Aaron Calkins for Congressman Raul Labrador.
Sid Smith spoke on behalf of Senator Jim Risch, recently voted the most Conservative Senator in federal service (acknowledging that counterpart Mike Crapo was ranked seventh; Karen Roetter stood up for Crapo and reminded Sid that Crapo had been ranked seventh last year to Crapo's third. Aaron Calkins spoke of Raul Labrador's work in the U.S. House.
Keogh and Fulcher spoke on what is going on in Idaho's House, Keough emphasizing that in Idaho a balanced budget isn't a goal, but a requirement. Keough announced legislation long sought here to reduce property tax.
To an official, those serving us locally, Commissioners Dan Dinning and Walt Kirby, Treasurer Jenny Fessler. County Clerk Glenda Poston, spoke gratefully of how well our local officials have access and ear to those who serve us at the state and local level.
When Sheriff Greg Sprungl stood up and announced a second admission in the rash of bomb threats plaguing county schools, he was met with an ovation.
And then Idaho State Republican Chairman Barry Peterson stood to laud the people we've elected here at home, and sound a warning.
"This nation," he said, "is indebted to people who don't like us ... we should not borrow, but our government has. We owe people who the people hate us. This isn't right.