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JULY
2015
Rec coordinator charged with spreading Valley fun PAGE 22
City Hall, proposed library look to revitalize oncehappening Valley corridor PAGE 6
Jaremko family celebrates 80 years of autos PAGE 24
Freeman golfer’s state tourney journey PAGE 26
Civilians get taste of life as a firefighter PAGE 31
NEWS
2 • JULY 2015
Senior class
The Current
A Cup of Joe
Clark-Parson leads Spokane Valley Senior Center with style By Craig Howard
CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR
Visitors strolling through the lobby of the Spokane Valley Senior Center have become familiar with the lilting laugh emerging from the office just off the front desk. The cheerful sound belongs to Karen Clark-Parson, who oversees the daily agenda here with the sort of warmth and congeniality that makes guests feel like they are dropping by a five-star resort. She has served as the senior center specialist since 2002, when the center was still housed in a venerable but rickety old building on Mission Avenue. The move to CenterPlace in 2005 meant a sparkling new home, expanded programming and an address near a park next to the Spokane River. Clark-Parson was initially hired by the Spokane County Parks and Recreation Department when the center was still located in unincorporated Spokane Valley. When the Valley officially became its own city in 2003, she was brought on as one of the first municipal employees. Clark-Parson works as a liaison between the city and the Spokane Valley Senior Association, established in 1973 as the center’s governing entity. When Clark-Parson talks about continuing education, she speaks from experience. She went back to college at the age of 45, earning her degree from Whitworth in sociology and recreation. Later, she latched on at the Corbin Senior Center, eventually climbing the ladder to director over a span that lasted from 1991 to 2002. A native of Oklahoma, Clark-Parson moved to the Spokane area with her family while in high school. She graduated from Mead in 1964. Her family includes two children and four grandchildren. This year, Clark-Parson is celebrating a decade at CenterPlace, a 54,000 square foot venue that has become one of the Valley’s signature gathering sites. The center occupies most of the eastern portion of the building and features amenities like a library, dance floor, pool tables and an art room complete with a kiln for ceramics. In a typical month, the schedule at the
CURRENT PHOTO BY CRAIG HOWARD
Karen Clark-Parson was hired as director of the Spokane Valley Senior Center in April 2002 when the facility was still under the auspices of Spokane County. She has worked in the same role at the center since the city of Spokane Valley incorporated in 2003. center covers a wide range of programming, including free immunizations, a book club, counseling about Medicare, cribbage, aerobics and a slew of continuing education classes under the umbrella of Community Colleges of Spokane. This summer, the curriculum features instruction in U.S. history, cooking, yoga, computer literacy, painting and more. Yearly membership at the center runs $20 for those 50 and over and includes benefits like a discount on day passes at the nearby Valley YMCA and 20 percent off at the Sprague/Sullivan Walgreens once a month. Off-site, the center has a presence at venues like the HUB Sports Center in Liberty Lake, where seniors participate in pickleball, a hybrid of tennis, ping-pong and badminton. In May, the pickleball roster exceeded 500. The Current caught up with Clark-Parson recently to talk about the dynamics of managing the Valley’s hub for seniors.
Q.
Tell us about your first year as director of the Spokane Valley Senior Center in 2002. How was the mission of the center different from what it is now?
A.
My first year was filled with getting to know the people. Each senior center seems to have its own personality and focus of interest. The senior center had a lady in her late 70s who was paid part-time by the Spokane Valley Senior Association. With
me coming on board, it would mean she would lose her position. For me, I felt it was my job to not exclude her from anything she was interested in contributing, but to let her know I could learn from her and looked forward to her assistance. Actually, it worked out OK. She was not as upset as some felt she would be, and she offered me a wealth of information and was very helpful. She stayed on to volunteer for a while as she had many friends who attended the senior center. Later, she still came to Wednesday dance and other activities. The mission of the senior center has remained the same. We are now housed in a modern and lovely facility. The mainstay of this senior center is to offer fellowship, socialization and activities to persons 50 and over. And from this, many lasting friendships have developed over the years. Q: How did your experience working at the Corbin Senior Center prepare you for your role at SVSC? A: At Corbin Senior Center, I did my internship while finishing at Whitworth College (now university). My internship allowed me to better understand the aging process and the importance of staying active. Following my internship, I became the activity director. This role was a challenge for me as I struggled to understand what people wanted in the way of programs and services, not to mention the challenges of working for a nine-member board. Q: You went back to school later than
the average college student, earning a degree at Whitworth. Why do you believe in continuing education both on a personal level and in the agenda at SVSC? A: I went back to school … in my mid-40s. I had started college right out of high school, but as with many of us, some focuses changed. But I wanted to complete what I started years before. It is so fulfilling to accomplish something you have longed for. On a professional level, my degree offered me the opportunity to walk through many doors. Q: How did the center's move from the old building on Mission Avenue to CenterPlace in 2005 affect the image and direction of SVSC? A: Moving from the more than 30-year-old senior center from Mission Avenue to the brand-new facility at CenterPlace has attracted many new seniors, most of them years younger than those who participated at the old senior center. Because of our new location in Mirabeau Point Park, this exposure has generated new faces. Some have found us because they are walking the Centennial Trail or riding their bikes or just strolling through the park. Our new facility provides many spaces, which create opportunities to offer more programs and more activities. Q: How would you describe the balance between working under the banner of the city of Spokane Valley and also answering to the board of the Spokane Valley Senior Citizens Association? A: The city of Spokane Valley has been generous with the seniors and the Spokane Valley Senior Association. As the senior center specialist working within the parks and recreation department, I’m responsible for maintaining the lines of communication between the city and the senior association. A memorandum of understanding was developed from the beginning, and it outlines the partnership and relationship that the association has with the city. I’ve been blessed to work with a wonderful group of board members and with a city that is truly supportive of seniors. Q: There is research that shows socialization and mental activity among seniors can help reduce the onset of Alzheimer's and dementia. How do you think the center improves the quality of life for its members?
See SENIOR, page 4
The Current
JULY 2015 • 3
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Does my mom have options besides dentures? A patient of mine who wore dentures once told me how she chose what to order from a restaurant menu. Her question was not, “What looks delicious?” It wasn’t even, “What would be healthy for me?” Instead, she was looking to order the few limited items that she knew she could chew. Her life changed dramatically when we were able to replace her dentures with dental implants instead. While dentures give you about 25% the chewing power of normal teeth, implants provide an actual replacement for natural missing teeth and restore over 90% chewing power. Secured in the gum or jaw, this method of placement makes them the most natural tooth replacement system. In short, they look and feel like your own teeth. You even care for them as you would your natural teeth. While dentures can be initially more affordable, their removable nature not only makes them less reliable, but less functional as well. Dentures require maintenance and care that is both time-consuming and potentially costly over time. We would be happy to visit with you or your loved ones about whether dental implants are right for you.
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The Current
4 • JULY 2015
NEWS
SVFD Report A total of 1,616 emergency calls were reported by the Spokane Valley Fire Department between May 20 and June 24: Fires* 129 Emergency Medical Services 1,239 Hazardous Materials 13 Motor Vehicle Accidents 113 Extrication 3 Water Rescue 5 Building Alarms 91 Service Calls 23 *Types of fires include brush, commercial, residential, rubbish, vehicle and unauthorized burning calls
Highlighted calls • Extrication — Firefighters responded to the 2300 block of South Dishman-Mica Road shortly before 9:30 p.m. May 20 to find a Silverado pickup on its side next to the road with two people trapped inside. A group of citizens was holding the truck in place to keep it from tipping over. Firefighters stabilized the vehicle, broke out the truck’s windshield, and the two people were able to walk out on their own. • Service call — A 1-year-old girl locked in a car in the 9300 block of East Montgomery was freed by firefighters shortly after 3 p.m. May 21. The baby was sweaty and crying but otherwise unharmed. • Structure fire — Firefighters responded to 11009 E. Third Ave. to find smoke coming from the eaves of an apartment building shortly before 6:30 p.m. May 24. Crews attacked the attic fire from a second floor apartment and kept the fire contained to the area of origin. A search was conducted, and it was determined that all residents had been safely evacuated. • Arson investigation — Spokane Valley Fire Department arson dog Mako was dispatched to 20 E. Chattaroy Road to assist Spokane County Fire District 4 investigators with a suspicious fire on May 26. Mako quickly found the source of the fire that was later determined to be arson to cover up a triple homicide. • Vehicle fire — Firefighters responded to reports of a vehicle fire just before 4 p.m. May 31 in the 18800 block of East Appleway. The occupants of a Subaru station wagon escaped unharmed after the car burst into flames. The owner told firefighters that the car had recently been in the shop for repairs. • Duplex fire — An agitated pet rabbit in a bedroom cage is credited with alerting family members to an early-morning bathroom fan fire on June 3 in the 400 block of North Evergreen Road. One adult and two children escaped injury and were assisted by the Red Cross. The duplex did not have working smoke detectors. • Service call — A June 4 report of a dog trapped in barbed wire at 21500 E. Country Vista Drive in Liberty Lake was determined by firefighters to be a dog stuck behind the
In Case You Missed It fence of the Liberty Lake Water and Sewer District’s pump house. The dog had apparently chased a cat into the area. • Brush fire — A suspicious brush fire was reported near Fifth Avenue and McKinnon Road just before 6 p.m. June 11. The fire burned less than 1 acre at the top of a hill before it was extinguished. Transient camps were found in the area. There were no injuries. • Motor vehicle accident — A tow truck and a car were involved in a collision at 4300 N. Argonne Road around 5:30 p.m. June 12. The driver of the car was transported to the hospital with minor injuries. • Brush fire — Spokane Valley Fire crews joined Spokane County Fire District No. 8 in an automatic aid response to a brush fire at the corner of 44th and Bates Road just after 2:30 p.m. June 15. The fire was burning in the opposite direction of homes and a Spokane County Fire District No. 8 station located across the street. The fire was later determined to be intentionally set. • Burn ban — On June 17, the cities of Liberty Lake, Millwood and Spokane Valley, along with Spokane County and the Department of Natural Resources, banned unauthorized open burning and recreational fires until further notice. Violators are subject to up to $1,000 in fines and criminal charges if an illegal burn starts another fire. • Water rescue — SVFD assisted Spokane Fire District No. 9, City of Spokane Fire Department and Sheriff’s divers in the rescue of a young man from the Spokane River at Boulder Beach just after 1 p.m. June 19. The patient was rescued unconscious and unresponsive from the river, transported in critical condition and later died. He was not wearing a life jacket. • Balcony fire — Fire investigators traced the cause of a late-night June 20 balcony fire to a cigarette placed in a potted plant. The fire occurred at 6813 E. Second Ave. and was quickly extinguished by fire crews. Damage was limited to the balcony. Potting soil is highly flammable. • Unauthorized burn — An outdoor bonfire was reported in the 20200 block of East Baldwin Avenue in Liberty Lake just after 9:30 p.m. June 21. SVFD crews responded, and the homeowner complied with firefighter instructions to extinguish the fire. A countywide burn ban is now in effect, making open burning and recreational fires illegal. • Structure fire — A passerby alerted firefighters to smoke and flames coming from a home in the 4200 block of South Chapman Road just after 12:30 p.m. June 21. The house was undergoing significant renovations. A bucket of rags used for staining wood had been left in the basement and spontaneously combusted. Damage was significant, although estimates are not yet available. No one was home at the time.
Gothmann fills vacant seat The Spokane Valley City Council recently appointed Bill Gothmann to fill a temporary vacancy due to the extended excused absence of Councilmember Bill Bates. Gothmann, who previously served on the council from January 2006 through December 2011, was selected from a pool of 18 who applied to fill the position. He will fill the temporary position until Bates returns; the position is permanently vacated; or for one year (whichever occurs first). A retired digital engineer, Gothmann is also a Professor Emeritus from Eastern Washington University, where he served as Chair of the Department of Technology and as an associate professor. The community is invited to attend City Council meetings, typically held 6 p.m. Tuesdays at City Hall, 11707 E. Sprague Ave. For more, visit www.spokanevalley.org.
Fire agencies work together to provide automatic aid
requested, neighboring fire department resources will respond. Automatic aid eliminates the need to ask. Instead, the closest, most appropriate resources are dispatched to respond to the emergency, regardless of borders. The services provided by each agency are provided at no cost to either agency. “I’ve seen how automatic aid can work to improve response and deliver critical resource depth in times of real disaster,” said Chief Collins. “Automatic aid means that when large events are escalating and requiring more resources, other departments are automatically dispatched to continue providing timely response to ongoing emergencies across our community.” The new agreements build on steps already taken with auto aid agreements in the event of water rescue between the City of Spokane Fire Department and Spokane Valley Fire Department. Full borderless automatic aid has been in place between Spokane County Fire District #8 and Spokane Valley Fire Department for the past year, the release said.
Leaders of four local fire agencies — City of Spokane Fire Department, Spokane Valley Fire Department and Spokane County Fire Districts Nos. 8 and 9 — recently announced a collaboration to provide automatic aid across fire district borders. According to a press release, mutual aid has been in place for many years in the Spokane region. This means that if
Rockford mayor resigns
SENIOR
hear from folks who view the center as their second home?
Continued from page 2
A: Many of the seniors consider this their second home and feel comfortable here. They enjoy the camaraderie, the activities and the environment. I hear people, all the time, tell the receptionist, “This is such a friendly place.” In essence, that is exactly what we strive for and hopefully have accomplished.
A: I can’t speak to the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia. I can tell you that when children bring a parent who may have been married upwards of 50 years, the person is often times hesitant. If and when that person begins to come to the center, they find there are others in the same position. Friendships do come about, even some dating and lasting friendships develop. Folks find they aren’t the only ones with these changes in our life cycle. Q: Along those lines, what has the presence of Meals on Wheels and a regular lunch site added to the center's atmosphere? A: The Meals on Wheels program provides another venue for people to meet and get acquainted. Sitting chatting over a meal is less stressful and a good conversation starter. Additionally, the meals are extremely important to the health of our seniors. Q: What sort of feedback to you
Steve Meyer resigned from his position as mayor of the town of Rockford in late May, citing that he was tired of the town council micromanaging him and town employees. This news followed the recent resignations of the town’s clerk-treasurer and deputy clerk. Meyer was elected to the position in 2013.
Q: Finally, what have you enjoyed most about steering the center's ship all these years? A: I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to work for the Spokane Valley Parks and Recreation Department. My supervisors and co-workers are always willing to lend a helping hand and have an open door to me. I truly enjoy working with the senior population. I love watching and listening to people who attend the various activities. This position has afforded me the opportunity to learn a great deal about people, the aging process and about myself. I have found lasting friendships here that I will treasure.
The Current
JULY 2015 • 5
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COVER STORY
6 • JULY 2015
NEW CHAPTER FOR U-CITY
The Current
City Hall, proposed library the latest steps in reinvigoration of Valley’s historic hot spot By Craig Howard
CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR
Eldonna Shaw can remember when a visit to University City was a trendy happening. In the late 1960s, Shaw would make the drive from her home in Plummer, Idaho, to the U-City Mall in west Spokane Valley, appreciating the fact that, unlike downtown Spokane, she didn’t have to worry about parallel parking. “Back then, U-City was the place to go,” Shaw said. “The mall had the Crescent and all kinds of stores. It was kind of big-time without going downtown. That’s when Sprague Avenue was busy and U-City was the hub of the community.” Though the U-City of 50 years ago has long passed, local leaders believe plans for nearly $30 million in development in the area could be a sign that glory days will return to the area near University and Sprague. Included in this figure is a new $14 million Spokane Valley City Hall planned for a portion of the large footprint where the U-City Mall once stood. The new municipal headquarters is projected to be completed by spring 2017. A second project across the street is in the hands of voters. A new $14.5 million Spokane Valley Library would be the centerpiece of a $22 million bond proposal the Spokane County Library District is asking voters to consider Aug. 4. The new library would blend its campus with an expansion of Balfour Park. Coupled with recent nearby improvements such as Spokane Valley Tech and the Appleway Trail, among others, the area is potentially experiencing a resurgence it hasn’t seen in decades.
A slow decline Years after Shaw journeyed to University City for the go-to shopping, her day job as then-president and CEO of the Greater
CURRENT PHOTO BY CRAIG HOWARD
Crews demolished most of the former U-City Mall (the old Crescent department store building on the west was left standing) in late April. The city of Spokane Valley plans to build a new City Hall on a 3.38-acre lot in what was once parking area that will open by spring 2017. Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce gave her a vested interest in the shopping area’s demise. At the time, she occupied an office just west of U-City along Sprague Avenue. It was the first decade of the 2000s, and the glory days of U-City were long gone, replaced by vacancy signs and storefronts that featured more boards than windows. By 2012, the chamber was gone, too, relocating to a new home in Liberty Lake.
“The area was pretty bleak,” Shaw recalled. “And it wasn’t getting any better.” The mall opened in 1965 with 29 stores and a 1,500-space parking lot. By 1980, the tenants had doubled. Yet the outlook turned troubling for U-City with the arrival of the Spokane Valley Mall in 1997 and the move of U-City’s primary tenant, J.C. Penney, to the new space along I-90. Others point to the construction of the
City Hall’s first tenants weigh in on U-City transition
After Spokane Valley’s current governing board paid over $1 million for land at U-City for a future City Hall building with a price tag of $14 million, the ex-mayor expressed some concerns. “I’m delighted that the current City Council has realized that our plan for a City Hall was a valid idea,” Wilhite said. “However, when we would have constructed a building was based on the cost of our renting space. At that time we felt a half million dollars for rent was the tipping point for building. I understand that the council got the rent reduced, so now why the rush to build?” Mike DeVleming, who served as Spokane Valley’s first mayor, said the latest council “has had time to see the big picture” when it comes to a new City Hall. He said the city’s inaugural leaders always saw the importance of establishing a stand-alone municipal home. “From the very first day, we knew that a permanent place for City Hall would be important, but it was more than just a building to hold council meetings; it would be the heart of the city,” DeVleming said.
By Craig Howard
CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR
As a former mayor of Spokane Valley, Diana Wilhite is familiar with discussions about a new City Hall. When she ran for re-election in 2009, Wilhite faced a hailstorm of criticism along with her fellow council members over plans to develop a new city center and City Hall at the depleted former site of the U-City Mall. Dean Grafos, one of the candidates who opposed the idea and the accompanying Sprague Appleway Revitalization Plan and went on to be elected that fall, characterized the city center proposal as an extravagant “Taj Mahal.”
Sprague/Appleway couplet in 2000 that brought one-way traffic to a stretch of Sprague, directly impacting U-City and Auto Row to the west. From 2000 to 2010, the number of vehicles traveling along the east-west arterial dropped by over half. By the mid-2000s, the city of Spokane Valley’s strategy to refurbish the area was
See U-CITY, page 7 Like Wilhite and DeVleming, Dick Denenny was part of Spokane Valley’s original City Council. He says the conversations he has these days with council representatives feature a different tone than he heard years ago, including gratitude for building up healthy financial reserves. “As time goes by, the attitudes seem to have changed,” Denenny said. “I get a lot of compliments now about what we left them.” As for the opposition to the SARP and a city center, Denenny said he and his colleagues were simply “trying to reshape the conversation about development and go after grants and matching money.” He described the current conditions along Sprague Avenue as “still looking desolate.” As of last month, a drive down Sprague from Pines to Farr Road turned up around two-dozen signs pitching commercial real estate. “We were taking steps to modify zoning and the direction the city was going,” he said. “When it comes to something like Sprague, if you don’t start making changes, nothing’s going to happen.”
The Current
JULY 2015 • 7
COVER STORY
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U-CITY Continued from page 6
taking shape. Known as the Sprague/ Appleway Revitalization Plan, or SARP, the approach called for rezoning to spur mixed-use development and renovation of the downtrodden thoroughfare. After six years and around $1 million, SARP took effect in October 2009. “There needed to be revitalization of some kind,” said Shaw, who was part of the Valley Chamber’s endorsement of SARP. “We had some reservations about it, but at least it was movement in the right direction.” A blueprint for development over the next 30 years, SARP called for a new city center and City Hall in the U-City area and changing a mile of Sprague east of Dishman-Mica Road back to a two-way street. Among a crowd of locals who opposed SARP was Dean Grafos, now mayor of Spokane Valley. In 2008, Grafos spoke out against the plan as a businessman, saying it would negatively impact the economy by installing misguided zoning restrictions. Grafos was joined by others like Bob McCaslin Sr., Brenda Grassel and Tom Towey, who comprised the “Positive Change” ticket leading up to the November 2009 general election. When all the ballots had been counted, the quartet — along with incumbent Gary Schimmels — were elected to office, forming a new majority that opposed SARP. By April 2011, the plan had been officially repealed. “My opposition to a new City Hall back in 2008 was in response to the heavyhanded SARP sub-area plan passed by the former City Council,” Grafos says now.
“The City Hall at University City was part of a huge multi-million dollar zoning plan that removed property rights and entitlements of approximately 1,100 land parcels and buildings over a six-mile stretch of Sprague Avenue from Auto Row to Conklin Road.”
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New home for the city These days, Grafos is looking forward to a new venue for City Hall that may finally revitalize U-City, or at least create some momentum. Last December, City Council approved a $1.13 million purchase of 3.4 acres for a new municipal home near the site of the once-thriving mall. The city has agreed to bring on Coeur d’Alene firm Architects West to design the building that will house around 80 city employees. With the city facing leasing costs of $435,000 each year at Redwood Plaza just east of U-City, Grafos said building a “right-sized” City Hall makes economic sense and will be consistent with Spokane Valley’s emphasis on “an efficient and lean government.” “With a lease at our current location due for renewal, our future costs were uncertain,” Grafos said. “The economic conditions for the construction of a City Hall at University City present a unique opportunity to construct a municipal building essentially exchanging lease payments for mortgage. Because of our favorable bond rating, we are able to borrow money at very favorable rates taking advantage of low interest rates and favorable construction costs not seen in recent memory.” Cost estimates for the new City Hall hover around $14 million, with $6 million coming from the city’s capital reserve and civic facilities funds. The remaining $8 million would be secured through bond
See U-CITY, page 8
Run for a Cause
The Current
8 • JULY 2015
COVER STORY
U-CITY Continued from page 7
financing. No taxes will be raised for the design or construction. If all goes as anticipated, the city’s U-City home will be ready in March 2017, right when the lease at the current building expires. Council Member Ben Wick was the only dissenting vote when the purchase of the U-City land was considered around the dais. While Wick supports the idea for a new City Hall, he has also expressed concern about the city borrowing money for the project. Wick has proposed that the city’s new home should be “part of a hub” featuring organizations like the Valley Chamber, Spokane Valley Partners and the Spokane Valley Library. “I believe that we have an opportunity to create something special,” Wick said. “As we look at and talk about the efficiencies that can be gained internally to City Hall by co-locating or moving different departments next to each other, the same thing can be considered with our partners. It would be a destination for citizens of Spokane Valley.” Like Grafos, Council Member Chuck Hafner said the latest plans for a dedicated City Hall vary dramatically from the bid by the previous council. “This is different because it is not associated with the SARP proposal,” Hafner said. “Of most importance, it does not impact over 400 businesses that would have been affected under SARP with the zoning requirements that would have been put into the equation.”
Library across the aisle If the ballots wind up the way Nancy Ledeboer hopes in August, the new City Hall will have a neighbor just across the street. Ledeboer serves as director of the Spokane County Library District, which will ask voters to approve a $22 million funding initiative on Aug. 4. The bond would build a new 30,000-square-foot Spokane Valley Library at Sprague Avenue and Herald Road just west of Balfour Park. The funds would also go toward an expansion of the Argonne branch, construction of a new library in the Greenacres area on Conklin Road and repurposing of the current Valley Library as a technology resource center. Last April, a similar bond fell just short of the required 60 percent supermajority. Ledeboer said many library supporters thought the measure had been approved with nearly 55 percent of the vote. “One of the things we hear quite often is, ‘Didn’t this already pass?’” Ledeboer said. “A majority of voters were in favor on the bond issue last year. However, we need a supermajority.” The Spokane Valley City Council approved the purchase of nearly 3 acres by
CURRENT PHOTO BY CRAIG HOWARD
This vacant lot on the northeast corner of the intersection of Sprague Avenue and Herald Road is slated for a new, 30,000-square-foot Spokane Valley Library. Voters will decide the library’s fate Aug. 4. SCLD last January for the proposed Valley Library site. The new space would replace the building on Main Avenue that has stood for over 60 years and address many of the concerns like parking scarcity, lack of meeting space and an inflexible floor plan that are associated with the current location. The new library would be combined with proposed improvements to adjacent Balfour Park and feature an energyefficient, one-story design, a 220-space parking lot and a community room with a capacity for 200. Ledeboer said SCLD hopes to collaborate with the city “to host exciting events that utilize both the library and the park.” “We envision farmers markets, storytelling festivals, music concerts and other community events that will draw people to this area,” she said. “We have been very careful to say that the library on Sprague will be built next to the proposed expansion of Balfour Park and the library on Conklin Road will eventually be next to the Appleway Trail when it is complete. Libraries and parks together create destination gathering places that will contribute to a sense of place in Spokane Valley.” After being asked to chair the citizens’ campaign to pass the bond, Hafner called 35 people to help with the cause. All agreed to lend their support. If passed, the initiative would add 11 cents to every $1,000 of assessed property value, or $22 on a $200,000 home.
BOND BREAKDOWN The $22 million Spokane County Library District bond that will be decided by voters Aug. 4 would fund four projects: • A new, 30,000-square-foot Spokane Valley Library on Sprague Avenue near Balfour Park, estimated at $14.5 million; • A new, 10,000-square-foot library on Conklin Road (just south of Sprague Avenue) in the Veradale/Greenacres area, estimated at $5 million; • A 6,000-square-foot expansion of the Argonne Library serving Millwood and surrounding area, estimated at $1.5 million; and • A repurposing of the existing 60-yearold Spokane Valley Library near Pines and Sprague as a technology learning center and centralizing administration, estimated at $1 million. “At this time, it seems that everyone is for it,” Hafner said. “When you consider the library, City Hall, and Balfour Park, it is a no-brainer of what it can do for our community.”
The next chapter for U-City Through all the ups and downs at UCity, Rosauers has been a constant. The
Spokane-based grocery chain has had a presence along University Road since 1951, with the latest store opening in 1999. The talk about a new City Hall and potential library to the west has Rosauers’ CEO Jeff Philipps optimistic about the neighborhood’s future. “I think the addition of the City Hall and library will breathe new life into the former city hub,” Philipps said. “Having both entities at University City will create traffic, encourage business development and strengthen the existing retail operations in that corridor. I'm excited about seeing new buildings and investments in the area, and I'm hopeful that the city of Spokane Valley will see a resurgence of interest and activity around the site.” That resurgence may be closer than some think, according to Jim Magnuson, whose Coeur d’Alene based real estate company sold the land to Spokane Valley for the new City Hall. Along with Rosauers, the area now includes recent additions like the Spokane Valley Event Center, Spokane Valley Tech and the Appleway Trail. “We’ve seen a lot of these things pick up slowly, but there’s been a lot more interest in the area since things are moving,” Magnuson said. “I think having City Hall there will be a catalyst for redevelopment. If you add the library over there, it’s going to be a municipal center and that’s a real good start.”
The Current
JULY 2015 • 9
Vote YES for Libraries • AUGUST 4 Your YES vote will double the amount of public library space in the Spokane Valley and Millwood. The population of the Spokane Valley has more than doubled since the Valley Library was built in 1955. In 2014, an average of 900 people per day visit the Spokane Valley Library to attend programs, use technology, and seek assistance. And they check-out books, too. A library card gives you access to online resources, downloadable books and audio, streaming music and movies, and much more!
A YES vote is an investment in our community to fund four projects:
1. A new Spokane Valley Library on Sprague Avenue at Herald Road, next to the property where the City of Spokane Valley has a proposed plan to expand Balfour Park, creating a park/library combination. 2. A new library in the Veradale/Greenacres area on Conklin Road, 3. An expansion of the Argonne Library, and 4. A repurposing of the existing 60-year-old Spokane Valley Library into an express library and centralizing administration
Watch for ballots in your mail this month. For more information on the bond, visit www.LibrariesChangeLives.net
Libraries Change Lives
10 • JULY 2015
NEWS
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The Current
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CURRENT PHOTO BY TREVA LIND
The “Launch Into Middle School” summer program debuted last month in the Central Valley School District’s middle schools, including North Pines. Pictured from left are Maureen Weisbeck, principal of the secondary summer school program; Alison Walton, summer school principal designee; Melanie Cardenas, North Pines summer school teacher; and Lora Jackson, North Pines principal.
Summer program helps sixth-graders transition Liberty Lake Kiwanis gathering backpacks and supplies for participants By Treva Lind
CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR
“Launch Into Middle School,” a new free summer school for up to 120 incoming sixth-graders, started mid-June in the Central Valley School District. The program, which has children attending sessions at their future schools, supports identified students with the aim to help them transition successfully from elementary to middle school. It also connects them with a teacher based at their upcoming schools who leads their summer program and will maintain that relationship during the regular school year, educators say. “As a district, we saw a need to support identified students, whether socially or academically; we wanted them to be able to get ahead first before they start school,” said Maureen Weisbeck, secondary summer school program principal. “We’re running this program at every middle school in the Central Valley School District.” Separately, the Liberty Lake Kiwanis Club is spearheading a summer project to fill over 100 backpacks with school
supplies to give to all the CVSD students in the program by the time they start classes this fall. The summer school sessions run 15 days for three hours a day June 15-July 8. A class at North Pines Middle School had room for 15 students, while the larger middle schools — Greenacres and Evergreen — had room for 30 students in each building. Currently, the program serves just over 100 children overall, and it’s funded by state Learning Assistance Program dollars. “The students were identified by elementary schools as kids who will need a little boost of confidence to enter middle school,” Weisbeck said. “We want them to learn their way around the new schools and learn the technology. We also want to assist them with those fears they have about coming to middle school, so it’s how to open a locker, how to deal with friend problems, how to order lunch.” Alison Walton, summer school principal designee, said “Launch Into Middle School” also is structured to give kids a connection with a teacher at their new school. “Our research has found that connecting students with a caring, kind and affirming adult in the building will help
See TRANSITION, page 11
The Current
JULY 2015 • 11
NEWS
TRANSITION Continued from page 10
them build the type of resilience and connection they need to be successful in school,” Walton said. Students will continue to see their summer school educator, who by fall will play a role either as an advisory teacher, a core class instructor, or in a role for an afterschool program, depending on the school site, Weisbeck said. “There will be a continuing connection between the teacher and the kids in each of these schools,” Weisbeck said. The district previously offered a summer school that served only about 40 middle school students, with some fees paid by families on sliding scale, Weisbeck said. That prior program was centrally located at one site. Weisbeck said the new free program supports a broader student base and helps them become familiar with their home school. Teachers are trained to provide consistent material at each site, she said. The new program starts with ice breakers or initiatives each day to help students learn about working together and thinking about how they would deal with challenges. Students also work with teachers on school skills and literacy, and they will have ongoing access to online literacy tools. “They can continue to use this through the summer to keep their literacy skills up to par,” Walton said. Weisbeck added, “They leave this program with some challenges to continue with the reading program.” Liberty Lake Kiwanis member Pat Dockrey said the club plans to give backpacks to summer school students in time for the district’s late August Sneak Peak events, which are for all incoming sixth graders to visit their middle schools. Walton also is a Kiwanis club member and had asked if the group could help with backpacks. “At Sneak Peak right before school starts, all incoming sixth graders come to get a tour,” Weisbeck said. “We teach a lot of the skills that we teach in the summer schools, so these kids here now will end up being leaders and perhaps help their fellow students navigate the hallways.” Dockrey said the local club could use help from any community member to provide the backpacks. “If people want to help, the best way is to donate money,” Dockrey said. “We need to be able to buy the school supplies.” Donations can be mailed to Liberty Lake Kiwanis, P.O. Box 384, Liberty Lake, WA 99019. For questions, email Dockrey at pdockrey@gmail.com.
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COMMUNITY
12 • JULY 2015
The Current
Calendar of Events COMMUNITY EVENTS
July 4 | Independence Day
July 1 | Cherry Splat 5:30 to 7 p.m., Millwood Farmers Market, 3223 N. Marguerite Road. Kids are invited to grab a slingshot and a cherry to try and hit a target. Prizes will be awarded, and there will be coloring pages, activities and recipe cards all about cherries.
July 4 | Newman Lake Fire Auxiliary Hot Dog and T-shirt Sale 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.,
July 1 | Costuming and Cosplay on a Budget 5 to 8 p.m., Spokane Valley Library,
12004 E. Main Ave. Come pick up some tips and techniques for costuming on a budget. We’ll make headbands, masks, wings and more. For grades 6 and up. Pre-registration required. To register or for more: www.scld.org
July 2 | Issun Boshi: Little One-Inch Samurai 10 to 11 a.m., Argonne Library, 4322
N. Argonne; 2 to 3 p.m., Otis Orchards Library, 22324 E. Wellesley Ave. This hand puppet show tells the story of a one-inch samurai, based on the popular Japanese folktale. For children ages 5 and up. For more: www.scld. org
July 2 | C. Colston Burrell Lecture 6:30
p.m., CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place. The Inland Empire Gardeners will host C. Colston Burrell, who will present on “Literature into Art: Books That Changed the Way We Garden with Cole Burrell.” The presentation is free and open to the public. For more: www. tieg.org
Tri Community Grange, 25025 Heather St. This annual community event benefits Newman Lake Fire and Rescue and is an opportunity to support the volunteer fire department.
July 4 | Liberty Lake July 4th Celebration
Noon, community parade and games at Alpine Shores neighborhood, followed by a 6 p.m. concert by Milonga at Pavillion Park and fireworks at 10 p.m.
July 7 & 9 | Jamming Jenks 10 to 11 a.m.
(July 7), Fairfield Library, 305 E. Main St.; 2 to 3 p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m. (July 7), Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave.; 10 to 11 a.m. (July 9), Argonne Library, 4322 N. Argonne; 2 to 3 p.m. (July 9), Otis Orchards Library, 22324 E. Wellesley Ave. Jenks is a dynamic music and juggling act that is especially fun for kids and their parents. For kids in kindergarten through fifth grade. For more: www.scld.org
July 7 & 8 | Library Bond Open House 4 to 7 p.m., Argonne Library, 4322 N. Argonne (July 7) and Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. (July 8). Spokane County Library District invites you to find out the facts about the upcoming Library Bond election asking voters to approve a $22 million bond to fund four projects in the greater Spokane Valley and Millwood areas. For more: www.scld.org/2015-bond.
July 9 | Unveil the Trail celebration 10 a.m. to noon, University Plaza (east side of University at Appleway). This free event includes a ribboncutting ceremony as well as a one-mile fun walk for walkers, strollers, trikes and bikes. For more: cbranch@spokanevalley.org or 509-720-5411 July 9, 11 & 28 | Supersized Games 4 to 5
p.m. (July 9), Fairfield Library, 305 E. Main St.; 2 to 3 p.m. (July 11), Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave.; 2 to 3 p.m. (July 28), Argonne Library, 4322 N. Argonne. We’re taking some of our favorite games — like Banana Grams and Yahtzee — and making them life-sized. For grades 4 and up. For more: www.scld.org
July 10, 17, 24 & 31 | Fun Fridays in the Parks Fridays in July, Spokane Valley park
introduce audience members to the bird heroes that call the learning center home. For kids in kindergarten through fifth grade. For more: www.scld.org
July 14 | Navigating Your Credit 2 to 4
p.m., Orchards Library, 22324 E. Wellesley Ave. Explore ways to increase your credit score, establish good credit, and deal with collection agencies. For more: www.scld.org
July 14, 24, 29 & 30 | Comic Crafts 2 to
3:30 p.m., Argonne Library, 4322 N. Argonne (July 14), Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. (July 24) and Otis Orchards Library, 22324 E. Wellesley Ave. (July 29); 4 to 5:30 p.m., Fairfield Library, 305 E. Main St. (July 30). Prepare to get messy as we cut, staple, fold and paste recycled comics into picture frames, bookmarks and wall art. For grades 4 and up. For more: www.scld.org
program leaders will travel to two prescheduled parks to engage park users in awesome fun. Participate every Friday at one park and get entered to win a swim pass for the month of August valid at all three Spokane Valley outdoor pools. For more: www.spokanevalley.org/ parkpassport
July 15 | Give Yourself a Raise 2 to 4
July 14 & 16 | Heroic Birds of Prey 10 to 11 a.m. (July 14), Fairfield Library, 305 E. Main St.; 2 to 3 p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m. (July 14), Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave.; 10 to 11 a.m. (July 16), Argonne Library, 4322 N. Argonne; 2 to 3 p.m. (July 16), Otis Orchards Library, 22324 E. Wellesley Ave. West Valley Outdoor Learning Center’s HOOT program will
July 15 | Spokane Valley Book Club 2 to 3:30 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Join fellow book lovers to discuss “The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry” by Gabrielle Zevin. For more: www.scld.org
p.m., Orchards Library, 22324 E. Wellesley Ave. Discover ways to succeed with your budget and avoid money troubles, and protect yourself with tips on how to recognize financial predators. For more: www.scld.org
See CALENDAR, page 13
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The Current
CALENDAR Continued from page 12 July 16 | Spokane Valley Partners 17th annual Golf Scramble 11:30 a.m.
JULY 2015 • 13
COMMUNITY Liberty Lake Regional Park, 3707 S. Zephyr Road. This potluck is for adult single Christians of all ages. Bring a dish to share. To RSVP or more: www.meetup.com/Catholic-Singles-Mingle
Rockford Historical Society 11:30 the second
July 28 & 30 | Eric Herman and the Invisible Band 10 to 11 a.m. (July 28), Fairfield
Rockford Pioneer Museum 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays and Sundays through Sept. 27, 10 S. First St., Rockford
McClellan, downtown Spokane. This annual event will feature free food, clothing, haircuts, music and fun for the kids. To donate or for more: www.butb.org
July 16 | How to Draw Comics 4 to 5 p.m.,
Library, 305 E. Main St.; 2 to 3 p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m. (July 28), Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave.; 10 to 11 a.m. (July 30), Argonne Library, 4322 N. Argonne; 2 to 3 p.m. (July 30), Otis Orchards Library, 22324 E. Wellesley Ave. This show is bursting with comedy, creativity, audience participation and outrageously fun songs that the whole family will enjoy. For more: www.scld.org
July 17-18 | Central Valley Class of 1975 reunion Highlands Golf and Country Club, 5600 E. Mullan Ave., Post Falls. A 40th class reunion will be held with a reception, golf and spa day, dinner and dance. For more: www.cvclassof75. com
July 17 | Late Night @ the Library 7 to 10 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. What happens at night when the library is closed? Wear play clothes and be ready for games, snacks, crafts and more. For kids entering grades 3 to 5. Pre-registration and signed permission form required. For more: www.scld.org July 18 | Ride for Life Motorcyclists are
invited to meet up at Lone Wolf Harley-Davidson for a ride to Curley’s Hauser Junction where there will be a barbecue, live music and auctions to benefit children’s cancer research.
July 20 | Superhero Sandwiches 2 to 3
p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Every hero has a signature sandwich — which one is yours? For grades 6 and up. Pre-registration required. For more: www.scld.org
July 21 & 23 | Superhero Science 10 to 11 a.m. (July 21), Fairfield Library, 305 E. Main St.; 2 to 3 p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m. (July 21), Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave.; 10 to 11 a.m. (July 23), Argonne Library, 4322 N. Argonne; 2 to 3 p.m. (July 23), Otis Orchards Library, 22324 E. Wellesley Ave. Explore the science of superhuman feats with Mobius Science Center. For kids in kindergarten through fifth grade. For more: www.scld.org
July 21 to Aug. 18 | General Lee’s Surrender 12:30 to 3 p.m. Tuesdays,
CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Pl. General Robert E. Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Courthouse was 150 years ago in 2015. Discuss the battles, experience the meeting of General Grant and General Lee, and the flight of the South’s president, Jefferson Davis. Cost is $37. To register and more: www.sccel.spokane.edu/ACT2
July 24 | Summer Outdoor Movie: “Paddington” 8:50 p.m., Mirabeau Meadows
Park, 13500 Mirabeau Parkway. There will be movie-related crafts for kids led by Spokane Valley Parks and Recreation staff an hour before the movie starts. For more: www.spokanevalley. org/moviesinthepark
July 25 | Hot Wheels in Millwood 9
a.m. to 3 p.m., Millwood City Park. Sponsored by the Inland Empire Mustang Club, there are trophies to be awarded during this 15th annual event. For more: 467-8956 or www. inlandempiremustangclub.com
July 25 | Catholic Singles Mingle 3 p.m.,
Saturdays. The Harvest Moon, 20 S. First St. Hairpin Lace, knit, embroidery, needlepoint and arm knitting of infinity scarves are some of the activities. For more: 892-4412 or 291-3722
July 25 | Blessings Under the Bridge summer barbecue Noon to 3 p.m., 4th and
check-in begins, 1 p.m. shotgun start; Liberty Lake Golf Course, 24403 E. Sprague Ave. This fundraiser helps Spokane Valley Partners assist disadvantaged families facing critical circumstances. A BBQ dinner will follow the tournament. To register or for more: www.svpart. org/events/ Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Join local artist Makayla Miracle for a session on how to draw comics. For grades 4 and up. For more: www.scld.org
Rockford Crochet Class 10 a.m. to noon,
July 29 to Aug. 12 | Introduction to Digital Photography 1 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays,
CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Pl. Explore composition, ideal lighting conditions, and camera settings, then make minor photo edits on the computer for optimum results. Cell phone, point-and-shoot and digital SLR cameras are all welcome. Cost is $13. To register and more: www. sccel.spokane.edu/ACT2
July 31, Aug. 1 | Central Valley High School class of 1985 reunion This 30-year
reunion will kick off 6 to 9 p.m. Friday night at the Sullivan Scoreboard. There will be a party starting at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Mirabeau Park Hotel with 80s music. For payment info and more: visit Facebook page Central Valley High School Class of 85 “30” Year HS reunion
Friday of each month (Feb. through Nov.), Harvest Moon, 20 S. First St. For more: 291-3193 or 838-4173
Spokane County Library District Valley
branch locations include Argonne, Fairfield, Otis Orchards and Spokane Valley. Special events and weekly activities for all ages including book clubs, children’s story times, classes, Lego club, teen anime club and writing clubs. For more: www. scld.org
Spokane Valley Eagles 16801 E. Sprague. Breakfast served Sundays 9 to 11:30 a.m. Lunch served Thursdays 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. followed by Bingo from 1 to 3:30 p.m. For more: www. foe3433.com
first and third Thursdays of every month, Lakeside Church, 23129 E. Mission. This supportive critique group welcomes adult writers. For more: 5704440
Summer Movie Express 10 a.m. Tuesdays
Liberty Lake Farmers Market 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, Town Square Park, 1420 N. Meadowwood. The market runs through Oct. 10. For more: www.libertylakefarmersmarket.com Kids Eat Free This Summer 11:30 a.m. to noon, Monday through Thursday each week during the summer, Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Kids ages 18 and under can get free meals at many schools, parks, community centers and a few libraries this summer. Stop by and eat lunch! For more: 1-888-436-6392 or visit parenthelp123.org Liberty Lake Library 23123 E. Mission Ave., Liberty Lake. Various clubs and weekly meetings including book clubs, children’s story times, LEGO club, computer drop-in class, knitting club and more. For more: www.libertylakewa.gov/library Millwood Farmers Market 2 to 7 p.m.
Wednesdays, Millwood Presbyterian Church, 3223 N. Marguerite Road. The market runs through September. For more: wash_house_ candies@yahoo.com
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network 6:30
p.m. the first Monday of each month, Liberty Lake Municipal Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave. For more: www.pancan.org or 534-2564
HigH ScHool / Adult clASS 9 A.m. WorSHip Service 10 A.m.
Spokane Valley Writer’s Group 6:45 p.m. the
West Valley High School Class of 1965 A 50th class reunion weekend for alumni will be held Sept. 25-27. For the weekend schedule and more information, visit www.alumni.wvsd.org/; www.classmates.com; or “West Valley Class of ‘65 Reunion (50th)” on Facebook.
dues is for single adults of all ages. For more: www.meetup.com/Catholic-Singles-Mingle
509.951.1750
6004 N McKinzie Road, Otis Orchards
Valley Hospital Education Center, 12606 E. Mission. For more: www.spokanevalleykiwanis. net
Catholic Singles Mingle This group with no
Café Card Club 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, On Sacred Grounds, 12212 E. Palouse Hwy., Valleyford. Play pinochle, cribbage or hearts. For more: www.onsacredgrounds.com
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Spokane Valley Kiwanis 6:45 a.m. Tuesdays,
and Wednesdays in the summer, Regal Cinemas, Spokane Valley Mall, 14760 E. Indiana Ave. Choose from two movies each day. June 30 & July 1: Earth to Echo and Box Trolls; July 7 & 8: Paddington and Turbo; July 14 & 15: Rio 2 and How to Train Your Dragon 2; July 21 & 22: Mr. Peabody and Book of Life; July 28 & 29: Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb and Penguins of Madagascar. Admission is $1. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Will Rogers Institute. For more: www.regmovies.com
Recurring
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MUSIC & THE ARTS July 7 to 28 | Scratchboard 9 a.m. to noon Wednesdays, CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Pl. Explore perspective and textures of buildings using Scratchboard techniques. Work on closeups like doorways or window openings defining stone, brick and boards on some unique buildings or use people or animals. Cost is $42. To register and more: www.sccel.spokane.edu/ACT2 July 10 | Folk for the Floor 6 p.m., Liberty Lake Community Theatre, 22910 E. Appleway Ave. Tickets are $5 at the door for this night of acoustic music. For more: www.libertylaketheatre.com July 24-25 | Cowboy Supper Shows
Rockin’ B Ranch, 3912 Spokane Bridge Road, Liberty Lake. The 20th anniversary commemorative performances will also be held Aug. 28-29, Sept. 25-26 and Oct. 9-10. For show times and more: www.rockinbranch.com or 891-9016
See CALENDAR, page 23
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14 • JULY 2015
YOUR LIBRARY, it’s way beyond books.
LAST YEAR at your local library: 1,797 PROGRAMS for developing young learners were attended by nearly 44,000 OVER 1,100 PEOPLE participated in 74 career related programs 227 LOCAL EXPERTS presented to 20,000 people on topics ranging from bike repair and home beer brewing, to a panel discussion on wolves AN AVERAGE OF 900 PEOPLE a day visited the Spokane Valley Library
Our libraries are full of stories. Stop in and discover yours today!
LIBRARY SCLD gathers input to impact society
The Current
By Mary Kate Koch
CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR
When the first public library opened in New Hampshire in 1833, it was the mark of a singularly American invention. While subscription libraries existed in Europe 100 years prior to the first library in the U.S., it was American librarians who recognized the importance of integrating the library into local communities and providing services to all. It is entrenched within this history of community-focused mission that the Spokane County Library District crafted its Community Impact Plan for 2013-2015. The Community Impact Plan was first implanted in 2012 after SCLD began looking for a new approach to strategic planning. “We wanted a plan that was community focused and that identified community assets, partners and the needs and interests of community members,” SCLD Deputy Director Patrick Roewe said. “We found a model through the Public Library Association that fit our requirements, we sent a couple of staff members to training in how to implement the model and, through some further adaptation, the result was our Community Impact Plan for 2013-2015.” Included in the Community Impact Plan are four focus areas that SCLD designated after reviewing input from stakeholders gathered from community input sessions. These four areas are to develop young learners, explore and discover, support job seekers and local businesses and connect communities. With this in mind, SCLD set out to improve resources for preparing children for school, exploring personal topics of interest, aiding in employment and strengthening local business, and engaging the community in local activities. And they saw results. “We wanted the goals and objectives to be challenging,” Roewe said. “For example, one of our objectives is that each year at least 15,000 school-age children will attend a library program. We didn’t quite get there in 2013. We had 11,393, which is still pretty good. Staff learned from that, adapted what we offered, and we hit 15,264 in 2014.” In many areas, SCLD exceeded the challenging objectives that it set for itself. For instance, SCLD initially aimed to offer 50 programs on young learner development for parents, teachers and caregivers, but SCLD went well beyond this with 61 programs offered in 2014. According to Roewe, the hope is that the Community Impact
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One of the focus areas for the Community Impact Plan is to develop young learners. In order to work toward this goal, SCLD branches offered over 60 programs, such as the Everyday Scientist program, to children in 2014. Plan will have a lasting effect that makes community-focused approach normative for SCLD. The plan will continue to have a duration of three years so that the objectives can be adapted and renewed in light of community concerns and emerging interests. “We’ve recently started work on the 2016-2018 plan, but it’s definitely in its beginning stage,” Roewe said. “We’ve just wrapped up gathering input from the community and are busy analyzing the information at present. We’re developing our own strategic planning model this time around, which is both challenging and exciting. We’re using what we learned from the previous plan model, our current participation in the Libraries Transforming Communities project, and our own creativity to build this new plan.” SCLD intends to have the 2016-2018 Community Impact Plan approved by its Board of Trustees by December 2015 in order to begin implementation in January 2016.
Resource Review
Librarians offer customized help By Gwendolyn Haley
SPOKANE COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT
Friends and family often use me as their personal librarian. I have personalized reading lists, found materials in the right Lexile for a friend’s precocious 8-year-old, got my mom set up on her new eReader, and researched the market for a friend starting a
new business. They all say the same thing when they ask: “I know it’s not your job, but could you help me?” I’ll let you all in on my little secret — these are all things we do at Spokane County Library District on a regular basis. While we don’t usually do it while simultaneously cooking dinner for our families, every day our staff offers one-on-one help on a variety of different topics through our Book a Librarian service. Think of a Book a Librarian appointment as similar to meeting with a personal trainer, shopper or tutor. We spend about 30-45 minutes going over the issue or question you have, and then match you up with available resources and options. For example, if you are a high school junior starting to look seriously at colleges, preparing to take admissions tests and looking for financial aid, you might want
to schedule an appointment to review what the library has to offer. We would spend some time looking at our Digital Library resources like the “Testing and Education Resource Center.” When you walked away from the appointment, you’d be set up with an account to take practice tests, resources to help you study, and a preliminary list of potential scholarships. Book a Librarian works the same way, whether you are planning to start your own business, setting up your first email account, learning how to use the online catalog or just looking for a new favorite author. Want to give it a try? Just call your local library or make your appointment through our website, www.scld.org/connect/book-alibrarian. Gwendolyn Haley is a library resources manager at Spokane County Library District.
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Summer boredom busters
SUBMITTED AND SPLASH FILE PHOTOS
By Chad Kimberley
The Valley area offers plenty to fight off boredom this summer including lots of pools, playgrounds, entertainment in the parks and kids activities during the Spokane Indians games.
CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR
School is out, the sun is up and it is time to hang out with friends and make some adventures that you can write about when you go back to school in the fall. It seems that the first few weeks of summer are always a blur of activity, and then you settle into July and August and the dreaded “bored” word starts to slip into the vocabulary. If that happens to you, consult this list for a few inexpensive activities that will excite your summer and make you wish school would never start again.
Get wet
There are three Spokane Valley pools that all have different water pieces such as the lazy river at Terrace View Pool, the water buckets at Valley Mission Pool or the water slide at the Park Road Pool. You can swim and play for only $1 at each of the Valley pools. If you want to bring your furry friends to the pool, the Valley Mission Pool has a day just for dogs on Aug. 23-24.
Watch a movie
There are several movie-watching opportunities including the Spokane Valley Parks and Recreation Department free showings of “Paddington” on July 24 and “Big Hero 6” on Aug. 21 at Mirabeau Meadows Park. Regal Cinema also offers $1 kids movies on Tuesday and Wednesdays mornings throughout the summer.
Take me out to the ballgame The Spokane Indians are going strong all summer down at Avista Stadium, and they have awesome opportunities for fantastic nights at the ballpark. You and your family can pick out a night at the ballpark where it is $1 for food. You can get a free hat or baseball cards, view a fireworks show, or even celebrate with Otto on his birthday.
If you do head out to the baseball game, make sure you check out the Shriners Kids Zone where there is a bouncy house, inflatable slide and batting cage.
Fun Fridays
Throughout the month of July, the Spokane Valley Parks and Rec crew will be hosting activities at two parks per Friday. When you attend all the Fun Fridays throughout July and get your passport stamped, you will be entered into a drawing for a swim pass for the month of August which is good at all three local pools. The first Friday is July 10 at Terrace View and Balfour parks.
Check out the library
You may be thinking, “It’s summer; I don’t want to read a book.” But the Spokane County Library District has a great program this summer called Every Hero
Has A Story. You can visit the Otis Orchards, Argonne, Fairfield and Spokane Valley libraries to interact with live birds of prey, check out the Jamming Jenks’ music and juggling act, explore the science behind superhuman feats along with Mobius Science Center plus other cool events. Of course while you are at the library pick up some new books to read and disappear into a world of fantasy, science fiction, history or any other area that interests you.
Discover Discovery Playground
If you have never been to the playground located at Mirabeau Point Park, this is the summer to discover a new place to play. The playground has climbing boulders and walls, a splash pad, slides, swings, musical elements and a chance to discover fossils and learn all about Eastern Washington.
After spending some time there, you can always head over to the Centennial Trail for a ride, walk or jog along the river or even visit the Spokane Valley YMCA to check out a camp, class or an opportunity to learn a new sport.
Start a collection
If none of these ideas seems appealing, maybe this is the summer to start a new collection. Collecting something gives you a chance to learn how to manage money (you might have to save up to buy something), take care of your treasures, and design cool and creative ways to display your collection. You might want to start with baseball cards, state quarters, cool rocks, Pez dispensers or stuffed animals. As you travel on vacation, visit the store, or hit up garage sales, you can add to your collection and have a pretty awesome one by the end of the summer.
The Current
16 • JULY 2015
By Tammy Kimberley
CURRENT STAFF WRITER
The Spokane County Library District is doing their best to make sure local libraries will be a top destination for kids and their families this summer. Gwendolyn Haley, SCLD library services manager, said the library has activities planned each week during the summer that follow along the theme of “Every Hero Has a Story.” The activities are free and designed for kids of all ages and interests.
This summer’s lineup consists of games, crafts, comics, music, science and more. Haley said the library has also made plans to celebrate all things Star Wars in August in addition to the weekly programs that include everything from the science of super heroes to a story about a one-inch tall samarai warrior. “We are really excited about ‘Late night at the Libraries’ at three of our locations,” she said. “It’s a chance to answer the question, ‘What happens after the library closes and everyone else goes home?’” Reading over the summer is the very best way to keep your brain in shape, Haley said, so that when you start school in the fall, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running. “Can you imagine an Olympic athlete taking three months off and not training at all during that time? No way!” Haley said. And the library staff loves to connect kids with their next favorite book, she added. “Summer is truly the best and busiest time at the library,” Haley said. “Come and check us out, because you are sure to find something to love.”
This summer at the Library Issun Boshi: Little One-Inch Samurai
Jamming Jenks
Fairfield, July 7 at 10 a.m. Fairfield, June 30 Spokane Valley, July 7 at 2 and 7 at 10 a.m. Spokane Valley, p.m. June 30 at 2 and Argonne, July 9 at 10 a.m. 7 p.m. Otis Orchards, Argonne, July 2 July 9 at 2 p.m. at 10 a.m. Otis Orchards, July 2 at 2 p.m.
Supersized Games
For kids entering grades 4 and up Otis Orchards, June 30 at 2 p.m. Fairfield, July 9 at 4 p.m. Spokane Valley, July 11 at 2 p.m. Argonne, July 28 at 2 p.m.
Heroic Birds of Prey Fairfield, July 14 at 10 a.m. Spokane Valley, July 14 at 2 and 7 p.m. Argonne, July 16 at 10 a.m. Otis Orchards, July 16 at 2 p.m.
Comic Crafts
For kids entering
grades 4 and up Argonne, July 14 at 2 p.m. Spokane Valley, July 24 at 2 p.m. Otis Orchards, July 29 at 2 p.m. Fairfield, July 30 at 4 p.m.
at 10 a.m. Spokane Valley, July 21 at 2 and 7 p.m. Argonne, July 23 at 10 a.m. Otis Orchards, July 23 at 2 p.m.
Eric Herman How to Draw and the Invisible Comics For kids entering Band grades 4 and up Spokane Valley, July 16 at 4 p.m.
Late Night @ the Library For kids entering grades 3-5 Spokane Valley, July 17 from 7 to 10 p.m.
Superhero Science
Fairfield, July 21
Fairfield, July 28 at 10 a.m. Spokane Valley, July 28 at 2 and 7 p.m. Argonne, July 30 at 10 a.m. Otis Orchards, July 30 at 2 p.m.
For more details and other branch locations, visit www.scld.org.
Pioneer student claims first place with poem Wave announces winner of summer contest FROM STAFF REPORTS
In the May issue, The Wave asked kids to write an acrostic poem on the topic of freedom. We received lots of interesting entries from Valley kids who explored the concept
of freedom.
Our judges selected Kylah Vandergriend’s poem as first place in the contest. For her prize, the 7-year-old from Pioneer School was given a basket full of sand stuff and summer treats. We appreciate all the kids who entered this writing contest. Be sure to watch for more contests in future issues of The Wave!
MUSIC OF FREEDOM F olk music R hythm E nsemble E lectric guitar D ance O ctave M usical march
— Kylah Vandergriend, age 7
CURRENT PHOTO BY TAMMY KIMBERLEY
Kylah Vandergriend, 7, received a basket full of summer toys and S’mores treats as winner of the most recent Wave contest.
Kids Tell It Like It Is In honor of the July PACE trait of generosity, what is a generous thing someone has done for you? “When I was a little kid, I fell out of a boat and my dad jumped in to save me.”
“I fell down once and a random person helped me to the nurse’s office.”
Zack Bevacqua, 11, 5th grade
KaeDynce Hawvermale, 10, 5th grade
“My mom makes my bed when I’m grouchy.”
“I lost my water bottle, but a man helped me find it so I could take it on a field trip.”
Olivia Schlosser, 7, 1st grade
Couper Balzert, 12, 5th grade
Compiled by Tammy Kimberley at Seth Woodard Elementary “My mom and dad helped me when I had a pencil go through my foot.” Drew Walton, 10, 4th grade
“I had to loan out my sweatshirt, and my friend was kind enough to give me his sweatshirt for the day.” Espen Sande, 10, 5th grade
“Last year I was being bullied, and my friends stood up for me and confronted the bully.” Braxton Charom, 11, 5th grade
“My sisters help me make my breakfast.” Olivia Parker, 7, 1st grade
“When I fall down, my sister cheers my up by playing a board game with me.” Bobby Walters, 10, 4th grade
Answers to “Ice cream scramble”: 1) Banana, 2) Chocolate, 3) Cookie Dough, 4) Rocky Road, 5) Whipped cream, 6) Cookies and Cream, 7) Cotton Candy, 8) Butter Pecan, 9) Peanut Butter Cup, 10) Hot Fudge, 11) Brownie, 12) Chocolate Syrup, 13) Cherry, 14) Neapolitan, 15) Caramel, 16) Strawberry, 17) Vanilla, 18) Mint Chocolate Chip, 19) Walnuts, 20) Oreo
Be a hero — read this summer
COMMUNITY
The Current
JULY 2015 • 17
Get the scoop on ice cream July was declared National Ice Cream month in the U.S. over 30 years ago, but this well-known treat has been enjoyed for hundreds of years by people all over the world. Check out these cool facts about ice cream.
Compiled by Tammy Kimberley In 5th century B.C., ancient Greeks mixed snow with honey and fruit to sell.
Different versions of ice cream sundaes popped up around the nation in the late 19th century.
Chocolate syrup is the world’s most popular ice cream topping.
It takes three gallons of milk to make one gallon of ice cream.
Next to cookies, ice cream is a bestselling treat in America.
“Brain freeze” occurs when ice cream touches the roof of your mouth.
CURRENT STAFF WRITER
The top ice cream consuming country per capita in the world is New Zealand, followed by the U.S., Australia, Finland and Sweden.
California produces the most ice cream in America.
87 percent of Americans have ice cream in their freezers at any given time.
The most popular toppings in the U.S. include hot fudge, sprinkles and peanuts.
More Americans prefer ice cream in a bowl (58 %) versus a cone (42 %).
COMMUNITY
Ice cream was introduced to America in the 1700s as a delicacy enjoyed by high society.
In 1904, the waffle cone supposedly made its debut at the World’s Fair in St. Louis.
The world’s tallest ice cream cone was over 9 feet tall. It was scooped in Italy.
A cow gives enough milk to make two gallons of ice cream per day.
Ice cream scramble Whether it’s cones or sundaes, shakes or smoothies, most kids love to eat ice cream. National Ice Cream Day is Sunday, July 19, so be sure to be on your best behavior in the hopes that someone will take you out for a frozen treat. Listed to the right are the mixed-up letters of ice cream flavors and toppings. Unscramble the letters to discover some of the favorites among kids and adults alike. If you get stuck, answers can be found at the bottom of page 16.
1) nabaan 2) etalocohc 3) ockoei oudgh 4) ckyor daor 5) ppiwhed amcer 6) siekooc dan reamc 7) tocton dnacy 8) terbut canep 9) nuptea turert upc 10) toh deguf 11) nierowb 12) latecoohc spury 13) rechyr 14) politeanan 15) amelcar 16) bertrrysaw 17) allinav 18) timn latechoco phic 19) stwalun 20) reoo
The average number of ice cream pints an American consumes each year is 48.
One out of 10 people admit to licking the bowl clean after eating ice cream. One in five shares it with a pet.
Going to the dentist can be fun and easy! We’ve got convenient hours to fit your family’s schedule. Evening, early morning, and Saturday appointments available.
Call to schedule an appointment today!
509.891.7070 New patients welcome
1327 N. Stanford Ln, Ste B • Liberty Lake
Sources: www.icecream.com/icecreaminfo, www.onlyinfographic.com/2010/the-history-of-ice-cream/
www.GrowUpSmiling.com
Check out our Facebook page for contests and events!
18 • JULY 2015
The Current
Posting Date June 15, 2015 Posting Posting Date Date June June 15, 15, 2015 2015 COMMUNITY
LOCAL LENS
The Current
Shutterbug Snapshots
JULY 2015 • 19
A super assignment
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Gwyneth Cadwell captured the beauty of the lupines and phlox on display at the Liberty Lake Farmers Market in late May. She commented that she has enjoyed the expansion and new vendor layout at the market.
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Spokane Valley Tech students Logan Wolkey, Connor Codd and Chris Tviet pose with The Black Widow during a Super Hero Hand Project at the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena. While the superheroes were in town for the Marvel Universe Live show in early June, SVT students worked with them to help children who lacked all or part of one hand build a customized mechanical hand out of parts created on 3-D printers.
At right, a great blue heron proudly shows off his catch near Newman Lake, as photographed by Michael Hassett.
Fairfield honors Deputy Nye
Scout project benefits SCRAPS Josh Jenkins recently raised money and built a pergola for SCRAPS for his Eagle Scout project. The Central Valley High School junior spent close to 100 hours working on the project. Building the structure was a team effort among 15 friends, classmates and fellow Boy Scouts who helped clear the site, dig the posts, pour the cement, cut boards, pound nails and install roofing.
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PACE celebrates students
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Books for schools
Fairfield Mayor KayDee Gilkey proclaimed May 28, 2015, “Deputy Ron Nye Day” in the town of Fairfield during a school assembly at Liberty Elementary and Junior High School. Mayor Gilkey thanked Deputy Nye for the excellent service he repeatedly provides the community and Liberty School District #362.
Manning the grill
SUBMITTED PHOTO CURRENT PHOTO BY TAMMY KIMBERLEY
Alison Courchaine and Rainey McCollum view the selection of books donated by the FAN Foundation to Centennial Middle School on June 4. The foundation donated over 100 books to several West Valley School District buildings to be used during the next school year.
Jerry Peterson, member of the Tri Community Grange, spent five hours making pancakes for the group’s breakfast on June 6. Organizers said over 100 attendees gave donations that will be used to purchase 400 dictionaries to be given to every incoming third grade student in the East Valley School District.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTY ALEJANDRA
Students selected by their schools for personifying the PACE traits were recognized at an awards banquet May 28 at the Mirabeau Park Hotel and Convention Center.
The Current
20 • JULY 2015 Brought to you by
About and for Valley seniors
Seize the summer
Spotlighting timely needs our community can meet together
Ideas for making the most of the warmer months By Sarah Robertson
CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR
The days are long, the sun is shining and it’s hard not to feel reenergized with such fabulous weather. With the seemingly endless hours of daylight, why not try something new this summer? Spokane Valley has much to offer seniors, and now is the perfect time to challenge yourself. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
To our friends and neighbors in the greater Spokane Valley:
Go swimming Splashing around and enjoying the cool water on a hot summer day isn’t just for kids. There are plenty of opportunities for seniors to get into the water this summer. The Terrace View Pool, 13525 E. 24th Ave., had so much interest in their water exercise class in past years, this year they are offering it five days a week. If you’re up for something a bit more solo, Valley Mission Pool, 11123 E. Mission Ave., and Park Road Pool, 906 N. Park Rd., also offer an open lap swim. Both drop-in activities are offered 12:05 to 1 p.m., Monday to Friday and cost $1 per visit. For more information, contact Spokane Valley Parks and Recreation at 688-0300. If you find that you really like swimming and want to make a longer-term commitment, check out the Spokane Valley YMCA. The YMCA offers two classes geared more towards older adults. AOA (Active Older Adult) Swim focuses on cardiovascular exercise as well as strength
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Volunteer opportunities specialized to the season include a summer program at Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels that provides produce to meal recipients. and flexibility. Arthritis Swim helps those with arthritis participate in a recreational activity suited to their condition and ability. You have to be a YMCA member to take part in these aquatic classes, and there are other classes geared toward seniors such as the Silver Sneakers series, Modified Cardio and the Outdoor Walking Group. Check out www.ymcaspokane.org or call 777-9622 for additional class and membership information.
Become an artist Sometimes it’s easy to forget that the Community Colleges of Spokane offers courses just for seniors in Spokane Valley. For many, trying to paint or draw or do anything artistic seems like an impossible task, but why not challenge yourself
this summer and tap into your creative energy? Classes are offered at the Spokane Valley Senior Center and at various retirement communities in Spokane Valley. Prices start at $13 and go as high as $42 depending on the timeframe and supplies involved. Offerings this summer include different types of drawing, painting, photography and scratchboard. They also offer classes in history, fitness, cooking, technology and more. Check out sccel.spokane.edu/ ACT-2 or call 533-8010 to find out more.
Volunteer your time Many organizations need extra help in the summer. Sometimes it’s a special
See SUMMER, page 21
Supplies are critically low in two key areas at the go-to clothing bank for our area, a need we hope you will join us in doing something about. The volunteer-operated Spokane Valley Partners Clothing Bank helped 8,613 local families last year. This year, this service continues to be a major lifeline in our community, but specific needs for children and men continue to be a gap. First, the bank is critically short on new-condition underwear and socks for children of all ages. Note that this is one of those rare areas where new condition really is important. Please help our local clothing bank have these necessities available as the next dozens of families come through. Second, men’s clothing is in severe shortage, with mostly empty racks in this area. Typically, donations of men’s clothing are far less common, so guys in particular stand to make a big impact by sorting through their wardrobe and donating those good-condition items that could receive better use in another closet. Donations can be dropped off at 10814 E. Broadway Ave., or call Spokane Valley Partners with any questions at 927-1153. Thank you in advance for helping Spokane Valley Partners continue to meet the needs of Valley-area families. Sincerely,
The Arger Family
Investing in Spokane Valley since 1979 Local owners of Evergreen Fountains, sponsor of The Fountain senior spread in The Splash and The Current
The Current
JULY 2015 • 21
COMMUNITY
Trivia Test 1. ADVERTISING: What did the animated character Tony the Tiger sell in TV ads? 2. GEOGRAPHY: What is the highest waterfall in the world? 3. LANGUAGE: Who wrote the book “Don Quixote”? 4. MONEY: What was the Netherlands’ basic currency before it adopted the euro? 5. MOVIES: What was the name of the male lead character in “Love Story” (played by Ryan O’Neal)?
SUMMER Continued from page 20
project or just filling in for staff or volunteers who are out on vacation. Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels, 12101 E. Sprague Ave., has a summer program that provides produce to meal recipients throughout the summers. Every Wednesday, a colorful array of fruits and veggies are unloaded from a truck, sorted and readied for delivery with that day’s meal. Help is needed from about 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Since Meals on Wheels relies almost entirely on volunteers, they also need many substitute drivers to fill in for the volunteers who take a holiday during the summer. Driving a route generally takes an hour, and filling in for someone could be a great way to see if you like the task without making a commitment. For more information on volunteering, call 924-6976 or email markl@gscmealsonwheels.org. Spokane Valley Partners, 18014 E. Broadway Ave., could also use a bit of extra help in the summer. They have two community gardens that need the love of a good gardener to assist with watering, weeding and harvesting. If getting outside and working with your hands sounds appealing, contact Zack Porting at gardens@svpart.org or 927-1153.
6. ANATOMY: About how long is the human small intestine? 7. TITLES: What is the abbreviated title of a veterinarian? 8. COMICS: What comic-book superhero is known as “The Caped Crusader”? 9. MEDICAL TERMS: What is a more common name for somnambulism? 10. ASTRONOMY: Who are most of Uranus’ moons named for? — 2015 King Features Syndicate Inc. Cora Yount, SVP volunteer coordinator, is also looking for a few more volunteers for their annual golf scramble fundraiser on July 16 at Liberty Lake Golf Course. Contact Cora at volunteer@svpart.org or 927-1153. ValleyFest, which takes place in late September, has many jobs for volunteers to prepare for Spokane Valley’s biggest celebration. They need people to help with registration and preparation of their Cycle Celebration July 26 at Mirabeau Point Park. For more, contact Pat or Peggy at info@valleyfest.org or 922-3299. If history interests you, consider volunteering at the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum, 12114 E. Sprague Ave. Increased visitors in the summer means they need extra help greeting guests, answering questions, giving tours and even working in the office. The most help is needed Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Visit www.spokanevalleyarchives.org or call 922-4570.
Join the senior center The Spokane Valley Senior Center offers something for just about everyone. from knitting and bridge groups, yoga, line dancing, table tennis, Wii bowling, bingo — just to scratch the surface. Membership is $20 and open to those 50 and older. It is located at CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place. For more, call 926-1937 or visit www.spokanevalleyseniorcenter.org.
Answers to Trivia Test
1. Frosted Flakes 2. Angel Falls, Venezuela 3. Miguel de Cervantes 4. Dutch guilder 5. Oliver Barrett 6. About 20 feet 7. D.V.M. (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) 8. Batman 9. Sleepwalking 10. Characters in Shakespeare’s plays
Where Wellness Is A Way Of Life • Independent Living • Light Assisted Living • Walking Trail • Wellness & Fitness Center • Gourmet Chef • Cottage Homes • Swimming Pool & Spa • Assisted Living • Bistro
Daily Tours Locally Owned and Operated by the Arger Family
•
Move-in Specials
• 509-922-3100 • 1201 N Evergreen Road, Spokane Valley • www.evergreenfountains.com
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22 • JULY 2015
The Current
Maestro of fun
Papich enjoys role leading Valley’s recreation department By Staci Lehman
CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR
Jennifer Papich’s job may be to coordinate all of Spokane Valley’s recreation programs, but just as often as you will find her behind a desk, she can be found playing with kids at the park, setting up for a birthday party or helping collect admission at any of Spokane Valley’s swimming pools. Papich, recreation coordinator for the city of Spokane Valley parks and recreation department, has a small staff and a large number of programs to oversee. She develops, organizes and implements recreation programs such as summer camps, dance lessons, birthday party packages, the summer parks program, movies in the park and any other program, class or event provided through Spokane Valley. Originally from north Spokane, Papich moved to Seattle after getting a parks and recreation management degree from Eastern Washington University. She worked in various parks programs there for about eight years before returning to Spokane to start a family and take a position with Spokane Valley in 2006. Having been on the job this long, one might think the recreation options would be predictable. Not so, says Papich. With so many programs and events happening, every day is different, which Papich says is her favorite thing about her job. “I try to do new things each year to help meet the needs of the public,” she said. “A lot of people call my office and ask for another class of water exercise per week or other classes or programs.” This year, Papich came up with “Fun Fridays” to liven up the parks program and give kids something new to do to keep them busy and provide parents a place where kids can go and they don’t have to worry about them. The free program has recreation leaders at a different Spokane Valley park each Friday coordinating and leading games and other activities. Breakfast and lunch is served, and children can come and go as they like. Many of the participants are brought to the park by parents or grandparents, but some show up on their own. “Sometimes kids are left home alone in the summer. There are a lot of kids that live near the parks that walk over,” Papich said. This gives them a chance to get a balanced meal during the day and some adult supervision. Another free event that’s a big draw is Movies in the Park. “Paddington” will be shown July 24 and “Big Hero 6” on Aug.
JENNIFER PAPICH Age 38
Children 5-year-old son and 15-year-old stepdaughter
Occupation Recreation coordinator for the city of Spokane Valley
Hobbies Camping or anything outside or on the water
Favorite Discovery Playground feature Depends on the day but probably the inground trampoline
CURRENT PHOTO BY STACI LEHMAN
Spokane Valley Parks and Recreation Department Coordinator Jennifer Papich enjoys the Discovery Playground at Mirabeau Point Park. 21, both at Mirabeau Meadows. This is the first year that the movies have corporate sponsors, meaning they will help subsidize some of the city’s other programs and keep prices low for participants. Summer day camps are definitely the most popular program Spokane Valley offers, according to Papich. Spokane Valley Parks and Recreation partners on them with the Spokane Valley YMCA. There are 10 weeks of camp with space for 56 children per week. Parents can register kids by the week or even by the day if they just need something to keep the kids occupied and supervised a few times throughout the summer. “Each week has a different theme,” Papich said. “There’s pirates and mysteries and other fun ideas. And there are field trips almost every day, to the pool or to Silverwood or area parks.”
Day camp rates are affordable, with the cost mostly going to cover expenses, transportation and meals. The camps are such a hit that staff is now taking a waiting list. For adults, the dance classes are the most popular option offered. Couples or singles are welcome and are taught everything from ballroom dancing, Latin, swing, waltzes and the fox trot. “Melissa, the instructor, has quite a following,” Papich said. “We’ll get people in their 70s and people in their 20s. We had a mother and daughter register as a couple because the mom wanted to do it, but the daughter had a blast, too.” Some other activities and programs offered over the summer include swim lessons and swim teams for kids of all ages, youth sports camps, birthday party packages, sand volleyball leagues, tum-
bling and ballet classes, and “Paws in the Pool,” where dogs swim in Valley Mission Pool before it is shut down for the year. The majority of the programs and activities provided through Spokane Valley Parks and Recreation fund themselves, except for the sand volleyball courts in Browns Park. They are partially funded by the lodging tax but could bring tourism and economic development money back into the community through tournaments played there. Two new courts were installed this year due to high demand. “I drive by the park often,” said Papich. “They (the courts) are never empty.” Find out more about Spokane Valley Parks and Recreation programs available this summer at 688-0300 or www.spokanevalley.org/parksandrecreation.
The Current
CALENDAR Continued from page 13 July 24 to Aug. 2 | “Tikki Tikki Tembo”
Liberty Lake Community Theatre, 22910 E. Appleway Ave. This children’s play tells the story of a Chinese boy with a long name who falls into a well. Tickets are $12. For show times and more: www.libertylaketheatre.com
Recurring 2015 Summer concert series Arbor Crest
Wine Cellars, 4705 N. Fruit Hill Road, Spokane. Arbor Crest offers Thursday Performers on the Patio and Sunday Concerts on the Cliff where you can enjoy fine wine, music and spectacular views. For more: www.arborcrest.com
Pages of Harmony Wednesdays, 6:30 to 9:30
a.m., Thornhill Valley Chapel, 1400 S. Pines Road. If you enjoy singing, you’ll love the four-part a capella harmony of this men’s barbershop chorus. For more: www.pagesofharmony.org
Spirit of Spokane Chorus Tuesdays, 6:45
p.m., Opportunity Presbyterian Church, 202 N. Pines. Make new friends by joining this women’s chorus, specializing in four-part, a capella harmony in the barbershop style. For more: 2184799
CIVIC & BUSINESS July 10-12 | Early Ford V8 Swap Meet and Car Show 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.
to 6 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday; Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St. Admission is $5 per day on Friday and Saturday, free on Sunday with a donation of a can of food, and free for children 12 and under. For more: www.earlyfordv8ie.org
July 17 | Business Connections Lunch
11:30 to 1:30 p.m., Mirabeau Park Hotel, CenterPlace Regional Event Center, 2426 N. Discovery Place, Spokane Valley. Joseph Albert, professor of leadership studies at Gonzaga University, will present on “Leadership and Storytelling.” For cost and more: www. spokanevalleychamber.org
HEALTH & RECREATION July 4 | 4th of July Pennant Run 10
a.m., Avista Stadium, address. The 5K run also includes a 1K fun and Little Sluggers Dash for kids. Cost is $35 for 5K run and $25 for 1K run. with proceeds benefitting the Wounded Warrior Project. To register or for more: www. spokaneindianspennantrun.com
July 6 | High School Summer Volleyball League starts 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave. Cost is $180 per team. For more: www.hubsportscenter.org
July 6-8, 20-22 | NBC Basketball Skills Camp 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., HUB Sports Center,
19619 E. Cataldo Ave. These camps are designed especially for ages 8 to 12. Cost is $160. The July 6-8 camp is focused on shooting. For more: www. nbccamps.com
July 7 to Aug. 27 | Aquatic Fitness Various
times on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Valley 206 Apartments, 2400 N. Wilbur Rd. Strengthen and tone all major muscle groups and experience greater flexibility and joint integrity. Bring your suit, towel and water bottle; water shoes are recommended. Cost is $29. For more: www.sccel. spokane.edu/ACT2
JULY 2015 • 23
COMMUNITY July 9-11, 16-18 | HUB Summer Slam Basketball Tournament 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.,
Community Briefs
HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave. Cost is $400 per team. For more: www.hubsportscenter. org
Committee solicits volunteers, campaign donations
July 24-26 | Barefoot 3v3 Soccer Tournament Pavillion Park. This tournament is
Libraries Change Lives kicked off their Vote YES campaign for Spokane Valley Libraries in early June, and they are looking for support. Volunteers are wanted to help support the campaign to pass a $22 million bond for library projects. Their office, located at 2901 N. Argonne, is open 4 to 6 p.m. Fridays and 8 to 10 a.m. Saturdays. To volunteer, contact 951-8826 or librarieschangelives2015@gmail.com. Donations can be made online at www. librarieschangelives.net.
open to all ages. For registration and more: www. barefoot3v3.com
July 25 | Newman Lake 25K Run 6:30 a.m., Boat launch area, Newman Lake. The scenic route winds itself around the lake and concludes with a pancake breakfast. Registration is due by July 18. For more: www.active.com
July 25 | Warrior Camp MMA Event 7 to
10:30 p.m., HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave. Tickets for the live cage fights are $20 ($30 for preferred seating) and available at Warrior Camp, 5027 E. Trent, Spokane. For more: www. warriorcampfitness.com
July 26 | Spokane Valley Cycle Celebration 8 a.m., Mirabeau Point Park, 13500
E. Mirabeau Parkway. Spend the day with family and friends enjoying the scenic beauty in and around Spokane Valley on your choice of 10-mile, 25-mile or 50-mile bike ride. All bike rides start at the North Centennial Trail Head across from Mirabeau Point Park Meadows. Register by July 13 to receive a t-shirt. For cost, to register and more: www.valleyfest.org
July 27-31 | Skyhawks Volleyball Camp
9 a.m. to noon, HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave. This co-ed program for ages 7 to 12 is designed for beginner to intermediate players and will incorporate lessons on teamwork and sportsmanship. Registration cost is $119. For more: www.nbccamps.com
July 28-30 | Breakthrough Basketball Camp 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., HUB Sports Center,
19619 E. Cataldo Ave. Boys and girls in grades 4 to 9 are invited to this skills camp led by Drew Molitoris. Cost is $235 per player. For more: www. hubsportscenter.org
July 30 | Spokane Indians Baseball Card Giveway 6:30 p.m., Avista Stadium, 602
N. Havana St. This game against the Eugene Emeralds is sponsored in part by The Splash. For tickets or more: www.spokaneindians.com
Recurring Liberty Lake Ladies’ Nine Hole Golf Club
9 a.m. Thursdays, Liberty Lake Golf Course, 24403 E. Sprague Ave. For more: 928-6854
Liberty Lake Running Club 6 p.m. Thursdays, Twisp Café & Coffee House, 23505 E. Appleway Ave. The club meets for a three-mile run weekly through October. For more: 954-9806
Spokane Valley Women’s Evening Golf Club 4:30 to 6 p.m. Mondays, Liberty Lake Golf
Course. This nine-hole club plays through Aug. 31. For more: Spokanevalleywomensgolf@gmail. com or find “Spokane Valley Women’s Evening Golf League” on Facebook
Trailhead Ladies Nine Hole Golf Club Play
for this weekly league at Trailhead Golf Course is Wednesday mornings through September. For more: www.trailheadladies9.com or 879-7391
All calendar listings were provided to or gathered by Current staff. If you would like your event considered for the community calendar, please submit information by the 15th of the month to calendar@valleycurrent.com.
Fairfield Library holds summer scavenger hunt Library patrons can visit local businesses and attend summer programs at Fairfield Library for a chance to win a Samsung Galaxy Tablet and other great prizes during the Superhero Scavenger Hunt.
A log and additional information can be picked up at the Fairfield Library, 305 S. Main St. Logs must be turned in to the library by Sept. 24, and the prize drawing will be held Sept. 27 at the Southeast Spokane County Fair. For more, visit www.scld.org.
McLaughlin honored with award Emma McLaughlin, a senior at West Valley High School, was recently honored with Camp Fire’s Wohelo Award. Her award projects included serving in leadership roles for overnight campouts, serving on Spokane County Fair’s Junior Advisory Board and being involved with WVHS’s music and arts programs. She is the daughter of Dale and Jessie McLAUGHLIN McLaughlin.
Education Briefs Local students receive awards at STEMposium Over 150 middle and high school students showcased their STEM projects May 27 at the Washington State University Spokane campus during the second annual Spokane STEMposium. Several local students received superior awards in the competition including: Rachel Matheison, Spokane Valley Tech, ELISA Based Home Allergy Test; Mackenzie Beier, Cassidy Freeman and Madison Flint, Spokane Valley Tech, The Doc Bear; Sydney Collins Trinity Moore and Olivia Lord, West Valley City School, Efountain; Trevor Mertens, Spokane Valley Tech, Surgical Sternum Retractor. For more, visit www. spokanestemposium.org.
U-Hi students win architecture awards Nine architecture students from University High School submitted entries in the National Association of Women In Construction (NAWIC) NEF CAD Design Drafting Competition for high school students. The top three winners in the competition were U-Hi students. Senior Mariah Judkins was awarded $300 for first place; Gunnar Sly received $200 for second place; and Jared Block won third place and $100. Judkins’ entry was forwarded to the regional competition where she placed fourth. For the competition, students had to design and draw a 3,000 sq. ft. house for a family of six with one of the children being a paraplegic. Their drawings and plans were evaluated by local architects and construction managers.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Mariah Judkins was presented the first place prize by NAWIC representative Leeanna Caldwell.
Art Council winners announced The winners of the Spokane Valley Arts Council Student Art Scholarship were announced May 30 during the 9th annual Artist Showcase and Art Auction held at the CenterPlace Event Center. Four students each received a $1,000 scholarship to further their art studies including: Julianna Hunter, University High School; Shalyn Stack, East Valley High School; Abigail Swanson, West Valley High School; and Rachel Poshusta, Central Valley High School. Attendees at the auction voted for the additional $1000 Lynn Baiter Memorial Scholarship to be awarded to Rachel Poshusta. For more, visit www.spokanevalleyarts.org.
Colleges honor local students The following students from the Valley area were recently recognized by colleges for their academic performance or meeting graduation requirements. Information
See EDUCATION, page 30
24 • JULY 2015
BUSINESS
The Current
Pete & Belle’s Ice Cream Shop
Jaremko Nissan on Spokane Valley’s Auto Row is celebrating 80 years of business this year, distinguishing it as the oldest exclusive Nissan dealership in the nation. From left, Mark Jaremko, Paul Jaremko and Dave Jaremko.
Jaremkos celebrate 80 years of family business CURRENT PHOTO BY CRAIG HOWARD
Story and photos by Craig Howard CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR
As he nears his 80th birthday, Paul Jaremko is as spry as ever, working a five-day schedule of half days at the dealership his father, Fred, started in 1935 when the U.S. unemployment rate hovered around 20 percent. Fred Jaremko, who passed away in 2003 at 92, would have appreciated the eight-decade anniversary of the family-owned business coinciding with his son’s 80th year. Housed in the former site of a dry cleaner on Spokane Valley’s Auto Row, Jaremko Nissan has the distinction of being the oldest single-line Nissan dealer in the nation. Before the move to Sprague Avenue, Jaremko made its home on North Monroe in Spokane. Imports comprised the inventory back then, with brands like Jaguar, Austin Heely and Mercedes Benz creating a unique niche among local car buyers. The family’s first car lot was on Chelan Street, just down the street from the Jaremko home in north Spokane. Prior to that, Fred painted cars behind the Jaremko house on Cleveland Avenue in north Spokane. “My dad painted cars for a dealer and charged $7.50 per car,” Paul recalled.
CURRENT PHOTO BY CRAIG HOWARD
“That was for the paint, the labor and everything, and the guy complained every time he was charging too much.” Known for his strident work ethic, Fred labored at a lumber mill during the day and painted cars at night. After opening their first dealership, he and his wife, Pauline, would drive as far away as Wyoming to haul Fords and Chevys back to their lot on weekends. “We really started out dirt poor,” said Paul. “We went through a lot. My folks would buy an old house, fix it and sell it to keep the dealership going. We sold Christmas trees in December to help pay the power bill at the store.”
One of four children, Paul attended Gonzaga Prep before moving on to Gonzaga University. He would transfer to the University of California-Santa Barbara before returning home to help with the family business. “We all helped out,” Paul recalled. “We washed the windows and the sidewalks at the lot.” These days, Paul’s sons, Dave and Mark, work at the dealership alongside their dad. Paul and his wife, Judy, have been married for 53 years and also have two daughters who live in the Seattle area. “You start sweeping floors and washing cars and just kind of work up from there,” said Mark, the new car sales manager. “There were no dirt floors, but there were a lot of floors. It’s quite a bit different than it was back then. Instead of the cool sports cars, it’s more about volume and just selling a lot of cars.” In 1962, British Motor Cars opened up a dealership in Spokane, despite giving Fred the impression he would not have to compete against a rival BMC dealer. “It broke my dad’s heart,” Paul remembers. “But, really, the dealership struggled with all kinds of imports over
See JAREMKOS, page 30
Screams for ice cream Compiled by Alyssa Agee THE MONTHLY YELP
How to avoid a meltdown in the midJuly heatwaves? Just lick it! Whether in a bowl or in a cone, soft-serve or scooped, these local Yelp reviewers give the dish on where to find the sweetest and creamiest frosty treats. Pete & Belle’s Ice Cream Shop, 1330 N. Argonne Road, Spokane Valley “Best ice cream in town! Always a sucker for anything coffee, and they always have more than one choice! Thank you, oh thank you!” — Lindsey H. Just Chillin’ Frozen Yogurt, 1322 N. Liberty Lake Road, Liberty Lake “This shop is always clean, and the toppings are well kept and organized. ... Great spot to sit outside during the summer and enjoy a little dessert. Excellent place for families and large groups with lots of seating.” — Todd C. Go Froyo, 15735 E. Broadway Ave., Spokane Valley “So yummy! Had the pomegranate raspberry and the pineapple! I would go back again for sure.” — Alyssa T. Baskin-Robbins, 12510 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley “Friendly staff, always smiling. The absolute best cakes anywhere in town ... you have to see them. ...This is the ice cream shop to go to!” — Kristine S. Froyo Earth, 325 S. Sullivan Road, Spokane Valley “Five stars alone for my wife finally finding frozen yogurt she likes. ... Flavors are fun, sometimes unique, but always enjoyable. The toppings bar is very diverse and always kept neat. And the employees are always friendly, moving around with the patrons and making sure everyone is enjoying what they got.” — Shane D. Yelp has been connecting people with great local businesses since 2004. Sign up for weekly emails at Yelp.com.
The Current
JULY 2015 • 25
BUSINESS
Biz Notes CVSD announces new leaders Central Valley School District announced six changes to its leadership team recently. Marla Nunberg Genther was hired as CVSD director of communications, effective April 13. She previously served as vice president of Downtown Spokane Partnership, where she worked for the NUNBERG GENTHER past 17 years. Eric Hoglund will be CVSD’s new executive director of elementary learning and teaching, effective July 1. Hoglund is currently serving as a principal at Prairie View Elementary in the Mead School HOGLUND District, where he has been for the last five years. Beginning July 1, Molly Carolan will become the director of special education. Carolan is currently the Summit School and Spokane Valley CAROLAN Learning Academy (SVLA) principal, where she has been for the last three years. The assistant principal at North Pines Middle School for the past five years, Lora Jackson will become principal upon Gordon Grassi’s reJACKSON tirement as the current principal in July. Previously, Jackson was a principal assistant in Spokane Public Schools at Chase Middle School before coming to North Pines. After a successful FRANDSEN year as interim principal and a thorough hiring process, Keven Frandsen will officially become principal of University High School. Frandsen has worked for CVSD since 1991 in teaching, coaching and administrative positions. KYLE Kimberly Kyle was hired as principal of
the Central Valley Kindergarten Center, effective July 1. This is a unique position that will transition to assistant principal at the new Liberty Lake K-2 School in a couple of years. She is currently the dean of students at Fulton Elementary in Chandler, Ariz.
Valley Chamber
HIGHLIGHTS
Baker Construction renovates Valley space into dental clinic Baker Construction & Construction is transforming the former Evergreen Pet Store space into a dental clinic for Apple Valley Dental & Orthodontics. Located at 14319 E. Sprague Ave., the $900,000 project will include the addition of interior walls and rooms as well as exterior work. Apple Valley currently has clinics in Spokane, Seattle, Yakima and the Tri-Cities area. For more, go to www.applesmiles.com.
Zerorez moves to new space Zerorez Spokane moved to a different location in February and hosted an open house at the new location, 13110 E Indiana Ave., in May. The business renovated the space to feature a larger shop space, dedicated call center and a training area with both classroom and hands-on training areas, a press release said. “It was important for us to create a space of our own, something that better reflects our company and our culture,” said company owner Jeremy McGee. The locally-owned carpet cleaning franchise has been in business since 2004. For more, visit www.zerorezspokane.com.
Coulter Dentistry builds new office in Valley Coulter Family Dentistry, 12121 E. Broadway Ave., recently announced that a new office is under construction at the southeast corner of Dishman Mica Road and 16th Avenue. Baker Construction & Management is building a 3,700-square-foot dental facility for Travis Coulter DDS, at 1601 S. Dishman Mica Road. Coulter’s business, CS Acquisitions LLC, purchased the property earlier this year. The business hopes to relocate in October. For more, visit www.coulterdentistry.com.
Local businesses partner for summer lunches Gus Johnson Ford, Trading Company Stores and Franz Bread teamed up in early June to make sure kids had healthy lunches during the summer. The Peanut Butter Challenge asked Trading Company Stores patrons to donate peanut butter to Second Harvest. Gus Johnson and Trading Company both matched the peanut butter donations, while Franz Bread donated bread.
See BIZ NOTES, page 30
CONNECT.
EMPOWER.
19th annual golf tournament
INNOVATE.
Join the BIG 5 Conversation
Thursday, August 6 • 1 p.m. Shotgun Start MeadowWood Golf Course A unique opportunity to network with other business professionals in a fun and relaxed setting. Get out there and play golf with the Spokane Valley Chamber:
• Sponsor a tee or green and join the fun! • Join a team — invite your clients or your competitors for a memorable day on the golf course!
Visit: spokanevalleychamber. thoughtexchange.com/invitation
For more information or to sign up, visit: spokanevalleychamber.org (Event tab). THANK YOU, MAJOR SPONSORS:
UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS
» July 17 – Business Connections Lunch “Leadership and Storytelling” presented by Joseph Albert, PhD, Gonzaga University
» August 6 – Annual Golf Tournament » September 25 – Business Connections Breakfast | “The BIG 5 Reveal”
For more details, visit the Event tab at spokanevalleychamber.org
New members Please join us in welcoming the following members who have recently joined the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber: Ambacher Insurance Fogg Electric, Inc. Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial PEMCO Insurance PrimeSource Credit Union
1421 N. Meadowwood Ln. Liberty Lake, WA 99019 | 509-924-4994 | www.spokanevalleychamber.org
SPORTS
26 • JULY 2015
The Current
Maine making his name on the links Freeman golfer places second in State 1A By Mike Vlahovich
CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR
When you live just a cart ride away from Hangman Valley Golf Course, it’s a pretty good bet that there’s a pretty good golfer driving it. It certainly holds true for avid golfer Ryan Maine, a Freeman High senior-to-be who tied for first in the State 1A tournament this spring, losing in a playoff for the title. Just seven of 280 state competitors in five classifications bettered his two-day total, 70-70 (140). “I was hitting the ball really well, I think I hit 16 or 17 greens,” Maine said of the second-day effort. “I only made one bogey. I played pretty solid, but didn’t make a lot of putts both days. The greens were pretty big, and I had a lot of 25-30 footers for birdies.” Still, a score like Maine’s leaves us hackers panting. The two-sport Scotties athlete — he was the leading scorer for average on their basketball team — not only has the advantage of having a golf course next door, but two older siblings to pave the way. Late-blooming Dylan, who didn’t start golfing as young as Ryan, was a three-time top 12
state finisher between 2008 and 2001 and whose improvement since high school has him trying his hand professionally with PGA Canada on conditional status. Sister Alyssa, also a basketball standout like Ryan, played on teams that won state twice and finished second and third, plus was a top-seven finisher four years in golf from 2009 through 2012, including second and third places. She played both sports for two years in college at Whitman, but is now concentrating on golf. The three play together regularly when they’re home. His dad, Tom, is a low handicap golfer himself and introduced the children to the sport by teaching the basics and fundamentals. Ryan took up the game, he said, when he was around age 4. “I was too young to remember my first match,” Ryan said. “My dad would have me come out here (Hangman), hit some balls with him and mess around the course. I made it to state when I was 8 years old and was pretty excited about that.” Beginning in high school he started taking the sport seriously, although initially basketball was his favorite. The two are currently intertwined, but Ryan’s goal is to golf in college. “What really made me want to get better was just seeing my scores drop over the years,” Ryan said.
One of his favorite memories was in eighth grade when he shot a second-round 73 on the way to a tournament win at Palouse Ridge in Pullman. It was then that he figured playing college golf could become a reality. This summer, he’s traveling to more alphabet soup junior circuit tournaments than previous years. When on tournament hiatus, the one-handicapper spends his time honing his game with retired Manito professional Steve Prugh and Brandon Blank, and works in summer basketball with Freeman when he can. “My coach (Marty Jessett) is pretty flexible,” Ryan said. “He knows golf is very important to me. I like basketball too and think we should be pretty good next year.” The nuances of hitting the golf ball is what he’s best at — he said he can reach 280 yards on his drives — but as his putting improves, his scores have dropped. He’s recorded two rounds of 66. At state, he said the first round he started out with 13 or 14 pars in a row and birdied two of the final four. “I was pretty confident going in the second day,” he said, but had a lot of second putt par tapins and settled for the tie. He said he missed an estimated 8-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole before settling for second. “I was pretty much expecting myself to do well, gave myself a chance to win and wasn’t able to
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Ryan Maine navigates his way out of a bunker at Chambers Bay Golf Course — site of June’s U.S. Open — during a 2014 tournament. The Freeman High School standout was runner-up in the 1A state tournament this spring. do it,” Ryan said. “Hopefully I learned from this year.” A summer’s worth of cart rides to the neighboring golf
course, more instruction and tournament experiences and Ryan Maine could take his game to a state title and beyond.
When you’re yesterday’s news, keep out of today’s headlines By Mike Vlahovich THE FINAL POINT
There it was again: Following the first day of the golf tournament, fifth paragraph of the story, “Tiger Woods ballooned to 80, his (worst) U.S. Open score,” and on page seven there’s a photo of him hitting. On day two, the headline reads, “Defending champ (and) Woods miss
cut,” and a shot of him walking off the course, hat in hand. Yet, even though irrelevant to golfing outcomes these days, media still consider him above-the-fold material in every PGA tournament that’s played, or so it seems. Shoot an 80, big news. Miss the cut, and he’s as prominently featured as the guys atop the leader board. All television cameras focus on his visage for every tweak of his back or wrist, duffed shot or to watch golf clubs flying from his hands. Sports Illustrated’s panel of golf experts bring him up during their question and answer piece with an anonymous pro
prior to every major, wondering if the old Tiger can regain the form that electrified and revitalized the game two decades ago and led to nearly unprecedented success. The painful answer in my mind, as Tiger reaches 40, is “no.” We can only hope. Look, I get that fans remain enthralled with this elder statesman, the greatest player, probably, in golfing history. But young lions are taking over the game. They are, and rightly should be, today’s story — not Tiger nostalgia. Was not last month’s U.S. Open and its dramatic, if shaky, finish between Jordan Spieth and Dustin Johnson more compel-
ling than a struggling Tiger? Spieth, barely removed from college, has won the first two legs of golfing’s Grand Slam. That’s news. Others, like Rory McElroy, have stamped their imprint on the game. There is so much talent out there, so many stories to tell, so much unpredictability from tournament to tournament, that it’s time for creative writers and knowledgeable talking heads to bring them out from beneath Tiger’s shadow. If Tiger Woods makes himself genuinely relevant again, then that — man bites dog-like — will truly become worthy of
See FINAL POINT, page 27
The Current
JULY 2015 • 27
SPORTS
Epilogue to a successful spring sports season By Mike Vlahovich
CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR
We are approaching the dog days of summer, but before we do, there’s time to look back on the halcyon spring of area high school athletes. A year ago I caught up with the remarkable East Valley distance running duo of Scott Kopczynski and Chad Stevens to chat about their distance running dreams. As far back as freshmen, they said then, they half-jokingly made a pact that they’d be first and second in state when they were seniors. During State 2A track the end of May they attained the lofty goal. The Knights duo finished their careers with one-two finishes in both the 1,600 and 3,200 meters. Kopczynski repeated in both, his 4 minute, 12.36 second effort the second-fastest in all classifications, just .22 behind the 4A victor. Stevens, had the sixth fastest time among all classifications at 4:15.27. In the 3,200, Kopczynski ran 9:08.64, third among all classifications. Stevens finished in 9:17.77. They accounted for 36 points and the third place team trophy (behind second place West Valley). A year earlier, they had combined for 34 points, finishing one-two at 3,200 meters and first and third in the 1,600. Over the course of their careers, Stevens added a 2A cross country title and second place, while Kopczynksi was third and fourth. They weren’t the only Valley champions. Like the EV duo, West Valley’s Mac Baxter, a school record setter this spring, doubled up, winning the 110 high and
FINAL POINT Continued from page 26
all the hullabaloo.
Will I still be needed at 64? While browsing Facebook, reality smacked me in the chops like a foul ball to the face mask. Jeff Jordan, my friend, sports writing colleague and ultimately my boss at The Spokesman-Review had his — what, 64th? — birthday June 19. Why, it seems like only 47 years ago that I was writing about him during my first year in this business of high school sports.
300 intermediate hurdles. He timed 14.73 in the former and 37.87 in the latter and compiled 20 of the Eagles’ second-place 55-point team total. He also ran a leg of their third-place 1,600 meter relay team. University junior Noah Martin captured the high jump with a leap of 6-8. East Valley junior Brittany Aquino won the girls 1,600 in a swift 4:59.6 and placed second in the 3,200 in 11:02.35. Valley Christian School added a state champion of its own. Hannah Fields high jumped 5-foot-1 for the State B title. The multi-faceted junior also had competed in seven other events during the year — both sprints and a relay, the hurdles, long jump, javelin and discus. Other state efforts from both boys and girls, by school: • Central Valley — Briton Demars (1,600, 3rd; 3,200, 7th); Ben Craig (110 hurdles, 4th); Anna Fomin (200, 4th; 400, 3rd); Briegan Bester (800, 5th; 1,600, 5th); girls 400 relay (Madison Hovren, Katie Hawkins, Kelsey Turnbow, Hanna Reiman, 7th); girls 800 relay (Brielle Crump, Hawkins, Turnbow, Fomin, 6th); girls 1,600 relay (Fomin, Hovren, Lacie Hull, Bester, 5th); Sydney Johnson (high jump, 3rd; pole vault, 8th) • East Valley — Baylee Buchanan (pole vault, 7th) • Freeman — Connor McVay (shot put, 5th); 1,600 relay (Alyssa Zimmerman, Madison Rubright, Emily Dearman, AnnaBelle Schweiger, 5th). • Valley Christian — Michael Campbell (300 hurdles, 3rd; 1,600 hurdles, 4th; 800, 3rd); girls 400 relay (Megan Oliver, Angelika Stefoglo, Adrienne Valente, Courtney Strunk, 3rd); girls 800 relay (Oliver, Julia Vorobyev, Strunk, Stefoglo, 7th) girls 1,600 relay (Oliver, Strunk, Vorobyev, Stefoglo, 4th).
• West Valley — Zech Herford (100, 5th); Tevin Duke (200, 5th); boys 400 relay (Martin Herford, Taylor Morton, Duke, Zech Herford, 2nd); Alex Dyfort (shot put, 7th; discus, 4th); Josh Miller (pole vault, 4th); Brendon Algeier (pole vault, 8th), boys 1,600 relay (Ethan Cook, Duke, Morton, Baxter, 3rd); McCall Skay (1,600, 3rd); girls 1,600 relay (Madeline Liberg, Jordyn Rauer, Kiana Nagata, Jenna Sullens, 8th).
How did he become so old and I — ahem — remain so young? Part of it is me refusing to face reality. Today’s high school athletes are and look the same age as those from way back when. Therefore, I must look the same. Never mind, that they are probably wondering “who is this old man and what is he doing here?” Nearly half a century ago we were the same age, more contemporaries than author and his subject. With Jeff, the circle remains unbroken. When we first met in 1968-69, he was an East Valley wrestler and correspondent writing stories for my family’s newspaper, the Spokane Valley Herald. When he began writing prep sports
for the Review a few years later, we’d ride together to cover postseason sporting events. Once, in Wenatchee for an East Valley prep football playoff, we grabbed dinner before the game at a windmillshaped restaurant. While Jeff filed his story at the Wenatchee World, the sports editor there told him how hard it was to get in there because of its popularity.
Bears soccer second in state Unbeaten and playing for the school’s second state soccer title this year, Central Valley used up its allotment of karma. The Bears, in their first title appearance, were beaten 3-1 in the 4A title game by defending champion Snohomish, a disheartening finish to an otherwise impeccable season. The Bears were dominant in winning 19 straight matches. In 17 of those, they allowed but one goal or fewer, including 10 shutouts. The run bookended with a 4-0 win over Wenatchee in the season opener and 1-0 victory over Wenatchee in the state semifinals. There were some close calls in the playoffs, the Bears winning four of five by a goal, including over Pasco in overtime, before reaching the finale. They outscored their opponents 68-12 prior to the title match. CV actually outshot Snohomish 12-9 and led 1-0 at intermission on sophomore Noah Whitman’s goal midway through the half. But Snohomish scored three times over a 10-minute span beginning halfway through the final period. The Bears graduate six, including highscoring Brian Choate, Evan Kern, Gabe Grabowski and stingy goalkeeper Andrew Enzler.
We weren’t so lucky in food elsewhere. Headed to the coast to cover Central Valley at the state baseball championships, we stopped to eat lunch in Ellensburg and couldn’t get waited on. At a Bears team dinner following the tournament a couple days later, every player and coach got served, but not us. By the time I got to the S-R in 1992-93,
They bring back 16, 10 of whom logged major minutes. JD Hauenstein led the team with 15 goals, Nathan Grinalds, Chase Reidt and Whitman provide next year’s base.
Harames tennis semifinalist Central Valley junior Kyra Harames showed why she was the area’s top girls tennis player. Although she wound up sixth in the State 4A tournament, Harames won twice to reach the final four, her loss coming to champion Sammi Hampton from Skyview. She lost a taut match for third place. U-Hi’s RiLee Skidmore and Katelyn Schmidt were eliminated from doubles, both losses by a 7-6 tiebreaker.
Scotties fourth in baseball Despite two strong pitching efforts, the inability to dent home plate proved Freeman’s demise in its bid for an elusive State 1A baseball championship. The Scotties scored a mere one run on six total hits in two games, losing to eventual state champion Hoquiam 4-0 in the semifinals and to Cashmere 4-1 in the game for third and fourth. Freeman actually outhit Hoquiam in the first game with four, but didn’t get its first until the sixth inning when loading the bases to no avail. Jack Paukert and Jake Phipps had two of the team’s base knocks. McKabe Cottrell, who drove in the lone run, and Phipps both pitched well, but had little offensive help. Cashmere’s three-run fourth inning stymied the Scotties who led 1-0 at the time, but finished with just two hits. They had won 10 straight games and scored 84 runs heading into the state semis.
he was the sports editor, a position welldeserved, and I was doing his bidding. Our families have socialized together, and our boys played baseball together at University. (Although they boat on Lake Coeur d’Alene; we’re at Pend Oreille.) And there’s still time to chat about the world’s “oldest and greatest” sport, wrestling. We’re both semi-retired and yesterday’s news. Kind of like Tiger Woods — although, unlike us, he’s young enough to make a comeback. Mike Vlahovich is a longtime Spokane Valley sportswriter and member of the Inland Northwest Hall of Fame Scroll of Honor.
28 • JULY 2015
OPINION
Living generously leads to contentment By Cyndi Langhans
CURRENT GUEST COLUMN
Living a life with a generous heart is something we are always encouraging families, children and others to do. The news, social media and print advertising are also encouraging us to give generously. So what does living generously even entail? It can be giving of one’s time, talents or resources. It’s our willingness to live open-handedly. You know when you’ve encountered a generous person as they will do something as simple as offer you a seat or give you their place in line at the checkout. It can also be that person who gives away their belongings to make someone else’s life better. We encourage people to think outside the box when it comes to being generous. Find new and creative ways to help out. Most of the time it’s an attitude of giving, more than a financial commitment. The Partners Advancing Character Education program is a great addition to our schools. Like PACE, we teach monthly virtues or character traits at our church on Sundays. Helping children know how they can make our world better by having great character and values is top on our list. Here at Mirabeau Chapel we are always trying to encourage not only our adults but our kids and youth to live generously. We sponsor over 100 kids with the Bites2go program at Trent Elementary. The Bites2go program is where we pack a backpack full of food for the student to take home on Friday to have a secure food source over the
About the Opinion Page The Current wants to hear what’s on your mind. Interact with the opinion page with a le er to the editor (350 words or fewer), guest column (700 words or fewer; please send a mug) or via Facebook or Twi er: editor@valleycurrent.com facebook.com/valleycurrent @valleycurrent As with all content, opinion page submissions may be edited for space, style or clarity. This is a community newspaper, so be relevant to the Valley for the best chance at publica on. “In all debates, let truth be thy aim, not victory or an unjust interest. And endeavor to gain, rather than to expose, thy antagonist.” — William Penn
weekend when nutritious food can be an uncertainty for many low-income kids. We also participate in the Second Harvest Mobile Food Bank at Trent Elementary that serves families twice a month. Local organizations donate food to Second Harvest, and then we distribute it to families at the school who come on an evening to pick it up. It’s a great way for a family to serve together and model generosity without costing the family anything. We as a church are very active in Blessings Under the Bridge, a group that serves the homeless in Spokane. They have weekly dinners and clothing distribution on Wednesday nights under a bridge downtown. They also have large holiday events that serving 3,000 people. It’s a great way to experience people being generous with their time. As a local church we saw a need in our schools for not only food but other items so we started a program called “Blessing Boxes” here at Mirabeau Chapel. Every December we ask our families to fill a shoebox with some necessities, like socks, gloves and a hat. We also have them add a toy and some treats. They then wrap the boxes in Christmas paper and we deliver them to different schools. Last year our families filled 185 boxes and blessed Trentwood Elementary — living generously by giving gifts to others. One thing that helps with living open-handedly is to not get wrapped up in our “stuff.” More stuff doesn’t make you happier. Showing generosity becomes much easier when we aren’t so focused on ourselves and what we can get, but focused outwardly. We want kids to understand that when we choose to give generously to others, we become truly rich with everything that really matters in life. Cyndi Langhans is the Children’s Pastor and Adventure Kids Preschool Administrator at Mirabeau Chapel. Cyndi and husband Craig have lived in Spokane Valley for 30 years. She is very supportive of local schools and its teachers. She volunteered her time to be the PACE guest columnist of the month for July. Dozens of local businesses and organizations have become PACE Partners in order to raise awareness of the importance of good character in the community. Each month, a different character trait is emphasized. The PACE trait of the month for July is generosity.
Editorial Cartoons
The Current
The Current
JULY 2015 • 29
HISTORY Volume 4, Issue 7 EDITOR/PUBLISHER
Josh Johnson
GENERAL MANAGER
Tammy Kimberley
Sarah Burk
josh@valleycurrent.com tammy@valleycurrent.com GRAPHICS EDITOR
sarah@valleycurrent.com CIRCULATION Dean Byrns Mike Wiykovics
circulation@valleycurrent.com CONTRIBUTORS
Alyssa Agee, Gwendolyn Haley, Craig Howard, Chad Kimberley, Staci Lehman, Mary Kate Koch, Treva Lind, Sarah Robertson, Jayne Singleton, Mike Vlahovich
On the cover: Stock illustration; Current design concept by Sarah Burk
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LL event recalls All Valley Picnics By Jayne Singleton
SPOKANE VALLEY HERITAGE MUSEUM
Editor’s note: This July 24-26 at Liberty Lake’s Pavillion Park, an event called “Barefoot in the Park” will feature everything from a soccer tournament to a car show. With a nod to the past, however, the event will also feature three-legged races and gunny sack events to recall similar celebrations held at similar places in the past. In recent years, the celebration has been called Liberty Lake Days, but all of these events really have their heritage in the All Valley Picnics held here nearly a century ago. For a perspective on this past, Spokane Valley Heritage Museum’s Jayne Singleton dusted off some writing she has done on these historic celebrations. From picnics to theater, summer in the Spokane Valley has always offered an assortment of places to pursue relaxation. The biggest picnic in the state began in 1922 and was called “The All Valley Picnic.” It was held at Liberty Lake Park near the Pavillion that stretched out onto the lake. Businesses would close for the day, and folks would come from all over the Valley and parts beyond and join as a community in summer games and celebrations. Arrival options included: by car if you had one, walking if you weren’t far or taking the Inland Empire Electric Train to Liberty Lake. Events, entertainment and competitions filled the day. A 16- by 16-foot stage provided a place for music and announcement of the winners of such events as the horseshoe tournament, three-legged race and baseball game. Parades of aprons, sewing exhibits and even a sleight of hand performance by Father John Dosch offered something for everyone. In 1933, Washington Gov. Clarence Martin attended and gave a speech. Over the years, attendance ran as high as 24,000, with about 7,000 being the average. The All Valley Picnic slowly fizzled out as other attractions and the popularity of the car gave folks the option of exploring other areas. The picnic was a lot of work, and volunteers were harder to assemble. By World War II, the picnic had ceased altogether. Liberty Lake was a destination any time of summer. With more than six resorts by 1933, everything from camping, boating, fishing and picnicking were good reasons to head to the lake. Liberty Lake Park offered a merry-goround, a snack bar and other amusements. The large Dance Pavillion over the water made for many a romantic evening. Other resorts, with names like Ted Week’s, Sig’s and Sandy Beach, offered Valley folks a chance to cool off, picnic, play on a water wheel, water slide and fish. Most rented cabins by the week or month.
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The Current
30 • JULY 2015
BUSINESS/COMMUNITY
JAREMKOS Continued from page 24
those years. Some would go out of business or we couldn’t get the parts.” The Japanese automaker Datsun — known as Nissan in its homeland — had come to the U.S. in 1959, quickly gaining popularity for its fuel-efficient, affordable vehicles. After the fallout with BMC, Paul did some investigating. “I’d been reading about this car called a Datsun from Japan,” he said. “It worked out for the best because we got Datsun.” The transition happened almost seamlessly. Yutaka Katayama, longtime president of Nissan USA, came to Spokane to speak with the Jaremkos personally, extoling the benefits of a sporty truck. “We’re a sports car dealer, right?” Paul said. “Mr. Katayama comes up here, and all he’s got is trucks. We don’t want trucks. We decided to take a chance and put them on TV for $1,495. We sold out the first day. They called it a one-ton truck because it would carry a ton. It was a strong, dependable truck, high quality, and the value was there.” Datsun rebranded in all its overseas markets to become Nissan in 1981. Paul is quick to point out that Nissan was the nation’s fastest-growing major auto manufacturer last year, expanding at a rate of 19 percent. The company currently boasts 26 percent of the market in Mexico and just short of 9 percent of car sales in the U.S. Paul says the company has faced plenty of challenges over eight decades, including the shift from Sprague Avenue to a one-way street in 2000 when the Appleway couplet was constructed. “A lot of car dealers went out of business,” Paul said. “It hurt our business. I would say that’s all behind us now. I would say the people we have at the city (of Spokane Valley) are very good. They’ve made a lot of nice improvements out here.” The Great Recession presented yet
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more challenges for the Jaremkos. Paul remembers employees “really stepping up” during the economic downturn. The company introduced adjustments like a four-day work week and emerged with no layoff notices. “We really pulled together,” Paul said. “We were fortunate enough to get through that OK.” The vast majority of Jaremko’s staff — nearly 50 employees between sales, parts and service — have been part of the operation for five years or more. Last month, Paul treated longtime Parts Manager Jim Lee to lunch to celebrate his 40th anniversary with the company. “We’re not corporate people; we’re car people,” Paul said. “This is a family business. “We have a lot of long-term employees here. We treat them like family.” Dave, the used car sales manager, said the Jaremko name is synonymous with trust in the local auto industry. “People like family-owned, local companies,” Dave said. “I think they trust them more. Repeat customers are half our business. I think we’ve been successful because of the dedicated people who work here.” From a lot that sold Model-Ts to one that now offers an electric car called “Leaf,” Jaremko has seen a slew of changes over eight decades. Besides GPS systems, V-8 engines and automatic windows, Paul said the upgrades in technology now mean a more educated auto buyer. “The process of shopping for cars has changed dramatically because of all the information that’s out there,” he said. “People come in now, and they’re very informed about cars. The technology has really changed this industry.” As the company celebrates the 80-year mark, Paul, Dave and Mark each have their own reflections. “For me, it’s the people we work with, the people who have been here a long time and the people we work with each day,” Dave said. “It’s been fun to listen to their stories.” “It’s different every day,” Mark said. “Every day is a new challenge. Automobile purchase is the second biggest purchase most people will make. It’s fun to be a part of helping people achieve their goals.” For Paul, the Jaremko enterprise continues to thrive on the basic qualities of reliability, quality and integrity his father established all those years ago. “Seeing the success has been rewarding,” Paul said. “We’re dependable. We have very good people to back up cars. There’s been so much change over the years, but we’re still just trying to make things work for the store, for our people and for our customers. That’s our mission.”
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EDUCATION Continued from page 23
was provided via press releases submitted from schools or parents. Augustana College (Sioux Falls, S.D.) Spring Dean’s List and Graduate Rockford: Mark James Vetter
Carroll College (Helena, Mont.)
Valley Parent Co-op Preschool is a birth to 5 preschool program operated by parents in a cooperative effort with the Community Colleges of Spokane. It is a playbased program that combines parent education with a rich learning experience for you and your child. Classes are M, W & F. For more info, call 509-720-9209. divinity; Kristen Simpson, bachelor of social work
Montana State University (Bozeman, Mont.) President’s Honor Roll, 4.0 GPA Liberty Lake: Rachel Casey Dean’s Honor Roll, 3.5+ GPA Greenacres: Shannon Metzger Liberty Lake: Brock Benzel, Carlin Coulson Spokane Valley: Taylor OKeeffe
Troy University (Troy, Ala.) Graduate Newman Lake: Gary Reed, bachelor of science
Spring Dean’s List, 3.5+ GPA Liberty Lake: Jaclyn Urbanec Rockford: Brooke Williams Spokane Valley: Katie Estey, Jacob Groh, Courtney Sherick, Conor Smith, Taylor Smith, Carissa Yedica
University of the Cumberlands (Williamsburg, Ky.)
George Fox University (Newburg, Ore.)
University of San Diego
Graduates Spokane Valley: Melissa Peplinski, bachelor’s degree in human services
Graduates Spokane Valley: Heather Crosby, master of arts in clinical mental health counseling; Michael Hill, master of
Graduates Spokane Valley: Jessica Drake, bachelor's degree in political science
BIZ NOTES
Global CU wins award
Continued from page 25
As of press time, Trading Company shoppers donated 133 jars of peanut butter which was matched by both Gus Johnson and Trading Company giving Second Harvest 399 jars to distribute. Franz Bread added the 133 loaves of bread to make the sandwiches complete. Second Harvest will handle the distribution of the collected food as part of their Summer Lunch program. This partnership is in conjunction with Ford’s national program called “Ford Feeds Kids.”
Global Credit Union received a first place award in public relations during the Northwest Credit Union Association Spectrum Marketing Awards on May 7 in Portland. They were recognized for their living community billboard event where local artist Jessie Pierpoint painted a billboard within a span of eight hours in downtown Spokane. Global CU also received honorable mentions in the broadcast media and community impact categories. For more, visit www.globalcu.org.
The Current
PARTING SHOTS
Firefighter for a day Valley leaders experience fire scenarios firsthand Story by Tammy Kimberley | CURRENT STAFF WRITER Submitted photos by Cathye Bordwell | TAKEN OF PARTICIPANTS AT MAY 30 EVENT The heat was on when more than 40 firefighters and 16 civilian leaders came together May 30 for the inaugural Fire Ops 101. But participants shared that it was indeed one cool experience as they had the chance to strap on protective clothing and learn about handling a fire hose and other functions necessary to help in fire and medical incidents. Firefighters from Spokane Valley Fire Department and Spokane Fire District 8 volunteered their time to guide civilians through scenarios during the day-long training at the Spokane Valley Department Training Center, 2411 N. Pioneer Lane. The scenarios included search and rescue, vehicle extrication, fire hose application, cardiac arrest and a live fire training exercise. Liberty Lake Police Chief Brian Asmus said the firefighters did a great job of explaining the scenarios and walking the groups through the various stations. “Even though we work closely with the fire department on a weekly basis as we work together to keep our community safe, having the opportunity to actively be involved in what they do on a daily basis instead of observing intrigued me,” he said. Melanie Rose, SVFD community affairs officer, said the event was a chance for firefighters to articulate what they do and learn from participants as well. “It was a chance for firefighters to share their passion with community members,” she said. Safety was of paramount concern, Rose said. Participants were fitted the day before the event with protective gear such as pants, overcoat, boots, hood and oxygen. In addition, a safety officer was on the scene and there was a high ratio of firefighters to civilians monitoring between each station. Mike Pearson, chairperson of the SVFD Board of Fire Commissioners, said firefighters are constantly training to see how they can meet the needs of a people in need. As a Fire Ops 101 participant, he was impressed with the quality of care fire personnel provided to their clients. “I think the firefighters are skilled at what they do, but they also have a passion for what they do,” Pearson said. “If you strip away the firetrucks and the sirens and the hoses, I was humbled by the sincerity of the staff who worked with us and
made sure we were safe.” Liberty Lake City Administrator Katy Allen said she attended to learn about the services and training provided by the district and to better understand the challenges the department is faced with on a day-to-day basis. Allen said the scenarios like the search and rescue and the fire training exercise with limited sight visibility gave her a deeper respect for the job and those who do it. She said it takes a lot of people to respond and address all the things that go on in an emergency situation. “It’s one thing to read about and another to actually go through it,” she said. “The camaraderie among all the firefighters working together as a team to save lives and protect property is amazing. There is a real strong bond among them.” Learning how to handle a fire hose was the hardest and most enlightening experience of the day for Spokane Valley Council Member Ben Wick. He said being able to walk a mile in the shoes of firefighters gave him a whole new appreciation for what they do for citizens. “It literally took three of us to make a normal firefighting water line usable, and that was in a straight, smooth parking lot,” he said. “I could only imagine how hard it must be to move through a house or even up a flight of stairs.” Wick said he also gained valuable insight from the firefighters and was able to see firsthand the partnership that exists between local fire agencies. “Spokane Valley Fire Department and Spokane County Fire District 8 have an auto aid agreement allowing either district to respond based on who is closer to the call, regardless of district boundaries,” Wick said. “This is truly innovative thinking, which is increasing efficiencies and helping save the citizens of both districts.” Participants completed an evaluation at the end, and Rose said the event received top marks. She said that many were impressed by how seamlessly SVFD and District 8 crews work together and their mutual respect for one another. The agencies hope to host another Fire Ops 101 in 2018. “I believe every Fire Ops 101 participant came away with a better understanding of the dangerous, time-sensitive and laborintensive work performed by firefighters every day,” Rose said.
JULY 2015 • 31
The Current
32 • JULY 2015
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