A cowboy in the making - Egg gathering - Fresh peas from the garden

This week, kids of all ages descended on the Blackhawk Ranch House to experience the lifestyle of days gone by. Pony rides, egg gathering, picking fresh treats from the garden and chasing chickens were all part of the fun! If you missed this event, be sure to put our next Barnyard Day on July 23rd on your calendars!

New West CEO and founder Jonathan Weber on horseback at Blackhawk

New West founder Jonathan Weber recently came to Blackhawk on the River and was treated to an early-morning tour of the 364-acre Wildlife Preserve and Blackhawk community. Mr. Weber says that the horseback ride was definitely his favorite part of the tour…his family was “quite impressed!”

Moving forward, Blackhawk and New West hope to continue building a great relationship aimed at sharing the amazing experiences McCall has to offer.

New West is a company dedicated to the culture, economy, politics, environment and lifestyle of the Rocky Mountain West.  Their  core mission is to serve the Rockies with innovative, participatory journalism and to promote conversation that helps us understand and make the most of the dramatic changes sweeping our region.  Check out their website at: www.NewWest.net

Larry and Blackhawk CEO Sima Muroff

Larry Behar, an attorney from Florida specializing in immigration issues and special guest to Blackhawk, said his experience touring Blackhawk via horseback was outstanding. His favorite memory? Meeting Cinnamon, his trusty steed. For his next trip to McCall with his family, we will be outfitting a special saddle bag so Larry’s dog Skippy can experience the pleasures of Idaho on horseback!

Click on the image above to download a PDF of the Blackhawk 2009 Summer Events Schedule.

Exclusive to Blackhawk Newsletter May 2009
by Stephanie Williams

Up near the United States and Canadian border lies the quiet Idaho town of Bonners Ferry.  The small rural community was formally established in 1893.  It provided a hub and gathering place for the weary lumbermen and miners looking for a respite from the drudgery of their routine.  The men would down whiskey and trade stories of the day’s “near death” experiences.  Undoubtedly, tales would grow taller as the evening wore on.  Surviving explosions, or maybe having a Ponderosa Pine fall on top of you would lead to an arm wrestle to decide the real truth.

Standing high above all the shenanigans, Bonners Ferry has three mountain ranges guarding secrets of her rich western history:  the Selkirk, Purcell and Cabinet.

Who would have known that those mountains, quiet observers of the rough-hewn mining days, would provide people of today with the opportunity to enjoy such a peaceful and modern community center:  the new River Lodge at Blackhawk on the River.

The grand exposed timbers that you will notice in the River Lodge were harvested from those mountains in Bonners Ferry, Idaho (as fire salvaged timber.)  Each truss cut to exacting angles lend support and gracefulness to the premiere gathering center.

Local milling professional, Larry Duff, personally oversaw the harvesting of the lumber. Handsaws were used in order to lessen the impact on the forest environment.  Horses were used to transport the timber from those old Idaho Mountains.

Also rich in Idaho heritage are the reclaimed timbers used as siding for the River Lodge.

Back in the mid 1800’s homesteaders continued to push westward to claim their piece of the American Dream.  The land along the fertile hills of the Hoodoo known as Latah County became one of the most populous counties in the state.  The arrival of the railroad in 1885 continued to fuel the wheels of commerce in the mining and lumber towns of Moscow, Troy, and Bovill.

It was in this faded old town of Bovill, Idaho that the developers at Blackhawk were recently able to reclaim the wood from a century old train trellis.  It was an abandoned old support, doomed to fade into the earth from which it grew.  It was a grand structure longing for a purpose.

The wood from that trellis was taken down and milled in nearby Riggins, Idaho.  You can see it, in its entire refined splendor, at the River Lodge at Blackhawk.

Blackhawk developer Sima Muroff says reclaiming these types of native and aged timbers provides for practically maintenance-free materials.  These wood products will continue to age gracefully as time goes on.  All it needs is a little oil every once in a while to maintain it’s distinctly rugged good looks and to stay well preserved.

He goes on to mention that this siding is one of the many forward thinking aspects of the building designed to keep HOA costs down.  Less maintenance on pre-aged reclaimed wood means less cost to homeowners.

As I walked through the River Lodge recently, I could hear distant echoes of old Idaho miners telling tall tales.  One miner says, “Hanging out at the River Lodge is much better than having a tree fall on you.  And if you don’t believe that I’ll arm wrestle you.”  Hmm.  No arm wrestling today thank you.

S.W.

Director of Outdoor Pursuits and Environmental Stewardship

During her first year at Blackhawk, Jil has put her lifetime of equine and education experience to work. An avid horsewoman, her passion for the care of animals and their environment is infectious. Jil was raised around horses and outdoor pursuits in Wisconsin.

In the past, Jil has lived in an Amish community where she learned how to work with horses in harness, has worked as a manager for a hunter-jumper stable as well as for a carriage company in Northern California.

In addition, Jil has been a trainer and clinician for horses in the field and in the show ring. Along with her vast equestrian knowledge, Jil also has a passion for education. She established a grade school education program to teach children about how draft horses were used in early state history.

Jil also has a keen interest in local plant and wildlife and is currently an apprentice to a well-known herbalist in Valley County.

As Director of Outdoor Pursuits and Environmental Stewardship, Jil has developed the Summer and Winter Event Series at Blackhawk, crafting each event around the unique wildlife, plant life and outdoor activities in McCall, Idaho.

Spring Art Show: Riggins

Produced by the Salmon River Art Guild (Riggins), at the IOOF Hall in Riggins, is a show of adult and children’s art from the area.

Friday, May 15th:

Eighth Anniversary Celebration, Art Show, Wine Tasting, Fundraiser

Celebrating Bistro 45 Wine Bar & Cafe’s entering its ninth season, all proceeds from the celebration fund the Kit Worthington Foundation for the Arts, which awards scholarships for artists. Donations for the silent auction and drawings are being accepted now, call 634-4515.

Friday, Saturday, May 28th, 29th:

“Artists of McCall” at the Shore Lodge

This fine art show of local artists will feature a variety of artwork from members of the Artists of McCall in the beautiful space of the Shore Lodge on Payette Lake. Artists of McCall is currently accepting applications for membership, contact Steve Padgitt for more info: spadgitt@snowedinnmccall.com

Fri, Sat, Sun, June 12th, 13th, 14th:

Beginning Birding Workshop: Awaken Your Senses

Join Ashley Martens, M.S. Environmental Science and get to know the birds of our region: “With our eyes, we will classify and identify birds and their habitats. With our ears, we will connect the sounds of birds with their identities and habits.With our hands, we will examine museum specimens to learn about form and pattern. With all of our senses, we will connect to the beauty and freedom that birds inspire.” at the Meadowood Lodge $150-195/person (sliding scale) depending on financial need.

Please contact Ashley Martens to discuss the sliding scale. See the detailed daily schedule, what to bring, what lodging and meals are included in the fee, and an image on www.bhubble.com (McCall) at this event’s specific calendar item there.

Sunday, June 14th:

The McCall Bassoon Band (12 bassoonists from around the US)

Backcountry Bassoons: Bassoon Tunes in June, selections to be announced. Next of a monthly music series “Second Sunday Sounds @ Six, McCall’s Free Community Recital Series” sponsored by the McCall Community Congregational Church (UCC) and the McCall Music Society, and McCall Arts & Humanities Council and donations from private patrons. Recitals feature local and regional artists who apply to participate, held every second Sunday, 6:00 pm, McCall Community Congregational Church (UCC), FREE.

July 11th:

Awesome’s 4th Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta

Runs from 11a to 7p. Free. Directions: Call 208-347-4484. Description: Teams of 2 to 6 crew members construct a cardboard boat using only duct tape and cardboard. At least 2 team members will race along the shores of Payette Lake to battle it out for the championship. An awards ceremony will be held after the race; Pride of Sharlie (Best Looking), Titanic Award (most spectacular sinking), and the Payette Lake Cardboard Boat Champion (fastest boat). Proceeds from the event will go to support Adaptive Wilderness Sports of McCall (AWeSOMe!), a non-profit organization that provides recreation for people with disabilities. For more info contact 208-347-4484 or contact@awsomeidaho.org. There is an entry fee of $50.00 for regular family and friends teams, and $100 for corporate/organizational teams. Live music and entertainment for all.

Address: Legacy Park, McCall, ID. Phone: 208-347-4484.

Thurs, Fri, Sat, July 16th, 17th, 18th:

The Summer Music Festival at Roseberry

A new performance stage and terrific line-up for 2009! Get all the info on bands, times, tickets and directions on the new website. The line-up includes: a Locals Night (Thurs), Mike Marshall and Darol Anger (Friday), The Shook Twins; JJ Grey and Mofro (Saturday), but be sure to check the site for updates!

August 4th thru the 8th.

The Valley County Fair

Get a taste of the genuine article. Plenty of prized cattle, red ribbon jams, and carnival rides. This is a great hometown event. Please contact the Valley County Fair for more info. 208-382-5819. Address: Cascade.

August 7th thru the 9th.

Yellow Pine Harmonica Fest

Located in Yellow Pine. FREE. Each year during the first full weekend of August this sleepy mountain hamlet is transformed into the harmonica capital of the western world. Entering its 20th year in 2009 (August 7-9), the Yellow Pine Harmonica Contest (honoring prospecting pioneers) has grown into one of the world’s largest (and most fun!) harmonica events. The contest begins at 11:00am on Saturday with the Youth and Adult Divisions. The Open Grand Champion Division starts at 1:00pm Saturday. Winners will be announced and trophies and prize monies awarded at 5:00pm Saturday.

Address: Yellow Pine. Web: www.harmonicacontest.com

August 14th thru the 16th.

ACBS Annual Wooden Boat Show

McCall Idaho. This is a great event residing near the beautiful Payette Lake on the docks of the historic Shore Lodge. Come see the artistic, magical and legendary wooden boats from the 1930’s to current. Vote for your favorite boat. Donate something for the silent/live auction. Register your boat and be apart of the mafic. Saturday night dinner and auction. Support the McCall Community, Join the Payettelakeschapter-ACBS.

Address: McCall near Shore Lodge. Phone: 208-634-2244. Web: www.payettelakeschapter-acbs.com

Information provided by:
http://www.mccallchamber.org
http://www.mccallartmusic.com/
http://www.thesummermusicfestival.com/

Wild & Scenic Film Festival
April 4, 2009 @ The Boise Center on the Grove

The Patagonia Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival is coming to Boise on April 4, 2009. This festival will present a series of films that use beautiful imagery to inspire local individuals to get involved with conserving those wild and scenic places out your backdoor – those special places that allow children and Idahoans to connect with nature and that insure a vibrant community with healthy landscapes.

EVENT DETAILS: Two hours of compelling films. In addition to national films, the festival is proud to showcase the top photos and video produced by local Idaho children through the statewide “Be Outside” campaign. Informative displays with great ideas for fun outdoors events, activities and special local places to visit will be showcased.

Saturday April 4, 2009
Boise Center on the Grove, Summit Theater
850 W Front, Boise 83702

Matinee show: Doors open at 1:30 pm and films at 2:00 pm.
Evening show: Doors open at 6:30 pm and films at 7:00 pm.

TICKET DETAILS: Tickets $10 for both shows. Log on to the Land Trust of the Treasure Valley website at lttv.org for more information. To see film trailers visit wildandscenicfilmfestival.org.