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One more ‘Walk in the Wild’ Remembering the Mirabeau-area zoo on the 20th anniversary of its closing PAGE 26
CVSD READYING FOR SEASON OF CONSTRUCTION PAGES 8-9
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE AT MILLWOOD DAZE PAGE 14
STUDENTS USING GARDEN TO LEARN, GIVE BACK PAGE 16
PIZZA PLACE PERFECTS SMALL TOWN, SMALL BIZ RECIPE PAGE 34
NEWS
2 • AUGUST 2015
Rally for the Valley
Jennifer Schlenske has served as the development director for Spokane Valley Partners since January 2013. The Central Valley High School and Eastern Washington University graduate raises funds and awareness for the local nonprofit that originated in 1990 and features a food bank, clothing bank, emergency assistance and other social service programs.
Schlenske brings local roots to Spokane Valley Partners By Craig Howard
CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR
It is a July afternoon at Spokane Valley Partners and Jennifer Schlenske is making sure people feel appreciated. After dropping off several bags of donated school supplies from Costco, a retired couple is headed out the door. Schlenske, development director at SVP, shuffles quickly to offer thanks, remembering their names from last year and engaging in the sort of genuine conversation one might have with a familiar friend. Such is the sincerity that Schlenske, who grew up in the Valley and graduated from Central Valley High School, brings to her work. From clients who access the food bank, clothing bank and other programs to donors who write substantial checks of support each year, Schlenske treats everyone at the Valley’s most visible nonprofit with dignity, respect and gratitude.
The Current
CURRENT PHOTO BY CRAIG HOWARD
The nonprofit field seemed outside the career trajectory for Schlenske after she graduated from Eastern Washington University in 1999 with a degree in English. She worked briefly with a Valley-based environmental company before latching on with Agilent Technologies in Liberty Lake as the communications coordinator. In 2001, Schlenske relocated to Agilent’s Santa Clara office. She would remain in the Bay Area until 2004, honing her skills as a
communicator and volunteering with the local branch of the Cystic Fybrosis Foundation. Schlenske was aware of the challenges associated with the condition having a sister diagnosed with CF. In her first serious fundraising campaign, Schlenske generated $3,600 for CF research through pledges for a half-marathon she completed in 2001. When she returned to the Inland Northwest, Schlenske gravitated away from the private sector, accepting a job with the Spo-
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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A Cup of Joe kane branch of the American Heart Association. When she applied for the development director position at SVP in late 2012, her background in nonprofit work and her family’s history in the Valley stood her in good stead. Her dad taught in the Central Valley School District for 22 years while her mom has been a secretary at Sunrise Elementary for the past 24 years. Schlenske’s sister is a literary intervention specialist with CVSD. Schlenske rallies support for an organization that, last year, served 10,936 families at its food bank and 8,613 families through a clothing bank. Nearly 700 families received energy assistance. With some of the slimmest overhead costs among area nonprofits, SVP ensures that over 92 cents of every donated dollar goes directly to programs and services. Schlenske (formerly Mills) and her husband Jon, executive director for Community Detox Services of Spokane, have been married since 2006 and are parents to two sons.
Q. A.
What did you know about Spokane Valley Partners before you were hired?
Prior to applying, I was not familiar with the organization. Many times throughout each year, my mom would have my sister and I fill bags with food to donate to the food bank. We would drive to the United Methodist Church and make our donation. So, I definitely wasn’t oblivious to the fact that there were many families in need in our community, but knowing where to obtain specific assistance wasn’t on my radar. When I worked for another larger and nationallybased nonprofit, I used to always say that I longed to work for a local communitybased nonprofit that used donor dollars and volunteer hours to provide direct, concrete, tangible service to those seeking help. I always wanted to work for a nonprofit that was a good steward of donor dollars with low administrative costs and a team — staff and volunteers — that faithfully adhered to a fair budget that ensured money was spent on forwarding the mission. I wanted to work somewhere that never felt like a job for a single day. And, then I got all of that, and more, the day I accepted this role. Q: What are some of the challenges you face as development director? A: Spokane Valley Partners has many programs and services that serve very
See SCHLENSKE, page 4
The Current
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4 • AUGUST 2015
NEWS
SCHLENSKE Continued from page 2
specific needs. For example, Food For Thought, which provides weekend food for homeless students or our Community Gardens Program which provides gardening plots to those without access to land for growing food. When donors — especially new donors hearing about us for the first time — learn about these programs, they often want to donate directly to that program. These are known as restricted funds. As always, all donations are incredible and
deeply appreciated, but what donors often don’t realize is that, if we don’t have enough funding to keep our doors open, we don’t have those other programs at all. Finding sufficient and sustainable unrestricted operating funds, rather than money for unique programs, is very challenging. Another challenge we face is engaging new donors, particularly millennials, in an effort to safeguard our financial strength while working toward a durable and secure future. We are well aware we need to uncover strategies for securing and retaining younger donors and volunteers. Q: Has the funding picture for Spokane
CVSD Education is helping grow OUR economy!
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Thanks to YOUR community support –
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Valley Partners changed much in the time you've been there? A: In the time I’ve been with Spokane Valley Partners, the funding picture has remained generally the same. To ensure our budgetary needs are met, we have to bring in close to $275,000 in unrestricted funds each year from individuals, corporations, schools, service organizations, faith groups, etc. We also have two fundraisers each year, and they need to net right around $60,000 total to ensure our general operating funds stay level. That has been the funding snapshot for many years and is a tried and true breakdown of where we can count on funds coming in. So, in the past few years, it has not changed much, however, it will have to change in the near future for us to remain a viable organization that continues to assist families in need. Q: How would you define the general level of community support for Spokane Valley Partners? A: Community support for Spokane Valley Partner is amazing. We have a lot of people in this community who understand that their support is an investment in the health, strength and readiness of low-income individuals and families. With their support, we are able to assist people in our community who are facing disadvantaged and susceptible circumstances by nourishing them as they are encouraged to gain self-reliance and sustainability and those who support us recognize this. Q: There are a lot of nonprofit organizations in the greater Spokane area all competing for the same dollar. How do you promote Spokane Valley Partners to potential donors in a way that sets you apart but doesn't discount other causes? A: I always say, “We’re not in the business of competing with other nonprofits.” Yes, it is always challenging locating sustainable funding, and that often creates what others may see as a rivalry between nonprofits. But, we are incredibly grateful for, and supportive of, area nonprofits who work to help families facing dire circumstances. We continuously work to develop partnerships that result in strengthening families and reinforcing our community. If we cannot directly help someone who comes to us, we don’t just send them off to track down what they need. We refer to other nonprofits and share whatever information we have about readily available resources. We have found that ensuring positive relationships with other like-minded organizations helps all of us survive and keeps the network strong. Q: What do you enjoy most about your role at Spokane Valley Partners? A: As development director, what I enjoy most is the incredible group of people I work with. I always say, “Everyone who works for, or volunteers for, a nonprofit is a fundraiser.” However, this can only be true if those people believe in the nonprofit and have a heart for those we serve. What I love is that everyone I work with — from
The Current
my boss, to coworkers, to volunteers — all sincerely want to support families in our community who have nowhere else to turn. So, I’m not really alone as development director. I may be a “fundraising staff of one,” but I have a whole host of people who assist with my work without even realizing it. When they begin chatting with someone about where they work, or where they volunteer, and that person wants to learn more, wants to become involved or wants to donate, they’ve become a fundraiser just through genuine passion about Spokane Valley Partners. We have that here, and it makes all the difference. Q: Are you seeing less demand at Spokane Valley Partners whether it be the food bank, emergency assistance or other areas, since the economy has begun to work its way back from the recession? A: Since the economy began to work its way back from the recession, we surprisingly did not see a drop in need. What we did see, however, was change in our clientele. We have always seen the usual consumers who live near or below the poverty line and have endured generations of low-income distress. When the recession hit, and ever since then, we began to see many working families and two-parent homes that had one parent, or both, lose a job. While they were maybe able to retain their home and preserve a moderate standard of living, they had to access social services for assistance in areas such as feeding their family. So, while the economic outlook has improved, the numbers of those accessing our services remained level up until 2014, when it dropped just slightly. Q: Do you think being a Spokane Valley native helps you connect more with your responsibilities at Spokane Valley Partners and the people you are working to help? A: I 100 percent believe this. When I moved to the Bay Area in 2001, I swore up and down, “I’ll never move back to Spokane.” Then, when I started considering returning to Spokane, I said, “OK, well, I’ll move back, but I definitely won’t live in the Valley!” So, I relocated back to Spokane and immediately moved to where I was comfortable and had the deepest sense of familiarity — the Valley. Now, I tell people, “I now live within five miles of the home I grew up in.” To many people, the connectedness of Spokane Valley is comforting and reassuring. I feel that way, as well. I also like knowing that if I chat with a Spokane Valley native for more than just two minutes, we will know people in common, have had similar experiences and be able to swap stories about things we remember and, it doesn’t take very many degrees of separation to get there. Whether I’m talking to sponsors or clients, my understanding of “Valley” terms goes a long way in making people feel comfortable. I’m proud to live in the Valley and am even more proud to raise money for a Valley nonprofit that serves thousands of families in need each month.
The Current
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6 • AUGUST 2015
NEWS
The Current
News Briefs Ballots due Aug. 4
Signs of a heart attack are rarely this obvious.
The Spokane County Elections Office mailed ballots July 15 to area voters within the Spokane Valley Library Capital Facility area and Spokane County Fire District No. 8. On the ballot, voters will decide the fate of a $22 million bond for Spokane County Library District. The cost of the bond is approximately 11 cents per $1,000 assessed property value. If approved, the bond would fund an expansion of the Argonne Library, a new Spokane Valley Library building on Sprague Avenue at Herald Road, a new library in Veradale/Greenacres and a repurpose of the existing library near Sprague and Pines. Ballots must be postmarked no later than Aug. 4 or delivered to drop boxes by 8 p.m. on this date. Valley-area boxes are located at Argonne Library, 4322 N. Argonne Rd.; Fairfield Library, 305 E. Main St.; Liberty Lake Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave.; Otis Orchards Library, 22324 E. Wellesley; and Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main. For information on the ballots or local issues, go to the Online Voters Guide at spokanecounty.org/elections or call 477-2320.
CVSD adjusts school day At the end of June, Central Valley School District announced a change in the school day for elementary students in order to provide additional time for students’ education per Washington requirements. Starting with the upcoming 2015-2016 school year, the school day will start at 9 a.m. and end with a 3:15 p.m. dismissal. Late start on Thursdays will begin at 10 a.m. The school times for Summit and SVLA will remain 8:30 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. For more, visit www.cvsd.org.
SRTC introduces new maps
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The Spokane Regional Transportation Council (SRTC) recently rolled out some new maps that can answer questions related to local transportation. In an effort to involve the public in local planning and activities, SRTC started using ArcGIS Online technology in 2014 to create interactive maps. These maps better illustrate information and data such as where construction projects are happening, the location of bicycling infrastructure throughout the county, population and employment centers in the area and more. According to a press release, SRTC is utilizing these online-only maps to allow users to zoom in on certain areas of the county, read project descriptions by clicking on a location, and click on links embedded in the map for more information. Users can view maps on their smart phones or other devices to learn more about a topic than a traditional map can provide.
See NEWS, page 7
The Current
AUGUST 2015 • 7
NEWS
SVFD Report A total of 1,285 emergency calls were reported by the Spokane Valley Fire Department between June 25 and July 22: Fires* 143 Emergency Medical Services 955 Hazardous Materials 19 Motor Vehicle Accidents 87 Extrication 2 Water Rescue 4 Building Alarms 50 Service Calls 25 *Types of fires include brush, commercial, residential, rubbish, vehicle and unauthorized burning calls
Highlighted calls • Structure fire — A passerby alerted firefighters to an early-morning porch fire in the 2000 block of North Sergeant Road on June 26. The elderly resident escaped out the back door while the passerby grabbed a garden hose and attempted to put out the fire. A visiting friend had placed a cigarette in the planter box the previous night. It smoldered overnight before erupting into flames. Potting soil is highly flammable. • Structure fire — SVFD crews responded to a two-alarm fire around 6 p.m. June 26 at 6819 S. Meadows Road, just inside Spokane County Fire District 8. Damage to the home and contents is estimated at $200,000. The fire was caused by an ashtray emptied into a potted plant on the back deck of the split-level home. • Illegal fire — A backyard fire was reported in the 10600 block of East 11th Avenue shortly after 10 p.m. July 1. SVFD crews responded, and the homeowner
NEWS Continued from page 6
To check out the new maps, and existing ones, go to srtc.maps.arcgis.com/home/index.html.
State budget supports Valley schools, trails Fourth District lawmakers helped secure funding for construction throughout the district when the Washington Legislature recently passed the bipartisan capital budget for 2015-2017. Included in the package was $1.1 million for the third and final phase of the Spokane Valley Tech addition, as well as $1.8 million for the next phase of the Appleway Trail development located south of Sprague Avenue along the former Milwaukie Railroad rightof-way. When completed, the trail will link business and residential areas to the east with the Spokane Transit Authority Center. According to a press release, the capital budget passed 44-1 in the Senate and 96-2
quickly complied with firefighter orders to extinguish the fire in an above-ground metal fire pit. The countywide burn ban now in effect makes open burning and recreational fires illegal. • Brush fire — SVFD crews joined Spokane County Fire District 8 in an automatic aid response to a brush fire on Valley Chapel Road near Elder Road just before 4 p.m. July 3. The fire was burning in a steep, wooded area and threatened three homes. Crews from five fire districts and the Department of Natural Resources aided by helicopter water drops battled the fire for hours before extinguishment. No structures were lost. The fire was started by illegal use of fireworks. • Service call — Due to the 100 degree temperature, firefighters responded to a child locked inside a non-running vehicle in the 14000 block of East Indiana shortly after 12:30 p.m. July 4. The crew was able to unlock the car in approximately 60 seconds. The child was calm and unharmed. • Service call — Local law enforcement called SVFD to the scene of a suspicious device in the 12700 block of East Saltese Road around 10:30 a.m. July 7. Firefighters were asked to stand by to administer aid, if needed. • Motor vehicle accident — A motorcyclist was thrown from his cycle in a collision with a sedan near the intersection of Trent Avenue and Progress Road shortly after 10 a.m. July 8. SVFD crews responded to the incident, securing the area and treating the cyclist for a serious leg injury before he was transported. The motorcycle came to a stop about 50 feet away. The sedan sustained a fair amount of damage from the collision.
• Natural gas leak — SVFD crews responded to a hazardous materials incident in the 1400 block of N. Hodges Road shortly before 1 p.m. July 8. Mechanical digging with a ditch witch caused a natural gas leak. Firefighters established a safety zone and opened adjacent buildings to check for hazardous gas levels. None were found. Property owners are reminded to call 811 to identify underground hazards before you dig. • Extrication — An unconscious driver trapped inside his vehicle was extricated by SVFD crews just after midnight July 12. The car had been traveling at a high rate of speed and destroyed 50 feet of fence and sheared off a power pole before running into a house in the 11500 block of East 30th Avenue. The driver sustained critical injuries and was transported to the hospital. No one inside the house was injured. • Vehicle fire — SVFD crews responded to a tractor trailer on fire near the Appleway ramp of Interstate 90 shortly before 1 p.m. July 15. Crews reported heavy smoke and 10-foot flames coming from the rear lower level of the trailer when they arrived at the scene. The fire shut down both eastbound lanes of the freeway. The fire was caused by a mechanical problem in the rear axle. Four of the six automobiles
being hauled sustained minor heat related damage. • Vegetation fire — Firefighters responded to a fire in the backyard of a home in the 1800 block of North Glenbrook Road shortly before 3 p.m. July 16. They found a vegetation fire that was moving toward two neighboring homes and was burning a vinyl fence. SVFD crews quickly extinguished the fire, which was caused by small children playing with a lighter. • Motor vehicle accident — SVFD crews responded to reports of a car hitting a teenager at the south entrance to the Albertsons parking lot in Liberty Lake just before 10:30 a.m. July 17. Crews arrived to find the boy sitting on the grass and the longboard he was riding under the vehicle that hit him. He was wearing a helmet and sustained only minor injuries.
Outdoor burn ban The cities of Liberty Lake, Millwood, Spokane Valley and unincorporated Spokane County issued a burn ban on June 17, making unauthorized open burning and recreational fires illegal until further notice. This includes wood-burning backyard fire pits. Violators may be fined up to $1,000. If an illegal fire causes another fire, criminal charges may be filed.
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in the House. The $3.9 billion plan, which will fund construction and maintenance of schools, skills center and other projects, went into effect July 1.
I-90 improvements included in state transportation package The Washington State Legislature passed the “Connecting Washington” transportation package in July that has impact for the Valley area. Interchange improvements at Barker and Harvard Road were included in the deal. This can also provide for a partnership opportunity for adding a locally-funded interchange at Henry Road. Among other regional projects included are the completion of the North Spokane Corridor to build the southern five miles of freeway and connecting to I-90, as well as work at the SR 902 and the Geiger Interchanges that connect to I-90. According to a press release, the work is to be spread out over the next sixteen years. For more, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov.
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The Current
8 • AUGUST 2015
NEWS
Central Valley readying for bond projects Significant work on six schools will get under way in 2016 By Josh Johnson
CURRENT STAFF WRITER
Jay Rowell is the deputy superintendent of the Central Valley School District. Come February 2016, he may as well print a second set of business cards for his weekend job — as the proprietor of Jay’s Moving Services. Landing one year following the passage of the district’s $121.9 million construction bond, a busy February 2016 will move the district into the meat of its bond-related work, with renovations and building projects across the district. But first, a multi-pronged reshuffling is planned to allow for educational environments to be maintained during the season of construction. Rowell has been busy ironing out the details. Central to making everything possible was a move CVSD made before the bond passed: purchasing the former Yoke’s grocery store on Sprague and Adams. The renovation of that building became priority one with funding from the new bond, as two schools will find permanent homes in the new structure come February. The Early Learning Center will move its 380-plus preschool students from the old University High School, while the 220 students attending Barker High School will also shift from their location at the former Blake Elementary School building. That’s Rowell’s move No. 1, and it frees up space for several other dominos to fall into place through the rest of February. Evergreen Middle School students will be moved into the freshly vacated former University High School, and Summit School students will find new quarters in the space Barker High School left behind. Once Summit is clear of the old Keystone Elementary it has occupied on McDonald Road, Chester Elementary School students will slip right in behind them. Meanwhile, Rowell said this will happen with the slightest possible disruption to the educational process. All the moves will happen on February weekends. Of the eight major renovations and buildings included in the construction bond, six will break ground in 2016 (the renovation of Yoke’s is already under way, while a planned renovation of Ponderosa will wait until summer 2017 to begin). Central Valley School District officials unveiled architectural renderings and site plans this summer for the six projects, highlights of which are shared in the space that follows. More information and visuals are available at cvsd.org. With questions or comments, call the district at 228-5400.
EVERGREEN RENDERING BY ALSC ARCHITECTS
Evergreen Middle School What’s being done? The original 1974 school building is being renovated and expanded, increasing student capacity from 600 to 750. As the longest-lasting of the district’s bond projects, the school will undergo an almost complete, top-to-bottom rebuild while expanding in order to help meet the needs of the district’s burgeoning middle school population.
Who is doing the work? ALSC Architects of Spokane is in charge of the design, while Garco Construction of Spokane will serve as the general contractor.
When will it happen? The design is being fine-tuned and finalized through the year, with construction scheduled to start in February 2016 and wrap up in December 2017.
How will students be impacted? The entire student population will shift in February to the old University High School campus while work begins in earnest. Then, for the 2016-2017 school year, incoming sixth-grade students will be housed at the old U-Hi, while seventh- and eighth-graders will shift back to Evergreen. Construction will continue on unused portions of the campus. Starting with the 2017-2018 school year, grades 6-8 will all be back at Evergreen.
502. New construction will be added to the southeast side of the current structure for the expansion, parking and drop-off/pick-up will be reconfigured and current structure layout will be updated and modernized. Safety measures will also be a priority as Chester was originally constructed as an open-concept school.
Who is doing the work? Architects West of Coeur d’Alene is in charge of the design, while Lydig Construction of Spokane Valley will serve as the general contractor.
When will it happen? The design is being fine-tuned and finalized through the year, with construction scheduled to start in March 2016 and wrap up in February 2017.
How will students be impacted? Students will be moved in February, the final domino in a series of moves throughout the district. The school will be housed in the building Summit School is vacating earlier the same month on South McDonald Road. Students will remain at this location until construction is completed.
Chester Elementary What’s being done? The original 1974 school building is being renovated and expanded, increasing student capacity from 310 to
CHESTER RENDERING BY ARCHITECTS WEST
The Current
AUGUST 2015 • 9
NEWS When will it happen? Construction will span the 2016-2017 school year, currently scheduled to start in August 2016 and wrap up in September 2017.
How will students be impacted?
CENTRAL VALLEY SD SUNRISE ELEMENTARY 06/30/2015
Students will remain on the Opportunity campus during the months of construction. Shifts will be made as necessary as work progresses, although much of the work will focus on the expansion portions of the school. Unlike many of the other elementary schools being upgraded with this bond, Opportunity was not designed as an open-concept school. SUNRISE RENDERING BY ALSC ARCHITECTS
EXTERIOR DEVELOPMENT
Sunrise Elementary What’s being done?
Greenacres Elementary What’s being done?
The original 1980 school building is being renovated and expanded, increasing student capacity from 467 to 624. New construction will be added to the current structure for the expansion, and the current structure layout will be updated and modernized. Safety measures will also be a priority as Sunrise was originally constructed as an open-concept school.
The original 1978 school building is being renovated and expanded, increasing student capacity from 515 to 624. New construction will be added to the east side of the current structure, parking, bus drop-off and parent pickup will be reconfigured and current structure layout will be updated and modernized. Safety measures will also be a priority, as the current open-concept school will see walls added and offices realigned.
Who is doing the work?
Who is doing the work?
ALSC Architects of Spokane is in charge of the design, while Graham Construction of Spokane Valley will serve as the general contractor.
Architects West of Coeur d’Alene is in charge of the design, while Lydig Construction of Spokane Valley will serve as the general contractor.
When will it happen?
When will it happen?
Construction will span the 2016-2017 school year, currently scheduled to start August 2016 and wrap up August 2017.
How will students be impacted? The school will be temporarily moved in July 2016 to the old University High School, and students will be housed there (along with the Evergreen Middle School sixth graders) during the 2016-2017 school year before returning to their renovated school for 2017-2018.
The design is being fine-tuned and finalized through the year, with construction scheduled to start in March 2016 and wrap up in June 2017.
How will students be impacted? Students will remain on the Greenacres campus during the months of construction. District officials explained that the new construction portion of the project will be the focus in spring 2016, which will then allow classes to shuffle into the new portion during the 2016-2017 school year as work shifts to the present structure.
Liberty Lake K-2 What’s being done? A new elementary school is being built, the only completely new construction project resulting from the February bond. To be located in the vacant lot to the east
LIBERTY LAKE K-2 RENDERING BY MMEC ARCHITECTURE & INTERIORS
of the current Liberty Lake Elementary School and Liberty Lake Ballfields, the project will expand elementary capacity by 624 students. The new school will house kindergarten through second-grade students, meaning the current LLES will transition to serving students in grades 3-5. The Central Valley Kindergarten Center on Barker Road will close when this new school opens for the 2017-2018 school year.
Who is doing the work? MMEC Architecture & Interiors of Spokane is in charge of the design, while the general contractor is yet to be determined.
When will it happen? The design is being fine-tuned and finalized through the year, with construction scheduled to start in January 2016 and wrap up in March 2017.
How will students be impacted? Unlike projects at other schools in the district, some of which will see students temporarily relocated, this is new construction — meaning students will only be impacted when the project is finished. CVSD Director of Communications Marla Nunberg said that a process of adjusting school attendance areas will be happening in the coming months in anticipation of the 2017-2018 school year, when Liberty Lake kindergarten students will join the campus — and likely some students who previously found themselves in the Greenacres attendance area will shift to Liberty Lake.
OPPORTUNITY RENDERING BY ALSC ARCHITECTS CENTRAL VALLEY SD
EXTERIOR DEVELOPMENT Opportunity Elementary
OPPORTUNITY ELEMENTARY 06/30/2015
What’s being done? The original 1968 school building is being renovated and expanded, with the largest increase in student capacity among the district’s renovations — from 408 to 624. New construction will be added to the current structure for the expansion, and the current structure layout will be updated and modernized.
Who is doing the work? ALSC Architects of Spokane is in charge of the design, while WLK Joint Venture Construction of Spokane will serve as the general contractor.
GREENACRES RENDERING BY ARCHITECTS WEST
The Current
10 • AUGUST 2015
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COMMUNITY
Calendar of Events
Center, 404 N. Havana St. This family-oriented Scottish adventure will be full of entertainment, competitions, music, food, exhibits, kids games and Celtic vendors. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and youth 11-17, $5 for children 6-10 and free for children 5 and under. For more: www. spokanehighlandgames.org
Aug. 2 | Pitch for the Cure breast cancer walk 3 p.m., Avista Stadium, 602 N. Havana St.
p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Students in grades 9-12 are invited for pizza, life-size Clue, crafts and a showing of “Guardians of the Galaxy” (rated PG-13). Pre-registration is required; space is limited. For more: www.scld.org
Aug. 7 & 8 | University High School class of 1975 reunion 6 p.m. Fri., Bumpers, 12828 E. Sprague Ave. and 4 p.m. Sat., Mirabeau Park Hotel, 1100 N. Sullivan Road. Cost for Saturday night is $50 per person. For more: skingraham1992@msn.com or 869-4984
Aug. 3 & 4 | Your Best Pathway to Health
15310 E. Indiana Ave. Liberty Lake resident Nico McClellan will be autographing her new book penned under the name N.L. Fowler.
August 3—8 | Vacation Bible School
Rockford Town Park. This VBS for Rockford, Fairfield and the surrounding area will have a Star Wars theme.
Aug. 4, 6, 11, 29 and 31 | Volunteer with Washington Trails Association 8:30 a.m.
Aug. 8 | “I Found My Heart in Richland” book signing 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Barnes & Noble,
Aug. 11, 25 & 31 | Pickling Summer Vegetables 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Aug. 11: Argonne
Aug. 12 | Paint a Difference 6 p.m., Hearth Homes, 11302 E. Broadway. The community is invited to view this mural created by Hearth Homes residents. For more: www.hearth-homes. org Aug. 12 | Saving Seeds 7 to 8 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Learn to identify which seeds you can save and how to do it with Master Gardener Steven Nokes. For more: www.scld.org Aug. 13 | Pokémon tournament 7 to 8:30
to 3:30 p.m., Liberty Lake Regional Park, 3707 S. Zephyr Road. The 7.5 mile loop trail is undergoing some improvements, and a group will be working on maintenance as well as trail realignments. For more: www.wta.org
p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. We play for fun, not for keeps, so bring your cards or borrow a deck and do battle to catch them all. All ages welcome; children six and under should be accompanied by an adult. For more: scld.org
Aug. 5 | Basic Food Preservation 7 to 8
Aug. 18 | Navigating Your Credit 6 to 8 p.m.,
p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Food Safety Specialist Anna Kestell will lead a conversation about which of the three main methods — canning, freezing or drying — best fits your needs. For more: www.scld.org
Argonne Library, 4322 N. Argonne. Learn how to get free access to your credit report, as well as explore ways to increase your credit score, establish good credit and deal with collection agencies. For more: www.scld.org
Aug. 6 | Scentsational Plants Presentation
Aug. 18-20 | Infinite Possibilities 10 a.m. to noon, Focused Fitness, 2426 S. Dishman Mica Road. Cost is $23; workbook and DVD provided. Explore the concept of living life deliberately, accepting responsibility for your future, and creating major life changes. To register or for more: www.sccel.spokane.edu/ACT2
6:30 p.m., CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place. The Inland Empire Gardeners will host Pacific Northwest plantsman and horticulturist, Riz Reyes. During his talk “Year-round Guide to Scentsational Plants,” attendees will learn about the array of scented plants for the Pacific Northwest. The presentation is free and open to the public. For more: www.tieg.org
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See CALENDAR, page 12
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Mission Ave. The potluck picnic will be followed by a meeting and games. For more: 924-6320
Rockford Lions Club is hosting this event with entertainment and about 100 cars on display. For more: 291-4313 or swansoncw2003@yahoo.com
Library, 4322 N. Argonne; Aug. 25: Otis Orchards Library, 22324 E. Wellesley Ave.; Aug. 31: Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Local food safety/preservation specialist Anna Kestell will explain how to safely pickle and preserve summer vegetables. Pre-registration is required; space is limited. For more: www.scld.org
Located in Otis Orchards!!
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Aug. 4 | Spokane Valley Quilters annual picnic 6:30 p.m., Valley Mission Park, 11123 E.
509-926-9552
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1 to 3:30 p.m., Target, 13724 E. Sprague Ave. There will be hotdogs, drinks, games, balloons and face painting at this free event. For more: 924-8757 or David.Tasca@Target.com
23304 E. Wellesley, Otis Orchards, WA
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Aug. 8 | Hot Rockford Nights Car Show 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Rockford Town Park.
Aug. 4 | National “Night” Out safety fair
Lessons available in your area.
Aug. 7 | Library After Dark 6:30 to 11:30
Participants will receive a 10th anniversary T-shirt, a donation in their name to the Susan G. Komen Eastern Washington affiliate, and a ticket to the Spokane Indians baseball game that afternoon. The cost for the one-mile walk is $25 for adults and $15 for kids 12 and under. For more: www. spokaneindians.com
7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St. Free on-site medical, dental and eye care (first come, first served) is available to anyone in the Spokane area who needs specialized services but has financial difficulty obtaining them. For more: 888-447-2849 or www. pathwaytohealth.org
(509) 496-4250
Adventist Church, 4308 N. Harvard Road, Otis Orchards. Sponsored by the East Valley Community Coalition, the public is invited to this free training on how to get help for youth experiencing a mental health crisis. To register or for more: 477-4540
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Aug. 1 | Spokane Scottish Highland Games 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Fair and Expo
VIOLINS * VIOLAS CELLOS * BASSES
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reunion will kick off 6 to 9 p.m. Friday night at Sullivan Scoreboard, 205 N. Sullivan Road. 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
10 A.m.
Aug. 7 | Youth mental health first aid training 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Seventh Day
Quality String Rentals
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July 31, Aug. 1 | Central Valley High School class of 1985 reunion This 30-year
HigH ScHool / Adult clASS 9 A.m. WorSHip Service
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
AUGUST 2015 • 11
Pi e
The Current
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BUY A PIE • WIN A PIE • EAT A PIE
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Saturday 9:00am 1:00pm Visit us at LLFarmersMarket.com or find us on
The Current
12 • AUGUST 2015
COMMUNITY
CALENDAR Continued from page 11 Aug. 19 | Spokane Valley Book Club 2 to
3:30 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Join fellow book lovers to discuss “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. For more: www.scld.org
Aug. 29 | Community Outreach Street Fair 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Valley Assembly Church,
15618 E. Broadway Ave. Local non-profits and small businesses will showcase what they are all about. There will be activities for the entire family including a petting zoo, live entertainment and car show. For more: 924-0466
Aug. 29 | Felts Field Neighbor Day 9 a.m.
12004 E. Main Ave. Master Gardener Eberhard Schmidt will explain how to identify your soil type and increase your soil’s performance. For more: www.scld.org
to 4 p.m., Felts Field, 6105 E. Rutter Ave. Learn about the history of Spokane’s first municipal airport and the original site of the Washington Air National Guard, as well as check out the small aircraft during this fifth annual open house. Admission is free, but B-17G Flying Fortress rides and tours will be available for a fee. For more: 800-493-7515
Aug. 20 | Give Yourself a Raise 6 to 8 p.m.,
Aug. 30 | Church in the Park 10:30 a.m.,
Aug. 19 | The Basics of Soil and Composting 7 to 8 p.m., Spokane Valley Library,
Argonne Library, 4322 N. Argonne. Discover ways to avoid money troubles, succeed with your budget and protect yourself from financial predators. For more: www.scld.org
Aug. 21 | Summer Outdoor Movie: “Big Hero 6” 8:10 p.m., Mirabeau Meadows Park,
13500 Mirabeau Parkway. There will be movierelated crafts for kids an hour before the outdoor movie starts. For more: www.spokanevalley.org/ moviesinthepark
Aug. 22 | Millwood Daze 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.,
downtown Millwood. Activities include the annual 5K Dash, games, booths, music, free outdoor film and the world’s largest Red Wagon Parade. Proceeds benefit Meals on Wheels Spokane. For more: www.mowspokane.org/ millwood_daze.html
Aug. 22 | Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest Noon to 4 p.m., Chevron parking lot,
1109 N. Liberty Lake Road. Bubbadogz is putting on this event with all profits going to Honor Flight Spokane. There will be a classic car show and a live band playing. For more: 944-6200
Aug. 22 & 23 | Art & Glass Fest 11 a.m. to 6
p.m., Arbor Crest Wine Cellars, 4705 N. Fruit Hill Road. This annual fine arts event features over 50 vendors of handcrafted art and goods as well as live music. Admission is free. For more: 927-9463
Aug. 22 | Catholic Singles Mingle anniversary celebration 2 p.m., Sullivan Park,
1901 N. Sullivan Road. All ages of single adults are invited to celebrate the one-year anniversary with a barbecue bash potluck picnic. Bring your own meat to grill along with a dish to share. RSVP is required. To RSVP or for more: 226-1380 or www.meetup.com/Catholic-Singles-Mingle
Aug. 23 & 24 | Paws in the Pool 1 to 3:45 p.m. (Sun.); 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. (Mon.), Valley Mission Pool, 11123 E. Mission Ave. Once the pool closes to humans, it is open to the dogs! Dogs must be six months or older to participate, and times are based on size of dog. Cost is $5 per dog. Space is limited; pre-registration is encouraged. For more: 688-0300 or spokanevalley.org Aug. 26 | Preparing Your Garden for Winter 7 to 8 p.m., Spokane Valley Library,
generational sensation that brings high school musicians and vocalists together with veteran performers. The evening includes dancing, hors d’oeuvres, dessert, silent auction and raffle. Tickets are $20 each or $35 per couple. For more: 290-2917
Spokane Valley Eagles 16801 E. Sprague.
Aug. 18-25 | Drawing and Painting: Explore Artbars 9 a.m. to noon Tuesdays,
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: scld.org 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
Spokane Valley Kiwanis 6:45 a.m. Tuesdays, Valley Hospital Education Center, 12606 E. Mission. For more: spokanevalleykiwanis.net Spokane Valley Writer’s Group 6:45 p.m. the
CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Pl. Learn to draw or paint with Derwent Artbars and Cretacolor Aqua Briques. Experience the feel and versatility of water soluble bars that draw like crayons and paint like watercolor. Sets will be available to share, or you can bring your own. To register and more: www.sccel.spokane.edu/ACT2
first and third Thursdays of every month, Lakeside Church, 23129 E. Mission, Liberty Lake. This supportive critique group welcomes adult writers. For more: 570-4440
Aug. 22 | This, That or the Other 8 p.m., Liberty Lake Community Theatre, 22910 E. Appleway Ave. Tickets are $7 for this PG13 improv comedy. For more: www.libertylaketheatre.com Aug. 28-29 | Cowboy Supper Shows
Catholic Singles Mingle This group with no
Summer Movie Express 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the summer, Regal Cinemas, Spokane Valley Mall, 14760 E. Indiana Ave. Choose from two movies each day. Aug. 4-5: Madagascar 2, Dolphin Tale 2; Aug. 11-12: Muppets, Most Wanted and Alexander and the Terrible, No Good, Very Bad Day; Aug. 18-19: The Lego Movie and The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water. Admission is $1. For more: www. regmovies.com
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
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.
Pavillion Park, 727 N. Molter Road, Liberty Lake. Enjoy a morning of celebration with EastPoint Church featuring a service, free children’s activities and inflatables, live music and food vendors. For more: www.eastpointchurch.com
Recurring 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
dues is for single adults of all ages. For more: www.meetup.com/Catholic-Singles-Mingle
— Aug. 22 is the annual Pie Festival. You can buy, win or eat a pie at this special event which will include a pie walk and pie eating contest.
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: 888-436-6392 or visit www. 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
Rockford Crochet Class 10 a.m. to noon,
12004 E. Main Ave. Prepare your garden for winter with tips and tricks from Master Gardener Jan Baker. For more: www.scld.org
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
Aug. 27 | Delicious No-bake Desserts 7
Rockford Historical Society 11:30 the second
to 8 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. At this hands-on class, you’ll pick up some tips and tricks for indulging your sweet tooth before turning on the oven, as well as make your own delicious treats to take home. Preregistration is required; space is limited. For more: www.scld.org
Spokane County Library District Valley
Friday of each month (Feb. through Nov.), Harvest Moon, 20 S. First St. For more: 291-3193 or 838-4173
Rockford Pioneer Museum 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays and Sundays through Sept. 27, 10 S. First St., Rockford
Rockin’ B Ranch, 3912 Spokane Bridge Road. The 21st anniversary commemorative performances will also be held Sept. 25-26 and Oct. 9-10. For show times and more: www.rockinbranch.com or 891-9016
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
July 30 to Aug. 2 | “Tikki Tikki Tembo”
Pages of Harmony Wednesdays, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Thornhill Valley Chapel, 1400 S. Pines Road. If you enjoy singing, you’ll love the four-part a cappella harmony of this men’s barbershop chorus. For more: www.pagesofharmony.org
Aug. 5 & 8 | Celtic Rhythm with Floating Crowbar 6:30 p.m., Argonne Library, 4322 N.
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: 218-4799
MUSIC & THE ARTS Liberty Lake Community Theatre, 22910 E. Appleway Ave. Tickets are $12. For show times and more: www.libertylaketheatre.com
Argonne, (Aug. 5); Otis Orchards Library, 22324 E. Wellesley Ave. (Aug. 8). Floating Crowbar plays a mix of Irish instrumental music and songs drawn from traditional and contemporary sources. For more: www.scld.org
Aug. 15 | Hearts for the Arts 6 p.m. Liberty Lake Community Theatre, 22910 E. Appleway Ave. Drinks, hors d’oeuvres, silent auction and a performance of “Caught in the Act” are all a part of this evening. Tickets are $35; space is limited. For tickets or more: libertylaketheatre.com
Spokane Valley Camera Club 7:15 p.m., third and fourth Monday of the month (September through April), Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District building, 22510 E. Mission Ave. Club meetings start back up Sept. 21. All levels of ability—students through experienced photographers—are invited to learn. Social events include field trips and workshops. For more: 951-1446 or www.sv-cc.org
See CALENDAR, page 13
Aug. 15 | An evening with Dawes 6 p.m., Pavillion Park,
727 N. Molter Road, Liberty Lake. The public is invited to a free outdoor concert sponsored by Friends of Pavillion Park featuring Americana soul by Dawes. For more: www.pavillionpark.org or www. dawestheband.com
Aug. 17-18 | Auditions for “Mugsy Sent Me” 6 p.m., Liberty
Lake Community Theatre, 22910 E. Appleway Ave. For more: www. libertylaketheatre.com
Aug. 18 | Stars on the Hill 5 to 9 p.m., Arbor Crest Wine Cellars, 4705 N. Fruit Hill Road. This fifth annual event features the 20-piece MasterClass Big Band, a multi-
DAWES PRESS PHOTO
Dawes will come to Liberty Lake’s Pavillion Park on Aug. 15 as part of the FOPP summer concert series.
The Current
AUGUST 2015 • 13
COMMUNITY
CALENDAR
encouraged to wear athletic shoes. To register or for more: 927-1222 or www.udistrictpt.com
Recurring
Continued from page 12
Aug. 3-7 | Advantage Basketball Camp
E. Cataldo Ave. This children’s movement and fitness program offers classes in dance, gymnastics and cheerleading for girls and boys ages 3 and older. For more: 953-7501 or www. kidfitspokane.com
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave. Cost is $265. For more: www. advantagebasketball.com
CIVIC & BUSINESS Aug. 6 | Chamber Golf Tournament 1 to
7 p.m., Meadowwood Golf Course, 24501 E. Valleyway. This friendly competition is for all skill levels. Prizes, dinner and drinks are included. For cost and more: www.spokanevalleychamber.org
Aug. 4 | Northwest/Pioneer League AllStar Game 7:05 p.m., Avista Stadium, 602 N.
Havana St. The best talent from the Northwest and Pioneer Leagues will meet in a midsummer All-Star Classic hosted by the Spokane Indians. Admission is $12, which includes entry into the pre-game Fan Fest and Home Run Derby beginning at 4:30 p.m. For more: www. spokaneindiansbaseball.com
Aug. 5 | Class and a Glass 5:30 to 9 p.m.,
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Aug. 14-16 | Goodguys Great NW Nationals Car Show 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Fri. and
Sat.), 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sun.); Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St. Enjoy over 1,500 rods, customs, classics, muscle cars and trucks, as well as vendor exhibits, live music, arts and crafts gallery and kids entertainment. Admission is $17 for ages 13+, $6 for kids ages 7-12 and free for children 6 and under. For more: www.good-guys.com
Aug. 27 | Hiring Heroes Career and Resource Fair 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Spokane
Arbor Crest Wine Cellars, 4705 N. Fruit Hill Road. Two professional yoga instructors, Larkin Barnett and Lauren Merrithew, will lead yoga practitioners of all levels in a one-hour session. Paired with live music, the evening wraps up with wine, fellowship and epic views from the estate gardens. Cost is $35 per person. To register or for more: 927-8571
Aug. 8 | Inland Empire Martial Arts Tournament 8 a.m., HUB Sports Center,
19619 E. Cataldo Ave. Registration depends on competitions; spectators’ admission fee is $3. For more: www.hubsportscenter.org
Aug. 11-13 | Elite Sports Skills Futsal Fun Camp 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., HUB Sports Center,
19619 E. Cataldo Ave. Ages 5 to 6 ($75) are from 9 to 11:30 a.m. while ages 7 to 13 ($135) are the entire day. For more: www.elitesportsskills.com
County Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St. This free event is open to all military (veterans, guard, reserve and dependents). The goal is to match exceptional employers with well-qualified veteran and military job seekers. For more: 3263332 or hiringheroes.inw@redcross.org
Aug. 17-19 | NBC Basketball Camp 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave. The cost for this camp for ages eight to 12 is $160. For more: www.nbccamps.com
HEALTH & RECREATION
N. Havana St. This game against the Vancouver Canadians is sponsored in part by The Current. For tickets or more: www.spokaneindians.com
Aug. 2 | Kids Triathlon Mission Park/Witter
Pool, 1100 E. Mission Ave. The YMCA is hosting this swim, bike and run triathlon for kids ages five to 14. The 500-yard obstacle course includes tires, mud pit, giant slip-n-slide and many other obstacles. Cost is $20 for program members and $15 for premier members. For more: 777-9622 or www.ymcaspokane.org
Aug. 3-5 | Fun and Fitness Camp 1:30 to 3 p.m., Rocky Hill Park. U-District Foundation is offering a free camp for kids age six to 16. Registration begins at 1:15 p.m.; kids are
Aug. 21 | Spokane Indians Baseball fireworks night 6:30 p.m., Avista Stadium, 602
Aug. 22 | BubbleBall Invitational 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave. Cost is $60 per team. For more: www. hubsportscenter.org Aug. 22 | Hot August Nights Wrestling Tournament 5 p.m., Spokane County Fair and
Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St. Doors open at 1 p.m. for this outdoor wrestling tournament. Cost is $35 per wrestler. To register or for more: www. spokanewrestling.com
Carver Farms AUGUST ON THE FARM U-PICK: beans, cukes, corn, raspberries, blackberries & much more
ALSO AVAILABLE: peaches, tomatoes, blueberries, huckles, garlic, honey & more
www.CarverFarms.com
509-226-3602
Open daily: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
1/2 mile north of Trent at 9105 N. Idaho Rd. (Newman Lake area)
KidFIT Spokane HUB Sports Center, 19619
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
Sports opportunities HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Liberty Lake. Badminton, basketball open gym, pickleball, Zumba and other recreational options available. For more: www. hubsportcenter.org
For Income-Eligible Children 3 or 4 Years Old by August 31
Call us to enroll today! FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO ENROLL YOUR CHILD: ● Central Valley School District .............. 228-5810 ● East Valley School District .............. 924-1830 ● Spokane Child Development Center .... 924-2850 ● West Valley School District .............. 922-5478
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.
Learn more!
www.del.wa.gov/care/find-hs-eceap/
The Current
14 • AUGUST 2015
COMMUNITY
Millwood Daze boasts something for everyone By Dani Guarisco
CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR
Invest Now in their Education • Keeping God at the core • Academic excellence • Loving school community
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• Building positive lifelong memories
Preschool - Graduation
• Family friendly 4-day school week
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Smiles Created Here
When organizers of Millwood Daze decided to hold a community event, they built a day with not only athletes, kids and dogs in mind — but pretty much anyone with a pulse. This year’s seventh annual event, which will run 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 22, features a day full of festivities and entertainment perfect for the whole family, even Fido. The day begins at 8 a.m. with breakfast and ends at dusk with a movie — and features entertainment every 30 minutes from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., including specially trained dogs, dancers, music, vendors, activities and a Farmers Market. “It’s a great free family event,” said Mollie Dalpae, executive director for Mid City Concerns Senior Center and Meals on Wheels, which helps organize the event. Proceeds from the event benefit the Spokane program of Meals on Wheels operated by Mid City Concerns. Dalpae said Millwood Daze features food, vendors, art, and entertainment from local businesses all across the greater Spokane area. At 9 a.m., a 5K race helps launch festivities. Organized by Lon Page, registration is available online at mowspokane.org/ millwood_daze.html or at the event itself. Page, who participated in the race himself with his family, is happy to answer questions
IF YOU GO ... 7th annual Millwood Daze 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 22 Dalton Street, Millwood 8 a.m. to noon: Pancake Breakfast 9 a.m.: 5K Race 10 a.m.: Dachshund Race 11 a.m.: Mako the Arson Dog 11:45 a.m.: Wagon Parade 12:30 p.m.: Robotics Show All day: Vintage Car Show Dusk: Free movie For more: Call 232-0864 or visit www.mowspokane.org about the race at 945-9277. One highlight of the race is the biplanes that are known to be spotted overhead. “(The 5K) really kicks off the day,” Page said. Page said about 300 participants joined the event last year, which is for racers of all stripes, from avid runners to babies being pushed in strollers. Prizes are given to participants in each age group, from 10 and younger to 70 and older — and every age group in between.
See DAZE, page 15
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The seventh annual Millwood Daze will include traditions such as the morning 5K (above), business and community vendors, food, a car show and a wagon parade. The event supports the Spokane outlet of Meals on Wheels.
The Current
LOCAL LENS
AUGUST 2015 • 15
“ IT’S
THE LAW ”
Nature’s beauty in Newman Lake
In WASHINGTON Click or Call Two Business Days Before You Plan To Dig
During the month of July, Michael Hassett photographed creatures lurking near Newman Lake including a deer, a western tanager and an elk. He also captured a beautiful sunrise in the area.
DAZE Continued from page 14
At 10 a.m., a dachshund race takes center stage. Dogs with legs 3 inches tall or shorter are eligible to participate. At 11:45 a.m., the legendary wagon parade is an annual highlight — and one that organizers stress should be enjoyed from the standpoint of a participant. Proceeds benefit Meals on Wheels Spokane, whose red wagon logo inspired the parade in the first place. Meals on Wheels Spokane provides homebound senior citizens with nutritional meals. Since the charitable organization joined the celebration four years ago, Dalpae said $6,000 has been raised for the organization — the equivalent of 1,500 meals. “Meals on Wheels have really stepped in,” Page said. “They have done wonders for the event and the community.” While the event supports a great cause, Page said the comment he hears most from Millwood Daze participants reflects their own enjoyment of the festivities: “Millwood is a beautiful community.”
www.CallBeforeYouDig.org
1-800-424-5555 or dial 811 Inland Empire Utility Coordinating Council www.ieucc811.org SUBMITTED PHOTOS
Ken Cadwell from Newman Lake shared some of the beauty from his garden, including a red hardy gladiola, a multi-colored Asiatic lily and a white coneflower.
Paternoster wins aerospace award
Hot dog, T-shirt sale a huge success
SUBMITTED PHOTOS
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Megan Paternoster, a senior at Freeman High School, was one of 120 students from Washington State selected to participate in the Washington Aerospace Scholars (WAS) summer residency program in July. During this time, she was selected as the recipient of the William E. Boeing, Jr. Community Collaboration Award, an individual award presented to students who demonstrate excellent communication and collaboration skills. Paternoster was given the award during a luncheon at the Museum of Flight in Seattle by Astronaut Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger and Melissa Edwards, Director of the Department of Digital Learning at The Museum of Flight.
Community members and visitors took time out from their holiday celebrations to support the annual hot dog and T-shirt sale sponsored by the Fire Auxiliary and Newman Lake SCOPE on July 4. Organizers said it was the best fundraiser in recent years with over $2,500 raised to benefit Newman Lake Fire and Rescue, the community’s volunteer fire department. The Fire Department, Auxiliary and SCOPE would like to thank North Spokane Costco, Longhorn Barbecue Production, Terry White and Live Real Estate, and the Bellefeuille family for their generous contributions to the sale.
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The Current
16 • AUGUST 2015
COMMUNITY
Garden project grows education, community By Dani Guarisco
CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR
Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is important for staying healthy and a good habit to develop while young. That’s the mission behind a community garden project being worked on this summer by a group of Central Valley High School students. Of the about 2,000 students at CV, many don’t have the resources available or lack the knowledge to grow and cook balanced meals. Indeed, Hot Pockets or Pop Tarts are a common go-to snack. CV’s Green Team is hoping to do something about that. Under the tutelage of Green Team advisor and AP environmental science teacher Krista Larsen, team members come to the garden to learn every Tuesday during the summer — and have a good time while doing it. This opportunity allows not only for the students to unplug and get outside, but also to grow and to eat. These students do everything from preparing the land, planting, weekly maintenance, weeding and harvesting. “It’s really important,” 17-year-old Jordyn Bridgens says. “It’s also really fun to be with friends.” This is especially important to the kids who don’t have available resources, such as a place to garden. Larsen, who donates her own land and water for the garden, teaches the Green Team students and the friends they bring along how to garden and cook with the resulting farm-fresh foods. Her aim is that students will use their new knowledge of getting food from garden to table, causing healthy eating habits to form and carry on into adulthood. The group is even making a cookbook featuring recipes utilizing the food grown. Another facet of the garden project is to benefit the community. Part of the purpose of the program is producing an excess of food that can be donated to the food bank. The Green Team seeks help from the community as well. Donations of gardening equipment and supplies are appreciated, as well as people willing to give of their time. Donations can be arranged or more information received by contacting Larsen at klarsen@cvsd.org. Larsen also wants to see the Green Team grow, and CV students are welcome to join in group projects year round. The Green Team organizes events small and large that pertain to taking care of the earth and encouraging active, healthy lifestyles — from arranging outings for soccer, volleyball or Frisbee to heading out to middle schools to teach the importance of recycling. In fact, 15 months ago the Green Team led the effort for a district-
BE A PART OF THE GREEN TEAM The Central Valley High School Green Team could use your help with its community garden project. The following are among the current needs. Big supplies: A shed to store the tools, a greenhouse and a wheelbarrow Simple supplies: Gloves, baskets, hand-held tools, shovels, racks, garden bed liner and hoes. Also, canning jars or canning supplies for the cooking portion of the project Helping hands: Community members with gardening skills such as pest control, irrigation expertise or other abilities who would enjoy working with students are encouraged to contact advisor Krista Larsen. For more: klarsen@cvsd.org wide sustainable recycling program that is now up and running. One of the bigger events the Green Team does is the Trash and Show, an event where students of all ages can create an article of clothing out of materials that would otherwise be thrown away. “It’s fun to see the kids enthusiastic about it,” Larsen says. “They’re excited to see the progress each week.” Don’t just take her opinion for it.
CURRENT PHOTOS BY DANI GUARISCO
Above: A group including Kristen Larsen, Sidney Orr, Curtis Schmitz, Madison Flint, Jordyn Bridgens and Karen Santora works together to weed around the tomato plants at the Green Team community garden. “It’s not just work,” says Alex Burrington, 18, who graduated from CV in June. “Not only are you learning skills and it a great way to be outdoors, but you’re getting to do it with your friends. Also, there’s free food.” Healthy free food, one might add. For Madison Flint, the program provides her with something she wouldn’t have otherwise — she doesn’t garden at home. “I was really excited that I got to come out and be part of a community,” she says.
CV student Madison Flint picks ripe raspberries. Like all the students on raspberry patrol — some of the fruit made it in the bucket, many others were eaten right away, too good to resist.
The Current
LIBRARY
AUGUST 2015 • 17
Breaking out of the ordinary SCLD offers plethora of programs for adults By Mary Kate Koch
CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR
Thanks in part to an expansive and quality array of children’s programming, there persists a myth that the library is only for children. A team of Spokane County Library District librarians is working hard to dispel that myth and remind the community that the library has something for everyone. Adult programs at the 10 SCLD libraries are aimed at giving people in the community the chance to engage with ideas and learn something new. To reflect this commitment of lifelong learning and discovery, this year’s theme for adult programming is “Escape the Ordinary.” Since adults do not always have school to go back to in the fall, library programs offer fun and free avenues to give the brain a workout. “We have a team that has worked hard to ramp up our adult programs,” SCLD Librarian Vanessa Strange said. “When a lot of people think of the library, they think of story time or children’s program, but we want the library to be a place where adults gather too.” Strange and her colleagues have the results to show for this dedication. SCLD puts on more adult programs in the summer than any other library districts in the area, and the variety of those programs expands every year. This year, SCLD is hosting everything from cooking classes like “Secrets
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Floating Crowbar, a Spokane-based band that performs traditional Irish music, will perform at various SCLD branches in coming months as part of their adult programming. The group will give a 6:30 p.m. show at Argonne Library Aug. 5, Otis Orchards Library Aug. 8, and Spokane Valley Library on Sept. 10. of Sauerkraut” to athletic programs such as “Improve Your Golf Game,” which is being taught by PGA-certified instructors. “Some of our most popular programs are the Do-It-Yourself classes,” Strange said. “People like to learn how to do things and create. Music programs are also among the most popular. We then like to take these popular program types and experiment with them a bit.” In response to these community preferences, SCLD is offering classes on pickling vegetables, making spring rolls, no-bake desserts, stirring up sauerkraut and dishing up salsa for all of the hands-on learners.
SCLD is also hosting the Spokane-based Floating Crowbar, a Celtic rhythm band, to showcase high-energy traditional Irish music. On tour all the way from Finland, Finnish folk duo Vellamo will put on a traditional music experience for attendees in September. According to Strange, the programs like to draw on the expertise of local experts as much as they can. The programs also tend to center on issues and themes relevant to the Spokane area or Washington community. For instance, one program features the vibrant history of Operation Firefly during World War II and the first all-black paratrooper team that carried this mission out in Washington, fighting some 36 forest fires in 1945. A September lecture by author Julia Harrison will explore the juicy history of Washington fruit and its impact on the state’s people and economy. Strange credits community research and involvement for the success of program creation and attendance. “A lot of the decisions about what programs to host are based on community research that we’ve collected as a district,” Strange said. “We look at what the community interests are, what past attendance is like for particular events and current trends in public interest.” Adult programs are set to begin during the second week of August and will run until the end of September. For a complete list and schedule of the adult programs at SCLD, ask your local librarian or visit www. scld.org/summer-15-adult.
Resource Review
Adult Summer Programs begin this month! What do Floating Crowbars, Operation Firefly, and pickled vegetables have in common? We have it all and more at the library this summer. Come see what we have to help you escape the ordinary this August. For program details, please visit scld.org/summer-15-adult.
Shaken, not stirred: your library on the rocks By Gwendolyn Haley
SPOKANE COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT
The 641 section is one of my favorite sections to browse at the library. For those of you not familiar with the Dewey Decimal System, that’s also known as the cookbook section. There is always something new and delicious to check out, especially during this time of year when the grilling and salad books are particularly enticing. Truth be told, when the thermometer climbs up above 90 degrees, my thoughts turn more and more to beverages. Fortunately, the
cookbook section at your local library has everything a budding bartender or master mixologist needs to beat the heat. The lazy days of August are the perfect time to work your way through Maria del Mar Sacasa’s guide, “Summer Cocktails: Margaritas, Mint Juleps, Punches, Party Snacks and More.” This follow up to her first book, “Winter Cocktails,” features 100 summer cocktail recipes, including a bourbonpeach punch and watermelon refresher. Each recipe comes with step-by-step directions and full-color photos, as well as variations that feature all of your garden-fresh produce. Anton Nocito’s book, “Make Your Own Soda: Syrup Recipes for All-Natural Pop, Floats, Cocktails and More,” offers even more options for those looking to quench their summer thirst. You’ll find 70 recipes for all-natural syrups with unique, artisanal
flavors like pineapple, lemongrass and hibiscus, as well as old-time favorites like ginger, sarsaparilla and grape. If cocktails and soda aren’t your thing, maybe you want to try making your own craft beer. “The Complete Joy of Homebrewing Fully Revised and Updated” by Charlie Papazian includes everything you need to know about brewing beer at home from start to finish. Best of all, it’s available as a downloadable eBook, so you can get started today. These titles represent a small sampling of the beverage menu available at your local library. Search our online catalog by using “beverages” as your subject or wander down to your local library and browse the shelves in the 641s. We have everything you need to escape the ordinary this summer! Gwendolyn Haley is a library resources manager at Spokane County Library District.
www.scld.org
The Current
18 • AUGUST 2015
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half of the leftover hot dogs. But the other food that I crave definitely would have to be ice cream bars. Man oh man, do I love those!
OTTO the Spokanasaurus, along with a little help from Recycle Man, agreed to type out answers to questions posed by The Wave.
Q: A:
What do you think of this year’s team?
I think this year’s team is great! I know we are going to be winning games left and right.
Q:
I recently saw that you have your own emojis. Do you text a lot and can kids interact with you that way?
A:
Of course! Most people don’t know this, but I have my own social media — you can follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. I love to interact with all of my fans! So make sure you come follow me, and if you get down to it, I’ll even have an emoji face-off with you.
An OTTO-matic fan favorite Spokanasaurus shares about life as Indians mascot By Chad Kimberley
CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR
If you head out to Avista Stadium this month, there will be more than a few things to make your trip memorable. The kids section with slides and batting cage, the ballpark food (think hot dogs and ice cream) and baseball itself, of course, are highlights of the night. But Spokane Indians mascot OTTO and his friends help to ensure each game is an exciting, fun experience for all at the stadium. OTTO became part of the Spokane Indians family in 1993 and is the first known Spokanasaurus. OTTO graciously took some time out of his busy schedule to sit down at the computer and type out his answers to our questions about his experience as a mascot, his relationship to his fellow entertainers and even his thoughts on the new movie, “Jurassic World.”
Q: A:
What do you do during the offseason?
How did you get your name? Well, officially I received my name through a fan vote at a baseball game in 1993. I was named after our Senior Vice President Otto Klein! But secretly, I have a dinosaur name that I was given at birth. Sadly it can’t be spelled or said in any known language, since most people can’t speak dinosaur.
Q:
As the official mascot for the Spokane Indians, what does your job involve?
A:
My job includes many things. For example, I’m required to show off my dance moves at the top of the 7th inning. But then again, is it really “required” if I want to do it? Furthermore, I am tasked with entertaining, teasing, shenaniganing, and ensuring that everyone who visits my ballpark either leaves with a smile or a big nose print on their face.
Q: A:
PHOTOS COURTESY OF SPOKANE INDIANS
OTTO has been entertaining fans of the Spokane Indians with his dancing, teasing and shenanigans since 1993.
Q: A:
What is it like to work with Doris and Recycle Man?
Well, I’m going to be straight with you Stan; can I call you Stan? (Editor’s note: He prefers Chad.) Anyway, I was a little nervous when I heard a world famous superhero was coming to Spokane. Growing up being a blue dino, I wanted to be a superhero. Then there comes the coolest female Spokanasaurus I’ve ever met (actually, the only one I’ve met); she is the spark that keeps Recycle Man and me on our toes.
Q: A:
What is the best thing about being a mascot? The best things about being
a mascot is seeing that look on a kid’s face when he has had a pretty bad day all go away the second I borrow his hat, shine his shoes or stick his K-card up my nose. I might just be a Spokanasaurus; but to them, I get to be the giant stuffed animal that makes their day.
Q:
Do you get to eat all the leftover hot dogs at the end of the night? Or is there another ballpark food you enjoy even more?
A:
If you had asked me last year, I would have said yes. But during the offseason, I realized I needed to lose a little bit of the hot dog belly that I had acquired over the years. Now I only eat
During the offseason, I can usually be seen at the front office of the Spokane Indians trying to create as much commotion as possible. Also, I like to take long walks in the outfield, binge watch on Netflix, and compete in hot dog eating contests.
Q:
We know you are a fan of the movie “Jurassic Park,” but have you seen “Jurassic World?” Did the director contact you for a cameo?
A:
I love “Jurassic World!” I actually attended the midnight premier, and I’ve seen it at least 10 times since it came out. And yes, (movie director) Colin Trevorrow did contact me. He called in late 2013 and asked if I would like a cameo appearance, but instead I was actually the stunt dinosaur for the infamous Indominus Rex! I did all of his more dangerous stunts, as I am a talented dinosaur to say the least.
The Current
20 • AUGUST 2015
COMMUNITY Compiled by Sarah Burk
CURRENT GRAPHICS EDITOR
If you happened to miss Shark Week last month on Discovery Channel, have no fear! Chew on these facts and figures about one of the world’s most fascinating creatures. In some form, sharks have been around for millions of years. Even before dinosaurs roamed the earth, sharks hunted through the oceans. A shark skeleton is made of cartilage instead of bone, which allows greater flexibility. Twothirds of a shark’s brain is dedicated to its keenest sense — smell.
There are over 400 types of sharks, but only 30 species have been knowing to attack humans.
Shark skin is made of denticles instead of ordinary fish scales. The denticles are constructed like hard, sharp teeth and help to protect the shark from injury.
While sharks do search for a safe place to lay eggs or give birth, they do not care for their babies after they are born.
The most dangerous kinds are the great white shark, tiger, hammerhead, mako and bull sharks.
Sharks can have from one to 100 babies at a time, depending on the type of shark. Baby sharks are called pups.
Sharks range in size from 6 inches to 45 feet, which is as long as a school bus.
Sharks never run out of teeth. If one is lost, another spins forward from the rows and rows of backup teeth. A shark may grow and use over 20,000 teeth in its lifetime! Most sharks give birth to live young, but a few species lay eggs. The ones with pups that grow inside the mother have fewer babies at a time than sharks that lay eggs outside the body. Bull sharks can swim in salt and fresh water and have even been found in the Mississippi River.
Not all sharks are fierce carnivores Mako (meat eaters). The sharks are most harmless sharks — the fastest including the basking shark, swimmers (up the whale shark and the to 43 miles megamouth shark — tend to per hour). be the largest! These huge sharks eat plankton, a tiny shrimp-like creature Source: found in the www.kidzone.ws/ ocean. sharks/facts.htm
A whale of a shark Compiled by Tammy Kimberley CURRENT STAFF WRITER
The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is the biggest fish on the planet, rivaling some of the largest dinosaurs in weight. The species is believed to have originated about 60 million years ago. Despite having the word “whale” in its name, these sharks are in no way related to whales. International Whale Shark Day, which
is celebrated on Aug. 30, was started to recognize these gentle giants. Even though they are great in size and part of the shark family, whale sharks do not pose any real danger to humans. They are a docile fish, meaning they are tame in nature and not aggressive toward humans. Test your knowledge on these magnificent creatures by taking the multiple choice quiz below. Answers can be found at the bottom of page 22.
1) Where are whale sharks known to reside?
7) How long is a typical whale shark’s body?
A. Great Lakes area
A. Up to 10 feet
B. Arctic Ocean
B. 10 to 15 feet
C. Mississippi River
C. 18 to 32 feet
D. Warm oceans and tropical waters
D. 50 to 60 feet
2) What is the average lifespan of a whale shark? A. 50 years B. 70 to 100 years C. 125 to 150 years D. 200 years 3) Whale sharks feed mainly on…
8) What is the average weight of an adult whale shark? A. A ton B. 20 tons C. 50 tons D. 75 tons 9) How fast can a whale shark swim?
A. Microscopic plants and animals including plankton
A. Up to 3 miles per hour
B. Fish
C. 20 to 30 mph
C. Lobsters D. Dolphins 4) Whale sharks typically swim and feed… A. Near the top of the water B. Along seashores C. In gulfs and bays D. Along the ocean bottom 5) The mouth of a whale shark typically contains how many rows of teeth? A. 10
B. 5 to 10 mph D. Over 30 mph 10) How do whale sharks prefer to live? A. In a large group B. In a group of 4 to 6 whales C. With a mate D. Alone 11) How do whale sharks care for their young? A. They lay eggs and protect them until hatched.
B. 100
B. They lay eggs and leave them immediately.
C. 300
C. They leave them after a live birth.
D. 500
D. They care for their young for six months before sending them out on their own.
6) How many fins does a whale shark have? A. Two dorsal (top) fins B. Four pectoral (side) fins C. A pair each of dorsal fins and pectoral fins D. None
12) A whale shark’s skin is marked with… A. White stripes B. Pale yellow spots and stripes C. An orange checkered pattern D. Yellow and purple polka dots
Sources: www.animalstime.com/whale-shark-facts-kids-whale-shark-diet-habitat/, www. redmangrove.com/whale-shark-interesting-facts/
The Current
AUGUST 2015 • 21
COMMUNITY
CO L O RING ACT I V I TY A list of shark tales Compiled by Tammy Kimberley CURRENT STAFF WRITER
National Booklovers Day is on Aug. 9 — what a great time to read about sharks! Check out these related books available through the borrowing systems at Liberty Lake Municipal Library and the Spokane County Library District. “Shark” By Miranda MacQuitty “Fly Guy Presents: Sharks” By Tedd Arnold “Never Take a Shark to the Dentist (and other things not to do)” By Judi Barrett “Sharks Have Six Senses” By John F. Waters “Surprising Sharks” By Nicola Davies “Jack Gets a Clue: The Case of the Loose-Toothed Shark” By Nancy Krulik “Shark vs. Train” By Chris Barton and Tom Lichtenheld “Shark Wars” By EJ Altbacker
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The Current
22 • AUGUST 2015
COMMUNITY
Learn a little about lefties CURRENT STAFF WRITER
Did you know that 10 percent of the world is left handed? That means that around 30 million people in the U.S alone favor the left hand over the right. There are many fascinating studies on advantages that left-handers may have over their
right-handed counterparts. For nearly 40 years, people around the globe have celebrated being left handed with International Lefthanders Day on Aug. 13. In honor of this day, decide whether each of the statements listed below are true or false. You can check your answers at the bottom of the page.
Discover some event and entertainment options the Valley has to offer kids during the coming month.
Fun and Fitness Camp Posting Date June 29, 2015 Aug. 3-5, 1:30 to 3 p.m. Rocky Hill Park in Liberty Lake U-District Foundation is offering a free camp for kids age six to 16. To register or for more: 927-1222 or www.udistrictpt.com
T or F?
2. There are such things as lefthanded scissors and writing utensils.
7. Being left handed runs in the family, so it is thought to be genetic.
3. Left handers are most likely to pursue creative careers.
8. Southpaw is another term used to describe a left-handed individual.
4. Of the seven most recent U.S Presidents, four have been left handed.
9. Many who are left-handed draw figures that face to the left.
10. Left handers seem to be have an advantage in certain sports, such as baseball, tennis, fencing and boxing.
1. Women are more likely to be left-handed than men.
5. Left handers adjust to seeing underwater more quickly than right handers.
6. Fingernails grow faster on the right hand than the left of those who are left handed.
Outdoor Movie: “Big Hero 6” Aug. 21 at 8:10 p.m. Mirabeau Meadows Park The city of Spokane Valley will offer crafts an hour before the outdoor showing of this PGrated movie. For more: www.spokanevalley.org/ moviesinthepark
Millwood Daze Aug. 22, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Downtown Millwood Come be a part of the world’s largest Red Wagon Parade! Other activities include a 5K Dash, games, music and free outdoor film. For more: www.mowspokane.org/millwood_daze.html
Sources: www.leftyfretz.com/left-handedfacts-infographic/, www.facts.randomhistory.com/facts-about-left-handedness.html
|
Answers to “A whale of a shark”: 1) D; 2) B; 3) A; 4) A; 5) C; 6) C; 7) C; 8) B; 9) A; 10) D; 11) C; 12) B
Compiled by Tammy Kimberley
August adventures
Answers to “Learn a little about lefties”: 1) False; 2) True; 3) True; 4) True; 5) True; 6) False; 7) True; 8) True; 9) False; 10) True
The Current
AUGUST 2015 • 23
COMMUNITY
Community Briefs WVSD offers free summer meals West Valley School District is offering free meals to children age 18 and younger this summer as part of their summer food service program. Registration is not required, and children do not need to be WVSD students to participate. Breakfast will be available from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., and lunch will be served from noon to 1:15 p.m. at the following sites: West Valley High School, 8301 E. Buckeye (breakfast until 10:15 a.m. at this location only); Centennial Middle School, 915 N. Ella; and Ness Elementary School, 9612 E. Cataldo. For more, call 232-6092.
SE Spokane County Fair solicits entries, volunteers The Southeast Spokane County Fair, which will run Sept. 25-27, is looking for fair entries and volunteers. The fair includes a parade, pancake breakfast, foos-
ball tournament, 3-on-3 basketball tournament, fun run, games and more. For more, visit www.sespokanecountyfair.org.
CV class of 1960 holds reunion Central Valley High School class of 1960 is having a 55-year reunion beginning with a cruise on Lake Coeur d’Alene Sept. 18 followed by a reunion dinner Sept. 19 at the Coeur d’Alene Resort Hotel. For more information, call Sharon at 208-262-9477.
Arc’s DRT provides training for law enforcement The Arc of Spokane’s Disability Response Team (DRT) will lead a seminar to provide first responders with tools to achieve better outcomes during interactions with people who have disabilities on Aug. 11 at the Spokane County Sheriff ’s Training Center, 6011 N. Chase Road in Newman Lake.
The Arc advocates for and serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through a network of chapters across the country. The Spokane chapter was one of five selected nationwide to implement the Arc’s Pathways to Justice Training on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
IRS alerts taxpayers of scams The Internal Revenue Service issued a consumer alert in early July warning people of tax scams. The press release said that while phone scams continue, criminals have also started mailing or faxing falsified forms, notices and letters to taxpayers. “If you get an unexpected phone call or email from someone claiming to be from the IRS and making aggressive threats if you don’t pay immediately, you should assume it’s a scam,” said IRS spokesman David Tucker in a press release. “The IRS will mail a written notification of any tax problem, not initiate contact by phone or email.”
If residents receive any questionable contact, Tucker said to call 800-829-1040 to see if the IRS is really trying to get in touch. For more on reporting tax scams, go to www.irs.gov and type “scam” in the search box.
Exchange program seeks host families ASSE International Student Exchange Programs is seeking local host families for international high school boys and girls. ASSE provides academic year and semester exchange programs in the U.S. for high school students from around the world. These 15- to 18-year-old students will attend high school and share their own culture with the host family, a press release said. Students arrive shortly before school begins and return at the end of the school year or semester. For more information, call 800-7332773 or go to www.host.asse.com.
Education Briefs SCC student earns certificate Spokane Community College student Darci Saucedo was recently awarded a Skill Point Certificate in Internetworking at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference. The Spokane Valley student was honored during the annual conference in Louisville, Ky.
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 was provided via press releases submitted from schools or parents. Eastern Washington University Spring Dean’s List, 3.5+ GPA
Liberty Lake: Brandon Carey, Sunny Collins, Kimberly Foley, Sara Grozdanich, Miranda Hill, Emily Hollenbeck, Sophie Kaatz, Rebecca Kissack, Victoria Leichner, Rebecca Mackay, Travis Mackay, Jordan Marlatt, Alexis Marlatt, Maria Mccauley, Kelsey McCune, Kellen Middleton, Alise Olson, Karissa Olson, Bhavneet Sidhu, Miranda Spencer, Rosharon Swank, Courtney Tibesar, Joshua Wanner Rockford: Leaira Anderson, Christopher Barkley, Kimberly Cook, Meicha D'Auria, Andrew Duncan, Justin Grandinetti, Aubrey Hamilton, Arabella Hunter, Jedidiah Lara, Chelsea Morgan, Shelby Nelson, Casey Phinney, Colbi Smith, Rachel Underwood, Andrea Zimmerman Spokane Valley: Chandra Abney, Damon Albrecht, Blake Albretsen, Kristen Allen, Cheyenne Amrine, Leah Amsden, Mikayla Amsden, Natalie Anderman, Zachary Anderson-White, Mark Avena, Ryan Babcock, Connor Bacon, Rebekah Bailey, Rachel Baker, Daniel Barajas, Trevor Barnes, Devrick Barnett, Michael Barnhart, Isaac Barville, Tanner Bauman, Makala Beaudry - Norris, Brooklyn Bellomy, Christy Berg, Jessica Bergman, Elizabeth Bernbaum, Steven Bickham, Tye Bill, Viktor Black, Christine Bliesner, Shelby Bollman, Hannah Bowerman, Sakeedra Brooks, Michelle Brown, Zachery Bruce, Christine Buckley, Hannah Calligan, Abraham Campbell, Courtney Camyn, Brandon Carey, Ashley Casto, Miranda Caudill, Connor Chandler, Angelina Chebotareva, Daniel Christensen, Kassandra Clark, Rina Clark, Natasha Cline, Morgan Cockrill, Jessica Colegrove, Sunny Collins, Sarah Comella, Madison Connole, Sean Cope, Elizabeth Covillo, David Covillo, Chantal Coyner, Nicolas Cress, Patrick Crumb, Alivia Cunanan, Christina Custer, Mika DAmico, Michael Davies, De'Sean Dean, Benjamin Deccio, Brittany Decker, Madisen DeGeest, Cameron Desonia, Taylor Dewitt, Lennert Dixson, Lindsay Doerschuk, Justin Donahue, Tyler Dotson, Weston Dotson, Jessica Doty, Spencer Drury, Matthew Duddy, Andrew Duffey, James Duncan, Nicholas Durand, Jared Dust, Cameron Dwyer, Dani Dyer, Riki Ellis, Johneil Paul Espora, Gabriel Evans, Hailey Ferguson,
Lilliya Filenko, Delaney Fisher, Shane Fisher, Kimberly Foley, Camille Frank, Danika Franklin, Daniel Franzese, Erica Fuhrman, Timothy Gales, Paige Gallaway, Carly Garza, Hannah Gay, Stephannie Gerard, Lance Gerber, Devan Gifford, Caleb Gilbert, Karendeep Gill, Jaspal Gill, Rachael Glamp, Savannah Glamp, Alexander Godun, Mariya Gorbenko, Maksim Gorkovchenko, Igor Gorkovchenko, Sean Grady, Jeremy Gratz, Hayden Griffith, Michaela Groh, Sara Grozdanich, Amanda Guarisco, Amanda Guilbault, Ashley Guilbault, Carolene Guinn, Brandon Gunn, Melanie Gurr-Price, Jennifer Hammond, Hannah Harder, Victoria Harned, Paige Harvey, Caleb Heale, Nathan Heintz, Amanda Hennings, Samantha Hensch, Shawn Herring, David Hicks, Sydney Hiebert, Miranda Hill, Emily Hollenbeck, Steffany Holten, Renee Honn, Stephanie House, Amy House, Arianna Hudson, David Ivanov, Justyn Jones, Sophie Kaatz, Ilona Kalpakchi, Kevin Kelly, Sabrina Kelstrom, Karen Kenny, Aidan Killackey, Cally King, Rebecca Kissack, Kayla Kruger, Eric Larson, Bryce LeBaron, Victoria Leichner, Jeremy Lenhartzen, Jessica Leonard, Jessie Levno, Madison Lewis, Brandon Lorentz, Patrick Loyola, Reilly Lucas, Gabrielle Lucente, Emily Lyonnais, Rebecca Mackay, Travis Mackay, Nikkol Macy, Kaitlin Malakowsky, Alexis Marlatt, Jordan Marlatt, Jessica Martin, Taylor Martin, Matthew Mastronardi, Christine Mathison, Jeremy Mattfeld, Christen McAndrew, Tyler McCartney, Maria Mccauley, Michael McConville, Kelsey McCune, Ryan Mcintyre, Jobeth Mckoon, Kaitlyn Mclaughlin, Ariel Mcmillan, Richard Mehlbrech, Zacharias Merriam, Hannah Meyer, Kellen Middleton, Jared Miller, Holly Miller, William Milliken, Brian Molinari, Matthew Montoya, Annaleesa Montoya, Makayla Moorhead, Brianna Morse, Michael Mosier, Anastasia Mudraya, Alissa Nelson, Chantel Ness, Kennedi Newman, Trung Nguyen, Emily Nimri, Megan Nutley, Corey Oglesbee, Karissa Olson, Alise Olson, Stephanie Olson, Austin Parker, Michael Parkes, Krystn Parmley, Thomas Patton, Nathan Ployhar, Magen Potter, Hayley Primm, Lindsey Rantzow, Laci Rennaker, Daniel Replogle, Arik Reyes, Chandra Richardson, Miles Rinne, Shayla Roberts, Hannah Rolli, Sydney Russell, Savannah Rutter, Kaitlyn Sabie, Paige Salveti, Raeanne Samuelson, Cierra Sande, Yana Sarioglo, Ronald Scheck, Matthew Schroeder, Elizabeth Seagrave, Jacob Segalla, Patrick Shelley, Raymond Shiner, Chloe Sholtz, Trevor Shull, Sara Sibley, Alexis Sicilia, Bhavneet Sidhu, Ryan Simmelink, Sara Simpson, Yekaterina Slyusarev, Kang Son, Ariel Sopu, Brittney Soucy, Miranda Spencer, Brian Stamer, Kendall Steiner, William Stoutzenberger, Nathan Stranberg, Justin Sulya, Nathan Sulya, Rosharon Swank, Zachary Szabrowicz, Jennifer Tabert, Elaine Taylor, Joshua Taylor, Mikayla Taylor, Courtney Tibesar, Stephen Trainor, Adara Tredway, Joshua Tucker, Nichelle Tupling, Zachary Turner, Danae Unland, Austin Upmeyer, Britney Van Winkle, Mariya Vasyukhnevich, Ashley Vaughn, Stephen Vera, Brandon Vick, Morgan Voelker, Jacklyn Von Steuben, Samantha Waco, Melissa Wagner, Kaleb Walker, Sarah Wallis, Madeleine Walsh, Joshua Wanner, Chandler Watson, Shayla Weiler, Ethan Whitney, Megan Williams, Jessica Williams, Khalil Williams, Scott Williams, Amber Wise, Jacob Wood, Sarah Yates, Alexander Yoseph, Paul Yount, Ruslan Zhuk
North Idaho College Dean’s List, 3.75+ GPA
Greenacres: Trevor Matteson Otis Orchards: Erin Lind Newman Lake: Noah Rhodes Spokane Valley: Rachel Souza, Brittni Wensel
Oregon State University (Corvallis, Ore.) Honor Roll, 3.5+ GPA
Newman Lake: Erin M. Wallman Spokane Valley: Stephen P. Lucas (4.0)
Rensselaer Polytechnic University (Troy, N.Y.) Dean’s List, 3.0+ GPA
Spokane Valley: Sarah Bertis
Union College (Lincoln, Neb.) Graduate
Otis Orchards: Nathan Huggins, bachelor of science in results and relief and public safety, cum laude
University of Montana (Missoula, Mont.) Graduate plus Dean’s List, 3.5+ GPA
Liberty Lake: Ariel Linton, bachelor of arts in liberal studies
Washington State University
Spring President’s Honor Roll, 3.5+ GPA Greenacres: McKenzie Ann Marie Britain, Rayanne Rachelle Calton, Brittany Richelle Connor, Cassandra J Enzler, Hailey Elizabeth Hawkins, Mitchell D Martin, Linda Susan Richards, Mariya Vasilyevna Sichkar, Dylan Michael Ward Liberty Lake: Sophie Marisa Ascaso, Hanna Christine Bledsoe, Caleb A Corson, Delaney Nora Dorsey, Amanda Nmn Ellis, Brett Thomas Lannen, Malia Iwalani Listella, Shawna Richardson McDonald, James Edward Pappas, Alina Tabia Peterson, Heather Andrea Potack, Emily Anne Schilb, Janelle Marie Schweitzer, Homa Shaarbaf, Connor James Stephenson, Spencer Kyle Stephenson, Jacob Michael Vanlandingham, Kyle Richard Wells, Matthew Thomas West Newman Lake: Jordan Elizabeth Christensen, Nicholas Christopher Coleck, Joseph David Copeland, Deanna L Ervin, Jennifer Rae Kersh, Bryn Gernon Lloyd-Davies Otis Orchards: Alicia Florence Aldendorf, Sean Lanphere Lanphere, Amanda May Skogen, Chad Thomas Steenvoorden, Brittany Marie Totland Rockford: Mary Christina Hodl Spokane Valley: Shana Christine Adkins, Martin Leo Ahmann, Kimberly Dawn Arambul, Kamila Begzhanova, Tiana Chante Elizabeth Bennett, Amber Nicole Bliss, Olivia Lisa Bratcher, Matthew Allen Cato, Sabrita A Cohen, Christopher Bradley Covillo, Devante Lamar Dickerson, Katelyn Marie Dowling, Jennifer Lee Downard, Michael Freeman Duncan, Mollie Renae Erickson, Jade Lorene Faraca, Shawn Patrick Fay, Alaina Fray, Ryoko Irie French, Brandon Michael Fuellas, Kayla Mary Gariepy, Shannon Marie Gaston, Ruth Golubenko, Madison Smith Goodwin, Hailee Noelle Gordon, Samantha Hainline, Joseph Karl Hall, Jonathan Ryan Helm, Zoey Maureen Henson, Alexea Louise Hovren, Patricia Marie Howard, Alec Dylan Jespersen, Gurpreet Kaur, Kieran James Kennerson, Selena Anne Lehman, Angela Marie Livingston, Amanda Michelle McGillicuddy, Katarina Jeanne Meinzinger, Mackenzie Marie Monaghan, Kendra Alexis Morscheck, Katelyn Renee Nemitz, David Khoa Pham, Jennifer A Popp, Christine Ashley Quinlivan, Karly Elizabeth Reinders, Kaitlyn Page Richardson, Katie Ann Salmon, Amanda Renea Sanders, Natasha Saric, Andrew Reed Simock, Alexis Anne Skjelbred, Sterling Smith, Mattea Jolene
Steeneck, Heather Christine Stone, Brandon Allen Stover, Robyn Marie Supnet, Katy Ann Tveit, Steven Robert Van Cott, Jordan Elizabeth Vuong, Dillon James Waybright, Rebecca M White Valleyford: Makayla Rachel Coffey Veradale: Rianna Marie Arnold, Austin Montgomery Brekke, Suzanne Renee Burk, Petra Ali Frandsen, Charlotte S Schmitz
Washington State University Spring graduates
Greenacres: Tasia Nicholle Deruwe, Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice; Cassandra J Enzler, Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, cum laude; Mitchell D Martin, Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, cum laude; Samantha Jo Pendleton, Bachelor of Arts in Education Liberty Lake: Sophie Marisa Ascaso, Bachelor of Science in Zoology, summa cum laude; Delaney Nora Dorsey, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, magna cum laude; Amanda NmnEllis, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Samuel Noah Fosberg, Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration; Tarik Berriochoa Jensen, Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration; Malia Iwalani Listella, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, summa cum laude; James Edward Pappas, Bachelor of Arts in History, summa cum laude; Heather Andrea Potack, Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences; Chad Thomas Steenvoorden, Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, summa cum laude; Connor James Stephenson, Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, cum laude Newman Lake: Dustan Bilte, Doctor of Pharmacy; Jordan Elizabeth Christensen, Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design, magna cum laude; Nicholas Christopher Coleck, Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, cum laude Otis Orchards: Alicia Florence Aldendorf, Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Hearing Sciences, cum laude; Brittany Marie Totland, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, magna cum laude Spokane Valley: Grace Anne Calhoun, Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies and Bachelor of Science in Construction Management; Alejandro Castillo, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science; Jennifer Ann Dean, Doctor of Pharmacy; Mark Goff, Doctor of Pharmacy; Chelsea Elizabeth Hukill, Bachelor of Science in Psychology; Yushan Jiang, Bachelor of Science in Psychology; Devynne R Johnson, Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology; Gurpreet Kaur, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, cum laude; Travis Joseph Lebaron, Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies; Joseph Patrick Manus, Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice; Mackenzie Marie Monaghan, Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Hearing Sciences, summa cum laude; David Khoa Pham, Bachelor of Science, cum laude; Jennifer A Popp, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, summa cum laude; Sterling Smith, Bachelor of Science in Economic Sciences; Simbiat Olawunmi Yusuff, Bachelor of Arts in Communication; Yat Kwan Lau, Bachelor of Arts in Humanities Valleyford: Jaclyn Kay Campbell, Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration; Ethan DanielCoffey, Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages and Cultures, cum laude Veradale: Brandon Joseph Adam, Doctor of Pharmacy; Kaylee Marie Schmidt, Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Business Management
Whitworth University
Laureate Society, 3.75+ GPA Liberty Lake: Cheyenne L. Gibson, Kelsey A. Glynn, Nicole Kallestad, Dakota R. Kliamovich, Moisey Y. Mikheyev, Tanner R. Walker
The Current
24 • AUGUST 2015 Brought to you by
About and for Valley seniors
Celebrating 25 years of caring Program advocates for seniors in long term care By Craig Howard
CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR
Sometimes a listening ear and a watchful eye can make all the difference. For volunteers with the Eastern Washington Long-Term Care Ombudsman program, the attentive approach is a priority when advocating for residents of longterm care facilities across five counties. Mix in a healthy portion of thoughtfulness and you have what longtime LTCO director Linda Petrie describes as “an amazing group of caring, dedicated volunteers.” “They are out there making sure these residents have a good quality of life and that they are treated with respect and dignity,” said Petrie, who began as local director in 1990 when the local nonprofit SNAP became the regional facilitator of the program. From dehydration to medication issues to family conflicts, volunteers mediate resident concerns, working with facility administration and social workers. Issues that require further intervention are referred to organizations like Adult Protective Services and Residential Care Services. The Older Americans Act stipulates that every state facilitate a Long Term Care Ombudsman program. The Eastern Washington office is one of 13 throughout the Evergreen state. Last year, volunteers statewide accounted for around 45,000 hours of donated time, with the Eastern Washington office registering 2,377 facility visits and 4,993 volunteer hours. “I really believe in this program,” said
CURRENT PHOTO BY CRAIG HOWARD
Sharon Niblock, a retired teacher who began volunteering in 2007. “I like the challenge of getting issues resolved.” Niblock first heard about the LTCO program when her mother was living at a retirement facility. She enlisted SNAP for support and eventually moved her mom to a more suitable location. “I can relate to the residents and the families,” Niblock said. “You learn how to ask the right questions and inform them of their rights.” Like her fellow volunteers, Niblock has become a trusted champion of residents, many of whom have few, if any, friends or family. Volunteers are asked to stay with the program for a minimum of a year and put in at least 4.5 hours a week. SNAP provides ongoing support, training and mileage compensation. Volunteers are typically placed with a facility that is near their home. “It gives me a purpose,” Niblock said. “Everyone needs a purpose. I don’t want to just sit at home all day.” The program has a presence in close to 300 facilities in Spokane, Pend Oreille, Ferry, Stevens and Whitman counties. Volunteers also advocate for non-seniors with physical or developmental disabilities. When an issue is raised, LTCO vol-
Cathy Larson, right, received the Eastern Washington Long-Term Care Ombudsman Volunteer of the Year award last month during a ceremony at the SNAP Ft. Wright headquarters. Local LTCO Director Linda Petrie and Patricia Hunter (not pictured), head of the state LTCO program, presented Larson with the honor.
unteers call a meeting with the resident, a representative from the facility and a relative or guardian of the resident. “It gives the residents a voice,” said Petrie. Linda Howe has been volunteering with the program for the last decade. She says the residents she supports have become like extended family. “I like visiting these places and meeting with people,” Howe said. “Where else can you go where everyone is happy to see you? I like being able to resolve problems.” Sometimes the advocacy can be as simple as finding a suitable mattress or making sure a resident has the right kind of reading light. “The people I work with have taught me how to grow old gracefully,” Niblock said. “They’re thanking me and I should be thanking them.” Patricia Hunter has served the state LTCO administrator for the past four years after 16 years with the Alzheimer’s Association. Hunter visited Spokane last month to honor Petrie and the local program’s 25th anniversary at a volunteer appreciation event at SNAP’s Ft. Wright headquarters.
See LTCO, page 25
Spotlighting timely needs our community can meet together To our friends and neighbors in the greater Spokane Valley: Did you know that Spokane Valley Partners now has a separate clothing bank specifically for career clothing? Recently, the organization separated out items from the clothing bank that could be used for job interviews or career clothing and put them in a separate area to reserve for people who need wardrobe assistance when it comes to getting back on their feet with a job. In the coming weeks, Spokane Valley Partners will be working with Humanix as well as local libraries that feature career and job resources to help people looking to enter into the workforce get connected with resources to jumpstart their success. This fabulous program needs your help, however. The clothing bank is looking for donations of careeroriented clothing — shirts, slacks, shoes, ties, belts, jewelry, etc. — to help stock this now separate service operated by Spokane Valley Partners. Retired residents and anyone looking to lend a hand are asked to revisit their closets looking for clothing that could be donated. As usual, men’s clothing is the least-donated, so thereby is in the biggest demand. Donations can be dropped off at 10814 E. Broadway Ave., or call Spokane Valley Partners with any questions at 927-1153. Thanks for joining us in helping our career-seeking neighbors get the assistance they need to get off on the right foot. 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
AUGUST 2015 • 25
COMMUNITY
Trivia Test 1. ADVERTISEMENTS: What kind of product did the animated character Toucan Sam sell?
6. ASTRONOMY: Which planet in our solar system is closest in size to Earth?
2. LITERATURE: Who wrote the novel “Watership Down”?
8. INVENTIONS: Who invented the modern-day assembly line?
3. MOVIES: Who plays the title character in “Nanny McPhee”? 4. ANATOMY: The temporal bone would be found in what part of the human body? 5. MEASUREMENTS: How long is a cubit?
7. MUSIC: What is an anthem?
9. LANGUAGE: What is the only word in English that has three consecutive double letters? 10. GEOGRAPHY: What is the capital of Arkansas? — 2015 King Features Syndicate Inc.
LTCO
FOR MORE ...
Continued from page 24
“Linda has done an incredible job and SNAP has been a really important partner,” Hunter said. “For 25 years, she has been running this program. Talk about dedication. She’s one of my go-to people. She spots trends early on. I think it’s because of her experience. The whole region is really fortunate to have her.” A program to raise awareness about the effects of anti-psychotic drugs was implemented through LTCO three years ago. The campaign, Hunter said, “is about residents’ rights not to be chemically restrained and to know what they’re taking, why they’re taking it and also the right to refuse those drugs.” “We’ve been able to educate providers, families and residents about these drugs,” Hunter said. The program has a presence in Spokane Valley, although Petrie says more volunteers are needed to cover the considerable number of facilities in the area. Bill Lee has been the Ombudsman at Sullivan Park Assisted Living for the past eight years and says he keeps donating time “as a way to give back to the community.” “I can see how the program helps people,” Lee said. Mark Weller went through LTCO training three months ago and now volunteers
To volunteer as a Long Term Care Ombudsman or to refer someone who could benefit from the program, contact Linda Petrie at 456-7133 or at petrie@snapwa.org. To learn more about LTCO and other SNAP programs, visit www.snapwa.org. at Guardian Angel Homes in Liberty Lake. He has enjoyed “listening to the great, old stories from residents.” “I feel privileged to be able to listen to them,” Weller said. “I have the time to chat. I enjoy hearing about their lives and have just been impressed with what they’ve gone through and their accomplishments.” Hunter said volunteers “help individuals but also improve the system.” “In any area where you want quality assurance and accountability, you need that feedback,” she said. “Most of our volunteers have a very positive relationship with providers and administrators.” Petrie said there is an ongoing need for LTCO volunteers. Screening is now underway for the next round of training in the fall. “We could definitely use more volunteers,” Petrie said. “They are what make this program run.”
Answers to Trivia Test
1. Froot Loops cereal 2. Richard Adams 3. Emma Thompson 4. The skull 5. The length of a forearm, from the middle finger to the elbow 6. Venus 7. A piece of music intended to be sung to express patriotism, love or commitment. 8. Ransom Olds, who used it to build the first mass-produced automobile. 9. Bookkeeper 10. Little Rock
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
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• 509-922-3100 • 1201 N Evergreen Road, Spokane Valley • www.evergreenfountains.com
COVER STORY
26 • AUGUST 2015
The Current
Legacy of a zoo Two decades later, memories of ‘Walk in the Wild’ remain strong By Treva Lind
CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR
Historic photos courtesy of LeAnne Brady and Marilyn Omlor Walk the paths behind the Spokane Valley YMCA for a stroll past history and remnants of what older-generation residents here knew as Walk in the Wild Zoo. From 1974 to 1995, the zoo spread across 240 acres among natural rock formations, flat grassy lands and into a native stand of Ponderosa Pines. Large portions of that natural habitat and much of the walking trail system remain, as well as a chunk of the land that is now Mirabeau Point Park. It will be 20 years this December since the zoo with more than 200 animals closed its doors. Hints of its past linger, however, from the paths themselves to a remnant “cave” near a manmade waterfall off present-day Mirabeau Parkway. “People liked the trails and the natural habitat; most of the time they could get in real close to the animals,” said LeAnne Brady, a former lead zookeeper who now lives in Florida. “We had shows. We brought animals out, so there was a lot of interaction.” Today, Brady is an animal hospital attendant at Zoo Miami, but she worked seven years at Walk in the Wild in its later years. She took care of the zoo’s carnivores: tigers, lions, brown bears, black bears, a snow leopard, cougars, bobcats and coyotes. Where the waterfall and large pond sit today, that spot housed two Bengal tigers, the female, Tiger Lily, and a male named Kasey. “There was a small pond then, and he (Kasey) could get on top of that cliff where the top of the waterfall is now,” Brady said. “Down to where the pool is now, that was the whole tiger exhibit. You can see where natural rock structures were for the animals even today. We didn’t have to dig any moats; we didn’t have to do anything artificially. It was a nice place for people to go. “The Valley wasn’t as developed as it is now. It was the perfect rural location, a perfect playing area for the animals.” Marilyn Omlor, also a former lead zookeeper, recalled the variety of animals and chances for adults and children
Children reference a map locating the 55 species of animals that lived at the 240-acre Walk in the Wild Zoo. Today, some of the same paths can be walked at Mirabeau Point Park. alike to learn about wildlife. She said the concrete cave near today’s waterfall served as a goat maternity ward. “We had pygmy goats,” said Omlor, remembering that overall, the zoo promoted many educational and community activities. “One of the things I miss is the interaction with the kids,” she said. “We had events here maybe three or four times a year. We used to go into the schools, and we had outreach education programs. We had an education building on the site that housed ferrets, chinchillas, tortoises, some of the birds and other small animals.” Young children especially enjoyed a display of otters that frolicked in a pond, and an onsite petting zoo, she said. Many of Walk in the Wild’s animals were rehabilitated or donated because they couldn’t return to the wild, Omlor said. More than 55 species were represented. Some were the Alaskan brown bears, Roscoe and Rosie, zebras, reptiles, elk, bison, birds of prey from eagles to owls, a bobcat named Nasty, emu and wallaroo, silver fox and artic fox, Percheron horses, flamingos and peacocks. “We had day camps, and we had overnighters,” said Omlor, who today works as a licensed veterinary technician in Otis Orchards. Kids slept in what she called the Wheelabrator exhibit building that in winter 1992-93 held a dinosaur exhibit. Other events included an Easter egg hunt that brought 13,000 visitors to the site, a winter solstice festival with lighted displays and tractor rides. A “Boo at the Zoo” night had volunteers dressed in animal costumes who hid in spots to “scare” visitors, Omlor said. The volunteers would make animals sounds, as if they were an owl or bear, as
NAME THAT ANIMAL Recalling a few of the memorable inhabitants of Walk in the Wild Zoo Dandi Lion and Chip (cougars) Nasty (bobcat) Roscoe and Rosie (Alaskan brown bears) Lawrence (Rocky Mountain elk) Boris and Sasha (snow leopards) Pooh (raccoon) Freckles (bald eagle) Tiger Lily and Kasey (Bengal tigers) Jennifer and Baby (zebras) Donut (mule deer) Misty (arctic fox) Dusty, Leonard, Naushka and Tawni (lions) Taro (elephant) Wally and Nikki (otters)
people walked near displays in late October. “Boo at the Zoo was fun; kids and adults came,” Omlor said. Spokane Valley resident John McLachlan Sr., 57, worked at Walk in the Wild as a head zookeeper 1982 to 1990 and lived onsite around the clock. His son, who also lived there from birth to age 5, loved going to the petting zoo. “His first word wasn’t mommy or daddy; it was goats,” said McLachlan. “Afterhours, we’d take him to the petting zoo to play.” He recalled that “Casey the Cougar” became sort of a zoo mascot in early years. A 1989 zoo newsletter said Casey as a young cub became separated from his mother. A family found him, acting like a lost kitten, and raised the cub that became “human imprinted.” Casey came to the zoo in 1978.
See ZOO, page 28
The Current
AUGUST 2015 • 27
COVER STORY
LeAnne Brady with Dusty the lion
Walk in the Wild Zoo timeline |
eeper Nick Hawthorne, zook son nd Marilyn Omlor ’s gra
Compiled by Treva Lind and Josh Johnson
July 2, 1965 Inland Empire Zoological Society nonprofit officially incorporates “to foster knowledge of zoology … to organize, construct, maintain and operate a zoo or zoological garden within Spokane County.” The zoo was, in part, the outgrowth of an “ABC” movement — Associations for a Better Community — that looked at opportunities for the greater Spokane area. “The program was premised upon background that a zoo was perhaps the only civic development proposed in the ABC meetings that had no opposition,” recalled a May 17, 1976, Inland Empire Zoological Society report.
1968 The Portland Zoo donates a young elephant named “Taro” to the Inland Empire Zoological Society. The elephant is housed at the Spokane County Fairgrounds late in the summer, and a rush effort is made to build a facility to house the elephant for the winter at the fairgrounds. On Oct. 3, 1973, the then 10-yearold Taro would become the first animal moved to the zoo site. The elephant house from the fairgrounds was reconstructed at double the size at the zoo site. Taro’s natural new home was a 400-foot canyon at the zoo.
1976 Mired in ongoing financial struggles, the chairman of the Inland Empire Zoological Society board announces in April he will recommend the zoo be dissolved and the land returned to its donor. A “Save Our Zoo” committee forms, led by former zoo director Beecher, and lobbies for the zoo’s survival. In late May, the Society votes to keep the zoo open with a warning that the public would need to step up to support it. The committee asked for donations and pushed for memberships into the society. The group also decided to explore opportunities for public funding, although efforts to push county commissioners to push a bond issue for the zoo had already run into significant snags.
1984 Site development, more exhibits draw higher attendance, at just over 36,600 visitors. 1989 A year of publicity and change at the zoo. Parade Magazine includes Walk in the Wild in its list of the 10 worst zoos in America. Meanwhile, Jack Hebner takes over as the zoo’s director and three popular animals are taken in after being rescued, malnourished and neglected, from a private game reserve in Montana: a 400-pound Bengal tiger named “Tiger Lily” and a pair of cougars, “Dandi Lion” and “Chip.”
1969 First employee, inaugural zoo director David “Kit” Beecher, is hired, with responsibilities to move the zoo project forward. 1970 Inland Empire Zoological Society reports over 600 charter members (individuals, families and organizations) representing more than 5,000 people — “all with the dream of a new and wonderful zoo for the Inland Empire.” 1990 Hebner reports the zoo will be featured again by Parade Magazine, this time in a positive light. “They are going to do a story on what happened to four of the best zoos off the top 10 worst zoos,” he told Spokane Valley Today in November. “They went back and visited all of the zoos on the 10 worst list, found four that had improved a tremendous amount, and we’re one of those.”
1972 Inland Empire Paper Co. offers 240 acres to build a zoo, a portion of which is now Mirabeau Point Park. “Total cost of the zoological park is estimated at $1,150,000,” a June 1972 SpokesmanReview article reported. 1992-93 Winter “Among the Dinosaurs” exhibit features three computerized, robotized dinosaurs. The zoo saw 600 people show up for opening day Nov. 15 and booked more than 5,000 schoolchildren to visit the exhibit during its two-month run that ended Jan. 24.
1974 Walk in the Wild Zoo opens in early summer to 15,000 visitors that year. However, the zoo struggles financially out of the gate, and Beecher’s job is terminated that summer. The eye of the world is on Spokane this opening summer because of Expo 74, and Sunset Magazine includes a nugget on the community’s new zoo: “Spokane’s ‘Walk in the Wild’ is just that: a forested, cageless zoo compound where you can stroll among animals in natural enclosures.” The zoo spikes to 29,000 visitors in 1975, even as the zoo remains largely reliant on an army of volunteers for operations. Dec. 30, 1995 Walk in the Wild Zoo officially closes, with more than 1,000 people showing up to say farewell on a final free day. “I think of all the money and all the energy that went into it, and it’s all for nothing,” Inland Empire Zoological Society member Robin Redman told The Spokesman-Review. “It’s sort of sad the community hasn’t supported the zoo.” The society held out hope to raise $2 million for the first phase of construction of a new Cedar Mountain Zoological Park that would have operated on the campus of Silverwood Theme Park. The plan was to move the larger animals that way if the society could raise the required funding. It didn’t happen, and homes were found for the animals at other zoos and wildlife refuge locations.
For more: Spokane Valley Heritage Museum archives as well as a city of Spokane Valley brochure were both helpful in compiling research for this article. Visit the museum or view the brochure at laserfiche.spokanevalley.org/weblink8/0/doc/84646/Page1.aspx.
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COVER STORY
Then and now
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Petting Zoo
Otters Be Tig ngal ers
Birds of Prey Enclosures
Moose
Concrete Cave Maternity Ward
Ferrets
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Cougars
Reptiles
Bison
Zoo Science Center
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Zebras YMCA Eland Lions Llama and Rhea
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Dinosaur Exhibit
Wallaroo Mule Deer
CenterPlace Regional Event Center
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McLachlan said the zoo also rehabilitated injured animals, particularly birds of prey. On the flip side, zookeepers had to chase many accomplished escapees, he recalled. “We had a reputation for a lot of escaped animals, pretty much every year,” he said. “I’d have State Patrol knock on my door at 4 or 5 in the morning and they’d say, ‘You want to get your bison off the freeway?’ The wallaroo escaping, that was a tremendous escape, because they can really move.” In fact, McLachlan is writing a book called “Chasing Goats.” “I’m writing a book actually about the zoo,” he said. “The goats got out all the time. They are very smart. We had a double gate system they could figure out, or people would hold the gates open for them.” As for visitors, McLachlan recalled some slow times mixed in with periods of highvolume traffic. “In the spring time, the parking lot was full with 15 or 20 school buses all at one time,” he said. “We needed lots of staff there, and we had great volunteers. We’d also have families come out and spend the day there, although we didn’t have a lot of facilities for them. We didn’t have flush toilets; we had only a very little concession stand, but the families would still come.” Numerous volunteers helped, including teenagers eager to be around the animals, he said. Eagle Scouts did upgrade projects. “People would come out for several hours,” McLachlan said. “It was a good walk. The complete trail would take you 45
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minutes to an hour, without looking at everything. “Many experts on zoos said it was the best natural site for a zoo they’d ever seen because of the rock formations and the hills and the flats,” he added. “It had a little bit of everything. Part of that land is still preserved as a pristine Ponderosa Pine forest.” Both McLachlan and Brady said the zoo suffered from some management issues, but that zookeepers took good care of the animals. Winters could be tough, requiring extra bedding, shelter and water, McLachlan added. “We went from one day voted one of the worst zoos (Parade Magazine) to the next year we were voted one of the most improved,” he said. “It was getting better.” A lifelong Valley resident, Sharon Dice, 75, liked that the zoo kept much of the land in a natural state. Her family history in the Pinecroft area dates back to the 1890s, when her great grandmother moved there. “I was at the zoo only once or twice,” Dice said. “It seemed to put the animals in a more natural setting. What I liked about it had to do more with me than the animals. Those are the hills I played in while I grew up, as did my mother and grandmother. We’d picnic down there where the zoo was.” Myrna Gothmann, a Valley resident whose husband Bill Gothmann is a city council pro-tem, has photographs from a 1981 visit. She also recalled that the zoo’s gift shop sold peacock feathers among its merchandise. “I remember it was a lovely setting for animals,” Gothmann said. “It was a great place to go walk around, and a great family
Current Structures/Bldgs
Restrooms
Percheron Horses
Marilyn Omlor, a lead zookeeper at Walk in the Wild, stopped last month for a picture in front of the waterfall at Mirabeau Point Park, an area where Bengal tigers lived in the zoo days. Nearby, Omlor pointed out the cave (at left) that served as a maternity ward for goats. “We had pygmy goats,” she said.
Zoo Structures/Bldgs
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Animal Locations
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Approximate zoo locations as compared to landmarks on the present-day Mirabeau Point Park campus
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28 • AUGUST 2015
Children’s Home Society
CURRENT GRAPHIC BY SARAH BURK, MODELED ON RESEARCH AND MAP LAYOUT BY CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY
outing. I have a picture of my youngest son there. I was a school teacher in Central Valley School District, and we went there on field trips, because wild animals were something second graders were studying.” West Valley resident Pam Hansen has memories of taking her daughter, now 22-year-old Kelly Hansen, on bike rides past the zoo. They’d always stop so her thentoddler could feed the goats. “She’d pick up pine needles or whatever vegetation was there,” Hansen said. “The goats were out on the perimeter near the trail. She looked forward to it.” Omlor has an autographed vest and photo from a zoo visit by Jim Fowler, part of the
TV show “Wild Kingdom.” To this day, she’ll visit any zoo if she’s travelling. Modern facilities are kept clean and have only animals born in captivity or brought in because of injury, she said, and keepers research animal behavior for their enrichment. “We made the otters fishcicles, frozen fish,” Omlor said. “We’d hide food and nuts as part of the bears’ enrichment, because they’re hunters, and we couldn’t do it in the same place because they’re smart. “I appreciate zoos. To me it’s active conservation, an awareness of these animals and how you can help those in the wild. I miss it.”
HISTORY
The Current
AUGUST 2015 • 29
Recalling the region’s first amusement park By Bob Lambeth
SPOKANE VALLEY HERITAGE MUSEUM
It is difficult, maybe even impossible, for most to look down at the area where Natatorium Park once stood and imagine that what is now a manufactured home park used to be one of the area’s main attractions and the region’s first real amusement park. Nowadays, Silverwood has become the pinnacle of Northwest amusement parks, but long before Silverwood, and even before the 20th century started, West Spokane was home to one of the most popular and exciting tourist destinations in the Northwest. Natatorium Park, along the banks and across the river from Fort George Wright, was a spot enjoyed by many tens of thousands of people before its untimely demise in 1968. There are few visible reminders of “The Nat,” except for the still popular Looff Carousel (a staple of Riverfront Park in downtown Spokane). Natatorium Park’s story began in 1889 when the Spokane Cable Railway Company built a cable car line that passed through northwest Spokane in an area then called Twickenham’s Addition, directly across the Spokane River gorge from Fort George Wright. In an attempt to sell residential lots in the area, Twickenham was advertised as a respite from the “hustle and bustle” of the rapidly expanding urban landscape of Spokane, which was then still known as Spokane Falls. Aside from the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere of Twickenham’s Addition, developers hoped to also attract prospective buyers by making it a place of leisure and recreation, which they accomplished by constructing a baseball diamond and grandstands. In 1890, the first professional baseball game was played at Twickenham — Spokane vs. Portland. Shortly thereafter, a hotel, a restaurant and a casino were built, and thus began the legacy of what would soon become Natatorium Park. In a city that was nearly destroyed by a fire in 1889, Twickenham became a much-needed recreational destination for a population still trying to rise from the ashes.
Only a few years after Twickenham’s creation, the cable car system which became the very reason for the park’s existence was being usurped by the newly electrified street cars. The Spokane Cable Railway Company could not compete with the new electrified trolley technology, and Washington Water Power began a gradual takeover of the cable car lines that brought visitors to Twickenham from downtown Spokane. That takeover also included WWP’s acquisition of Twickenham Park, which was the end of the cable car line. WWP continued to update and expand the 40-acre park, prompting a grand reopening on May 8, 1892. The Spokane Review advertised the park as a “pleasure resort” and a place to “get away from the din of the city and receive abundance of nature’s vivifying ozone.” Baseball and football games continued to attract crowds, along with Vaudeville shows, concerts, a zoo, boxing matches and a world-class relaxing park atmosphere. In 1893, park designers began construction on a large outdoor swimming pool, or “natatorium,” as it was called. The swimming pool was the first heated pool in Washington State. The pool was soon joined by an extensive athletic grounds and “exercise hall.” In honor of the extremely popular swimming pool, or “natatorium,” Twickenham Park was renamed Natatorium Park in 1895. It was in 1895 when Natatorium Park went from an end-of-theline trolley park to a full-fledged amusement park. The “Nat” continued to operate as an amusement park for over three-quarters of a century, a testament to its popularity for Spokane-area locals, as well as tourists. In 1968, Natatorium Park finally closed its gates forever. The property was purchased by the Spokane Shriners, and the rundown amusement park was disassembled and torn down to make way for the residential neighborhood which replaced it. The gated residential community still sits on the former park grounds, leaving hardly a trace of the region’s first amusement park where for nearly a century tens of thousands of excited patrons rode roller coasters, saw
PHOTOS COURTESY OF SPOKANE VALLEY HERITAGE MUSEUM
For the better part of a century, Natatorium Park was the recreation destination of the Inland Northwest. Kids activities ran the gamut, but included the Looff Carousel (now housed at Riverfront Park) and the Rocket Ship Ride, one “ship” of which is part of a larger collection at the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum.
exotic animals, swam in the huge heated swimming pool, danced to live music and countless other fun activities. Aside from the fond memories of those who were able to visit the Nat, there remains few reminders of just how important the old park was. The Looff Carousel is still in use, but will soon be moved as Riverfront
Park goes through its renovations this year, and one of the rocket ships from a the Rocket Ship Ride is part of a larger collection at the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum. The Valley Museum also holds hundreds of great images, documents and items relating to Natatorium Park and its recreational and even economic importance to
the entire Inland Northwest. Bob Lambeth is a volunteer at the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum. He earned a master’s degree in history at Eastern Washington University. For more information about Natatorium Park or other aspects of our community’s heritage, visit the museum at 12114 E. Sprague Ave. or call 922-4570.
30 • AUGUST 2015
LOCAL LENS
CURRENT PHOTOS BY SAM McGHEE
Members of the American Italian Club of Spokane spread good cheer and “delizioso” food during the Italian Festival at Liberty Lake Farmers Market on July 25. At left, Marc Postalwait played the accordion in front of the miniature Leaning Tower of Pisa. The market is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday at Liberty Lake’s Town Square. The next special event will be the Pie Festival on Aug. 22.
The Current
The Current
AUGUST 2015 • 31
LOCAL LENS
CURRENT PHOTOS BY DANI GUARISCO
Knox Kessler (above) gets a little assistance in using a sling shot to shoot at the target with a cherry at the Millwood Farmers Market Cherry Splat on July 1. The event included not only hitting a bullseye with a cherry but also activity pages, nutrition facts and recipe cards featuring cherries. At right, Stephanie Simpson and Rachel Okojie sell their fresh fruits at the market. The market runs 2 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays at 3223 N. Marguerite Road through September.
32 • AUGUST 2015
Nepal remains close to his heart
PROFILES
WV grad plans to use gap year to volunteer, study international aid
SUBMITTED PHOTOS
Cameron Conner’s affection for Nepal is born out of experience. Above, he is joined by Austin Zimmerman and Godwin Peck. At top right, he attempts to learn screen printing as four of the artisans at the Association of Craft Producers laugh and assist. At left, he is joined by D.d. Cloy, Abby Swanson and Skylar Macklin raising money and awareness for Conscious Connections Earthquake Relief Project.
By Lauren Campbell
CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR
Thirty-three years ago, Ric Conner and Denise Attwood spent eight months after college graduation traveling. While in Nepal, they met artisans who created beautiful hand-crafted goods, which they knew would sell well in the United States and Canada if only they could reach customers there. So, the two created Ganesh Himal Trading, not knowing it would chart not only the course of their lives, but also that of their son. Now 18, Cameron Conner has spent more time abroad than most people do in a lifetime. He spent most of his freshman year of high school overseas, and has been to Nepal seven times, which has led to a unique empathy for the challenges people face there. A few years ago, his mother returned from a business trip to Nepal with a story she hadn't known before. In Nepal, as in most developing countries, school is not free, and even the relatively low cost can be prohibitive to many families. The Association of Craft Producers, which works with Ganesh Himal, offers a four-year scholarship to Nepali girls, but if a girl begins to use the scholarship when she is 6, it runs
The Current
out by the time she is 10, often forcing her to drop out. Touched, a Ganesh Himal employee emptied her own pockets to help as much as she could, but Attwood knew that wasn't enough. “That's one of the things I love about my mom,” Conner said. “She came home and said, 'We have to create systematic change.'” So they created a nonprofit, Conscious Connections, and developed the Power of 5 campaign. One month of school fees in Nepal is about $5, and every month gets a girl closer to realizing her dreams. The campaign has been so successful that they've even taken it a step forward, and raised enough for college tuition for one girl. Then the earthquake hit. In April, Nepal
experienced a quake that was devastating in the city of Kathmandu, but even worse in the rural areas of the country. It destroyed the Baseri Clinic, the only primary care facility in the region Ganesh Himal works with, not to mention countless homes. Conscious Connections pivoted, from focusing on education to the immediate aftermath of the disaster. “We got there three weeks before the Red Cross,” Conner said. “We were able to work with those contacts my parents have built over 30 years.” Attwood was able to get in touch both with residents of rural Nepal and the UN, telling them what was needed. The organization raised over $115,000 toward immediate relief and reconstruction. “We've gotten so much support from the Spokane community,” Conner said. The experience taught Conner about the power of those strong ties, and the relative lack of information huge aid organizations had. He was fascinated by the logistics of the help Nepal received after the earthquake and wanted to learn more. This fall, that's what he plans to do. He graduated from West Valley High School this spring, and is taking a gap year before starting college at Whitman in the fall of 2016. Along with his longtime friend, Grant Gallaher, Conner will be headed first to Spain for three weeks hiking the Camino de Santiago, and then back to Nepal, where they'll volunteer and study aid organiza-
CAMERON CONNER Age 18
Favorite book “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance,” by Robert Pirsig
Favorite place he’s traveled Beyond my front door
Favorite sport Wrestling
Favorite food Baskin-Robbins Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
tions. Conner said a lot of research has been done on the ineffectiveness and even unintended negative impacts that can besiege large organizations, such as the Red Cross in Haiti, but much less has been done on whether or not small organizations such as Conscious Connections are able to provide more help. From there, they plan to come back home and finish writing a research paper. They'd love to get published, and have been offered help by high school teachers and professors Conner knows through Eastern's Running Start program, although they know it will be difficult to do with only a high school diploma. As for college coursework, Conner isn't sure about that. “Maybe political science? I also love science, I love English … hopefully this year I can learn what I really love doing and how I want to impact the world.” Conner's used to jumping into his pursuits with gusto. He took second in the district in tennis this spring, was the president of his school's National Honor Society, was honored as West Valley’s PACE character representative and he was a varsity wrestler. As the vice chair on the board of Conscious Connections (his mother is the chairperson), Conner has no intention of leaving behind his connection to Nepal any time soon. The nonprofit could use donations, as Nepal is nowhere near recovered and girls continue to drop out of school due to a lack of funding. Visit www.consciousconnectionsfoundation.org to learn more.
The Current
BUSINESS
Biz Notes Panera Bread to open According to a company spokesperson, Panera Bread is scheduled to open Aug. 14 at its new location, 15716 E. Indiana Ave. The free-standing building is east of Spokane Valley Mall near the I-90/Sullivan Road interchange. The restaurant chain features breads, bagels and pastries in addition to soups, salads and other lunch fares. For more, visit www. panerabread.com.
Grand opening scheduled for Home Goods A grand opening for Home Goods, 15224 E. Indiana Ave., will occur 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 23, according to the company’s website. Home Goods offers an ever-changing selection of top brands and home fashions at significant savings including furniture and home accents. For more, visit www. homegoods.com.
Long-time dentist retires After practicing as a dentist in the Spokane Valley area for 42 years, Dr. Philip Rudy retired on July 1 to pursue other interests. Dr. Rudy announced his retirement to patients via a letter. According to the letter, Dr. Kevin Sanders was selected to take over the practice located at 720 N. Argonne Road. For more, call 928-7500.
Dutch Bros coming to Valley Kevin Parker took to social media to announce that a new Dutch Bros Coffee stand is in the works for a location at Sprague and Pines in Spokane Valley. In July the owner of the Spokane-area shops announced on his Facebook page that ground breaking will happen soon for the latest stand.
Uncle Dan’s films at Kitchen Spokane Uncle Dan’s Salad Dressings and Seasons has partnered with Kitchen Spokane, 1014 N. Pines Road, to shoot season three of their web series. The first six episodes of “Afternoon with Uncle Dan” featured General Manager Chris Stephens preparing some classic Uncle Dan’s recipes at Kitchen Spokane. Upcoming episodes will feature Kitchen Spokane chefs Pedro Vera and Jenny Sweet and will be shot at Hayden Lake. For more, visit uncledans.com or kitchenspokane.org.
Quilting Bee honored Bernina of America recently recognized top dealers during its July conference in Scottsdale, Ariz. The Quilting Bee, 12117 E. Mission Ave., was honored as a top dealer in its district for exemplary sales, service and customer education. The store is owned by Treasure and Scot Auble.
Bernina is a manufacturer of sewing, embroidery and quilting machines. For more on the store, visit quiltingbeespokane.com.
De Leon expands to Valley
AUGUST 2015 • 33
Valley Chamber
HIGHLIGHTS
De Leon Foods is planning to open a second store at 15530 E. Sprague, the former location of Hancock Fabrics. A tentative opening is scheduled for fall at the Sprague and Sullivan location once tenant improvements are completed. The Spokane based Mexican deli and grocery store with a store at 102 E. Francis in Spokane also caters special events and parties. For more, visit www.deleonfoods.net.
District 13 station under way A new $1.8 million fire station is being built for Newman Lake Fire & Rescue at the corner of Starr and Moffat Roads. The new station, part of Fire District 13 of Spokane County, will be located at 9324 N. Starr Road, roughly a mile from the station it will replace. The station is scheduled to be completed at the end of 2015 or in early 2016 and will have a total of five bays, crew sleeping quarters, office space and a workout room. For more, go to www.newmanlakefire.net.
Industrial Park welcomes tenants The Spokane Business & Industrial Park recently welcomed two new tenants. C&C North America, Inc. dba Cosentino North America has leased approximately 22,600 square feet of space in Building 27. Their primary business is marketing, sale and distribution of natural and engineered stone. Also, Hoskin & Muir, Inc. dba HMI/ Cardinal Shower Enclosures has leased approximately 13,340 square feet of space in Building 35.
CONNECT.
EMPOWER.
INNOVATE.
BIG things happening at the Valley Chamber S AV E T H E D AT E August 6 | Annual Golf Tournament September 25 | Business Connections Breakfast “The BIG 5 Reveal” October 16 | Business Connections Breakfast “Tourism in Washington” November 20 | Annual Meeting with keynote by Dr. Edmund Schweitzer, III December 18 | Business Connections Lunch “Season of Sharing” For more information or to sign up, visit: spokanevalleychamber.org
Join us on September 25 for the BIG news The Greater Spokane Valley Chamber is leading an effort to build a collaborative
Pioneer School hires Tichy
inclusive agenda for the future of our community. Through a series of online town halls,
Pioneer School recently announced the hire of Liberty Lake resident Ann Tichy as a second grade teacher for the 2015-2016 school year. Tichy taught at Liberty Lake Elementary School until retirement and also has participated in international teaching. “We look forward to having Ann join the Pioneer staff, as she brings us 42 years of teaching experience,” said Betty BurleyWolf, Pioneer School director. “She is a master at differentiating curriculum and will share her world travels with her students, as well as her lifelong love of learning.” Pioneer School is a non-profit educational organization in Spokane Valley for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. For more, visit www.pioneerschool.com.
the community has been asked to participate and help identify the five most treasured
Did your business recently open, celebrate a milestone or receive recognition? Submit the information to Biz Notes at editor@valleycurrent.com.
1421 N. Meadowwood Ln. Liberty Lake, WA 99019 | 509-924-4994 | www.spokanevalleychamber.org
aspects of the Greater Spokane Valley. On September 25, we will reveal the five measurable goals that will impact our region for many years to come — the BIG 5 for the Greater Spokane Valley region. Join us at the September Business Connections Breakfast to hear the BIG news.
New members Please join us in welcoming the following members who have recently joined the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber: Positive Changes • STRATA Professional Services Corp.
The Current
34 • AUGUST 2015
BUSINESS
Vintage Vines
Social drinks, methinks Compiled by Alyssa Agee THE MONTHLY YELP
Before the last rays of summer fade into fall, these Yelp reviewers recommend a few local spots for both grabbing an adult beverage and gabbing with a friend. For an afternoon visit or the end of a long day, these places seem to be saying, “Why leave the Valley? We’ll take good care of you right here.”
Sheila McCormick opened Farmhouse Pizza on First Street in Rockford on Dec. 31, 2012. The restaurant has quickly turned into one of southeast Spokane County’s most popular culinary stops.
English Setter Brewing Company, 15310 E. Marietta Ave., Suite 4, Spokane Valley “Some of the best beer I have had in a long time. They are worth it.” — Eric R. CURRENT PHOTOS BY CRAIG HOWARD
FarmHouse Pizza dials in recipe for smalltown success By Craig Howard
CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR
Move over Naples, Chicago and New York City, it’s time to add Rockford to the list of pizza prominent places. At the north corner of First Street in the town of around 500, an establishment known as FarmHouse Pizza has been serving up some of popular genre’s best offerings since Dec. 31, 2012. According to owner Sheila McCormick, the greater southeast Spokane County community has rallied on behalf of the venture, one of three locally owned restaurants in Rockford. Each year since it started, FarmHouse has turned a profit. “Every time a business opens in this area and is successful, it shows it can be done,” McCormick said. “Our towns are still worth it. We’re doing way better than any of us anticipated. It’s fun. It’s a lot of work, but it’s fun.” With pizzas like “Barn Yard,” “The Rustler” and “Chicken Hawk,” FarmHouse
Vintage Vines, 106 N. Evergreen Road, Spokane Valley “Loved this place! Nice environment, friendly waitress. … They have funky, different beers on tap. Love the Elysian Super Fuzz.” — Ruby B. True Legends Grill, 1803 N. Harvard Road, Liberty Lake “Legends is a great place to chill out by yourself or with a large group. It has a plethora of liquor and great draft beer on tap.” — Casey H. Forza Coffee Company, 325 S. Sullivan Road, Suite C, Spokane Valley “The house is always buzzing with laughter and small groups of friends chatting about life. They have outstanding taste in wines and beer. … I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a calming glass of wine or a wholesome beer after a hard day’s work.” — Kameron B.
tips its hat to the agrarian traditions of the area — something that would have been problematic if McCormick had opted for a franchise that was part a large corporate chain. In constructing the menu, she decided to go with “cool, countrified names.” “We’d talked about a chain, but there’s more freedom to running your own business,” she said. “I also think people
are looking for something that’s less commercial.” Customers can pick from toppings that range from traditional fare like pepperoni and green onions to unique items like jalapenos and spinach. Red, Alfredo and a seasonal summer garlic parmesan are among the sauces offered, along with traditional
See PIZZA, page 38
River City Pizza and Pasta, 4707 N. Harvard Road, Otis Orchards “Service, pizza and beer selection were amazing!!! Highly recommend this place.” — Megan F. Yelp has been connecting people with great local businesses since 2004. Sign up for weekly emails at Yelp.com.
The Current
SPORTS
AUGUST 2015 • 35
Former EV, Oregon standout returns home Injury interrupted Olympic aspirations for Aguilar Langford By Mike Vlahovich
CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR
Cora Aguilar Langford was ranked high collegiately in the nation in both discus and shot put. Then, like a gunshot, the audible sound of her rupturing Achilles tendon at the University of Oregon sounded the death-knell to her aspirations. “We were playing a game (in a basketball class), and I thought someone threw the ball at me as I was going down,” said the former three-sport East Valley athletic standout, who at the time several months back was talking to me by phone from a sunny California beach. “Everyone heard this loud ‘pop’ and my foot was just dangling. It pretty much ended my career.” At the time, the thrower who had put her marks in the Ducks record books was hoping to compete in the Olympic Trials. Instead, her athletic career was over. Last month, we reconnected at Ripples in downtown Spokane to catch up on her life and reminisce about the old times — that is when we weren’t swatting at a couple of pesky wasps on the veranda with its scenic view of river (neither one survived).
Today, the mother of two daughters has dug out from beneath a troubled marriage and recently returned to Spokane, embracing Christianity and conducting prayer ministry. Earlier, while living in California and working in human resources, a light bulb moment while passing by a clothing store gave her the idea for a Christian-themed exercise clothing line she calls Cross Wear that she’s still trying to market. She showed me a prototype and, Aguilar Langford said, “I have a logo, business license and partner.” The Aguilar clan had arrived from California to the Spokane Valley when Cora was in sixth grade. She would earn nine letters, three each in three sports, and attract college attention in volleyball and basketball as well as track and field. Her brothers all became quality distance runners (“They were all skinny,” Cora said. “I was, like, the biggest one.”) Ernie, until this year, held the school 1,600 record set 32 years ago.
See STANDOUT, page 38
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Cora Aguilar Langford, pictured with her brother, Ernie Aguilar, at his 50th birthday party last month, was a standout track and field athlete at East Valley High School and the University of Oregon before a ruptured Achilles tendon ended her career.
Sports Brief Local residents complete Ironman Thirty-one Valley area residents were among the more than 2,000 participants who completed the thirteenth annual Coeur d'Alene Ironman June 28. The top finisher among local residents was Kevin Glynn of Liberty Lake, who completed the 140.6-mile event in 11:07:41. Other locals who finished the course were Olesya Prystayko in 11:09:19; Amilcar Lopez in 12:28:21; Rod Grozdanich in 12:35:35; Julie Lehman-Smith in 12:43:58; Mark Faulkes in 12:50:20; Brandon Spackman in 12:53:23; Chrystie Keller in 13:00:55; Bryan Keller in 13:15:28; Matthew Mattison in 13:31:24; Gregory Susinger in 13:31:28; Darin Vaughan in 13:45:54; Bobby Frye in 13:54:55; Matthew Peterson in 14:01:15; Patricia Mourar in 14:09:51; Eric Mcauliff in 14:12:43; Kris Spinning in 14:48:25; Jeana Paventy in 14:57:03; Kevin Grady in 14:57:07; Travis Hunt in 15:01:23; Sarah Farr in 15:03:33; Christopher Campbell in 15:15:04; Stacey Robinson in 15:22:19; Diane Gingrich in 15:34:05; Amie Holmquist in 15:36:28; Jeffrey Zaleski in 15:42:08; Tarra Tymesen in 16:39:55; Jennifer Yoakum in 16:49:39; Mark Michaelis in 16:51:35; Kristina Northcutt in 16:51:35 and Monica Eschenbacher in 16:59:13.
Mariners could take cue from some of Valley’s best teams
By Mike Vlahovich THE FINAL POINT
For what it’s worth, I proffer this hypothesis. Take it with a grain of salt: You don’t win championships with allstar athletes alone. All the talent in the world doesn’t matter without chemistry. The herd needs a bell cow, that player who makes the big play in the clutch and wills the team to the Promised Land. I developed my theory while covering scads of high school games, and reinforce it while watching the Seattle Mariners bumble through a season that Sports Illustrated had proclaimed on its cover (the jinx apparently is alive and well), “Everybody’s got a shot, but the Mariners will make the most noise in the AL West.” The noise so far isn’t what fans expected. They had the pitching — that admittedly has had injuries, but has underachieved. They brought in Nelson Cruz to complement star Robinson Cano — he of the .250 batting average — to bolster the offense. But
there doesn’t seem to be that “give me the ball” mindset to keep Seattle on track. The number of one-run decisions mount (won 22 of 42 through early July, counting spring training). Runners, like bananas, have been left in scoring position in bunches. I’ve come to believe that sometimes it comes too easy for the gifted that succeed by instinct and don’t see the big picture. In contrast, the subordinate player by necessity has the will that brings out the best when the best is needed. A couple of examples: Early in my career when rivals Central Valley and University were vying for a basketball league championship, the Bears had the league’s leading scorer who would go on to a sterling college and coaching career. The Bears and Titans would ultimately play each other four times that year. U-Hi wasn’t devoid of talent. But when the two teams met, one player’s mental toughness shone through even though he seemed willing to defer to his teammates in other games. The Titans won three of the four meetings and I made him the MVP of my All-Valley team at season’s end, much to the chagrin of Bears partisans. I heard about it. Those are my kind of players. That was just one of myriad stories of overachieve-
ment I witnessed over time when it wasn’t always the star who rose to the occasion in decisive league and tournament contests, it was the unlikely player who put the team on his back and made the big shot, got the key hit, ran faster, jumped higher and threw farther than ever before at the most critical juncture and propelled his team to victory. My favorite example of team chemistry is CV’s 2006 boys basketball state runners-up. In my story for The Spokesman-Review during the tournament in Tacoma I wrote: “Some observers questioned whether Central Valley belonged in the semifinals of the State 4A boys basketball tournament, pointing out they were undersized (and) lacked the talent of higher profile players. … “What the pundits forgot to factor was the Bears resolve. The Spokane Valley’s Little Engine That Could wrote the most amazing story in this week’s tourney and likely one of the most memorable in (tournament) history.” Isaiah Thomas, today an NBA player, scored 51 points in one game but moped as Curtis lost in the semis. Face it, the Bears had no one with his talent. They had no speed merchants or high flyers who electrified fans with dazzling dunks. Only one of those teams made the finals — Franklin, which ultimately had too much talent for the Bears to overcome, including a future NCAA championship
standout at Louisville. “Heck. Even 6-foot-5 Nick Ambrose, the tallest player by far on the CV roster, (missed a) dunk to finish off the stunning victory,” I wrote of that semifinal. And there was Matt Morgan, coming off the bench and in my estimation playing like an MVP-worthy candidate had they won the title, who helped the Bears go farther than anyone had a right to expect. “Just play fundamental basketball, do the little things and if you do that you’ll come out on top,” he told me. A team that worked together and believed in each other showed that “talent” can be overrated. The Seattle Mariners had lost 11 rubber games in 13 three-game series. Win four or five of those and they’d be in the thick of things in a balanced American League. Instead, this division favorite is in a win one-lose one routine, and it will take more than King Felix and his mound mates, Cruz, Kyle Seager and Cano (if he gets off the schneid) for it to happen. The supporting cast will be called upon to find that bell cow to guide them. But who’s it going to be? When 11 players are batting under .230, it’s going to be difficult to bust the Sports Illustrated jinx. Mike Vlahovich is a longtime Spokane Valley sportswriter and member of the Inland Northwest Hall of Fame Scroll of Honor.
OPINION Highlights from Olympia Gratitude infiltrates
The Current
36 • AUGUST 2015
By Sen. Mike Padden CURRENT GUEST COLUMN
On July 10, after a regular session and three special sessions that spanned six months, the Legislature finally adjourned for the year. Although it was frustrating that it took so long to negotiate a new state budget, the agreement we reached makes historic investments in basic education, fully funds state-employee contracts, provides cost-ofliving increases for teachers, gives tax relief to our seniors and disabled veterans and actually reduces tuition for college students and their parents. Yes, this budget cuts tuition for the first time in state history. Over the next two years, for instance, students at WSU will see a $2,016 reduction; students at Eastern will see a $1,574 cut. Our students at community and technical schools will also see a 5 percent reduction immediately. This type of relief is historic, and is being heralded as a model for other states to follow. What’s more remarkable is that all of this was done without a general tax increase. The Legislature also approved a new capital (construction) budget. I was pleased to work with my fellow 4th District lawmakers, Representatives Matt Shea and Bob McCaslin, to ensure that the list of investments includes $1.8 million for the next phase of the Appleway Trail development. The trail, when completed, will connect the areas from the eastern city limits of Spokane Valley to the intersection of Sprague and Dartmouth, with a paved trail — linking business and residential areas. The capital budget also contains funding for other projects in the 4th District, including much-needed funds for a Spokane Valley Tech addition; general-classroom
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construction in local school districts, needed to reduce class sizes in grades K-3; and Mount Spokane Lodge and Mount Spokane road improvements. Our accomplishments went beyond budgets. For instance, justice for victims of “revenge porn” is on its way due to the passage of two bills aimed at reducing this type of harassment and holding those who commit these malicious acts accountable. Also, on June 30 the governor signed House Bill 2136, which contains several comprehensive marijuana-market reforms to help better regulate the marijuana market in Washington. The new law includes language I proposed to combat the manufacturing and distribution of synthetic, or “designer,” drugs such as the so-called “spice” and “bath salts.” One of this year’s great disappointments was the failure by the House of Representatives to vote on our common-sense bill to treat a fourth DUI as a felony (meaning state prison), not a misdemeanor (meaning county jail). News reports continue to remind us of the tragic toll taken on families and communities by repeat-DUI offenders. Three times this year the Senate unanimously passed our bill, and each time the House failed to bring it to a vote. I remain committed to getting these dangerous offenders off our streets and will work on this issue again during the 2016 session, which is just six months away. Even though the marathon legislative year has finally come to a close, I still work for you and welcome your thoughts on any issue relating to state government. You can contact me anytime via email (Mike.Padden@leg.wa.gov) or by calling our district office at 921-2460. Thank you for allowing me to represent you in the state Senate. Mike Padden is a Republican from Spokane Valley. He represents the 4th District in the Washington State Senate.
Letter to the Editor I love the Spokane Valley Library! I go there at least three times a week to relax, browse, read, borrow books, study, prepare sermons and review City Council notes. My grandsons love story time and playing in the childrens’ area. One of them takes home a tote-bag full of books and movies every week. The staff is exceptionally friendly, accessible, and helpful. But, as an enthusiastic library user, I need more books — not more space. As a property owner on a fixed income I cannot afford more taxes. I love the library just as it is!
Ed Pace
Spokane Valley
seams of society By Todd Kiesbuy
CURRENT GUEST COLUMN
When asked to write a brief article on what gratitude means to me, I accepted with the thought that it would be an easy assignment which I could complete in no time. I was wrong. On the surface, gratitude seemed simple and easily explained, but a deeper look threw me into the complexity of what gratitude represents and how it impacts our society. In writing this article, I wanted to start with the question of what this character
Editorial Cartoons
trait truly means. There is the general understanding of the definition of the word “gratitude” as defined by Webster’s Dictionary: “A feeling of appreciation or thanks and the state of being grateful.” So let’s think of gratitude as saying “thank you” to the person that helps pick up the papers you dropped in the hallway; as a head nod and smile when someone holds the door for you; as a simple gift to a co-worker for his or her effort. Is that all there is to it? There has to be more to
See GRATITUDE, page 37
The Current
AUGUST 2015 • 37
OPINION
Volume 4, Issue 8 EDITOR/PUBLISHER
Josh Johnson
GENERAL MANAGER
Tammy Kimberley
Sarah Burk
josh@valleycurrent.com tammy@valleycurrent.com GRAPHICS EDITOR
sarah@valleycurrent.com CIRCULATION Dean Byrns Stefanie Byrns Mike Wiykovics
circulation@valleycurrent.com CONTRIBUTORS
Alyssa Agee, Lauren Campbell, Dani Guarisco, Gwendolyn Haley, Craig Howard, Bob Johnson, Chad Kimberley, Bob Lambeth, Mary Kate Koch, Treva Lind, Sam McGhee, Mike Vlahovich
On the cover: Current design by Sarah Burk using photos submitted and by Treva Lind
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GRATITUDE Continued from page 36
gratitude than simple pleasantries. After additional thought, I realized that there are multiple layers as to how gratitude is expressed and its impact on society. For example, gratitude can be shared and expressed by millions through our support for those who serve in the military. Or it can be very private and unspoken as often happens with an organ recipient. It can be expressed in self-reflection in appreciation for life’s simple gifts. People often show true gratitude by giving of their time or monetary support, because it is voluntary and unconditional, and it should be given without obligation or expectation. As a recipient, there is a feeling of an oddly reverse gratitude that can be awkward and uncomfortable to convey, because it can be difficult to accept gratitude from strangers or even someone close. As an employee of Avista Utilities, I’m fortunate to be given the opportunity to show my gratitude toward the communities I serve. Avista is overflowing with employees who dedicate themselves to community service in ways that are inspirational and contagious. In 2014, their generosity resulted in more than 48,000 hours of volunteer service to more than 800 organizations across our service territory. This expression of gratitude has gone on for years and will continue for years to come. Recent research from The University of Michigan showed that “cultivating feelings of gratitude and generosity can have a profound effect on mental and physical wellbeing of those who give. People who donate their time doing volunteer work experience reduced stress, an enhanced sense of purpose and even greater longevity.” In the end, I found that the virtue of gratitude is very complex. It means something very different to everyone, but it is a virtue that everyone can exemplify and appreciate. Quotes that stood out while researching this unique character trait include: “It is not happy people who are thankful. It is thankful people who are happy.”— author unknown “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.” — Cicero Todd Kiesbuy is a Regional Business Manager for Avista Corp, and his areas of responsibility include the Spokane Valley and the West Plains. Todd has been with Avista for 11 years and started in the emergency dispatch department, later becoming a construction design coordinator. Kiesbuy serves on the PACE Board, City of Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the Board of Natural Resources for Kootenai County. He volunteered his time to be the PACE guest columnist for the month of August.
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Index of advertisers Following are the local advertisers in this issue of The Current. Adagio Strings Amaculate Housekeeping Carver Farms Casey Family Dental Central Valley School District Clark’s Tire & Automotive Concepts ON Concrete Cornerstone Pentecostal Church East Valley ECEAP Evergreen Fountains Family Medicine/Healthy Living LL
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Rotary In Motion 5 Siler Chiropractic 15 Simonds Dental Group 40 Spokane County Library District 17 Spokane Indians 18 Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce 33 Valley Christian School 14 Valleyfest 13 Weishaar, Sue Weishaar D.D.S. 10 Service Directory 38
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The Current
38 • AUGUST 2015
BUSINESS/SPORTS
PIZZA Continued from page 34
or gluten-free crust. A take and bake option is also available. “We have people on their way to the lake who stop by, grab a pizza and then cook it there,” McCormick said. The FarmHouse fan club includes clientele from as far away as Coeur d’Alene, Lewiston and St. Maries as well as regular patrons from Spokane and Spokane Valley. “I think it says a lot, because in those areas, people can go out to any restaurant but they’re making the drive out here,” McCormick said. FarmHouse began with an exclamation on New Year’s Eve Day two-and-a-half years ago. With promotional efforts spreading news of the grand opening, 52 pizzas flew out the door on the first day. McCormick said the restaurant has continued to thrive by emphasizing cordial service and a reliable product. “I think it’s those good values — friendliness, honesty, integrity — values I learned growing up,” she said. “I care about our customers and the customers know my name.” FarmHouse is open six days a week and closed Sunday. McCormick lives only a few
STANDOUT Continued from page 35
“When I was a senior, I think I broke 130 pounds when I was completely wet,” said Ernie, who last month celebrated his “25th birthday times two.” The school counselor and assistant coach in the Central Valley School District passed the torch to Knights state champion Scott Kopczynski in the spring. Of his record-breaking sister, Ernie recalled, “According to my mom, she was the spitting image of our 6-foot German greatgrandmother.” The late coach Howard Dolphin lured them all into focusing on track and field as
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minutes from the restaurant and has taken a personal interest in the community, volunteering on the Southeast Spokane County Fair Board and joining the Rockford Women’s Club. She and her husband, Jeffrey, moved to the area almost seven years ago. “I think life slows down out here in a good way,” McCormick said. “I love the fact that people care about me and my family. Customers ask questions about how we’re doing. I like the community aspect the best.” McCormick has proven to be a savvy restaurateur since embarking on FarmHouse nearly three years ago. She accessed a micro-enterprise grant through the Financial Access of SNAP that involved saving $1,000 of her own money to qualify for a $4,000 loan. SNAP has also helped with no-cost business counseling. “It definitely helped,” McCormick said of the support from Spokane County’s nonprofit community action agency. “It helped with saving and having a goal. Having that $1,000 as an emergency fund gave me peace of mind, and I used the $4,000 to pay off debt on equipment I bought for the restaurant.” In addition to a lineup of signature pizzas and accompanying staples like breadsticks, FarmHouse features milkshakes and ice cream as well as salads and nachos that are industriously constructed from surplus
pizza toppings. Cinnamon rolls — which have won the prestigious “Best at Show” at the fair — and dinner rolls are a hit during the holiday season. “People love our salads,” McCormick said. “I’ve just tried to be creative with the ingredients that we have here.” The inventive approach finds its way into the signature product here such as a limited edition this summer that featured a garlic parmesan sauce, spinach, chicken, onions, tomatoes and three types of cheeses. As with every FarmHouse pizza, customers can see their lunch or dinner prepared and cooked in the cozy 600-square-foot space. McCormick acknowledges that there are still improvements to be made — FarmHouse currently has no delivery service other than once a week to Fairfield and a limited dining area consisting of an outside picnic table. Yet the restaurant continues to expand its brand through upgrades like a mobile pizza oven and the addition of catering. FarmHouse pizzas are on the concession menu at Freeman High School sporting events and part of a fundraising effort each year by the Liberty School District Future Farmers of America. In June, at Flag Day in Fairfield, 35 pizzas were sold. “It’s important for us to be part of the community,” McCormick said.
a means to a college education. If you throw the disc and shot and get those records, Cora was told, you can go anywhere you want. “He saw potential in me.” “We lived in Otis Orchards and lived up on a hill,” she said. “There was a piece of concrete there, and we’d have competitions against each other. That was a lot of fun.” Even though colleges had shown interest in the other sports, she concentrated on the throws. Ernie, two years her junior, and his distance mate Duke Batchelor both stayed after practice shagging for her so she could get more throws in. Cora reached 149 feet, 3 inches in the high school discus, which she said was sixth in the nation, and set the now 3A classification state meet record as a senior in 1981 that stood until 1993. It was the third-best in state history at the time behind Lynwood’s Jackie Henry and Pasco’s Quenna Beasley. She was named a high school AllAmerican. Oregon is the Holy Grail for college track and field. Cora took a circuitous route to get there. Her parents said it was too far away, so she enrolled at Idaho. A year later she was at Spokane Falls Community College, where she still holds Community Colleges of Spokane records set in 1984 of 162 feet in the discus and 47-3 in the shot put, the latter nearly a 10-foot jump over her high school best. Her story at Oregon is bizarre. According to Aguilar Langford, an SFCC throws coach and former Knight who was a throws coach
in junior college, Dave Klyzek, followed her to Eugene to help coach, but the prospective position didn’t pan out. She and the new throwing coach didn’t mesh. She was dismissed from the squad, then reinstated shortly thereafter. “That messed me up,” she told me over lunch. “At the time I was preparing to go to nationals. I was a few inches off trying to qualify, and then there was this shakeup and I thought, ‘Oh, my gosh. What’s going on?’” In 1986, Aguilar threw 174-7 in the discus and 51-1½ in the shot put and still remains third all-time at Oregon in both. She competed in the NCAA tournament, but went unplaced. Following the career-ending injury, life intervened. Most of her family had returned to California, and she joined them. She had Leticia, married, had her second daughter, Jasmine, and was divorced. Aguilar Langford worked in human resources for 22 years. Both daughters are in college, and she has a granddaughter “that’s my little princess.” “Probably the best experience of my life was growing up in Spokane, not only for athletics, but it was the people that surrounded our family that made it so much for fun,” she said. Her life has come full circle with her return to Spokane. “I guess God wants to use me,” she said. “The next thing I know, here I am in Spokane doing God’s work.”
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PARTING SHOTS
Trying out Appleway Trail CURRENT PHOTOS BY BOB JOHNSON
Law enforcement, community leaders and citizens turned out for the “Unveil the Trail” ceremony held July 9 at the University Plaza entrance to the Appleway Trail. KHQ Weather Authority forecaster Leslie Lowe opened the festivities, and Spokane Valley Mayor Dean Grafos also addressed the crowd. Grafos, State Senator Mike Padden, Spokane Valley Council Member Rod Higgins and State Representative Matt Shea participated in the ribbon cutting. Phase 1A of the trail has been completed, extending from University to Pines Road. When Phase 1 is completed, the trail will extend from University to Evergreen.
AUGUST 2015 • 39
The Current
40 • AUGUST 2015
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