The September 2012 Current by The Current

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Each September, the Valley parties half the month thanks to three longstanding events. Prep for the ride inside. PAGES 18-21

HOSPITAL LOOKS TO SUSTAIN STRIDES PAGE 2

HARDWARE STORE BUCKS BIG-BOX TREND PAGE 26

TASTE BUDS AT WORK ON FRENCH FRY-DAY PAGE 28

NEWS

2 • September 2012

The Current

Current photo by Josh Johnson

CEO Dennis Barts is quick to trumpet upgrades that have been made in recent years to Valley Hospital equipment and infrastructure. Pictured is the intervention radiology lab, where a $1.3 million piece of equipment “superior to anything (of its kind) in Eastern Washington” has helped position Valley Hospital to the leading edge in cancer care, Barts said.

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Hospital CEO diagnoses Valley’s future Access and reimbursement among health care reform concerns By Josh Johnson Current Staff Writer

When Community Health Systems Inc. bought into the Spokane market four years ago, Dennis Barts and his wife hopped on the Internet. Having spent most of their lives in the Midwest, the outdoorsy couple had never been to the northwest, and what they saw online more than piqued their interest. “I went to my boss and said, ‘Bill, who are you thinking of for Spokane?’” Barts recalled. “He said, ‘Well, it’s kind of an outdoor culture out there.’ And I said, ‘Bill, let me tell you what we do in our spare time.’” Not surprisingly, Barts and his wife, Becky, fit right into the outdoor culture.

A Cup of Joe When the weather is right, he often rides his bicycle into Valley Hospital, where he has served since March 2009 as CEO. He said he tries to log 100 miles a week. Come winter, he serves on the Mt. Spokane Ski Patrol. Barts is finding a good fit at Valley Hospital, as well. With the backing of infrastructural investment from CHS in a culture that Barts jokingly calls “Happy Valley,” the hospital has come a long way from where it was before the ownership change. Barts took time to share a bit of a SWOT analysis with The Current recently, breaking down his view of the hospital’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats as it positions itself for continued growth and strength.

See HOSPITAL, page 10

The Current

September 2012 • 3

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The Current

4 • September 2012

Biviano, Shea face off for District 4 House seat By Craig Howard Current Contributor

Amy Biviano garnered nearly 40 percent of the vote in her first campaign for a state legislative seat in August. On the other side of the ledger, Rep. Matt Shea — incumbent in the 4th District — wound up with the balance of the ballots, or just over 60 percent. Now, as both candidates look ahead to Biviano November’s general election, the results of the Aug. 7 primary are cause for encouragement. “We’re feeling very good about the numbers, but you never take any race for granted,” said Shea, a Shea Republican who has represented greater Spokane Valley in the state House of Representatives since 2009. Biviano, a Democrat, noted that the turnout for the primary vote was less than stellar (just under 39 percent throughout Spokane County) and said she remains optimistic about the chance to pull an upset this fall with added voters. “I’m looking forward to November,” said Biviano, who is trying to become the first Democrat since George Orr in 1984 to represent District 4 in the House. “Presidential elections always draw more voters — in 2008, it was over 90 percent.” A native of Oklahoma, Biviano moved to Spokane from Seattle in 2001 with her husband and two sons. She made her announcement for candidacy in April and has generated attention for her views in areas like tax reform and pro-business incentives that typically form the foundation for the platform on the right. “Some people say that a ‘fiscally conservative Democrat’ is an oxymoron,” she said. “I don’t think so. We’ve got to do something about this economy.”

news Am I in District 4? Most Spokane Valley communities are part of the state’s fourth legislative district. District 4’s western boundary is Havana before extending roughly along that north-south parallel beyond the community of Elk. The eastern boundary is the Idaho state line. Not While her social views lean primarily to the left — she supports gay marriage while Shea has always stood for the traditional definition — Biviano said her stance on financial matters combined with her ability to work across the aisle set her apart in the race for Olympia. “It’s the better candidate, not the right party,” she said. “I’ve voted for Republicans in the past, and I’ll vote for Republicans in the future. I’m not a Seattle Democrat. I don’t believe either party has it all figured out.” An advocate for quality schools, Biviano applauds public/private collaborations like the new Spokane Valley Tech, which she called “an amazing program that puts students on the right track for well-paying careers.” As for the discussion on privatizing the state Labor and Industries program, which oversees worker’s compensation, workplace safety, licensing and other matters, Biviano also supports a dual approach. “I’m not in favor of full privatization for L&I,” she said. “I think there could be a hybrid system.” Biviano earned her undergraduate degree from Yale University and later attended Gonzaga University, where she received a master’s degree in business. She is a certified public accountant and proprietor of a local accounting firm. Regarding Shea’s record on behalf of local business, Biviano gave her opponent credit for his efforts to procure funding for the North-South Freeway but criticized his decision to vote against the state transportation budget. “That basically sent all the money to the other side of the state,” she said. “I see many more opportunities with infrastructure and jobs.” Shea said his foray into politics was inspired by his experiences as a representative of the Army National Guard in Iraq and Kuwait in 2004 and part of 2005. After one of his fellow soldiers in the 161st Infantry did not make it back to the States, Shea began thinking about a run for office. “When I came back from Iraq in 2005, I saw a dramatic change in this country,” he said. “I figured it’s one thing to complain about how things are, it’s another to honor the sacrifice of that veteran.” Shea’s call to the Middle East came during his third year at Gonzaga Law

far south of Spokane Valley and Liberty Lake, as the scenery changes from neighborhoods to more pastoral settings, it’s likely you’ve entered District 9. Communities like Mica, Valleyford, Rockford and Fairfield are in District 9. To locate your district, visit apps.leg. wa.gov/districtfinder.

In case you missed it County Courthouse campus goes tobacoo-free A month after Spokane County Commissioners approved a resolution declaring the grounds of the county courthouse a tobacco-free zone, the edict became official. On Aug. 15, smoking and tobacco use was banned on the county’s campus at 1116 W. Broadway Ave. in Spokane. With the new restriction, six designated smoking areas were set up.

Boys arrested after patrol car crash

For more … Check out the campaign websites for District 4 candidates Amy Biviano and Matt Shea: www.amybiviano.com www.voteshea.com School. He also was part of active duty in Bosnia in 2000. He eventually added a law degree to his undergraduate diploma from Gonzaga in political science and history. Shea has worked to support veterans during his tenure in Olympia, from resolutions to honor the National Guard to employment advocacy on behalf of returning soldiers. “I think it’s important to help these veterans reintegrate into society,” Shea said. In January, Shea introduced a balanced budget amendment as a way to curtail what he described as the cycle of government overspending followed by a series of tax increases. The measure would stipulate that spending does not exceed 95 percent of projected revenues. “We need to hold the Legislature accountable for its spending,” Shea said. While on the current campaign trail, Shea has faced questions about an incident last November that eventually resulted in a firearms charge. On Nov. 23, 2011, Shea called 9-1-1 to report a motorist driving erratically in downtown Spokane. Another driver in the area also called to alert police of the same vehicle. Shea said he pulled a gun from his glove compartment to defend himself after the driver of the vehicle “swerved across four lanes of traffic, stopped and looked like he was going to get out of his car.” The motorist in question also called to report Shea’s driving.

See FACE OFF, page 38

Two 16-year-old boys were arrested last month following an Aug. 3 crash in which a Spokane Valley Police Officer was injured. Officer Rustin Olson was responding to a call of a fight between 20 people near South Pines Elementary, but he never got there. Instead, he hit a large log in the middle of the road, causing his patrol car to spin out of control and flip upside down. The Sheriff 's Department says the two teenage boys admitted to putting the log in the road, and that someone had already run it over. They didn't realize the next person to hit it would be a police officer, or that it could cause so much damage. In the crash, Officer Rustin Olson suffered a fractured vertebra, and was expected to be off work for at least two weeks. Both teens were jailed at a juvenile detention facility on the felony charge of 1st degree malicious mischief and the misdemeanor charge of reckless endangerment.

Johnson returns with Calder Cup Former Spokane Chief and Liberty Lake native stopped in the Inland Northwest last month to show off some hardware — the Calder Cup, given to the champions of the American Hockey League. This year, Johnson was a standout rookie for the AHL champion Norfolk Admirals, where he was part of a professional hockey record 28-game winning streak. Individually, he scored 29 goals, 35 assists and 64 points, good for sixth in the AHL in scoring, and was named to the league's AllRookie Team. While in town, Johnson posed for pictures with fans at the Spokane Arena, helped celebrate the opening of Frontier Ice Arena in Coeur d’Alene and he threw out the first pitch at a Spokane Indians game.

Clothing bank sees shortage The clothing bank at Spokane Valley Partners is depleted at a time when client needs are at an all-time high, the nonprofit reported last month.

See MISSED, page 25

The Current

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The Current

6 • September 2012

3UP

A public hearing on Millwood’s draft Shoreline Master Program is tentatively scheduled for 6 p.m. Sept. 24 at City Hall. The city is using a grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology to update its SMP, a process that began in July 2011 and is scheduled to wrap up in December. The SMP is a state-mandated plan that regulates land use within 200 feet of shorelines — in this case, Millwood’s border with the Spokane River.

3DOWN

While the end is now in sight, construction projects that have made orange the most common color on Spokane Valley arterials for weeks will most likely not receive their finishing touches until September. This includes work on Sprague Avenue between Progress and Evergreen as well as work on Evergreen Road between 16th and 32nd, as well as along 32nd from Avalon to Best. The most recent estimate for the final paving of the Sprague project is Sept. 6.

The City Council heard from the Spokane County Library District that its plans for a new Spokane Valley Library have changed, shrinking the original 50,000-square-foot, two-story facility to a 30,000-square-foot, one-story building. The city and library district had initially planned to partner in the purchase of land adjacent to Balfour Park that would expand the park and serve as a location for the new library. Officials have yet to decide how the proposed changes may affect the original plans. A representative of Avista will be visiting with Rockford’s Town Council soon about the process for putting a utility tax on electricity and natural gas. The town, which doesn’t currently place a tax on utilities, needs to “start coming up with some innovative ways to get more income coming in,” Mayor Micki Harnois said. If the Council approves the idea, an ordinance would need to be passed, and the tax would likely be built into the town’s 2013 budget, she said.

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The Current

September 2012 • 7

Three Up, Three Down features at-a-glance news of what’s coming UP in September or went DOWN in August. Check out these six on this rendering of the Valley by homegrown artist Casey Lynch, and then turn the page for a breakdown of items by jurisdiction.

On Aug. 21, a Spokane County SCRAPS Animal Protection Officer responded to a call at Trentwood Elementary, 14701 E. Wellesley in Spokane Valley, where a pit bull was found tied to a dumpster and covered in blood. The animal was taken to a veterinarian who saw old injuries as well as new wounds, indicating this dog may have been involved in a series of dog fights. The extent of the injuries were so severe that the dog had to be euthanized. At press time, a reward of $2,750 was available for information leading to the arrest and conviction of animal cruelty in the case.

(The placement of news items on this artistic map do not necessarily denote the actual location of the item described.)

At press time, Central Valley School District was on the cusp of passing a $129.6 million budget for the 2012-2013 school year, with one glaring exception from recent years — budget discussions were not centered around needed cuts. CVSD Executive Director of Finance Jan Hutton attributed the “pivot year” to funding stability from the state thanks to a Supreme Court ruling and changes within the district where “we kind of let the dust settle a bit.”

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8 • September 2012

3UP 3DOWN Three Up, Three Down features at-aglance news from the Spokane Valley area: — what’s coming up in September — what went down in August Six of these items are represented on the artistic rendering of the Valley by local artist Casey Lynch on the previous spread. Compiled by Josh Johnson Current Staff Writer

Spokane County and Rockford The Town of Rockford is considering a utility tax as a new revenue source to keep up with growing expenses. See this entry on the artistic map, pages 6-7. Rockford is looking into finalizing the renewal of its law enforcement contract with the Spokane County Sheriff ’s Office. A new funding formula has caused angst in recent years as the services have taken an increasingly larger bite out of the small town’s budget. Mayor Micki Harnois said discussions should lead to the contract’s extension in the near future. A busy summer season gets busier in Rockford during the month of September. A series of outdoor movies and events have completed, and the farmers market is slated to finish soon, but a summer’s worth of activities has been packed into the season’s swan song, Sept. 21-23. The Southeast Spokane County Fair features a package of events you can read about elsewhere in this issue or at www.sespokanecountyfair.org. SCRAPS is investigating an animal cruelty case after a severely injured pit bull was found that appeared to have been involved in a series of dog fights. See this entry on the artistic map, pages 6-7. Spokane County crews closed down Bigelow Gulch Road between Argonne and Forker late in August to complete a $425,000 repair job on the popular north Valley thoroughfare. The project included asphalt repairs, ditch work and work on the shoulders of the road. Daytime traffic was detoured during the three-day project. Signage and kiosk information has now been completed to put the finishing touches on the “scenic byway” designation of Highway 27 between Tekoa and Rockford that was earned last year, Rockford Mayor Micki Harnois said. Harnois pushed for the designation to help drive economic development in the form of tourism into her town. The designation effectively extended the Palouse Scenic Byway from Tekoa north into the small southern towns of Spokane County.

news City of Spokane Valley After weeks of detours and orange cones, major road construction projects on Sprague Avenue and Evergreen Road hope to wrap up in September. See this entry on the artistic map, pages 6-7. The City Council continues to deliberate on the future of its animal control services contract. Spokane Valley’s buy-in is seen as a key component in a plan pushed by Spokane County Commissioners that would enable the Valley’s current animal control partner, SCRAPS, to move into a new building. The City Council and Board of Commissioners will be in the same room for a Spokane Regional Council of Governments meeting Sept. 7. Between a fair and a festival, Spokane Valley will be abuzz this month as two prominent and longstanding events return. The Spokane County Interstate Fair is Sept. 7-16. Valleyfest will be held Sept. 21-23. For more information, see the articles elsewhere in this issue or visit www.interstatefair.org and www.valleyfest.org. Aug. 22 marked the first day on the job for Spokane Valley’s new public works director, Eric Guth. He replaced Neil Kersten, who resigned to return to his home state of Alaska after serving since 2003 as the city’s first Public Works Director. Guth joins the city with more than 20 years of municipal public works and engineering experience. Guth most recently worked for CH2M Hill, where he was contracted out to work with cities in Colorado. He also coordinated U.S. armed forces construction projects in Afghanistan. The City Council heard from the Spokane County Library District that its plans for a new Spokane Valley Library have downsized, calling into question whether that would impact the two entities’ plans to partner in the transformation of an 8-acre site adjacent to Balfour Park. See this entry on the artistic map, pages 6-7. Another sign of the end of a hot summer is the closing for the season of Spokane Valley pools. All are closed with the exception of Terrace View pool, which is open through Labor Day. Also, Valley Mission Pool is reopening the gates for a special “Paws in the Pool” doggie swim party on Aug. 30.

City of Liberty Lake The City Council voted to proceed with the completion of a long-fought sidewalk project extending west along Lakeside and down Valleyway from the Bella Lago development nestled in the hills southeast of MeadowWood Golf Course. The project should be completed this month, but that didn’t stop some Council members from expressing frustration with the developer, who was effectively let out of an original agreement to pay for the project it its entirety. The Liberty Lake Municipal Library,

thanks to a narrow City Council vote that revised the 2012 budget to provide additional funding, will open on Mondays from 2 to 8 p.m. beginning Sept. 10. The library hasn’t offered Monday hours since 2010, the year a lean budget forced service cutbacks at the library and elsewhere in the city. Another successful Friends of Pavillion Park Summer Festival Series closes Sept. 1 with the Lud Kramer Memorial Spokane Symphony concert, a Labor Day weekend tradition. This year’s lineup at Liberty Lake’s most popular park included Peter Rivera, Oli Brown, Men in the Making and Montana Shakespeare in the Parks. Aug. 3-4 saw a lot of activity from fire engines in the community. On Aug. 3, a fire at Premier Manufacturing, 1711 N. Madson St., saw employees working to keep it contained in an area, an effort that sent two of them to the hospital for a precautionary evaluation after exposure to fumes. The next day, a 10-acre brush fire near Liberty Lake Regional Park burned on steep and difficult terrain before being corralled with the assistance of the Fire Boss, a Department of Natural Resources plane that took several dips into Liberty Lake to collect water to dump on the blaze. Longtime Community Development Director Doug Smith was let go by the city in early August after more than 10 years of service. Mayor Steve Peterson said the move was a “business decision,” adding the needs of the municipality didn’t revolve as heavily around planning any longer. Smith’s last day was Aug. 3. The Liberty Lake Municipal Library celebrated its popular annual Summer Reading Program with a carnival Aug. 2 at Pavillion Park. All told, 648 people registered for the program, which included programs for kids, teens and adults.

City of Millwood A public hearing on Millwood’s draft Shoreline Master Program is tentatively scheduled for 6 p.m. Sept. 24 at City Hall. See this entry on the artistic map, pages 6-7. Applications are still being accepted to serve on Millwood’s Planning Commission after Commissioner Laura Burrill stepped down early this year. The position, which has been vacant most of the year, is for a six-year term. Mayor Dan Mork used the occasion of the city’s August newsletter to renew requests for a letter of interest to be sent to his attention. Millwood’s Teen Advisory Council is looking for new members as the month of August closed out its 2011-2012 year. Freshman through seniors at West Valley High School or other teens who live in Millwood are encouraged to contact Patty Peterson, 924-0960, for more information. In a meeting where public comment was again dominated by reaction to the city’s recent increase in water rates, the

The Current

Millwood City Council responded to a rash of recent vandalism by closing City Park between 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Under a new ordinance, people caught in the park between those hours would be committing a civil offense and subject to a fine. The community celebrated its annual Millwood Daze on a mild but beautiful Saturday Aug. 25 in grand fashion. A breakfast, fun run, car show, pet walk and wagon parade were among many events during a full day. Many of the activities raised money for Spokane Meals on Wheels. Millwood Presbyterian Church is putting the final touches on tearing down its Christian education building to make room for a new multipurpose community center building. The church plans to break ground on a new multipurpose community center on the site later this year or early next.

Valley school districts Classes are back in session in the East, West and Central Valley school districts Sept. 5. Freeman students started a week earlier, but took Friday, Aug. 31, off leading into a long Labor Day weekend. Fall sports are already in full swing at local high schools, and September will provide ample opportunity for local athletes to make their marks in cross country, softball, soccer, volleyball and football. Two of the better attended games of the fall, the annual West Valley-East Valley and Central ValleyUniversity football rivalry games, will wait for the crisp October air, however. The Titans and Bears will battle for bragging rights Oct. 5 at Central Valley, while the Eagles and Knights will square off Oct. 12 at East Valley. The PACE trait of the month for September is “respect.” Schools, business and citizens are all encouraged to emphasize this character education initiative. For more on Partners Advancing Character Education, visit www.pacecommunity.org. The official groundbreaking for Spokane Valley Tech was to be held just as this issue of The Current hit the streets on Aug. 29. And while classes will first be held at the new skill center branch campus at 115 S. University Road this January, the program itself is already in swing with fall classes offered in aerospace and advanced manufacturing, sports medicine, fire science and cosmetology. Blew’s Construction of Spokane Valley was awarded the $1.6 million construction contract Aug. 20. Freeman School District celebrated Aug. 27 with a dedication ceremony for the newly remodeled Freeman Elementary School, a new K-8 multi-purpose room as well as the newly constructed Palouse Regional Transportation Cooperative. The festivities included a barbecue and open house. The Central Valley School District 2012-2013 budget noted a refreshing change from previous years: Discussions were not centered around needed cuts. See this entry on the artistic map, pages 6-7.

The Current

September 2012 • 9

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10 • September 2012

news

HOSPITAL Continued from page 2

Q. A.

So you’ve been here for three and a half years now. What are a couple of the strides you are most proud of in that timeframe? I would say quality and safety. If you look at what people want from health care, the first thing they want is not to be hurt. There is a rule of medicine — first do no harm. They want no harm done. The second thing is they want to get well. The third thing is they want people to treat them nice. So with no harm, you want a safe place. Hospitals have patient falls all the time. … We’ve really focused on falls and we went for 13 straight months with no fall with a serious injury. That’s almost unheard of today in hospitals, but we had people who said, we’re going to make people really, really safe. Our joint replacement program has an infection rate that’s only one-fourth of the national average, because we focus on safety and we focus on quality. Then the next thing I think is this whole patient experience. It’s one thing to have quality that the docs and the regulating bodies can see, but it’s another thing to have quality that the patients can see. And I think we’re getting to that next level of what our patients can see. Q: Another measurement of how well that patient experience is improving would be an increase in the number of people who choose Valley. I’ve heard those numbers are up? A: We've doubled. In March 2009, we were half of what we are now. We are twice the average number of patients treated per day. And we do many hundreds — maybe even thousands — more surgeries a year than we did before. And they are great docs. One of the terrific things about Valley is the medical staff. … A lot of places a hospital administrator goes, docs and administrators sort of bang heads all the time, and it’s just not that way here. They are really great to work with. Q: Anything else you like to highlight that you think Valley has going for it? A: I would say our size, which is funny because people think a big medical center is a place to go because they have everything. Well, fortunately because we are part of Community Health Systems, we have access to capital. Our technology is terrific. I mean our radiology stuff, our CT scanners, our MRIs are state-of-the-art stuff. The other thing I would say is we used to be thought of as kind of minor league as far as the level of patients we treat, and now our intensive care center is full all the time. We take care of very sick patients. We do a lot

Dennis Barts Family Wife, Becky; grown son, Jon

Current job CEO of Valley Hospital since March 2009

First job out of college PE teacher

Recent service Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Rockwood Clinic Board of Directors, Walla Walla University Board of Trustees

Outlets Cycling, kayaking and skiing

of cancer cases; we’re a specialty hospital in total joint replacement. I think we probably do the best job of joint replacement in the city — and we’re the smallest hospital in the city. Q: And you don’t have to pay for parking here! A: It’s like being a Porsche. If you want to drive a Hummer, you drive a Hummer. But if you want to be nimble and quick, you drive a Porsche. I don’t know if we’re the Porsche of health care here in town, but certainly we’re able to move nimbly and quickly and get things done. In fact, when I first came here I told my staff, “Whatever we used to do in a year, we’re going to do in a quarter, whatever we did in a quarter, we’re going to do in a month, a month in a week, and a week in a day.” Q: How did they respond to that kind of a challenge? A: You know, they really do well. We have such good employees interested in good care, I think they’ve just taken on the challenge. Changing cultures is always difficult, and you don’t get things done as quickly as you want. But when you start off with this understanding of quality first and safety first — and the docs see it, the nurses see it, the techs see it — then you are OK moving forward in some of these other things because you know we’re not putting the dollar first, we’re putting the patient first. We think if we put the patient first and manage our resources well, have good quality and safety, then the growth and the dollars will take care of themselves. Q: So those are some strides. What are the areas you want to shore up or grow in? A: One area I would say we would want to grow and get better at is cancer surgery. … (Soon there will be) three cancer centers within a 4-iron shot; we need to be good at cancer surgery. And I really want to improve the patient experience. … Every patient every time gets the right thing. So consistency has to get better, but we work, work, work on that all

the time. My admin team and managers all get it. There's not one of them that doesn't come to work every day and say, “We know what we have to do. We have to be good at quality, good at safety and better at the patient experience.” Q: So what’s on the horizon that is a real opportunity for Valley Hospital? A: I think obviously to continue to grow orthopedics. We’re the only certified total joint replacement center in all of eastern Washington, western Montana, northern Idaho and northeast Oregon. So continue to grow that and help everyone in the Inland Northwest to know that Valley is the place to go for total joint surgeries. That’s an opportunity for us to continue to grow. We have our OB program here that is very strong but needs to grow more. Those are some of the big opportunities. Q: How about threats to Valley Hospital’s continued success? A: Health care is very competitive. Providence is an extremely well-run health system with good people and a lot of money. And we’re competing with them. We compete with Kootenai. They are a good hospital with good people and are well-funded. And we’re kind of right in the middle of it. We’re competing for market share, and our goal is to grow market share all the time. The other big threat is reimbursement, particularly since at most hospitals at least half of our reimbursement comes from the government — and we know what the financial picture is for the federal government and state government. With all the indebtedness there is, what is it going to look like in the future? Americans are used to getting the best health care, but can you give that level of health care to everybody, and not fund it appropriately in either Olympia or Washington, D.C.? So that’s one of the biggest threats of all — needing to do more and more for our patients with less and less. Q: There are a lot of people who have an interest in health care reform but get dizzy just thinking about trying to figure it all out. Are there facets of this reform in particular that you think people need to perk up and understand? A: I think people need to understand about access. The most important thing is access. Let’s just take a relatively simple but potentially fatal disease like pneumonia. Once you realize what it is, unless it’s gone too far, almost everybody gets well. Suppose you’re me and you have a family doc or access to an urgent care center, and I call my doc and say, “Hey, Dr. Eckhardt, man I’ve been coughing and having these symptoms.” He’ll say, “Come on in and see me.” So I’ll go in and see him, and he’ll listen to my chest and maybe do some bloodwork and go, “Well, you have bacterial pneumonia, here’s a prescription, go down to Walgreens.” Three days later I’m feeling good,

The Current

and a week later it’s all gone and life goes on. So same situation, I don’t have a doc. So I wait and don’t have insurance and am worried about paying the bill. So I wait until I have to go to the hospital to the ER. And they do the same tests and say, “Well, you’ve got pneumonia.” But you’ve waited like four days longer and now you’re really sick. And we have to put you upstairs in a bed, and we’ve got to put you on an IV and antibiotics to get you well, and we’ve got to give you oxygen treatments every five hours. So we keep you in the hospital for three days, and when you go home, instead of this being a $60 office visit and $25 for omoxycillin, instead you’re at $3,000. So that’s the problem — access. If everyone has access to primary care from a society standpoint, isn’t better for you to be able to go to the doc, get your antibiotic, maybe be home sick one day from work rather than being out for a week, and you miss a week of income, and a company misses a week of your productivity — those are all bad societal tradeoffs so access is critical. How do we get more and better primary care access? … You want to reserve hospitals for stuff you can’t take care of out there. You can’t replace a hip in a doctor’s office. You’re not going to treat a heart attack in a doctor’s office. You’re probably not going to deliver a baby in the doctor’s office. … One of the things the state and federal government haven’t done well in this allocation of money is to say, “Let’s really focus on primary care.” … We can’t continue to spend — whatever number it is — 18 percent of the gross domestic product on health care. I know there is a lot of debate about the health care bill, but one of the really good things about the health care bill is it means that a whole bunch of people who didn’t have insurance before now in 2014 will have insurance. When you have as many people who come through our ER with no insurance as we do — and the law and our ethical obligation say we have to treat them — but it's almost 18 percent of our net revenue is uncompensated care. When you think of it, that’s like one dollar of every six. Q: I know this is a nationwide problem, but how does one dollar in every six compare nationally? A: There are some very rural areas that may have a higher percentage and some suburban hospitals that maybe have a lower percentage, but just across the board, we’re kind of average or thereabouts across the country in terms of uncompensated care. Q: So it’s not like people can say, “Ah, this is Spokane Valley. The real problem is elsewhere.” A: You know, our unemployment rate is a point above the national average. A lot of people don’t have jobs, and a lot of health insurance is job related.

See HOSPITAL, page 38

The Current

September 2012 • 11

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12 • September 2012

A stroll through the past

community

The Current

Millwood Historical District stands apart as Valley gem Story and photos by Craig Howard Current Contributor

The downtown brick facades, the venerable homes layered with character, even the flourishing tree-lined avenues — all this and more could well be missing from the city of Millwood if a man named W.A. Brazeau had not stumbled across a newspaper article back in 1909. The Wisconsin businessman was on his way to Seattle to attend the Alaska-YukonPacific Exposition when his train made a scheduled stop in Spokane. Brazeau happened to notice a story in the daily paper about an ambitious paper mill project slated for an area just east of the city. The price tag on the venture was said to be in the neighborhood of $1 million. Intrigued, Brazeau left the train and toured the area himself. When the original deal for the mill failed to materialize, he returned to Wisconsin and presented the idea to fellow representatives of the Nekoosa-Edwards Paper Co. By 1910, construction had begun. In addition to a considerable investment from Nekoosa-Edwards, capital emerged locally through the Inland Empire Paper Co., and by Sept. 1, 1911, the mill was producing paper a short jaunt from the Spokane River. Before long, commercial structures like a restaurant, lumber yard, general store and barber shop had cropped up around the town’s industrial center. Bobbie Beese can tell you the entire history of this area, going back to a time well before Brazeau when the Upper Spokane tribe gathered to set up winter camp and fish for salmon. Beese has lived in Millwood for nearly 40 years and, in the mid1990s, began work on an application for a section of the community to be included on the National Historic Registry. Eventually, the quadrant would earn placement on both the state and national nostalgic honor roll. “If you walk through the district, you’ll notice some really interesting buildings,” Beese said. “A lot of it is just educating people about what we have here.” That inventory includes the downtown corridor just across the street from the Inland Empire Paper Mill, still going strong after a century. Beese is the co-owner of

Over two dozen homes are included in the Millwood Historical District, including this Tudor-influenced, Norman revival residence known as the Rosebush House. one of those buildings, now known as The Corner Door, an eclectic retail site that also serves an appetizing menu in the style of old malt shops. After purchasing the building in 1992, Beese learned more of its history from residents who would stop by and chat. When she began compiling the nomination for the historical registry a few years later, Beese drew upon the recollections of locals once again. “I realized there was all this history, and no one was writing it down,” she said. “Researching it was fun. You start to notice things you hadn’t before.” On the same block as The Corner Door, businesses hawk everything from golf equipment to mountain bikes to championship plaques. At Custom Strings, a wellmaintained space just a few doors down from Beese, Jay Prior sells and repairs violins, cellos and other instruments. He says that while most shoppers may not be

aware that the shop is part of an historical district, the location has been a plus for business. “I like the fact that people walk up and down the sidewalk,” Prior said. “I could have paid a lot more money for a polished look in a mini-mall, but I like the atmosphere here.” Like many of the proprietors along the corridor, Prior has made improvements to his site while maintaining the integrity of the original structure. A new wood floor placed over checkerboard tile adds to the effect of a condensed concert hall. “The acoustics are great in here,” Prior said. An extensive overhaul of Argonne Road in the summer of 2009 brought improved conditions for pedestrians while returning some of the main street friendliness to the bustling north/south thoroughfare. City Hall, meanwhile, has made sure to insti-

tute policies that curb against garish signage and other commercial clutter. “We like to talk about ‘the Millwood brand,’” Beese said. “We’re a small town that emphasizes things like community, parks, history and sidewalks. If you drive down Trent, it starts looking a little different.” That look includes the distinctive terrain of the district’s residential section, represented by over two dozen homes. Diverse architectural genres are featured throughout the neighborhood, including American Colonial style, Italian villas, English and French cottages and Spanish stucco. In 2007, Beese helped organize a walking tour through the district with help from Spokane Community College. A decade earlier, a book was published that provided a map and description of each

See MILLWOOD, page 13

The Current

September 2012 • 13

community

‘Scene’ around Millwood …

ay Prior, proprietor of Custom Strings on Argonne, says his store in the historical district has become “a destination.” The downtown corridor sits just to the west of the Inland Empire Paper mill, the city’s industrial center since 1911.

uxurious landscaping is a trademark of many homes in the historical district. In 2007, the Millwood Historical Society and Spokane Community College sponsored a walking tour through the neighborhood.

he Corner Door at 3301 N. Argonne is one of many commercial buildings in the Millwood Historical District constructed of terra cotta tile and a brick exterior.

illwood Mayor Dan Mork joined a group of residents this April in the planting of a pin oak in the historical district.

uilt in 1910, the Salmons House at 8903 E. Liberty was described by one local newspaper in 1921 as “entirely modern.”

MILLWOOD Continued from page 12

venue within the district, including an Italian-style home built in 1925 that once belonged to a transplant from Wisconsin named W.A. Brazeau. The neighborhood includes highlights like the Williams House on North Dale with its steeply pitched roof and mix of Tu-

variety of architectural styles are represented throughout the historical district, including Spanish, French, English and American Colonial.

n extensive resurfacing project on Argonne Road in 2009 brought upgrades to the pedestrian route along the town’s main thoroughfare.

dor and Colonial traditions and the Banta House on the same street, one of many bungalows built from an array of home pattern books provided by the paper mill. Even in the early days of the area, many of the residences were seen as a breed apart. The Salmons House, built in 1910, was described by one local newspaper in 1921 as “entirely modern.” “People once bought homes because they were a good deal,” Beese said. “Now

they buy them because they’re historic.” In 1928, Millwood — previously part of the Opportunity Township — became the first incorporated city in the greater Spokane Valley after a landslide vote. Around the same time, the paper mill funded the planting of maple trees that, over the years, became a trademark of the community. A symbol of the tree next to a meandering waterway is incorporated into Millwood’s official logo.

Millwood Mayor Dan Mork was on hand to plant a pin oak in the historical district during the city’s annual Arbor Day observance this spring. Mork, whose father grew up in a home within the district, says the patchwork of abundant greenery and uncommon architecture “is what gives the city its identity.” “I fly into some cities, and it looks like a Monopoly board,” Mork said. “Not here. It’s just an interesting, special area.”

The Current

14 • September 2012

community

Calendar of Events COMMUNITY Sept. 1 | Chef's Demonstration 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Liberty Lake Farmers Market, 1421 N. Meadowwood Lane

Sept. 5 | First day of school Central Valley,

East Valley and West Valley school districts (Freeman began Aug. 28)

Sept. 5 | Email Basics 2p.m., Spokane Valley

Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Learn how to send and receive messages, attach and download files, delete emails, deal with spam and more. Stay after class to create your own account. For more: 893-8400

Sept. 5 | TWINE club 4 p.m., Spokane Valley

Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Sponsored by the Spokane County Library District, TWINE (Teen Writers of the Inland Empire) is a club for Spokane County students grades 6 through 12. Club members write fiction and poetry and share work in an encouraging and positive environment. For more: teenwritersoftheinlandempire.blogspot. com/

Sept. 7-16 | Spokane County 2012 Interstate Fair Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St. For more: www.interstatefair. org

Sept. 7-16 | Annual Best Foot Forward Career Clothing Drive Liberty Lake Safeway,

1233 N Liberty Lake Road. Dress clothes and accessories are being collected to benefit men and women who may need a professional wardrobe for a job search, position or special occasion. The program is housed at Spokane Valley Partners, 10814 E. Broadway, and donations needing a tax receipt can be taken to this address between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Volunteers are also needed to sort clothes. For more: 255-6758

Sept. 8 | Spokane Novelists Group Noon,

Otis Orchards Library, 22324 E. Wellesley Ave. Strong critiquing of fiction only, novels and short

along the Ice Age floods national geologic trail.” For more: 893-8400

Sept. 8 | All Original Vintage Car Show

chards Library, 22324 E Wellesley Ave. Kids build and race their own creation. For more: 893-8390

10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mirabeau Point Park, Spokane Valley. The HASSIE Car Club features beautiful, original and restored vintage vehicles from 1900 to 1975 plus on-site food vendor and public raffle. No entries on show day.

Sept. 9 | Grandparents’ Day Celebration

1-4 p.m., CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place, Spokane Valley. For all ages, celebrate the special grandparents and grandfriends in our lives. Enjoy food catered by Silver Café, entertainment by Eric Herman, a silent auction, and Grandparent of the Year contest. Cost: $15 per person, free for children ages 10 and younger. For more: sarahr@ valleymow.net or 924-6976

Sept. 9 | Bailey's Brigade Car Show

8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Allsport Polaris and Honda, 19505 E. Broadway, Liberty Lake. Benefits the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. Registration ($15 to enter vehicle) is 8 to 10 a.m., and awards will be announced at 1:15 p.m. Event features music, food, raffle prizes and a wheel of fun and fortune. For more: www.baileysbrigade.com

Sept. 10 | Day of Service project 6 p.m.,

Central Valley High School, 821 S. Sullivan Road, Spokane Valley. All are invited to help spread 30 yards of bark in this service project organized by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. For more: Dean Lybert, 924-3153

Sept. 11 | Third annual Senior Empowerment Expo 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.,

Spokane Valley Senior Center, 2426 N. Discovery Place. Local representatives will share information regarding help with transportation, housing, legal assistance, health, Medicare and home services. Reserve a lunch by calling 926-1937 by Sept. 4. $4.50 for younger than 60; $3.50 suggested donation 60 and older. For more: 720-5403

Sept. 11 | Day at the Races 4 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Kids build and race their own creation. For more: 893-8400 Sept. 13 | Washington’s Channeled Scablands 6:30 p.m., Spokane Valley Library,

with coupon. exp. 9/30/12

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Breakfast, lunch, espresso, beer & wine

stories. Bring 5-10 pages to read to the group and 6-8 copies. For more: 891-1695 or steveandliz41@ comcast.net.

Grab your girlfriends and come paint with us !

Friday, September 14 6:30-9:30 p.m. $40/person Pre-registration is appreciated: 474-9146

thursday, Sept. 13 6-9 p.m. chelsey, country folk 23505 E. Appleway • Liberty Lake • 474.9146

12004 E. Main Ave. Local writer and historian John Soennichsen to share talk and slide show based on his new book, “Washington’s Channeled Scablands Guide: Explore and recreate

Now taking appointments for Fall Family Portrait sessions Portrait Packages starting at just $90 Christmas & Holiday Cards are available Also available for Senior Portraits, Engagement Sessions, Weddings and more

832-260-8474 jenice.baker@gmail.com facebook.com/ JeniceBakerPhotography

Sept. 13 | Day at the Races 4 p.m., Otis Or-

Sept. 15 | Day of Service project 8 a.m., stretch between Pines and University along what used to be Appleway, Spokane Valley. All are invited to help clear brush, cut trees, move concrete and pick up litter in preparation for plans to make this a walking area. 400-500 people are sought to participate in this service project organized by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. For more: Bill Criddle, 951-7742 Sept. 15 | Day of Service project 8:30 a.m.,

Liberty Lake Regional Park, 3707 S. Zephyr Road. All are invited to help paint, clean and trim in this service project organized by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. For more: Dave Crump, 720-6274

Sept. 15 | Day of Service project 9:30 a.m. All are invited to help clean roadside debris in several East Valley neighborhoods in a service project organized by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Meet at the LDS church at 21022 E. Wellesley. For more: Stacy Noack, 927-0651

Sept. 22-Oct. 28 | Greenbluff Apple Festival The popular festival is held over several

weekends and offers apples and other produce as well as live music, craft booths, corn and straw mazes and food. For more: www.greenbluffgrowers.com

Sept. 24 | Dividing Perennials 7 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Learn how to rejuvenate your perennials and make your garden beautiful. For more: 893-8400 Sept. 28-29 | Small Farms Conference

Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St. For more: 535-7274

Sept. 28-30 | Just Between Friends consignment sale Spokane County Fair and Expo

Center, 404 N. Havana St. For more: www.jbfsale. com/spokane

Sept. 29 | Home Depot annual Safety Day

10 a.m., 5617 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley. Free event featuring representatives from fire department, law enforcement, Neighborhood Watch, Operation Family ID and others. Bicycle rodeo and special clinic for children ages 5-12 and games throughout the store. For more: lorance813@gmail.com or 534-8588

Sept. 29 | Family Fun Day and Cow Pie Bingo 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Good Samaritan Society,

Sept. 19 | Day at the Races 4 p.m., Argonne Library, 4322 N Argonne Road. Kids build and race their own creation. For more: 893-8260

17121 E. 8th Ave., Spokane Valley. Games, bouncy house, craft included for $15 wristband. For more: 924-6161

Sept. 20 | Spokane Valley Library Anime Club 4 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E.

Sept. 29 | Inland NW Baby third annual Peek a Boo Tea 1 to 3 p.m., Appleway Event

Main Ave. Watch anime, hang out with friends, eat snacks and play games for grades 6-12. For more: www.scld.org/anime.asp

Sept. 20 | Centennial Celebration 5 to 7:30 p.m., Spokane Valley Heritage Museum, 12114 E. Sprague Ave. Event celebrates 100 year anniversary of the building of Opportunity Township Hall. For more: 922-4570 Sept 21-23 | Southeast Spokane County Fair Rockford City Park. Free entrance to the

fair and exhibit buildings. This year’s theme is “Poultry in Motion.” For more: www.sespokanecountyfair.org

Sept 21-23 | Valleyfest Mirabeau Point Park and CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place, though Sept. 21 Hearts of Gold Parade is on Sprague Avenue beginning near University and heading east. Events include 5k/10K run, Babyfest, Balloons over Valleyfest, car show, Fishing at the Falls, kids activities, Taste of the Valley, pancake breakfast, PG Comedy Cup Open, Step UP for Down Syndrome Walk, Valley Value Days and more. For more: www.valleyfest.org Sept 22 | Friends of Argonne Library Book Sale 10 a.m., Argonne Library, 4322 N Argonne

Road. For more: 893-8260

Sept. 22 | Fall Kids Fest 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Spokane Valley Mall Food Court, 14700 E. Indiana Ave. Free, family-friendly activities for ages 2 to 12, including make-and-take crafts, face painting, music, prizes and more. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For more: www.spokanevalleymall.com Sept 22-23 | Spokane Gun Show Spokane

Country Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St. For more: 208-746-5555

Center, 10512 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley. Sponsorship opportunities available; individual tickets $25. Treats, games and silent auction. For more: www.inlandnwbaby.org

Sept. 29 | Mt Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park's 2012 Annual Dinner and Auction

5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Arbor Crest Wine Cellars. Wine, silent auction, music and buffet dinner. $75 per person. For more: 238-2220

Recurring Liberty Lake Farmers Market 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, 1421 N. Meadowwood Lane. Continues through Oct. 13. For more: www. llfarmersmarket.com

Millwood Farmers Market 3 to 7 p.m.

Wednesdays, 3223 N. Marguerite Road. Continues through Sept. 26. For more: www.millwoodmarket.org

Rockford Farmers Market 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays, 200 S. 1st St. Continues through midSeptember.

MUSIC & THE ARTS Aug. 29-Sept. 3 | Pig Out in the Park 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, Riverfront Park, Spokane. More than 50 food vendors and 100 free concerts. For more: www.spokanepigout.com Sept. 1 | Spokane Symphony concert 6 p.m., Pavillion Park, 727 N. Molter Road, Liberty Lake. Free performance is part of the Friends of Pavillion Park Summer Festival Series. Sept. 10 | Wylie and the Wild West Show concert 7 p.m., Spokane County Fair and Expo

See CALENDAR, page 37

The Current

September 2012 • 15

community

Nonprofit Spotlight

Spokane Valley Arts Council Who they are The Spokane Valley Arts Council, together with local arts organizations, helps connect the local community with the wealth of art available in the Inland Northwest. Since its founding, the organization has also worked to raise funds for local art initiatives. The group comprises artists and art lovers from all over the Inland Northwest. While the bulk of membership comes from the Valley, members span from Spokane to Coeur d’Alene.

Founding The group was established in 2007 with President Jim Harken at the helm. The group of community members banded together to fill a void in the city, which had no other such group, Board Member Fritz Bachmeyr said.

What they do

Bachmeyr explained the group’s efforts as twofold: Artists benefit through sales at the annual auction, commissions and exposure. Communities benefit through enrichment and access to public art.

How you can help Anyone interested in joining the group can email the board at spokanevalleyarts@

The most recent public art installation funded by the Spokane Valley Arts Council, “Berry Picker” by Nancy McLaughlin, can be found near CenterPlace at Mirabeau Point Park.

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Dr. Mark Fosberg, Dr. Karen Yamamoto, Dr. Meagan Bright, Dr. Emily Wynne

SVAC Art Auction A fundraiser to benefit local arts initiatives When: 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 29

Open 7 days a week:

Where: CenterPlace at Mirabeau Point Park

Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Tickets: $35 What: Live and silent auction, wine and food, music by the Charles Swanson 4kestra, quick-finish artist demonstrations and artists’ awards For more: www.spokanevalleyarts.com yahoo.com. Bachmeyr said the board is always looking for artists, input and available volunteers. In addition, individuals and businesses can boost the organization by becoming a member. Individual memberships start at $25, and business memberships start at $95.

To learn more Visit www.spokanevalleyarts.com. Do you know of an organization in the greater Spokane Valley area that should be featured as a Nonprofit Spotlight? Tell us at editor@valleycurrent.com.

Saturday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday Noon - 5 p.m. Legacy Animal Medical Center

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The Arts Council fundraises to provide art installations in Spokane Valley and the surrounding communities. Two previous bronze statues have been installed near CenterPlace at Mirabeau Point Park in Spokane Valley, and a third is under commission with a yet-to-be-determined installation site. Bachmeyr said the statue in progress is a 16-foot, $90,000 piece by local artist Jerry McKellar. When finished, he said the Council might consider communities outside of Spokane Valley for a permanent installation. “We’ll probably talk with a handful of area communities and see who shows the most enthusiasm for this particular piece of artwork,” Bachmeyr said. The capstone of the group’s fundraising efforts is the annual art auction, held since the organization’s inception. The annual auction features local artists, who get a split of the auction earnings. In additions, patrons enjoy an evening of wine, food, music and art. Looking to the future, the group will be dedicating funds to a future visual arts museum for Spokane Valley. The new museum would house collections of art that have been entrusted to the SVAC by local artists, as well as touring shows of classic to contemporary paintings.

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The Current

16 • September 2012

Submitted photo

Working with horses helps student in many other areas of life By Craig Howard Current Contributor

Tyler Ribail doesn’t live on a farm, but he will be bringing a horse to the Spokane County Interstate Fair this year. A short distance from Tyler’s home, his two horses — “Apache” and “Tora” — roam in a grassy meadow and eat meals of alfalfa and hay. They live in a neighborhood called Greenacres known for its fields, barns and, of course, horses. Apache and Tyler will participate at the fair in September in a competition called “Western

Gaming” that involves racing around a course and jumping obstacles like barrels. “This year, I think we have a good chance at winning or at least placing,” Tyler said. Tyler has been competing at the fair since he was in the sixth grade. His first year, he placed first in four events and second in another, winning his age group. He has also been part of a program called 4-H which he said is “a good place to start.” “4-H teaches you a lot of basic horse skills,” he said. “You don’t have to be an expert to be part of it.” There are 4-H programs in communities throughout Spokane County. Tyler is in a group that includes the Spokane Valley area. Each year, the local 4-H chapter sponsors three competitions at the county fairgrounds. The winners qualify for the

Western Washington State Fair in Puyallup. When he was in the eighth grade, Tyler and his horse made the trip to Puyallup, where they placed seventh. This year, Tyler is going back to help teach about horses. Tyler will be a junior at Central Valley High School this fall. He said his peers now understand “all the work that’s involved with horses.” After high school, Tyler plans to attend college. There are more than two dozen schools in the nation with equestrian teams — or competitive horse programs — that participate on a level similar to basketball or soccer. Kansas State University traditionally has one of the best teams. Tyler represents Central Valley High School on the fair’s Junior Advisory Board, a group that includes fellow high school students from the across the Spokane area. The board works on ideas to improve the fair and this year sponsored an event in July that gave local kids a chance to create arts and crafts to display during the fair. Tyler and other board representatives also help clean up community parks and collect items to donate to the Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service shelter. Tyler said that taking care of his horses has helped him in many areas of his life. He currently maintains a 3.85 grade point average and participates in programs like DECA and Future Business Leaders of America. “Having horses has taught me a good work ethic,” Tyler said. “I know it’s contributed to me being a better student.”

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Galloping to success

Tyler Ribail, a student at Central Valley High School, has been competing at the Spokane County Interstate Fair since he was in sixth grade. He will be there this year with his horse, “Apache.” Tyler is also part of the fair’s Junior Advisory Board.

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Brought to you by

Fun fair features for kids Compiled by Craig Howard Wave Contributor

Spokane County Interstate Fair The Spokane County Interstate Fair has a special site for its event known as the “county fairgrounds.” It includes a grandstand for the rodeo, concerts and monster trucks. There are many fun and interesting highlights for kids at this year’s fair, Sept. 7-16. Here are just a few: ★ A special carnival for kids starts on Saturday, Sept. 8, at noon on the South Lawn of the fairgrounds and runs throughout the fair. ★ Learn what it’s like to live on a farm when you visit “AG Experience.” This display runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day. ★ Pigs will be racing on the North Lawn throughout the fair. ★ See if can you find “Penelope the Clown” on the fairgrounds. ★ On Saturday, Sept. 15, the 4-H program will feature classes

about horses at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. in the Horse Arena.

Valleyfest Valleyfest is Spokane Valley’s community celebration. It started in 1990 at Terrace View Park and now takes place in Mirabeau Point Park. Here are some of the activities for kids at this year’s Valleyfest, Sept. 21-23: ★ Fishing at the Falls starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 22. Catch a fish at Mirabeau Springs! ★ Mutual of Omaha will be at Mirabeau Point Park on Saturday with rare animals like lemurs and raptors. ★ On Saturday, Sept. 22, the band “Jenks,” known for fun, creative kids’ songs, will play in the park. Mobius Science Center and Kids Museum will present a program on the same stage. ★ A 50-yard kids’ dash will take place on Sunday at 8:30 a.m. before the 5K/10K run. ★ A jumping castle, Art Fun and antique cars will be featured at the park on Saturday, Sept. 22. ★ Learn about taking care of your dog on Sunday between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring your dog to the park for this fun learning opportunity.

See FAIR, page 17

The Current

Like it … or not!

If you went to school in these countries, there may be some things about it you would like — but probably not everything By Josh Johnson Wave Staff Writer

Are you excited to be back in school? Whether the answer is “yes” or “no,” you are not alone. All over the world, kids like you go to schools, sit in desks and listen to teachers. But not everything about school in other countries is the same as it is here in Spokane Valley. Here are some things you might like — or might not like — if you were attending class somewhere else in the world.

Australia

You might like: G’day mate! In Australia, summer vacation happens from mid-December to late January. That means while many of us celebrate holidays like Christmas or New Year’s with our families and then go right back to school, kids in Australia get almost another month off.

Wave challenge: Show some respect! respect [ri-spekt]: Recognizing, considering and properly honoring the worth of one’s self and others.

In September, schools, businesses and families in Spokane Valley neighborhoods are focusing on respect. It is the PACE character trait of the month. PACE is a program that reminds kids and adults of ways we should treat one another. When we all treat one another well — the way we would like to be treated — our homes

FAIR Continued from page 16

Southeast Spokane County Fair The Southeast Spokane County Fair has been around since 1945. That means the event celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2005. This fair is known for being convenient. Everything is within walking distance. You

September 2012 • 17

community You might not like: Students in Australia attend school for 200 days a year. Here in the state of Washington, kids only go to school for 180 days.

boys and girls attend separate classes. You might not like: Until college, boys and girls attend separate classes. At least eventually, you might not like this.

Brazil

Russia

You might like: Hooray! Many schools here get out by noon. The whole afternoon is ahead of you! You might not like: Some school sessions start as early as 7 a.m. Wake up, sleepyhead!

China

You might like: Many schools in China have a two-hour lunch break. You might not like: Kids often don’t get out of school until 4 or 5 p.m., and taking summer classes is pretty common.

Costa Rica

You might like: Costa Rica was one of the first nations in Central and South America to offer free public education. This has resulted in one of the higher literacy rates (the number of people who can read and write) in the region. You might not like: Most of the time, students are required to wear uniforms.

France

You might like: There is no school on Wednesdays. Crazy, huh? You might not like: All of the lessons are in French. How hard would it be to learn long division if the teacher was speaking French?

Iran

You might like: Until college,

and our community become an even better place to live. Listed to the right is the definition of this month’s character trait, “respect,” as well as three ideas for how you can practice it in your own life. Here at The Wave, we try to “show some respect,” and we hope you will focus on this trait in September as well. 1. Now that you are back in school, remember who is in your charge of your classroom. (Hint: It’s not you.) As you get to know your new teacher, focus on showing him or her respect by paying attention, following directions and not talking badly about teachers behind their back. can stop by and see animals like pigs and horses and a short distance away, you will find a carnival. Here are a few fun things for kids scheduled at this year’s fair, Sept. 21-23 in Rockford:

★ A kids’ parade will take place at 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 22, followed by the grand parade at 10:30. ★ There will be kids’ games and races af-

You might like: The kids you became friends with your first year in school are probably going to be in your same class again — for the next 10 years. Most Russian schools keep the same classes of students together as they advance through each grade. You might not like: Kids in Russia are encouraged to dress warmly when they come to school — some even wear fur coats! This is because most of the country is icy cold during the long winters.

Spain

You might like: Most schools in Spain take an almost three-hour break at lunchtime! You might not like: Most of this break is for a siesta, a tradition in Spain and many other countries where people take an early afternoon nap. The next time your parents say you need a nap, they might be right. Apparently, the entire country of Spain agrees with them! Sources: www.factmonster.com, www.wikipedia.com 2. Mind your manners when you are speaking to your parents, siblings or friends. Did you know that using words like “please” and “thank you” is a way to show respect? So is letting someone finish what they are saying without interrupting. These are more than just silly rules. Using your manners shows people that you value them. 3. Be reliable. If you have an appointment with a teacher or a friend, show up when you agreed to be there. If you skip out on something you said you would do, people will feel like you don’t respect them enough to honor what you said you would do. ter the parade at 11:30 a.m. just west of the Rockford Minimart. ★ The Harvest Hoops 3-on-3 basketball tournament is set for Saturday, Sept. 22, from noon to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 23, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. This is an event similar to Hoopfest. You must be 10 years or older to participate. ★ A fun school for horses, sponsored by the local 4-H club, will be held on Sunday, Sept. 23, starting at 9 a.m.

Going to the dentist can be fun and easy! We’ve got convenient hours to fit your family’s schedule. Evening, early morning, and Saturday appointments available.

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18 • September 2012

community

esidents of the greater Spokane Valley area could spend 13 days this month attending a fair or festival in our

communities — and two of the events overlap. That’s a lot of elephant ears. In the pages that follow, the Current did some advance scouting to help guide you through the Spokane County Interstate Fair, Valleyfest and the Southeast Spokane County Fair. Seeing as how this is also the month where school swings back into session, football gets under way and the sun continues its smile upon the Inland Northwest, boredom is not an option. Story package by Current Contributor Craig Howard

The Current

September 2012 • 19

community

Interstate Fair holds steady as area’s

signature festival

Jessie McLaughlin has called the Spokane County Interstate Fair home for nearly 20 years. While that doesn’t mean the graduate of West Valley High School sleeps in the rodeo grandstands and dines on elephant ears and pretzels every day, it does translate into almost two decades of facilitating an event that she says “promotes a sense of community.” “The fair has something for everyone,” said McLaughlin, who began working here in 1993 and now serves as fair coordinator. Last year, the event drew around 200,000 visitors over a 10-day span. Back in 2005 — the last time a report was compiled on the fair’s economic impact to the area — the total came in at $6 million. More recent estimates put that number at between $8 million to $10 million. Things didn’t look quite as chipper for the region’s most-anticipated occasion back in the mid-1940s. In 1945, the name of the event was changed from the Spokane County Fair to the Spokane Interstate Fair while the association that coordinated the agenda decided to put the festivities on hold until a permanent location could be found. Consensus was that Playfair, a site built in 1901 for horse racing, had become obsolete. Finally, in 1950, the Fair Association signed a 35-year lease with Spokane County for a 97-acre piece of property near the corner of Havana and Broadway in the eastern part of Spokane Valley. After a seven-year hiatus, the Spokane Interstate Fair returned with a flourish in 1952. Some 40,000 people flocked to the event’s new home between Aug. 29 and Sept. 1. The setting has changed considerably over the past 60 years, most recently with a renovation of the grandstands in 2003. The main venue for rodeo, headlining bands and monster trucks now has a capacity of around 5,000. The process of securing entertainment for each fair begins in December with a look at which musicians are currently on tour and how schedules might coordinate with other in-state fairs in places like Yakima and Puyallup. In the weeks leading up to this year’s fair — set for Sept. 7-16 — country music star Jake Owen and ‘80s hitmaker Huey Lewis and the News led in ticket sales. McLaughlin recalls well-known names

See INTERSTATE FAIR, page 38

IF YOU GO ... Spokane County Interstate Fair When: Sept. 7-16 Where: Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St., Spokane Valley For more: www.interstatefair.org

Highlight Reel Here are a few don’t-miss happenings at the Spokane County Interstate Fair, Sept. 7-16. For the full schedule of events and more information, visit www.interstatefair.org. 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday (Sept. 7-8): PRCA Rodeo 7 p.m. Tuesday (Sept. 11): Jake Owen concert

Submitted photos

Farm animals have always been a staple of the Spokane County Interstate Fair, from cows to horses to racing pigs. The most recent exit survey of fair attendees showed livestock as the third most popular feature at the event, trailing only entertainment and fair food. Meanwhile, the Demolition Derby (below) resembles a much less-organized rendition of NASCAR.

7 p.m. Wednesday (Sept. 12): Huey Lewis and the News concert 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday (Sept. 15): Monster Trucks 4 p.m. Sunday (Sept. 16): Demolition Derby Various times daily: Racing pigs, North Lawn 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily: AG Experience

Did you know? Fast and fun facts about the Spokane County Interstate Fair • The Washington and Idaho Fair Association sponsored the Inland Empire’s inaugural fair, Sept. 21-25, 1886, at Corbin Park. • In 1889, the name of the fair was changed to the Northwest Industrial Exposition. A new home for the event was built that year between Sprague Avenue and Riverside Avenue.

to 1933 — articles of incorporation were signed in 1941 with Spokane County to launch an event known as the Spokane Valley County Fair. • Last year’s prize-winning pumpkin weighed in at 462 pounds. Awards of $100, $75 and $50 were handed out to people with the closest estimates. • This year’s “Free Senior Day” has been moved to Monday, Sept. 10, for those 65 and older.

• From 1894 to 1898, the event was known as the Spokane Fruit Fair.

• In 1989, the fair set an all-time record for attendance at 397,805.

• After several turbulent years — including the cancellation of the fair from 1931

• The official 2012 Spokane County Interstate Fair theme: “Experience the Ride.”

The best in local produce is showcased each year at the county fair. The display includes an opportunity to estimate the weight of a prize-winning pumpkin. The featured gourd in 2011 checked in at 462 pounds, with the correct guesser receiving a cool $100.

20 • September 2012

community

Expanded Valleyfest stays true to

Community Roots In the early days of Valleyfest, politicians geared up for the general election by stepping into a dunk tank. The one-day agenda at Terrace View Park also included a regular appearance by the Spokane Symphony and a simple but festive parade through the adjoining streets on Saturday morning. Attendance for the civic gathering was generally in the neighborhood of 4,000. These days, Valleyfest is marketed as far away as Montana and into parts of Canada. Last year’s event drew an estimated 45,000 people for three days of festivities, beginning with the Hearts of Gold Parade down Sprague Avenue on Friday night. The term “regional festival” began to emerge after Valleyfest made a controversial move from Terrace View to Mirabeau Point Park in 2005. The larger venue, some said, would not lend itself to the community spirit that had been a trademark of the event since it launched in 1990. “I think we realized it could have more of an impact,” said Peggy Doering, who has served as Valleyfest director since 1996 and began as a volunteer 23 years ago. “It’s still very much a celebration of community.” Even since the move to Mirabeau, there have been plenty of changes to the schedule, including the addition of a night parade. Gone is Loggingfest, a unique competition involving timber sports that drew marginal crowds over its three-year run. Meanwhile, another Valleyfest sideshow, the Spokane Valley Arts Auction, experienced so much success that it moved to a separate date. Doering, named Citizen of the Year by the

See VALLEYFEST, page 29

IF YOU GO ... Valleyfest When: Sept. 21-23 Where: Mirabeau Point Park, 13500 E. Mirabeau Parkway, Spokane Valley For more: www.valleyfest.org

Highlight Reel Here are a few don’t-miss happenings at Valleyfest, Sept. 21-23. For the full schedule of events and more information, visit www.valleyfest.org. 7:30 p.m. Friday (Sept. 21): Hearts of Gold Parade, Sprague Avenue (begins near University Road and travels east) 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday (Sept. 22): Pancake breakfast, CenterPlace 10 a.m. Saturday (Sept. 22): Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk, Discovery Playground 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. (registration) and 3:30 p.m (awards) Saturday (Sept. 22): Valleyfest Car Show hosted by Lowco’s Car Club, CenterPlace lawn 6 p.m. Saturday (Sept. 22): Taste of the Valley, CenterPlace 8:30 a.m. Sunday (Sept. 23): 5K/10K run, Centennial Trail 10:30 a.m. Sunday (Sept. 23): Bike ride, Centennial Trail

Did you know?

played at the inaugural site of Valleyfest.

Fast and fun facts about Valleyfest

• The first rendition of Balloons Over Valleyfest in 2008 featured colorful dirigibles launching from a spacious lawn at the Spokane Industrial Park on Sullivan Road.

• Renewed in 2005, the Hearts of Gold Parade dates back to the 1950s and pays homage to a locally grown cantaloupe. • When Valleyfest moved from Terrace View Park to Mirabeau Point Park in 2005, representatives of the Spokane Valley City Council and Greater Spokane Valley Chamber Commerce presided over the dedication of the CenterPlace Regional Events Center. • The baseball diamond at Terrace View Park was transformed into a makeshift orchestra platform when the Spokane Symphony

“Balloons Over Valleyfest” has been a popular feature at Spokane Valley’s annual community celebration since 2008. In addition to morning departures Sept. 22-23, hot air balloons will be part of a “night glow” near the CenterPlace Regional Events Center on Saturday night (Sept. 22).

• While parking may be limited around Valleyfest grounds, an STA shuttle bus will run all day on Saturday, Sept. 22, with regular departures from the Spokane Valley Mall. • The official Valleyfest guide, a tabloid-sized newspaper, is already being distributed around the Valley and will be available during the event as well. A whopping 50,000 copies are printed.

Submitted photos

The always-festive Hearts of Gold Parade will kick off Valleyfest weekend on Friday evening, Sept. 21, down Sprague Avenue, while another procession — this one featuring runners and walkers in a 5K/10K event — will take place on the Centennial Trail the following Sunday morning. Below, vintage cars decorate the lawn at Mirabeau Point Park.

The Current

September 2012 • 21

community

Southeast County Fair sets standard for

rural celebrations

Every September, Jack and Vicki Bergstrom celebrate their wedding anniversary by strolling across the grounds of the Southeast Spokane County Fair. Longtime volunteers on behalf of Rockford’s signature event, the Bergstroms will commemorate 52 years of marriage this fall. The fair itself goes back a little farther — the first festival was held in October 1945, not long after the official end of World War II. Vicki, who is serving on the parade committee this year, said the annual gathering has a unique niche in the pantheon of seasonal celebrations. “It’s a fun time for everyone,” she said. “There are a lot of people who like our fair.” The three-day event, scheduled for Sept. 21-23, typically draws close to 3,000 attendees each year, with healthy representation from the surrounding Southeast Spokane County communities as well as nearby Idaho cities like Worley and Plummer. Rockford Mayor Micki Harnois, who is also president of the fair this year, says one of the strengths of the event is its setting. “Everything is all in one area,” Harnois said. “You could be having a burger at the food booth and hear music from the stage. It’s like Rockford — we’re not that big of a town; you don’t have to walk too far.” One aspect of the fair that does involve at least a few steps is the traditional parade down First Street on Saturday morning. The procession usually features around 50 entries, including representatives from the local VFW chapter, fire trucks from Valleyford and Worley and the resonant notes from the Freeman High School Marching Band. A 5K fun run takes place before the parade on Saturday, with this year marking

See SOUTHEAST, page 29

Did you know? Fast and fun facts about the Southeast Spokane County Fair • Colorful circus tents housed the Southeast Spokane County Fair after the event moved from Waverly to Rockford in October 1946. • When fair funding became a concern in the late 1940s, several fundraisers, includ-

IF YOU GO ... Southeast Spokane County Fair When: Sept. 21-23 Where: Rockford City Park, South 1st Street, Rockford For more: www.sespokanecountyfair.org

Highlight Reel Here are a few don’t-miss happenings at the Southeast Spokane County Fair, Sept. 21-23. For the full schedule of events and more information, visit www. sespokanecountyfair.org. Noon Friday (Sept. 21): Flag-raising ceremony, VFW Post 7815 7 to 10 a.m. Saturday (Sept. 22): Lions Club/Firefighters Pancake Breakfast, Rockford Fire Station Saturday and Sunday (Sept. 22-23): Harvest Hoops 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, outdoor courts 10:30 a.m. Saturday (Sept. 22): Grand Parade down First Street, Rockford

Submitted photos

One of the highlights of the Southeast Spokane County Fair includes a festive parade through downtown Rockford on Saturday morning, Sept. 22. Colorful floats from surrounding communities such as Fairfield as well as cities like Coeur d’Alene will once again take center stage during the procession, scheduled for 10:30 down First Street. Below, rural themes have been perpetual during the most popular weekend in Rockford, with tractors and other farm implements outshining the latest SUVs on a new car lot.

2:30 p.m. Saturday (Sept. 22): Outdoor Four barbershop quartet, main stage Afternoons Saturday and Sunday (Sept. 22-23): Lions Club bingo 9 a.m. Sunday (Sept. 23): Horse show, ballpark south of town 10 a.m. Sunday (Sept. 23): Community worship service ing a community program and a dance, were added to the fair agenda. • The local chapter of the Lions Club coordinated construction of the first permanent fair buildings in Rockford beginning with a row of cattle sheds in 1947. • In an ode to chickens, turkeys and other domesticated birds, the theme of this year’s fair is “Poultry in Motion.”

• When the Spokane County Interstate Fairgrounds underwent refurbishing in 1993, the fair to the southeast inherited several buildings for the cost of moving the structures. One relocated venue became the fair’s main office. • The royalty for this year’s fair includes Queen Kailyn Gady and Princesses Morgan DeRuyter and Brooke Williams.

The Current

22 • September 2012

community

Apples once populated East Farms and the “Double O” By Jayne Singleton Spokane Valley Heritage Museum

Otis Orchards originally was a railroad stop called Otis. The story is that the person who manned the stop was named Otis. Other stories indicate Otis was an early settler. Still another story recounts that Otis was an early Northern Pacific engineer. The area began to be called Otis Orchards around 1908 after a small post office was established. The area was being promoted as a fine fruit-growing center, and in 1912 the post office name was officially changed to Otis Orchards. East Farms is the area east of Otis to the state line. It was basically an irrigation district that formally established in 1924. Its agricultural and community history is similar to Otis Orchards. With the completion of the Northern Pacific Railroad through the Spokane Valley in 1883, land speculators could sell tracts to potential orchardists. William and Johanna Pringle arrived by train in 1883. They homesteaded on the southeast corner of Harvard and Euclid roads. Their first child, William, born in 1885, was the first child born in Otis. There are many descendants of these early pioneers still in the area. Other early pioneers to the Otis/East Farms area were the Canfields, Eschs, Murrays, Simpsons, Beckemeiers, Corrigans, Sweeneys, Clifts, Bohns, Goos, Staffords, Oldhams and Grants. Some of the roads in Otis Orchards still bear the names of these early settlers. In addition, Campbell Road north of Trent Road was referred to as Canfield Gulch. Jacob Esch donated land for an early school. The Sweeney house still stands on River Road. The Coeur d’Alenes and the upper band of the Spokanes camped on the north side of the Spokane River near what today is the intersection of River and Murray roads. Apple orchards were the landscape and livelihood of pioneers in Otis Orchards. The Seatons, Shinns, Segerstroms and MacLeans had orchards that produced abundant fruit. Their orchards were irrigated from water out of Newman Lake. A long canal was dug from the south end of the Lake to deliver water to Otis Orchards homes and farms. The inlet was covered by a screen to keep fish from entering the irrigation canal. Numerous times, the screen failed, and as Mr. Norm Whitford, a 50plus year resident of Otis, relates, “sometimes fish were flopping around in my front yard when I received my irrigation water.” The Corbin Irrigation Ditch also provided water to Otis Orchards and East Farms. One of the early apple box labels was

Valley of the sun A monthly series of historical chronicles providing a window into the past — and a connection to the heritage — of the communities that make up the Spokane Valley. February Dishman March Chester April Opportunity May Vera June Greenacres July Saltese August Spokane Bridge September East Farms/Otis Orchards October Trentwood November Orchard Avenue December Millwood

Photos courtesy of Spokane Valley Heritage Museum

Above: Students from Otis’ “Little White School on the Hill” are pictured in this 1897 photo. The Pringle, Rotchford and Murray children are among those represented. At left: The Otis Orchards Pep Club and basketball team are featured in this 1927 photo. Marion Krebs Beckemeier is in the back row, last on the right. the “Double O” — used by the Otis Orchards Apple Company. Employment was always available in the fields as pickers and in the warehouses as sorters, packers and box makers. Wages were meager by today’s standards. “Thinners” thinned the apples for about 25 to 45 cents per hour. Box makers averaged 65 cents per hour in the 1930s. Typically, during harvest, school children were released for about three weeks to help with the apple picking. Indians also helped pick apples and worked in the bean fields as well. During the war years of the mid 1940s, the employment records of the Segerstrom Warehouse #3 reveal many Japanese names. The Segerstrom Warehouse #3, originally the Spokane Valley Fruit Growers, was demolished in the summer of 2004. One lone apple warehouse remains, now being used to store boats. Lead arsenate was commonly used as a pesticide, but the leaf roller and then the severe winter of 1939 killed many trees. Most orchardists pulled out the apple

trees and planted crops. As with any community that grows, a school became necessary to educate young people. The first school that Otis Orchards, Moab, East Farms and Spokane Bridge students attended was affectionately called the “Little White School on the Hill.” It was located about a half mile east of where Otis Community Church is today. Eventually, a one-story grade school was built, and a separate high school building soon followed. The cupola from the original grade school sits atop the new Otis Orchards Elementary School. Area students attended Otis Orchards High School until East Valley High School opened in 1961. In the early days, the first families in Otis Orchards were predominately Catholic and worshipped in homes with Mass being attended to by the traveling missionary priests. In 1892, St Joseph’s Catholic Church was built on Trent Road, and soon after, a cemetery was established to meet the

The Otis Orchards Apple Company featured its Double O brand on labels like this one. needs of families who had lost a loved one. The German Evangelical Church was built in 1908 and later became the Otis Orchards Community Church. Early merchants supplying basic needs were the Otis Mercantile, Dean’s Store, Pringles Garage (now the Otis Grille) and the East Farms Cafe. Summer fun was to be found at Newman Lake or Liberty Lake, or if one didn’t want to go too far, swimming in the irrigation ditches was always a quick way to cool off. Today, Otis Orchards and East Farms haven’t changed too much. There are still large parcels of land, farms, barns and animals. Most of the orchards of the past are gone, but a few remain. The Lloyd Orchard on Garry Road, the old apple trees on Wellesley west of Harvard and a few others scattered around are reminders of the once thriving apple industry that united the community. Jayne Singleton is director of the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum, located at 12114 E. Sprague Ave. Additional items about the history and culture of the Spokane Bridge area — or any of the communities in the Valley of the Sun series — are available in the museum archives. For more information, call 922-4570 or visit www.valleyheritagecenter.org.

local lens

The Current

Current Travels

September 2012 • 23

Artists Loose on the Palouse

Submitted photos Submitted photo

From left: Kyle, Kendra, Trevor, Shaun, Nathan, Stephanie and Drew Brown pose with The Current in front of the Chateau de Chenonceau in France. The family toured the country after traveling there to pick up Kyle, who had just completed his two-year missionary service for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Back to school

Clockwise from top: Southeast Spokane County Fair Royalty Queen Kailyn Gady and Princess Morgan DeRuyter wave from the event parade along the Palouse Highway; The Rockford Lions Club showed up in its vintage fire truck; Vendor booths featuring local artisans and crafters were set up throughout the event.

Submitted photo

Families from all over the Valley stopped in at the HUB Sports Center in Liberty Lake Aug. 1 to check out the annual Home School Curriculum Sale, featuring vendors and resale items.

2nd annual Mutt Strut

Grange honorees The Washington State Grange’s highest honor, the Grange Leadership Award, was this year presented to Dennis and Jeannine Hall of Tri-Community Grange. The couple’s Grange journey began in a small farming town in 1968, with a consistent commitment ever since. In 44 years of membership, the couple has held almost every volunteer position available through the organization.

Pawpular Companions Pet Supplies and SCRAPS hosted the second annual Mutt Strut Aug. 18 with 275 registered participants and nearly 400 dogs. Funds from the event benefitted SCRAPS Hope Foundation and honored longtime animal rights activist Chris Anderlik.

Local Lens Share your

Submitted photo by Dan Hammock, WAshington State Grange News

snapshots for The Current’s photo page. Email photos@ valleycurrent.com with scenes from around town, community events and group photos. Current photo by Tammy Kimberley

24 • September 2012

community

The Current

LDS-BSA partnership leads to massive encampment Newman Lake man propelled last month’s scouting event that drew 3,000-plus By Shaun Brown Current Contributor

On a very rainy day in October 2010, Jim Fox stood in tears amidst the 900-acre Cowles Scout Reservation on the shores of Diamond Lake. Through the rugged acreage donated decades ago for the use of Boy Scouts, Fox saw a vision of what would happen two years in the future. When Fox shared his vision, the Inland Northwest Boy Scouts of America Council Executive Director Tim McCandless said of Camp Sunrise, “There’s nothing there.” “You’re exactly right,” replied Fox, “but there will be.” On July 30, about two years later, Fox welcomed more than 3,465 scouts and leaders in the opening ceremonies of the Aaronic Priesthood Encampment, with the theme “Catch the Vision.” Fox, who lives near Newman Lake, is general chairman of the encampment, which is a gathering of Boy Scouts organized in conjunction with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The transformation to that point received a major jolt May 14, 2011, when about 2,200 young men and adults assembled to begin the process of transforming the thick forest into a scouting destination. Shortly behind that day’s massive landclearing effort came the digging of a well and the installation of water and electricity distribution systems. More than 20,000 volunteer hours went into the preparation of the Camp Sunrise site. “The encampment was based on a tremendous win-win partnership of the LDS stakes and the BSA Council,” said Brian Pitcher, Spokane Washington Valley Stake President and Chair of the local BSA LDS Relationships Committee. “This will be a tremendous asset to the BSA for decades to come and an opportunity for future development projects and partnerships.” And just as they came to create the camp, on July 30, they came to bring it to life. From Idaho, Montana, and Washington, came thousands of young men and leaders. More than 2,000 Boy Scouts participated. Pitcher said the vision for the encampment included “a wonderful balance of spiritual experiences to accompany the fun and competition, scouting advancement, fellowship, good food, etc.” A range of activities and merit badge

Submitted photos

Leaders and Boy Scouts from the Newman Lake and East Valley wards of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints show off work they did in building a gateway. The group was part of transforming Camp Sunrise at Diamond Lake to be used as a scouting destination. Baptiste Lanoy, left, who attended the encampment as a visitor from France, participates in a stick pull with Brandon Rowell of Liberty Lake. In all, more than 3,400 Boy Scouts attended the 2012 Aaronic Priesthood Encampment near Newport, Wash., a joint venture of the Boy Scouts and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. opportunities were made available by the steering committee, along with the preparation of all 18 groups who attended. Each took responsibility for the planning and execution of three activities. The weeklong event offered 35 different merit badges and 57 unique activities, such as shooting ranges, obstacle courses, water activities, trapeze, mechanical bull riding and a triathlon. In all, 3,324 merit badges were awarded during the week. Along with all the activity came a few bumps and scratches, amounting to more than 74 stitches during the week. Dr. Jade

Bringhurst of Liberty Lake, who served one day as part of the volunteer medical staff, indicated that midway through the week they had used up all but one set of sutures and were driving into town for various supplies. Ryan Rehkow, a 13-year-old Life Scout who attends Evergreen Middle School, participated in a Faith Factor activity, patterned after the Fear Factor television show. He said his team was able to get an advantage in the challenges by answering questions about the scriptures. His favorite part of all the activities was “just being

around all the members of the scout troop, having fun with them, and getting to know them a little better.” About 4,000 people attended the closing ceremony. President David L. Beck of the LDS Church General Young Men’s Presidency traveled from Salt Lake City to reinforce the themes of the week. Looking back on the week, and the years of planning and preparation, Fox was more than satisfied. “This was one case where realization was even greater than expectation,” he said. “You don’t get that very often.”

The Current

MISSED

September 2012 • 25

ADVERTISING SPECIAL OF THE MONTH

Continued from page 4

"I have been here over six years, and the clothing supply is the lowest I have seen," SVP CEO Ken Briggs said. "It doesn't seem to matter whether it is women's clothing or men's clothing or boys' clothing or girls' clothing, we need it all and as soon as possible." Clothing can be brought to Spokane Valley Partners, 10814 E. Broadway, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or placed in any Spokane Valley Partners barrel located at Spokane Valley Fire Department stations.

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Primary election results certified The final results of the Aug. 7 primary election have been certified, cementing victory for items like the Spokane Valley Fire Department replacement levy and narrowing the field in other races as the top two candidates in various offices move ahead. Among the highlights for Valley-area voters: U.S. Represenatative, District 5 Incumbent Republican Cathy McMorris Rodgers cruised to the general election with 53.8 percent of the vote, where she will face Democrat Rich Cowan, who notched 35.7 percent. Randall Yearout of Otis Orchards finished third with 7.5 percent. Spokane County Commissioner, District 2 Democrat Daryl Romeyn of Greenacres received nearly 40 percent of the vote to advance out of the three-way field. Republican Shelly O’Quinn of Spokane Valley earned the second spot with 35.9 percent vs. 24.0 percent for fellow GOP representative Rob Chase of Liberty Lake. Fire levies extended Despite the required supermajority, the Spokane Valley Fire Department earned more than enough support to extend its levy that funds about half of the SVFD budget. More than two-thirds of voters (67.6 percent) approved the measure. The results were event better in Spokane County Fire District No. 9, where 68.4 percent of voters extended the levy.

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26 • September 2012

business

The Current

78 years later, Peters Hardware remains handy Valley stop By Valerie Putnam Current Contributor

Nestled in the last remaining row of historic buildings on the corner of Pines and Sprague, Peters Hardware has a long history of serving the Valley. “The Peters family has been in the retail hardware business for more than 100 years,” said Wilbur Peters, who at age 94 has witnessed his share of them. “That’s four generations.” The family-owned business has adapted over the years from its original purpose of serving a small Valley farming community — where seed, hoes and irrigation shovels were common needs — to today’s suburban requirements of plumbing and building materials. Peter Hans Peters began the family hardware legacy in the early 1900s. A wheat farmer from Nebraska, Peters moved to Oregon’s Willamette Valley after learning about the abundant farming out west. From there, he relocated to Juliette Creek, Idaho. Wilbur said his grandfather purchased the first family hardware store while living in Juliette Creek. “I don’t know how he got the opportunity,” said Wilbur Peters, who believed his grandfather named it Peters Hardware. “In those days, it was probably a very small store and dimly lit with kerosene lanterns.” Peters later moved to Waverly, Wash., where the family opened a second store. “They had Deering farm machinery and sold Model T Fords,” said Wilbur Peters, who believes the opening of a large sugar beet factory brought his family to the area. “The first piece of machinery they sold was a wheat binder to my uncle. He came six miles from the Fairfield area with a team of horses. He hooked it up and took it to his ranch.” Wilbur’s father, William “Bill” Peters, helped his father run the store until business started declining. Bill moved to Spokane, and in 1917 Wilbur was born. From 1922 to 1931, Bill worked at the Monroe Hardware store until losing his job as a result of the Great Depression. He found a job with Holly Mason Hardware in downtown Spokane working the order desk. At that time, Bill became acquainted with several truck farmers from the Valley who came to town to purchase their supplies. According to Wilbur, these farmers talked Bill into opening a hardware

store in the Valley. After borrowing $300 against his Life Insurance Policy to purchase a minimal inventory, the then 38-year-old Bill opened Peters Hardware on Feb. 4, 1934, in Opportunity. The store was located in the back of what was called the Knight Block building, home today to Dave’s Bar and Grill. “It wasn’t a whole lot of space,” current owner Gary Peters said about his grandfather’s store. “Dave’s tavern is 30 feet shorter than this one and half as wide.” The building’s owner, Mr. Knight, operated a plumbing and heating store at the front of the building. Located next door, Opportunity Hardware closed its doors a year after Peters opened. “That first year was tough going,” Wilbur said, explaining that one day during Bill’s first week, the receipts totaled 10 cents for the purchase of some nails. “My dad would say if I got a nickel in his pocket, I’m doing OK.” The store catered to the needs of farmers as Opportunity was primarily agricultural in the 1930s. Wilbur helped his dad after school and during weekends. “In those days, during the season we sold bulk seed in bread pans,” Wilbur recalled. “My sister would say some Saturdays she stood behind that counter all 10 hours just selling bulk seed.”

See PETERS, page 27

Current photo by Tom Putnam

Above, Gary Peters and Wilbur Peters stand with Peters Hardware Assistant Manager Thomas Hammer in front of the store recently. The Peters family has tabbed Hammer as the future owner of the store, which has been in the family since before gas pumps (below) were inherited as part of the business model for a short time following World War II.

Submitted photo

The Current

September 2012 • 27

business

Craftsmanship and care evident at Indiana Harness By Kyle Hansen Critics on Bikes

When the bell on the door rings as you walk into Indiana Harness at the corner of Vista and Trent, you are greeted with the fresh scent of leather. Intricately decorated saddles are displayed along the walls, and employees offer a cheerful, “Howdy.” They seem to take enthusiasm in whatever project you ask about. Customers are addressed with sincerity instead of the scripted greetings of many chain-store associates. Indiana Harness is a locally owned establishment where the workers are craftsmen.

Nothing at Indiana Harness is of cheap When he cracked the handmade whip quality, so one is unlikely to find a cheap he called the “black snake,” its threeprice. Nevertheless, most customers feel figure price tag seemed justified. But evthey’ve gotten their money’s worth. Years eryone understood it was too expensive ago, my uncle had a tool for a boy who only wanted belt custom-made at Indisomething to play with. IF YOU GO ana Harness. It was expenHe happily directed me to sive, but as a carpenter he the Big R across the street, Indiana Harness uses it all the time and says where I could get an im2425 N. Vista Road it has held up well. ported bull whip that was 535-3400 affordable and fine. Even It is also important to Critics on Bikes Rating: then, the way Indiana Harnote that Indiana Harness, +3/4 Bike Lane ness put customer satisfacbecause of their unmatched tion ahead of profit really accommodation, underimpressed me. stands that price is an issue for some people. At age 9, during my “InIndiana Harness Co. will often persondiana Jones” phase, I went to Indiana Har- alize or repair leather items bought elseness to buy a whip. The employee brought where. My big Christmas present when I out a pile of bull whips — Indy’s weapon was 14 was a boys’ sized ax. My dad took of choice in the movies — and he took me it to Indiana Harness to have my name outside to show them off. engraved on the sheath.

There’s a life-sized plastic horse outside of Indiana Harness, and our half-blind family dog used to bark at it each time we drove past. I don’t know any more about horses than that dog, but a family friend who is an expert rider says the saddles made at Indiana Harness are practical and well-crafted. So whether you’re a kid obsessed with cowboys, a carpenter looking for something built to last or a serious horseman looking for tack that’s not tacky, Indiana Harness has what you need. Critics on Bikes is a monthly column written by Kyle Hansen, a lifelong Millwood resident and junior at West Valley High School. Local businesses are reviewed on a four-point rating system: 1/4 (road rash), 2/4 (flat tire), 3/4 (bike lane) and 4/4 (Tour de France).

PETERS Continued from page 26

Inventory consisted of push cultivators, push mowers, hoes, irrigations shovels, horse collar pads and nails sold in gross for a nickel. While Wilbur was in the service during World War II, Bill moved the store to its current location, 12118 E. Sprague. The opportunity to move came when the owner of a Shell service station located next door, Mr. Groves, decided to retire. Gas rationings during the war kept the two gas pumps out front operating. “My dad didn’t want to lose those pumps because a certain amount of rationing was assigned to them,” Wilbur remembers. “If you turned down the pumps, that gasoline might leave the area, so my dad continued to pump gas.” In 1946, after being discharged from the service, Wilbur and Martha, his wife, returned to Opportunity. At that time, he became a full-time partner in the business, paying for his share from the proceeds of the business. Three months after Wilbur joined the business, the gas pumps were removed. “Here we were waiting on hardware customers, so do we break away from our customers to pump gas or wait on the hardware customers?” Wilbur said. “We didn’t pump gas very long.” Bill kept the business afloat by doing “workbench work.” “During those days, you needed something like that to make ends meet,” Wilbur said. “If someone came in with a lamp needing a new cord, he would put in a new cord. The store still provides this service today.” When his father died in 1970, Wilbur

Current photo by Tom Putnam

Three generations of the Peters family have owned and operated the Spokane Valley hardware store over the years. At left, Bill Peters, who started the Valley location in 1934, stands with son Wilbur during the latter's period of military service. Above, Wilbur Peters poses with his son, Gary, the store's current owner. Submitted photo

took over ownership of the store. His son, Gary, and four daughters, Susan, Carol, Barb and Joyce grew up around the store. “All of my kids got involved in hardware at an early age, younger than 6,” said Wilbur, who put them to work at home threading nuts onto bolts. “They remember that, too.” By age 9, Gary was threading pipe. “I would clean, straighten and wait on customers,” Gary remembers. “I also did some assembly work.” After attending Concordia University in Portland and Lutheran Bible Institute in Seattle, Gary felt led to join the business in 1981. Just as his dad had done, he and his late wife Dianne used the proceeds to buy into the business. “There is a value in a family business,” Gary said. “There was a lot of effort by my

grandfather and father that you want to honor if you can.” A big challenge for the Peters was the introduction of the chain hardware stores in the early 1980s. “A lot of our clientele prefer the smaller friendlier type of place, so we strive to maintain that feel,” Gary said. “Speed is one of the big plusses on our side. A lot of our customers can park, be in and driving away in five minutes. You can’t do that at the big hardware stores.” The family continues to serve the niche it has performed since the beginning, specializing in locating hard-to-find items. “If we don’t have it, we can try to locate,” Gary said. “It’s a significant service to people.” The 4,000-square-foot building houses an

eclectic inventory of plumbing, gardening and unusual items, such as Christmas décor and decorative plates. “I consider this store a convenient neighborhood hardware store,” Wilbur said. “That brings people in.” Today, Gary has seven employees, two of which are his sisters. Carol does the books, and Susan works the cash register. Over the next five years, the Peters family legacy may end. Gary is currently grooming the Assistant Manager and family friend, Thomas Hammer, to take over the business when he retires. Gary’s son, John, is pursuing a degree in physics. “You’ve got to like the business,” Wilbur said of being in the Valley for 78 years. “We’ve had our ups and downs, but it’s been worth it.”

The Current

28 • September 2012

business

Trolling local drive-thrus for a taste of crispy golden excellence

but probably hurt its overall performance on the judging table. To reiterate, there were no bad fries in this experiment. Mike’s just didn’t fare as well in the stiff competition.

Zip’s: $3.22 4.125/5

By Kelly Moore Current Staff Writer

In a bit of a dream assignment for some, the staff at The Current decided to taste-test French fries from local eateries in a quest to discover who offered the best version of our favorite greasy side. First off, this task is a bit like trying to find a gold coin in, well, a pile of gold coins. While many of our stops netted mixed ratings, just about everyone in the taste test group discovered a surprise favorite. Still, the taste-test resulted in more of a debate over the perfect type of fry: Thin? Crispy? Crinkle cut? Seasoned? We tasted it all. For the 15 minutes or so after the fries and sauces were dumped on the table, a kind of carnal instinct took over. I “tasted” a mass of fries, sometimes two at a time, before slowing down to remember I needed to pick a favorite and actually rank them. As an up-front disclaimer, this experiment is not for the faint of heart. Literally. We had tons of fun testing out the fried goodness, but we all felt pretty sick after downing as many fries and consuming as many calories as we did in one sitting. Still worth it, though.

Mike’s Burger Royal: $3.03 3/5 Mike’s Burger Royal scored straight 3s across the board — not bad, but not outstanding. These fries were slightly thicker than the thin-cut varieties, served with no frills. This might be a good stop for someone who loves soft fries, but that wasn’t anyone in our group. On the bright side, Mike’s offers fry sauce. The strong barbecue flavor wasn’t our favorite, but we were glad it was there. By the time these fries made it to our tasting extravaganza, this sample displayed the most grease-through on its brown paper bag — something that might have had it scoring higher when it was fresh out of the fryer,

Zip’s scored consistently high with our judges. The famously crinkle-cut fries rang of nostalgia, and the perfectly blended fry sauce was the hands-down favorite dipper. The singular criticism from the judges was a hint of from-thefreezer quality. Some proffered that the flavor could probably be replicated at home with a Fry Daddy and bag of Ore-Ida fries from the grocery store. One of our judges, a Zip’s veteran, also docked points, knowing the local chain to typically produce a crispier product when it’s at the top of its game. Still, this stop emerged as one of our top competitors.

Stop-N-Go: $3 3.875/5 Stop-N-Go only sells fries in small or “tub” size, so we opted for two smalls, which worked out to about the same price as the other “large” fries, but with a few more fries. The result was somewhat of a sleeper hit with our judges. No one in our group had visited Stop-N-Go before the experiment, and the thin-cut fries banked love-it-or-hate-it comments from our judges. The less favorable comments pointed out a chewy texture. Those that favored the fries noted a good balance of crispiness, saltiness and something extra we couldn’t quite put our finger on. One of Stop-N-Go’s biggest fans at our judging table was Josh Johnson, who picked up the order. He also noted it wasn’t a place he’d normally think to stop. “I stuck my paw in there and was just like, ‘Wow,’” he said. “I seriously thought about doing laps through the drive thru.” The provided fry sauce was an added bonus, but the split vote kept this stop hovering in the middle of our rankings.

Ron’s Drive-In: $2:49 3.75/5 Ron’s was another skinny-cut fry stop, similar to Stop-N-Go,

Terminology Crinkle cut: ridged with wavy edges; similar to those fries you ate as a kid Grease-through: When greasy contents of a paper bag create a pseudo-transparent stain visible from the outside; also known as the heart attack meter Fry sauce: a regional accompaniment to fries typically as a mix of ketchup and mayonnaise with seasoning, though other mixers like barbecue sauce or tartar sauce can be substituted.

From Facebook It was French Fryday today at The Current. We sampled some delicious Valley-area fries, the results of which will be held top-secret until our September issue hits newsstands. In the meantime, if you were writing a story about French fries, what destinations would you be sure to feature? Jay Rivera: I’d stay close to home and say red robin, but have them cooked extra long so they are extra crispy. Hannah Dexter Johnson: RONS !!!!! :) Sue Rusnak: Red Robin gets my vote Brian Asmus: Five Guys Burgers and Fries Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/valleycurrent but missing that elusive “something extra.” The most memorable aspect of Ron’s fries was the fry sauce — unlike any other dipper on the judging table. The sauce was a thick, chunky consistency with a zesty tartar sauce mix. It even earned a nod from one of our judges who is self-identified as “not a sauce person.” “It’s not my favorite, but I like it,” said Johnson, who is a sauce person. “It’s like an adventure.” The chewy texture pointed out

See FRENCH FRY, page 29

The Current

September 2012 • 29

business/community

FRENCH FRY Continued from page 28

by opponents again popped up in the debate, but another love-it-or-hate-it scoring left us realizing this was more about personal fry preference.

O’Doherty’s Irish Grille: $5.38 3.875/5 We broke out of our drive-thru-only routine to pick up an order from O’Doherty’s, which came highly recommended. The higher price of this one reflects the sit-down pub-style dining of this stop. Still, our to-go order was filled without incident and served up quicker than a few of the busier fast food stops. Like the environment in which these are typically served, these fries were starkly different from the others. They came thick cut, in the style of steak fries topped with a gourmet seasoning, which tasted like it had a hint of curry to offset a perfected saltiness. Unfortunately, this style of fry probably fares the least well the longer it sits, and by the end of our experiment, it contained the most leftovers. Still, the served-hot flavor is worth stopping in for next time you’re in the area.

VALLEYFEST Continued from page 20

Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce in 2009, works most of the year to prepare the increasingly complex schedule. She is supported by a board and two administrative assistants, Pat Leu and Jacquie Witham. This year’s rendition of Valleyfest, slated for Sept. 21-23, will be coordinated by more than 200 volunteers and 27 committees. “It takes a year-round effort,” Doering said. Last year, the Friday night parade route changed directions, starting from near University Road and meandering east toward Spokane Valley City Hall. Doering said the reconfiguration — the floats, bands and

SOUTHEAST Continued from page 21

the 32nd rendition of the race. Another sporting component of the fair — the Harvest Hoops 3-on-3 basketball tournament — will convene for the 21st time, just a year behind a similar competition a few miles to the west known as Hoopfest. Another tradition on Saturday morning involves a breakfast sponsored by the local Lions Club, the civic organization responsible for coordinating the inaugural Southeast Spokane County Fair in Waverly

(As an aside, the sturdy construction of these fries worked great for dipping in the super thick fry sauce from Ron’s.)

Thrifty Scotsman: $2.71 4.5/5 The fries at Thrifty Scotsman topped our rankings not only for impeccable flavor, but for a certain homemade appeal. “It tastes like real potatoes,” judge Kim Johnson said. “I just think this is the real deal, like there’s someone back in the kitchen actually cutting these up.” Although most of the fries from this stop were crispy with a slightly thicker than skinny cut, variety abounded. The varied widths came short and long, but all had a good, not-too-salty flavor. Thrifty Scotsman doesn’t offer fry sauce, only ketchup or tartar sauce. We opted for tartar sauce, which was a welcomed change-up, but many of our judges couldn’t resist dipping these in the perfect mix from Zip’s. Bottom line: While Thrifty Scotsman emerged as the top scorer in our taste test, no fry is a bad fry. But if you’re planning to meet as many as we did, you might want to schedule an afternoon jog on the same day. vintage cars had traveled west on Sprague since 2005 — represented an improvement in “safety, staging and logistics.” Some 130 entries took part in the procession last September, including representatives from the 141st Air National Honor Guard. This year, Doering and company are introducing something called “Valleyfest Value Days” that will integrate businesses along the corridor in an awareness campaign. Commercial sites have been encouraged to distribute coupons and flyers along the parade route, while a booth on the Valleyfest grounds will carry on the theme through the weekend. “We want to promote Valley business,” Doering said. The campaign meshes with the emphasis on economic development championed by 68 years ago. Harnois said the meal is a traditional stop for local politicians looking ahead to the November ballot. “If they don’t make it to the fair, they always make it to the breakfast,” she said. Harnois said the key to the success of the fair each year has to do with the volunteers who donate their time to the cause. In addition to seven fair officers, the roster includes more than 30 superintendents and managers responsible for an array of departments, from commercial rentals to maintenance to booth coordination. “It’s amazing how many people help,”

Current photo by Kelly Moore

Fries from a variety of Valley-area restaurants were sampled by the staff of The Current during an afternoon taste-test. the city of Spokane Valley which found itself embroiled in controversy over the past year regarding its funding of Valleyfest. Last November, the City Council bypassed the event during its dispersal of lodging funds, a decision that drew heavy criticism from Valleyfest supporters. This March, the governing board voted again on a list of recipients for lodging dollars, this time awarding Doering and crew $30,000. The funds would go with another $19,000 from the city for the event to promote economic development. “It’s all good,” said Doering of the affiliation with City Hall. “We’re truly grateful for their support.” In addition to staples like fishing in Mirabeau Springs, two stages of entertainment and well over 100 booths dispersed across the park, the latest version of Valleyfest Harnois said. Along with a stellar variety of carnival features, the fair is home to an impressive collection of livestock from surrounding rural communities. The main exhibit building includes a diverse roll call of arts and culture, including paintings, quilts, table settings and more. Years ago, tickets to the fair were $1 each, but admission has been free for as long as anyone can remember. Door prizes are distributed on the hour both Saturday and Sunday. As far as upgrades go, Harnois said she is working on acquiring a public address system that will broadcast updates

will include new features like Babyfest, a celebration of motherhood and infancy at CenterPlace and the move of the 5K/10K walk and run on the Centennial Trail from Saturday to Sunday. “Balloons Over Valleyfest,” will be back this year with flights scheduled for Saturday and Sunday morning. The popular “nightglow” — showcasing several illuminated hot air balloons — is set for 8 p.m. on Saturday. Stephanie Hughes, who has overseen Balloons Over Valleyfest since it launched in 2008, said the Valley’s three-day festival is “one of the few events that people associate with the city of Spokane Valley.” “I think Valleyfest is something that helps give= the city an identity,” said Hughes, who joined the Valleyfest board two years ago. “It really brings the community together.” across the grounds. While some areas across the region have discontinued community celebrations because of cost, facility shortages or scheduling conflicts, Harnois said residents in this part of Spokane County take pride in a fair that is humble but mighty. “I feel sad when I hear of communities dropping their fairs or festivals,” she said. “In a lot of cases, that’s the identity of the town. I’ve always felt our fair is like a reunion. You see people you haven’t seen in a while. They may have moved away, but they always seem to make it back to the fair.”

The Current

30 • September 2012

business

Buzz of volunteers contribute to hospital’s success More than 187,000 hours of labor were donated in 2011

5 steps to volunteering at Valley Hospital

By Kimberly Cauvel

1. Get an application. (They’re available at the front desk.)

Current Contributor

When you walk into Valley Hospital through the visitors’ entrance and past the lobby, the first things you see are a bright display of gifts through large glass windows and a desk where smiling faces ask, “How can I help you?” Most of the time, at least two volunteers staff this front information desk, and at least one volunteer runs the gift shop next door. These folks are a few among many dedicated workers who cycle through their shifts in various parts of the hospital each day, wearing black polos or smocks that identify them as volunteers. “The hospital definitely needs volunteers — there are a gazillion different places to participate,” volunteer Linda Church said. “You would never imagine until you’ve worked here.” Church is the third generation of her family to join the volunteer team at Valley Hospital, completing the link between her mother, Carol Chevalier, and her daughter, Eryn Church. All three ladies fulfill different roles and tremendously enjoy contributing their time at the hospital. The Valley Hospital is a 123-bed, threefloor, acute care facility offering a broad spectrum of healthcare services. “We are small, but we’re powerful,” said Volunteer Manager Stephanie Wells, comparing Valley to the 300- to 500-bed hospitals in Spokane. In all, volunteers contributed more than 187,000 hours of work at Valley Hospital in 2011, according to a hospital newsletter. Still, Wells said the hospital is always accepting more volunteers. The majority of volunteers are Spokane Valley residents, but Wells said a few come from Spokane or across the Idaho state line. “Our volunteers basically man our main information desk,” Wells said. “They’re the first people that visitors and patients will see when they come into the hospital. Currently, I have approximately 88 adult volunteers and probably 20 junior volunteers between 14 and 17.” Junior volunteers fill the same roles as adult volunteers but are more often scheduled during evening and weekend hours as school permits. Although the majority of volunteer positions are filled at the information desk and outpatient information desk, where patients and visitors stop for directions, the hospital also hosts a volunteer-run, non-profit gift shop and assigns a handful of good communicators to volunteer as liaisons to keep families informed during operations on the

2. Background check. (Time to cross the t’s and dot the i’s.) 3. Interview. (Let’s learn more about you.) 4. Orientation. (Volunteer Manager Stephanie Wells shares the ropes.) 5. Training. (Seasoned volunteers help you get off and running.) Questions? Contact Wells at wellss@ empirehealth.org or 473-5639. Submitted photo

The story of how three generations of a local family came to volunteer together at Valley Hospital began 12 years ago, when Carol Chevalier (center) relocated to Spokane Valley and soon after joined a friend in volunteering at Valley Hospital, where she still serves twice a month at age 92. Six years ago, she talked her granddaughter, Eryn Church (right), into joining the volunteer family, and she works at the information desk. Last year, the link was completed when Linda Church (Carol’s daughter and Eryn’s mom) joined them to volunteer in the gift shop. second floor. These functions at the hospital rely on volunteers committed to a weekly schedule, Wells said. Each volunteer’s schedule, motivation for volunteering and journey as a volunteer is unique. The three generations of volunteers are a perfect example. “They’re just such a great family,” Wells said of the trio. “They’re very pleasant, so easy to work with — the staff love them.” Carol Chevalier, 92, has been volunteering at Valley Hospital for 12 years. When she moved to the Spokane area from Bothell, Wash., her friend Emma Long encouraged her to participate. She describes her interest in volunteering as a “win-win” to fill retirement time, meet new people and give back to the community. For her, volunteering is an opportunity to “give” her services to aid the hospital and “in return get” enjoyable interaction with other people. There is a “nice camaraderie among the volunteers, and the hospital staff is always kind in showing their gratitude for the different jobs performed by the volunteers,” she said. Chevalier currently works twice a month assisting with paycheck distribution for those who do not use direct deposit. Chevalier previously helped at the information desk, where she inspired granddaughter Eryn to follow in her footsteps six years ago. “I enjoy volunteering because it makes me feel good to interact with not only the other volunteers and hospital employees, but with the patients and visitors — hoping my sense of humor gives them a little smile,” Eryn said.

Eryn’s front-desk duties include directing visitors, delivering flowers, running errands between departments and discharging patients. “I would recommend others volunteering,” Eryn said. “It’s rewarding to know you are helping in your community, and for the younger volunteers gives them some work experience.” Church, Eryn’s mother and Chevalier’s daughter, has been volunteering with the hospital for about a year now and credits her interest in volunteering to their inspiration. She works in yet another realm of the hospital, using her previous experience as a gift shop owner to benefit the non-profit, volunteer-run gift shop in the hospital. After nine years of running her own gift shop called Cabbage Flats Mercantile in Spokane Valley, Church decided to close it in 2007. She said she is happy to have found an outlet at the hospital to use her sales, merchandising and display talents for a greater cause. She currently volunteers two days a week, four hours at a time. Church said she particularly appreciates the purpose of the gift shop as a scholarship program. Profits from the gift shop go toward a scholarship fund for local high school seniors interested in medical professions. Application materials are distributed to Valley schools each year for interested students to apply. At the close of the last academic year this spring, six $1,000 scholarships were awarded from this fund. “There’s the personal satisfaction of doing something for somebody else, and I guess when it’s something you enjoy doing it doubles that satisfaction,” Church said. “It’s

Current photo by Kimberly Cauvel

Volunteer Myrl Chapman mans the front desk at Valley Hospital recently. The gift shop in the background is also commonly run by volunteers. contributing to the scholarship fund and also my personal well being.” In addition to the scholarship fund, volunteers host four or five fundraising events in the hospital lobby each year. This year, volunteers are hosting a leather sale in October, bake sale in November and a gift basket raffle in December. “We all just kinda figure you give and you get,” Church said of the volunteers. To become a volunteer at Valley Hospital, an application must be obtained from the front desk. Following submission of the application, a background check, interview and orientation are required. After this paperwork process is completed with Wells, seasoned volunteers train new volunteers. Wells said because of Eryn’s upbeat attitude and fun spirit, she often solicits her for training. “There is never a time I see her that she doesn’t have a smile on her face,” Wells said. “Those who have worked with her tell me she is so much fun to volunteer with.”

The Current

The voice of many How the INWLCC hopes strength in numbers will open doors for its minority group By Kelly Moore Current Staff Writer

Since its inception in June 2009, the Inland Northwest Latino Chamber of Commerce credits a wealth of giving back to its accomplishments. “For a new organization in this demographic and economic downturn, I think we’ve accomplished some major goals,” INWLCC President Dan Valencia said. “In order to enhance all of our goals, there’s a greater opportunity when you’re able to partner up. The more relationships you establish and build on, the better off everyone is.” In fact, almost every major activity through the INWLCC has come about through partnerships with other entities. The group works actively with the Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, Greater Spokane Inc., the West Plains Chamber of Commerce and Fairchild Air Force Base. The group is also a member of the Association of Washington State Hispanic Chambers of Commerce. Through continued fundraising efforts, the group has been able to support the YWCA women’s shelter, the Human Rights Institute, Shriner’s Hospital and numerous food banks. Valencia said the group members are pleased by what has been accomplished in such little time, but its mission still reaches beyond charity. Looking forward, he also sees great potential for the group’s growth.

September 2012 • 31

business Strength in numbers

Focused on the future

Valencia first came to northern Idaho from Los Angeles in 1997. “I almost immediately noticed how the demographics are particularly challenging for minorities here,” Valencia said. “In Spokane, it’s not as bad, but in Idaho, with our history, frankly, a lot of people really didn’t want to be noticed. There was a fear.” Although membership has fluctuated, the group averages about 35 to 50 members spanning Spokane, the greater Valley area and North Idaho. “We’re relatively small, but I’ve always said, ‘It’s not about numbers, it’s about the amount of service people put into it,’” Valencia said. The unified mission of the organization is to promote opportunities and developing professional relationships specifically among Latino businesses and leaders. “This is about coming out of the shadows,” Valencia said. “We just want to create opportunities for exposure to the Latino community so we can emerge together. When there’s more togetherness, you feel stronger.” When considering projects and fundraisers, Valencia said the group still concentrates its focus mainly on Latinos, simply because there are few other resources existing with a similar focus at this time. “I won’t say the last few years haven’t been challenging, but we expected that, especially with the economy the way it is,” Valencia said. “We knew there was a need, and it’s been a bit of a frustrating, intimidating process, but as people we are significant and what we think and say matters because we’re all equal citizens.” Other organization goals include supporting Latino businesses by facilitating access to professional services and positively impacting Latino youth by providing educational and recreational activities. Furthermore, the group aims to encourage and broaden the involvement of Latino business leaders in economic growth, community service and civic affairs.

As the group grows, Valencia said the possibilities for its community and business involvement are limitless. “I’ve seen a dramatic change just in the time since I’ve moved here,” he said. “The Hispanic population is booming out here, and that comes with a lot of potential for us.” Currently, the entire INWLCC operates on a strictly volunteer basis. Moving forward, he said he’d like to see a dedicated staff and permanent location. In addition, the organization is currently pursuing grant opportunities as well. Most recently, INWLCC applied for a grant to provide bilingual assistance to businesses in the Inland Northwest on a part-time basis. “There are lots of people who live here that would feel more comfortable talking about serious business or financial issues in their native language,” Valencia said. “We saw it as a way to give all businesses the opportunity to better serve their customers, while also supporting our culture.” Though the recent venture was unsuccessful, Valencia said the group looked at their efforts as a learning experience. “We’re going to keep trying,” Valencia said. “That was just our first attempt at something like this, and there are plenty of takeaways for us. It’s all about being organized and being able to present yourself well.” In addition to support from local business, he said the INWLCC also hopes to seek opportunities to partner with national corporations known for helping minority groups.

Out in action The INWLCC has managed and participated in a number of fundraisers in the community. An annual dinner, held at Northern Quest Casino, has emerged as its signature event. Most recently, members participated in a charity golf tournament.

“I won’t say the last few years haven’t been challenging, but we expected that, especially with the economy the way it is. We knew there was a need, and it’s been a bit of a frustrating, intimidating process, but as people we are significant and what we think and say matters because we’re all equal citizens.” — dan valencia, inwlcc President

Valencia said one of the most memorable fundraisers was selling ice water at Hoopfest. “It was such a simple fundraiser, and Hoopfest is such a fun environment anyway,” Valencia said. “We really were able to just relax a little and have some fun. We also got to know tons of people while we were out there.” The group doesn’t have any plans for upcoming efforts at this time, but members still meet regularly for networking and business. An informal get together is held every third Thursday of the month, usually at Palenque Mexican Restaurant in Liberty Lake. Business meetings are held at 7 a.m. the first Monday of the month at Best Western Peppertree Inn of Liberty Lake. “We are a very relaxed, fun-loving group,” Valencia said. “Of course, anyone interested is always welcome to come check things out. We’d love to have them.” In addition, interested parties can keep up with the group’s activities through Facebook or through www.inwlcc.com. Annual membership to join the group is $75.

Submitted photos

Whether out in the community or working together on group business, the Inland Northwest Latino Chamber of Commerce strives to promote opportunities and develop professional relationships specifically among Latino businesses and leaders. Much of the organization’s efforts have been aimed at fundraising for local nonprofits and networking among business leaders.

The Current

32 • September 2012

business

Valley enjoys uptick in the ‘sweet pollution’ of barbecue smoke By Craig Swanson Spokane Valley Scoop

Perhaps the best development in the Valley during recent years has been a certain kind of growth. It has nothing to do with population or plants but rather a veritable boom in barbecue eateries. For years and years here in the Valley, The Longhorn was the lone source of barbecue-generated smoke, the sweetest form of pollution man has ever produced. Currently, that lonely bellwether of barbecues has three competitors stoking their pits across the Valley. It is a competition I highly encourage and strongly support to the point of borderline gluttony. Like the meat on the barbecue, I am a pig. I’m just glad to be a porker on the food chain a link or two above my distant relatives that I so lovingly devour. Being an admitted slave to desire, I must show the utmost respect to the barbecue masters, and so I will list them in chronological order as is only fair. Starting with the youngest, Porky G’s fired up its smoker here in the Valley a few months back. Located on Sprague in front of Fred Meyer’s, the new kid on the block hails from Coeur d’Alene, where it opened its first place in 1995. I was impatiently knocking on the door a minute before they opened that first day here. My impatience was soon rewarded, as I dug into their baby back ribs. All the drooling I had been doing as I had driven by during the remodel was wiped away as I prepared my chin to be covered in another warm, thick and much tastier liquid: barbecue sauce. Since that blast of God’s bounty was opened to the Valley, I have been back a time or two to draw from the well. I particularly like the pulled pork sandwich and the ribs. Beyond those iron-clad recommendations, I would also offer my services to stand on the sidewalk and enthusiastically wave folks in to try their vast array of sides. They have a ton of superb sides, or maybe super”a” sides is more accurate. From the smoky bacon au gratin potatoes to the seasoned green beans with bacon, every side I tried was a hit. At the risk of sounding partial, I must say that when it comes to Porky G’s, you have to take sides. From Porky G’s, we take a short hop down the timeline to Charlie P’s, which has been open almost two years at Sprague and Vista. The P-man, like the G-man, knows his Q. Since the first time I laid eyes on his menu to this day — after trying everything on the

menu that looked like my kind of thing — I have been a rabid fan. I have written at least two blog posts about his menu and have more in mind. Because barbecue is my favorite, that has been my focus, but seafood is a close second, and I haven’t said a word about their amazing seafood options. Then there is the pizza and broasted chicken to tell the world about. Maybe I would carry on more about his food if I weren’t so busy carrying it out and putting it where it belongs, which is in my belly. The only problem with Charlie P’s ribs is that they scream out at me every time I open the menu, drowning out all the other worthy choices. Heck, those ribs are so obnoxiously good I can often hear them screaming at me from my house three miles away. My recommendation for Charlie P’s is their Smokehouse BBQ Combo for $16.95. It is perfect for Elaine and I to share because I am able to hog the pork ribs, give her the chicken and fight for a fair split on the fantastic sirloin roast. Next in the birth order of our blessed brotherhood of barbecues is O’Doherty’s Irish Pub on Sprague between Bowdish and Pines. Savory smoke has been seeping past racks of meat that it richly flavors on its way out the smokestack and up into the Valley sky since the late ‘90s, when Smokey’s was there. O’Doherty’s moved there in 2002 and has been serving solid serving after solid serving ever since. It is the kind of place that when you look back, you realize everything you have ever eaten there was good. The other night, I was there researching this story and refreshing my fond memories on a half rack of ribs with Elaine. She ordered a salmon sandwich that we had not seen there before. It was so good, it almost made me wish I had ordered it instead of the ribs. Luckily, it was several bites over Elaine-size, and so I enjoyed a rib/salmon combo that went straight into the old stomach’s scrapbook of memorable meals. You might call their food “good mood food.” Whatever mood you are in, order the food that fits it, and you’re good. The oldest of the barbecue boys by far is the Longhorn on Argonne. Every Father’s Day, the Longhorn is packed with fathers who were given their one day of the year to choose where to eat. There is a long line all day leading up to heaven where the world’s best barbecue buffet has been laid out. If the Longhorn had been around in biblical times, this would have been the disciples’ vote for the Last Supper. At one time, this buffet was only served

Submitted photos

An order of ribs at Porky G’s near Sprague and Sullivan in Spokane Valley is a wise investment, blogger and longtime resident Craig Swanson says. He also recommends the pulled pork sandwich. The afternoon Craig Swanson ordered this “two ribs and fries” special at Charlie P’s, 8125 E. Sprague Ave., the delectable plate only set him back $5. on Father’s Day, but now it is served several days and always on Sundays. This made it convenient to beat the crowd earlier this year, as I had a private Father’s Day celebration a week early while the family was attending a graduation. As I sat there with just two all-too-brief plates of BBQ resting peacefully in my swollen paunch, it dawned on me that this buffet should be kept as a once-a-year gift from heaven. There are no leftovers at a buffet, whereas I normally leave there full with a doggy bag in my hand. (I have never understood why they call it a doggy bag because they never have done our dogs any good, at least not the ones from Longhorn. Those I call Daddy’s lunch bag.) There is one clear choice for me as far as recommendations go for the Longhorn. When we were first married 29 years ago, back before the kids came along and decided where the family was eating out, back when the Longhorn was a drive-in, we ate there at least half the time since it was always my choice. We ate there occasionally on Elaine’s turn as well because she loved their BBQ beef sandwich almost as much as I loved the BBQ ham and swiss. In those wonderful years when calories were of little concern, the “Longhorn Special” featuring a sandwich and two sides

was our favorite. While much has changed in, on and around us since those days, the Longhorn BBQ sandwich remains the same, standing like an oak on Argonne where all the fast food chains have grown up around it like spindly scrub brush, trucking in every wimpy sandwich and burger their food laboratories can concoct. There is nothing fast about the meats cooked at the Longhorn or O’Doherty’s or Charlie P’s or Porky G’s. These boys have the slow-smoked-meat market all sown up, and there’s no need for a big BBQ chain like the Texas Roadhouse to move into these parts. Their scouts probably looked at the Valley Mall, where they would have been right at home competing with other chains like Boston’s and Outback. That probably looked enticing until they nosed around the Valley a bit and got a whiff of the local competition. The Valley, they wisely surmised, is already covered barbecue-wise, and so off they went to Coeur d’Alene with their plans of expansion rolled up under their arm and their tails tucked between their legs. Craig Swanson and his wife, Elaine, operate a blog and newsletter called The Spokane Valley Scoop. A graduate of University High School, Craig is a lifetime resident of Spokane Valley. The Spokane Valley Scoop can be read online at spokanevalleyscoop.wordpress.com.

The Current

September 2012 • 33

business

Biz Notes Practice resumes full operation after fire Northwest Center for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, a longtime Spokane Valley surgery group, has returned to full operation after a fire destroyed the offices it had practiced from for more than three decades. Dr. Kenji Higuchi and Dr. Daniel Skinner have reopened their office and are treating patients at 12509 E. Mission Ave., Suite 101. Fire destroyed the Valley Mission Professional Building on Sept. 19, 2011. No one was injured, but the contents of the building were a total loss and the building had to be rebuilt.

K Salon changes hands K Salon, 16823 E. Sprague Ave. in Spokane Valley, was recently purchased by Malina Rogers. Rogers said the salon will specialize in natural products, citing personal experience of the detrimental effects of run-ofthe-mill, chemical-laden salon products. For more information, call 926-5392 or visit www.ksalonhair.com.

S&P Farm recognized The flock of laying hens at S&P Homestead Farm in Otis Orchards have been certified as Animal Welfare Approved, according to a news release. This certification and food label lets consumers know these animals were raised in accordance with the highest animal welfare standards in the U.S., using sustainable agriculture methods on an independent family farm. Susan and

Paul Puhek have been farming in the Spokane Valley since 1995. In addition to their AWA eggs, the Puheks produce a variety of vegetables using chemical-free, sustainable farming practices based on old fashioned methods of production.

Pottery Bug open Pottery Bug, a “paint your own pottery” studio, celebrated a grand opening earlier this summer at its Otis Orchards location, 4904 N. Harvard Road, Suite 1. The business is owned by Jan Korsten. For more information, call 891-0074 or visit www.potterybugstudio.com.

Espresso drive-thru opens Red Cup Coffee Co. was opened by Tara Self in June at 11809 E. Sprague Ave.. Spokane Valley. The business offers espresso, granitas, smoothies and Italian sodas. For more information, call 891-5000 or e-mail redcupcoffeeco@gmail.com

Contractors move to Sprague location In business since 2007, Bulldog Contractors opened an interactive showroom at 16024 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley, earlier this year. The business sells post frame and all-steel buildings in custom or kit form. It is owned by industry veterans Dave Beaudoin and Larry Anderson. For more information, call 922-4384 or visit www.bulldogcontractors.net. Did your business recently open or receive recognition? Submit the information to Biz Notes at editor@valleycurrent.com. • Photographers (amateur or professional) age 16 years and older are eligible to enter. • Deadline is September 14. Prizes will be awarded to the top three winners. • Visit www.libertylakesplash.com for a complete set of rules.

Highlights from your Chamber Public invited to September Business Connections Lunch Mike Kreidler, Washington State Insurance Commissioner, will be the guest speaker at a lunch meeting Sept. 14 in place of the Valley Chamber’s regular Business Connections Breakfast. He will be speaking on the Washington Health Insurance Exchange to explain how it will work and what it means to your business.

KREIDLER

The lunch will be held at the Mirabeau Park Hotel, 1100 N. Sullivan Road in Spokane Valley. Check-in and networking begin at

11:30 a.m., and the lunch program will get underway at noon. The public is invited to attend at the member rate of $35.

Chamber events in September

September 4, Government Action Committee meeting cancelled. Join us in October. September 4, 11 a.m., Providence Medical Park Ground Breaking, Sullivan exit (east on Indiana), Spokane Valley September 7, 9:45 a.m., Spokane County Interstate Fair Opening & Ribbon Cutting, 404 N. Havana St., Spokane Valley

September 11, 4:30 to 6 p.m., Open House and Ribbon Cutting (5:30 p.m.), Patrick Gray American Family, 1521 N. Argonne Road, Ste. E, Spokane Valley September 13, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Open House and Ribbon Cutting (5:45 p.m.), Cotton Family Dental, 12120 E. Broadway Ave., Spokane Valley September 14, 11:30 a.m. (networking), noon (lunch and program), Business Connections Lunch, Mirabeau Park Hotel, 1100 N. Sullivan Road, Spokane Valley. Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler will speak on the topic “Washington Health Insurance Exchange: How will it work? What does it mean to your business?” Cost is $35; register at spokanevalleychamber.org. September 19, 5 to 6 p.m.: Open House and Ribbon Cutting (5:30 p.m.), Fred Becker American Family, 106 N. Evergreen Road, Ste. C, Spokane Valley (Times to be confirmed.) September 25, 4 to 6 p.m., Meet the Chamber/Member Reception, Oregon Tile & Marble, 3808 N. Sullivan Road, Bldg 33-G, Spokane Valley. Certificate presentations at 5:30 p.m. September 27, noon, Transportation

What scenic place is the most beautiful in our area? What events or activities best represent the spirit of the community? What sums up the essence of what it means to enjoy life in Liberty Lake? Use your photography skills to capture the best images around Liberty Lake for our 3rd annual photography contest. Selected photos will be considered for publication on the cover and inside the 2013 Liberty Lake Community Directory.

Peridot Publishing, distributor of The Splash, The Current and Liberty Lake Community Directory, is sponsoring this contest. 509-242-7752

Online registration is preferred at spokanevalleychamber.org by Sept. 12. Display tables will be available to members for $100 which includes one lunch. At the meeting, the Summer 2012 NxLeveL® graduates will also be recognized. The Valley Chamber would like to thank The Spokane Club for their support of this program as September’s sponsor. For more information, call the Valley Chamber office at 924-4994.

Committee meeting, Longhorn BBQ, 2315 N. Argonne, Spokane Valley Be sure to check our website at spokanevalleychamber.org for more details and updates.

New members

Please join us in welcoming the following members who have recently joined the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce: 55th Ave Apartments on the South Hill A Grand Welcome, Inc. American Security Consultants Aspen Personnel Services Camping World of Spokane Circle N Stores Cotton Family Dental, Inc. Craig Ambacher Insurance Dabell Orthodontics Dr. Dale Robbins Grumpy’s Pest, Tree & Lawn Spray Services LLC Holiday Inn Spokane Airport Kick n’ Fun Family Martial Arts LLC Kirk D. Miller, P.S. Kiwanis Club of Liberty Lake Liberty Lube Lone Wolf Harley Davidson Meadowbrook Educational Services Mountain Valley View Farm, Inc. Patrick A. Gray Insurance Agency of American Family Pet Vet Hospital & Wellness Center Skils’kin Sonya’s Cleaner by Nature Spokane Homes for Heroes Spokane Shock Football Storage Solutions Liberty Lake Value Village

1421 N. Meadowwood Lane • Liberty Lake, WA 99019 • Phone: 509 924-4994 www.spokanevalleychamber.org

34 • September 2012

Four downs to fandom Adopting a college team to cheer for in the Pacific Northwest

By Chad Kimberley current guest column

It is September, football is back, and I need to find a team to cheer for out here in the Pacific Northwest. As I enter my fifth year in Washington after moving from the Midwest, I realize it might be time to branch out my fandom to include a team I could actually watch in person without having to leave 24 hours before kickoff. The tough part of picking a new team is the realization I am going to make some new friends and even more new rivals as I inevitably choose one team over multiple other possibilities. As I began considering a new team to root for, I quickly came to the revelation that I can’t choose a high school or professional team to signal out for a couple of reasons. First off, I know kids — and in some cases, have taught and coached kids — who have played or cheered at every local high school with a football team (CV, U-High, WV, EV and Freeman). I am cheering for deep postseason runs for all those teams. Second, I refuse to pick a professional team to cheer for over the Chicago Bears, who indoctrinated me into the NFL during the Super Bowl-shuffling run of 1986, when the Bears pounded the New England Patriots into submission and danced into history. So there is no chance I can cheer for the Seattle Seahawks. (Unless, of course, I pick a Seahawk for my Fantasy Football team. Last year, Marshawn Lynch helped me win

first place.) So this brings me to college football. Let me set the record straight right off the bat: I am a native Iowan and thus a die-hard Iowa Hawkeyes fan. But since I can’t catch Big Ten games out here and the Hawkeyes do not play the Pac-12 since our days when we actually had Rose Bowl quality teams, I need to have some Saturday fandom on this side of the country. The criteria for landing my adopted team are simple: it must be an FBS school (formerly called Division I) which is either in Washington or borders the state along with one wild card choice. The candidates are as follows: Washington State, Washington, Idaho, Boise State, Oregon State, Oregon and the wildcard selection, Eastern Washington. I have no personal connection to any of these schools, so I can take a hard, calculating look at the important factors that determine how I am going to pick my new school. In fact, I kinda see myself as the Brad Pitt character in “Moneyball,” where I simply analyze the numbers and make decisions devoid of emotion which, if this goes according to the Hollywood script, my new team will be playing in a major bowl in the postseason. Now onto my all-important analytical considerations.

sports

The Current

NBA stars host camp at HUB

Submitted photos

NBA players Isaiah Thomas and Nate Robinson helped host a Lil’ Big Man basketball camp Aug. 20-22 at the HUB Sports Center in Liberty Lake. During the camp, participants age 6-16 focused on mastering basic basketball skills while enjoying daily competitions, trivia and guest speakers.

Local Lens Share your

snapshots for The Current’s photo page. Email photos@ valleycurrent.com with game shots and team photos.

Hurricanes blow away competition

First Down: Fear Factor Mascot

The 10-U UNICEP Hurricanes, made up entirely of Liberty Lake residents, finished their season as SVGSA league champs and end-of-season tournament champions. Pictured back row from left: Coach Brett Gores, Coach Josslyn Watkins, Coach Doug Pecha; middle row: Chloe Williams, Emma Johnston, Clair Kaufman, Emma Horton, Kate Gardner; front row: Kylie Constance, Kaycee Gores, Sarah Pecha, Sara Van Liew, Savannah Pratt and Kelsie Gores. Not pictured: Baylee Bankey.

I want to have a team and a mascot that strikes some fear in the opposition. Immediately, the Oregon schools take a hit as ducks and beavers do not quite force folks to quake in their boots, while the Idaho schools create a bit of a stir with the bucking bronco or a havoccreating vandal. Washington has a unique blend with traditional eagles, potentially dangerous cougars and huskies which look cute and adorable but can drag a sled across the frozen tundra. The vandal seems like a clear decision, but I like the idea of the mascot I cheer for being an animal, so I think I have to go cougar first followed by a bronco and a husky.

See FANDOM, page 40

Submitted photo

The Current

September 2012 • 35

sports

Game changer — WV grad shifts from pro diamond to college gridiron By Craig Howard Current Contributor

On a bright spring day in Sarasota, Fla., just more than two years ago, Bryan Peterson stepped onto a baseball diamond representing the Boston Red Sox. Sitting patiently at the end of a dugout that included All Stars like Dustin Pedroia, J.D. Drew and Jacoby Ellsbury, the 2008 graduate of West Valley High School was informed in the eighth inning that he would pinch hit for yet another of baseball’s elite, David Ortiz. Only a couple of seasons removed from facing teams like Cheney and Clarkston in the Great Northern League, Peterson found himself in the middle of a spring training confrontation with Boston’s division rival, the Baltimore Orioles. Now it was time to focus and deliver a base hit. Batting from the left side, Peterson scorched a line drive toward the middle of the infield. The Orioles’ shortstop managed to reach the ball but faltered in his throw to first. Peterson was safe on what was later ruled an error. He would eventually account for a run on a grand slam by Kevin Frandsen. Welcome to the majors. Welcome to Red Sox Nation. “It was amazing to be part of that,” Peterson recalls. The former MVP of the GNL will be the first to tell you that his tenure in pro baseball fell short of the glamor on that day in Sarasota. After being drafted by Boston in the 11th round of the Major League Baseball draft in June 2008, he left Spokane Valley for Ft. Meyers, Fla., and reported to the team’s affiliate in the Gulf Coast League, the ground floor of pro baseball. Along the way, there were stops in Lowell, Mass., Salem, Va., and Portland, Maine — all featuring the signature clichés of minor league baseball. Through all the greasy diners, rickety buses and half-empty stadiums, Peterson fared well as an outfielder, hitting close to .277 in his first season until a rash of injuries took their toll. After 137 at-bats in the 2008 season, Peterson managed only 125 plate appearances over the next two years. Still, there were plenty of highlights along the way, including a game where he threw out two runners in the same inning and a soaring catch he made against the fence in Staten Island, N.Y. “I remember facing a pitcher who threw 98 mph,” Peterson said. “It’s an adjustment, especially when someone like that can also throw off-speed pitches. Af-

Soaring Eagle A look back at Bryan Peterson’s accomplishments at WVHS Academics Named to Honor Roll eight consecutive semesters Great Northern League Scholar Athlete, 2007 Basketball Three-year letter-winner All-GNL first team, 2006-07 season Team captain, 2006-07 Team leader in points and rebounds, 2006-07 Football Three-year letter-winner All-GNL second team, 2006 All-GNL first team, 2007 Team captain and MVP, 2006, 2007 All-State second team, 2007 Baseball Four-year letter-winner Northwest Junior Olympic team, 2006 All-GNL first team, 2006,2007 GNL MVP, 2007 Louisville Slugger All-American Honorable Mention, 2007 All-State first team, 2007, 2008 Rawlings Regional All-Star, 2008 Exceeded 100 runs, hits and RBIs in high school career

Submitted photo by Kelly O’Connor

West Valley graduate Bryan Peterson played three seasons in the Boston Red Sox minor league system after being drafted in 2008. He hit .277 in his first year and last played with the team’s AA affiliate in Portland, Maine. ter a while, though, I realized ‘I can do this.’” Peterson never did patrol the outfield at Fenway Park or pelt soaring caroms off the “Green Monster,” the stadium’s trademark left-field wall. After batting close to .400 in spring training last year, he was released by Boston in late March. “I saw the writing on the wall,” Peterson said. “The injuries really factored into it. They said they could help me if I wanted to stay in baseball, but I was ready to move on. I was ready to just be a college student.” Make that a college student and a starting quarterback. By last April, Peterson had signed on with Whitworth University to play football, a sport he lettered in for three years at West Valley. He would go on to pass

for 1,420 yards and 14 touchdowns in the 2011 season for the Pirates, completing 63 percent of his throws and averaging 158 yards through the air per game. Jason Tobek, Whitworth assistant coach, said it was a matter of “evaluating where Bryan was” after a hiatus of nearly four years from football. “He was making that transition, but he’s a good athlete,” Tobek said. “Bryan can make all the throws, and he’s smart out there.” While the Pirates wound up only 4-6 on the season, four of their losses were by a touchdown or less. In the season finale, Peterson led the Spokane-based school to a riveting win over the University of Puget Sound after Whitworth trailed 34-28 going into the fourth quarter. On

See GAME, page 37

Photo courtesy of Whitworth University

Peterson threw for 1,420 yards in his first season as a quarterback for Whitworth University. As a senior at West Valley, he was named second team All-State in football.

36 • September 2012

Respect looks past differences By Peter Underhill Current Guest Column

In the English language, we use the word “respect” in a number of different contexts. We respect our parents because they are in a position of authority; we respect the American flag for the liberty and justice of which it is symbolic. We speak of respecting the environment or “paying our respects” to a loved one who has passed away. But respect is far more than any one

opinion of these examples. Respect is a mindset concerning the way we interact with our world. The Bible speaks of respect. We find in Leviticus 19:3 that respect is included in the Ten Commandments. “You must respect your father and mother.” It appears again in 1 Peter 2:17, where we read, “Show respect for all people.” The PACE definition of respect can help us to understand what this means. It says that respect is “recognizing, considering and properly honoring the worth of one's self and others.” As we interact with our family, friends, parents, or teachers, we should remember that every human being is unique, completely one of a kind, and that when we are respectful, we show others just how much we value them. Love, out of necessity, requires that we are respectful. Conversely, disrespectful behavior has the potential to do serious damage. If we don't value each other in our minds, we won't be loving in our words and actions. We may actually harm a relationship and destroy our reputations with others. Far worse than this is the discouragement,

Current Editorial

To some, HUB’s five-year gathering a surprise party A party coming up Sept. 29 may come as a surprise to some. The HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo, turns five, and it is holding an open house from noon to 4 p.m. to celebrate. Many who have followed the eight-year history of the 67,000-square-foot multipurpose building know of its constant struggle to stay afloat as a community gathering place for sports and recreation. After the building’s initial vision ran short on funds, a group led by former Spokane Valley Nazarene Church pastor and Spokane Valley City Councilman Ian Robertson announced plans to take on the facility.

About the Opinion Page The Current wants to hear what’s on your mind. Interact with the opinion page with a le er to the editor (350 words or fewer), guest column (700 words or fewer; please send a mug) or via Facebook or Twi er: editor@valleycurrent.com facebook.com/valleycurrent @valleycurrent As with all content, opinion page submissions may be edited for space, style or clarity. This is a community newspaper, so be relevant to the Valley for the best chance at publica on. “In all debates, let truth be thy aim, not victory or an unjust interest. And endeavor to gain, rather than to expose, thy antagonist.” — William Penn

The struggles continued, but at some point in the past couple years the message from HUB Executive Director Phil Champlin began to change. Instead of struggling to stay afloat, the HUB was operating in the black. Instead of not knowing how to make it through the summer months, the HUB was finding creative ways to fill the facility and seeing their funding from the winter rush extend further into the quieter months. Recently, Central Valley School District Superintendent Ben Small was added to an already strong board, a move that will only increase the link between Spokane Valley young people and the HUB’s mission to provide events that have a positive impact on youth and the community. The nonprofit facility will continue to lean on the support of the community and local government bodies that see its value in economic development and bringing in visitors. However, the five-year mark is a milestone worthy of celebration and the result of a lot of hard work and ingenuity by Champlin and the HUB team. Anytime the words “nonprofit” and “overhead” land in the same sentence, the organization will not be out of the woods. But this five-year mark is a day many community leaders didn’t think would be seen, even as nearly everyone hoped it would. Here’s to another five years of increasing health.

pain and low self-esteem that afflict others when we are disrespectful. So what should we do when it's hard to show respect? Maybe it will help to remember the “Golden Rule,” from the book of Luke, “Do to others what you would want them to do to you.” The great part is that this rule applies to anyone, in any situation! When we see or meet someone from a culture or background that is different from ours, being respectful of their heritage will encourage them to be respectful of ours. Mutual respect is just about the easiest way to help make the world into a better place. In the early days of our country, two politicians, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, had vastly opposing ideas concerning the role of government. They had come from different backgrounds, been raised in separate parts of the nation and were often political opponents. They also happened to be good friends. Jefferson and Adams had the kind of respect for one another that didn't allow a political difference to get in the way. They understood that there was more that united them than divided.

The Current

In America today, it feels like our differences are irreconcilable, but we need to take Jefferson and Adams as our examples. Our shared humanity is far more important than any views that may separate us. Respect is one of the easiest ways to demonstrate appreciation, and as students beginning the next school year, we must be keenly aware of how respectful we are towards others. Respect will change our schools, workplaces and homes for the better because it is respect that ensures that no matter who we are, we can work together. Peter Underhill is an incoming senior at Freeman High School and that school’s recipient at the 2012 PACE Awards. He was chosen by the staff out of all Freeman High School students for “bringing character to light” all year long. This column was written as part of a monthly series highlighting the PACE (Partners Advancing Character Education) trait of the month, which is “respect.” For more information, visit www.pacecommunity.org.

The Current

CALENDAR Continued from page 14 Center grandstand, 404 N. Havana St. Tickets $5 to $7 plus admission to the fair. For more: www. interstatefair.org

Sept. 11 | Jake Owen concert 7 p.m., Spo-

kane County Fair and Expo Center grandstand, 404 N. Havana St. Tickets $5 to $15 plus admission to the fair. For more: www.interstatefair.org

Sept. 12 | Huey Lewis and the News concert 7 p.m., Spokane County Fair and Expo

Center grandstand, 404 N. Havana St. Tickets $15 to $30 plus admission to the fair. For more: www. interstatefair.org

Sept. 13 | Styx concert 7 p.m., Spokane County Fair and Expo Center grandstand, 404 N. Havana St. Tickets $10 to $25 plus admission to the fair. For more: www.interstatefair.org Sept. 14 | Blues Traveler concert 7 p.m.,

Spokane County Fair and Expo Center grandstand, 404 N. Havana St. Tickets $10 to $20 plus admission to the fair. For more: www.interstatefair.org

Sept. 29 | Artist Showcase Auction 5 p.m., Great Room at CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place, Spokane Valley. Annual Spokane Valley Arts Council fundraiser features wine, food, live music and art. Tickets: $35 individual, $50 couple. For more: www.spokanevalleyarts.com/ArtistSh. html

CIVIC & BUSINESS Sept. 7 | Spokane Regional Council of Governments meeting 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.,

Spokane County Fair and Expo Center conference facility, 404 N. Havana St. Joint meeting between regional governing bodies, including the Spokane County Board of Commissioners and the Spokane Valley City Council.

Sept. 14 | Washington Health Insurance Exchange presentation 11:30 a.m. network-

ing, noon program, Mirabeau Park Hotel, 1100 N. Sullivan Road, Spokane Valley. Washington State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler will speak on the "Washington Health Insurance Exchange: How it will work and implications for

GAME Continued from page 35

a crisp autumn day in Tacoma, he completed 17-of-28 throws for 173 yards and one touchdown in a 40-34 victory. A Division III school that does not offer athletic scholarships, Whitworth was not in the recruiting mix when Peterson established himself as one of the state’s top quarterbacks at West Valley. Instead, teams like UCLA, the University of Washington and Oregon State sent letters. Peterson was named to the All-State second team as a senior and emerged with nearly every Spokane-area quarterback record, including marks for single season (2,504) and career passing yards (5,322) previously held by former Shadle Park, Washington State and NFL great

September 2012 • 37

community/SPORTS your business," as part of the regular monthly meeting of the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce. Tickets are $35 and open to the public. For more info or to register: www.spokanevalleychamber.org or 924-4994

Sept. 25| Meet the Chamber reception 4 to 6 p.m., Oregon Tile and Marble, 3808 N. Sullivan Road, #33G, Spokane Valley. Free networking event includes recognition of new members. For more: www.spokanevalleychamber.org or 924-4994

Sept. 29 | Business After Hours 5 to 7 p.m.,

Mountain West Bank, 12321 E. Mission Ave., Spokane Valley. Greater Spokane Inc. networking event is free to members, $10 for non-members. For more: events.greaterspokane.org or 321-3619

E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley. Open to anyone interested in playing cribbage. For more: bill@ playcribbage.com, www.playcribbage.com or 310-621-3897

Sept. 12 | Tee Off for Kids Eighth Annual Golf Classic 1 p.m. shotgun start, Meadow-

Wood Golf Course, 24501 E. Valleyway, Liberty Lake. Help give hope to children who are abused and neglected in this fundraiser for Lutheran Community Services Northwest. Cost of $65 by Sept. 7 includes golf, cart rental and barbecue dinner. For more: www.lcsnw.org/events.html

Sept. 15 | Walk for Wishes family-friendly 5K walk and fun run 8:45 a.m. to noon,

Recurring

Mirabeau Meadows, 13500 E. Mirabeau Parkway. Make a Wish Foundation benefit. For more or to register for free: www.walkforwishes.kintera.org/ inlandnorthwest

Liberty Lake City Council 7 p.m. on the first

Sept. 15 | Monster Truck shows 2 and

and third Tuesdays of each month, City Hall, 22710 E. Country Vista Drive

Millwood City Council 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month, City Hall, 9103 E. Frederick Ave.

7 p.m., Spokane County Fair and Expo Center grandstand, 404 N. Havana St. Tickets $8 to $10 plus admission to the fair. For more: www. interstatefair.org

2 p.m. Tuesdays, 1026 W. Broadway, Spokane

Sept. 16 | RIM Ride Various times depending upon distance starting from the Meadowwood Technology Campus, 2100 N. Molter Road, Liberty Lake. Distances include 5, 15, 25, 50 and 100 mile routes. Online registration deadline is Sept. 1, cost is $15-$45 depending on distance. For more: www.rotaryinmotion.com

Spokane Valley City Council 6 p.m.

Sept. 16 | Mount Spokane Trail Day 9 a.m.

Rockford City Council 7 p.m. on the first

Wednesday of each month, Town Hall, 20 W. Emma St.

Spokane County Board of Commissioners

Tuesdays, City Hall Council Chambers, 11707 E. Sprague Ave., Suite 101

HEALTH & RECREATION Sept. 7-8 | PRCA Rodeo 7 p.m. each day, Spo-

kane County Fair and Expo Center grandstand, 404 N. Havana St. Tickets $5 to $7 plus admission to the fair. For more: www.interstatefair.org

Sept. 9 | SpokeFest Various departure times

all morning from downtown Spokane. Spokane's largest bicycling event with four bike routes between 1 and 47 miles, bike safety rodeo, vendor booths and more. Cost before or on Sept. 1: $8 12 and under, $12 for 13 and older ($15 and $20 after Sept. 1). For more: www.spokefest.org

Sept. 12 | Lilac City Cribbage Club 6:30

p.m. to midnight, Puerto Vallarta restaurant, 6915

Mark Rypien. While Peterson may now be playing at venues in Forest Grove, Ore., Whittier, Calif., and Puyallup instead of the Rose Bowl or Husky Stadium, he says the experience of competing for a quality school like Whitworth overshadows any disappointment. “It’s not a letdown,” he said. “I have great teammates and great coaches, and I love the university.” Tobek said Peterson “is playing a step up from where he was last year” as the Pirates prepare for the 2012 campaign. “His accuracy has been really good,” Tobek said. “Bryan has the ability to create some space for us offensively. He runs well and sees the field well.” While football is the priority right now, there is an outside chance Peterson could also suit up for the Whitworth baseball

Mt. Spokane State Park, 26107 N. Mt. Spokane Park Drive. Spokane Nordic members are recruiting volunteers to help trim branches and clear the sprawling cross-country ski trail system before the snow flies. Volunteers meet at Selkirk Lodge dressed in work clothes and equipped with gloves, lunch and other tools. For more: www. parks.wa.gov/parks or 624-9667

Sept. 16 | Double Header Demolition Derby 4 p.m., Spokane County Fair and Expo

Center grandstand, 404 N. Havana St. Tickets $6 to $8 plus admission to the fair. For more: www. interstatefair.org

Sept. 22 | 32nd annual Harvest Hustle 5K Fun Run 7:45 a.m. check in, 8:30 a.m. race,

Rockford. Entry is $15 by Sept. 10, $7 no shirt. Late registration is $20 with shirt (limited supply),

squad based on the outcome of an ongoing eligibility appeal with the NCAA. The Pirates advanced to the Division III World Series this season for the first time and finished eighth in the national rankings.

$10 no shirt. For more: www.sespokanecountyfair.org or 291-3219

Sept 22 | Valleyfest Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk (formerly known as the Buddy

Walk) 10 a.m., Discovery Playground, 2426 N. Discovery Place. One mile walk promotes awareness and inclusion for people with Down syndrome and raises funds for local and national education, research and advocacy programs. For more: www.valleyfest.org

Sept. 22-23 | 21st Annual Harvest Hoops 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament Rockford. Register by Sept. 15. For more: www.sespokanecountyfair.org or 928-5839

Sept 23 | Valleyfest 5k/10k Run for Cause 8:30 a.m. Mirabeau Point Park, 13500 E.

Mirabeau Parkway. Begins and ends at park’s south Centennial Trail trailhead. Extreme Kids Fun Run at 8 a.m. (free to children ages 7 and under). Timed 5K and 10K run registration is $15 before Sept 20, $25 after. A percentage of the proceeds go toward Down Syndrome Connections of the Inland Northwest. For more: www.valleyfest.org

Sept. 28-30 | Wellness and Beauty Expo

10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, 10 N. Pines Road. More than 100 vendors, activities, demonstrations, free wellness checks, mini spa and beauty treatments, a fresh market and concessions. Admission is $7 or free under 12 or bring two nonperishable items for NW Harvest and pay $5. For more: www.wellnessandbeautyexpo.com or 434-0133

Sept. 29| Open house and five-year anniversary celebration Noon to 4 p.m., HUB

Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo, Liberty Lake. Free event features sports activities, competitions, food, games, prizes and more. For more: www. hubsportscenter.org or 927-0602

Sept. 29| Take Steps Eastern Washington for Crohn's & Colitis 1 to 4 p.m., Mirabeau

Meadows, 13500 E. Mirabeau Parkway. For more: www.cctakesteps.org/easternwashington

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.

petitive spirit forged on the fields and courts of West Valley. “I’m happy where I’m at,” Peterson said. “It doesn’t matter what the sport is; I’ve always wanted to be the best I could.”

Some, like WVHS baseball coach Don O’Neal, think Peterson still has a chance to resume his trek to the majors. “When Bryan was healthy in the minor leagues, he played great,” said O’Neal, who spent a year in the Detroit Tigers minor league system. “I think he could step in and play at the AA level right now. Some pro team would probably look like a genius if they drafted him.” As autumn approaches, Peterson remains focused on secondary formations and screen passes, not opposing lefthanders. For now, he will lead the Pirates out of the huddle with a work ethic and com-

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The Current

38 • September 2012

news/community Volume 1, Issue 8 Editor/publisher

Josh Johnson

General Manager

Tammy Kimberley

josh@valleycurrent.com tammy@libertylakesplash.com

staff writer

Kelly Moore

kmoore@libertylakesplash.com

Senior account Janet Pier executive janet@libertylakesplash.com account Cindy Esch executive cindy@valleycurrent.com graphics editor

Sarah Burk

Office manager

Kelli Dexter

sarah@libertylakesplash.com kelli@libertylakesplash.com Circulation Mike Johnson manager mike@valleycurrent.com Contributors

Shaun Brown Kimberly Cauvel Kyle Hansen Craig Howard

Chad Kimberley Valerie Putnam Jayne Singleton Craig Swanson

On the cover: Current cover design by Sarah Burk

About

Wondering where you FACE OFF can find The Current? Continued from page 4 Around 10,000 free copies of The Current are distributed near the end of each month at more than 150 locations from Newman Lake to Rockford, from stateline to Havana. A list of drop-off locations along with corresponding Google maps is available at www. valleycurrent.com. The Current can be found at the following locations (organized alphabetically by community and then by street proximity):

Liberty Lake Albertsons, Anytime Fitness, Barlows Restaurant, Carl’s Jr., Chevron, City Hall, Curves, Ding How, Dominos, Expect A Lot Visual Images, Great Clips, Great Harvest Bread Co., Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, Greenstone, John L. Scott, Just Chillin’ Frozen Yogurt, KiDDS Dental, Liberty Lake Athletic Club, Liberty Lake Golf Course, Liberty Lake Library, McDonald’s, MeadowWood Golf Course, Palenque Mexican Restaurant, Papa Murphy’s, Pawpular Companions, Quiznos, Rockwood Liberty Lake Clinic, Rockwood Urgent Care Center, Safeway, San Francisco Sourdough, Seasons Cafe, Supercuts, Trailhead Golf Course, True Legends Grill, Twisp Cafe and Coffee House, Walgreens, Washington Trust Bank

Mica, Rockford and Valleyford Fairfield Library, Freeman School District office, FredNecks, Freeman Store, Hurd Mercantile Gift Mall, Harvest Moon, On Sacred Grounds, Rockford Mini Mart

Millwood

The Current 2310 N. Molter Road, Suite 305 Liberty Lake, WA 99019 Phone: 242-7752; Fax: 927-2190 www.valleycurrent.com

Albertsons, Anytime Fitness, Argonne Library, City Hall, The Corner Door Fountain and Books, Dairy Queen, Great Clips, Rocket Bakery, Rockwood Urgent Care Center, Papa Murphy’s, Walgreens, West Valley School District

The Current is published monthly. It is distributed by or before the first of each month to more than 150 drop-off locations in Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Millwood, Rockford, Otis Orchards, Newman Lake — just about anywhere that has historically been referred to as part of Spokane’s Valley.

Exxon Gas Station, Jack and the Bean Shop, KH Grocery Market, Otis Grill, Otis Orchards Library, River City Pizza, Sweet Tooth Bakery & Espresso

Newman Lake and Otis Orchards

Spokane Valley Off or near Barker Road Central Valley School District, Cozy Coffee, Hico Village, HUB Sports Center, King’s Restaurant, ScrumDiddilyUmptious Donuts, Ziggy’s

Off or near Sullivan and Evergreen Roads Deadlines: The deadlines for submitting story ideas or placing advertising vary slightly with each issue. To be safe rather than sorry, consider the 15th of each month the cutoff point to be considered for inclusion in the following month’s Current.

Subscriptions Subscriptions for U.S. postal addresses cost $12 for 12 issues, or $24 for 12 issues to addresses outside of Spokane or Kootenai counties. Send a check and subscription address to P.O. Box 363, Liberty Lake, WA 99019 or call 242-7752 for more information.

Correction policy The Current strives for accuracy in all content. Errors should be reported immediately to 2427752 or by e-mail to editor@valleycurrent.com. Confirmed factual errors will be corrected on this page in the issue following their discovery.

Advertising Integrity Inaccurate or deceptive advertising is never knowingly accepted. Complaints about advertisers should be made in writing to the Better Business Bureau and to advertise@ valleycurrent.com. The Current is not responsible for the content of or claims made in ads.

Ace Hardware, Auto Licensing Plus LLC, The Brickhouse Massage and Coffee Bar, Carl’s Jr., Dairy Queen, Donna’s Diner, Fitness Center Valley, Forza Coffee Co., Froyo Earth, Great Clips (Broadway), Harvest Foods, Hastings, Jack in the Box, McDonald’s (Broadway), McDonald’s (N. Sullivan), Mirabeau Park Hotel, Mongolian BBQ, Oz Fitness, Rockwood Valley Clinic, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Round Table Pizza, Safeway, Schlotzsky’s, Sport Clips, Subway (Broadway), Walgreens, Zelia’s, Zip’s

Spokane Valley Mall area Arby’s, Barnes and Noble, Bean Positive, Krispy Kreme, Outback Steakhouse, Oxford Suites, River View Corporate Center, Thomas Hammer Coffee, Twigs, YMCA

Off or near Pines and University Roads Arby’s, Albertsons, Ben’s Yogurt and Deli, Buck’s Pizza, Burger King, Centerplace, Cuppa Joe’s Cafe, Dairy Queen, East Valley School District office, Flamin’ Joe’s, Giorgio’s Fitness Center, Halpin’s, HuHot Mongolian Grill, Jack in the Box, McDonald’s, Northwest Orthopaedic Specialists, O’Doherty’s Irish Pub and Grill, Peters Hardware, Qdoba, Quiznos, Ringo’s Casino, Ron’s, Senor Froggy’s, Spokane Valley Heritage Museum, Spokane Valley Library, Spokane Valley Partners, Starbucks, Subway, Thrifty Scotsman, Valley Hospital ER, Value Village, Walgreens, White Elephant

“The entire episode has been extremely mischaracterized,” Shea said. Shea continues to support the idea of limiting government as a way to help small business. He recently backed legislation to expand dock manufacturing in Spokane Valley and Deer Park through a program that includes incentives for utilizing environmentally friendly materials. “We need to do more to promote business,” Shea said.

HOSPITAL Continued from page 10

Q: Any other words of advice for the average person looking at a health care bill or wondering what they could do? A: One thing we forget about is personal responsibility. We have a responsibility to take care of ourselves so we don’t overburden the system. Exercise, non-smoking, eating well — those are the kinds of things that keep you well. It’s my job to keep myself well, and it’s nice to have a partner in my

INTERSTATE FAIR Continued from page 19

like Tim McGraw and Martina McBride being part of the entertainment lineup in Spokane prior to their prominence on the national stage. Meanwhile, established groups like the Beach Boys and Rascal Flats played to sold-out crowds. In the most recent exit survey of attendees, entertainment, food and livestock ranked as the top three reasons people visit the fair. While fair food may be a little on the pricy side, admission to the grounds is still a bargain. Tickets purchased before Sept. 6 run $7 for adults and $5 for seniors and students. After opening day, ticket costs increase slightly — $10 for adults and $7 for seniors and students. “It’s still one of the most reasonably priced events to attend,” McLaughlin said.

Off or near Argonne and Havana Roads Ben’s Yogurt and Deli, The Black Diamond, Broadway Diner, Caruso’s, Casa De Oro, Chan Bistro, Chester Store, Cottage Cafe, Curves, Global Fitness, Goodtymes Bar and Grill, Hico Village, Jack in the Box, Jenny’s Café, Longhorn BBQ, McDonald’s (Argonne), McDonald’s (Havana), Papa Murphy’s, Puerto Vallarta, Rite Aid, Safeway, Savageland Pizza, Skyway Cafe, Smacky’s on Broadway, Spokane Club, Subway, Terry’s Breakfast & Lunch, Valley Bowl, Yoke’s Fresh Market, Zip’s (Broadway), Zip’s (Trent)

We’re always on the lookout for business and community partners willing to be drop-off points! If you are interested in carrying this monthly publication in your place of business, please contact our circulation manager at mike@valleycurrent.com.

Index of advertisers AmericanWest Bank Barlows Restaurant Black Diamond, The Bulldog Contractors Inc. Callahan & Associates Chtd. Careful Cleaners Casey’s Place Chan Bistro Clark’s Tire & Automotive Cozy Coffee Cuppa Joe’s Cafe

11 11 3 9 5 7 9 7 3 6 7

A native of Spokane, Shea has been married for three years and practices law in the Spokane area. When the late Bob McCaslin, longtime District 4 state senator, stepped down from his position in early 2011, Shea made a bid for the office eventually awarded to Jeff Baxter and currently held by Mike Padden. Both Shea and Biviano have been pounding the pavement this summer, talking with District 4 residents about everything from the economy to road maintenance. Only time will tell whose path — and commitment to fiscal fitness — will lead to Olympia and a reserved seat in the House. doc to look over my situation. Q: What else would you tell people about Valley that we might not have talked about? A: Valley Hospital is very much a reflection of the community in which we sit. … All the things that are good about the Valley and Liberty Lake are good about the hospital. It’s an easy place to get around. You can go out to eat and you can shop and you can ride your bike and you can do all that stuff right here. And the same thing with getting great health care. You can do that right here. As far as managing your fair experience in the most efficient manner, McLaughlin recommends referring to a copy of the daily program, distributed free at the gate. Being informed about obscure features like a vintage train museum (open only during the fair) and scheduling details (animals are moved out of display areas by 6 p.m. each day) can make the difference between a mediocre visit and a great one. “There are 97 acres here,” McLaughlin said. “People sometimes miss a lot because they don’t know where everything is and when things are happening.” From racing pigs to award-winning produce, the fair continues to showcase the best in rural culture. This year, an exhibit called the “AG Experience” will provide visitors — even city folk — with a chance to experience what life is like on a farm. “We’re here to educate, too,” McLaughlin said.

Delivered free to 150+ businesses in the greater Spokane Valley area and by subscription to residential homes. The Current is possible because of its advertisers. Following are the local advertisers in this month’s Current. Please consider them when offering your patronage.

Evergreen Fountains 25 Giorgio’s Fitness 11 Inland Empire Utility Coordinating Council 9 Jenice Baker Photography 14 Kathrine Olson DDS 11 KiDDS Dental 17 KidFit Spokane 9 Legacy Animal Medical Center 15 Liberty Lake Centennial Rotary Club 15 Liberty Lake Orthodontics 9 Mat, The 2

Mega Wash Express 6 Music Together 9 PlantLand/Spice Traders Mercantile 5 Scribbles Preschool 6 Simonds Dental Group 3 Sole Solutions 3 Spokane County Interstate Fair 5 Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce 33 Twisp Cafe & Coffee House 14 Valleyfest 11

The Current

PARTING SHOTS

September 2012 • 39

Libraries, like newspapers, marching on Why the person who says no one goes to libraries anymore must not be visiting libraries By Josh Johnson Current staff column

I love libraries, and it’s becoming increasingly clear that I’m not the only one. More on that in a moment. In the past month, I’ve visited the Argonne Library, Spokane Valley Library, Otis Orchards Library and Liberty Lake Municipal Library. I like them all for different reasons, but all provide an energizing atmosphere to engage the mind — or just to get some work done. Most of my visits are for a quiet place to work. Other times, I’m just there to pick up an audio book — “Steve Jobs” by Walter Isaacson and “An Ordinary Man” by Paul Rusesabagina were my “audible reads” this summer — or a chapter book like the “Chronicles of Narnia” series to read with my daughters. I wish I had more time to visit the library for helpful programming, such as when the Liberty Lake location offered a “Know Before You Go” primer for the free showing of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” at Pavillion Park Aug. 25. I went — and I realized it would’ve been nice to have brushed up on my Old English. Given my love of the library visit, I was surprised to find myself in a conversation recently in which it was asserted that, “No one goes to libraries anymore.” For those of us who visit our local libraries, it is clear that what this person was more accurately saying is that, “I don’t go to libraries anymore.” If this person were to make a mid-afternoon stop at the Spokane Valley Library, as I often do, they would understand why I bring my headphones. It’s not because people are being disrespectful — not usually, at least — but more because there are just people everywhere. A lot of people whispering, or even just moving, makes plenty of noise. I’m easily distracted, so the headphones help me focus. Plans for a new Spokane Valley Library have been in the news recently. In 2015, voters in the Spokane County Library District may be asked to not only build a new 30,000 square foot library (the most recent estimate), but two other 15,000 square foot branches — one at Conklin and Sprague and the second at a to-bedetermined south Valley location. From the distance of three years away, I can already hear the pushback: Why

current Photo by josh johnson

The Liberty Lake Municipal Library joined a network of North Idaho libraries in August, increasing its accessible collection from 30,000 to 500,000 titles. build a new installment of an antiquated concept? Or, as I’m already hearing: No one goes to libraries anymore. That’s simply not true. Not only are libraries as full as I’ve ever seen them, but the people who are using them are often finding critical resources they don’t have access to otherwise. Whether it’s homework help, assistance in finding a job or coveted internet access for those who don’t have it otherwise, the library provides services that improves the human infrastructure of our community. Meanwhile, in Liberty Lake, patrons are being issued new cards as that independent library enters into a Cooperative Information Network with 25 North Idaho libraries. The benefit in resources to Liberty Lake patrons is huge — 30,000 titles to 500,000 titles is “a big jump,” Library Director Pamela Mogen recently said in what may still be an understatement. All of this discussion about libraries reminds me of what people have been saying about newspapers since before the time I chose to go into journalism. Newspapers won’t make it, they argued.

“Whether one is talking about libraries or the publishing industry, it’s important to distinguish between that which is dying and that which is changing. Innovation is a vital and necessary part of any industry.” Fifteen years later, an alternative weekly newspaper in our backyard — the Inlander — is consistently ranking as one of the fastest-growing publications in the country. And it is doing it by catering to a demographic that most people think doesn’t read any words that haven’t been shaped by pixels on a glowing screen. This is not to say that the future of “print” may come with less printing. But whether one is talking about libraries or the publishing industry, it’s important to distinguish between that which is dying

and that which is changing. Innovation is a vital and necessary part of any industry. That being said, residents of communities like Liberty Lake and Spokane Valley are not going to wake up one day and no longer want reliable and professionally prepared information about what is happening in their neighborhoods and schools and at their levels of local government. Community journalism’s future is not in peril. Similarly, my regular library visits show me that people continue to desire — perhaps increasingly — a community gathering place where books and related information and services are available. That’s not changing, either. Will libraries and newspapers always look the same? Of course not. They don’t look the same way they looked a decade ago. But when deciding what the future may hold, we should never forget that innovation is a completely different concept than extinction. Josh Johnson is editor and publisher of The Current. Write to him at josh@valleycurrent.com.

The Current

40 • September 2012

sports

FANDOM Continued from page 34

Early lead goes to Washington State.

Second Down: Closet Colors This one may seem strange, but in a down economy I can’t go out there and buy a whole new wardrobe, so I have to consider the colors that already exist in my house and among my family. My wife is a purple fan and has purchased purple for everyone under the roof, so the Huskies get a huge lift in the color area while Oregon takes another hit due to the fact that their colors are green, yellow and whatever crazy combination they have for the ninth different uniform they will wear over the course of a 12-game season. Although my wife likes purple, my vanity wins out: They say black is slimming, and I need all the help I can get, so a big bump to Oregon State.

Third Down: NFL Alumni I love cheering for my college team on Sundays as well, so it is important that my school has some alumni making it to the NFL, and even better if they end up on the Chicago Bears roster. There are some great alumni out there, including Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Fouts, ESPN analyst and former Denver Bronco Mark Schlereth, and a guy I am still pulling for, Mike Utley of Washington State. But without doubt, the winner is the Washington Huskies, who pull the double of one of my favorite all-time players, Warren Moon, along with former Chicago Bear, Olin Kreutz.

Fourth Down: Winning I already have to do the lovable losers thing as a Cubs fan for seven months of the year, so for my football cheering I want to pull for a winning team, which helps Boise State and Oregon get some positive buzz. It is also hard to ignore a team that actually has recently won a national championship, Eastern Washington, and they even did it via a playoff system. Unfortunately for WSU, UW, Idaho and Oregon State, they have some work to do, although the Huskies are closer and the Cougars have Mike Leach, which should be interesting.

Final Fandom Choice: Washington Huskies The Huskies ended up scoring 22 points in my scientific ranking system. Boise State surprised in second with 19 points, and Washington State finished third with 17 points. So this season, my Saturdays will be spent cheering for the Hawkeyes and Huskies — at least until I find some better categories to rank before next season. Current contributor and sports aficionado Chad Kimberley teaches at Valley Christian School.

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