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WHAT’S INSIDE

The Lullaby Project: A Musical Celebration of Family and Community

Three Spokane Parks You Probably Didn’t Know Existed Teens Sell Baked Goods for the First Great Startup Bakeoff

On the cover: Liz Rognes, local singer-songwriter, and Andy Rumsey, Spokane Public Library Music Education Specialist, compose for the Lullaby Project in the Music Recording Studio at Central Library.

SPOKANE PUBLIC LIBRARY LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

All Spokane Public Library buildings sit on the traditional homelands of the four bands of the Spokane Tribe of Indians: sntútʔulixʷi, snxʷmeneʔi, s̓qesciłni, and slʕʷotéw s̓ i (Upper Band, Middle Band, Lower Band, and Chewelah Band). Since time immemorial, the Spokane Tribe of Indians has lived and cared for these grounds. Identifying themselves as “sqélixʷ,” or “Flesh of the Earth.” We pay our respects to their Elders—past, present, and emerging. We show gratitude to the land, river, and peoples who have been fishing, hunting, harvesting, and gathering here for generations. May we learn from one another’s stories so that we may nurture the relationship of the People of the Spokane Tribe and to all those who share this land.

Lilac City Local

A Spokane Public Library Publication

Editor-In-Chief

Amanda Donovan

Managing Editor

Alina Murcar

Copy Editor

Skyler Noble

Contributing

Writers

Alina Murcar

Dahveed Bullis

Elena Perry

Josh Morrisey

Leonard Kransdorf

Lisa Woodard

Marilyn L. Myers

Skyler Noble

A Community Cornerstone

If we were to picture a world without libraries, we would see a community missing a vital part of its essence. We provide accessible resources to meet the needs of the community and serve as a platform to showcase all that a region has to offer.

Libraries are much more than places to find books; they are community hubs that support lifelong learning and provide access to essential resources. They empower everyone, from avid readers to new parents, artists, entrepreneurs, and musicians, to take their skills and experiences to the next level. At their core, libraries provide access to knowledge, regardless of income level, political affiliation, housing status, religion, and more.

Albert Einstein once said, “The only thing that you absolutely have to know is the location of the library.” If that’s not proof of the timeless value of a library, we don’t know what is.

So how does the beating heart of the community stay relevant as human interests and needs evolve? By evolving with them. Over the past five years, we renovated all of our buildings to accommodate more meeting space for connection and to enhance our infrastructure with improved HVAC and air filtering systems, for when smoke, heat, or cold make other spaces unsafe.

We also offer many ways to engage with entertainment and educational content beyond the traditional print materials. As we look forward to the summer months and enjoy being outside or traveling more, remember you can take the library with you wherever you go.

You can listen to audiobooks on the Libby or hoopla apps, watch films on the Kanopy app or website, learn a new language at LOTE4Kids (Languages Other Than English), and read eBooks on Libby/OverDrive, The Palace Project, and TumbleBooks. Get started with our digital offerings at go.spokanelibrary.org/Digital or scan the QR code.

Executive Director

Andrew Chanse

Board of Trustees

Danielle DeJaegher

Gary Stokes

Lara Hemingway

Mari Margil

Shelby Lambdin spokanelibrary.org

So whether you are staycationing and enjoying all that Spokane has to offer this summer, or venturing a bit further, make the library part of your summer plans.

BY JOSH MORRISEY, SPOKANE PARKS & RECREATION

SPOKANE'S "SECRET" GARDEN

Tucked away in Edwidge Woldson Park, next to the historic Corbin Art Center, is Spokane's hidden gem—the Moore-Turner Heritage Garden.

After purchasing property on 525 West Seventh Avenue in 1889, Frank Rockwood Moore and his wife, Sarah Frances Sherlock Moore, installed the initial Victorianinfluenced garden with hillside terraces and basalt rock retaining walls to go along with their Kirtland Cutter-designed home.

Unfortunately, their time with the garden was shortlived as Mr. Moore died in 1895, and new owners, U.S. Senator George Turner and his wife, Bertha Dreher Turner, purchased the property in 1896. In 1911, the Turners added new structures and Arts and Crafts style features, including a two-tiered pergola, arbor, tea house, and water features.

After Mr. Turner died in 1932, the bank acquired the property, the 2.5-story home was eventually

demolished, and the gardens were left to nature. In 1945, the property, along with the adjoining Daniel Chase Corbin property, was purchased by the Spokane Park Board to form Pioneer Park, which has been operated by Parks & Recreation ever since.

Thanks to grant funding and community donations, including an astonishing $1.2 million donation by local philanthropist Myrtle Woldson, the gardens were restored to their 1911-era greatness in 2007. In 2011, the surrounding park was renamed for Woldson's mother, Edwidge Woldson. While some historic plants survived, new plants were reintroduced based on historical research.

A visit to this regal hillside garden with its pergolas, water features, basalt-faced terraces, and stone staircases makes one feel like they've traveled back to a Gatsby-esque time and place.

A woman walks with her pup in the gardens, circa early-1900s.

JUST WEST OF THE CORBIN ART CENTER AT 507 W 7TH AVE.

Present day Moore-Turner Heritage Garden.

The now-demolished home originally on the site of the Moore-Turner Heritage Garden.

THE PARK INSIDE A PARK

If you live in or have visited the Perry District of Spokane’s South Hill, you probably know about Grant Park. But did you know that inside Grant Park is another older park named Stadacona Circle?

A quick Google Map view of Grant shows an unusual bump-out along East 11th Avenue with larger trees than you’ll find in the rest of the park. That bump-out goes around half of the oval-shaped Stadacona Circle.

Donated by the Citizens’ National Bank and Fred and Ella Grinnell in 1905, Stadacona Circle is a 1.3-acre park described by famed landscape architects the Olmsted Brothers in their 1908 Report to the Park Board as a “small breathing spot for the neighborhood.”

In that Report, the Olmsted Brothers recommended that the Park Board purchase lots facing the park and join them. This vision eventually became true, but not as soon as anyone expected and not under the circumstances anyone suspected.

When the construction of I-90 made its way through Spokane between 1965 and 1971, it cut right through one of Spokane’s premier parks— Liberty Park. Nineteen of its original 21 acres were sold to the Department of Transportation for $630,000. At that time, the Park Board recommended, and the City Council voted to purchase land facing Stadacona Circle and join it to the nearby U.S. Grant Playground (now occupied by Grant School), becoming the 13.6-acre park you know today!

THE HIDDEN MYSTIC FALLS

Tucked away in Indian Canyon Park is one of Spokane's best-hidden secrets: Mystic Falls. Sometimes just a trickle, sometimes a full-on gusher, and sometimes even frozen over, these falls are a great place for solitude and reflection.

The Indian Canyon area was so named because it was once home to several Native Americans, including Chief Spokane Garry, who was forced to live out the last of his days there after having his farm stolen by white settlers. A heritage marker for Spokane Garry can be found on the main trail north of the falls.

The Mystic Falls can be accessed by hiking south from the parking turnout halfway up the hill on West Greenwood Road. The main trail loops around the top of the falls while secondary "goat trails" will lead off the path toward the water where you can make your way to the base of the falls. Make sure to wear sturdy shoes or boots as you visit this historic area as the terrain is quite rugged.

COORDINATES: FALLS 47.648948, -117.482242; PARKING 47.655064, -117.479297

ABOUT SPOKANE PARKS & RECREATION

Spokane Parks & Recreation is a division of the City of Spokane. It offers a diverse range of outdoor and indoor activities across its 87 parks, ensuring fun and engagement for residents and visitors of all ages. From the scenic Riverfront Park to numerous sports facilities, pools, and community centers, Spokane Parks & Recreation provides ample opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and community events for the Spokane community.

1015 S ARTHUR ST.

Original park plans.

A vintage postcard of Mystic Falls and two more recent views.

BY LEONARD KRANSDORF

At the South Hill Library, Angela and Abdul bring their love for painting and chess to life.

Angela’s passion for painting and Abdul’s love for chess have made their events a hit at the library. Just watch them teach and you’ll see their enthusiasm shine through.

“I’ve always enjoyed creative activities and learning, and painting seemed like a great outlet,” said Angela, South Hill Library’s Customer Experience Manager, who’s been painting for 10 years. She picked up her skills from YouTube videos and a lot of patience. For the past few years she has been bringing that skill to the public in free Friday Night Paint classes—which she also streams live on Zoom.

“What I love most is seeing how people progress in the class and interpret what I’m showing them,” Angela said.

Marissa and Kathy have been taking Angela’s classes for about a year. “In every class, she teaches a new technique, and I love playing with colors,” Marissa said. “She takes the time to explain everything and answers all our questions.”

“I used to paint but stopped when I had a family. Now, I’m back because I missed the creativity. I’m also into baking and crocheting,” said Kathy.

Emily, who has taken classes at other Spokane Public Library locations, came to South Hill for Angela’s painting class. “I never know what the end product

will look like,” she said, adding that she loves painting nature, especially flowers.

Angela encouraged Abdul to start a chess club after noticing his enthusiasm for the game. “It sounded like fun, and Angela thought it would be great for the library,” Abdul recalled. He launched Spokane Public Library’s monthly Chess Club in November 2023.

Abdul has been playing chess since he was six. “My family played a lot of board games. It was tough at first, but I stuck with it and grew to love it,” he said.

“What I love is that with each game, I keep improving. Winning is fun, but every game is a new challenge, and you learn with every move,” Abdul said.

One of Abdul’s students shared, “It’s something new for me. If you don’t try, you can’t move forward.”

Whether they’re focused on a chessboard or a canvas, students in both classes are passionate about learning. For Angela and Abdul, the library is a place to share their passions with the community.

“I’m just lucky to do something fun and appreciate that libraries help people,” Abdul said.

Angela values her connection with her students. “Seeing people come to the library to learn something new is so rewarding.”

You can join Angela for Friday Night Paint every third Friday of the month or drop in for Chess Club with Abdul every third Saturday of the month at South Hill Library. Find these and more upcoming events at events.spokanelibrary.org.

Abdul strategizes his next move at Chess Club.

Local musicians are invited to submit their original EPs or albums to our online streaming platform, Lilac City Records, now through August 31, 2024!

Selected artists will receive $200 if their music is accepted and will maintain their full copyright

Library cardholders can visit the website anytime to access and download local albums Immerse yourself in the unique sounds of Spokane

ART AT THE LIBRARY

You can see Spuplinas by local artist Ric Gendron (1954-2023) in Study Room B at Shadle Park Library. This piece shows Spuplinas reposing in between the earthly world and the spirit world. Raven, the trickster, is present as a guide. SUBMIT YOUR ORIGINAL MUSIC. GET PAID $200.

records.lilaccitylocal.com

Spokane Public Library employee Marilyn L. Meyers is a contemporary Tagalog writer of published short stories and comic strips. She has published more than 160 novelettes and comics in several genres, including romance, fantasy, horror, and children’s stories. Above is an image from a romance comic Marilyn wrote, published in the Philippines. Marilyn is fluent in English, Tagalog, and Visayan. See page 11 to read a short story by Marilyn.

Teens sell baked goods out of Central Library in first Great Startup Bakeoff

BY ELENA PERRY

If you stopped in the Central Library on Sunday, perhaps you could smell rosemary wafting from the third floor.

If you followed the aroma, you would have found a group of Mt. Spokane teenagers peddling homemade focaccia bread, one of four teams that competed in the inaugural Great Startup Bakeoff. In the weekend long competition, kids plan, bake, market and sell their own culinary masterpieces for the coveted golden apron.

“They kind of get a slice of what it’s like, if this is what they really want to do,” said

Clay Cerna, River City Kitchen owner and organizer of the bakeoff.

Competitors spent half their day Saturday in the library planning their marketing strategy and the latter half in Cerna’s kitchen, whipping up hundreds of cookies, scones, churro bites and loaves of focaccia.

Many participants are interested in culinary careers and owning businesses. The competition gave the teens a glimpse into their potential future work. They learned about baking in River City’s commercial kitchen and entrepreneurship through the library’s business research

collection, one of the best in the country, said business research librarian Mark Pond, also an organizer of the event.

“We’ve got tools; sometimes they’re really prohibitively expensive for them to go out and get on their own, but the library provides them for free,” Pond said. “If they took that message away, then I’ll count it as a win.”

Inspired by Sparks Weekend, the bakeoff is in its first year of what Cerna hopes will be a twice yearly recurrence in Central Library. He plans to organize a kids-only competition and one open to all ages to be set around the holiday season.

Entry was $50 for each student. River City Kitchen gave the students a budget of $100 for five ingredients (plus a spice) and materials for marketing their products, like decorations for their stand and packaging for their goods. Students kept any profits and tips they made. The winner is the team that makes the most profits selling their goods, “because that’s just like real life last time I checked,” Cerna laughed.

It’s a lesson Madison Stoltz doesn’t need to be taught. The

Mark Pond (left) and Clay Cerna (center, holding apron), orchestrated the Great Startup Bake Off, a partnership between Spokane Public Library’s StartUp Spokane and River City Kitchen, to inspire entrepeneurial teens.

Lewis and Clark freshman has been selling baked goods on her website for three years and will open a booth at the Perry Street Farmers market this summer under her business Snak Rabbit.

On Sunday, she teamed up with three other teens to sell churro bites and chocolate ganache.

“I just wanted to gather more experience,” Stoltz said. “I like making people happy by giving them stuff that I’ve made.”

Peddling scones at the next table was a team of five freshmen friends from Lewis and Clark High School, forming the team Scone with the Wind.

Dozens of loaves of focaccia bread lined the Mt. Spokane High School trio’s table like doughy shingles on a roof. Santana Alcayde, a sophomore, walked customers through the bread’s many uses: a side to a soup, dipped in cream, stacked with cured meat.

“I’m really interested in Italy itself, that’s why I picked focaccia,” Alcayde told a customer. “I want to learn more about their baking style.”

Alcayde, a cook at Downriver Grill, hopes to one day open his

out-of-this-world snickerdoodles at a space-themed booth called Cosmic Crumbles. The team spent almost 12 hours Saturday preparing, by baking over 300 cookies in varying densities to accommodate all preferences, making T-shirts and meticulously wrapping and taping their logo to each individual cookie.

“I think it was worth it because I feel like little details kind of go a long way,” said eighth-grader Otto Smith.

“They’re the first thing that popped into my head that I hadn’t made in a while,” said team lead Lydia Canfield. “It was fun to make them, I went with a bunch of different recipes to try out one that we got was cinnamon streusel.”

The team assembled the weekend prior to the competition, test running recipes to find the best within the five-ingredient parameters. They tried cutting ingredients, only to find their product too bready or dense or bitter. All told, they made around 200 scones.

own Hawaiian restaurant like his late father. Fried rice will be his signature dish.

“I’m terrible at baking – I’m a great cook, but I’m a terrible baker,” Alcayde said as a customer bought a loaf. “This has helped me learn how to bake better.”

Next on his to-bake list are conchas, a sweet bread traditional in Mexico.

A team from Ferris High School and Chase Middle School sold

Team leader Elizabeth Veliz, a Ferris junior, knew snickerdoodles to be a popular choice. The team sold 75 cookies as preorders before Sunday’s event, using their social media in their marketing strategies. Eighthgrader Avalee McPherson signed up for the competition to break up the normal monotony of her weekends, she said, but found it helped pull her out of her shell.

“This is actually a pretty uncomfortable position for me to be in,” she said. “I don’t normally like being in social settings like this, talking a lot to people, but this is actually helping me. I think it was really a lot more fun than I thought at first.”

ABOUT ELENA PERRY

Elena Perry’s work at The Spokesman-Review is funded in part by members of the Spokane community via the Community Journalism and Civic Engagement Fund. The story, originally published on June 3, 2024 in The Spokesman-Review can be republished

BY ALINA MURCAR

As many new parents can attest, the feelings of love you have for your very own little human can be difficult to express. Now imagine if you could translate that feeling into lyrics for a customized and professional lullaby that your family can enjoy for years to come.

In a unique blend of creativity, music, and family, the Lullaby Project connects parents with professional musicians to create their very own lullabies for their children.

Through connections at the YWCA Spokane and the Salish School of Spokane, four families worked directly with Spokane Public Library Music Education Specialist Andy Rumsey and local musician Liz Rognes to incorporate their family values, culture, and experiences into their very own lullabies. Spokane Symphony violinist David Armstrong then created an arrangement for a symphony quartet.

The culmination of this inspiring journey took center stage on a Saturday in June, celebrating the unique stories and dreams of four local families.

Tomi Simpson: Embracing Culture and Family Values

For Tomi Simpson, the Lullaby Project was more than just a creative endeavor; it was an opportunity to weave her indigenous culture and family values into a lasting gift for her daughter.

"They did a really good job," Tomi shared. "I showed them an example of a song my daughter listens to, and they tried to reflect that in the song we created. My daughter has loved to drum and sing since forever."

The song incorporated her daughter’s unique name and their native language, emphasizing the importance of land, community, and family.

Tomi, Squinny, and family

Jessie Cook: A Journey of Vulnerability and Celebration

Jessie Cook and her family approached the Lullaby Project with open hearts and curiosity. The process began with writing answers to a series of questions, which Jessie used to base their lyrics on a heartfelt letter she wrote to her 17-monthold son, Kit.

“Our hope for you is that your light shines bright and you let it lead you through the night,” Jessie explained. “We wanted to share a message of intuition and support.”

Working with local musician Liz Rognes, Jessie found the experience validating and empowering. The creation of Kit’s lullaby was a celebration of parenthood, vulnerability, and the beautiful journey of watching their child grow and learn.

Alisha and Lisamerie Meyer: A Dream Come True

For Alisha and Lisamerie Meyer, the Lullaby Project was a dream fulfilled. Their daughter, Aurora Breealice, was the inspiration behind their lullaby, a song they hoped she would cherish forever. Aurora’s nickname, LuhLuh, and her love for music made the project even more special.

“My wife has always wanted a child, and her wish finally came true,” Alisha said. “The lullaby talks about the northern lights, which is where her name comes from. Aurora Borealis was my favorite word as a kid.”

Working alongside Library Music Education Specialist Andy Rumsey, the family quickly connected and created a lullaby that highlighted their daughter’s joyful spirit and the deep bond they share.

Brittney Shining: Capturing Sibling Love and Future Dreams

Brittney Shining and her family focused on capturing the relationship between her 8-year-old and 4-year-old daughters. By allowing her daughters to take the lead in the creative process, Brittney ensured the lullaby truly reflected their bond and hopes for the future.

“We let them play around with some ideas and went into the studio,” Brittney recounted. “The song is about their relationship and how they complement each other, no matter what path life takes them on.”

Brittney appreciated the family-friendly environment that nurtured her children’s growth. The lullaby, “Through and Through,” encapsulated the essence of sibling love and the enduring support they will have for each other.

Aurora and her moms at the Lullaby Project

Jessie fixes Kit’s hair during the lullaby writing session

Brittney’s family of four works through the creative process

Spokane Public Library’s Writing Education

Specialist Sharma Shields meets and works with area writers at all stages of their literary careers. Here is a small sampling of some of the great work she has read and discussed lately.

A MONOLOGUE FROM PICASSO’S KITCHEN

By Dahveed Bullis

JANET: (Janet speaks to a volunteer at a campsite.)

Geez, you think those people are crazy? You haven’t stayed at the KOA on Barker in the Valley, have you? You wouldn’t believe what I’ve seen done with a pocketknife over there. You asked a while ago what movie made the biggest impact on me and I finally have an answer for you. You remember that movie Free Willy? The one about the whale and the kid? Well, it was the sequel that had this character named Elvis who was tied up in the foster care system… It was honestly really dramatic, but it was the first time I saw myself on screen. Like, someone who would understand what my life was like. I thought life with my parents was hard, but the system was… well, I ran away when I was sixteen for a reason. I started selling scrap metal to eat. I met a man who I thought was my soul. All we did was fight and support his habits. I almost went down with him too…everything turned around when I met Jen. She gave me a job here. I started as a volunteer. She taught me about trauma bonding, and PTSD and how to stop sabotaging a good thing. Thanks to her, I’ve started a program to get my degree. We even found my siblings on Facebook. I’m still too scared to say anything, but there’s a few photos with smiles and kids and seeing that…well, it honestly might be enough for me. I fought through a lot to be here, and so have you. Don’t forget that, okay? Anyways, yeah, that’s the movie. Free Willy Two.

ABOUT DAHVEED BULLIS

Dahveed is a Spokane born professional actor, playwright, and director. He is an alumnus of Eastern Washington University’s Theatre Arts Program who has held leadership positions with the Spokane Theatre Arts Council, West Valley High School, Spokane Falls Community College, and the Company Ballet School. He has won numerous awards for his work, including Outstanding Dramatic Lead Performance and Outstanding Ensemble with Stage Left Theater’s production of Pass Over at the Kaleidoscope Festival, Best Play In The Nation at AACTFest’s National Festival, and Best Monologue Performance at AACTFest’s National Monologue Competition in 2023.

Bullis writes, “I am laser focused on writing stories that originate from Spokane and my experiences within it. This monologue is one in a collection of monologues soon to be published called Picasso’s Kitchen.”

The World According to Inong Pak-An

by ML Meyers

The man’s footsteps echoed in the still, humid air as the sharp tang of old copra and burnt oil saturated the night. On the ground, he could detect some underlying decay mingling with the smell of peat smoke that grew stronger the deeper he moved into the dark, decrepit hut. He wished the others were here. As the night settled, he felt that the aura surrounding the hut had become syrupy with malevolence.

The man stared at an old woman’s back. He had a sinking realization that he might have to force the crone to engage with him. He wished he wasn’t so quick to volunteer to search for a presumably missing neighbor. But it had been a week and the whole town was up in arms in trying to find him. This was the last place on their list. Still no neighbor and now others were gone, too. It finally dawned on him that he might be irrevocably lost and alone. Dejected and no less irritated, the man called to the old woman, “Manang, may I speak with you, please?”

The clattering of dishes was his only answer.

He cleared his throat. “I am looking for a man; it has been a week since we saw him last. Did he pass this way by any chance?”

The hag bent over a stack of wood, muttering something under her breath. From time to time, she would turn her head and pin him with a warning glare. It was apparent that he might have to abandon this miserable mission. But still he waited.

The small, sputtering gas light clutched in his hand made every corner and

ABOUT MARILYN L. MYERS

line in the shadows sway and tremble. He tried again, “Manang. Did you see a man pass this way?”

But the old woman ignored him again. The man sighed. He surmised he could walk back to town on his own and, if he hurried, there might be some light left for him to find his way. Decision made, he prepared to leave when the bent figure called to him.

Finished with whatever nefarious business she was concocting in the deepest pit of the hut, the old crone inclined her head to the table in the corner. The man frowned. It was dark and he couldn’t see much of anything. Why wasn’t there any light in the room? He was about to lift the gas light he was holding when he noticed that the old crone looked different. Her bent, gnarled body changed to that of a very young woman and back again. He blinked a few times. He was just imagining things. He swallowed and shook his head, trying to summon his flailing nerves.

“We are looking for Inong. I know you have heard of him. He has been missing—”

“Be quiet, and come inside.” He flinched at the harshness of the voice and started to step back. There was no fire or smoke, but he could discern something was cooking. His stomach twisted with sudden apprehension. The old woman observed him now, her eyes hard with malicious intent.

“Now you can come closer.” The low sound of her voice changed. It became lilting and soothing and made all the hair on his body stand on end. He blinked again, and the old woman’s face became translucent. Her hair

grew longer, and if he wasn’t mistaken, turned darker. Her body became fluid and straight. She started humming a beautiful, distant melody he had never heard before. It was making his heart pound faster.

“Will you—will you answer my question if I do?” was his last attempt at bravado.

The old crone smiled—no—not the old crone. The bent gnarled figure disappeared, and in her place stood the most beautiful young woman he had ever seen.

He was not young or naïve. He had heard stories. Horrific stories of aswang and other dark creatures surrounding the land. But he had never encountered one, nor seen evidence of them. They said that a long time ago, the town eliminated them. In fact, the father of Inong, the missing person, had been the town’s hero for killing the last aswang.

“Where is the old crone?” he asked.

“Don’t be afraid. You can now cross the threshold.” The young woman extended her hand in invitation, her smile bright and friendly. “I have plenty of food. Enough for the two of us. Come.”

Her smile seemed shark-like in the gloomy darkness. Her eyes shone an eerie light and she wavered, fusing with the moving shadows.

“Why?” was his confused reply. But the woman didn’t respond. She just stood there with her hand still extended. Now it felt like his limbs had become paralyzed as he tried to tighten his grip on the small gas light. He knew something was terribly wrong…

hybrids. See page 5 to learn more about her background and see an image from a

This short story by Spokane Public Library employee Marilyn L. Myers is inspired by her father’s town of Inopacan in the Philippines. The name of the town is also the name of a legendary winged creature, Inong Pak-An. Marilyn’s story introduces a member of the aswang, shape-shifting menacing creatures in Filipino folklore. Aswang can be vampires, ghouls, witches, and other transforming human-beast

romance comic Marilyn wrote and designed.

By Skyler Noble & Lisa Woodard

Breathing clean air is a basic human right, and it can be put at risk through the increased presence of air pollutants, affecting our health and our ability to enjoy outdoor spaces. The Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency (SRCAA) measures and reports levels of three key air pollutants: fine particulate matter, coarse particulate matter, and ground-level ozone.

Ground-level ozone is most prevalent in the summer months under hot and sunny conditions. Compounds evaporated from common products (gasoline, paints, solvents, etc.) undergo a photochemical reaction to form ground-level ozone.

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is mostly comprised of smoke and soot. It comes from combustion sources, such as motor vehicles, outdoor burning, wood heating, and wildfires. Fine particles are so small, they are easily inhaled and travel deep into the lungs.

Coarse particulate matter (PM10) is also harmful to breathe. These larger particles come mainly from resuspended road dust, open fields, and unpaved lots.

During the summer, residents of the Inland Northwest are often affected by dense smoke from local and regional wildfires. Local libraries operate as Safer Air Centers when

activated by the City of Spokane to provide community members with cleaner air indoors. To understand how the elements of air quality affect our well-being and health, it is important to monitor local air quality and take necessary precautions.

“We will continue to experience unhealthful levels of wildfire smoke, especially during the summer and early fall months,” said Lisa Woodard, Communications/Outreach Manager for SRCAA. “Therefore, it’s important for everyone to know where to access current air quality data and the recommended actions to reduce exposure to harmful smoke particles.”

Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency and Spokane Public Library (SPL) now offer hand-held AQgo air quality sensors through SPL’s Library of Things for the community to use for free with their library card. These sensors can be used to measure fine particles indoors and outside. It’s a tool to gauge how air quality varies depending on where you live. Since many factors affect your local air, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in one area may differ from the AQI across the city. Typically, during a wildfire smoke event, the AQI tracks fairly closely throughout the area. However, there are times when a localized event, like a house

fire, may send one monitor a lot higher than the rest of the city. This is why it’s important to check the air quality monitoring map for the location closest to you. In addition, all SPL locations host PurpleAir sensors you can check for the approximate AQI nearest you.

With wildfire season approaching, it’s important to know how you can keep yourself safe from harmful air. SRCAA and the Spokane Regional Health District provide many wildfire smoke resources on their respective websites.

Checking the Air Quality Index (AQI) is the first step. Conditions can change rapidly during wildfire smoke season. For hourly updates, visit SpokaneCleanAir.org or AirNow.gov.