Blessings for the holiday season

Twenty years ago this month, our coast-to-coast travels led us through Bonners Ferry down to Sandpoint. It was love at first sight. 

We stayed at the now-demolished S&W Motel on our tight budget but explored the city, took day trips around the county and became friends with people from Clark Fork to Coeur d'Alene. 

We've visited again a few more times but our initial vivid memories of the area's staggering natural beauty and strong, yet warm and welcoming people are fresh. These things have made the Panhandle region a true American gem. 

Going into this holiday season, may all of you who live and work there be blessed with peace. We're grateful to have come to know it and you.

RICHARD and LESLIE WILLIAMS

Richmond, Virginia