When it was time today for the portion of the orientation program for new state lawmakers where they hear from members of the media – a panel consisting of the AP’s Kimberlee Kruesi, Idaho Public TV’s Joan Cartan-Hansen and myself – legislative services director Eric Milstead wasn’t having much luck getting the lunch conversation to pipe down so the panel discussion could start, when a loud, attention-grabbing whistle was heard from off to one side, prompting immediate silence. The whistler? Senate Assistant Majority Leader Chuck Winder, who just happens to be celebrating his 69th birthday today. “I tell everyone it’s the 30th anniversary of my 39th birthday,” Winder said. “It just sounds better.”

Asked about the crowd-calming, attention-grabbing whistle, Winder said, “I have an older sister that taught me how to do that when I was a kid.” He added with a smile, “It comes in handy for unruly crowds.”