Elizabeth "Liz" McNeil Pinson and Lily
Two former students and two meaningful visits made my day yesterday.
Elizabeth "Liz" McNeil Pinson, now living in Eugene, Ore., is in Sandpoint for a visit, while Cherry Fitzpatrick Lane drove a couple of miles from her home on Sunnyside Road and met me at the Oden Hall.
It had been a few years since Liz and I last met at Ponderay's Starbuck's.
Yesterday I decided that instead of sitting somewhere over a cup of coffee, we would go into full action with our visit.
After picking her up in town, we drove to the Lovestead where the first item on the agenda fit perfectly in with my usual day's pattern: it was time to bring the horses up from pasture.
Then, we sat at the dining room table and talked over coffee and Oreos.
This was a nonstop affair with lots of laughs amidst the stories. Time sped by, and the fact that I would be meeting Cherry later meant an end to all that fun and a trip back to town.
On the way, we stopped at the food bank where Liz met Debbie for the first time. The two swapped some Arby's stories since both Liz and Willie had worked at Arby's back in the day.
We made one more stop before saying good bye. Liz had not seen her art teacher Dan Shook since her 1994 graduation from Sandpont High
School.
His Bonner County Bicycle Shop is just around the corner from where Liz is staying, and Dan was on the job working on bikes with his sidekick Dick Ross.
During a brief visit, Liz thanked Dan for the extra effort he made as her teacher and for giving her a foundation in art which she still enjoys today.
Cherry Fitzpatrick Lane with a desk from the old Oden School given to the Oden Hall by the Johnson family.
"My dad could have sat in that desk," she said, then adding, "probably not---he would have written on it."
Debbie Love and Elizabeth "Liz" McNeil Pinson. Both work as advocates for people in need.
Dan Shook, Liz McNeil Pinson and Dick Ross. Dan and Dick are both retired Lake Pend Oreille School District educators.
Meanwhile at the historic Oden Hall, there's a community activity today, beginning at 11 a.m.
It involves a silent and live auction of items and desserts donated by residents of the rural area east of Sandpoint.
I'd call Cherry one of the guardian angels of the Grange Hall. She has spearheaded today's event, and she's a fountain of knowledge about the grange.
Yesterday she stood amongst the wooden benches and proudly announced that her grandfather made those benches.
As I strolled around taking pictures of some of the items up for auction today, she told me who had donated what among pieces of art, a gift basket for the Elks golf course, a miniature piano, dishes, vacuum cleaners, etc.
Cherry and her husband donated a beautiful canoe which is set up on a frame crafted by one of the Saters.
Jeff Sater and Tom Spade will be doing the autioneering honors today.
I see from an article in today's Daily Bee that hotdogs will be served, and there will be plenty of desserts donated by Oden residents.
The article also features snippets from longtime Oden residents.
Today's gathering should be a fun event.
💛💜💚💙
I've thought about my very different experiences yesterday with Liz and Cherry, and once more am reminded that the rewards of teaching are both short and long-termed.
Years ago, if these students learned a little more about their language and how to use it from my teaching, I was happy.
These days, seeing them happy and content in their own skin, doing exactly what their passions direct them to do, fulfills a long-term reward for an educator that seems all the more meaningful.
I can say with confidence that Liz and Cherry are doing just that, and the world is a better place because of their efforts.
Keep up your good works, ladies.
And, to readers, head on out there to Oden Hall for some Saturday fun.
Happy Saturday.
The items in this picture will be sold via live auction.
Several of the silent auction items are below.
I'm happy and thrilled to donate these three autographed books to the cause.
Cherry said the Grange will receive its new paint job soon if all goes well today.
💜💛💚
Finally, here's some rather dramatic community news from an AI summary:
Sandpoint Pedestrian Bridge Closure Over Lake Pend Oreille
The Long Bridge pedestrian path in Sandpoint will be closed indefinitely starting at 5 p.m. Friday, June 5, 2026, due to significant structural deterioration identified in recent inspection reports.
Reason for Closure
Engineering and bridge safety experts have determined that certain areas of the bridge can no longer safely accommodate public access until repairs are completed. The closure is intended to protect public safety and preserve the bridge’s structural integrity.
Scope of the Closure
Public access is restricted at both the north and south ends of the pedestrian bridge.
The vehicular bridge and US‑95 traffic are not affected by this decision.
The pedestrian portion does not have separated lanes, so it is not recommended to bike or walk across with vehicle traffic on US‑95.
Impact and Support
The closure is an expansion
of a partial closure in May. ITD acknowledges that some residents rely
on the bridge for work, healthcare, and other essential needs. The
department is exploring partnerships with the city and local transit to help affected individuals.
Next Steps
ITD is finalizing details on the closure’s duration and will share updates as soon as available.
Residents facing hardship are encouraged to contact ITD at 208‑772‑1200 or email heather.mcdaniel@itd.idaho.gov to discuss needs and possible solutions.
ITD is also notifying event organizers with permits for bridge use.
Broader Context
A study to explore replacement options for both bridges crossing Lake Pend Oreille is underway, but design and construction funding is not yet available.
Tip:
If you need to cross the bridge, use the vehicular bridge during
off‑peak hours or check with local transit for alternative routes.
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